Laugh Now Die Later

Ep. 161 - Sam McPheeters

Sam McPheeters was the frontman behind the infamous New York City based hardcore punk band Born Against. These days he is known as a writer, having authored books such as The Loom of Ruin and Mutations, as well as many articles across multiple national magazines.

The lore and many stories surrounding Born Against aside, I was fascinated by Sam after discovering his amazing article on Vice, “The Troublemaker,” which is an astonishing interview with Doc Dart of the Crucifucks. Sealing the deal on becoming an enthusiastic devotee of his work was reading Mutations, a book that feels flat out dedicated to someone like me.

Sam is a man praised by friends and peers who are diehard devotees of punk, yet also painted as the villain in many stories from more accessible hardcore lore such as the infamous Sick of It All debate on “Crucial Chaos.” I was interested in getting to know who Sam McPheeters really is, and I was not disappointed.

We met up with Sam at an IKEA in Pomona, California, where we conducted this interview in one of their mock up living room setups. We discussed his childhood, Born Against, the good and the bad, his young adult years living in New York, his life after being in bands, his life today, and much more.

Ep. 160 - Don Devore

Don Devore is an artist and the guitar player behind Ink & Dagger, Frail, and Mandela Strike Force, as well as being involved in other standout projects: Lilys, Collapsing Scenery, and Sick Feeling.

We sit down in his studio in Los Angeles to discuss what makes art worth it, growing up in Philadelphia, booking tours on pay phones, community, death, Society of Future Vampires, and the late Sean McCabe.

Perhaps our favorite interview we’ve done. We hope you enjoy it too.

Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Ep. 159 – Andy Norton (Praise)

We sit down during LA Book Fair weekend with Andy Norton, lead singer of Praise and member of Guilt Parade and Desperate Measures.

We talk about his childhood, Pearl Jam, early hardcore years, Minor Threat, developing his art, and more.

Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Ep. 158 – Shining Life Press

Zack and John run Shining Life Press, formerly known as the beloved label Moshers Delight, and curate the page Youth Crew 88.

John was the frontman of the grunge-influenced hardcore band GIVE, while Zac fronted Intent.

We talk about their upbringings, straight edge, obsessive tendencies, the Floorpunch Book, 1328 Newton Street, John’s “stuffed animal art,” long-lasting friendships, and more.

Ep. 157 – Justin Briggs

Justin is the mastermind behind the record label Warthog Speaks and a member of bands such as Desolation, The Hunting Party, and Vacuum.

These days, you can find him playing in The Government or at the record store he co-owns in Oakland, California - Moving Records.

We talk about getting into hardcore through a tape passed around his high school, his teenage years, living at the Maximum Rock n Roll house, sobriety, opening Moving Records, and more.

Warthog Speak just announced pre-orders for the brand-new Fuerza Bruta 10-inch. Go check it out!

Ep. 156 – Jesse Miller Gordon

Jesse Miller Gordon is a writer.

He’s also the frontman of several unique bands, including Sick Feeling, Gradient, and Privacy.

Crucially, he is a definitive artist in his own right.

I was intrigued to meet and learn more about Jesse after reading his brutally honest and touching afterword in Ross J. Farrar’s photo book Planet Ross.

Without hesitation, during our trip to RBS Fest weekend, we met for this fun, informative, and memorable interview.

We talk about his childhood, attending hardcore shows at Gilman at a young age, the infamous story of breaking his dick, the formation of Sick Feeling, and overall an attempt to shed light on his character and sick style.

Ep. 155 – Mathew Hoodrack

Mathew “Hoodrack” is the frontman of War Hungry and Stick Together, bass man in Disengage, roadie veteran, and currently a family man.

We talk about growing up in the woods, collecting Hot Wheels with his father, influences and formation of War Hungry, Posi Numbers Fest, and becoming a father.

Hoodrack is a genuine and stand-up guy.

I asked him during the interview:

“how did having a close relationship with your father impact you?”

His response was:

“It’s not hard to be a good guy if you have that example.”

Featured Ad: Extinction Burst Label

Ep. 154 - Martin Sorrendeguy

Martin Sorrondeguy, better known as Martin Crudo, is the frontman of Los Crudos, Limp Wrist, Canal Irreal, and Needles, as well as the drummer in Trágatelo and founder of the DIY record label Lengua Armada.

Limp Wrist is one of the most globally recognizable queercore bands.

Los Crudos are one of the first Spanish-speaking punk bands in the United States.

We talk about migrating to the U.S. with his family from Uruguay, the relationship and influence of his mother, the infamous riot at a Crudos show in Chile, his mom’s reaction to the Limp Wrist Facades album cover, Straight Edge, the modern world, and more.

Ep.153 - Ricky Duarte

Ricky is a key figure to the Southern California Hardcore scene, with a resume that includes Soul Search, New Brigade, Minority Unit and Human Garbage.

We talk about his childhood and teenage years, Dystopia, the year California took over United Blood Fest, becoming a Dad, reflecting on his accomplishments both in music and his personal life.

Ep. 152 - Jordan Mam

Jordan is the frontman behind bands such as Reunion, Apsara, and Enkased.

We talk about the early 2000's Fresno hardcore scene, Mosher's Delight, discovering hardcore albums through forums, the art of moshing, the importance of participation, and more.