A bittersweet month of celebrations, laughs and some serious chats...
I am back again with a safety pin in my heart and fire in my soul, with the latest news from Punk Rock Creatives Podcast! April is my birthday month (23rd) – I’m a Taurus in case you are into astrology, or just curious. To the people who left voice notes on Facebook and WhatsApp singing ‘Happy Birthday’, I thank you – you really made my day! This month has been full of non-stop brilliant news that will hopefully unfold as the next few months progress (or I will look like a tit!), and it was so good to see Gypsy Lee Pistorero (a guest from Series one) on tour at the Underworld, Camden with his band Gypsy Pistoleros.
What a fucking band, and the venue was the perfect setting. I chatted with Lee after his performance, and he said he was 100% percent happy, and I told him we all loved it! Just what I needed after a challenging day, Gypsy Pistoleros were a much-needed tonic. I was still in my school run get-up with half my nails missing, make-up all over the shop, surrounded by fabulous Ewoks, demon fairies, and other dark fairy tale type creatures all dressed up to fit the theme of the Pistoleros’ new album ‘Dark Faerie Tales’. Yes, I didn’t make the effort because I had two minutes or something to get to the gig… but I have a dark soul, does that count? Despite the interesting day I had had, I was soon laughing and bouncing about to ‘Come on Eileen’… an absolute winner!
I also managed to catch up with other Season 1 guests Hagar the Womb and Rubella Ballet at their gigs (It was a Saturday, so managed a bit of lippy and a nice dress this time, in case you are wondering!). It was Sid Truelove of Rubella Ballet’s birthday (one of life’s awesome people and a true anarcho punk veteran) and it was in one of my favourite London venues, the Dublin Castle. There was also the Rage DC album launch at Reading’s Facebar, which was brilliant!!! It was a month of catching up with pervious guests – which gives me the chance for a cheap plug of the ‘Punk Rock Creatives Compilation’ featuring said bands, still available via Dammit Records; all proceeds go to Protected Paws Animal Charity.
It was a bittersweet month for interviews, all so good, but as last month lots of laughs but some very serious chats.
Joanne Majauskis (Domestic Abuse Support Services)
Joanne Majauskis’ interview was wonderful – it showed me how far I have come personally. I first met Jo when I lived in a women’s refuge (what feels like a million years ago now). We discussed things that I had spoken about after going through rounds of therapy to process what had happened. Jo responded by explaining the psychology and the statistics, how to recognise the signs, and the ongoing stigma of domestic abuse that people won’t talk about, and where to go for help. It was good to talk to Jo, but after the editing I didn’t feel so good. It felt horrible, the listening back and editing was horrific and I had the fear when I released it. However, if this episode helps one person, then it’s done its job. Please reach out to Refuge for support – their UK National Helpline information page is available to all.
Keith Woodhouse (Radio Woking)
The Keith Woodhouse episode was the tonic I needed after the darkness of the last episode – it was light-hearted, funny, and really made me laugh! It was also great to see him at the Rage DC album launch, as they’re one of Keith’s favourite bands. From growing up in London’s East End and seeing the Sex Pistols, Bob Marley and Toots and the Maytals live, to standing on stages as the compere at grassroots festivals, there’s a bit of John Peel in his DNA – especially with his in-house sessions and giving current bands a platform – but without the mythology. Just turning up, putting bands in a room, and seeing what happens.
Ryan Hanratty (Catch Me if You Can)
Ryan Hanratty of Catch Me If You Can was next, and what a brilliant talent they are, based in Queens, New York. They talked about songwriting and how different styles come together, then somehow ended up speaking about the US healthcare system, and what it’s like dealing with that as a creative. Classic Punk Rock Creatives Podcast detour! If you’re into the New York scene, Ryan shares some solid tips on where to play as a solo artist and what it’s really like to gig there. We also had a fun debate on where punk actually started – the UK or USA, London or New York. They told stories about on-stage incidents and talked through some iconic punk/alternative venues, and touch on the legendary Chelsea Hotel. Oh – and Ryan’s dog gets a mention too!
Rich Cross (The Hippies Now Wear Black)
Rich Cross, otherwise known as The Hippies Now Wear Black, who has an ongoing Anarcho Punk website and social media platform, spoke to me about their book ‘This is a Message to Persons Unknown’ based on The Poison Girls, who I love!!! Vi Subversa – what a pioneer and an inspiration. I can’t wait to get the book! The Poison Girls don’t get enough press and there isn’t enough history about them. I was talking to a guest (who will be on a future episode) about playing Vi Day at Winter of Discontent Festival a few years ago, and we discussed what an honour it was to play a memorial gig for her, with other anarcho punk veterans. Pete Fender, Vi’s son, joined us on stage when we did a Poison Girls cover, a very special day for a special person. She was loved by many, thank you for writing this book, Rich, and thank you for being on the show.
Thank you for reading this article, if you made it to the end! If you want to start your own podcast, just do it, I don’t believe in gatekeeping and there are some great podcasts out there which discuss punk and punk related topics. If you need help setting up, or have any questions about the show or would like to be on the show, drop me an email: punkrockcreatives@gmail.com
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Podcaster Marie hosts a regular Punk interview show: “I like chatting to people and listening to their creative journeys, and I like punk! It’s a huge part of who I am, and putting the two together, and talking to other creatives just seems to work.” She joined Lost Cherrees as vocalist in 2012, and after a break has recently stepped onto the stage as a solo performer. Marie is a Graphic Designer and a Special Educational Needs advocate.
Did you know that we are 100% DIY? We run our own game. No one dictates to us, and no one drives what we can or cannot put on our pages – and this is how we plan to continue!
