JustArts had the chance to meet with Rise Against drummer Brandon Barnes when the Vans Warped Tour hit Boston. The band consists of drummer Barnes, vocalist Tim McIlraeth, bassist Joe Principe and former Reach The Sky guitarist Chris Chasse. They blend melodic chords and vocals with hardcore screams and punk riffs that make for a unique, yet relatable sound. JustArts discussed music and even politics with the soft-spoken percussionist of this modern, politically driven, hardcore punk band. JustArts: Do you consider yourself a straight punk band or are there other musical influences that affect the sound of your band?
Brandon Barnes: We have all kinds of influences. Joe [Principe], my bass player, is really into Bad Brains and Bad Religion. Tim [McIlraeth] likes Refused and Grade. I think we have a lot of different influences from hardcore like old Cave In, to a lot of punk like Face to Face, Screeching Weasil, and Down By law. I also love jazz, which I studied in college, so there is a variety of influences.

JA: On the new record, Siren Song for the Counter Culture, there is a difference in sound from your previous albums. What caused the change?
Barnes: I think it's a natural progression if you look at Unraveling and Revolutions Per Minute, those records sound a lot different [from each other]. On the new record we played with tempos a bit more, a lot more mid tempo songs. It's not so linear like Revolutions, which is really fast all the way through. We have some slower songs, but we don't really have a formula when we go in and write. We all kind of bring ideas and just see what happens.

JA: Has your recent signing to a major label been the cause for these changes, or is it more just personal changes and growth of the band?
Barnes: They had no effect at all really. We sent rough demos from our practice space that were really rough recordings that you couldn't hear anything but drums, and they were like "Yea, do whatever." They had no say in anything. It was really refreshing to not have them in our business trying to change songs and shit.

JA: So being on a major label gave you the same freedom as being an independent band?
Barnes: As far as I know, they haven't tried to mess with us. We have control of our artwork and songwriting, so yes.

JA: Your participation in the Rock Against Bush compilation as well as lyrics on the new record makes your political opinions loud and clear. Do you feel as if you might be feeding fans your own opinions instead of allowing them to have their own?
Barnes: I don't think we ever try to shove anything down people's throats, but I do think it's important to give your opinion. There are so many bands out there that don't want to have an opinion politically because they don't want to affect their fan base. I think punk bands in general have always been about political awareness and if your in a band, its your responsibility to voice your opinions and make people think. It's healthy to put ideas out there and make people think.


JA: How would you describe the punk scene nowadays? There has been quite a change in the lineup at Warped Tour for example. How do you feel about that?
Barnes: There are bands on this tour that I love and bands that I don't love. I'm not gonna say that's good or bad. Whatever they want to do if their having a good time, that's fine.

JA: What bands currently on the tour impress you the most?
Barnes: I'm really into Only Crime right now. It's the drummer from Black Flag, Russ from Good Riddance, a guitar player from Gwar and a guitar player from Bane. They are a really kick-ass old school hardcore type band. Also obviously Bad Religion and NOFX. That's about it.

JA: There are a lot of bands here at the Warped Tour. One of them, The Vandals, were screaming about the bands playing after them and calling their fans the "retarded 12 year olds."
Barnes: Yea, you got your bands who are a little bit more outspoken about the bands they hate on the Warped Tour.

JA: What's in the cards for the band in the future as far as touring?
Barnes: Well, we are going out with Bad Religion in October to November. In December we are gonna try to go to Japan and headline and then after the new year do a headlining tour in Europe and the U.S.