From Beat Motel Zine issue 5
Originally published 2005
Back in 2005 a friend called Iain interviewed Tim from Rise Against for my Beat Motel Zine. I’m ashamed that I can’t remember Iain’s surname, so sorry, Iain, but thanks for doing the interview! Here it is, published online for the first time, a mere 18 years after the original interview.
Interview with Tim from Rise Against in 2005
Iain: For those who do not know who Rise Against. First of all, shame on them, but secondly could you tell us who are Rise Against, and a little about the music?
Tim: We’re a four-piece punk rock band from Chicago. We play socially-conscious aggressive punk and like to scream our heads off and have a good time….
Iain: So far this year, of all the gigs and festivals, what has been your favourite and why?
Tim: We had a great time at the Give It a Name fest even though I lost my voice for that one, and Groez Rock was awesome of course. We had a particularly good time in Wales this last time around.
Iain: Many people question Rise Against touring with Alexisonfire, mainly because of the diversity in the styles of music. Do you enjoy touring with Alexisonfire and do you think they complement you as a band, as many would argue you are the better band of the two?
Tim: I think our bands compliment each other very well and not only that but they are amazing people. Touring with good people makes life more enjoyable, regardless of what the band sounds like. As it happens, they are also an amazing band that we love. Not only that, but when you tour you obviously go out to play for your fans, but at the same time you are always trying to bend the ears of new people, which is why it’s fun to bring out a band that sounds different than we do so their fans are people who might not normally check out a Rise Against tour.
Iain: Is there any chance of Rise Against featuring at this years UK Reading festival? And will Rise Against come and play Portsmouth as you cancelled due to illness?
Tim: We are indeed playing Reading and Leeds this year, but unfortunately our schedule will not provide the luxury of doing an additional show in Portsmouth. Obviously, we hope to make that up, but we just don’t know when that will be possible, considering our demanding schedule.
Iain: From all three albums. What is your personal favourite album and song?
Tim: There will always be a special place in my heart for Revolutions Per Minute. The creation of that record was magical and the attention we received after its release is what propelled us to the level we are at now.
Iain: Rise Against have a very distinctive sound. What would you say your influences were?
Tim: Black Flag, The Descendents, Jawbreaker, Minor Threat, Bad Brains, Pennywise, Bad Religion, Refused, At The Drive In, and so many more….
Iain: The video to “Give it all” shows punk kids involved in various forms of direct action such as subversitising mcdonald’s signs and so on. Do rise against fully support such actions and forms of dissent? And did you have any problems getting the video played on TV?
Tim: No problems getting the video played and yes we fully support civil disobedience, non-violent forms of protest, and simply getting the message out to people and taking back media spaces like billboards and signs, and utilizing them for the people, not for corporations.
Iain: Are you surprised at the growth of Rise Against, after moving labels to Geffen you have grown hugely in status?
Tim: I wouldn’t we’ve grown “hugely” but I would say we’ve grown very steadily and naturally. I could see where from an outside perspective it might seem like things are all of the sudden “blowing up” or whatever, but for us, this is simply something we’ve been plugging away at for five years now…so it’s been something we’ve really worked for.
Iain: Is there a particular message behind Rise Against?Tim: I don’t think we have a specific message, but obviously we stress change and awareness of the world around you, an un-selfish outlook to the world’s problems. We are an extension of the ideas punk has always touched on like challenging the ideas of politics, religion, sexuality, justice and democracy. Iain: This is not about Rise Against. But is there any chance of any more Killing Tree stuff. Or has that time gone forever?
Tim: TKT was always what I did in my free time. Unfortunately I no longer have free time, but if I get some soon I would love to pick it back up, I still love that project and love the guys I play with in it.
Iain: What’s the best thing about being on tour?
Tim: Meeting people, travelling the world and playing shows for our amazing fans.
Iain: Any last comments?
Tim: Thanks to all of our amazing fans in the UK, we love playing over there and can’t wait to get back for the Taste Of Chaos…
Iain: Thank you for answering my questions. People will now know a little more about Rise Against. It’s been a pleasure!
Tim: Thanks Iain, sorry it took so long, I’m a busy motherfucker.
Peace – Tim
Last Updated on February 21, 2023
Leave a Reply