The Anarchy Ass Interviews: Case Study: Shooting Blanks
POP PUNK SCUM
I've always considered the term "pop punk" to be an oxymoron, which is why I was more than cynical when Matt Hoffman of Chicago's pop punk band Shooting Blanks E-mailed me asking to be interviewed. But I was pleasantly surprised to recieve intelligent and, dare I say, reasonable answers even when I started grilling Matt over "pop-punk's" right to exist (or lack thereof). Enjoy.
Anarchy Ass: For someone who has never heard your music, how would you describe your sound and who are your main influences?
Matt Hoffman: Well, our sound is, uh, generic pop-punk that has evolved into rock punk. Influences range from Rancid and Green Day to Alkaline Trio and Screetching Weasel.
AA: So you're the lead singer and you play lead guitar?
MH: Yeah.
AA: When did the band form and why did you feel the need to start a punk band?
MH: Before this, me and John were in a cover band for two years. We just got sick of playing other people's music.
AA: Do you have any political or social opinions or thoughts and, if so, why have you chosen to keep them out of your music?
MH: No. We're a bunch of idiots.
AA: Well, you've saved me a lot of trouble by admitting that right off the bat.
MH: (Laughs) We don't have any opinions at all , man. We're there to play and have fun.
AA: Well you guys really picked a great name for a "pop-punk" band. Can I ask you a philosophical question?
MH: Uh, ok.
AA: What is the point of pop-punk? I mean, nobody listens to punk rock because it sounds good. It has no talent or aesthetic value. The whole "enjoyment" of it revolves around the messages and attitudes of the bands. They evoke thinking in a certain way. Without that, why not just listen to Britney Spears or Dave Mathews?
MH: I think punk is the most innovative thing for certain kids. Some people have a short attention span. I know I did. Punk is played really fast and can be enjoyed for that reason even if it does'nt particularly have something to say in a political way. You would'nt find parents listening to it or think it's the same as other pop music that's more pop.
AA: Wow, that's actually a fairly reasonable answer. Not that I'll start liking pop-punk, but many times I ask questions like that and get a shrug as an answer.
MH: Uh,cool, you should come out and see us live.
AA: Any plans for an album?
MH: We have an EP called Nuclear Family and we're gonna be on a compilation on Pick It Up Records. There's info. about it on our webpage at Shootingblanks.net
AA: Tour?
MH: We'll be on the east coast for 5 days in the summer but no dates have been set yet.
AA: Cool. Well, I think I might actually check you guys out. Thanx.
MH: Thanks man.
Hypercritical
Fuck pro-life, and fuck abortion
Fuck what you think and your notions
Democrat, Republican
I don't give a fuck, I'm just a kid
fuck you, fuck me, punk rock is cool I misbehave, I say "fuck" and "shit"
I laugh at retarded kids
Midgets, freaks, and amputees
I don't give a fuck, it's funny to me
fuck you, fuck me, punk rock is cool
Fuck what you think and your notions
Democrat, Republican
I don't give a fuck, I'm just a kid
fuck you, fuck me, punk rock is cool I misbehave, I say "fuck" and "shit"
I laugh at retarded kids
Midgets, freaks, and amputees
I don't give a fuck, it's funny to me
fuck you, fuck me, punk rock is cool
SEE SHOOTING BLANKS PLAY LIVE!
5/4 @ the Mutiny, 5/15 @ Phyllis' Musical Inn
