His first band copied D.R.I., but his next act upended every hardcore norm we had and changed the culture forever. Thirty years later, Tim Kinsella is still your favorite outsider's favorite outsider.
"Because how many times have you seen a punk product like the Warped Tour or whatever and thought, 'I’m not really feeling the rebellion here?'"
Warped Tour really seems like the epitome of a "punk" outcome from a non-punk process. On the other hand, a band like Sensefield or Farside or Quicksand, even if they don't *sound* hardcore, they are, because they are products of hardcore and of a hardcore process. If the process is one that prizes independence, self-reliance, and a disregard for expectations, the results are going to be punk/hardcore even if they aren't labeled as such. "Rebellion," especially defined as reactive opposition to the current zeitgeist, seems so facile to me by comparison.
This was a great surprise! I found out about Cap'n Jazz via The Promise Ring, which led me to Jade Tree. Just like with Revelation, I consumed every band on Jade Tree and found what resonated. Joan Of Arc was super different for me to like it so much, when I was really just into Hardcore and post-hardcore. I saw them play Barristers in Memphis. The endearing part was how raw it was, how much feeling was there, and how it felt like the world stopped revolving while they played. Have always been curious about Tim, so this was awesome to read today. Thank you as always Norm!
"...in my mind, there does need to be some kind of friction. There does need to be something that unnerves the listener a little bit, even when it’s a beautiful sentiment. Even feelings of beautiful wonder can be unsettling."
— Every song that changes my mood is most important to me. Each track that challenges my mind reigns supreme. The darkness and the disturbing wakes me up. Unnerving and unsettling timing or minor chords and tones are far more memorable. The "off" switch is as important as the 'on".
"Because how many times have you seen a punk product like the Warped Tour or whatever and thought, 'I’m not really feeling the rebellion here?'"
Warped Tour really seems like the epitome of a "punk" outcome from a non-punk process. On the other hand, a band like Sensefield or Farside or Quicksand, even if they don't *sound* hardcore, they are, because they are products of hardcore and of a hardcore process. If the process is one that prizes independence, self-reliance, and a disregard for expectations, the results are going to be punk/hardcore even if they aren't labeled as such. "Rebellion," especially defined as reactive opposition to the current zeitgeist, seems so facile to me by comparison.
I have never cared for any of his bands but man, this guy rules. Must re-listen
Plus one for this!
Excellent chat. Thanks 🙏🏻
This was a great surprise! I found out about Cap'n Jazz via The Promise Ring, which led me to Jade Tree. Just like with Revelation, I consumed every band on Jade Tree and found what resonated. Joan Of Arc was super different for me to like it so much, when I was really just into Hardcore and post-hardcore. I saw them play Barristers in Memphis. The endearing part was how raw it was, how much feeling was there, and how it felt like the world stopped revolving while they played. Have always been curious about Tim, so this was awesome to read today. Thank you as always Norm!
"...in my mind, there does need to be some kind of friction. There does need to be something that unnerves the listener a little bit, even when it’s a beautiful sentiment. Even feelings of beautiful wonder can be unsettling."
— Every song that changes my mood is most important to me. Each track that challenges my mind reigns supreme. The darkness and the disturbing wakes me up. Unnerving and unsettling timing or minor chords and tones are far more memorable. The "off" switch is as important as the 'on".