Agnostic Front Interview

There simply aren't that many bands that can claim that they have been a part of a music scene since its inception, and even fewer manage to stick it out for a long period of time. As the progenies of the famed New York Hardcore movement that has influenced so many bands in this day and age, Agnostic Front have stuck to their roots, continuing to deliver the hard hitting music that fans worldwide have come to enjoy. Erin Fox speaks with vocalist Roger Miret about the group's recent happenings.


The Gauntlet: For so long, Agnostic Front has stayed in the trenches and continued to produce some of the best hardcore out there to the fans who embrace this type of art and vision. To what do you attribute the longevity of the band?

Roger Miret: Thank you for the great compliment. Hardcore is something that's eternally embedded in our hearts and Agnostic Front is the expression of that piece of ourselves. So while many people want to know "How can we still be doing this?" We're asking ourselves "How could we not still be doing this?" But honestly, it could've never lasted this long without all the support from our fans.


The Gauntlet: Do you feel that Agnostic Front has a special connection with their fans that transcends that of other artists that have fallen by the wayside?

Roger Miret: Sure it feels like a special connection. We have fans that have stuck with us throughout the entire lifespan of Agnostic Front. You can especially feel this connection when a kid tells us about how we've influenced his life in a positive manner, or when we're playing and the whole crowd joins in singing along. But I'm sure many other bands feel this way also. In a way, our longevity is also a representation of the endurance of hardcore itself, and I believe this association forges a unique bond.


The Gauntlet: What was the recent tour of Europe like for the group? When you travel to foreign countries do you strive to delve into the cultures of the countries that you visit?

Roger Miret: The European tour was fantastic. We had a chance to go into areas that we don't normally hit on tour-Serbia, Bulgaria, Greece, etc. the shows were amazing and we got to see some beautiful places. If we're in a foreign country, we like to enjoy the local culture there-from learning a few key phrases in the language, to trying new foods and drinks, to checking out the local markets.


The Gauntlet: Tell us about the types of fan responses that Agnostic garnered during the European tour. Which pieces of older material seem to be the most enjoyed by the kids? What was the most memorable stop across the pond and why did you find it to be such a vivid experience?

Roger Miret: We had great responses to both the older music and the material from the new record. People consistently went crazy for "Gotta Go" all over and of course "Crucified" also. Other than that, "Victim In Pain" and "Public Assistance" did very well. But most places erupted when we went into the song "peace" from our new "another voice" record. As far as most memorable shows, I'd have to say Belgrade (Serbia) and Sofia (Bulgaria). There were so many memorable experiences on the tour, but these were the shows that really stuck out. A lot of bands don't play those areas, so they really show their appreciation for the bands that come out. The entire place would be packed and everyone went absolutely crazy through the whole show and for every band. At one point in Sofia, a bunch of people in the crowd were waving around torches.


The Gauntlet: Agnostic Front is a group that truly seems to reflect an overall lifestyle in your vision and the meaning inherent in your lyrics. Do you perceive that this is a factor which fans of the band embrace? Can you describe for us the mission in which your vision strives to achieve?

Roger Miret: I believe that fans of the band do embrace this, and that this is partially responsible for the loyal fanbase that has stuck with us through so many years. As always, we promote ideas such as unity, truth, respect, and standing up for yourself and your beliefs. I wouldn't so much say that we have a mission, but moreover that things like this and thinking for yourself are a definite part of the lifestyle, and this lifestyle is embedded in the music we make.


The Gauntlet: With all of the intermingling of stylistic influences in today's hardcore scene, the band has always remained close to its roots. Do you believe that with time hardcore music could evolve into something that is completely different or do you feel that there will always be new bands interested in carrying the torch? What does it mean to you personally to be true to the hardcore sound that the band was originally a factor in founding?

Roger Miret: There will always be new styles of music emerging, and the realm of hardcore and punk is no exception. From the beginning of hardcore up until now, many new sub-genres have already risen, but all being covered by the blanket of hardcore. What was the original hardcore is not simply called that anymore-it has now been defined as "old school hardcore". New styles will emerge, but I think these original ones will remain. There may eventually not be many bands left playing the old-school style, but it'll still be around. To me being true to original hardcore just means to keep doing things how we always have, and to continue the hardcore sound in our music and the lifestyle in the way we live.


The Gauntlet: Agnostic has always given support to up-and-coming artists in the hardcore scene. Which of the groups that you have recently performed with have you discovered to be the most inspiring? Do you feel proud that so many young bands continue to help keep this music strong? Can you recall ever performing with a younger artist and seeing a bit of yourselves in their group?

Roger Miret: Death Before Dishonor, from Boston on Bridge Nine records, are currently out with us for the second tour in a row. They're a good group of guys and a really good band, not to mention very hardworking. All Shall Perish and Seventh Star are also currently with us and great bands. It's not necessarily pride I feel about these newer bands sticking to the hardcore sound and lifestyle, it's more of a feeling of togetherness-like we're not alone in this.


The Gauntlet: Looking back on the old NYHC scene that you were a key factor in building, does being in the group seem any different than it did back then when you were forging new ground? As you have written and performed over such a long period, has anything changed in the way that you perceive yourselves as artists?

Roger Miret: It feels a little different, but not necessarily in a bad or good way. But then, everything's a little different than it was 20 years ago. As far as how we perceive ourselves, I can really only speak for my self since I don't know how the other guys see themselves. But I believe that throughout all these years I have definitely grown as a person and as a musician. I have learned a lot along the way and it has molded me into who I am today.


The Gauntlet: With the return of Matt to the Agnostic family and the addition of Steve on drums, has this changed the overall nature of the group? Do you believe the Agnostic Front lineup in 2005 to be the definitive version of the group? What factors led to these changes and how do you feel Agnostic has grown as a result of them?

Roger Miret: Actually, Matt returned to the group throughout the writing and production of the new album, but since he still preferred to no longer tour, we brought in Lenny D (of On the Rise) to be the new full-time 2nd guitar player. Jimmy Colletti also was a case of wanting to spend more time around home and get off of tour. It was only natural, since Steve Gallo had already been our fill-in drummer in Canada and South America, that when Jimmy left we brought in Steve. I believe that the current lineup is fantastic, we all play great together and everyone's styles seem to mesh together well. The lineup changes do claim a partial responsibility (in the aspects of songwriting and playing live) for a shift from the more punkish sound we've been playing in the recent years back to the style characteristic of our music in the era of "One Voice".


The Gauntlet: How do you feel "Another Voice" is an improvement over your past efforts? What types of things have you learned from past experiences both in writing music as well as working in the recording studio that have helped you to create a better AF?

Roger Miret: Music is about progression, and if you're not willing to progress you might as well quit. Although we still stick to our roots, as a band it is essential for the longevity of the group to improve and expand musically. What have I learned from past experiences? Never try to bring roadkill into CBGB's.


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Tags:  Agnostic Front  , Roger Miret, interviews

EF    May 03, 2005