Alcatraz Interview - September 2009 (english) · 8.09.09
Justin, the shouter from the San Francisco hardcore formation Alcatraz answered me some questions. And he told me that the show in Zurich was the best show on the whole tour. Yeah! Have fun reading…
1. You are from San Francisco. Tell us more about the beginning of your band please. How and when does it all start?
Justin: Well around 2005 Manuel (First Blood/ Set Your Goals) and I had an idea of starting a band based around San Francisco hardcore pride. When more of our friends showed interest in the idea like Kyle (embrace the end) and Ben (Allegiance) we knew it could be something awesome! We recorded a demo and were signed to Rock Vegas records 2 days later, it was exciting due to the fact that COA and Death Before Dishonor had worked with that label. We have been having fun ever since and are working on a new record now.
2. What about violence, veganism and straight edge? Face the facts :)
Justin: Wow thats a big question! I feel that hardcore is full of passion and anger which can be seen clearly through our lyrics and dancing, outsiders may see it as violent but to me its a positive form of aggression released amongst friends and family. The only time real violence should be used in the scene is against nazis to protect what we stand for. Veganism is a very positive and loving way to live. I myself was vegan for a year and most of the people in Alcatraz are vegan or vegetarian. It’ s not something you choose to be better then others, its just a small change you make in your life because you truly love animals and your planet. Straightedge is a simple idea that a lot of people hate on for some reason. I’ve been straight edge for 12 years now and it has been a positive force in my life. I could care less if other people drink or smoke just respect me and will respect you. It’s that simple.
3. Well let’s talk about the hardcore scene. There are more and more fashion fucks running around trying to be cool by wearing hardcore t-shirts and x-ing up their hands. Any comments for that?
Justin: First off a hardcore kid is a hardcore kid. I dont give a fuck what you wear or how you look, all are welcome in this scene. We are all outcasts looking for a home in this fucked up world. We need to stop pointing out our differences and unite against all the hate and lies that the outside world tries to feed us. I still X up my hands at shows sometimes for fun. We need to put aside all are pretty shit because together we can’t be stopped. Don’t let anyone tell you there are rules to hardcore, fuck rules!
4. You are on tour with First Blood and Down To Nothing now. Do you have a good time with the guys? Which was the best show so far?
Justin: The tour is fucking awesome! These are some of the best friends a person could have in his life. You would never guess were so close due to the fact that we make fun of each other soooo much, but its all love. As bands were a very diverse group of guys, but hardcore has brought us together as a family and i know thats the way it will stay. The best show was Zurich for sure. Those kids are crazy and know how to have a good time! I feel like I made a lot of good friends at that show. Every show ruled but that was my favorite.
5. Which things are the most hated for you nowadays and what do you think will never change no matter how hard we try?
Justin: Like Trial says “you cant kill an idea”. Always fight for what you believe in but at the same time realize that hate in all its forms are ideas that might be changed but never killed. Keep the scene clean and fuck nazis, big business, corporate sponsors, bullies, and those that want to buy, sell and control us.
6. You took part at the Tribute To Integrity CD. What does Integrity mean to you?
Justin: That was awesome and we got to do one of my favorite songs. Some people didn’t like our intro to the song but it doesn’t matter because as a hardcore band you should do what’s fun to you. Alcatraz doesn’t give a fuck, we do what we like or nothing at all.
7. What about the deal with Demons Run Amok? Can you tell us more about it please?
Justin: Well we did a limited split 7inch with our friends from Berlin Final Prayer. It turned out very well. We hope to release the Full Length in Europe on that label.
8. Tell us why you have chosen the name Alcatraz please. It’s the name of an island used as prison near San Francisco.
Justin: Well it just made sence being a San Francisco hardcore band and nameing ourselves after some tough as hell prison.
9. To which bands do you listen to personally at the moment? Any all-time favorites?
Justin: As far as hardcore goes Ceremony, Terror and No Warning, but I also listen to a lot of psychobilly like Madsin, The Quakes and Bananne Metalik. I am a fan of all music honestly and would never limit myself to one style. My top 5 favorite hardcore bands would be Suicidal Tendencies, Gorilla Biscuits, Bad Brains, Wide Awake and Youth of Today, but the list could go on and on.
10. You are writing a new record at the moment. Please let us know more about it. What can we expect, what will be new?
Justin: The new record is going to be straight up hardcore for hardcore kids! No fucking lies, no fake poetry, no bullshit. It’s going to be full of energy and aggression. We actually hit the studio at the end of this tour, keep an eye out for it!
11. How would you describe your own style?
Justin: Hardcore kids playing hardcore music in a hardcore band. Hardcore without the bullshit is the Alcatraz style.
12. Any more plans for 2009?
Justin: Hitting the studio and touring. We hope to come back to Europe as soon as possible, you guys rule! (Thanks Justin..hehe)
13. What does Alcatraz mean to you today? What would you do without the band?
Justin: Alcatraz is my outlet for fun it allows me to be part of a scene I’ve called home throughout my life and meet awesome hardcore kids around the world. Without this band I would just start another, no one makes money off this shit. It’s not a job, it’s a way of life we choose because were different then the rest of the world, who acts like slaves.
14. Thanks a lot and lots of success with your new album. Take care and keep on the good work.
Justin: No problem, it has been fun. Hardcore pride 2009! See ya next tour!
+new+No Turning Back, Bleed Into One und Animal Instinct+new+ Dead Swans sind mit More Than Life in Europa unterwegs
