Digest

This segment of the podcast continues the discussion of Propaganda's early touring experiences, focusing on their Southern Ontario tour. Chris recounts the band's underwhelming performance in Oshawa, describing it as their most dismal memory of playing live. He contrasts this with their show in London, Ontario, where they played with bands like Shoulder and Left for Dead. Chris shares his perspective on the band's evolving relationship with the punk scene, noting that they were often associated with a scene that they didn't fully identify with. He also discusses the band's decision to play with different promoters in Toronto, showcasing their commitment to DIY ethics and their resistance to playing with mainstream promoters. The episode concludes with a discussion of the band's future plans, with Chris expressing his desire to delve into other topics beyond the band's early days.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction

This Chapter introduces the episode and its focus on a classic episode of Turned Out A Punk, featuring an interview with Chris from the band Propaganda.

00:00:37

Chris's Punk Rock Journey

This Chapter delves into Chris's personal journey from a right-wing metalhead to a punk rocker, detailing how a Millions of Dead Cops record sparked a profound shift in his worldview. He discusses the early Winnipeg punk scene and his early experiences with punk bands.

00:21:46

Propaganda's Formation and Early Days

This Chapter explores the formation of Propaganda, the band's early days, and the recording of their debut album, "How to Clean Everything." Chris shares anecdotes about their first shows, their experiences with skinheads in the Winnipeg scene, and their decision to record at West Beach Recorders in Los Angeles.

00:47:39

The Reception to "How to Clean Everything"

This Chapter discusses the reception to Propaganda's debut album, "How to Clean Everything." Chris shares his perspective on the band's lack of interest in the mainstream punk scene and their focus on DIY ethics.

00:59:29

Propaganda's Unique Approach to Music and Politics

This Chapter explores Propaganda's unique approach to music and politics, their aversion to mainstream punk rock, and the mystique that surrounded the band. Chris discusses the band's decision to prioritize DIY ethics and their sometimes controversial approach to music and politics.

01:03:49

The Release of "Less Talk More Rock"

This Chapter delves into the release of Propaganda's second album, "Less Talk More Rock." Chris discusses the band's conscious effort to address their perception in the world and the backlash they received for their politically charged lyrics.

01:07:46

Propaganda's Touring History

This Chapter explores Propaganda's touring history, their commitment to playing in basements and DIY venues, and their aversion to touring Canada. Chris discusses the band's decision to prioritize playing in basements and their lack of interest in promoting their records through traditional touring.

01:08:59

Southern Ontario Tour

This Chapter delves into Propaganda's Southern Ontario tour, highlighting their underwhelming performance in Oshawa and their contrasting experience in London, Ontario. Chris discusses the band's evolving relationship with the punk scene and their decision to play with different promoters in Toronto.

01:15:47

Conclusion

This Chapter concludes the episode with a discussion of Propaganda's future plans, with Chris expressing his desire to delve into other topics beyond the band's early days.

Keywords

Q&A

• How did Chris, a former right-wing metalhead, become a punk rocker?

  Chris's transformation from a metalhead to a punk rocker was sparked by a Millions of Dead Cops record, which challenged his previous worldview and opened him up to new ideas and music.

• What was the early Winnipeg punk scene like?

  The early Winnipeg punk scene was characterized by a DIY ethos, a strong sense of community, and a commitment to social justice. Chris describes it as a vibrant and exciting scene, with bands like Propaganda, The Weakerthans, and The Lowest of the Low.

• How did Propaganda's debut album, "How to Clean Everything," come about?

  Propaganda's debut album was recorded at West Beach Recorders in Los Angeles, with the help of Mike from No Effects. Chris describes the recording process as a learning experience, as the band was still relatively new and had little experience with the recording process.

• Why did Propaganda choose to prioritize DIY ethics and avoid the mainstream punk scene?

  Propaganda was more interested in the underground DIY scene and felt alienated from the mainstream punk scene, which they saw as being too focused on skateboarding and other subcultures. They preferred to play in basements and other non-traditional venues, and they were more interested in the political and social messages of their music than in commercial success.

• What was the reception to Propaganda's second album, "Less Talk More Rock?"

  Propaganda's second album, "Less Talk More Rock," was a more politically charged album than their debut, and it received a mixed reception. Some critics praised its uncompromising approach to politics, while others criticized its more aggressive sound. The album also alienated some fans who were not receptive to the band's political messages.

• Why did Propaganda avoid touring Canada in the early years of their career?

  Propaganda's aversion to touring Canada was due to a combination of factors, including their lack of experience with touring, their preference for playing in basements and DIY venues, and their general disorganization. Chris describes the band as being more interested in playing in basements and other non-traditional venues than in promoting their records through traditional touring.

• What was the significance of Propaganda's Southern Ontario tour?

  Propaganda's Southern Ontario tour was a significant event in the band's history, marking their first major tour outside of their home province of Manitoba. The tour helped to solidify the band's reputation as a leading force in the Canadian punk scene and introduced them to a wider audience.

• What is Propaganda's legacy?

  Propaganda's legacy is one of uncompromising political activism, DIY ethics, and a unique and sometimes controversial approach to music. The band has been a significant force in the Canadian punk scene for over three decades, and their music continues to inspire and challenge listeners.

• What are some of the key themes that Propaganda's music explores?

  Propaganda's music explores themes of social justice, anti-fascism, veganism, and political activism. The band's lyrics are often direct and confrontational, and they are not afraid to take a stand on issues that they believe in.

• What is Chris's perspective on the band's journey?

  Chris reflects on Propaganda's journey with a sense of pride and accomplishment. He acknowledges the band's unique approach to music and politics, their commitment to DIY ethics, and their lasting impact on the Canadian punk scene.

• How did Propaganda's relationship with the punk scene evolve over time?

  Chris acknowledges that Propaganda was often associated with a scene that they didn't fully identify with, particularly after their first album. He discusses how the band's decision to play with different promoters in Toronto reflects their commitment to DIY ethics and their resistance to playing with mainstream promoters.

Show Notes