Brawl is Boise, Idaho-based band which delivers some straight up in-your-face hardcore with a nice NYHC touch. The band has been around for some time already and their dedication has seem to earn them a household name status amongst the local scene. Brawl has released its debut ep ‘The Bitter End’ all by themselves in 2010, which was quickly followed by a split with Black Cloud in 2011, also self released. And the band is not slowing down at all. While the new ‘Punishment’ is already available at Westcoast Worldwide and Irish Voodoo Records, the ‘Back Biter’ is expected to drop just by the end of this year.
Brawl is Boise, Idaho-based band which delivers some straight up in-your-face hardcore with a nice NYHC touch. The band has been around for some time already and their dedication has seem to earn them a household name status amongst the local scene. Brawl has released its debut ep ‘The Bitter End’ all by themselves in 2010, which was quickly followed by a split with Black Cloud in 2011, also self released. And the band is not slowing down at all. While the new ‘Punishment’ is already available at Westcoast Worldwide and Irish Voodoo Records, the ‘Back Biter’ is expected to drop just by the end of this year.First of all, congratulations with the upcoming seven inch, Punishment. Could you tell us something about the release? What can we look out for?
Thank you we are happy to have it released by two labels. Irish Voodoo Records for the 7" Vinyl with two cover options and Westcoast Worldwide Records for the CD/Digital formats. Our presale of the Test Press and bundles sold out so we couldn't be happier.
Having heard couple of new tracks at your facebook profile I must admit this shit sounds hard! What is the driving force behind your music?
We are a heavy Hardcore band. We have many influences and take a strong approach musically and lyrically to our friends, scene, politics, government, war, religion, environment, and shitty people. We spit out aggressive, no sugar coated, direct in your face lyrics.
Have you had a chance to perform those songs live? What type of response have you been getting?
We have had a chance to perform them and the response is great for us. No matter what we will play anywhere and we will always have a DIY approach to shows. We are doing a mini tour with MDK starting March 8th and we will be playing the 5 songs off Punishment plus 3 brand new songs that we are super stoked to finally play live.
How important are lyrics for the band? Did you have any specific topics in mind when you wrote lyrics for the ep?
Lyrics are important but we are not a poetic hardcore band. They are pretty self explanatory but we hit on many topics from protecting our rights, freedoms, free speech, way of life, weak ass friends who fuck over people they call friends, environmental depletion, solid friends and crew. We don't really have topics that are off limits.
How did you hook up with Westcoast Worldwide and Irish Voodoo Records for the release?
We were talking to Joey from IVR about doing a 7". Then we went on a mini tour on on the West Coast and recorded at Pitbull Farm with Pitbull Dan (Murder Death Kill, Blood Stands Still, Donnybrook). We played a show in SoCal with Terror and Alpha & Omega and he came to the show to meet us in person and here we are. Westcoast Worldwide hit us up soon after and fortunately they were cool with a dual label release. Both labels are great for us. They get it.
No doubt vinyl holds a special place in the hardcore culture. How is it important for you to have your music released on this format?
We will not do a release with any label that doesn't do vinyl or at least let IVR put out the vinyl version. It is a great newer label and we are dedicated to their growth. We are not a band in debt. We own all our stuff. This is not an option.
The ep is going to be officially available in couple of days from now and then you are going to hit the road for bunch of shows with Murder Death Kill. What is it that keeps you excited and motivated about being in band and moving forward?We love playing shows, booking Hardcore bands in Idaho, writing music, and we have all been in it for a long time. It is a way of life for us. It is who we are when we go about our day to day lives. Touring is the best when you are prepared. Meeting new kids and bands in different cities never gets old.
How do you manage to balance involvement in the band with family and day job commitments?
Well that is something we have worked on for years. We have set ourselves up in business or work to where we can make money at home while on the road. We all own businesses or work jobs during the week. We take time off when we want. We practice 3 nights a week. We spend lots of time with family and friends. They support us and understand that it is as much a part of our lives as they are. However, nothing is more important than family.
What are some other hardcore bands in your area we should follow?
Idaho is really lacking in music. Always has been. That being said we have some really good bands out of here. Not all Hardcore but we can all do shows together. Compromised, Black Cloud, Bone Dance, Gernika, Sinews, Reverie, N.F.F.U., and Hummingbird of Death are some of the best bands in town.
Before we wrap up, tell us something about Boise? Apart from right wing militias, what’s to see over there?
Boise is a family town. Very Mormon here. I am not from here but it is a great place to raise a family for the most part. The militia's don't exist here anymore. Racist extremist were all were ran out. The police force is still bullshit though and this is the drunkest city in the west so congratulations Boise.
