Why and how did OWTH form in the first place?
It formed when I was 22 years old in Minneapolis. I always hated it when bands broke up and started bands that sounded similar. OWTH was my first and last band that I will write songs for. That's why we have had so many members. Everyone involved is welcome to be a part of this as long as they can handle it, but I will keep doing it until I finally die, which probably won't be that long from now.
What is the main driving force and motivation behind your music and lyrics?
Stories about myself and trying to write simple and unique music to them. Most of the songs people like are the ones that we came up with a few days before recording. I guess you can work hard, or you can hack your way though things. I've tried both, but hacking seems to be my forte.
What message/messages to you hope to convey to the world through your music?
I don't really try to convey any message in my songs. I never think when I'm writing "Man, I hope someone can benefit from this". I dig from a place that is, in all actuality, kind of embarrassing. I think that's what makes it work out. In a way, it's sort of like a less cheesy Alkaline Trio. Those guys had a way of making me cringe at some of their earlier lyrics. I also still remember them 10 years later. I guess they might have been on to something.
How does the song- writing process usually go for OWTH?
I dictate pretty much everything. Justin (our at home drummer) and I sometimes get together and write songs, but these days most of our songs come from my brain. That's why they be so bananas.
Would you consider yourself a part of a wider punk- rock community/ scene or do you prefer to avoid pigeon- holing and labelling yourselves?
When I was younger, I was a part of the DIY scene in the US. I set up shows and devoted my life to taking care of bands on the road. Since I no longer have a home or a place to help people out, I've become pretty detached from that scene. All of the people involved with it at that time are still my friends, but I get the feeling that a lot of the newer DIY people don't understand where we came from. That pretty much makes me think alot of them are idiots. They write us off because of the choices we made as a band, but have no idea what its like to walk in our shoes. Plus, most of those people are just going through a phase. I play music until I finally kill myself or die from it. Fuck the snobs.
What do you think of the state of punk rock today? Is there anything that pisses you off in particular or do you have a generally positive attitude to the “scene”?
I don't care about a punk scene any more. I like music. I don't need an umbrella to hide under. Most of the shit that punk bands fought for for years isn't really an issue. You have these boner bands fighting about sexism- it's really funny. I've never seen a problem with that at our shows: If there's someone being a fuck, we all get rid of them. It's that easy. They don't come back. People like to cause a big fuss over shit that doesn't exist so that they can have something to complain about. That side of punk is irritating and phony- I just like to get down from time to time. I think women and gay people are better than me.
I once read that OWTH make “no fucking sense” due to your brilliant and inexplicable ability to make the listener feel simultaneously elated and depressed through their music. How intentional is this contrast?
I wouldn't call anything I do brilliant- I'm just some dude that likes to watch movies and take Vicodin. It started as a joke. The joke sounded good, so we thought we would push it. Then the joke became real. Then the real thing that started with the joke seemed to help people. I still hate everything I've ever done. The next record will be good though.
Songs such as “I Am You” and “Trying to breathe” (amongst others) seem to carry a cathartic quality in their composition and performance. How far do you use your music as a means to exorcise certain demons?
I don't know- I just write about the shitty days- then I bottle that up and try and let it out when we tour. There are tons of times on tour where things get a little more out of control than I can handle- it seems to be getting worse as time goes on. The less responsibility I have on the road, the more trouble I get into- that's why I tour manage and usually drive the band. It keeps me out of trouble.
OWTH are renowned for their introspective and highly personal lyrics, but on “From The Bottom” we are offered a glimpse of a socio/political commentary of sorts with “Terrorist Attack”. Why don't you include more of these types of songs in your work?
That song was specifically about something that happened to me in Minneapolis (our home town). When a massive bridge collapsed a few years ago, Fox news reported that it was a possible terrorist attack, even though there was no evidence of that being the case. Trust me, the next time something hits that close to home, I'll write about it. Everything going on in the middle east is hugely important right now. I won't write about it until it directly affects me in my home. It's none of my business.
If you had to pick one album that helped more than any other to influence the band’s direction and sound, what would it be and why?
Probably Dillinger Four's "Midwestern Songs of the Americas" (or whatever its called). That was the record and band that introduced me to the underground. It's angry, catchy, sad and happy all at the same time. They are one of the only bands that I can still watch and be moved by. I challenge you to find a D4 show that we are at where I am not flying through the air into the crowd or singing backups. I love them, and they have helped me to no end.
Which do you consider OWTH’s finest moment to date?
Nothing specific. We have done more than I ever thought we would. I cant believe people like what I do. Thats a good feeling. I honestly never would have thought that the little hillbilly me from MN would get to tour with Bad Religion, Youth Brigade, Bouncing Souls, Dropkick Murphys and even fucking Municipal Waste. Pretty awesome things.
Along the same lines, does any OWTH show stand out in particular from over the years as the most poignant?
Any time we play in Chicago, its the best. Thats a fucking great city, and I appreciate every single one of those people that come out and support us. There are other places where the shows are as well attended, but for some reason it means more to me there than anywhere else.
If OWTH never existed, what do you suppose you’d be doing now?
I would definitely be dead. I cant work shitty jobs. I tried. It just isn't for me. If I had to have a job now, I guess I don't really know what I would do. We'll see soon enough, I'm sure.
Is there anything in the pipeline for OWTH at the moment or are you guys mainly just touring?
Recording for our split with Discharge this weekend, touring europe starting next week, and then working on the next record.
Ryan Young, thank you for your time.
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