We have written an article about The Final Collapse LP and how we wrote the songs and recorded them. Here is a link to the site http://www.deafsparrow.com/Born-Dead-Feature.htm

WK=Will Kinser
B/D=Band




1. If you had a choice to literally dissemble the system today would
you do it? Many punk lyrics call to smash the system, smash the state.
I'm curious if the button was in your hands would you press it?
Myself I'm a firm believer in my own sense of not needing authority to
make me a decent person but struggle slightly with that everyone has
that potential, (fuck it though I'd press the button)
WK: I personally think that America in general is not ready for an
Anarchist state because of the way we've been conditioned to act
towards one another and the absolute selfishness of the majority
population. Still though, that is not a reason for not pressing the
hypothetical button because change needs to be brought about whether
or not people are ready for it. I think that in the short term without
government enforcement there would be mass chaos but in the long term
with a lot of guidance communities could stabilize and learn to work
together without oppressive governments. First step is education and
showing people that they have the power and that collectively they are
a force that cannot be controlled by wealthy aristocrats.





2. You have used crass imagery in your art work, recently there has
seem to be an resurgence in crass records work with outlets like "The
Day the Country Died" DVD, Conflict coming to America again, & I just
went to a art show tonight in San Francisco with Gee Vaucher who
created most the Crass album / poster art. Do you feel there work
which is pushing 30 years old now is still relevant and important?
B/D: We think that it is more relevant now than ever before. Punk
should be in opposition to all governments that engages in unlawful
wars, knowingly destroy the environment, and lie to their citizenry.
The crass art is a statement about politics and it should remain so,
although we would say that it is important to branch out in any form
of art. We don't want to be a retro band like many other bands in the
SF bay area, at the time when we formed it seemed the most befitting
art for what we saw as a political void in punk, we have in some ways
moved away from directly using crass art, but it does influence our
art direction combined with a lot of other peace punk bands with
strong stark design concepts. There seems to be interest in a lot of
history of punk these days, there are books coming out quite
frequently about all its genres. The question is will people take the
ethos of bands like Crass and Conflict and push it forward into
something more updated. We can't fantasize about living in the past,
we need to create a better present.




3. Hot Topic which is a multinational retail corporation sells crass
shirts, is this wrong or is it more important to have suburban kids
wearing that shit so at least a few will actually read the lyrics and
start there own path to inner revolution?
B/D: We can't say whether or not it is good or bad. It is fucked that
a corporation is profiting from a revolutionary band and also from
real revolutionaries such as Che or Malcolm X. Will some kid pick up
this piece of merchandise and think about what it represents and then
get active? We hope so, although we see proof that in many cases it
doesn't. This just shows that the system can turn any movement into a
fucking plastic shell of what it was really about. Crass isn't selling
Hot Topic these shirts and as far as I can tell most members still
hold true to what they believed in all those years ago.





4. How was this last European tour?
B/D: Really well organized and very well attended. The shows where
absolutely incredible and we really appreciate the time and energy of
all the people who work on them. It was our longest tour yet with 82
shows in 84 days, at times it was grueling although I think we all
came away with a sense it was well worth it. We hit the road again
quite soon.





5. While in Norway did you get a chance to burn any churches? I hear
the kids there walk around with goats blood spewing from there mouths,
can you describe the evil? (more descriptive / embellished the
better!)
WK:: We burned churches, banks, and police stations mostly, but less
for evils sake and more as a political statement (laughter). Actually
the majority of burning activism takes place don a slightly less evil
country of Greece. Truthfully I never saw any black metal kids in all
of Scandinavia. WTF?





6. When abroad how do people (that don't know you) respond to you
being American? Do you ever get hostility coming from the biggest
asshole on the block?
B/D: We hope that since people know our bands political views they
would be smart enough to know that we are against the government and
majority of the populations world view. The truth is that every so
often you get some idiot who thinks because you live here that you are
personally responsible for the destruction of the earth. Usually these
people are meatheads with little to no ground to stand on and you can
back them into a corner verbally without much effort.





7. You are currently on Prank Records; do you guys ever release
material yourself? Are there any bands in Europe or beyond that you
would like to put out here?
WK: We released the first EP on my label No Options Records. Prank
records is a more established label though and have done a lot to
really support us and we are happy with them. Actually I have plans to
release our next LP which is going to be a split with Behind Enemy
Lines on No Options because I feel that it will help the label at this
point. I recently released an LP by Bombenalarm from Germany. There
are a lot of great bands from Europe, it is always hard to gauge
whether or not they will be successful here. Americans aren't always
the most open minded people even in the punk scene and sometimes the
language barrier can get in the way. My plans for releases of European
bands as of now are to put out an Instinct of Survival LP and a
Fliehende Sturme 'best of' Lp. Instinct is a great Crust band in the
vein of Bolt thrower and Fliehende Sturme is a really melodic post
punk band that sound really original, quite reminiscent of Joy
Division in that really melancholy approach.





8. While your travels across the plain of this tiny snow globe have
you had the chance to play shows with mixed a lineup (like metal/psyc
rock/prog roc/etc)? If so can you describe some of the reactions from
a mixed crowd..?
B/D: We have played with some really strange bands such as this Jazz
fusion hip hop group with spoken word and some insane man repeating
James Brown over and over and some viking rock band in Finland. I
guess when we have played with groups that are different styles the
shows have mainly consisted of people who came to see us though. As
far crowd reaction it has been by in large very good. Every place has
it's own style and reception. Some of our favorites on tour this year
are Berlin, Bremen, Hamburg, Oslo, Athens, Belgrade, Mexico D.F., St.
Etienne, Zarautz, Brighton, Vienna, Warsaw.





9. Would you say since you've already toured Europe prior and are now
more established it's easier getting by? Are you now staying in 4 star
hotels & drinking fine cognacs instead of squats & the local pub ale?
Can you describe the differences compared to earlier European tours?
B/D:We still stay in squats because this is the scene we are involved
in, if we had hotels tour would be boring because we usually party all
night with our friends after the gigs. A common misconception about
squats in Europe is that they are dirty and dilapidated, in almost all
cases this is completely wrong. A lot of the people who live in squats
are skilled at construction and take care of their houses more than
regular homeowners.They also care about and have time to make their
homes personal and comfortable. Here are some tips for bands who
wants to go on their first Euro tour because it is important that
people know this. First off, get a record released there before you
go. A lot of bands are touring Europe before they even have a release
which creates stress for venues and promoters because no one will come
out to see a band they have never heard. If you can't get a record
released in Europe you probably aren't ready for a tour there. Second,
don't go to Europe before touring the states, tons of bands go there
first because they hear that it is easier to tour there which is true
if you are an established band, but for bands that have never been in
a van together for more than a couple days a tour like that can break
them. Also think about that the fact you are not supporting your own
scene when you do this.I had a lot of promoters complain to me about
bands that aren't known touring Europe because people will book the
shows for unknown bands because they make the money regardless for
renting the vans and equipment and it is growing problem of less
attendance because people are tired of hearing third rate Ami bands
who are just there for the free drinks and accommodations. Third, book
your tours with someone you can trust who maybe a friends band has
done stuff through, because some bands have made it out there to find
loads of gaps in the tour, long drives, and band organization. We have
never had a bad tour in Europe because we always followed those rules.
We have learned a lot though.




