Providence, Rhode Islands' Downtown Boys are rapid fire rage, politically-driven punk, dedicated to smashing capitalism, racism and queerphobia. I started chatting with Mary (bass), Joe (saxophone and synthesizer), and Joey (drums) from the band backstage. Victoria (vocals) and Joey (guitar) joined us, but when local band (and opening act) Lie's soundcheck got too loud, we went out back. In the alley, the band erupted into a spontaneous dance party--and this moment made this interview one of my favorites of the year.
Downtown Boys is led by Victoria Ruiz and her former coworker Joey DeFrancesco--and these two met when they joined an attempt to unionize the staff at the hotel where they both worked. The band was in town to tour talk their latest LP, Cost of Living, produced by Guy Picciotto--from the legendary punk band Fugazi.
What did Victoria have for dinner? What questions do the members of Downtown Boys hate being asked? What's it like to organize a union today? How is music always inherently political? What does the legacy of the punk band Fugazi mean to Downtown Boys? What wisdom did producer Guy Picciotto give the band? Why does the band no longer play "Tall Boys" live? What's the most difficult decision Downtown Boys have had to make about the band this year? How does the band navigate collaborations? How has the band grown over the last five years? Where does band go to find good information in troubling times? How does the band handle self-care while on the road? You'll have to listen to find out.
Tracks played on the podcast edition of the show...
1) Downtown Boys, Cost Of Living (2017) "Somos Chulas (No Somos Pendejas)"
2) Downtown Boys, Cost Of Living (2017) "A Wall"
3) Downtown Boys, Cost Of Living (2017) "Lips That Bite"
4) Downtown Boys, Cost Of Living (2017) "Clara Rancia"
5) Downtown Boys, Downtown Boys (2012) "Haz Alga"
6) Downtown Boys, Cost Of Living (2017) "I'm Enough (I Want More)"
NO songs CANCON
