Mike Kinsella from American Football and Owen is here
Digest
Damien Abraham and Owen Mike Concella continue their conversation about the Chicago punk scene of the 90s. They discuss the importance of local bands like Cap'n Jazz, Joan of Arc, and Owls, and how they created their own scene with their friends. They also reflect on the impact of major labels on the genre, noting how bands like Green Day's signing to a major label changed the landscape of punk rock. Concella shares his experiences playing in bands during high school, highlighting the DIY ethos and the importance of community. They also discuss the challenges of balancing a music career with family life, and the enduring power of punk as a cultural force.
Outlines
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Introduction and Guest Introduction
This Chapter introduces the podcast, Turned Out of Punk, and its host, Damien Abraham. Abraham welcomes Owen Mike Concella, a musician known for his work in bands like American Football, Joan of Arc, and Owls, as the guest for the episode.
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Early Exposure to Punk and Musical Influences
This Chapter delves into Concella's early exposure to punk through his older brother, Tim. Concella describes how he would listen to his brother's music and how it influenced his musical journey. He discusses the trickle-down effect of musical genres, from hair metal to thrash metal to industrial, and ultimately to punk.
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Defining Punk and the Ethos of DIY
This Chapter explores the definition of punk and the DIY ethos that permeated the genre. Concella and Abraham discuss whether bands like Captain Jazz and Joan of Arc can be considered punk, despite their sonic deviations from traditional punk rock. They emphasize the importance of the DIY spirit and the freedom to express oneself musically within the punk umbrella.
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Sibling Relationships and Music Discovery
This Chapter examines the role of siblings in music discovery. Abraham shares his own experiences with his brother, Tristan, and how they influenced each other's musical tastes. Concella reflects on his relationship with his brother, Tim, and how they navigated their shared passion for music.
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The Chicago Punk Scene and its Impact
This Chapter focuses on the Chicago punk scene and its influence on Concella's musical development. He discusses the importance of local bands like Screeching Weasel, Jawbreaker, and Green Day, and how they inspired him to start his own bands. Concella highlights the vibrant DIY scene in Chicago's suburbs and the impact of bands like Hoover and Eight Bark.
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The Power of Punk and its Cultural Impact
This Chapter explores the enduring power of punk as a cultural force. Abraham and Concella discuss the unique characteristics of the punk scene in the 90s, emphasizing its DIY ethos and its focus on community rather than commercial success. They reflect on the challenges of maintaining punk's integrity in the face of major label influence and the changing landscape of the music industry.
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Balancing Music with Family Life
This Chapter delves into the challenges of balancing a music career with family life. Concella shares his experiences as a father and the difficulties of touring and prioritizing family time. He discusses the importance of setting boundaries and making choices that align with his family's needs.
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The Economics of Punk and the Pursuit of Passion
This Chapter explores the economic realities of punk and the importance of pursuing passion over profit. Concella and Abraham discuss the challenges of making a living as musicians, particularly in a genre that often prioritizes DIY ethos over commercial success. They reflect on the complexities of balancing financial needs with artistic integrity.
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The Chicago Punk Scene and its Impact
This Chapter continues the discussion about the Chicago punk scene, focusing on the importance of local bands and the impact of major labels on the genre's evolution. Concella and Abraham discuss the DIY ethos and the challenges of balancing a music career with family life.
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The Red Pill of Punk
This Chapter explores the unique perspective that punk rock offers, particularly for teenagers. Concella and Abraham discuss how punk can provide a sense of community and belonging, and how it can help individuals find their own identity and confidence.
Keywords
Turned Out of Punk
Turned Out of Punk is a podcast hosted by Damien Abraham, a musician known for his work in the band Fucked Up. The podcast features conversations with musicians and artists who have been influenced by punk rock, exploring their musical journeys, experiences, and perspectives on the genre.
Owen Mike Concella
Owen Mike Concella is a musician known for his work in various bands, including American Football, Joan of Arc, and Owls. He is a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, known for his unique and experimental approach to music. Concella is also a founding member of the band Cap'n Jazz, a highly influential emo band from the 1990s.
Punk Rock
Punk rock is a genre of rock music that emerged in the 1970s, characterized by its raw energy, rebellious spirit, and DIY ethos. Punk rock often features simple song structures, aggressive vocals, and a focus on social and political themes. It has had a significant impact on popular music and culture, inspiring countless subgenres and influencing generations of musicians.
DIY Ethos
DIY (Do It Yourself) ethos is a core principle of punk rock, emphasizing self-reliance, independence, and a rejection of mainstream institutions. It encourages musicians to create their own music, organize their own shows, and build their own communities without relying on traditional industry structures.
Chicago Punk Scene
The Chicago punk scene is a vibrant and influential subculture that has produced numerous iconic bands and artists. It is known for its diverse range of styles, from hardcore to emo to pop-punk, and its strong DIY ethos. The scene has played a significant role in shaping the sound and spirit of punk rock, both locally and globally.