10. You are flying out to New Zealand and Australia next week, how did
get hooked up with these dates? Are you stoked? Have you heard it's
harder to travel around Australia?
B/D: We are excited as hell about the trip. Our friends in Pisschrist
actually booked the tour and have been really helpful with everything.
We will be touring with them and based on previous times that we
played together it should be really fun and harmful to the liver.




11. Some of your lyrics imagery deals with the contrast of being
emerged in a technological world that is controlled and monitored by
corporate entities, do you feel it's still important use these techno
tools for the sake of spreading the word or is it better to abstain
and lead by example?
B/D: We are not primitivist's in any case. We should say that the
evolution of technology has led us to a very sterile environment so
far removed from nature that we don't care about the damage that we
are doing to the earth. We do think that technology can be used for
good but only after people realize that technology must coexist with
nature. There needs to be some forethought put into the uses and the
possible misuses of technology. Actually just arriving back from
England we where amazed by the amount of surveillance there it is
almost omnipresent. This country is on the same course and it is
scary, it is a complete invasion of privacy and will only lead to the
destruction of civil liberties, not that there is much left.





12. A criticism that is thrown around political based punk, crust, &
hardcore is that all is bleak and the future is doomed, come on. you
believe in sunshine and lollipops don't you? maybe moon beams & candy
drops? While i believe focusing on topics that aren't necessarily
popular is positive in itself can you describe your response to using
mostly dark imagery and lyrics?
B/D: Punk/Hardcore/Crust bands have been proficizing the end times for
a long while now but if you look around it is more than accurate so
fuck what the critics say. I mean just in the last year we where told
that global warming does exist and is propelled forward by humans,
hmmm, I think I heard that in a song about 20 years ago but no one
would listen the fuck up. The problem with society is that everyone
wants sunshine and lollipops and they don't want to think about the
consequences of their beautiful lives. Do you think people would wear
all these designer clothes if they saw the sweatshops firsthand? Do
you think that people would drive everywhere they fucking go if they
could see the future, their children starving in a Siberian winter or
dying of thirst in the worst drought in human history? Forethought is
all we ask for. If that ruins your fucking day it will only get worse
when you reap the consequences of your selfish actions. The world is
in dark times right now like it or not and that is why we use these
images and lyrics. A cry of despair and a wake up call all in one.





13. My favorite thing about your music is it focus's on the root of
many of social issues, mainly the system itself. does it ever bug you
about the liberal minded peeps (especially in SF) who sit on the high
horse simply they hate bush when him & his flunkies are just puppets
to there conservative masters, would you say your trying to expose
more since your lyrics are literally more to the core?
WK: When I write lyrics I try not to be preachy and just say what is
on my mind in the most straight forward sense about social issues,
depression, fears, whatever. It is just a testimony to the control and
conditioning of the populace that many so called liberals believe that
all of the issues that have arisen in the past decade are due to one
man when it is most certainly the corrupt system itself that is
perpetuating more and more control and less human rights and freedoms.



Alright here is the portion of the interview where someone eventually
is going to get beat up, arrested, or dumped by there girlfriend when
it hits the streets (it's either you or me brother)



14. Skinheads; Ligament working class people trying to make there way
or fraternity brothers that turn boot parties into circle jerks behind
closed doors?
B/D: Some of both, we see that in all categories or genres. There are
idiots in all scenes, this one just happens to have a much higher rate
than some others we can think of but you won't get a blanket statement
out of us because we don't like to categorize people based on a dress
code.





15. Cocaine, Ecstasy, Heroin, Acid, Mushrooms, Marijuana, Absinth,
Fernet, or Gold Paint?
B/D: Tried almost all of those at some point save heroin but nowadays
your only likely to find us with alcohol and weed, maybe some gold
paint once in awhile(laughter).





11. Prostitution; woman taking control of there own bodies despite
what a government persecution or a misogynist underbelly of modern
culture?
B/D: None of us have ever had experience in this realm so we can't say
we would have a definite answer but it strikes us as odd that people
would want to pay for sex because it is readily available to people
from almost all walks of life. We don't get the feeling that many
women are really happy doing this kind of work other than maybe for
the money it provides them with so we would have to go with misogynist
underbelly until otherwise notified by some happy hookers.




16. Do you go to Molotov's in the lower haight? Is it safe for normal
people? I hear punks piss in your beer while your in the bathroom and
the bar tenders will kick your ass as soon as look at you.
B/D: We where there on Friday night and it seems safe for normal
people until they do something to provoke the punks then it is a
different story.
WK: I stated going there about 9 years ago. I have gotten in more
fights there than I can count, been there when it was tear gassed by
some fucking off duty police, been there when the place was filled
with smoke from the place next door burning and no one was leaving
there drinks. Most of those fights where backing up that bartender
from some drunk with nothing better to do than fight. Lots of fun and
a great jukebox. Molotov's, good times.





17. Seems like there has been a trend of classic punk bands like Sham
69 or Dr. Know playing shows again with little or no original lineup?
What are your feelings on that? Does it need to be original singer or
at least partial lineup?
B/D: We are of the opinion that most of these pathetic bands are not
doing it for the money but more to relive there glory days which is
even more sad than if they where getting paid. There needs to be a
reason why they are getting back together and a close relationship
with the current scene or else it is fake and not what punkrock is
about certain bands have been involved the whole time though like The
Subhumans and The UK Subs.





18. Is the 2038 Born/Dead world tour with only your 4th bassist in the
lineup gonna be awesome?
No cause it ain't gonna happen. We have learned from the mistakes of
our punk fore bearers and it won't go down like that.

