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Often described as “no bullshit punk,” it’s not surprising that Strike Anywhere’s vocalist Thomas Barnett takes this term as a compliment. “That’s a very flattering statement, and I hope we can live up to its implications. It takes a lot of energy to suffer through a band's delusions, and I am sure we have our fair share, but we try to stay as honest and direct with our lives as a punk band, traveling the earth, sharing our songs with humility and a sense of friendship.” This sense of comradery is important for the band, as they explain that it is one of the many reasons why the enjoyed their recent European tour.“We have a lot of old friends that we love to catch up with, lose time with, and see what they are building in the many countries of the E.U. and beyond. There is also this amazing, though recently embattled, world of squatted building which have art galleries, cafes, spaces for live music, libraries and info shops, kitchens , places to stay, and a lot of heart.” Barnett goes on to explain that the European culture has a lot to offer, despite its obvious differences from North America. “We also love the differences you can experience in language, culture and landscape, over short drives. It’s so different from the slow scale of changes in places and people, over days of driving, that our continent affords the touring band.”
Often labelled as a political band, Strike Anywhere do not hesitate to present solutions through their music both socially and psychologically. Barnett candidly explains that his writing is rooted within personal experience, and this seems to give Strike Anywhere’s lyrics the weight and depth that it has always had. “Many [songs] are inspired by real-life events, and stories of close family and friends. I definitely tried, and I hope succeeded in anchoring the political rage with a more continuous thread of living in this world, not proclaiming its disorder from some lofty academic distance.”
As far as being called political as opposed to socially conscious, Barnett does not see the difference nor care. More importantly, Strike Anywhere wants people to “just come out and feel something” with them. Barnett wisely explains that labelling a band as political is counteractive to the definition of punk. “It’s part of a larger trend toward compartmentalizing and pulling the depth out of all forms of protest speech and art. The entertainment product and general fashion absurdity of the average Warped Tour show, or other mainstream punk rock event in the U.S. will play into the hands of the focus-deprived, trend consuming youth stereotype, and politics often becomes a thin aesthetic, not a viable part of a creative counter-cultural communion.”
Always well-spoken, Barnett is a breath of fresh air into the music industry, and defies convention. “We realize that mainstream media/American culture tries its damndest to capture political punk and render it into a toothless cartoon of tired slogans and one dimensional rage. We will be happiest if we never give them this opportunity.”
Beyond just their music, perhaps the most admirable thing about Strike Anywhere, are their numerous contributions to communities and charitable organizations. In their hometown of Richmond, Virginia, the band supports Coalition for a Living Wage, which is an anti-poverty organization, in addition to numerous other causes including PETA, U.S. Vegan Action, Food Not Bombs, Iraq Veterans Against The War, Jobs Not Jails, Workers Of The World, and a list of many more non-profit organizations that could fill this entire article.
Not to mention, Strike Anywhere are always receptive to new organizations that they learn about when they meet new people on tour. Canada fans will have their own opportunity to meet the band as they will be beginning a cross-Canada tour starting in Kingston on June 9. When asked why Hamilton has always been a stop-off for the band, Barnett explains that Hamilton feels like home. “Hamilton is the city we've been to in Canada that reminds us most eerily of our hometown, Richmond, Virginia. The same atmosphere of economic tension, empty shops, and lost opportunity burn in the nostrils there, like the emptied downtown and municipal project follies of Richmond. It’s so fun to play in Hamilton, too, because the scene feels tightly knit, and thoughtful, with that satellite city's authenticity of belief that this thing can still be more than music.” While our downtown centre may not be the most visually appealing part of our city, there is an undeniably thriving music scene which keeps bands returning.
If you have not been to a Strike Anywhere show before, expect a high energy show with an enthusiastic audience. As he reveals, Barnett is just as excited for the Canadian dates as the fans are. “We are gonna be touring with some great Canadian bands, and playing a lot of our songs, old and new for y'all. Everyone in the Strike Anywhere camp is excited about this adventure, and we will also be bringing along Microcosm Publishing. A book and media table will be at all the shows with great documents of ideas, alternative histories and more to take you beyond the sound bites of resistance and into the revolution of everyday life.”
In a sea of over-marketed, over-produced, over-hyped bands, Strike Anywhere is keeping their heads high above the water. With a focus on charitable causes, fans, and of course, music, Barnett and the band know how to stay true to themselves. Whether you are a long-time listener, or just want to check out something new, head over to The Casbah on June 11 to see Strike Anywhere.
Sarah El-Hamzawi
