Interview:Protestant

Finally posted here is the interview Luka (necastivi) did with the amazing Protestant. As much as I heard, Cory provided answers fast, so many thanks to him for being interested in having his band hosted on Natures With No Plagues. He also provided the blog with many questions, so seeing as Luka did the interview with Cory, I'll be answering Cory's questions which will be posted tomorrow. Enjoy!

1. First I would like to thank you Cory for this interview. Please introduce yourself and the rest of the bend?

Hi! Thank YOU! I am Cory, I play guitar and sing. Brian plays drums and sings a little. Chris plays guitar and sings a little. Jesse plays bass and sings a little.

2. Why that name and what is the story behind Protestant?

Protestant is the most common religion in America and it's beginnings here are allegedly one of purity, a strong work ethic, etc. Beneath the history of America and Protestantism here you find much darker truths about its early history. We also like it as a name for a band. One might say it relates to the word 'protest' as well. re: one who protests.

3. You have few releases so far, just released your last LP "Judgements". Can you tell me something about it and your future plans?

Yes, we just released 'Judgements' on both LP and Cassette through Vendetta in Germany and Halo of Flies in the US. A CD version is due to come out in early 2011 through Shove Records in Italy and Epidemic Records in Singapore.

We're quite pleased with it overall. Its probably our most concise release and best represents us currently. We have a lot of past releases that we are proud of as well. Plans? Well we are writing new songs and I suppose we will have a new release of some kind ready in summer or something.

4. I notice different styles of music in your sound.What are the influences that contribute to Protestant's music?

Well, we all listen to all kinds of music, though hardcore/punk is what we all have in common the most. I think its nice that we all like different things and we can bring those different styles into our writing. I like pop music, power metal, post rock, etc. as much as I like hardcore and punk. The others like everything from nyhc to progressive rock and jazz. I think not listening to punk/hc all day helps with new ideas, inspirations, etc.

5. Also I notice woodcut art on your releases and other merch.What is the story with those?

Chris likes to steal pieces of art from books and make them his own. I think it is a style that suits us.

6. Recently you returned from a Euro tour. How it was and is there any chance to visit Serbia next time?

Europe was great, quite different than here and in many ways better. I had an amazing time. I cant wait to go back.

We met so many nice people, played with amazing bands, met people we or I had known through the internet, etc. Everyone was incredibly good to us. Unfortunately our jobs and lives prevent us from any big plans anytime soon, but we will definitely try to go where we didn't go before.

7. Beside Protestant you have you own label-Halo of Flies. Can you give me a small info about your records and the bands that you release so far and some future plans?

I do indeed.

I have released 32 records/tapes/cds so far with 4 more coming up soon. Currently I have a 7" from END OF ALL (sweden), an LP from MASAKARI (usa), an LP from THE MAKAI(usa), a split LP from THOU / MOHORAM ATTA (both usa), and the PROTESTANT LP/CS , as well as the last copies of a cassette for my hc/punk band PARTYBYTHESLICE available. Coming up in the next few months are the repress of the MASAKARI 7", a new 7" from THE ASSASSINATORS (denmark), a double LP from NORTHLESS(usa) and a double LP from LIGHT BEARER (uk).

8. You come from Milwaukee. As much as I know,you have good scene there. Do members of Protestant have some side projects? What bands are currently active with you...?

Yes we do, thanks! Glad to hear you think so. We have a few side projects. I am in PARTYBYTHESLICE which is on hiatus due to the bass player and guitarist having a baby a few weeks ago. Chris is in IMPATIENCE, a more traditional heavy hardcore band not unlike early Integrity, and Brian is in EVENSTAR, a pop punk/post hardcore band.

Other bands here? ARMADA, GET RAD, HOLY SHIT!, NORTHLESS, SLOB DONOVAN, FOCUSED MINDS, ENABLER, and many many more.

9. Do you have some questions for us? (check the blog tomorrow for the answers!)

Yes. Whats the best band in Serbia? Do you have a lot of diy labels/zines/show spaces? How is the country as a whole? Is there a common thing politically or otherwise that binds the punk/hc scene? Do people speak English there much? Do touring bands come through a lot? How is the economy versus the rest of eastern Europe/Europe in general?

10. At the end I would like to thank you again. Do you have some message for the blog, fans, bands...?

No really, thank YOU. Its awesome that people so far away care about what we and I are doing. I really appreciate it.

Message? Hmm. Support DIY culture whether its PROTESTANT, your favorite show space, your zine, etc. If you believe in it, fight for it. Maybe we'll come to Serbia someday and say hello ourselves. Thanks.

Get in touch with us at:

protestantpunk@gmail.com

myspace.com/protestantmilwaukee

protestantmilwaukee.com