Todd Kowalski of Propagandhi Interview

Widely reguarded as the most important band in punk, Propagandhi play cohesive and potent thrash without compromising thier political ideology or sound. While the band prepares to record their fouth full length, bassist Todd Kowalski answered a few questions dealing with everything from political persuasions to hockey equipment all the way to listening to metal as a youth.

To start off, how would you address someone who doesn’t vote, be it result from a feeling of helplessness or that a sense that corporate interests have superseded the well-being of citizens and society?

Well, I understand why they don’t feel like they would want to vote, and why they would feel like the whole system is a joke. Their voices will never really be heard, they’ll just pick between a few candidates and things will go on as usual. However, if there is someone who you think is a reasonable candidate I think it is worth the time to go out and support them. At least the other parties would see something is happening that is different than the usual. A democracy is not two or three parties shutting everyone else out, nor is it everybody telling people to vote for a party they don’t believe in because there is no other hope. In the end it’s more important what you do outside the voting arena that is truly important, these people exist on turmoil and money so we’ve got to meet them in a completely different way. If no one falls for their tricks, lies, and sentimental crap then we are one step further.

How do you react to statements like “A vote for Nader is a vote for Bush” or “anybody but Bush”? Do you think it’s fair to say the media and the two ruling parties are doing their best to marginalize charismatic third party candidates as they represent the best challenge to the status quo?

"A vote for Nader is a vote for Nader. If the Democrats don't have enough supporters because they're full of shit then that's too bad."

A vote for Nader is a vote for Nader. If the Democrats don’t have enough supporters because they’re full of shit then that’s too bad. Maybe the Democrats should bow out and let the race be between Nader and Bush, maybe some more people would come out and vote. The media and the system are definitely marginalizing the other parties, they all know this will bounce back and forth forever and they’ll al stay on top. They’re all among the richest people in the world; we’re living under kings and queens. They will do everything within their power to stay that way, if it was a possibility they’d head themselves over to other countries if ours go down the tubes, they are not at all patriots or caring human beings. It’s funny how the country that talks the most about democracy doesn’t believe in it.

As sustainers of ZNet and Z Magazine, do you have any ideas as to how independent news sources can be better distributed to the average citizen who otherwise only get news through filtered mainstream sources?

The best way is the internet, I believe. It’s the fastest way to spread news and messages among people. I think the internet is responsible for a lot of people waking up out of their stupor. All we can really do is try to continuously point people in the direction of good and honest news sources.

How did you react to the treatment of protesters at the recent Democratic National Convention in Boston with them being forced to stay in what was more or less a cage, away from the spotlight?

It seems typical to me. The same thing happened in Quebec City a couple of years ago. They built a big fence and then had a shitload of cops to protect it at all costs. They come out and mercilessly gas, shoot rubber bullets a peoples genitals, spray them with high pressure water cannons, and do anything to make people think twice about coming back again, and to make them feel like they aren’t going to get anywhere. No matter what you are doing in the protest or where you are you know you could be attacked. I could not believe Quebec City; it put me forever against our politicians and our system. It is a joke. You can’t see the cops’ faces and they have no number on their clothing so they are not accountable for anything they do. It wouldn’t be hard to remedy that situation.

When did you guys start getting involved with animal rights and start adopting a vegan dietary style? Do you style have to make compromises when buying things like hockey equipment?

Chris and Jord used old, hockey equipment. That crap that was cotton and plastic. They don’t wear any equipment anymore actually they don’t play in leagues, their skates are made out of fiberglass or whatever the hell that shit is. Most stuff you can get in non leather if you look. It’s worth it. I prefer to stay away from the rink!

What are some of the rewarding aspects of running G7 Welcoming Committee? With only a few employees and a much more hands on aesthetic, is there a greater sense of pride associated with everything that is done?

Right now Chris is on a break from G7 and Jord has quit to concentrate on other things. I think they are very proud of what they have done. They have put out a bunch of good records by nice people and have brought a bunch of new ideas to the forefront. The rewarding aspects would be the people liking the records and getting some ideas from them, the same as people getting into our own records.