Contact: Born/Dead Po Box 22285 Oakland CA 94623 USA nooptionsrecords@gmail.com

BORN/DEAD & PISSCHRIST AUSTRALIAN TOUR 2007-2008
28 Dec Adelaide
29 Dec Adelaide
31 Dec Melbourne
3 Jan Canberra
4 Jan Sydney
5 Jan Brisbane
6 Jan Brisbane
9 Jan Sydney
10 Jan Melbourne
11 Jan Melbourne
12 Jan Tasmania

Thursday, January 17 - The Thirsty Dog, Auckland 9pm [R18] (w/Streetkunt, Sinking Ships Blown to Bits)

Friday, January 18 - Ellen Melville Hall, Auckland 8pm [AA] (w/ Coffee Rage, plus more)

Saturday, January 19 - Valve, Wellington 6pm [AA] (w/ support TBC)

Saturday, January 19 - Valve, Wellington 9pm [R18] (w/Punchbowel, Gaylordz, Strangers)

Sunday, January 20 - Yellow Submarine (w/Gawj, Coffee Rage, Wasteland) 5pm [AA]

BORN/DEAD-Josh Carman=JC Will Kinser=WK

1. You are on tour in the US and then coming to Europe for over 80
days to continue in Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Do you actually
have a private life besides the band? A girlfriend or a job??? You
probably do not fancy going to any shows after coming back from tour..

WK:We all have lives outside the band but right now we seem to be
focusing a lot of energy on booking, touring, and recording. Along
with everything we have to make shirts, patches, posters, and
stickers for ourselves mainly. This takes time as well. I think we all
have girlfriends and that is the hardest part of touring, being away
from the ones that you love is always really taxing and can be really
depressing. Our jobs are pretty menial though, I'll just get another
one when I get back, although I have been thinking of trying to get a
better education and maybe start a job that doesn't totally suck the
life out of me. Something that would complement the punkrock lifestyle
like being a freelance journalist.

JC: Haha, we do obviously have to put certain aspects of our lives on
hold. I myself have a girlfriend, but we have and will be in touch
through email/messenger and phone until she visits out here the end of October.
She'll travel with us for a week or so at the end of our European tour
in Germany and then we plan on taking a vacation down south to Italy
perhaps. We'll have 20 days off before we head to SE Asia.
As for my job I had to quit. Not 100% sure where I will work when I get back.

2.How do you cope in terms of physical health? Partying and drinking
every night is probably not your daily routine?

JC: As a band on the whole we do like to tie one on and one of the
great things about touring Europe is there are usually beers for the
bands. For me, I don't party so hard every night, you'll have to ask Wyatt and
Will about that. As for staying healthy, I do what I can and try to
not just eat junk from gas stations. Usually the band meal is pretty
healthy, burritos
with fresh veggies or some pasta.


WK: Unfortunately at certain times in my life partying and drinking
have been part of my daily routine. At home I have been trying to cut
down though because it started to interfere with being productive with
art, work, and other things. I suppose that it is very hard to deal
with touring without some sort of vice and Josh is correct in saying
we really like to party, so drinking will most likely be the norm. I
personally think if you are going to drink on tour at all you may as
well do it every night because you tend to get sick less when your body
is always preserved, and of course when tour is over it really can
take a toll on your body. I don't really do anything to stay healthy
just try to keep my beers to myself which is sometimes hard. We get a
good workout every night I would say.

3. Is there a country that you particularly look forward to?

WK: I am really excited about the whole tour because I pretty much got
to pick which countries to play in this time around. I am kinda sad we
won't make it to Russia because that sounds amazing. I really just
can't wait to see all our friends from the last tours, and the punx
who have traveled to the U.S.A. that we have met no matter which
country they are in. Australia and New Zealand are gonna be crazy
though, I haven't been to those countries in 19 years now.

JC: For me, I cant wait to visit countries I haven't seen yet, such as
Greece and most of Italy, Norway, and Finland and I'm very much looking
forward to seeing Ireland and Scotland and of course SE Asia and
Australia!




4. At least one of the band members stayed in Germany for a longer
time after the last tour. How did this extended stay come to happen?
What places did you visit?

WK: I usually always try to travel by myself after tour because I
like going back to places to visit in a more personal way with friends
that I know in the places we played. It was at this point I met
someone who I fell in love with, so I had to come back to visit her in
Hamburg. In the end it didn't work out but we are still good friends.
I really like Germany and have very close friends there so it
felt very comfortable and I was able to see a lot of stuff
I never was able to on tour, go to many awesome festivals, and
experience the madness of world cup football.

5. What is the reference point for your band name BORN/DEAD? It covers
the beginning and the end of life? What about the stuff that happens
in between? Is your view, that many people make too little out of their
life, so that looking at the bottom line, only birth and death remain
as relevant „milestones"?

WK: It was very much a commentary on what you described in your
question, I mean the name is not a literal translation but as you said
it signifies birth and death which happens to every living creature.
What comes between is what you make of it, and at the time I came up
with the name I was thinking a lot about what humanity as a whole has
chosen to use their lives for which over the last couple centuries
seems to consist as numb work horses for the rich, instruments of
death in wars, and the cause of the desecration of the natural
environment. Humanity has stepped away from an existence of all other
creatures, being in balance with nature. People live as though they
are wasting every minute if they are not producing and fail to just
live and be.

JC: Its the story of your life and the end of its your death, and
every word that's in between is just a waste a breath.

6. What are your main influences in terms of music and lyrics?
BORN/DEAD strongly remind me of NEGATIVE APPROACH – were they one of
your musical influences? The mix of old US-hardcore and more recent
political bands like AUS-ROTTEN?

JC: Yes, US hardcore like Negative Approach and Aus Rotten for sure.
Also 80s UK Anarcho punk such as Zounds, Flux of Pink Indians, 80s and
90s east bay hardcore like Christ on Parade, Econochrist and Neurosis
too. As far as drumming, the Germs and bands like Talk Is Poison have
always been a huge influence for me.



WK: Negative Approach are one one of my all time favorite bands and
have been for the past 15 years so you could say that, I mean I don't
really think we copy any band musically or lyrically but we definitely
mold the influences Josh mentioned and tons more into our own thing
which usually comes to form more as dark hardcore punk. Battalion of
Saints, Black Flag, and Amebix are a few others which are integral
influences.

7. With PRANK you have a label in the US while you are also linked
with ALERTA ANTIFASCISTA and YELLOW DOG. Both of these are from
Germany. Do you have a special relationship with Germany?

JC: Well, we obviously have this tie to German labels that you've
mentioned. Other than that we have many good friends in towns like
Hamburg, Berlin, and Bremen etc...We always like to play shows in
Germany. But we don't like these screwy keyboards!


WK: These where the first labels who asked to work with us outside the
U.S. So I would say that it is purely coincidental.We do have a
connection with Germany because of this fact. Because of the records
being released out of Germany we have been able to organize a lot of
gigs in Germany and have built a lot of good friendships with a lot of
people. I may even eventually end up moving here someday, it's kind of
a plan. I just got to find a job for my girlfriend so she can get
papers to work, so if you know any punkrock salons near Bremen, she's
super professional, contact me. hahaha.

