Interview With The Crusty Chicano
Interviewed by X
X: Thank you for coming to talk to us.
CC: absolutely, this is very cool for me!
X: Great to hear! Now what got you started into the punk scene, lead us up to that.
CC: alright! oh boy, i’m going to have to apologize in advance for my spelling! anyway, it all started when i went to warped tour, i can’t remember the exact year but it wasn’t the actual tour that got me interested, I saw a guy with a Lower Class Brats bum flap actually! I didn’t know what it was but i wanted something like that, a while later i found the logo belonged to a band and i just started listening to them and artists related to them! So my start was very much that of a poser but we all start somewhere. A few years later (i was about 13 when i first got interested) I heard about this band called Los Crudos, i listened to them and they seemed way to crazy to me at the time but i was just so stoked to find like a Chicano punk band! That’s how i really started getting into like Crust punk because just the far leftism of it really got me excited. I think that’s about it, nothing crazy, it wasn’t till i was about 16 i started going to shows and getting involved in what little scene we have here. yeah, that’s about it!
X: Well, we all gotta start somewhere and it sure sounds like you had a proper introduction in the long run. Now tell me, what is a day in life of a crust punk like? Any issues in particular that come up or any advantages?
CC: you know, i’m really into crust punk but i’m not sure i’d call myself one oddly? I just really like punk! all kinds, it’s just crust is my main love and i suppose it does influence more to that “lifestyle” if you will. honestly for the average crusty it involves getting drunk and drugs, i’m sober myself but that’s one of the things that kinda makes me not want to identify as much, there really is a negative… almost stereotype you know? not that there is anything wrong with doing that! it’s just you know, i think it’s important to stay active, both in the community and the scene. As for me, an average day consists of hanging out with friends, not much you know. Though i do try and do volunteer stuff as much as i can, my main love is the Boise Bike Project, who helps to get bikes to underprivileged people. And of course going to shows and what not. Not sure what you mean by issues? like i mean i get kinda harassed sometime for being “crusty” but i’m a bigger dude so i don’t get too many problems!
X: Well, it certainly seems as though you are a very solid member of the community and at TURPID, we respect that above most things and attributes of the punk lifestyles. Outsiders helping outsiders in all matters of the sense. Now, how well does the crust scene weave in its major political views and give us an overview of what those are, at least in your area.
CC: oh well i don’t know if “solid member of the community” is the right words, but thank you! you know honestly, there isn’t a huge scene here, i live in Idaho and it’s a pretty backwards place. The politics that are here stay pretty leftists but sometimes that can seem like a farce, but I think that is just about all scenes you know? Not that that’s an excuse. I know I keep friends who hold my same views of anti-hate, homophobia, racism, sexism, all that you know? But there kind of is a lack of community in a way, few people come down to shows for local or small time bands, and they seem to stick to their friends mostly. I don’t know maybe i’m guilty of that too. So to answer your question in an unnecessarily long fashion: I guess there isn’t a solid enough unit of “the punk scene” to say.
X: Every bit counts man. But at least there is one still alive and kickn’. As for the surrounding bands, could you give us some name and genres? Are they all crust or what?
CC: Definitely not all crust! Some names… The Head Cases are like a pop punk band but they are pretty big here so i feel obligated to name them haha, New Iron Front, Raid, those are some more Hardcore bands they are pretty good, then some like ska or folk bands like The Figure Eights.
X: Bet they’re somethin’. Sucks for the seemingly large lack of support. Let’s go back to you “backwards” town. How bad is the bigotry and hate there and what is its effect on the community, both punk and non?
