Category Archives: Folk

Folk, Interview, Music Video, Punk, Rock

Interview: Paul McKenzie of The Real McKenzines

6 April, 2012 Brian Mc 1 Comment

For 20 years now, The Real McKenzies have been taking Celtic music and adding their own punk rock style to it making for some intense and fun music. The band, who is part of the Fat Wreck Chords family, has toured the world multiple times in their career and prides themselves on making each night a night to remember regardless of how much you had to drink.

Full of punk rock influence, the band contains members of previous acts such as Good Riddance, Rich Kids on LSD, and even DOA. They take pride in performing traditional Scottish songs as well as write plenty of their own Celtic-heavy punk rock songs that revolve around everything from getting wasted to tough times. The band is also known to cover other songs from artists including Hendrix and even Turbonegro, but on their own terms of course.

Sure The Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Molly may have taken Celtic punk rock to mainstream levels, but The Real McKenzies have been around just as long and are equally as talented. If you have not heard of this amazing Scottish influenced band, what the hell are you waiting for? Check them out today. You might just like what you hear.

I was lucky enough to chat it up with Paul McKenzie of The Real McKenizes the other day. Read on to hear about their new album Westwinds as well as the time they did an advertisement for a Canadian beer company and even how it feels to be in a 20 year old band..

BHP – First off, Westwinds is incredible! This might be my favorite album by you guys to date. What did you guys do differently while recording this album?

PMc – We recorded in a wee town in southern Alberta with no distraction with a great piper called Goed Taylor who is no longer in the band because he couldn´t take the rigorous lifestyle of being on the road for long periods of time.

Fair enough. So sid you get help from anyone while putting these tracks together?

Yes, Steve Loree was a great guy to work with.

This album seemed to be full of songs sailors might sing back in the day while on a journey, definitely more traditional sounding in my opinion. What are you referring to with the album title Westwinds?

We come from western Canada and these are the winds that blow around the world, just like us.

Can you give me a little history about how a bunch of Canadian guys decided to write Scottish punk rock jams? I know there is deep Scot history in Vancouver, but what made you guys decided to mix punk with Scottish music?

Having had grown up with lots of Celtic influence, and being a teenager in the late 70s, I guess the outcome of the Real McKenzies was just meant to be.

And you have been around for almost 20 years correct? How does that feel?

I suppose it should make me feel a bit old…but it doesn´t. I am still kicking the hell out of the world and please remember that time really does fly when you´re having a blast.

Amen. Did getting picked up by Fat Wreck Chords help with getting noticed?

Yes. Fat Wreck and all the boys and girls who help represent the company have helped us immensely in our campaign for world domination.

They are indeed some good people. You guys have shared the stage with everyone from Rancid to Shane MacGowan. How awesome is that?

It is and always will be an honor and a pleasure to share the stage with our peers.

Do people tend to automatically associate you with Irish punk rock bands like Flogging Molly and Dropkick Murphys when they hear you? Seems to me that every time someone plays Celtic music, it’s automatically labeled Irish.

There have been a considerable amount of confusion in terms of this and that but the bottom line is that we are all great bands helping to keep Celtic music alive for new generations and the generations to come. We love having the opportunity to be part of a great bunch of bands who like to play Celtic music.

Great answer there. So you guys promoted Kokanee Beer in the 90s. What exactly did you do and where can I find this beer?

We scared the production crew away and ended up practically doing the commercial with one cameraman and one producer.It is pretty funny. The beer is still available in Canada

Speaking of beer, Westwinds seemed to omit songs about getting hammered. Well, “My Luck Is So Bad” made me want to throw back a few, but still… Did you guys decided to take a break from the drinking songs and focus on something different?

We took a wee break just to catch our breath,but as soon as this hangover has run it´s course ,we shall be right back writing drinking songs for piss tanks like us.

I actually could hear a lot of Scottish pub style songs in this album. It was turned down a notch on some levels at times and really enjoyable to listen to. Who’s idea was it to almost go a cappella on some tracks of the the album?