8. Is there a band today from Germany that you particularly like?

WK: Burial, Bombenalarm, Doomtown, Instinct of Survival, Trend,
Fliehende Sturme, Apocalipstix, to name a few. Also a lot of older
bands like Chaos Z, Slime, The Crowds, Vorkriegsjugend, OHL,
Toxoplasma, Hammerhead, Razzia, The Cretins, Schleim Keim and Deutsche
Trinker Jugend.


9. One of your first singles came out on NO OPTIONS RECORDS, more less
your own label? What are the main reasons for not putting out later
records on that label?

WK: I wanted to concentrate my efforts more on other bands releases
and to a certain extent PRANK RECORDS is a lot bigger label than my
own. I mean the next release I put out will hopefully be the first I
have been able to pay for the recording. The label is something I
want to concentrate .. I get back from tour but I have some
really good releases coming out in the meanwhile.

10. Looking at the MySpace-Site of NO OPTIONS RECORDS I found to my
surprise that TREND was among your "favorite friends". Quite unusual
since they are not really close to what the bands of the label usually
are about musically. What is your relation with TREND?

WK: I really liked their records when I heard them doing reviews for
MRR so I contacted them. I'm planning on releasing a record in the
U.S.A. for them someday hopefully. We almost did a Ami-press for their
'Navigator' LP. I think they would do really well on tour here. I
don't have a particular taste in music although I usually tend towards
punk, but I never wanted NO OPTIONS RECORDS to be a label that had one
specific sound.

11. MySpace continues to be a controversial discussion topic because
of the increasing control and surveillance of people that it can
potentially provide. What were the reasons for BORN/DEAD to open a
MySpace site? I heard that Maximum Rock..n..Roll would not be
reviewing records of bands anymore, if they had a MySpace site (no
clue, if this is really true)

JC: I think the main reason is we had a website to post show dates and
whatnot but we would never get around to doing this. MySpace is
definitely easy to use and extremely accessible and while it is owned
by a disgustingly huge
multinational news corporation, we use it to post shows for kids to
find out about them. There is no way to really excuse this. It is what
it is. As far as Maximum, I doubt this. Martin who does their distribution
is in Limp Wrist and they as well have a MySpace.

WK: I work at MRR and I know this isn't true. I think it was an April
fools issue that this was written in if I'm not mistaken. Although I
despise Myspace I have a personal account as well as various band
sites which I keep for contact. The kids use this as a tool for
information and I feel that is just as easy to track email. It all
boils down to the fact that if you are planning actions or want to be
anonymous to the government don't deal with digital technology for
communications. We are not posting anything on this that is not
already available to the public anyway.

12. The fold-out poster cover for the „our darkest fears..."LP
contains the saying that „this technological hell was created by man,
the world we have built must come to an end". What is meant by
"technological hell"? Stopping new technologies and progress? More
focus on human values instead of "robotization" of society? Technology
can do good things if it is used appropriately…

WK: The meaning of this phrase is that all the progress comes at a
price and when people constantly push forward without thinking of
the consequences like experimenting with our environment,
proliferating nuclear weapons, creating black holes, or any number of
things that these meglomaniacs are trying to manipulate, it could and
most likely will mean the end of our existence. I kind of see a
technological hell as a sterile environment devoid of nature, but you
can't really stop progress. I think it is destined to all fall down
eventually. I see a lot of good in technology but nothing really can
change my perception that being one with nature is better than
manipulating it.

13. The US wars in Asia are going on since many years. And success is
rather modest to say it politely. Do you think that these wars may be
ending in a foreseeable time frame? What is the current sentiment in
the US/among the US population about these wars?

JC: Well, we all know North Korea had been in the news for some time
as of late but now the shift of attention is towards Iran. I think
that US forces will remain in Asia, or anywhere for that matter that
the US government thinks it can have an influence and advantage over.
I was watching the news yesterday and our president came on trying to
liken the deaths in Vietnam post US pullout to deaths that would occur
in Iraq if we pulled out our troops. It was almost as if he was
arguing that we should have kept a military force in Vietnam longer,
and what about the deaths that occur WITH a military presence?
His speech was a truly embarassing sight and I dont think that anyone
who would like to see the end of the US military occupation in Iraq is
saying that we should just abandon Iraq and leave them to fend for
themselves entirely in the current state over there. There is of
course humanitarian work that can and should be done by the US after
military forces are withdrawn.

WK: I agree with Josh and I don't see them really pulling out anytime
soon. This is like the United States last stand as a superpower in the
world and they are not gonna just withdraw from the region giving them
a lot of tactical advantage and wealth.

14. At the beginning of the Iraq war I was under the impression that
various American punk bands increased their patriotic tendencies. Does
this seem correct or am I mistaken? Earlier, in the 80ties, patriotism
seemed to be an exception among punk bands (as far as I am aware of)
and was negatively earmarked in the scene. Is patriotism accepted to a
higher level today in the US punk scene than in earlier times?

WK: I think the bands which where Streetpunk, Oi!, and Trash rock
bands did definitely develop more patriotic stance, but most of these
bands where just closet patriots anyway and now it has become alright
for them to wave their fucking flags. As far as history goes I would
say the American hardcore scene has always had the bands that where
more patriotic and macho like Slapshot, or Code Of Honor, and the
completely alienated lefties who were anti-establishment and
anti-war. Unfortunately I see some of this blind patriotism coming
from a lot of privileged youth claiming to be punx in the bay area. I
wouldn't say it was accepted though in the DIY scene at all.

15. Do you think that society is degenerating generally speaking,
because the so called "old values" like religion and conservative
ideas are gaining ground again? Is progressive thinking unwanted? Or
is this view misleading because freedom in Europe and the US was never
as extensive as today if you look at it from an objective viewpoint –
despite all negative tendencies?

WK: If life has taught me something it's that everything moves in
waves. Things can be great and I'm thinking here comes the bad times.
I do think that progressive thinking is unwanted from high society in
general because it could upset some of the workers and cause a
revolution, but wealth rules mostly and is very addaptable that is why
we think we are so free when they are just satisfying the most basic
freedoms while keeping us restricted in almost every form of daily
life.

