Propagandhi were amazing again! And I did pretty much hug the rail whilst watching!
The photographs are my own and the artwork is from Propagandhi’s latest album ‘Failed States’ which I recommend to anyone who’s a fan of left-wing, heavy punk with a cause.
Rock City, Nottingham 15/04/2013
Interview: Propagandhi
Since 1986, Canadian punk band Propagandhi have gone from strength to strength, building on their brand of thrash influenced melodic skate punk. Forward thinking and politically active, the band are about to return to the UK for a string of dates with Comeback Kid, Shai Hulud and War on Women in support of their latest album ‘Failed States’.
We caught up with vocalist and guitarist Chris Hannah discussing their upcoming UK tour, the importance of supporting younger bands, the band’s musical consistency and growth, and the band’s admirable stance on not sacrificing their integrity.
Already Heard: Hello, who am I speaking to and can you please tell us your role(s) in the band?
Chris : You are speaking to the person inside of Reagan. my name is Chris. I am the resident idiot clown and guitarist/vocalist.AH: You are about to head on tour for the majority of the April month in Europe and the UK. Having toured this side of the Atlantic a number of times do you know what to expect in regards to the atmosphere at shows here or does an essence of the unexpected occur on each visit?
Chris: It’s different from night to night, but not really from hemisphere to hemisphere. We always expect unbridled wildness but will accept polite, detached applause in a pinch.AH: As well as playing with Shai Hulud and fellow Canadians Comeback Kid on the UK dates, you are taking Baltimore punks War on Women. It certainly is admirable when an older and established band such as yourselves take on younger bands especially in the punk and hardcore genres. How vital would you say it is to pass on the torch to the next generation?
Chris: I think it’s good to show people that art/ music can more than a distraction or a passtime. War on Women, specifically, are a band that not only rocks hard, but directly challenges the tired, old male-dominated schtick of a typical heavy rock show. I think they are an exciting band and am eager to see what the Old World makes of them.
Join us for a discussion about the Idle No More First Nations movement in Canada, as we review the key issues and timeline of events; talk to John K. Samson about the Canadian Artists Statement of Solidarity; and chat with author, storyteller, and academic Leanne Betasamosake Simpson about Indigenous resurgence and resistance in Canada. Plus, a conversation with the only person we know who has ever received a book endorsement from an international terrorist figurehead, William Blum, on the occasion of the release of his new book “America’s Deadliest Export: Democracy”.
I’d just like to add that I’ve totally goofed with not sharing EVERY Escape Velocity podcast episode with Propagandhi fans on tumblr. But if you’ve never listened, please check this one out (John K. Samson is a guest!) and then go listen to the rest! And then listen to them again! This podcast is not only engaging and insightful, but there is plenty of humor and great tunes as well. It is a must-listen for any Propagandhi fan, and in my opinion is an extremely important podcast as far as punk and activism is concerned as well.
-Seth
Watch Beave demonstrate how to play Failed States. Then go buy the Supporting Caste and Failed States tab books from Sheet Happens Publishing!
Here’s some good live shots from 2008 spliced with some interviews. You have to click through the videos to see parts 2 and 3. Nice ‘stache, Chris!
Winnipeg punk godfathers Propagandhi at the Button Factory in Waterloo on December 17, 1996. Two hundred kids packed into the 100-capacity arts loft in Uptown. Chris Hannah kicks off his clothes during one of the opening numbers, and plays the entire show buck naked. Somehow no one is arrested for fire hazards or public indecency, although not too long afterwards the Button Factory stops being a live music venue.
Photos by Mark Miller, now a professional photographer in Buffalo NY with work at http://www.hmniphoto.com, reproduced with kind permission.