Well, it´s a funny story and I am glad you asked. We were all ready to do the songs when suddenly , the rental agency with whom we rented our gear came crashing into the studio waggling their fingers at us and repossessed all the gear because we spent all the money on whisky and beer.So there we were with the tape running lots of beer and whisky but no instruments…we had to think of somethingquick so…we just started drinkin´and singing and partying and that is the god honest truth. What does a capella mean anyways ?

I think it is Latin for moose or something. Wrapping things up, I loved the pipe solo towards the end of the album. Was that something to build up the final end of the album?

We Real McKenzies have always incorporated at least one pipe track on every album. I suppose it has become a sort of tradition with us.

Well, it is amazing to listen to. I have yet to see you guys play a live show. What am I missing out on?

Beer, blood , sweat, spit, love , hate, and 2 hours of dynamic gut wrenching rock and roll with a bagpipe.

Nice. So what would you tell someone who has never heard of you before?

Go buy a kilt and some jackboots ,put them on and come to the rock show to have the time of your life.

I believe that. Do you have any last words before I wrap this up?

I would like to extend a warm welcome to all who wish to attend our Scots rock and roll extravaganza.I guarantee you will not be dissatisfied,if not with the visual spectacle or the quality rock,but we feature some of the most accomplished bagpipers the world has to offer, but don´t take my word for it,come and decide for yourselves. See you at the rock show.

The Real McKenzies’ new album, Westwinds, recently dropped on March 27th on Fat Wreck Chords. I will have a review of it shortly and I was completely sincere when I told McKenzie that I thought it was their best album to date. Check out a track below from the upcoming album:

Download This! – The Real McKenzies – “The Message”

Here’s one of their videos from their 2008 release, Off The Leash:

Acoustic, Country, Folk, Interview, Music, Music Video, Punk, The Awesome

Interview: Tim Barry

25 March, 2012 Brian Mc Leave a comment

Folk / country / punk rocker Tim Barry is perhaps one of the hardest working musicians out there. He tours when he can and makes ends meet when home, sometimes secluding himself from the real world for days at a time. He’s been known to hop trains at times and has a great relationship with his fans, sometimes even asking them for lifts to local shows. He’s always quick to thank said fans for their support and you know he is sincere while doing so. The guy plays music for the sake of music.

The one time lead man of 80s punk legends Avail recently finished up an all new album entitled 40 Miler. I can not tell you how excited I was to hear that Barry was releasing new material. Naturally when I was asked to interview him, I jumped to the opportunity. As a huge fan of Avail and his solo material, I was thrilled to be able to trade off some questions with Barry earlier this week.

Check out what he had to say, and make sure on April 10th, that you grab a copy of 40 Miler:

BHP: I guess to start things off we should probably talk about your upcoming release. 40 Miler is due out next month. How are you feeling about this new release?

TB: I temporarily erased 40 Miler from my mind. Writing, planning and record an album is an epic task, as anyone who has spearheaded the process can attest. Once complete, the focus shifts to release work. I self manage, so I’m knee deep in all preparations regarding the recording becoming public. Currently that is mainly tour preparations. When I am done with an album I step away from it. This helps me gain perspective and hear it freshly. I am currently in what I call recording detox. I have no copy of the album at this moment to even reference. I look forward to getting my own copy when it is released on April 10. The album will sound brand new to me by then.

I heard that a 40-Miler is a term that train conductors used when referring to a hobo. Is that right? Care to elaborate on this?

That’s actually incorrect. But close. It’s a term hobo’s use to slander another hobo. There are many different sects and sub sects in the railroad world. The term 40 Miler is comparable to calling a “mall punk” a poser. Or the new skater at the park a poser. Or perhaps the new worker in the wood shop the “new guy.” Lifer hobo’s, those who live on the rails, can use the term 40 Miler in a derogatory way to describe me. I’m a poser train rider. I take short trips close to home. I do not live on the rails I am a poser. A 40 Miler.

40 Miler sounds more country heavy over folk. Was this intentional, or was this just how the songs came out?

I never have an intention with my albums. They come out the way they come out, but I think you are right. We focused more on our live sound while in the studio on particular songs. Adding heavy electric guitar and strong harmonica playing by Josh Small and Andrew Alli. Although I certainly left some of the very folk style songs on the record as well, such as Todd Beene.