16. Your lyrics are always very political and are not short of
criticism towards all the wrongdoing in the world. This is important
and correct. But why are there no positive lyrics inbetween sometimes
– that could show an alternative to all that shit that is going on in
the world? Everybody knows that world today is shitty. But what many
people are lacking are positive signals, a positive vibrance,
something that provides energy to cope with all the crap…

WK: I really don't see much hope in the world. That doesn't mean I
wouldn't fight to the end to try to create change but punk is an
outlet, not the means to change our world. If you want to do that play
some pop music like the Beatles, or better yet, don't try to change
the world with music at all it won't work. I just really can't scream
about beauty because it doesn't suit the music or my perception of
punk as anger, nihlism, and an anti-conformitist art form. It comes
down to the fact that I don't really have all the answers and I don't
want to tell people how they should live. The only advice I have to
give is a person can change themselves first, the next step is to
change the world, and I think this comes through in our music.

17. The line „Freedom seems a falsehood in any government or country"
has a clear anarchistic notion. To what extent would you consider
anarchist ideals and anarchist goals to be a utopia? How much can be
brought to life in real life?

WK: The current forms of government are killing people everyday, they
manipulate the public, are full of corruption, and are nothing more
than show pieces for a dominating upper class. I don't view anarchy as
a utopia, but I think people working together under no masters would
be one way to solve a lot of the disparities of wealth. This is more
of a question that I would write an essay or small book about so i
will stop here.

18. Did you vote in the last presidential elections? If so, who did
you vote for and why? Saying goes: Elections do not change a thing –
otherwise they would be forbidden. On the other hand, it is also not
possible to change anything if you don't vote. Please, give us some
ideas about your attitude towards voting and elections…

JC: In the first round of elections I voted for Ralph Nader and we got
George Bush. In the second round I voted for John Kerry and we got
George Bush. Voting, especially with these new electronic voting
devices, does feel like youre casting your vote into oblivion. I feel
that voting is important and more influential on the local and state
level as far as supporting initiatives like universal helathcare or
defeating right-wing propositions.

WK: Whoever you vote for government wins, they select the puppets you
get to choose which one.

19. To many, Bush and his clique are responsible for a lot of shit
going on in the world. But rarely anyone speaks about the people who
voted for him. Would it not be necessary to rather criticize the
conservative mainstream people that actually voted for him? It is
rather to simple, pinpointing one person as the devil by wearing a
"not my president"-Shirt? The problems will not just disappear if Bush
leaves.. addressing the people who voted for him makes more sense,
since it was them, who are responsible for all these wars with
thousands of deaths? Should these people be asked, how they can
arrange this with their conscience? Or the press and journals of
newspapers and TV stations that contributed to the escalations of
these wars?

JC: You are right, Bush and his croonies are an easy target and are
not at all the sum of the problem. They are business men with an
agenda and have snuck past the radar and the scrutiny of the
mainstream media. It is definitely a systemic problem.

WK: I completely think we should hold these people accountable but
this is not even the majority of the American public. I have always
viewed him as a figure head with no real power other than being a
voice for the neo-conservative christian right wing. Honestly I don't
think that they would care anyway, they are all so consumed by greed
they couldn't be bothered by some poor children who have lost both
parents and are brutally maimed for the rest of theirlives.

20. Germany is developing more and more into a state of surveillance,
were all people are transparent. Where everything is about security
and not about freedom any more. Where people only live to work instead
of enjoying life. Where did you actually find your personal freedom
restricted in your daily life in the US?

JC: Its everyhwere in our daily lives, from the cameras on our streets
to womens reproductive rights being constanly under fire for example.

WK:Every movement is monitored, there is a massive police presence,
and basically every part of life is restricted by laws and penalties.
I would say the worst part of the American oppression is the prison
system. We have more people in prison than any other society who has
ever existed.

21. Why are people manipulated so easily when they are told that a war
is important? How can they be cheated so bluntly to believe so called
"evidence" about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq? It is easy
enough to look behind the scenes and to realize that the same means
are used over and over by the rich and mighty to manipulate the
masses? Besides the mentioned patriotic tendencies, all punks seem to
see through this game. But are punks more clever than other people? Is
it the inertia of the masses? Are people still too well off? Is it
pure egoism? Indifference or I don't give a fuck attitudes? Does the
brainwashing by politics and media work so well?

JC: You know this a really good question. Are the American people so
stupid as to believe these claims or is it more insidious in that they
deep down know the truth but do not care or that they are just so
caught up in blind patriotism?

WK: This is where fear comes into the picture. If you can make society
afraid, you can manipulate them. The media pumps this fear through
their veins. Punx are getting a different kind of education of
counterculture.

22. Does it get annoying at times that you always have to give
political interviews? Would you rather have some interviews about
banalities instead of talking about wars, George Bush or the decline
of humankind?

WK: No it doesn't get annoying because it is important to explain our
points of view through other means. Not everything we want to say can
be contained in the lyrical format. Every once in awhile though I
would like to be asked about a certain guitar bit, or a crazy party
experience hahaha.

JC: Well, Born/Dead is not only about politics. We are pinned as a
political band because the lyrics are inherently political in nature.
But of course we are people just like everyone else and there is more
to us and the band than politics. But no, I dont mind your questions
or answering them. Though I must say we dont have all the answers. If
we did we would be know-it-all philosophers and believe me we are far
from that or wanting to be.



23. There is a rather larger Crust-Hardcorepunk-Community with
political ideals and statements. Do you think, that most people have
actual doing and activities follow their correct talking and political
messages on T-Shirts? Or do most stop at being "correct" and mainly
consuming. I sometimes get the feeling that it is enough to wear the
right Shirts and dress and listen to political punk to be counted
among political punks. What experience do you have with people that do
not seem to match their pretence with reality?

JC: Unfortauntely I have found that being punk is not always so much
about progressive thinking, for the most part it is about how you
dress and your attitude. I would like to think that this is not true
of myslef though.

WK: In Europe I think that politics are viewed by punx as an important
subject overall. Sadly in the states a majority of the politics in
punk are just fashion. Some of the biggest bands that are singing
about current events, revolution, and anarchy do nothing to support
anything except their popular bands and hierarchal scene status. I
know a lot of people love these bands but whatever happened to punx
respecting values over everything. Some of these bands that are so
popular are really no better than Green Day they just have a image of
undergorund revolutionaries.

24. Your LP had a very neat poster fold-cover in the style of CRASS.
What is your opinion on their former singer Steve Ignorant performing
the CRASS-LP "Feeding of the 5000" live in Londong on 2 days in
November, supported by bands like RESTARTS, CONFLICT, FLUX OF THE PINK
INDIANS, DEVIATED INSTINCT and DISRUPTERS. Does this destroy or damage
the status of CRASS? Or is it a good thing to revive the old lyrics
and ideals?

