Max Ward runs 625 Records, plays drums in What Happens Next, and sang in Scholastic Deth, who just played their last show last weekend. He has been in Spazz, Capitalist Casualties(I think they're still together), Plutocracy, and about a million others. I interviewed him via e-mail on July 16, 2002.
1.How did you get into DIY hardcore? WHat were some of the first bands that inspired you to start bands and a label?
Max: My sister got me into punk in general when I was really young...I looked up to her and the local skater kids, this was around 84....but I didnt tap into the concept of DIY until later when I was in high school...I knew that there were bands of questionable politics but it wasn't until I started to write bands and get more into involved that I got what DIY was all about. Labels that influenced me were stuff like BCT tape label, Pusmort, MCR company, early Earache....stuff like that. It was more about tapes and stuff early on since most of the styles that I liked (really fast distorted stuff) wasn't getting onto vinyl all that well. Bands that influenced were HERESY, LARM, BGK, DESECRATION, MASS APPEAL, SOB, etc....I really like the faster stuff of punk rock...and when its done in a raw, stripped down way.
2.How long hae you been playing drums and what inspired you to start?
Max: I've been playing since 1987....I got my first set when I graduated 8th grade. I have no idea why I took to drums more than anything else...I would always bang on my friends stuff, trying to learn how bands were making a beat and stuff......
3.Who are your all-time favorite drummers?
Max: Olav from LARM...he is awesome.....got a really great style. I really liked Matt from Capitalist Casualties was fucking amazing....hard shoes to fill. There are a bunch more currently, Jenson from Iron Lung, Noel of Lifes Halt, etc...I tend to like the looser punk style of drumming than the rigid (boring) metal that is obsessed with technical shit.
4.Do you have any tips for building stamina and speed?
Max: Practice really.....and with a band is best...it keeps you motivated and going...while if you're sitting there by yourself you will fall into the same routine....
5.What are you studying when you go back to school?
Max: Far Eastern History hopefully.....modern Japanese and Chinese history. I had a minor in International Relations so I might try to incorporate that in to my studies, we'll see.
6.What books have you been reading lately?
Max: Right now Im just studying for the GRE....which is horrendous, but necessary I guess. When WHN went to brazil I ripped through a few of the Yukio Mishima series called "sea of fertility"....pretty good books, and I'm not one into fiction all that much.
7.How long have you been skating?
Max: Since about 83 or so...thats when I upgraded from a banana board to a full size wooden deck......I've sucked all the way through, but I have a lot of fun so I don't want to stop. But I do suck.
8.Where did the name "625" come from?
Max: It was an old graffiti crew that me and Eons (Spazz) were in...actually its still around.......I had to come up with a name when I was releasing the NO LESS/ETO split EP and just decided to go with that one....
9.In "Kill'em With Politics" you mention the importance of politics in punk. What are some current issues you feel strongly about?
Max: Its not necessarily about politics...I think I chose the wrong word with that song, but its about saying something, about doing something. The people who are trying to defend themselves with questionable politics/practices always say "we're here to have fun, fuck your politics." Here on the West Coast it normally turns out to be lug-head youth crew bands that get attacked for being apes, so they pull this "we're having fun" defense. Current issues....hhhmmmm, there are not anyones that I'm organizing around, Im not an activist really....I tend to get engrossed following a situation (Isreal Palestine, Se Asian instability, etc) in the news.
.10.I noticed that the last Scholastic Deth EP and all the What Happens Next stuff were recorded at House of Faith by Bart Thurber. Who is he and what keeps bringing you back to him?
Max: He recorded pretty much all the SPAZZ, PLUTOCRACY, CAPITALIST CAS etc stuff....he is the man. He is an old punk from Palo Alto who was in his mid-20s when he saw Sex Pistols play Winterland out here.....he is really awesome....DIY, doing it for the love it, and easy to work with.
11.How active will WHN? be after Robert moves? Are you breaking up?
Max: I think that we will plan some tours here and there, but we won't be recording or anything since Robert will be 2000 miles away....12.From a lyrical standpoint, which Scholastic Deth song is your favorite?
Max: Hhhmmmm, good question. I dont know......either SHAM(E) or SAID SAID...I dont know....the only reason I pick those is cuz I don't hear those ideas sung about too often.
13.Of all the bands you've been in, tours you've done, and records you've put out, what are you most proud of?
Max: There are aspects of all of it that i really am proud of, but Im just glad that I get to travel and meet people through playing music.....I am more interested in hearing other bands than playing in my own, but by touring you get to see so many great bands and meet some really inspiring people. I dig that.....and the DIY element keeps it a very close-knit and personal experience.
14. Anything else you want to say?
Max: Thanks for the interview my friend! I hope my answers arent lame. If anyone wants to contact me, you can either go through the website (www.625thrash.com) or write to me at: max, po box 423413, san francisco, CA 94142-3413 usa. Thanks man! good luck with the zine!
Max-Related Sites
625 Records
What Happens Next
Scholastic Deth
Spazz
Ebullition-Order 625 stuff here
Spazz on Mp3.com
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