“Adele and Hell” has a lot going on throughout the song including some duel singing duties. Who was the lady who helped supply vocals on this track as well as on “40 Miler”?

The lady singing back up on “40 Miler” is in fact my right hand man Josh Small, who often accompanies me on tours; however, Julie Karr is the star of the song “Adele and Hell”. Julie is a songwriter here in Richmond, VA, who I was lucky enough to coax into singing that song with me. She killed it. So happy it worked out the way it did. She’ll actually be playing her own songs on many of my tour dates this year. West coast for sure, and some up in the north east.

Ha, whoops… So did you recruit anyone else to help you record some of these songs?

Most of the players on 40 Miler are the folks that I tour with. The main players are Andrew Alli on harmonica and Josh Small. Both of those guys have put in many miles on my tours. Julie Karr is new to the crew. Cameron Ralston did all the bass tracks. He’s a Richmond local, and probably the best bass player I’ve had the chance to meet. My sister Caitlin also played violin, as she usually does on my recordings. And Lance Koehler, who has recorded my records for many years now shared the percussion responsibilities with me.

I love the track “Amen” off your new release. What made you decide to write such a song?

It’s funny to write a song out of context. The song “Amen” is a summery of a long time touring on my album 28th & Stonewall. A lot of good, and some bad happened in that year an a half. However, I wrote “Amen” while touring in the lap of luxury. I completed the song, and played a half-assed version live for the first time at the massive Osheaga Festival in Montreal while touring with The Gaslight Anthem, who was kind enough to let me tour in their bus. Funny to write a song about the hardships of touring while on the road with an incredibly giving group of people who fulfilled all of my needs.

How’s that hand doing these days? I remember hearing about that.

Oh that? Boxer fracture. No big deal.

I want to shake your hand for writing “”Fine Foods Market” (see below for a video I found). Thanks for the laugh. Why did you decide to call out the hipster folk?

The original name of the song “Fine Foods Market” is “Tim Barry makes fun of Tim Barry.” Yes, I’m making fun of hipsters. But, I’m making fun of myself more than anyone. I’m at an age where I can tally up all my own idiocy and inconsistencies and publicly humiliate myself with clear conscience.

So, who is this Todd Beene fellow? Sounds like a hellion.

He sure is. Let’s leave that one up to the listener.

Was there any certain track on 40 Miler that you favored over the rest?

No, not at all. I like all the songs. I dropped perhaps 25 [songs] before picking the ones that made the album. The next task is to find which ones feel the best on stage. I look forward to that.

As do I. I can not wait to see you play some of these songs live. Who did the cover art? Is there any meaning behind it?

There is more meaning behind the cover art that I can articulate, but I’ll leave it at this: The design was created by my best friend Travis Conner who passed away in early 2008. I’ve used his art/photography on nearly all my albums and shirt designs. I refuse to let his memory to fade.

I completely understand. Nice way to pay tribute. Moving on, 40 Miler is being released on Chunksaah records. How does it feel to be on such a great label?

Perfect. I’ve been close to the folks at Chunksaah for far longer than the label has existed. I trust and love all the folks involved with my release. I’m lucky.

So, how was SXSW? My friend snapped a shot of you playing outside at Red 7 the other day and it looked like an absolute blast.

Whirlwind. Very quick trip. Shows were fun. Here was the schedule: Arrive in Austin via American Airlines at 11pm Thursday. Drink with Hot Water Music at hotel bar until 2am. Wake up at 6am. Eat breakfast. Go on short walk. Shuttle to downtown. Play two shows. Back to hotel to sleep from 11pm until 3am. Arrive at airport at 4:30am for departing flight to Richmond. Arrive in Richmond to have a coffee in my back yard by 11:30am. Head trip.

It doesn’t sound like you were able to see any other acts play SXSW at all.

Nope. Only the folks I played with. The entire line up for the Shirt for a Cure show was fantastic. I also played The Revival Tour show that afternoon. Everyone killed it.

