Feature image by Matt Warrell. More of his work with Violent Soho can be found at mattwarrell.com.
As we previously reported, Double J is currently in the midst of a month-long celebration of punk in order to mark 40 years since the movement that changed the lives of so many people around the world first exploded.
Double J have been presenting special programs hosted by the likes of Kim Salmon, Rob Younger, and Chris Cheney, in addition to others, as well as special retrospective programs and highlights of classic punk albums.
They also recently managed to steal a little time from true blue punk fans Violent Soho, Dune Rats, Camp Cope, Ecca Vandal, and The Bennies, as well as international visitors PUP and Beach Slang to talk about the meaning of punk.
“Punk gives people who feel like they’re different or don’t belong a place to feel safe and like they do belong,” Violent Soho guitarist James Tidswell told the station, remarking on punk’s non-conformist ethos.
“When I first went to a punk rock show it was in Shailer Park in Logan QLD and I felt for the first time that I wasn’t crazy and I did belong somewhere… It helped me to not give into peer pressure or feel the need to fit in.”
“I sold my Korn albums and bought Propaghandi’s album How To Clean Everything with the cash when I was 14 years old and it changed my entire life forever.” Soho drummer Michael Richards also had some eloquent words to share.
“If you don’t fit in, you are punk and congratulations, because fitting in sucks,” he said. “If you have something to say that’s actually interesting, you’re probably punk.”
“If you give too much of a f**k what people say, how you will be received, who you offend, who you please, you are not punk. Easy. Punk music and culture has one real point and that is to just be yourself and don’t be afraid of it.”
“Fave punk artist and song? No idea, but chuck on any song from the Velvet Underground and Nico album if you want to begin to dive into where the seeds were first planted for punk rock music. ‘I’m Waiting for the Man’ is f*****g everything!”
Brett Jansch from Soho tour mates Dune Rats recounted his own history with the genre, describing its importance as the soundtrack to his life, whether he was “Having fun, surfing, skating – you’re listening to fast, punk”.
Meanwhile, Ecca Vandal, who’s been noted for her genre-bending musical style, explained how punk is not just a style of music, but an attitude that permeates everything one does, regardless of genre or style.
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“Punk to me is not just defined by music,” she said. “It’s a culture, a mentality, a movement, an aesthetic, a sound, an attitude and a voice – when all of these aspects come together it’s a powerful expression of art.”
“The attitude of punk encourages you to be who you really are. To embrace your differences and know that it’s ok to stand out from the pack. That’s what I really love about the essence of punk culture – it goes against the grain and shakes up the status quo.”
You can check out the rest of the interview via the official triple j website right here and make sure you tune in to Double J this month to check out some of the awesome programming they’ve got happening as part of Punk Is Calling.
