The real mckenzies

PAUL MCKENZIE On 25 Years and still going strong!

INTERVIEW WITH

WITHIN PUNK ZINE INTERVIEW WITH

PAUL MCKENZIE

The Real Mckenzies

APRIL 05, 2016

BY EMAIL

COURTESY OF MELANIE KAYE PR PHOTO: KITT WOODLAND J.B: So let’s talk about 25 years of glorious music endless night of debauchery and the vast open road? Did you ever think you were going to make it this far?

PAUL: Quite honestly , no. I thought we would have quit soon after our first recording. There have been a few incidents that shook my belief in this band but some strange reason that did not happen.

J.B: I mean ever since the beginning of the creation of The Real Mckenzies it’s almost as if in order to be a Mckenzie you have to have earned your battle stripes?

PAUL: Not only stripes but scars as well. To have the fortitude to enter the tumultuous lifestyle as offered by this band, one must be tough , strong and very thick of skin.

J.B: Even on the latest release you pay homage to that with “Due West” (Let’s have a cheers for our fallen brethren , through us they will never die) ? I mean heart attacks and all and quite possibly a few good lads lost along the way?

PAUL: Yes, life can be very difficult even at the best of times.

This band has broken over 100 good men over the last quarter century.

J.B: The title for the latest release is “Two Devils Will Talk” is that in reference to fighting the suggestions of the inner demons? The choice of a good decision or the choice of a bad decision?

PAUL:Precisely , there has always been a battle over the postive and negative, but let’s face it, this is what our world is made up of, be it energy or human nature. This is only one of

the reasons we drink.

J.B: You guys cover “North West Passage” on this one and if anybody truly knows Paulie Mckenzie he loves to sail, and that song is a Canadian folk legend? What made you decide to cover Stan? His voice is similar to yours with Rich tones?

PAUL: We love Stan Rodgers. The precious legacy of song he has left us is absolutely astounding. We insist you all check his music out. I was hooked on sailing by the time I was 5 years old and I am happy to say I remain on that hook to this day.

J.B: You also have a lot songs about self relfection on this release that seem to be written while sailing and reflecting on life, songs like One Man Voyage what’s your creative writing process? I’m thinking a fine bottle of whiskey and the open sea?

Yes. That and so much more. We shall do whatever needs to be done to stay afloat.

Not only on the water, but on the hard as well. This lineup is a joy to work with.

Good men all !

J.B: Although you describe that writing process also on not socially fitting in to the bullshit of social views on “The Town”?

PAUL: One would think that in this day and age social views would have matured to a higher plain. Some have but others have actually receded and this in my opinion is truly alarming. Prejudice, sexist, racist mind sets are not at all acceptable in the worlds of T R McK. We offer education and understanding as a solution. If that does not work, we have another option, violence!!!

J.B: Fuck The Real Mckenzies is fucking hilarious it’s one of those songs that if you haven’t heard or listen to you guys people always associate your music to the bands

that you mention. But When I interviewed you before you said you like to refer to The Real Mckenzies as playing Rockin ancient Celtic music that have been passed from generation to generation?

PAUL: This is true, but to laugh at oneself is a very good tonic.

All the bands capable of this are mentioned in the song.

Those who are incapable of this, sadly, are not at all mentioned, thus forgotten.

J.B: I gotta ask “Are you still an x men with special magnetic powers�? And do you still sleep standing up?

PAUL:Well... As for magnetics, people and animals are still strangely drawn to me. Some are repelled by me and yes I have been caught sleeping while standing with a bottle in hand on many, many occasions. Catch yer kip while you can.

J.B: After 25 hard years is there ever a time you reflect back and say fuck? Because Drukards Lament is my favorite track on the album?

PAUL:It is cruel and unusual that I remember all of it. I drink to forget. Although I receive the desired effect from my drug of choice it does not effect my memory. Having had reported this, we raise a glass to all.

J.B: Talking about this release this one is different from other Mckenzies releases it has more in depth rockin life’s up and downs type of feel? Instead of the usual full on bagpipe stomping hell ya good times? Except for Due West and Fuck The Real Mckenzies?.