Musically speaking, what can the listener expect to find different on the upcoming Propagandhi record? From the prior three records there has been a pretty evident chain of progression, is that trend going to be followed? When is the record slated to be released?

We have worked very hard on this record so far, I expect the music to be better, the lyrics will be true to what we feel, the rocking parts will be more rocking, the slower parts will be better, the playing will be way better, it will be more creative and head closer to our goal as band. I think it will be the best ever, if I didn’t believe that I’d have to bail out. We practice too hard and believe in it too much for it to not be the best we can do. The trend will continue. We record in two months; the record will come out two or three months after that.

Looking at the lyricism, Today’s Empires, Tomorrow’s Ashes was pretty blunt and direct in its message. As far as that goes, do you feel that the band is out to say what it feels and not pull any punches and that you’re satisfied with your core following?

"We won't do anything lame or un-fun to get more people to listen to us."

I don’t think we have any choice but to say what we feel the only other choice is the post-natal abortion of ourselves. Some people would like that I’m sure. We’re happy with anyone who will listen. We won’t do anything lame or un-fun to get more people to listen to us. We’re here for a good time not a long time in Winnipeg the sun doesn’t shine everyday. Ya know what I’m saying?

Be it by political activity or through the music, Propagandhi is working towards making a positive impact on society. Given that, how would you react to someone saying that the music sends a very dreary prospect for the future and a poor portrayal of the present?

I’d say we’re not politicians we have no angle so we just say what we feel. If we see the future is dreary that is what our songs will reflect. You want dreary wait till the next record, a dismal prediction. Haha….Actually I can’t recall ever writing a happy song in my life. People need things to relate to, if people want to laugh they can sit on Pinocchio’s face and get him to tell them a few lies. Haha…

Propagandhi has been really critical of Warped Tour in the past, even saying that it is destroying music. How does it make you feel when you see bands that you respect taking part and supporting the tour?

Destroying music might be going a little far. Making it momentarily boring and lame, yes. I don’t really see any bands that I respect taking part in the Warped Tour. I like NOFX and one or two other bands that are there but we’ve never really operated the same way as them so I’m not disappointed. I know some people in some of the smaller bands (like my little buddy Milts from Malpractice) and I see them go on the Warped tour. It doesn’t bother me at all. I know they want to play for people, but I have to say that most of these bands would have a hell of a lot more fun doing it a different way. They’ll all see how it works and what these bands are about. They’ll choose to stay in that bogus scene or jet to a fresher universe. Unless they sign up for the army at the Warped Tour recruiting center, that is. Warped Tour is a lame way to see a band, that much I know.

You’ve obviously been a fan of 80s metal, are there any current metal bands that you still like? Do you think fashion has become a greater priority than the heart in music?

The only metal band I truly love in the same way I loved the older bands is Nevermore. They are great. Great musicians very original, and have been at it all along. I think they are one of the best bands in the world. Other than that I went to Alice Cooper he was great but the show is all back catalogue, I went to W.A.S.P. they were a good show but who really cares, eh? oh wait I fucking LOVE Voivod, their new record is the greatest. Check it out. I still really like all the old shit a lot. Metal is ruined by this underlying macho crap and emphasis on scenes and fashion. I can’t stand most of it.

What are some pastime activities you guys are into outside of politics and music?

Pastime activities, I like to draw, I like to read a lot. I spend a lot of time boxing, kickboxing and practicing Jiu-jitsu. I don’t usually talk about that crap because it’s boring to talk about and I can’t stand martial arts imagery or people trying to appear tough. Haha… remember Mantas on those VENOM records (ex. Eine Kleine Nacht Music) in his karate suit? What a fucking joke, that is what I fear. Haha.. When it’s hot we like to go to the beach, when I’m not at the beach I practice my guitar constantly and listen to old metal, old punk and African music

Any parting comments or words of advice?

Check out www.congopost.com the worlds longest and biggest wars are not in Iraq or Israel they are in Africa. It’s time the world paid more attention. Take care everybody. Try to ignore the fact that I have the personality of a doormat, enjoy your day!!