Martin Cizmar of New Times bashes local band Die Ignorant for having carwash
Jacqueline Bernatt
Local D.I.Y. (do-it-yourself) band, Die Ignorant returned from a two-week tour with Chaser of Orange County and Guttermouth. The band consists of Fatboy Rex, Aaron “Travis Bickle” Church, Bryan “Goo” Dague and Brandon Vokenant.
Founding members Rex and Church have been working since 2005 to get opportunities to play with bands like Guttermouth.
It was a tour that almost didn’t happen.
“Originally we had an investor who was going to front us $500, but they realized they weren’t going to have the money,” Rex said. “We had thrown around a few ideas about how we could get money. We sold a bunch of gear we absolutely didn’t need for the tour. We couldn’t get a show together. Bake sales posed problems. So, the carwash idea was hatched by me and Aaron.”
In an Applebee’s parking lot on the Saturday before the tour, the guys washed cars for five hours asking for $5 donations.
“We are two dudes with no jobs, and we raised $700 in five days,” Rex said.
There has been furious debate over the origins and meanings behind the word since its emergence. I was rather surprised to read that Martin Cizmar, music editor for the Phoenix New Times, has the monopoly on definitions of such a broad genre.
At least that’s what a recent online article bashing the band’s efforts, implied.
“What kind of punk band puts the Applebee’s logo on its fliers? Are any local punk kids appalled by this…” Cizmar wrote.
Apparently local punk kids aren’t appalled at all.
“A lot of people thought we were a joke, but a surprising amount jumped at the opportunity to help the band. People admired the fact we were willing to get dirty to make this tour happen, and that we weren’t just looking for a hand out,” Rex said.
Cizmar name-dropping the Clash does not make him a bonafide expert on what is punk.
Who wrote his rules for rebellion? While he is busy pulling his foot out of his mouth, Die Ignorant and bands like them will be doing what they do best.
“Don’t get me wrong,” said Rex, “I never expected a pat on the back from the New Times for touring with Guttermouth, but I really didn’t expect a shake of the finger either.”
Well, I think I know which finger I’ll be shaking at the New Times for overlooking accomplishments of D.I.Y. bands.
“At the end of the day we’re just four guys making tunes to escape, and God willing, help others escape. We don’t really care if having a car wash is considered not to be punk, and we don’t care how we look or act,” Rex said. “We play music we want to play, we throw shows we want to throw, and raise funds how we see fit. Listen to the music, come see the shows, and leave labeling at the door.”
http://www.myspace.com/dieignorant
http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/uponsun/2010/02/local_punk_band_die_ignorant_h.php
