You can’t go wrong with California ska punk bands. It’s pretty much a national sport to them. A number of great ska bands coming out from there is just amazing, and The Interrupters are continuing the tradition. Led by Bivona brothers and the amazing Aimee Allen, they represent a new force in ska sound. With their new album Say It Out Loud just released, we caught up with the band. Don’t miss them!
Your new record Say it Out Loud is out now. What is the main difference between this one and your previous records?
We’ve been touring a lot since our first album came out. I think that really helped us become a tighter live band and everything we learned from all the touring we put to use when recording this album. We made a record that is meant to be played live in a huge dance party setting.
This record has a pretty symbolic name. What is the most important thing you wanted to say with this record?
We just wanted to write about subjects we’re passionate about and sing songs that we would hope people would want to sing along to.
Considering your sound, Tim Armstrong was somehow a logical choice as a producer. How was it like to work with him, and how pleased are you with the outcome?
It’s always an honor working with Tim. He is like the fifth interrupter and a brother to us, and every time we go into the studio together we have so much fun. We’re so happy with how the album turned out!
I guess there aren’t many better people to take an advice from, right?
Exactly!
Having such a legendary and influential figure in the studio, have you ever feared he could be too much of an influence on the record?
Not at all. Working with Tim is an open environment. Everybody gets to have a say and everybody’s ideas get heard and gets a fair shot.
Being a female fronted punk band, I guess you heard many comparisons to The Distillers and some other bands. Is it something you find helpful, or is it something you hate?
It’s just how some people hear the music. People inherently compare new music they hear to music they’re already familiar with so it kind of comes with the territory.
In August and September, you will come back to Europe. What can we expect from you, and what do you expect from the tour?
I’m expecting to eat plenty of döner kebabs and meet tons of new people in all the new places we’re going. You can expect a show full of old and new songs, and a great big dance party!
Festivals or club stages, where do you feel more comfortable?
Club stages are definitely what we’re more accustomed to, but festivals are always a lot of fun too. They give us the chance to play for people that wouldn’t normally go to one of our club shows.
Ska isn’t really mainstream nowadays. How hard is for a band like yours to keep going, tour and record at regular basis?
I would say the majority of touring bands out there in the world aren’t doing ‘mainstream’ music. We just try to make fun music that we like and write good songs. We aren’t too concerned with genre labels at the end of the day. It’s just as hard for us ska bands as I imagine it is for any band of any genre.
Are there any bands who haven’t gotten enough recognition you would like to recommend to our readers?
We’re currently on the Vans Warped Tour, which has tons of bands that need to be recognized. Our two favorites currently are Teenage Bottlerocket and Masked Intruder. They rule.
Any message for your fans who would be reading this?
We hope you’re ready to dance your asses off when we play a show near you, because we are!