INDEPENDENT PROGRESS
by Taron Cochrane, October 2006
Hey Guys, What's going on?Kurt: not much
Justin: Just protecting the world from evil.
Tell me a little bit about your band, Independent Progress.
Kurt: We're a Street Rock n' Roll band from Minneapolis, MN. We started out as a three piece out of Yankton, SD. But have added a guitar and changed line-ups a few times since then. We're kind of starved for shows at the moment, but always looking to play.
Justin: I joined two years ago after our other band, the Lifers broke up. We added Phil on bass and Lance on drums after our previous members quit.
You've done a bit of recording, but shockingly, a label hasn't snagged you up yet. What label would you guys love to release some music on? Why?
Kurt: Well, we've never really pushed it or sent any copies out. Basically after the first album was recorded, we broke up for a couple years. So it just never seemed worth sending it out. Now its just been such a long time since that record, that we haven't even talked about it. But we plan to record a full length and a couple of splits this spring which we'll definitely push. Plus, if all goes as planned Mark Linskey of the Hudson Falcons is going to produce it for us, which will be nice considering we have pretty much no experience in the studio! As for a label, I
guess any label that'll help push the record of a band that can't tour full time, yet.
Justin: Speak the truth!
What turned you on to punk rock?
Kurt: I guess just an angry teenager looking for something that everyone else wasn't listening too. And after a few years of cycling thru crap punk, Dropkick Murphy's "Do or Die" was released, after that everything I listened to before seemed not near as good!
Justin: That and the cool haircuts.
What can a fan of Independent Progress expect at a show? Who have you shared the stage with?
Kurt: Four dudes giving everything they got, playing music with a message that they believe in. Some of the bands we've played with over the years are Hudson Falcons, The GC5, Sixer, Pressure Point, Tanka Ray, Roustabouts, The Briggs, Madcap, The Rolemodels, Criminal Class USA, Total Choas, Rat City Riot.
Justin: Post-show expect 3/4 of the band stumbling.
This band isn't your full-time job, how do you guys spend your days?
Kurt: I spend my day delivering bottled water to all the kind souls of the Minneapolis area! After work I enjoy watching SPORTS!
Justin: I currently go to school for firefighting/EMT. Mostly so I can put the van out when it is burning, and treat
our friends with alcohol poisoning. Phil is a union electrician. Lance um.........
Where can we expect to see Independent Progress in the future?Kurt: Hopefully on the road full time. Playing anywhere and everywhere.
Justin: And hopefully with a new record out.
Musicians tend to have an extensive album collection. What are the some of the best albums in yours?
Kurt: I seem to have fallen off track of new music so mine is slightly out of date. I'll just list the bands cuz every record they've released is great! The Bruisers, Ducky Boys, Hudson Falcons, Pinkerton Thugs, The Vigilantes, The GC5, Street Dogs, The Briggs, Those Unknown and King Sized Braces.
Justin: Any Springsteen album. Swingin' Utters, Rancid, Mellencamp, Avail, Social Distortion. I really like Far From
Finished.
I noticed you have a "new" logo. Who designed that stunning piece of work?
Kurt: A great man named Taron Cochrane! He does amazing work and I suggest any band looking for artwork, hit him up!
Justin: Agreed, good fella.
Great interview guys! Anything else you'd like to add?
Kurt: Go Minnesota Vikings!
Justin: Thanks for the interview and look for a new record in the summer of '07!