I just found this interview. I have always loved Propagandhi but they have been my single favorite band since Empires was released. I won't get too sappy here but suffice it to say that I really have no idea how/who/if I would be today without their music. I met Todd in 2001 and we loosely kept in touch. In 2005, I had the opportunity to actually spend a few days with them while they were touring California/Nevada. I remember being super excited to meet them and also SUPER scared that in real-life they'd be jerks. They were so incredibly awesome, and funny, and smart (and fucking tall). They were everything anyone who studies their records would imagine. With all of their self-deprecation, the band and everyone in it (I haven't met Sulynn, but I have no reason to suspect anything different) is truly special. I grew up in Houston, TX -- a primary market for touring musicians. After that, I lived in the Seattle area, also a primary market. It wasn't till I moved to Reno (a fucking tertiary market, at best)--at age 30--that I learned about being in a truly DIY scene, where you either create it, or you simply do not get to experience it without a four-hour drive first. I really identified with the part about the role Winnipeg, itself, played in their coming up. It is impossible for me to not be impressed when someone not only achieves what I haven't, but achieves what I never would have. It hasn't been without bumps, but their growing up in public required a spine that I didn't have during my growing-up years. And by having the character to go from outspoken, rigid young men to patient, empathetic adults who can look the dirty world in the face and still be able to carve some small slice of happiness, they continue serve as a beacon, or maybe just a reminder, for many of middle-aged punk/weirdos that we're still not alone. Excellent interview, Ray!
Awesome story! I’ve never met them and would die to do so. Anytime I’ve ever emailed them about something they respond right back really quick. Your story made my morning
Whaaa they're not that tall haha. Like collectively as a band youre saying? Like yeah the rod is a big guy, quite tall, over six feet, but Chris isn't that tall, like average height I'd say, under 6 feet but over 5'9/10" probably, not especially tall, and then jordy is on the shorter side, not like short short, but not tall, shorter than Chris I'm pretty sure. And then sulynn is really short lol. Not to nitpick or undermine your story and great words, but my band opened for them and we met them so im not just talking out of my ass haha I just don't see what you mean saying they were "fucking tall" when only one member is actually tall. And I'm short by the way so I notice when people are towering over me. They definitely all are very funny and awesome and smart though!
Great interview! I can relate quite well with the interviewer and share a similar feeling for Propagandhi. I actually quoted their lyrics in papers for several classes in college. I also just finally had the opportunity to see them and did my best to convey how influential they are in the brief dialogue we shared.
Saw them live for the first time in Pittsburgh on the Failed States tour a few years back. Show was at an old church, which seemed perfectly ironic. Chris ran up the steps outside the bar within a few feet of me and I totally geeked out. Nearly 40 years old at the time and I turned to my wife, 'Omfg, that was Chris!' All the years following this band and getting so stoked any time I found out they released new material, which basically was like every 4 years or so. And I've loved every album, with Supporting Caste being my fav. That night they only played one track from HTCE and it was the last track. I was surprised when I heard they do play super early stuff, cause that night it wasn't on the set list. We got tix for the March Pittsburgh show and my wife and I can't wait. No band has stoked me as much as this band. They have challenged me and helped me grow and evolve over the years. Great interview!
Dropdead and Born Against were huge important to me too. Along with the only fat band I could stand, the band the whole label molded their sound around, Propagandhi's Less Talk More Rock is still one of my favorite albums ever. Dystopia's Human=Garbage LP was another one that grabbed me back in 1995/1996 and opened up the gates of musical obsession some call it. Jesus H. Chris you are a huge inspiration to me. This was awesome to listen to. Thank you for posting.
This is terrific. Everything stated is true… the horizons expanded, the questions raised, etc. are so definitely shared experiences of my own. I’ve loved this band since the nineties when I’d drive my Dads shitty Ford Ranger to Winnipeg to hear them when possible. I was angry and uncomfortable then and they provided a relatable place to work through those things internally. I am considerably more subdued in my older age now. But the lessons and inquiry Chris and the fellas compelled still travels with me. I don’t eagerly await new releases to answer or speak to all of life’s horrors and failings. But I sure am glad they continue to give me pause for thought. While simultaneously melting my face sonically.
At 34:33 Chris is talking about when they played Gilman st and the crowd wanted to kill them. Someone posted an audio recording of the show! It sounds amazing!
Winnipeg sounds exactly like Detroit. Played in bands during the 90's when ICP was making their bones. haha. Nice Reference. Everybody flies over Detroit. Fuck EM.
Prop opened for NOFX at a place in Winnipeg called The Royal Albert Arms back in the early or mid 90's. Fat Mike heard them and offered them a record deal for his brand new label.
I just found this interview. I have always loved Propagandhi but they have been my single favorite band since Empires was released. I won't get too sappy here but suffice it to say that I really have no idea how/who/if I would be today without their music. I met Todd in 2001 and we loosely kept in touch. In 2005, I had the opportunity to actually spend a few days with them while they were touring California/Nevada. I remember being super excited to meet them and also SUPER scared that in real-life they'd be jerks. They were so incredibly awesome, and funny, and smart (and fucking tall). They were everything anyone who studies their records would imagine.
With all of their self-deprecation, the band and everyone in it (I haven't met Sulynn, but I have no reason to suspect anything different) is truly special. I grew up in Houston, TX -- a primary market for touring musicians. After that, I lived in the Seattle area, also a primary market. It wasn't till I moved to Reno (a fucking tertiary market, at best)--at age 30--that I learned about being in a truly DIY scene, where you either create it, or you simply do not get to experience it without a four-hour drive first. I really identified with the part about the role Winnipeg, itself, played in their coming up.
