Pennsylvanian punk rockers The Menzingers make their return to the UKwith a seven date headline tour before heading out to Germany for a few shows, as well as playing legendary punk festival Groezrock in Belgium..
The Menzingers made their Epitaph debut with 2012’s On the Impossible Past, which was voted Album of the Year by Rock Sound Magazine, Absolute Punk and Punk News. Released in 2014, its follow up Rented World was praised as “packed with clever song writing” by The New York Times and declared “a colossal fist-pumper” by Stereogum. Their latest album is After the Party.
Andy Howells recently put questions to Tom May from the band.
How did you first start out in music?
I suppose I first started out playing my grandparents old Casio keyboard in their basement. My uncle used it to study music but had gone on to college and life. There was a pre-set that just made machine gun noises. That was like fire from Prometheus for an 8-year-old. After that I suppose I just kept messing with it and started to make little melodies.
Who or what has inspired you most on your musical journey?
My friends have inspired me the most on my musical journey. The bonds we shared simply through knowing and singing the same songs together showed me how wonderful and “real” music could be. It’s one of those feelings you chase forever.
Can you give us some background about your latest release?
It’s our bar room jukebox record. We tried to make every song as fun and full as they could be without being contrived or boring. We spent more time writing and recording this than any previous record. Things in our lives were at the right moment as well. The stars aligned slightly for this one.
You’re touring shortly are you looking forward to that?
Yes I’m always looking forward to touring for the most part. We even get to play new songs! Heading to the UK is always a treat. We have some ritualistic habits when we get to the UK that I can’t wait for. Some are embarrassing and some aren’t. I can’t wait to pull into the Wetherspoons housed inside of a country club/gym/office park that I’ve been to more than any American ever should. Mostly I can’t wait to see our lovely friends.
What can people expect from your forthcoming Bristol gig?
A fun night of beers and singing I suppose. Personally, I can’t wait to use the rest of my Bristol Pounds….
What are you enjoying listening to now?
This second, while writing this, I’m listening to a song called “The Glow Pt 2” by The Microphones. A friend sent it to me. Recently though I haven’t been able to stop listening to a podcast called Radiolab. I know it’s not music, but I highly recommend it for those that find themselves to be curious individuals.
What else have you got planned for the rest of the year?
Right now we’re riding high off of the release of After the Party. The plan is to keep that train rolling till we run out of track my friend.
- Catch The Menzingers at Bierkeller, Bristol on April 20. For further details on the band visit themenzingers.com