Smash the State are an amazing punk/hardcore band out of Kansas City. They have a great live set and have shared the stage with some awesome punk bands. Have a great EP out and have appeared on some comps. They have yet to tour, but who knows. I got Matt to tell their story...
Introduce yourself…
We are a punk rock/hardcore band from Kansas City. Dustin Bigelow and Thad Nugent (guitars), Matt Warriner (bass), Mike Yeager(vox), and Josh Smithey ( drums). Mike, Josh, and Thad are not able to make it today.
How did the band start?
In December of 2009, at the bar. Most of us have been in previous bands together, or just know each other from the scene. We had this idea to bring back some 80's hardcore, but it evolved. Every member had different roots to pull from, whether it was political punk, to death metal, the ball kept rolling.
How did you come up with the name?
Smash the State is an old anarchist slogan. Whether it be physically, or mentally, life just needs to be tested. Don't trust the teachers, don't trust the government. Watch out for religion that preaches theirs is the only way. You are only ignorant if you refuse to educate yourself.
Who would you say are your influences?
Bad Brains, Propagandhi, Bouncing Souls, Rancid, Choking Victim, to name a few. As long as the song makes you want to dance around and either punch somebody or go get a drink and sing along. One thing we pride ourselves in is that we do not stick to just one genre. Sometimes the riffs take more of a melodic side, while at times Mike will throw in some death metal screams. It allows us to be more creative and not so repetitive. Oh yes, and whiskey,beer and smoke.
What is the punk scene like in Kansas City?
Small but rabid and growing by the minute. Kansas City is a big place so there are many places to play, Lawrence Kansas is only a 30 min. drive as well. There are house parties, warehouses, bars, and little hole in the walls. The bands are all very dedicated to the local scene as well. If you go to any show there is a guarantee you will either see someone you know, or make some new friends.
Describe the song writing process...
I hate to sound kinda boring here but one of us just comes up with a riff, and the rest of us follow. Once we get down all of our parts, then we like to throw our own influences into it. The other band members will let you know if it works or not, and nobody gets mad at suggestions. Everybody being open minded is another thing we enjoy, depending on how much whiskey is being drank at the time.
What have you released?
We have a self released E.P. - Just the Tip that you can download at one of our myspace/reverbnation sites, as well been featured on a couple of compilations featuring local as well as national bands. We should have a full length out by late spring assuming everyone can stay out of jail or still has jobs.
Who are some of the bands you have done shows with?
Luckily we have been able to disgrace the stage with the Dwarves, Nashville Pussy, Nothington, The Riot Before, Kevin Seconds, tons of our favorite local bands, Bent Left, Bombs Over Broadway, and Hipshot Killer to name a few. As a band we like to play as many shows as possible, at as many places as possible.
Do you prefer to do shows at large venues or small clubs?
Small clubs and basements are preferred. There is nothing like looking right into the eyes of the person in front of you, giving them the microphone to sing along, smell the mix of sweat and abuse. When you are up on the big stage you feel separated from the people and you cant just reach out and touch some one.
Have you toured?
Due to some of our band members jobs, kids, and legal history, we haven't been able to tour as we would like. Just mostly playing shows around the Kansas City, Lawrence and a short stint in Denver. No matter where we play, we like to give people a show. In the spring of 2012 we should be touring the Midwest to Chicago, Saint Louis, Des Moines, and more.
Is there a favorite band you like to do shows with?
Not in particular. We have played numerous shows with Bombs Over Broadway, Hipshot Killer, and The Rackatees, but all of the local bands here are great people to play with. Not only that but everyone is always down to either let you borrow gear if yours is fucked, or buy you a drink and get you fucked up. Its like a big half brain dead family where mostly everyone gets along.
Is there a favorite place you like to do shows at?
Club Mustache. Its a local bands(Bent Left) venue/practice/show place in the basement of their house. Donations only, all ages, they have a drink called "fuck punch", you cant ask for better. On a good friday night in the summer you can barley breathe between the bodies and smoke. Also it is not a publicized place so you didn't hear it from me!
What do you see is the future of Smash the State?
Hopefully touring, making noise, and continuing the debauchery that has happened the past year. We will not slow down and continue to bring our songs about corporate greed and the continued ignorance of the American people. Also I can see lots of whiskey and beer in the very near future. We like to take our selves seriously, but not too seriously.
How can people contact the band?
The best way is to visit us at our Facebook, but we have a MySpace and a Reverbnation account as well. Sometimes we get lazy and forget for a while, but we do write back and we definitely like to party. So either just send us some hate mail, booze, or drugs, and we will be grateful for you thinking of us.
www.facebook.com/smashthestatekc
www.reverbnation.com/smashthestatekc
or email us at
smashthestatekc@gmail.com
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