Q: Tell me about the differences between your new album ” Black Thorn “ and your previous releases.
FT56: First of all, the new album “Black Thorn“ is another step in the history of FLATFOOT 56. It is the first release where we did a very elaborate pre-production. This pre-production was handled by Johnny Rioux from the Street Dogs.
The sound of “Black Thorn“ is more mature and refined than on our previous albums. You can clearly see that with each release we have improved our songwriting and are able to implement our creativity better in our songs. This development has reached its peak with “Black Thorn“.
Q: How do you describe your musical style?
FT56: We call our music Celtic punk rock or punk rock with hardcore and a small but strong touch of Celtic flair.
Q: Your lyrics are strongly rooted in the working class. Does the working class that sticks together and fights together, which you sing about, still exist, or is the idea of sticking together a thing of the past?
FT56: Where we come from, the working class we sing about definitely exists. In the area where we come from, most people work very hard to support their families and provide them with a good life. The life of workers and the existence of the working class is very real and omnipresent for us. It is important for workers to come together to fight for their rights and for better working conditions. Only this unity can make a difference. People who have never lived this life cannot even begin to understand what it means to be a worker who has to give their best every day to support their family.
Q: Can unions actually achieve the goal of more rights, higher income, and greater social recognition for workers?
FT56: Definitely. Unions can do that, and they have proven it in the past. There are countless examples from history that show how the situation of workers has improved through unity and collective struggle.
Unions must understand their members and those for whom they fight. It is important for workers to keep their jobs and for the working conditions and pay to be fair. Likewise, companies must take care of their workers, as they are the ones who keep the company alive. There needs to be a balance. It is necessary for the company to continue to exist and be competitive in the global market, and it is also necessary for workers to have good working conditions and receive adequate compensation.
However, I do not believe that unions are the only voice of the workers.
Being a worker means knowing the dirt under your nails and the sweat on your brow. There are millions of people who know this. Unions are an important voice, but they are not the sole spokesperson for the workers.
Q: I recently read that there are some states in the USA where unions are hardly known and play no role. Is that true?
Do you know why that is?
FT56: I would love to answer this question exhaustively, but I don't know the whole picture exactly.
However, I think that not every worker in the USA is dissatisfied with their job and situation, perhaps also because they do not realize how they are being exploited.
But there are also companies that treat their workers well.
However, I do not believe that it is forbidden to form a union in any state in the USA, but I could be wrong.
Q: You play Celtic punk rock with hardcore influence. What personal connection do you have to this style? Are there band members with ancestors from Scotland or Ireland?
FT56: All members of the band live in the city in the USA that is most strongly influenced by Gaelic culture. Chicago! The city we live in is heavily shaped by Scottish and Irish culture. We grew up in the midst of this culture. That has certainly influenced us.
Three of us grew up in an environment that was strongly influenced by American folk music and bluegrass. That has certainly left its mark, although it must be said that the Irish and Scottish influence in the music is also strongly rooted.
Q: I have read that all band members are devout Christians. Is that true?
What is your relationship with the Christian religion?
FT56: That’s true, we are all devout Christians. Our faith is very important to us, and we carry it in our hearts. We are open about our religion but make sure not to impose our beliefs on anyone. We have written songs that refer to our faith and what is important to us. I think every band has this kind of songs. If we didn’t sing about what we believe in, we wouldn’t be an honest band. Our faith influences our lives and helps us see the world as we do.
Q: In April and May 2011, you will be on your European tour. What are your expectations for this tour?
FT56: We are very excited and really looking forward to our European tour and to presenting our best release live.
Every tour we have done in Europe so far has been very good for us. I am firmly convinced that with good promotion and our albums now available everywhere, we will have a great tour.
Q: How important is Europe to you? Do you have a favorite country or club in Europe?
FT56: Generally, we really like Europe. Unfortunately, we haven’t had much time to look around in detail yet. We would like to stay in Europe for a while and explore more closely.
So far, we have been to Germany and Holland. We really enjoyed it there. The concerts were very good and fun.
Especially the concert at Wild at Heart in Berlin was very enjoyable for us. We hope to stop by this club again when we are in Berlin.
Of course, it is also very exciting for us to play in countries where we have never been before. I think of Italy, Sweden, Austria, or Denmark. We would love to play in those countries as well.
