These days, anyone with a smart phone or computer can comment on social issues. Don't like something? Start an online petition. Preferably about something more productive than wanting to deport Justin Bieber.
So where does that leave topically inclined bands like Rise Against? For years, the Chicago punk band has spoken out on subjects ranging from homophobia in rock to animal rights. On its new album "The Black Market," the band's hardcore rock focuses less on the ills of the world and more on the group's place in it. RedEye talked about that difference and how to make a difference with singer/guitarist Tim McIlrath, 35, in advance of the album's release and the band's upcoming appearance at Riot Fest in September.
What's the deal with the album title? Are you guys selling knockoff purses or kidneys?
We're a band that traffics in emotions, feelings and dark places. You churn the waters to find the material to write about. In this case, it was Rise Against, a band that usually looks outward for source material, looking inward. We took a year off last year. During that time we looked at [the band] like, "What a strange thing for four grown men to do." It was something that I never stopped to think about because I was in the eye of the hurricane living it. We wanted to see where we fit in this musical landscape. It took taking some time off to really look at the big picture and reflect on how crazy this is.
What did you reflect on? Are you not happy with what you've accomplished?
I'm happy with the whole journey, and I'm lucky to be a part of it. I'm proud of every show, every statement we've made, the tours, everything. We really carefully managed every step of Rise Against. Coming from a punk background, that was important. It's easy for someone to give us slack in 2014, but what people don't remember is that we're guys in our mid-30s who came out of the hardcore scene in Chicago where everything you did was under a microscope. You had to stand for something. I've been a sellout since the day we sold the Fireside Bowl out. [Laughs]
What does resistance look like now? Is it easier or harder to make a difference?
It's weird. The Internet is great because you've given everyone a voice, but at the same time ... you've given everyone a voice. The Internet is cluttered now, and it can be hard to find the right voices. You don't need to live in a big city like Chicago in order to be on the cusp of what's new and interesting. You can be a part of the conversation anywhere. As far as change in the world, we're moving toward progress. It's happening glacially, but it is happening. That's something I've been aware of. Going from an idealistic punk kid who had a group of friends who believed we could change the world before we got out of high school to getting older and watching those same friends give up on those ideals and kinda go with the flow. Some of us hung on and kept trying to change things. We just learned that it doesn't happen overnight. It's a process. I took a step back and looked at resistance as a process. If you realize it's a constant push, you'll be better off and won't get burnt out. More marathon, less sprint.
You said that you've planned everything you've done. That caught me off-guard, since bands who plan everything out avoid risk. They don't, as you did, publish op-eds decrying modern rock music for rampant homophobia. They don't want to offend because they want to get as much out of a career as possible. You're saying your plan has been to stir things up the whole time?
Yup. The formula for success is to keep your head down, don't take a stance on anything, then write non-polarizing music. Then you say yes to everything. Someone wants to sponsor you, who cares what the company does? We came from a different world. The thing that got me excited about music wasn't fame and being a rock hero.
Do you ever get pushback? Your single "I Don't Want To Be Here Anymore" has already gotten some criticism for people saying you're advocating suicide or leaving the country. It's a stretch, but how do you deal with that?
I saw that. It's funny because it's not meant to be negative at all. It's a look at the moment in life where you stop and reassess. You're in a bad spot mentally and you take stock and say, "I don't know what might make it better, but I do know I don't wanna be here anymore." It's a positive thing! It's what gets you to the next level. The ability to say, "[Bleep] this!" I started going to shows in Chicago in the mid-'90s and seeing a more attainable form of success and using the music to provide change and awareness. Bands like Los Crudos (a legendary hardcore band from Pilsen) were talking about their hoods. I'd leave shows with fliers about animal rights--hell, the first time I heard the word "sweatshop" was at a hardcore show in Chicago. The whole thing was just, "Be a thorn in the side of the establishment." We still do that. I get off on the friction that we create as a band.
What local bands are you listening to now?
I'm listening to Real Friends and the Orwells. They're cool bands. You know what's funny? I'm on the road a ton, so my response to questions like this has become, "I know enough about Chicago's scene to know I'm not the one who should be talking about it." When I was a kid going to the Fireside Bowl every night, it didn't matter who was playing. If I was listening to some 35-year-old trying to be cool talking about my scene, I would have been pissed off. I'm not going to try to sound cool because I honestly don't know. My job now is to pass the torch down. Get me off the stage! That's the whole point. As someone who championed a lot of social issues, I feel responsibility. Yeah, I wake up a little bit jaded sometimes. Somewhere else though, there's a 15-year-old who's hearing Minor Threat for the first time, or Operation Ivy. That's so important! Then they make that connection and next thing you know, that kid is in the front row at Riot Fest this fall watching us. Maybe something I've learned I can then impart it on them, continuing a process of learning and literally trying to change the world. Man, I was that kid in the front row and I owe so much to the people who inspired me. It's a chain I'm down to be a part of.
Speaking of Riot Fest, who are you excited to see?
Wu-Tang Clan! No, but every time I look at that lineup, I see a new band [laughs]. [The festival] is in touch with what fans want to see. They did a good job with that lineup and bringing it to life. We've done a lot of festivals over the years, and to watch a relatively young fest like this one get it right so early is exciting. Also, it started in Chicago like we did, and that's a source of pride too. We're stoked to be a part of it.
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