Winnipeg’s favorite sons, The Weakerthans, released one of their best and most beloved albums over a decade ago, entitled Left and Leaving. The band toured the U.S. and played Fireside Bowl in support of said record, and we spoke with singer/guitarist John K. Samson after the show. We talked about the landmark album, some of its lyrics, touring, the band’s hometown and more. The Weakerthans issued a live album last year and hopefully they’ll return in 2012 with a new studio full-length and multiple tours. Click here to view…

This interview originally appeared in our ninth issue. We met with singer/guitarist Erik Funk and singer/bassist Patrick Costello before one of their shows at Fireside Bowl. We talked from inside D4’s van about their new album at the time, Versus God, the band’s relationship with Billie Joe Armstrong, Hopeless Records, South by Southwest, The Triple Rock and more. Click here to view…

This interview initially appeared in the twelfth issue of Jaded In Chicago. We met with Chris, Jord and Todd before their show at the Congress Theater to discuss Today’s Empires, Tomorrow’s Ashes, which was the album they were touring in support of at the time. We also talked about the departure of former member John K. Samson, the band’s thoughts on their first record, what motivates the group to stay together and more. Propagandhi is without a doubt one of the most important punk bands of the last 25 years and getting the opportunity to interview them was definitely a special experience. We look forward to doing it again sometime soon. Click here to view…

Bad Religion is one of punk rock’s longest-running and most revered acts. Over the years, they’ve sold millions of albums and influenced countless bands. Without a doubt, their place in the history of punk as one of the genre’s most important and significant groups is certainly solidified. Several months ago, Bad Religion came through Chicago for a show at the Vic and Jaded In Chicago was lucky enough to sit down and talk with bassist Jay Bentley. We conversed about the band’s highly acclaimed latest album, The Process of Belief, their return to Epitaph and much more. Click here to view…

Against Me! is the reluctant savior of punk rock. Their stripped-down, DIY sound is especially refreshing in today’s rehashed musical climate. Drawing from their southern roots, along with a heaping dose of old school punk, these guys make even the most cynical punk feel as though they were a teenager again. Against Me! could very well go down in history as one of punk rock’s most memorable bands. This interview was conducted via telephone with singer/guitarist Tom Gabel. Click here to view…

Through the years, Less Than Jake’s music has continuously matured and evolved. They’ve flirted with mainstream success, but more importantly remained steadfast in both their songwriting and live performances. Their commitment to integrity and an overall fan-friendly approach has made it easy for many listeners to remain loyal to LTJ for the duration of the band’s already lengthy career. On 2008’s GNV FLA, they’ve continued their proud and storied tradition, showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon. This interview was conducted via telephone with drummer/lyricist Vinnie Fiorello. Click here to view…

On Build & Burn, The Loved Ones eagerly explore new musical territory with great success. There’s an emphasis on straightforward rock, sing-along choruses and lyrics written from the heart. It’s a surprisingly solid record from start to finish, and one that simply grows more interesting and enjoyable with every listen. Build & Burn has redefined The Loved Ones as one of the underground’s best kept secrets, though it has also set the bar extremely high for their next album. This interview was conducted with singer/guitarist Dave Hause before the band’s 7/20/08 performance at Reggie’s Rock Club in Chicago. Click here to view…

Screeching Weasel was hands-down one of the best punk bands of the ‘90s. Their music vividly captured the spirit of teenage angst and boredom. They had songs that were humorous as well as ones that were thought-provoking. They practically invented punk’s one-string guitar lead, thereby incorporating pop sensibilities at a time when that was far from customary. The band played by its own rules, but above all were great songwriters. As a result, they spawned a legion of devoted listeners. Fans weren’t content with one record; they wanted to hear them all. The infamous Screeching Weasel logo became a fixture on t-shirts in high school hallways, as singer Ben Weasel’s lyrics turned into anthems for the disenchanted youth of suburbia. Adding to the band’s mythical status was the fact that their popularity didn’t skyrocket until after they stopped playing shows. Tales of someone’s older brother allegedly seeing Screeching Weasel play a house party only helped to glorify their allure. The band’s cult-like following is yet another example of their importance to American punk rock. For many, Screeching Weasel provided not only a gateway to the realm of punk music, but also a soundtrack for surviving adolescence. Click here to view…

Fat Mike has been a household name in the realm of punk rock for more than ten years. His resume includes fronting the legendary NOFX and founding what is arguably the world’s best punk record label, Fat Wreck Chords. Today he can add political activist to his list of credentials. With the formation of his Punk Voter website and the upcoming release of the Rock Against Bush CD compilations, Fat Mike is a man on a mission in ’04. NOFX will also headline the first leg of the Punk Voter tour, as well as play select dates on Warped Tour; all in hopes of sending W back to Crawford, Texas come November. Though he has garnered some flak due to his latest actions, Mike remains undeterred by his critics. He continues to exercise his right as an American citizen to make his voice heard and do what it takes to unite punks in electing a President who’s more deserving of the title. Click here to view…

The Street Dogs are a rare example of a tried-and-true, 21^st century punk rock band. Their songs are assertive, outspoken and inspired. They’re also consummate professionals onstage, routinely delivering lengthy, crowd-pleasing performances that are on par with or surpass the best live bands in independent rock. On their latest album, State of Grace, the band has successfully restyled their sound and become a tighter, more focused group than ever before. It’s undeniably one of the best punk records of 2008 and one that even passing fans of the genre must hear. This interview was done with Street Dogs’ singer Mike McColgan prior to their recent show at Reggie’s Rock Club on 10/4/08. Click here to view…