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

00:00:00

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.

00:04:02

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.

00:09:44

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.

00:15:52

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.

00:19:17

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.

00:24:19

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.

00:30:08

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.

00:38:49

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.

01:06:57

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.

01:15:58

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

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