In July of 2000, The Weakerthans released their second and highly-influential full-length, Left and Leaving. The following year, they played Fireside Bowl in support of the album and we spoke with singer/guitarist John K. Samson after the show. We sat outside the venue and discussed touring, the inspiration for some of his lyrics and more. Even after all these years, The Weakerthans’ shows at Fireside remain especially memorable for their unique intimacy. Here’s to hoping that they someday write new music and play shows again. Click here to view…

In the spring of 2000, we interviewed Dillinger Four before the release of their milestone album, Versus God. This full-length in particular found the band sharpening their sound and taking their songwriting to a new level. We spoke with singer/guitarist Erik Funk and singer/bassist Patrick Costello before one of their shows at Fireside Bowl. We talked from inside D4’s van about the record, including its lyrics and the motivation behind its title. We also conversed about the band’s relationship with Billie Joe from Green Day, a memorable appearance at South by Southwest, The Triple Rock and more.  Click here to view…

In February of 2001, Propagandhi released their third full-length, Today’s Empires, Tomorrow’s Ashes. The following month, they played the Congress Theater and we met up with the band before the show. We spoke with singer/guitarist Chris Hannah, bassist Todd Kowalski and drummer Jord Samolesky, and talked about the record’s style and some of its lyrical content. We addressed topics like artificial borders, the prison system in the U.S., the departure of founding singer/bassist John K. Samson and more. Without question, Propagandhi is one of the most influential punk bands of the last 30 years and with each record they continue to progress their sound. Today’s Empires, Tomorrow’s Ashes represents a pivotal point in the band’s history and it was definitely exciting to interview them just after the album came out. Click here to view…

Bad Religion is one of punk rock’s longest-running and most revered acts. Over the years, they’ve sold millions of albums and influenced countless bands. By combining political and intelligent lyrics with three-part vocal harmonies, they created a signature sound that’s one of the most recognizable in all of punk. Several months ago, Bad Religion came through Chicago for a show at The Vic and we talked with bassist Jay Bentley. We conversed about the band’s latest album, The Process of Belief, their return to Epitaph and much more.

Against Me! is the reluctant savior of punk rock. Their stripped-down, DIY sound is especially refreshing in today’s rehashed musical climate. Drawing from their southern roots, along with a heaping dose of old school punk, these guys make even the most cynical punk feel as though they were a teenager again. Against Me! could very well go down in history as one of punk rock’s most memorable bands. This interview was conducted via telephone with singer/guitarist Tom Gabel. Click here to view…

Through the years, Less Than Jake’s music has continuously matured and evolved. They’ve flirted with mainstream success, but more importantly remained steadfast in both their songwriting and live performances. Their commitment to integrity and an overall fan-friendly approach has made it easy for many listeners to remain loyal to LTJ for the duration of the band’s already lengthy career. On 2008’s GNV FLA, they’ve continued their proud and storied tradition, showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon. This interview was conducted via telephone with drummer/lyricist Vinnie Fiorello. Click here to view…

On Build & Burn, The Loved Ones eagerly explore new musical territory with great success. There’s an emphasis on straightforward rock, sing-along choruses and lyrics written from the heart. It’s a surprisingly solid record from start to finish, and one that simply grows more interesting and enjoyable with every listen. Build & Burn has redefined The Loved Ones as one of the underground’s best kept secrets, though it has also set the bar extremely high for their next album. This interview was conducted with singer/guitarist Dave Hause before the band’s 7/20/08 performance at Reggie’s Rock Club in Chicago. Click here to view…

Screeching Weasel was hands-down one of the best punk bands of the ‘90s. Their music vividly captured the spirit of teenage angst and boredom. They had songs that were humorous as well as ones that were thought-provoking. They practically invented punk’s one-string guitar lead, thereby incorporating pop sensibilities at a time when that was far from customary. The band played by its own rules, but above all were great songwriters. As a result, they spawned a legion of devoted listeners. Fans weren’t content with one record; they wanted to hear them all. The infamous Screeching Weasel logo became a fixture on t-shirts in high school hallways, as singer Ben Weasel’s lyrics turned into anthems for the disenchanted youth of suburbia. Adding to the band’s mythical status was the fact that their popularity didn’t skyrocket until after they stopped playing shows. Tales of someone’s older brother allegedly seeing Screeching Weasel play a house party only helped to glorify their allure. The band’s cult-like following is yet another example of their importance to American punk rock. For many, Screeching Weasel provided not only a gateway to the realm of punk music, but also a soundtrack for surviving adolescence. Click here to view…

Fat Mike has been a household name in the world of punk rock for more than ten years. His resume includes fronting the legendary NOFX and founding what is arguably the world’s best punk record label, Fat Wreck Chords. Today he can add political activist to his list of credentials. With the formation of his Punk Voter website and the upcoming release of the Rock Against Bush compilations, Fat Mike is a man on a mission in ’04. NOFX will also headline the first leg of the Punk Voter tour, as well as play select dates on Warped Tour, all in hopes of sending W. back to Crawford, Texas come November. Though he has garnered some flak due to his latest actions, Mike remains undeterred by his critics. He continues to exercise his right as an American citizen to make his voice heard and do what it takes to unite punks in electing a President who’s more deserving of the title. Click here to view…

The Street Dogs are a rare example of a tried-and-true, 21^st century punk rock band. Their songs are assertive, outspoken and inspired. They’re also consummate professionals onstage, routinely delivering lengthy, crowd-pleasing performances that are on par with or surpass the best live bands in independent rock. On their latest album, State of Grace, the band has successfully restyled their sound and become a tighter, more focused group than ever before. It’s undeniably one of the best punk records of 2008 and one that even passing fans of the genre must hear. This interview was done with Street Dogs’ singer Mike McColgan prior to their recent show at Reggie’s Rock Club on 10/4/08. Click here to view…

In 2008, Alkaline Trio released their sixth studio album and major label debut, Agony & Irony. The following year, we spoke with singer/bassist Dan Andriano and talked about how the band partnered with Epic Records, as well as how the album was recorded and its overall style. We also discussed the reissue of their first album, Goddamnit, the unexpected passing of producer Jerry Finn, Nike’s custom Alkaline Trio shoe and more. Click here to view…

This interview was the cover story for the 17th issue of Jaded In Chicago. It was conducted in September of 2004, several weeks prior to the release of American Idiot. It was a fitting end to the fanzine that was named after the band, as “Jaded In Chicago” references Green Day’s 1994 MTV concert special. To come full circle by interviewing the band that inspired the zine’s moniker was somewhat surreal.

With the release of American Idiot, Green Day has transcended punk rock. By crafting the first punk rock opera and fashioning what is likely the first tasteful concept album of the new millennium, they’ve provided pop punk bands everywhere with a blueprint for how to mature gracefully. Additionally, as much as American Idiot is about innovation, it’s also a return to the fundamentals of punk rock. The album sears with dissent, takes aim between the eyes of the Bush administration and contains a dangerous sense of unpredictability. It’s been ten years since Green Day was the most popular band in the world and with any luck American Idiot will allow them to recapture that title in no time. (Interview with drummer Tré Cool). Click here to view…