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When the mail was delivered I came across this Static Thought CD and liked the PR write-up so I threw it in the player and was blown away. When many Epitaph/HellCat bands sound the same it was great to come across some one like Static Thought who stand out and I'll go as far to say they are one of the best bands I've heard this year. I then passed on to some questions to Mirjam Millenaar at Epitaph to pass on to the band. You can read what guitarist and front man 'Eric Urbach' has to say on behalf of the band.
Street Voice: First off can you introduce Static Thought to the world please?
Gladly, My name is Eric Urbach and I play guitar and sing in Static Thought. Static Thought is a punk band from the East Bay of San Francisco California. We formed back in 2000 and have been having fun ever since.
Street Voice: What bands initially influenced you to play the music that you do?
Initially when we started playing together, I was listening to my dad's record collection which consisted of The Who, Led Zeppelin, The Clash, and many others. I was also listening modern pop punk like Green Day and NOFX. At that time, punk was already the music I wanted to play.
Street Voice: You're set to release an album with Hellcat so how did that come about?
We were introduced to Tim Armstrong from his brother Jeff. Tim was really into what we were trying to do both musically and lyrically. He saw us play and heard a 5 song demo that we recorded and decided he wanted to pick us up. It was very exciting and now we are about to release our 2nd album called "The Motive for Movement".
Street Voice: How pleased were you when you held the finished product in your hands?
Extremely pleased! When you finally see all the hard work from song-writing, practicing, recording, mixing, and artwork come together there is nothing like it. It's a very proud feeling of accomplishment.
Street Voice: In Hindsight are there any changes you would have made?
I was having a really hard time singing when we were recording. I wish I could have spent more time on the vocals but I think they still sound great. We are all very proud of this album.
Street Voice: By the way is this your debut album or have you previously released other albums?
This is our 2nd release on Hellcat. Our last one was called "In the Trenches" which was also released on Hellcat. We have also done 2 ep's and a split 7" with our friends Society's Parasites.
Street Voice: You seem to be doing a lot of gigging so when you heading to the UK/Europe?
We toured the UK and Europe back in April and we had a blast! We want to come back and we are planning a tour of Europe at this very moment! It's looking like we will be hitting the UK in late January and then heading to the mainland for most of February.
Street Voice: You're an Anti Fascist band so what do you think of people/bands who tend to ignore/turn a blind eye to issues such as racism, homophobia etc?
I feel that the people who don't address these ignorant ideas, even if they aren't for them are still part of the problem. The first step to solving anything is recognizing that there is a problem going on. I think bands especially should try to say something important because even the smallest band has fans and people who listen to them. Being in that kind of position has extreme potential for people to listen in. If the singer is just talking about his last girlfriend or how wasted he was, people won't do anything but sing along. I always felt that music was both something that makes you feel good and something that is thought provoking. These problems exist throughout all societies and cultures including punk rock. We should all do our best to try and educate ourselves on these issues and take action within our community. Change starts with the individual and that's why I think punk can have an enormous impact with people.
Street Voice: I presume you're not very big fans of the Bush administration but one would think with your politics the Democrats wouldn't do a very good job either so are there any other viable alternatives to these two parties in the USA?
Here in the US, there are lots of different political parties that one can be a part of. However, the republicans and the democrats have all the money. Because of this, many people feel that if they don't vote with one or the other, their voice won't be heard. We always hated Bush and everything he was doing and saying. I feel that both major parties in this country regardless of who is saying what will keep the country pretty much on the same course. Politics here is like rolling a many faced dice. Some sides are worse than others but it's all a part of the same thing and no matter what you roll, ultimately you will end with the same result. If people want to see real change happen, they need to start smaller. A president can't fix a failing school system in your neighborhood. It's up to the people who live in the area to change it. Change starts at home and with enough determination, people can see a community, or a town, or city change for the better.
Street Voice: Aside from the band are any of you involved with any pressure groups, other bands, doing fanzines etc?
Our drummer Travis and myself play in a 77 style punk band called Angels with Dirty Faces. I also book shows and volunteer at 924 Gilman St. in Berkeley.
Street Voice: When you chill out what do you guys do for fun?
We go to shows, spend time with friends and family, skate, play music, drink (except for myself) mostly.
Street Voice: So what plans do you have for the rest of 2008?
For the rest of the year, we plan to play local shows, do a few trips around the west coast and promote our record as much as we can.
Street Voice: Anything you'd like to add?
I would just like to say thank you to Street Voice for having us in their magazine, the people who read this interview, and all of our fans in the UK and Europe. We will be back soon. Pick up our new album!! Lastly and most importantly, if you notice acts of sexism, racism, or homophobia going on in your scene address it. These are problems that should not be a part of punk and hardcore and we need to get rid of these things pronto. It' s time for change and it will start with you.
Thanks to Eric for doing the interview and Mirjam for arranging it.
For those who've never heard Static Thought before I promise you'll be in for a treat so check them out!
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