PAUL: This album has a new lineup. This is only one of the reasons this album has a different feel. I think it still employs the same basic components as previous albums, but different players add different dynamics and thus offering an uncharted direction. I must agree, this one is refreshingly different.

J.B: Of course Pedals is a real heart felt track whose it written about?

PAUL: My cat.

J.B: Also at the end of Scots Wha Ha’e you sing about a kitten with a ukulele for a secret track? Do you have a new cat?

PAUL: Yes. New cat. The song is about my beautiful wife Kristiina. The spelling is Finnish as she is a first generation full blooded Finn. There are three “I”’s in her name and I call her Kiittin as a pet name, hence the name “ Three eyed Kiittin.

J.B: This release is also different it was recorded at different studios then mastered in a totally different one from the recordings?

PAUL: Yes. All the work was done here in Vancouver B.C Kanada.

J.B: During twenty five years of touring you’ve had almost a crash over the rockies numerous vans going up in flames, any other epic stuff we haven’t heard about during touring life?

PAUL: By that, do you mean near death experiences? I have witnessed many thrills, spills and chills. It seems to be a collective human endeavour to escape death at all costs for the most part.

I have learned a long time ago that if one wishes to escape the swing of the reapers scythe, get in close and embrace this reaper so as death is incapable of slicing. Life is a part of death. It is all part of the big picture.

There is nothing to fear, but fear itself .

J.B: Of course The Real Mckenzies are on tour again! I swear you guys love the road but I think you love the people all over this great country. You are doing Punk Rock Bowling then Pouzzafest how insane is that?

PAUL: Yes, you’ve got us there. We do love the road and all that goes with it, but it does not come without a price. Home, family and loved ones are somewhat compromised to a degree in our absence. Not to mention cars, motorbikes, sailboats and aircraft. In my opinion these can be heavy prices to pay, but when one looks at the big picture and how much positive energy and happiness we bring to people worldwide it seems to balance out eventually.

J.B: I also talked to you last time about the vote for Scotland’s independence and you mentioned Tommy needed to be back on the hill, what do you think of Brexxit?

PAUL: In my opinion I think it would be economically unsound for GB. To make that move at this time. Personally Brexxit is vastly overshadowed by the much more important Scottish Referendum soon to happen. The last one was a fixed fucking joke. Perhaps the next one will offer a true tally of Scottish independent sentiment .Those Brits can do what they want. Scotland is my place of interest on that island.

J.B: You also released again on Stomp Records and Fat Wreck Chords who recently celebrated there 25 year anniversary last year? How do you view being part of two amazing labels?

PAUL: We consider ourselves quite fortunate to be on such great independent labels who employ great people and have excellent bands and fans. We do not take any of it for granted.

J.B: If you could make the perfect drink what would it consist of?

PAUL: Funny thing you ask that. I was just mixing another now. Having had toured every village, every city of North America, Europe, Scandinavia, Russia, Tasmania, Australia and beyond, not only do we consume the local cuisine , we also guzzle wholeheartedly the local hooch. This helps us to bond with the locals and puts is in a special place of affection and respect both in their hearts and ours. Good Spirits. To answer your boozy question here goes.

Last tour I came up with this one, it is easy to mix, tasty , and effective.

The Redeyed Czar. Two shots premium vodka in a large party cup, 1/2 a beer,top up with clamato or tomato.

This is just one of thousands of delicious effective drinks to be had worldwide.

J.B: We always end with a famous book or quote that inspired your life anything come to mind?

PAUL: Hey!!! No fair. There are far too many to choose from. Having had said that, I shall leave you with the wonderful publication I just finished reading.

The Master And Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov. Deemed by many as the best works of the 20th Century.

Now for the quote by Robert Burns from his poem Scots Wh’ Ha’ E. Lay the proud usurper low. Tyrants with every for. Liberty’s with every blow.

LET US DO OR DIE. On behalf of myself and The Real McKenzies, we wish to extend an invitation to one and all. Come and share a cup of kindness have a great time with good music and spirit .

We hope to see you all soon, and don’t forget, we don’t lock ourselves away backstage. We shall be at our merchbooth if you have any questions or perhaps just to visit and drink. We shall be there.