Describe the Shock Nagasaki sound. What do you write about?
INTERVIEW
SHOCK NAGASAKI
by Christer Davidsson, April 2006
Shock Nagasaki is a new band to me, I’ve only heard a couple of songs from your new album. For how long have you been around, where are you from and who is in the band? Have you guys been in any other bands before?
Jamie Coville: Some of us have been engaged in music for quite some time together. Bryan and myself spent a long time shacked up in the place he was living; it was an almost “hostel” like situation where everyone was in bands and you would go on binges of various sorts that could last for days. In between we’d have “rehearsals”- if I dare get that formal about it. Then it was just a question of putting the rest of the band together, which by the way, if I could afford it, would rather spend long afternoons at the dentist than look for potential band members. A LOT of people came in & out of the band but didn’t have the gumption that a band requires to fire on all 4. We knew what we wanted to do, and we weren’t settling for nothin’. Eventually, it came together. Anyway- everyone lives in and around Syracuse, NY and the lineup goes like this: Paul Vincent-bass, Nellz Evol-guitar, Bryan Lopus-drums, & I sing and play guitars.
Describe the Shock Nagasaki sound. What do you write about?
Relevance is a very important theme for this band. I don’t feel content writing words that don’t mean anything. Shock Nagasaki IS a non-racist, non-fascist, non-elitist organization, however, any reference to social politics is not intended to place ourselves on a pedestal, or to gain “relevance” or “credibility” in punk circles. We’re not here to impress. There’s also a LOT of people in the world with a LOT of different points of view. This should be understood. Having a heartfelt point of view and directing your anger towards a particular target is a reoccurring theme we see in punk rock, but all too often do you witness a one sided point of view, with complete disregard to all of the elements that define someone’s way of thinking. No one has ALL of the answers, and if they did, maybe they should utilize that knowledge in a more effective forum than a punk band. The fact that we stand on a square box, called a “stage” and play guitars and drums is pretty unimportant in the grand scheme of things. The least you can do is maybe share some interesting ideas, and spread a message of compassion and love for fellow mankind. It’s a pretty simple concept.
The new album is called “Year of the Spy” and is released by Rebellion Records. How did you come up with the title and what does it mean?
Infiltration of the system. That’s the reference. “Year Of The Spy” is a term given out on several occasions by the press in reference to an abundance of espionage that had been taking place in the US. The system had been infiltrated by a silent, unannounced and to a certain point undetectable force that in turn damaged the system from the inside out. That’s sort of been the underlying intention of the band; to infiltrate the system- ANY system. The system of punk rock itself. To enter without notice and defy form and structure. The term “punk rock” alone is by all means a title by which structure dictates acceptance. It’s the complete antithesis to the free thinking, non structural entity that it all too often disguises itself as. 
I read on your website about the accident during the recording-sessions for this album. You had to re-record all the songs because of a computer crash. That must have been pretty frustrating?
Yeah - a fucking nightmare. A nightmare that soon turned into a blessing in disguise. The sentiment has always been: why put out 5 crappy records, when you COULD put one amazing record out? If you care enough about what your doing, then the time, and the money, and the headaches are worth the end result. That shit’s forgotten about, where as the record is documented forever. But anyway - that allowed us to re-think a few things and get it right the second time around. That’s the way it’s always been with this band. Trouble is always averted at the last moment!
Apart from the album, a new 7” called “Classified Information” is about to be released by Slab-O-Wax soon. And you also got a split record with Hiroshima Mon Amour coming out on Klownhouse Records in April. You seem like a busy band. Does the music take up all of your time?
Yes - it really does. It start’s before your even awake. I spend most of every day involved with something band related. It IS very time consuming, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I actually do look forward to having something to be concerned about on a daily basis; especially when it’s directly related to your passion in life. Going back to the bands intention, I think I’d feel like a fraud if we weren’t laying our hearts on the table. The fact that it takes up your entire life is fine because it IS your life. It’s the way you truly feel. There’s no “front”; no “man behind the curtain” and when your being honest you CAN’T fail.
What’s the best show you have ever played? Do you have a lot of anecdotes from past shows? If you could do a tour with any other band, what band would it be?
Hmmm - I don’t know about the BEST show, although I will say that some the ones EXPECTED to be the worst, sometimes turn out to be some of the best. Just works that way for some reason. As far as bands to tour with….we’ve been talking with “Radio Dead Ones” from Berlin on and off about doing some shows together. Or possibly “Hiroshima Mon Amour” also from Germany. Uwe’s an old friend and writes killer songs. Just touring with anyone you respect and get along is like a vacation amongst friends.
I know you released a 7" last year on TKO. How come you decided to release this album on a European label?
Well, we went with Rebellion Records mainly for the reason that Wouter (Rebellions founder) showed a lot of interest and was always forthcoming with us. The last thing we wanted was to work so hard on the record, and then give it to someone who may drop the ball. A few labels that were interested even went as far as to say “As much as I want this record, you guys should really work with someone who can give you all the resources you need”, and that kind of honesty was appreciated. On top of that, the album IS available in the States thru Cargo distribution . A U.S. label can’t do as much in Europe as a European label can, a vice versa. So we really needed someone to hold down the fort over there. WE’LL work it over here to best of our ability. We also have a lot of supporter’s in States as well that have helped get behind the band.
So, how will you promote the new album? A lot of shows coming up, a tour maybe?
There’s a promotional campaign under way right now. Lot’s of promotional material being sent out, and you’ll see ad’s in all the mags,etc. We will be touring, but it’s yet to be decided where and when. The album is brand new (and it‘s our first), so right now we’re concentrating on just letting people know it exists. But I would guess we WILL in fact be rather busy as the year goes on.
Thanks for the interview and good luck with everything. Is there anything else you would like to add?
THANX FER GETTING IN TOUCH AND ALL THE BEST TO MUTINY!!!
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