WK: I don't know? I think the cover charge is outrageous for a band
that would put a 'Pay no more than' stamp on every record. It is about
entertainment and not revolution and the older bands have lost site I
think. I mean the only relevant band still playing regularly are The
Restarts. Of course if they asked us to play I probably wouldn't say
no, but I would know where we stand and I have no problem backing that
up. I think that there is no way way to damage the ideals CRASS stood
for because that was a moment in time and everyone can see what is
done out of passion or just faked. I guess only time will tell what
the true motivation is to do this.

25. When will the new BORN/DEAD record finally come out?

WK:Should be out by the time this interview reaches press. Prank
records is releasing it as a gatefold for the first 2000 copies with a
8 page booklet!



26. Last question, and this has nothing to do with politics: What are
your 5 favorite records right now?

JC:
1. Eater LP
2. Warcry Deprogram LP
3. Social Circkle static eyes 7"
4. Young Wasteners LP, finally repressed!
5. Criminal Damage LP


WK:WIRE 'pink flag' LP
HJERTE STOP EP and Demo
LIMB FROM LIMB 'Death Famine Plague' LP
CHAOS Z 'Dunkel Strasse' 2xLP
H.W.A 'Livin in a hoe house' CD (Reminds me of my girlfriend
Erika E tard)

BORN DEAD [USA] ---> ALERTA ANTIFASCISTA BOOKING FOR EUROPE

23.08.07 THURSDAY / GERMANY hamburg - rote flora
24.08.07 FRIDAY / GERMANY flensburg - hafermarkt
25.08.07 SATURDAY / DANMARK aalborg - 1000 fryd
26.08.07 SUNDAY / NORWAY arendal - rehearsal room
27.08.07 MONDAY / NORWAY oslo - barikaden
28.08.07 TUESDAY / SWEDEN linköping - skylten
29.08.07 WEDNESDAY / SWEDEN umea - verket
30.08.07 THURSDAY / SWEDEN lulea - lillan
31.08.07 FRIDAY / FINLAND oulo - park 57
01.09.07 SATURDAY / FINLAND seinäjoki - kotibileklubi 5
02.09.07 SUNDAY / FINLAND tampere - vastavirta
03.09.07 MONDAY / FINLAND turku - tvo
04.09.07 TUESDAY / FINLAND helsinki - factory
05.09.07 WEDNESDAY / FINLAND travelday with the booze cruise to sweden
06.09.07 THURSDAY / SWEDEN stockholm - kafe 44
07.09.07 FRIDAY / SWEDEN gothenborg - unterjordan
08.09.07 SATURDAY / DENMARK fredericia - ungdomshus
09.09.07 SUNDAY / GERMANY berlin - koepi w/ KOLOKOL [NOR]
10.09.07 MONDAY / POLAND poznan - rozbrat squat
11.09.07 TUESDAY / POLAND warshaw - aurora club
12.09.07 WEDNESDAY / POLAND lublin - tektura
13.09.07 THURSDAY / POLAND wroclaw - crk jagiellonczyka
14.09.07 FRIDAY / CZECH REP praha - 007
15.09.07 SATURDAY / CZECH REP. brno - yacht club
16.09.07 SUNDAY / AUSTRIA vienna - ekh
17.09.07 MONDAY / SLOVENIA lubljana
18.09.07 TUESDAY / CROATIA zagreb / rijeka TBC
19.09.07 WEDNESDAY / SERBIA belgrad
20.09.07 THURSDAY / MACEDONIA skopje
21.09.07 FRIDAY / GREECE kavala - tei-accion muntate
22.09.07 SATURDAY / GREECE thessaloniki - biologiko squat
23.09.07 SUNDAY / GREECE athens - ks94/lofos tou strefi
24.09.07 MONDAY / GREECE day off
25.09.07 TUESDAY / GREECE ferry to italy
26.09.07 WEDNESDAY / ITALY bari
27.09.07 THURSDAY / ITALY roma - pirateria squat
28.09.07 FRIDAY / ITALY firenze - next emerson squat
29.09.07 SATURDAY / ITALY venice - c.s. rivolta
30.09.07 SUNDAY / ITALY bologna - atlantide squat
01.10.07 MONDAY / ITALY day off
02.10.07 TUESDAY / FRANCE nice - le volume
03.10.07 WEDNESDAY / SPAIN barcelona
04.10.07 THURSDAY / SPAIN valencia
05.10.07 FRIDAY / SPAIN zaragoza - arrebato w/ TXIXAPARRAZTA [ESP]
06.10.07 SATURDAY / SPAIN san sebastian - festival w/ TXIXAPARRAZTA [ESP]
07.10.07 SUNDAY / SPAIN zarautz - putzuzulo squat w/ TXIXAPARRAZTA [ESP]
08.10.07 MONDAY / FRANCE toulouse - le pavillon sauvage
09.10.07 TUESDAY / FRANCE grenoble - 102 squat
10.10.07 WEDNESDAY / FRANCE st. etienne - le lokal
11.10.07 THURSDAY / FRANCE besancon - bar des arcades
12.10.07 FRIDAY / FRANCE paris
13.10.07 SATURDAY / UK london - grosvenour
14.10.07 SUNDAY / UK boston
15.10.07 MONDAY / UK leeds
16.10.07 TUESDAY / IRL dublin - the lower deck
17.10.07 WEDNESDAY / IRL galway - sally longs
18.10.07 THURSDAY / IRL belfast - the front page
19.10.07 FRIDAY / UK
20.10.07 SATURDAY / UK bradfort - 1 in 12 club
21.10.07 SUNDAY / SCO glasgow TBC
22.10.07 MONDAY / SCO edingburgh
23.10.07 TUESDAY / UK newcastle upon tyne - chillingham
24.10.07 WEDNESDAY / UK hull - the new adelphi club
25.10.07 THURSDAY / UK southhampton
26.10.07 FRIDAY / UK brighton - cowley club
27.10.07 SATURDAY / BELGIUM diest - tijl
28.10.07 SUNDAY / BELGIUM liege - carlo levi
29.10.07 MONDAY / FRANCE nancy - semtex
30.10.07 TUESDAY / GERMANY frankfurt - au squat
31.10.07 WEDNESDAY / GERMANY freiburg - kts
01.11.07 THURSDAY / GERMANY tuebingen - epplehaus w/ MASS STRANGULATION [DE]
02.11.07 FRIDAY / GERMANY augsburg - wandelbar
03.11.07 SATURDAY / GERMANY muenchen - kafe kult
04.11.07 SUNDAY / GERMANY nuernberg - kunstverein
05.11.07 MONDAY / GERMANY leipzig - zorro
06.11.07 TUESDAY / GERMANY goettingen w/ BEHIND ENEMY LINES [USA]
07.11.07 WEDNESDAY / GERMANY hannover - stumpf w/ BEHIND ENEMY LINES [USA]
08.11.07 THURSDAY / NETHERLANDS hoogeeven - het podium w/ BEHIND ENEMY LINES [USA]
09.11.07 FRIDAY / GERMANY duesseldorf - linkes zentrum/hinterhof w/ BEHIND ENEMY LINES [USA]
10.11.07 SATURDAY / GERMANY bremen - friesenstrasse w/ BEHIND ENEMY LINES [USA]