I know you are not the biggest fan of the Internet, but I’ve noticed recently that your website has had quite the facelift. First off, it looks awesome. Second, does this mean you are biting the bullet and going to start using the Internet a little more often?

Travis Stom, Travis Stom, Travis Stom.. That man has done wonders for me. He has taken on all of my web design, updating and all logistics. If it weren’t for him, I don’t know what I would do. I am in no way a luddite, and do use all the free social networking sites as much as I can, but I’m simply not as well versed in computers as most folks are. They are the only thing in my life that creates real and pure frustration, so I steer clear of them as much as I can. However, I am not against technology and all of it’s benefits.

So many bands from the past are reuniting and touring or recording new material. I’m sure you are asked this all the time, but still…any chance of Avail doing something again one day?

Nope. Been and done.

If you could tour with anyone alive or dead, who would you choose?

Townes [Van Zandt].

Finishing up, what’s next for Tim Barry?

Touring time. US, Australia and parts of Canada are lined up now. I’m sure tons more dates will pop up. I’ll probably write a book this year as well. Who knows? I don’t plan much. I just go where things take me.

Download the title track “40 Miler” – I should have a review of the album shortly.

40 Miler drops on April 10th on Chunksaah Records. Preorder your copy today!

I saw Tim Barry play live a couple years back in Columbus with the Gaslight Anthem and was thoroughly impressed. Click here for a review of that show.

Check out my review of Tim Barry’s Manchester

Check out my review of Tim Barry’s 28th & Stonewall

Acoustic, Columbus, Folk, Good Times, Live Shows, Music, Punk, Review, Road Trip, Rock, The Awesome

Concert Review: Frank Turner – Outland On Liberty – Columbus, OH – 02/22/2012

25 February, 2012 Brian Mc 1 Comment

It’s a known fact: If you speed, you risk a good chance of getting caught. I can tell you this first hand seeing how I was speeding down I-71 Wednesday evening on my way to see Frank Turner in Columbus. I was just outside of the state capitol cruising at about 80 m.p.h. not paying attention at all when I saw, out of the corner of my eye, a state trooper shooting my car with his laser gun. We made eye contact immediately after, and I knew I was screwed.

In a flash, the trooper was tailing my car down I-71 and the moment I switched lanes thinking that maybe, just maybe he would pull the guy over in front of me, he switched lanes again and turned his lights on.

Crap.

I knew I was speeding and was at fault, so I pulled over and waited for the trooper to approach my car and tell me what I already knew. I tried to tell the state trooper that I was just cruising along and not paying attention to my speed because of how excited I was to be seeing Frank Turner at a venue in Columbus. The trooper looked at me and asked who Frank Turner was. I wanted to tell him all about one of my favorite musicians and persuade him to let me off the hook, but just told him that he was a punk rocker folk artist from England. The trooper smiled at me and told me that he would be back in a moment with my ticket.

Shit.

So, my trip to Columbus from Akron cost me an extra $130 and I have no one to blame but myself. Then again, if the trooper knew who Frank Turner was, maybe he would have shared his excitement with me and let me off. After bidding the trooper a farewell, I jumped back on to the highway and made it to the Outland on Liberty.

Having never been to this venue before, I was not sure what to expect at all. Hell, I had to ask a parking attendant where is was only to feel like a complete idiot when he pointed to the building directly across the street. To be fair, it was my first time to the brewery district.

Outside, the Outland did not really resemble a venue at all. Granted Turner’s tour bus was parked in front of it, I did not notice a sign for it nor did it look like your typical concert club. There was also a Eiffel Tower metal-looking structure in a patio area that towered over everyone that stood out. I was not sure what the significance was at all, perhaps a tribute. Walking inside though, I had a completely different impression of the concert venue. The place looked like what would happen if Austin Powers’ clubhouse turned into a goth club. Crosses adored the walls and there was a giant tiered stage full of lights. It was interesting and to be honest, I kind of dug it.

While asking myself if that stage was for real, I realized that there was in a completely different room that hosted the main stage. Once I made my way to the stage area, I felt a little better about seeing Turner and crew play a normal stage and not a plexi-glass tiered stage, although that might have been awesome.

