INTERVIEW WITH SYLVAIN CAMPEAU AND MATT DORION J.B : PUNCHLINE 13 Was created over 14 years ago in 2001 with the release of “Mirror” and left creeping on the back burner and now the latest “Cut The Rope”. Was there a transitioning period between those years fulfilling previous requests before fully moving forward? SLY: I took a well needed break from the scene and wrote around 45 songs during that time. I felt I didn’t have the right band at that time. I met my partner Matt Dorion in 2013 on the set of an interview for MusiquePlus with my old band MEN’O’STEEL & spoke right after about future projects and we’ve decided to reform PUNCHLINE 13 & do a record. A couple of days later, Ian, Alexis & Alain joined the band. Alain left the band right after the record was done & Hugo Larouche took the drums from that point on. J.B: You have that Pop Punk feel good sound reminiscent of the early 90’s skate punk any mentionable influences in there? SLY: DESCENDENTS, ALL, BIG DRILL CAR, DOUGHBOYS, BUDDY HOLLY, GREEN DAY, ELVIS COSTELLO... J.B : You ever smoke a old Powell Bonite board that was a common thing back in the day? SLY: Haha! Yep, These were the days... My first board was a VISION KEN PARK (1st edition) though... M.D: For myself, I had a Caballero, I used to love that board as a kid!!! J.B: Stand Records how’s that going so far? SLY: These guys rule... They are legends in the punk rock scene... MEN’O’STEEL was the first album to be released on 2112 records back in the 90’s (Paget Williams first label) and now 20 years later, PUNCHLINE 13 is the first STAND records album (Paget Williams new label) M.D: It’s great to work with guys that actually understand our music! J.B : I noticed a Roofing Hatchet in the group shot on the website a tribute to the reality of The Daily Grind? M.D: It’s to cut the rope!!! A metaphor to leave the past behind.
J.B : Also the Furry Mask is that playing back to the roots of The Montreal Subculture? M.D: She’s not a member of the band. We had to separate her from the band visually. And we actually like the costumes and the set up. The clash of her and the barber works well. J.B: The Tour this year so far is mostly staying Local in Quebec but doing a couple of openings for some bigger Punk Legends. Any thoughts on a more broader Canadian Tour? SLY: Yes... The record just came out and hell yeah we are planning to visit the world if there is a demand ; ) We are playing with PENNYWISE on March 22nd in Montreal and with FACE TO FACE on MARCH 28th at the Mont St-Bruno plus a Quebec & Ontario tour in March, April & May.. J.B: The legendary Pouzza Fest is one of Montreal’s gems how do you feel being part of that scene? M.D : We enjoy relating with Hugo Mudie (Owner) and Pouzza brings life to the city. It exposes us to a rock (punk rock) audience. We grew up with that scene and a lot of these bands are influences of us. J.B: The Title “Cut the Rope” on the newest Release is that the Motivational reference to being full on committed? SLY: It’s a new band a new life... let’s cut the rope from our old bands and even from the earlier PUNCHLINE 13’s version. FRESH START. J.B: Lyrical content of the songs from “Home” and “ Into the Dark” along with ‘Sitting on a star” all have that personal thoughts shining through what inspires you in content choice? SLY: People around me... Everything around me... The world is a sad place to be right now but I’m a positive person. J.B: Is there a hommage to the life style of the Fifties in there with the classic Barber hang out talking about life and friends? SLY: Yes... I’ve been listening to a lots of music from the 50’s while writing this record so I became a big fan of that time period. Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley... J.B: The songs “Sitting on a Star” and “ Last Cut” has that slow it down and reflect feel “ Do you think that’s missing in the youth of today”? M.D: We enjoy writing songs that are positive. Too many depressing songs in the last 15 years. J.B: You did a cover once of “Footloose” is that the connection of growing up in a small town lifestyle? SLY: Ahah... Maybe... I love this movie a lot though. It is just a fun song and the 80’s been one of the best musical years also... M.D: It’s a great toe tapping live song to play. Every time we play it, people connect, there is no generation gap! J.B: I usually end with a famous quote or most inspirational book? Lately for me I think “ Brave New World” and “1984” seem to fit the latest in society’s views, any famous quote or book that inspires you that comes to mind? SLY: SHADES OF GREY.... Haha... What a sad story ; )
March 20th @ Bar L’Anti in St. Hyacinthe March 21 @ Le Piranha in Montreal March 22 @ Metropolis (w/Pennywise and Anti-Flag) in Montreal March 28th @ Ski Mont St. Bruno (with Face To Face) in St - Bruno April 4 @ Scanner Bistro in Quebec City May 1 @ CMW in Toronto May 15 @ Pouzza Fest in Montreal May 16 @ Pouzza Fest in Montreal