CC: Oh I almost forgot Pull Out Quick, they are a pretty famous street punk band from here! Anyway, you know i live in the main city so that kind of stuff is frowned upon some what, but the second you leave it gets pretty bad. Confederate flags and such, I’ve been called f*ggot by grown men, I can’t imagine what it would be like for an actual gay or queer person living out there! I don’t think it affects the scene too much? at worst there are just people who are politically apathetic but it’s really not that bad. However some of the bands have actually said things I have gotten angry with. Most recently one, who i won’t name to avoid drama, made a transphobic joke. Sadly I think support for that kind of thing is viewed as like “radical” and “far left” almost you know? so sometimes things like that happens. But never had anything with the more crust, or hardcore bands so that is definitely one advantage. Not that the street punks here are all like that by any means! but you know what i mean.
X: We always say here in the community “Don’t worry, the Confederate Flag generation will die out in our lifetime and we’ll get to watch.” From what you’ve said though, do you personally think that it is the responsibility of a punk of any group, crust, stree, anyone group to connect their music to politics and the acts and events happening around them or do you argue a different perspective, such as punk should just stay out of it as if the communities not strong enough, will it pit punk against punk?
CC: Well i certainly hope that is true! I like that. Absolutely, I think punk should remain a threat to bigoted communities. Challenge what is viewed as acceptable. For example, we have a big problem with gay bashing here in our state, people need to be singing about that! Getting angry about! organizing groups to combat this, and you know not just in the punk community, punk is political sure but it is also a music preference you know? if there are other people out there with your same views and passions, get them involved too! Also keeping music political keeps bigots out of your scene, I think this is VERY important. If some homophobe comes walking in and hears a band singing about anti-homophobia, then he’ll likely not be interested, or hopefully miraculously have a change of heart maybe I don’t know. But yes, i think staying on top of issues, not only lyrically but just talking about them, I mean you have the floor when you are up there on stage, is very very important. Keep punk political. Keep it leftists, keep it a threat you know?
X: Well certainly “Punk” itself was created to protest and actively fight the bigotry in the governments around the world, local or global. You said that there are, however, individuals of punks there who wholeheartedly embody this bigotry and homophobia, and make transphobic remarks as well.
With that, do you think the punk community needs to be more protective and open to these minority groups such as members of the LGBT community and others such as racial or even cultural groups that are not usually considered to make up a large part of punk?
CC: well i haven’t noticed any homophobia in the punk scene, just in our area. And the incident i was referring to, maybe the person isn’t actually transphobic but jokes like that send a message, like i said, you have the floor up there and people are listening and that just should not be happening. I’m glad you said ‘more protective and open’ instead of how to like ‘integrate’ more minorities into the punk scene or whatever. why i say that is because i feel some people have a tendency to treat minorities like tokens or something you know? like “we need to have more diverse punk scene!” like sure that’d be nice but don’t treat us like something to make you scene seem more accepting or whatever. I don’t want to speak to much on LGBT issues since I would rather you ask some one of that group, which i’m sure you have and will! But yes, protect trans people, gay, religious, cultural, minorities all that. Like we’ve seen in East LA even, the massive rise in Latino punk scene, they built their scene up you know? It wasn’t like, this accepting community encouraged them to join (not that there is anything wrong with that) but they just made their own scene, and everyone is welcome. Like, it’s just important to make it clear what punk is all about. It is about combating racism and hate, it is about abolition of borders and free immigration and issues dear to the hearts of Latino communities. It’s not the job of mostly majority punk scenes to try and get other involved its their job to make it clear and obvious what it stands for and that punk is for everyone, so that if they do get interested they are more then welcome to join the scene or make their own.
X: Well, the Crusty Chicano, I cannot express how great it was to have this interview with you, especially while sharing so many views with us here at TURPID and I’m sure many of those in our community that feel frustrated with the bigotry and repression of minorities and the need for more elaboration and opposition of these issues in punk music. Thank you so very much for giving us your take and holding presence with us!
CC: Hey, absolutely, I feel pretty honored being asked to do this interview so thank you! it was alot of fun.
X: We agree, and because of this, we have decided to donate this month’s proceeds to the BOISE BIKE Project. Just a small token from us here at HQ. Thanks again.
