1. So at
first classic question, tell us something about the band, members, work, age,
hobbies and how did you met each other?
The lineup consists of Lee on vocals, Julio and Mike on guitar, Tynan on
bass, and Alex on drums. We started the band in the summer of 2005. We were all
in our late teens early twenties.
2. How did
you came to an idea to start the band and why did you choose name Offensive
Weapon? I know that some of your members are from Fed Up and Oxblood, so did
any of your members play in any other different band?
We started playing just fucking around and we got a great sound that was
something different and kept writing songs constantly. We try to stay away from
your usual lyrics about fighting and what not people that know us know how we
are. We try to write about everyday life, what we experience, our thoughts and
stuff we've been through rather than fairytales haha. If I recall correctly we
got the name from an old zine. Alex and Tynan play in NYHC band Fed Up!, Alex
and Julio play in a metal/hardcore band Carnage Krew, and Alex started drumming
for Oxblood in winter of 2007/2008.
3. You come from New York, can you
introduce the scene of your city to us..can you tell us something about any
other new breed bands from your area which worth listening?
The New York skinhead scene is definitely not what it once was. As a group
we all came along extremely young about 13 or 14 years old and caught the end
of when it was really strong. Now theres a lot less people, but the ones that
are here still are real deal guys. Every so often a few new people come along
and usually dont last. Theres lots of great bands from NY that never really got
the recognition they deserve which are Criminal Intent, Skin Disorder, Bottom
of the Barrel, and a few others. Most of wich are actually much older than we
are.
4. Your
music sound great so what are your musical influences. You have very patriotic
and anti terrorist lyrics and you also play cover song called Es por tu nacion,
why did you choose this one? Who is responsible for writing music and lyrics?
All the music was written by all of us together, and Lee can take credit
for the lyrics. Patriotism to us is almost a dying cause, and we stand proud for
our country especially since the past few years things are definitly getting
worse, crime, violence, unemployment, and what not. We take influence from all
kinds of bands, Combat 84, Ultima Thule, GDF, Die Hards, early RAC bands, and
lots of European oi, especially from France and Spain. As well as early NYHC
like the Cro-Mags, Warzone, Madball, and Agnostic Front.
5. You release your debut CD on Pure
Impact records...great work...how are you satisfied with the label?
The release was a split with Crowbar records and Pure-Impact. We met the
guys from Crowbar at a show we played with Ultimo Asalto, The Glory Boys, and
The Templars, and they wanted to release our recording, which we had from 2008
but was never released because we're just lazy. And the final product is
amazing.
6. What about the laws in the NY like no
smoking in bars, no drinking on the streets...is this so strict also on Oi! or
HC gigs?
Yea that bullshit is strictly enforced everywhere for the most part, but
figure after dancing in a packed show for 45 minutes, its not too big of a deal
to have a smoke outside. The no drinking thing has been for the longest time,
depending on the neighborhood your in most times you wont be bothered, but on a
main avenue in Manhattan, your at least going to get a ticket, if not arrested
and charged. New York, especially post 9/11, is esentially becoming a police
state.
7. What about the gigs, do you like
playing live and is there any problem for patriotic band to find a place for
playing? And do you even think about some Europian tour?
Playing live is great, everytime we play its a much bigger crowd and always
a good response. Finding shows isnt too tough, but we like to play less, rather
than play all the time, so people dont get sick of us haha. The only hard part
is clubs and venues, there are not all that many left. We would love to play in
Europe, but at this point is a longshot, between taking time off of work and
even having the money to do so, is really tough right now.
8.Where can we buy your stuff like CD´s,
T-shirts etc...?
As of right now our only merch is the record, our demo from 2006 is going
to be released through Crowbar records soon and probably some tshirts. Now our
cd is available at Pure-Impact, Crowbar, and United Riot Records.
9. Plans for
the future...
Hopefully well get some more material and recordings out shortly.
10. Last words...
Thanks very much for the support, glad you liked the record, and thanks for
the interview. More to come very soon!