Loud! Fast! Philly!

Martin Sprouse/November 16, 2013

Joseph A. Gervasi interviews Martin Sprouse. Martin Sprouse grew up in Southern California and has been active in the San Francisco Bay Area punk scene since the late 1980s. It is crucial to note that Martin has been in no way a contributor to the Philly punk scene. While it may appear that his impressive efforts fall out of the parameters of this project, his inclusion is very much by design. The books Martin published under his Pressure Drop Press publishing company, which included John Yates’ unique A No Record Deal and the Sprouse-edited Sabotage In the American Workplace and, most especially for me (Joseph), Threat By Example, were a significant influence on my young life and this project. I’ve cited the influence of the collection of compelling and inspirational voices that is Threat By Example on several occasions and most recently in regard to L!F!P! Given the opportunity to speak at length with Martin while in the SF Bay Area to present L!F!P! in mid-November, 2013, I achieved what I feel is one of the finest interviews of this series. Along with his now-defunct publishing company, Martin also edited the punk ‘zine The Leading Edge in the mid-1980s, he moved to the Bay Area to work on MaximumRockNRoll (MRR) with the now-defunct Tim Yohannan, and he was a key player in the the creation of Berkeley’s internationally-known DIY venue the Gilman Street Project (or just Gilman Street). Reading MRR from the late ’80s on and seeing some early Gilman Street shows starting in 1989 were also tremendous (and cited) influences on not only this project, but also the Cabbage Collective. Martin recounts his years with a biting wit and sharp intellect. Within his Oakland warehouse apartment of almost Zen-like appearance (Martin appears to own almost nothing and lives a life sans clutter but with the ebullient hunting dog Grady), Martin currently works to design furniture. Among his many achievements, Martin is a “chick magnet,” which we discuss in the latter part of the interview.

Photos By Karen Kirchhoff

Rob Fitzpatrick/November 14, 2013

Joseph A. Gervasi interviews Rob Fitzpatrick. Rob grew up in North Jersey in the 1980s. Upon discovering punk, he came to attending shows at ABCNORIO in the Lower East Side of New York City. There he made friends with Nicole and Janine Enriquez, with whom he formed the band Witch Hunt. Witch Hunt became one of Philadelphia’s most popular political punk bands of recent years. They toured the US and Europe and released several Records, including one on the Profane Existence label and their last on Alternative Tentacles. In the wake of the demise of Witch Hunt, Rob formed the band Sickoids with Vince Klopfenstein, also formerly of Witch Hunt. The stripped-down and furious style of Sickoids coupled with Rob’s distinctive lyrics brought them to great prominence both in Philly and beyond. While the three members of the band no longer call Philly their home, they do still exist as a band. Rob brings a thoughtful and introspective approach to his interview. While shy in nature, he felt comfortable enough to frankly discuss his involvement with these bands the greater hardcore punk scene.

Sickoids website

Ryann Casey/November 4, 2013

Joseph A. Gervasi interviews Ryann Casey. Ryann grew up on New Jersey and only moved to Philadelphia about six years ago. In that time, she’s hosted art shows at various locations around the city, including the Grindcore House. These art shows benefit environmental and animal-oriented causes. They’ve raised both money and awareness while presenting the work of some tremendously talented artists. We discuss Ryann’s upbringing in a Roman Catholic home in North Jersey with a feminist, pro-Choice mother coupled with the influence of her grandmother. Art became a huge part of Ryann’s life at a young age and punk came on a few years later. In punk she found some of her ideals and social/political passions reflected back to her. While she’s always felt like a bit of an outsider in the punk community, she’s none-the-less a part of it as an organizer of significant events. We talk some about the mechanics of putting on charity events, what she looks for in organizations her efforts (and those of the participating artists) will benefit, how she overcame her shyness to deal with speaking publicly, and how to deal with the trolls who emerge from the lousy woodpile when one’s efforts are discussed in public forums. We also talk about non-traditional creative, artistic, and activist paths for young women. This was one of my most pleasurable talks in the series, so I hope you’ll spend some time listening Ryann Casey and I chat.

Photos by Karen Kirchhoff