CC: absolutely, that is awesome! they will appreciate it. thanks again!
CC: absolutely, this is very cool for me!
X: Great to hear! Now what got you started into the punk scene, lead us up to that.
CC: alright! oh boy, i’m going to have to apologize in advance for my spelling! anyway, it all started when i went to warped tour, i can’t remember the exact year but it wasn’t the actual tour that got me interested, I saw a guy with a Lower Class Brats bum flap actually! I didn’t know what it was but i wanted something like that, a while later i found the logo belonged to a band and i just started listening to them and artists related to them! So my start was very much that of a poser but we all start somewhere. A few years later (i was about 13 when i first got interested) I heard about this band called Los Crudos, i listened to them and they seemed way to crazy to me at the time but i was just so stoked to find like a Chicano punk band! That’s how i really started getting into like Crust punk because just the far leftism of it really got me excited. I think that’s about it, nothing crazy, it wasn’t till i was about 16 i started going to shows and getting involved in what little scene we have here. yeah, that’s about it!
X: Well, we all gotta start somewhere and it sure sounds like you had a proper introduction in the long run. Now tell me, what is a day in life of a crust punk like? Any issues in particular that come up or any advantages?
CC: you know, i’m really into crust punk but i’m not sure i’d call myself one oddly? I just really like punk! all kinds, it’s just crust is my main love and i suppose it does influence more to that “lifestyle” if you will. honestly for the average crusty it involves getting drunk and drugs, i’m sober myself but that’s one of the things that kinda makes me not want to identify as much, there really is a negative… almost stereotype you know? not that there is anything wrong with doing that! it’s just you know, i think it’s important to stay active, both in the community and the scene. As for me, an average day consists of hanging out with friends, not much you know. Though i do try and do volunteer stuff as much as i can, my main love is the Boise Bike Project, who helps to get bikes to underprivileged people. And of course going to shows and what not. Not sure what you mean by issues? like i mean i get kinda harassed sometime for being “crusty” but i’m a bigger dude so i don’t get too many problems!
X: Well, it certainly seems as though you are a very solid member of the community and at TURPID, we respect that above most things and attributes of the punk lifestyles. Outsiders helping outsiders in all matters of the sense. Now, how well does the crust scene weave in its major political views and give us an overview of what those are, at least in your area.
CC: oh well i don’t know if “solid member of the community” is the right words, but thank you! you know honestly, there isn’t a huge scene here, i live in Idaho and it’s a pretty backwards place. The politics that are here stay pretty leftists but sometimes that can seem like a farce, but I think that is just about all scenes you know? Not that that’s an excuse. I know I keep friends who hold my same views of anti-hate, homophobia, racism, sexism, all that you know? But there kind of is a lack of community in a way, few people come down to shows for local or small time bands, and they seem to stick to their friends mostly. I don’t know maybe i’m guilty of that too. So to answer your question in an unnecessarily long fashion: I guess there isn’t a solid enough unit of “the punk scene” to say.
X: Every bit counts man. But at least there is one still alive and kickn’. As for the surrounding bands, could you give us some name and genres? Are they all crust or what?
CC: Definitely not all crust! Some names… The Head Cases are like a pop punk band but they are pretty big here so i feel obligated to name them haha, New Iron Front, Raid, those are some more Hardcore bands they are pretty good, then some like ska or folk bands like The Figure Eights.
X: Bet they’re somethin’. Sucks for the seemingly large lack of support. Let’s go back to you “backwards” town. How bad is the bigotry and hate there and what is its effect on the community, both punk and non?
