www.facebook.com/prisoncitybrigade
From: Joliet, IL
Sounds like: Punk
1. How did you get started with music and how did you develop your sound? Who thought of the name “Prison City Brigade” and is there any meaning behind it?
We have all been playing for years individually for years, and even though the band has gone through numerous line-up changes, every member has always found something new and different to bring to the table. The name was actually thought up by the vocalist, Eddie, and the meaning behind it comes from what an original group of friends, thus this included bassist Rob Roman, called themselves when doing stupid stuff. Also, it ties into the fact we're from Joliet, IL, which is known as Prison City due to the old Collins St Prison which was the site of such films as "Blues Brothers", "Prison Break", and "Let's Go To Prison". It's a nice little shout out to our hometown.
2. What do you want people to take away from your "War On Boredom" album?
That we're different from other punk bands because we do what we like. As a one person has said, "Every time they see us they never know what to expect and that's why they love us."
3. What's your favorite track to play live?
That's a toss up. We just love to play and lately we've been including tracks off our upcoming album "Trials Of Survival". The overall favorite though seems to be a toss up between "Take Back Your Scene" which is about the problems with pay to play and how the "promoters" who partake thrive off bands while the bands see no reward; and "Dad?!" which is always a crowd favorite that they partake in and call for even when we have no intent of playing it. (We always give into demands haha)
4. Who are three bands you’d like to tour with?
Shit, there are so many bands out there that have come before us that we love. Nationally, we'd have to say Face To Face, Ignite, Millencolin, and those are just a few of the bands we love! When it comes to bands that are striving for the same goal we are, Evil Engine (Keep looking to 2018 hint hint), Consume The Divide (Though they are metal based we always have a blast with them at shows), and A Silent Truth (again another Revival family band, which all three are.) Yes, we're big in playing with our band family. Check out The Revival everyone, best party you've never heard of.
5. What are your three desert island albums that you'd never get tired of listening to?
Well since, Eddie, is the one typing he's gonna be bias. Face to Face "Laugh Now Laugh Later", Prince "Purple Rain Soundtrack", and Millencolin "Penny Bridge Pioneers".
6. What’s your take on the current state of Punk?
Punk is far from dead musically, unfortunately it's becoming very commercialized. People are forgetting the main aspect where it was originally about being free to express yourself and be who you are and think what you like. A lot of the times now it's more so about fashion and he said she said, and this is punk this isn't elitist bullshit. Like come now people THINK FOR YOURSELVES! We don't dress "punk" we're just comfortable and think what we want. If anyone disagrees, okay then let's sit down and talk. The world is fucked up enough as it, no need for bullshit over opinions. If this world is going to survive we need unity.
7. What’s the current music scene like there in Illinois both locally and state wide?
Well locally it's overrun by metal bands and everyone sounds the same locally. Granted you have a few that stand out. State wide it's hard to say, mainly because bands in southern Hellinois (Illinois) don't make it up to Chicagoland very often. It's a very up and down situation even in regards to crowds. Come on out and see for yourself.
8. What’s your take on legal/illegal music downloading?
Music is meant to be enjoyed. Granted with illegal downloading it does hurt in revenue, but it does have the chance to promote a band further than they expect. Only bands we hear complaining are those making the mega money. Now, in regards to people using music for online radio and such. If you're a big name online radio station (COUGH ROCK RAGE RADIO) and you're not compensating bands then fuck off. The guys running little podcasts, thank you for your support. Again very tricky situation.
9. What’s next for Prison City Brigade?
Well finish the songs and record our next album "Trials Of Survival" which the album will consist of a main theme and a secondary theme. Not a concept album, but all the songs will flow together and make sense if you think deeply and look at lyrics and song title. We like to have fun and with everything that's happened in 2017 this is how we do it. Especially, with a more matured sound and feel.
10. Any shoutouts?
First and foremost, everyone associated with The Revival, especially the leader Frank! Without him and his support this past year not sure we'd have made the decisions we've made to help further our reach and start to make our moves. Other than that, our families and friends who've been there since the beginning and are still with us.
