Authority Abuse

Please, tell us about Authority Abuse. When was it formed, how did that happen? What were your releases and tours?

RYAN-Authority Abuse started back in 1997 when I was in high school. A bunch of my friends and I were getting into punk and we wanted to play fast and angry stuff so we started Authority Abuse. The lineup has changed since then as different members have left and joined. Our current lineup has been the same for almost three years. We have released two 7's, a split with Kakistocracy and one of our own, and one CD, a discography of older material. We have not toured anywhere yet because many of us are in other bands that tour from time to time but we do go on a decent amount of road trips to play shows.

IAN-currently we are slacking on finishing the lp, but I guess the good news is that the split with the Necros will be out soon.

What are your political views?

RYAN-I don't have to many specific political views, just more generalistic views. I think people should be treated equally and that you should treat others how you'd like to be treated. I know this sounds simple in bland but it very applicable to politics as well.

IAN-Left of center

What do you think about the changes in the political situation in the US and the world after Sept. 11?

RYAN-Sept. 11th was a sad day. Whatever the reason might have been the fact was that people died. It made no difference that they were American or not. Many innocent people died due to ignorance. I'm very aware of some of the things that might have provoke the terrorists, like the US's foreign policy, but violence does not solve conflict. History will show this yet it still persist. Sept. 11th has made the US and the world more aware of their policies and issues.

IAN-9/11 did not actually hit me until I was in NYC. That was also during the anthrax scare as well. Reality totally hits you in the head with a hammer when you see a mail carrier wearing a gas mask. When I actually saw ground zero it was pretty nuts. They do not let you get too close but when the smell of the bodies hits you ...I don't know it just gets you thinking.

In Russia many people think that all the last acts of the US government are the logical building of the new World Order. What do you think about that?

RYAN-Yeah, I could definitely see that. I think that Sept. 11th probably wouldn't have occurred if that was not the case. The US does have some positive things to offer the world but also some negative things. One country should never set the standards for the rest. The are some many cultures in this world with smoothing to offer it would be a shame if one was to homogenize everything.

IAN-in my opinion there will be no "new world order". the US can stick it's nose into other countries business for so long. people get tired of getting pushed around and they push back. a good example is 9/11.

Can you tell us how actual is the nazism problem in the USA. In Russia it is one of the most important themes.

RYAN-I don't really see many Nazi's. I have heard from many others about problems with them in different parts of the US but I think the problem persists more in rural areas than urban areas were diversity is more extreme and therefore frown upon by the Nazi community. Within the Chicago punk scene the Nazi community has dwindle drastically in the past couple of years in my opinion.

IAN-we don't have nazis in Chicago, but we do have an abundance of white trash. They aren't really nazis-just dumb white kids that make their shitty little coments, pretty much for shock value.

Have you ever been in Europe? May be even like the tourists? If no, are you planning to visit it?

RYAN-I have not been to Europe yet but I'd really like to go. There is a lot of great history in Europe and I can't wait till the day when I'm able to make it over there. I like experiencing different cultures and learning about new things within them. I can give one a different perspective on certain things in life.

IAN-I have been to Scotland. I love the UK.

What do you know about the European scene or may be even about Russian scene?

RYAN -I really don't know much about the European or Russian scene. My other band, Hewhocorrupts, has released some records on European labels but

Tell, please, about the bands whom you are friends with?

RYAN-Some of the bands that I enjoy and that I'm good friends with are Chicago bands like Stillwell, Step Forward Look West, and Off Yourself. All these bands are cool bands out of the US that you should definitely check out if you have the chance.

IAN-A couple bands I love for both the people and the music are Calvary and punch in the face.

When I took your 7's in my hands, I was 100% sure what music I will hear. Don't you think that all these terrible and frightening names, black and white covers with shocking pictures on them, music and texts (in the first turn) begin to be common and do not carry any protest to the society and the whole system in themselves (how it have to be)???

RYAN -You are totally right. I share the same feelings. There are two types of people that usually pick up on that type of thinking. 1)A person who is not into hardcore at all and only sees hardcore records occasional. 2)Someone who has been into hardcore for a long time and has seen it's products over and over again. I think the obvious reason why hardcore records usually turn out like this is because the music is angry ( dark), and wants to stick out.

IAN-It's total cliche. It's kind of like gang colors I guess-when you see the cover you know exactly what you are getting into before you buy the record. Does the social commentary loose it's meaning? it depends on who's speaking. There are 2 types of bands. The hardcore band who puts shocking images on their covers because it's what all hardcore bands do and the other band who is trying to convey a message. When you listen to the music and read the lyrics you'll know which band is real and which band is going to be around for as long as it is to be cool to be in a hardcore band.

What's your attitude to John Zorn and his projects (Naked City, Painkiller, etc...)?

RYAN-I like John Zorn's stuff. He is a very creative musician that is really pushing his music. I really enjoy Naked City a lot

What do you think about the commercialization of grind-core?

RYAN-In my opinion, everything will become commercialized if it stands the width of time. More people will recognize it and more people will buy into it. I don't think someone should stop following something just because it has become commercialized. If you understand why you like something it should still be OK, unless it has changed from those reasons.

IAN-I don't like grind so it makes no difference to me.

And the last... May be you want to tell anything to our readers personally from you? -We just wanted to thank you for the interview and wish you the best of luck with your zine and any other projects you are involved in. If anyone would like to contact AA I have left some info below:

Contact: Authority Abuse 196 Fairfield Elmhurst, IL 60126 USA hewhocorrupts@hotmail.com http://www.angelfire.com/mb/authorityabuse

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