CC: Oh I almost forgot Pull Out Quick, they are a pretty famous street punk band from here! Anyway, you know i live in the main city so that kind of stuff is frowned upon some what, but the second you leave it gets pretty bad. Confederate flags and such, I’ve been called f*ggot by grown men, I can’t imagine what it would be like for an actual gay or queer person living out there! I don’t think it affects the scene too much? at worst there are just people who are politically apathetic but it’s really not that bad. However some of the bands have actually said things I have gotten angry with. Most recently one, who i won’t name to avoid drama, made a transphobic joke. Sadly I think support for that kind of thing is viewed as like “radical” and “far left” almost you know? so sometimes things like that happens. But never had anything with the more crust, or hardcore bands so that is definitely one advantage. Not that the street punks here are all like that by any means! but you know what i mean.
X: We always say here in the community “Don’t worry, the Confederate Flag generation will die out in our lifetime and we’ll get to watch.” From what you’ve said though, do you personally think that it is the responsibility of a punk of any group, crust, stree, anyone group to connect their music to politics and the acts and events happening around them or do you argue a different perspective, such as punk should just stay out of it as if the communities not strong enough, will it pit punk against punk?
CC: Well i certainly hope that is true! I like that. Absolutely, I think punk should remain a threat to bigoted communities. Challenge what is viewed as acceptable. For example, we have a big problem with gay bashing here in our state, people need to be singing about that! Getting angry about! organizing groups to combat this, and you know not just in the punk community, punk is political sure but it is also a music preference you know? if there are other people out there with your same views and passions, get them involved too! Also keeping music political keeps bigots out of your scene, I think this is VERY important. If some homophobe comes walking in and hears a band singing about anti-homophobia, then he’ll likely not be interested, or hopefully miraculously have a change of heart maybe I don’t know. But yes, i think staying on top of issues, not only lyrically but just talking about them, I mean you have the floor when you are up there on stage, is very very important. Keep punk political. Keep it leftists, keep it a threat you know?
X: Well certainly “Punk” itself was created to protest and actively fight the bigotry in the governments around the world, local or global. You said that there are, however, individuals of punks there who wholeheartedly embody this bigotry and homophobia, and make transphobic remarks as well.
With that, do you think the punk community needs to be more protective and open to these minority groups such as members of the LGBT community and others such as racial or even cultural groups that are not usually considered to make up a large part of punk?
CC: well i haven’t noticed any homophobia in the punk scene, just in our area. And the incident i was referring to, maybe the person isn’t actually transphobic but jokes like that send a message, like i said, you have the floor up there and people are listening and that just should not be happening. I’m glad you said ‘more protective and open’ instead of how to like ‘integrate’ more minorities into the punk scene or whatever. why i say that is because i feel some people have a tendency to treat minorities like tokens or something you know? like “we need to have more diverse punk scene!” like sure that’d be nice but don’t treat us like something to make you scene seem more accepting or whatever. I don’t want to speak to much on LGBT issues since I would rather you ask some one of that group, which i’m sure you have and will! But yes, protect trans people, gay, religious, cultural, minorities all that. Like we’ve seen in East LA even, the massive rise in Latino punk scene, they built their scene up you know? It wasn’t like, this accepting community encouraged them to join (not that there is anything wrong with that) but they just made their own scene, and everyone is welcome. Like, it’s just important to make it clear what punk is all about. It is about combating racism and hate, it is about abolition of borders and free immigration and issues dear to the hearts of Latino communities. It’s not the job of mostly majority punk scenes to try and get other involved its their job to make it clear and obvious what it stands for and that punk is for everyone, so that if they do get interested they are more then welcome to join the scene or make their own.
X: Well, the Crusty Chicano, I cannot express how great it was to have this interview with you, especially while sharing so many views with us here at TURPID and I’m sure many of those in our community that feel frustrated with the bigotry and repression of minorities and the need for more elaboration and opposition of these issues in punk music. Thank you so very much for giving us your take and holding presence with us!
CC: Hey, absolutely, I feel pretty honored being asked to do this interview so thank you! it was alot of fun.
X: We agree, and because of this, we have decided to donate this month’s proceeds to the BOISE BIKE Project. Just a small token from us here at HQ. Thanks again.
CC: absolutely, that is awesome! they will appreciate it. thanks again!