Emo
Emo is a subgenre of punk rock that emerged in the 1980s, characterized by its emotional intensity, introspective lyrics, and melodic sensibilities. Emo often features a focus on personal struggles, relationships, and mental health. It has evolved significantly over the years, with various subgenres and influences.
Cap'n Jazz
Cap'n Jazz is a highly influential emo band from the 1990s, known for their energetic live shows, melodic songwriting, and unique blend of hardcore and pop influences. The band's music has had a lasting impact on the emo genre, inspiring countless bands and influencing generations of musicians.
American Football
American Football is an emo band formed in the late 1990s, known for their atmospheric sound, intricate instrumentation, and introspective lyrics. The band's music is characterized by its use of post-rock elements, melodic guitar lines, and a focus on emotional themes. American Football has gained a cult following and is considered a seminal emo band.
Joan of Arc
Joan of Arc is an experimental rock band formed in the 1990s, known for their unconventional song structures, unpredictable arrangements, and intense live performances. The band's music is characterized by its blend of punk, noise rock, and avant-garde influences. Joan of Arc has been praised for their innovative and challenging approach to music.
Owls
Owls is a noise rock band formed in the 2000s, known for their loud and chaotic sound, experimental arrangements, and intense live performances. The band's music is characterized by its use of feedback, distortion, and unconventional song structures. Owls has been praised for their raw energy and their ability to create a visceral and immersive listening experience.
Q&A
How did Owen Mike Concella first get into punk rock?
Concella's early exposure to punk came through his older brother, Tim, who would play music in his bedroom. Concella would listen from outside his brother's door, gradually becoming interested in the genre.
What are some of the key characteristics of the Chicago punk scene?
The Chicago punk scene is known for its diverse range of styles, from hardcore to emo to pop-punk, and its strong DIY ethos. It's also notable for its working-class musicians and its focus on community rather than commercial success.
How does Owen Mike Concella balance his music career with family life?
Concella acknowledges the challenges of touring and prioritizing family time. He emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and making choices that align with his family's needs, such as avoiding tours during his children's birthdays.
What are some of the challenges of making a living as a punk musician?
Concella and Abraham discuss the economic realities of punk, noting that it's often difficult to make a living from music in a genre that prioritizes DIY ethos over commercial success. They also reflect on the complexities of balancing financial needs with artistic integrity.
What is the enduring power of punk rock as a cultural force?
Punk rock's enduring power lies in its DIY ethos, its focus on community, and its ability to inspire generations of musicians. It's a genre that encourages self-expression, rebellion, and a rejection of mainstream institutions.
How has the definition of punk rock evolved over time?
The definition of punk rock has evolved significantly over time, with various subgenres and influences emerging. Concella and Abraham discuss the challenges of defining punk, acknowledging that it's a genre that defies easy categorization.
What are some of the key differences between the Chicago punk scene and other punk scenes, such as those in New York or Los Angeles?
Concella suggests that the Chicago punk scene is more focused on working-class musicians and less on the performance aspects that might be more prevalent in New York or Los Angeles. He also notes that Chicago bands often have a more insular feel, with their popularity not always translating outside the city.
What are some of the challenges of playing in a band with multiple members who are at different stages of life?
Concella and Abraham discuss the complexities of balancing the needs of band members who have different priorities, such as family obligations and career goals. They acknowledge that it can be difficult to find common ground and make decisions that work for everyone.
What are some of the key differences between the drumming styles in punk rock and other genres?
Concella and Abraham discuss the unique role of drums in punk rock, highlighting how they can serve a different purpose than in other genres. They also note the diversity of drumming styles within punk, from the raw energy of hardcore to the more melodic and experimental approaches of emo.
What are some of the challenges of maintaining a punk band's integrity in the face of major label influence?
Concella and Abraham discuss the impact of major labels on punk rock, acknowledging that it can be difficult to maintain the genre's DIY ethos and its focus on community when commercial success becomes a priority.
How did the signing of Green Day to a major label impact the Chicago punk scene?
Concella and Abraham discuss how Green Day's signing to a major label changed the landscape of punk rock, making it more mainstream and accessible. They also note how this shift led to a greater divide between different subgenres within punk.
What are some of the unique values that punk rock instills in its participants?
Concella and Abraham discuss how punk rock can instill a sense of community, self-reliance, and a rejection of mainstream institutions. They also note how punk can provide a sense of belonging and identity for individuals who may feel marginalized or misunderstood.
Show Notes
I Woke Up Today & Cap N Jazz, American Football, Joan Of Arc, Owen and Owls legend: Mike Kinsella has finally come on Turned Out A Punk! Listen in as the two discuss: being the weird dad at school pick ups and punk. From 8Bark, to Underdog meetings, to not getting emo, to the power of DCHC, to middle class band life and so much more: don’t miss this one!
Also, don't miss Mike's new Owen record: "The Falls Of Sioux", out on Polyvinyl, now!
Also, don't miss Owen on tour in Europe and America!
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