There were two opening acts and I will not lie, I did not watch either of the openers as I was too preoccupied with catching up with some of my friends, new and old, who also were attending the show. I will say though that I did hear one of the guys singing a song about Touchdown Jesus. That is pretty bad ass if you ask me, but chances are if you are not from Ohio, you have no idea what that heck I am talking about.

Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls (his full band) took the stage around 10 p.m. to the adoring crowd. Opening with “Eulogy” from the band’s latest release England Keep My Bones, Turner and crew put forth an amazing set. Playing songs, old and new, the crowd sung along at the top of their lungs with each song. It was not just a concert, it was a party, a gathering of friends all having a good time. Following was “Try This At Home” and I could not help but get lost in the song.

Turner and crew continued on playing tracks such as “I Am Disappeared” as well as his tribute to home “Wessex Song”. I liked how Turner told everyone that he could care less about songs about NYC and L.A. and wanted to pay tribute to where he grew up. When he asked the crowd if anyone had ever been to England, a few hands rose, and when he asked if anyone was from England, a girl screamed in excitement that she was. I am sure she appreciated that song more than anyone else that night.

Not just keeping to material the fans knew, Turner played a couple brand new including “Cowboy Chords” and “Four Simple Words”. The latter of the two was really fun to listen to. Before he sung it, Turner told the crowd that he hoped one day that the crowd would break into a choreographed dance when he played it. The crowd did their best to dance together, but it was no Broadway performance.

In between the new songs, Turner played “Dan’s Song” but let the crowd know that no one would be invited on stage to play the harmonica solo as he was afraid that there might be a few people who might get pissed that they were not chosen and punch him in the balls after the show. Instead, he invited the entire crown to play the “air harmonica”. Basically, everyone cupped their hands into an O shape and screamed whatever noise they wanted to in their hands. It was no harmonica solo, but it did the job.

Although one of his more popular songs, I was still psyched to hear the band break into “The Road” and later “I Still Believe”. I could not help but laugh though when they played “Glory Hallelujah”, knowing that it was Ash Wednesday.

To end the night, Turner set down his acoustic and took the mic belting out Queen’s “Somebody To Love” while the rest of the band rocked out. This cover was the perfect way to end the show.

It was kind of suiting that the set ended with a Queen song seeing how in the very first song played that night, Turner sang “not everyone can be Freddie Mercury”. Did anyone else catch that?

Throughout that impressive cover, everyone went insane and naturally wanted more, so it was no surprise to see Turner return to the stage moments after everyone exited.

To barter with the crowd, Turner promised two more songs during the encore and then added one more . Turner, sans the Sleeping Souls, played an awesome cover of Tom Petty’s “American Girl” and a lot of people could not help but sing along. Following was the always fun “Ballad Of Me And My Friends.”

During the last song of the night, “Photosynthesis”, the rest of the band joined Turner on stage and played along.

Frank piped up just before the last chorus of the song and let the crowd know how he felt about rock n roll and said, “I’m always disappointed when rock n roll turns out to be a bunch of fucking dickheads with a tour bus and a raised piece of flooring who show up and make noise with a bunch of fucking hits and just turn around and go home. And no one talks to anyone anymore and no one fucking interacts and it’s boring and pointless and not the kind of shit we are supposed to be doing with our time.”

He continued with, “rock and roll is and always is, and punk rock especially, was about a run for the people who are equals and who are friends, who don’t have a fucking barrier who are doing something together and something communal, something transcending, something necessary…”

Needless to say, the entire venue went ballistic. His words may very well single handedly changed they way people look at rock n roll in Columbus.

He was not joking about what he said either. Once the band finished up, they all hung out with the crowd that stuck around. Turner actually took time to talk to each and every fan that approached him, allowed photographs, and even signed records, fliers, and even a 20-year-old polo shirt (that was odd if you ask me, but who am I to judge?). I think the greatest thing though, was that Turner was sincere with each interaction and wholeheartedly smiled and his fans, shook their hands, and even gave out hugs.