SOUTHEAST ASIA***********
SE ASIA CANCELLED!! Sorry to our friends there, we will be there next year for sure. -


BORN/DEAD & PISSCHRIST AUSTRALIAN TOUR 2007-2008
28 Dec Adelaide
29 Dec Adelaide
31 Dec Melbourne
3 Jan Canberra
4 Jan Sydney
5 Jan Brisbane
6 Jan Brisbane
9 Jan Sydney
10 Jan Melbourne
11 Jan Melbourne
12 Jan Tasmania

Born/Dead Interview: Will Kinser-Guitar, Vox. Wyatt Culbertson-Bass,Vox. Josh Carman-Drums

-Your lyrics speak of the many atrocities our capitalist system has created and perpetuated. Do you think that making music is an effective means to fight against these problems and to express dissent?

WK: We don't think it is an effective way to fight the system directly. Music can raise awareness to different issues that some people may not have realized existed. I know personally that punk has helped to shape my views on politics, as well as educate about struggles and ideas of other like-minded people. It comes down to the fact that punk rock is about individuality, so it is up to the listener to create their own views and create their own lives. True punk music is dissent, that is the basis of the music, to differ in thought to the rest of society. Before I found punk though, I thought the whole world was at odds with me, now I know only 99.99% of it is.

JC: I don't write the lyrics, but I think they are more of a means to express dissent rather than pro actively going about changing the fucked up shit in the world. While most of the listeners are already aware of the arrogance and greed of the power hungry - and know that the consequences of our actions towards the natural environment are creeping closer on the horizon - being in a band is a way to say to yourself and hopefully to kids that haven't been exposed to these kinds of ideas, we won't stand for this bullshit!

-What other ways do you go about protesting these things, putting your lyrics into action so to speak, in your day to day lives?

WK:We all go about it in our own ways of coarse. I sometimes think education and living by example are the best forms of protest, if you can discuss your politics with someone who has no prior knowledge of counter culture and has a totally different view than you, and not be judgmental, but state your beliefs strongly you may teach the average person an alternative. Letting people know what the affects of capitalism, consumerism, and industrialization have on us as well as other countries and the worldwide environment. Although it may not change their opinions, I try to engage people in critical discussions. I also try to avoid buying corporate products, which has become increasingly hard to do. I help to organize shows and put bands up whenever possible which I believe helps to create a community rather than another nonpolitical music scene.

JC: By supporting the independent, whether that's food, indy media, or whatever, that's one thing I do to not participate in our homogeneous pop culture. I think it's also really important to value interpersonal relationships rather than to cling to material possessions (well, except for punk records) and value the good times that you have with your friends for free. It's a major step towards kicking the material addiction of glamor and waste that plagues society. The capitalist system, that you spoke of earlier, thrives on people being depressed and without love, ignorant and confused. So, anything you can do to remind yourself that you don't need all they have for sale is essential. At our house, us and our neighbors and friends have a garden and bar. Both kick ass and help to solidify a sense of our own community. Also, there are the obvious subversive actions that you can do in the streets, at your work, etc.. just don't get caught.

-What do you think we can expect from the remainder of Bush's 2nd term? How do you feel we as punks should work to enact a change in our political system?

WK:We can expect Bush and Co. to try to forward the Neo-Consevative political agenda as far as they can. Which means installing judges that will overturn abortion rights, pass anti-gay marriage laws, further bridge the gap between church and state, as well as destroy the environment, increase the deficit, dismantle social security, increase health care costs, reshape the middle east, and basically make the world a better place for the rich. I don't really know if punks can change anything at this point, we represent such a low margin of the population, that we have basically been written off. Apart from uniting in common efforts, punk is more of a personal way of life for me. Of coarse I think that punk can change lives, just not society as a whole. The media has a firm grip on the hearts and minds of society. I believe it comes back to raising the awareness of the general public.

JC: Everything Will said, plus other slates on the right-wing Christian agenda that we haven't even begun to fathom yet. They're cooking them up behind closed doors, and your opinion doesn't matter. The rest of the 2nd term for Bush means whatever they think they can get away with. We will see more surveillance and close scrutiny of our personal lives, we will see more legislature that puts profit before the poor and disenfranchised and discounts the environment. For instance, there is talk of privatizing the Earth's water supply, what's next? The air we breathe? Punks enacting change in our political system? Lobbying and money are two major measures towards political change. I don't know if I would say 'go to school and vote' but at the same time it is so easy to drop out and say fuck it, which accomplishes nothing. In a system that is so fucked up, it is naive to think it can be fixed, but I admire friends of mine that try, inside or outside of it all.

-Do you think any changes, short of total rebuilding from the ground up, will be able to reverse the course of global enslavement and destruction we are currently on?

WK: If you asked me this question a couple years ago I may have answered another way, but I truly believe that there are hard times globally ahead no matter what changes are made. The Earth has been depleted of oil and natural resources at a unsustainable pace, and the basis of almost all technologies (energy) as well as the economy of the world rely on global oil resources. As the oil supplies dwindle and the economies of the first world start to crumble there will be more and more global conflict as we see in the middle east right now. The environment has been destroyed beyond repair, you can see it happening right before your eyes with all the natural disasters, climate change, deforestation, erosion, marine devastation. Things will get worse and worse, only people who have the knowledge and instincts to survive will make it. As for the suburbs and the urban sprawl, kiss that goodbye. That is if Nuclear holocaust doesn't wipe out everyone first. The fact is the system is going to collapse on it's own, and it doesn't need the help of us to make it happen, the problem is that it didn't have to end this way. People always think selfishly in the present and never think about the future. It's sad and it makes me sick. There would have to be a complete worldwide change in the way humans live.

JC: I would really like to be positive here, but I just don't have the answer.

Who's to blame for the oppression of this world? A few evil people or the masses who blindly follow?

