Patriot interview originally published in "Welcome to the Real
World" #3 (late 92). Interview done by Perry.
PLEASE GIVE US YOUR LINE UP AND A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE BAND.
The line up is: Eddie "Hagar" Oakes - Vocals, Gordon
"Sharkey" King - Guitar and backing vocals, Brian Lawton - Bass
and backing vocals, Chip Harris - Drums and backing vocals.
Patriot got together in October 1990, since then we have pulled
through two line up changes. Originally John Macneal played Bass
and Joey Osment played drums.
WHAT IS THE SKINHEAD SCENE LIKE IN YOUR AREA?
The Skinhead scene in our area is pretty good. It is a non
racist crew with a lot of tight bonds. People who have been
around for a long time. Chapel Hill N.C. is a small town, so we
are pretty lucky to have a good sized crew.
ARE ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE BAND SKINHEADS AND WHAT DOES BEING A
SKINHEAD MEAN TO YOU?
I (Eddie), Gordon and Chip are Skinheads. Brian has been
down with our crew for years. He has never been one for cropping
his hair though. I guess you would call him a herbert or an Oi!
Boy. Skinhead is not really a trend or a phase you go through.
For us it is an acceptance of who and what we are. It signifies
(by our appearance) where we stand socially and politically, what
we feel and who we are. It is a statement to all around us that
we are not satisfied with mediocrity. That we are not willing to
slip into social obscurity. It says that we are gonna go that
extra mile to make a difference and make a change. A Skinhead is
proud, honorable, and strong with a prominent sense of national
obligation. A patriotic blue collar American. In a nutshell, we
distinguish ourselves by our appearance to make a bold statement
that says who we are and that we embrace a series of ideals and
convictions, such as patriotism, blue collar pride, and
willingness to make stand and try to change what we feel is
strong.
WHO ARE YOUR INFLUENCES AND FAVORITE BANDS?
Each of us sight a broad spectrum of musicians as influences
and personal favorites. Gordon names people like John Lee
Hooker, Ry Cooder, Angus Young and Randy Rhodes as guitar
influences alone. Brian and I (Ed) have always like the tenacity
of some speed and thrash bands like Slayer, Motorhead. Overall I
would say we are influenced by bands like Agnostic Front,
Biohazard, and Sick of It All as well as the Business, 4skins,
Blitz, Last Resort, Peter and the Test Tube Babies. For a more
traditional sound our roots so to speak, we draw on an extensive
source of musical inspiration.
WHAT ARE SOME TOPICS YOU COVER IN YOUR SONGS?
We sing about a strong number of things. It would be had to
summarize what we sing about. Girls, beer, brawling, what we
like and dislike, stances we take on a given issue. We like to
keep a fresh well spring of ideas to write about.
WHAT ARE YOUR VIEWS ON POLITICS?
Overall politics is a chore to deal with, we feel. We would
rather not have to be politically active but it would be foolish
and unrealistic to just bury our heads in the sand like an
ostrich. We would like to see the world we live in become a
better place so we deal with some political issues and try to
have a say and make a change.
WHAT IS YOUR OPINION OF THE U.S. SKIN SCENE TODAY? DO YOU THINK
IT CAN REGAIN THE STRENGTH OF THE LATE 80s?
The American Skinhead movement has a vast amount of
potential. It contends with problems such as the size of our
country. Things are so spread out it is hard to interact with
Skins in different areas. Media misrepresentation is a big
problem also. Skins fighting Skins over politics, social
problems, etc. Too bad views such as racism and anti racism are
acted on so strongly that it causes the problems among Skins that
it does. If we could get back to more traditional Skinhead
ideals and forget racism, politics, etc. we would be better off
for it. The American Skinhead movement may not be a prominent as
the late 80s but it is far from down. It is on an upswing I
believe. I don't think the American Skinhead movement will ever
die.
WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH WITH THE BAND?
We hope to have enough of an effect on Skinheads everywhere
that one day we can unite. We feel that if we have said or done
something that reaches even one person and makes them feel better
about themselves or the surroundings, or arms them with some
fragment of knowledge that makes a change and enrich the world we
live in a better place, then we are doing something right. We
want to share ourselves with other people. We want to offer the
things that we have learned to others. Maybe singing about our
hardships could help someone to else avoid those same problems.
We want to have a say and exercise our freedom of speech, maybe
make a change for the better. Plus we are all hams at heart and
love a fun time and a good laugh.
WHAT DO YOU DO BESIDES THE BAND? (JOBS, SCHOOL, ETC.)
We have all got outside hobbies and interests. Man cannot
live by bread alone. Gordon is a wizard with auto mechanics. He
has got a love for American muscle cars as deep as the ocean.
Gordon's also studying culinary arts in college. Brian, and a
partner, own a land-scaping and lawn care business. Gordon and I
are in the process of pulling a fanzine together entitle "Blue
Collar Gazette". I do some freelance illustration and hope to
attend college int eh fall studying commercial design and
illustration (advertising). Chip works with some other bands
helping produce their music. He works a job and lives with his
girlfriend (Chris) who is attending college.
ANY BAND MERCHANDISE FOR SALE?
At this time we only "American Crew 91" demos available.
Within a month we will be releasing a second demo entitled
"Cadence from the Street". It is a twelve song project. We are
really excited about it. We will also have T-shirts and stickers
available within a month or so. We will keep you posted.
FUTURE PLANS?
We want to travel more. We hope to be on the road more by
late summer, visiting other scenes. We are struggling to put out
a 7" soon also. Money is real tight and it is keeping our hands
tied. We are not on a label so we are sort of fining ourselves
so to speak.
ANY CLOSING COMMENTS?
We would like to hear from other scenes. Bro's and Birds.
Write to us, tell us about your scenes, send photos, flyers, etc.
Maybe we can travel through your area. Keep your faith and save
us a beer! Oi! (
geocities.com/sunsetstrip)