When I finally had a moment to chat with him, I thanked him for coming back to Ohio and could not help but tell him about my speeding ticket. He laughed and grabbed my record and signed it “Keep Speeding”. He also was quick to give me a hug after we finished talking and I accidentally head butted him. I was quick to apologize and he laughed and said “it’s ok, I feel as if we are now closer…”

Star struck? Not one bit. The guy is just like you and I. He is real and does not play out for the paycheck. He appreciates his fans as much as they appreciate him and that, to me, is beyond admirable.

Wednesday night was a good night in my book, well, not the speeding ticket part, but spending time with with some cool people and listening to one of my favorite acts out there definitely was.

Set List:
Eulogy
Try This At Home
If I Ever Stray
Prufrock
I Am Disappeared
Lore, Ire and Song
Wessex Boy
Fastest Way Back Home
Cowboy Chords
Dan’s Song
Four Simple Words
The Road
Peggy Sang The Blues
One Foot Before The Other
Glory Hallelujah
Long Live The Queen
I Still Believe
Somebody To Love (Queen Cover)

Encore:
American Girl (Tom Petty Cover)
Ballad Of Me And My Friends
Photosynthesis

Acoustic, Cleveland, Folk, Good Times, Live Shows, Music, Music News, Punk, Rock, The Awesome

The Revival Tour – Spring 2012

1 February, 2012 Brian Mc Leave a comment

The Revival Tour is back on the road and will be swinging through Cleveland on April 6th!

The Cleveland stop will feature Chuck Ragan (Hot Water Music), Dan Andriano (Alkaline Trio / In The Emergency Room), Cory Branan, and Nathanial Rateliff all playing at the Grog Shop. This is going to be a night to not miss!

Get your tickets now! There are also bundles available for purchase as well where you can score a ticket and a special vinyl.

Acoustic, Akron, Country, Folk, Interview, Live Shows, Music, Music Video, Punk, Rock, The Awesome, Watch This

Interview: Dave Hause

24 January, 2012 Brian Mc Leave a comment

Any fan of punk rock music these days should know the name Dave Hause. He is an amazing musician who not only fronts The Loved Ones, but also has been quite successful at being a solo performer.

Touring over the years with the likes of Cory Branan, Brian Fallon of the Gaslight Anthem, Dan Andriano of Alkaline Trio, Frank Turner, and Mikey Erg just to name a few, Hause has had no problem playing his solo material to the world. His songs are infectious to say the least, and always make for a good time.

In 2011, Hause released Resolutions at the beginning of the year and toured non-stop in support of the album. When I saw that there was not a Cleveland date, I reached out to him for the below interview and decided to try my luck and asked him to play a house show. He and tour-mate Branan were all about it and with help from some friends, we put on a show at the Gurley House in Akron, OH that topped my list of live shows in 2011.

It’s still early in 2012 and Hause is already touring overseas. The guy just does not seem to stop. All I know is that his debut solo album was amazing and I can not wait for his next release. I would be happy with a new Loved Ones album any day, but there is just something about his solo material I am just drawn more to.

Before, during and after that awesome December evening, I had a few chances to chat it up with Hause. Here’s what he had to say:

BHP: Last year came to a quick end, rather quickly if you ask me. How was 2011 for you?

DH: It’s been a great year for me musically, I’ve been all over the world playing songs I made up on my couch with tons of great people.

You have been touring a ton this past year with everyone from Hot Water Music to the good folk on the Revival Tour. How different is to tour without The Loved Ones?

It’s pretty different, I’m much more mobile and able to do whatever I want socially. I miss the revelry with my buds and playing loud some nights, but I do enjoy the ability to just get up and go with ease.

Is there a backing band touring with you?

Not touring with me, no. Where I can put people together for a few shows or a one off or something, I’ll do that, for instance NYC and Philly on this tour I have a full band. But not yet, I’m working towards that in the future.

You toured with Cory Branan towards the end of last year. Any reason Cleveland was overlooked?

Cory’s booking agent put the whole thing together and then asked if I would like to come along. I think he has something against Cleveland. Not Cory of course, but his booking agent.

Luckily I was able to persuade you and Cory into playing some songs at a house show in Akron. Thanks for that by the way. I hope you guys had a good time. I know some of the folk who showed up there that night were beyond stoked to see you and Cory trade off on songs.