It is impossible for me to not be impressed when someone not only achieves what I haven't, but achieves what I never would have. It hasn't been without bumps, but their growing up in public required a spine that I didn't have during my growing-up years. And by having the character to go from outspoken, rigid young men to patient, empathetic adults who can look the dirty world in the face and still be able to carve some small slice of happiness, they continue serve as a beacon, or maybe just a reminder, for many of middle-aged punk/weirdos that we're still not alone. Excellent interview, Ray!
Thanks for your story and listening!
James Dardis hell yeah brah!! I totally relate!!! I stay in touch with the rod through fb messenger. the coolest guy ever!!
Well said, propaghandi has always been on a different level in my mind. Victory lap is the best record of the last 15 years if you ask me
Awesome story! I’ve never met them and would die to do so. Anytime I’ve ever emailed them about something they respond right back really quick. Your story made my morning
Whaaa they're not that tall haha. Like collectively as a band youre saying? Like yeah the rod is a big guy, quite tall, over six feet, but Chris isn't that tall, like average height I'd say, under 6 feet but over 5'9/10" probably, not especially tall, and then jordy is on the shorter side, not like short short, but not tall, shorter than Chris I'm pretty sure. And then sulynn is really short lol. Not to nitpick or undermine your story and great words, but my band opened for them and we met them so im not just talking out of my ass haha I just don't see what you mean saying they were "fucking tall" when only one member is actually tall. And I'm short by the way so I notice when people are towering over me. They definitely all are very funny and awesome and smart though!
Not sure how it took me so long to find this interview...love it!
~40:00 in really speaks to why I am in love with this band. Every album IS different, but my mood changes as well. It's perfect.
Just wanted to voice my deep appreciation of this interview, thank you.
Thank you!
i will always love this band
Great interview! I can relate quite well with the interviewer and share a similar feeling for Propagandhi. I actually quoted their lyrics in papers for several classes in college. I also just finally had the opportunity to see them and did my best to convey how influential they are in the brief dialogue we shared.
Saw them live for the first time in Pittsburgh on the Failed States tour a few years back. Show was at an old church, which seemed perfectly ironic. Chris ran up the steps outside the bar within a few feet of me and I totally geeked out. Nearly 40 years old at the time and I turned to my wife, 'Omfg, that was Chris!' All the years following this band and getting so stoked any time I found out they released new material, which basically was like every 4 years or so. And I've loved every album, with Supporting Caste being my fav. That night they only played one track from HTCE and it was the last track. I was surprised when I heard they do play super early stuff, cause that night it wasn't on the set list. We got tix for the March Pittsburgh show and my wife and I can't wait. No band has stoked me as much as this band. They have challenged me and helped me grow and evolve over the years. Great interview!
Dropdead and Born Against were huge important to me too. Along with the only fat band I could stand, the band the whole label molded their sound around, Propagandhi's Less Talk More Rock is still one of my favorite albums ever. Dystopia's Human=Garbage LP was another one that grabbed me back in 1995/1996 and opened up the gates of musical obsession some call it. Jesus H. Chris you are a huge inspiration to me. This was awesome to listen to. Thank you for posting.
Thanks for listening and agree with you on Dystopia as well. Crushing!
I don't agree with everything Chris says but he's sincere and I can appreciate that. Maybe I could vegan one day
Very happy I stumbled across this one! Great work!
This is terrific. Everything stated is true… the horizons expanded, the questions raised, etc. are so definitely shared experiences of my own. I’ve loved this band since the nineties when I’d drive my Dads shitty Ford Ranger to Winnipeg to hear them when possible. I was angry and uncomfortable then and they provided a relatable place to work through those things internally. I am considerably more subdued in my older age now. But the lessons and inquiry Chris and the fellas compelled still travels with me. I don’t eagerly await new releases to answer or speak to all of life’s horrors and failings. But I sure am glad they continue to give me pause for thought. While simultaneously melting my face sonically.
My thoughts exactly, besides the Ford Ranger (mine was a OLD Volvo ha!). Thanks for listening.
awesome interview
Fair play. I struggle to sit at the computer for very long, but I didn't budge during that. Great great interview!
Top notch, thanks for sharing!
Great Stuff! Thanks for this
Thanks for posting.
What a great interesting interview. Topics rarely discussed with Chris or slants on those topics. Great great job to the interviewer!
Thank you, really appreciate you listening.
My idol!!!
peace sells :-)))
The guy behind one of the top 10 metal albums of all time.
Chris is a legend.
2 people don't like rockers who aren't just iconic big egos
At 34:33 Chris is talking about when they played Gilman st and the crowd wanted to kill them. Someone posted an audio recording of the show! It sounds amazing!
Winnipeg sounds exactly like Detroit. Played in bands during the 90's when ICP was making their bones. haha. Nice Reference. Everybody flies over Detroit. Fuck EM.
ICP is such an interesting band because of how much they’ve highlighted Detroit. Wild!
zero dislikes..!
Would love to hear the story of how they met Mike Burkett and got on Fat.
Prop opened for NOFX at a place in Winnipeg called The Royal Albert Arms back in the early or mid 90's. Fat Mike heard them and offered them a record deal for his brand new label.
Grade 10 social studies - And We Thought Nation States Were a Bad Idea