WK: Both are to blame in the first world, but the lines are more sketchy in poor countries under different circumstances. If a person is born into starvation and destitution in a third world country, is it there fault that they are starving or oppressed? No, I think it is the first world's responsibility to distribute the resources and technologies they can offer to that country and those people. There is enough to go around for sure. Unfortunately corrupt governments and greedy banks would never do that.These countries become subsidiaries of the corporate worldwide conglomerate when they get loans, or their corrupt governments sell out all the indigenous people for the dream of industrialization. In first world the job of a citizen is to blindly serve and look at everything selfishly, but it should be our duty to make sure that the worldwide community is not being exploited by our governments and banks. I doubt that, other than a commercial on television, most people even think about other people less fortunate. They never even realize that they could rise up, throw down the small comfort of lower class living, and actually live for themselves together as a community. Life is not just 50 hour work weeks to come home, watch T.V. and rest up for the next day of slavery. The rich created the system, but the masses are the power behind the machine. Though most people don't think of things in those terms.

JC: We're all pretty much participants, willing or not, in the global economy which has on some levels turned into economic slavery. I'm not sure if we should blame the people or human nature. Either way, blame can only get us so far. While easier said than done, it's long since been time to rethink our nature and behavior.

-Could you describe a bit what it is like to be a part of the Bay Area punk community? Is the scene divided between cities, or is there a larger sense of unity because there are so many people?

WC:Living in the bay area is like living any other place, it has its up and downs. Lately it's been more ups than downs though. I think that the all ages clubs are definitely bringing the community together just by giving everyone the chance to meet new people. With clubs like the Hazmat and Burnt Ramen going on there is definitely not a shortage of shows. San Francisco has an art gallery in the mission called Balazo that has also been doing shows a lot. These three clubs being all ages it seems to bridge the gap more between young and old. I think that's important because it keeps everything new and interesting as opposed to going to the same bar and seeing the same shows every week.

WK:The bay area has a huge punk community and a large amount of active people booking shows, building recording studios, putting out records, doing art such as-silk screening, photography, drawing, painting. I mean, where else in the country can you choose between 3 and 4 shows to go to on one night? I think we are spoiled, but it is great to live here. There are lots of people from everywhere around San Francisco, Oakland, and Berkeley that come to shows, there aren't many fights, and it seems like everyone is really excited and supportive for the most part. There is pretty much something for everyone here.

JC: Sometimes it's hard to get friends from the city to come out to shows, but overall it feels pretty connected. You'll see bands of all types playing together. Spaces come and go, but it's really awesome to see the same people, and new people, opening their warehouses or homes for shows and sacrificing time and energy to keep the scene going.

-Is punk rock simply about musical style? What are some other things you do or beliefs you hold that you consider to be punk rock?

WK: Punk rock is more than a music style, it's a way of life. Punk should be about equality, and I see this as the main struggle in the scene right now. It's so easy to say you're anti-system or anti-fashion, and still be sexist and homophobic. Sexism is the worst part of society, and I couldn't wait to get away from it twelve years ago when I got involved in punk, but that is exactly what I see mimicked by punx everywhere. I thought there was a difference, but it seems only a small minority of people actually practice what they preach. We all know there are a lot of different genres of punk music, but I think the main focus of true punk/hardcore/crust has always been on the individual and counter culture. Of coarse, as with everything there will always be people who want to dress the part or copy the music and make it commercially successful, which is against everything DIY stands for, but there are still tons of bands and people that will always keep it underground. Do It Yourself is what I consider my beliefs, everything from making a living to making a record.

WC: PUNK ROCK. FUCK YEAH!!!!!!!! PUNK FOR LIFE!!!!!!!!! AAAAAAAARRRRRRRGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Laughter)

JC: what Wyatt said.

-On our recent trip to the Bay Area, the local "normal" people acted as if they had never seen a mohawk or punk before. What's caused this slackedness and disrespect for wearing the uniform?

WK: I guess that most of the kids around here with mohawks aren't representing. We probably all just wear too much black, they were all scared of your multi colored clothing and hair(Laughter). Actually it is kind of funny, we have all had mohawks off and on for years withou being harassed all the time by most peope(this is a liberal part of the country). Then you all are here for three days and it seems like they thought you people where from Mars. Maybe it's time for a haircut Dan.

JC: It is true that the kids here are not as charged as they are in MN, but they are just as unruly.

-When are you going to cut the mullet and put up the mohawk?

WC: A mullett. Shit, get the camera!

WK: I assume you mean me huh. Well I've had mohawks, tri-hawks, dreads, spikes, and punk/crust-mullets over half of my life, so I guess it's only a matter of time until the cycle swings back to the mohawk. That is until I don't have any hair left. If you must know though, I am sporting the highly desirable (slightly grown out) mohawk-chicken-cancercut right now. So don't give me any shit.(Laughter)

-Josh, you recently joined the band as the new drummer. How has it been going?

JC: Fucking awesome. East coast was a blast (thanks Robert With The Hair On His Face for a great time!), CCSS were great to be on the road with, and also hilarious. I cannot wait for Europe!

Is it true you left your other drummer buried in a ditch on the side of the road in the Czech Republic?

WC: That was never to be spoken of.

WK: What other drummer?

JC: I heard it was Krakow

-You have an upcoming European tour scheduled for this summer. When is it and where are you going?

Band: We will be starting the tour in England on August 18th 2005, then we go to Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Spain, Switzerland, Austria, Czech, Poland, then back to Germany. The dates will be posted at www.yellowdog.de under the tours section.

-How do you think this tour will differ from the last time you toured in Europe?

WC: I think that people might know who we are this time.

WK: We aren't going with another band this time which will be less chaotic but we'll try to accommodate those who still want to have a chaos-party every night. (Laughter) We are way more tight as a band musically. We haven't been to England, France, or Spain, and I am completely looking forward to that because I like going places we haven't played. It will also be good to see our friends again as well, I can't wait.

JC: I think it will be different from last time because this time I'll be there! I'm thinking that since the U.S. tour was great and Europe is amazing, you put the two together and.. I am a little bummed that we won't make it to Denmark or Sweden though.

-Are you playing any of the larger festivals?

JC: We don't know all the exact details yet.

-Any other questions or comments?

WK: This interview really went down hill. (Laughter)

WC: Peace or annihilation?

JC: Robert, come to Europe!

WK: Thanks to everyone who put us up for the night, booked shows, and especially the bands C.C.S.S., After the Bomb, Caustic Christ, Witch Hunt, Kylesa, Behind Enemy Lines, and everyone else we played with for making our recent tour so memorable and fun. Band:If you would like to contact us for records, merch, or correspondence write: Born/Dead c/o No Options Records PO Box 22285, Oakland, CA 94623 USA or email us at: nooptions666@yahoo.com or visit: www.punkstuff.com/records Thanks to everyone at Profane Existence for keeping punk alive.