We did, thanks for having us. It interrupted our movie marathon but was worth it.

Has Cory given you any tips how to shred on the acoustic? That guy is insane when he does that.

He told me he learned those from some guy with horns at a crossroads down south, and was reluctant to share them with me.

So it was just Cory and you on the road for this past tour right? Who took over the driving duties?

Cory drove unless whiskey Cory showed up. Then I’d try my hand. Whiskey Cory probably would’ve been better…

You gave a shout out to Matt from American War that night, did you think he was in the crowd?

No, I just thought of his music due to the fact we were in Ohio. He’s a terrific talent.

That he is. So, how did the rest of the East Coast tour treat ya?

Interesting and quite fun. Philly was great, New Haven was, well, north of New York city…

Did you see a lot of Loved Ones fans at the shows? Have there been mixed responses from them about your music?

Loved Ones fans have been way into the record and the shows. I write for the Loved Ones and I write obviously these solo songs, so it’s just minor tweaks of aesthetics that separates the two.

I heard you will be playing with Frank Turner in Europe next year. How stoked are you about that?

I am doing one enormously huge show with FT in England. I haven’t heard about any tour, but we always get together drink whiskey and talk about all of the touring we will do, so sooner or later it will happen I would think.

What made you initially want to drop a full length solo album anyways? Not that I am complaining or anything,. Resolutions is amazing. Just curious
If this is something you wanted to do for a while or if you needed to take a break from the loved ones.

I needed a break and wrote some songs that weren’t best suited for the Loved Ones and one thing led to another.

Who are your major musical influences that helped mold this solo release? It is safe to say this is not a punk rock album at all.

Well really not much different, writing songs for anything always hold the same basic influences. As far as the aesthetic, I love what Conor Oberst did with his 2 solo records, what Jenny Lewis is up to, Jonathan Rice, Deer Tick, Patty Griffin, etc. Just more modern songwriting acts. Jason Isbell and Amanda Shires both are terrific as well.

I love how you have so many friends / musicians contributing on Resolutions. Was it easy to recruit everyone? Were there others that did not make it
on the record that you asked?

It was totally easy, everyone was so gracious with their time and really excited about the songs and the project. Some of my dearest friends and some amazing musicians played on it. Actually there were people who later said “why didn’t you ask me?”, not really the other way around. I’m a lucky girl.

You sister actually played organ on Resolutions. Does she happen to play in any other bands?

She hasn’t. She played some recitals as a kid and then The Loved Ones dragged her out on tour on Build & Burn. I keep telling her to get her ass into a local or cover band to keep her sharp.

I can hear many styles of music in Resolutions including a little country twang. With all of your punk rock history, I was kind of impressed to hear that your solo material was not just you and an acoustic guitar. Did you actually write all of the music in the album or did you get some assistance?

I wrote all of the songs, but when it comes to the specific bass lines, guitar parts and that kind of thing, I knew the people playing on the songs are amazing and let them just go for it. Pete and I sometimes would guide them in the direction more suitable for the vibe we were going for, but by and large their initial instinct governed the parts. Chris Gonzalez in particular wrote so many cool guitar parts. It was really amazing.

The video for “Time Will Tell” clearly pays homage to Martin Scorsese’s short The Big Shave. Where did you get the brilliant idea to add your own
spin on the film?

I went to film school for 2 semesters before quitting college. I have always been a huge fan of film and Scorsese is a cornerstone. Not sure where the idea to do that came from, but I must say, I’m glad the idea came. I love how it turned out.

Will The Loved Ones be releasing anything anytime soon?

Not sure. I have a whole record almost done, but not sure what the schedule is gonna be like.

Are you going to help Chris Gonzalez on his solo album? He still plans on recording something right?

He doesn’t need help, he’s amazing. I’m going to sing some on it I think. I am chomping at the bit to hear it finished!!

You are living the dream man and it does not look like you are slowing down. What’s next for you?

Making up songs, recording them, then playing them for people all over the world. That’s living the dream in my book, and I don’t want to slow that down.