The Bouncing Souls
Punk That Lasts
By: Adam Bernard
Last updated March 17th , 2010

The two words people most associate with punk rock are youth and aggression. This is why longevity is a term that doesn't apply to most punk bands. The Bouncing Souls, however, are one of the few exceptions to that rule as they recently celebrated their 20th anniversary as purveyors of punk. It's a feat that's hard to accomplish in any genre of music, but especially one where what is relevant today can be past tense by tomorrow.

The quartet (singer Greg Attonito, guitarist Pete Steinkopf, bassist Bryan Kienlen and drummer Michael McDermott) started their journey two decades ago in New Jersey, and without the aid of mainstream radio or video airplay found a way to take over a segment of the music world.

Still incredibly active, The Bouncing Souls tour constantly and as a celebration of their 20th anniversary, released four 7'' EPs in 2009 and a 20th anniversary compilation CD in January of 2010. 101D.com caught up with lead singer Greg Attonito to find out more about celebrating 20 years as a band, which now includes touring with bands that grew up listening to them. Attonito also discussed where he'd like to see punk rock go musically, and why the genre has such a strong relationship with charitable organizations.

101D.com: You have a very long and storied history. When you were first starting out did you ever imagine you'd be releasing an album in 2010?

Greg Attonito: No, we didn't have a thought about it. We had no concept of what being a band was, or even living for 40 years. In some ways that innocence was definitely to our advantage. We were just going for the moment as best as we could. A future that far away was unfathomable.

101D.com: In January you released Ghosts on the Boardwalk, which is a collection of 12 songs that were originally released as digital singles and 7'' EPs as a part of your 20th Anniversary Series. What led to the decision to put them on CD, and out of the 16 songs you released for the 20th Anniversary Series, why did you chose these 12 for the album?


Greg Attonito: During the process of writing the songs our intention was to put them out as digital releases. As we were writing and recording them, we imagined they would be on a CD someday, somehow, but we didn't know when. Toward the end of the year after so many people asked about when the music was coming out on CD we decided it would be better to release the music on CD sooner rather than later. Each 7-inch has three songs that also exist on the CD plus a bonus song that is not on the CD. The 12 that were available for download are on the CD, but we wanted to keep the 7 inches special by having those four bonus songs only available on them.


101D.com: Making collectors items. I like it. Ghosts on the Boardwalk is also a project you released independently. So how's the indie life treatin ya?

Greg Attonito:  Good. It's how we started and it's good to be back to that. It's been a lot of hard work for Kate and Zak and Mike, who do all of the work at the label. Things got a lot busier for them while we were on tour all year. In the long run it's rewarding to have the music for life and to have complete control over the recording. That feels good.

101D.com: I'm glad you mentioned your touring, because I want to know about your experience being on Warped Tour in 2008 as one of the veteran acts. How was it spending time with the younger bands?

Greg Attonito:  It felt good to be appreciated and respected by the younger bands. When we're on Warped Tour, we really feel how we've had a good impact on a lot of kids. It's fun when someone lets you know how much you've affected their life in a positive way.

101D.com: What are the most common mistakes you see young bands making today?

Greg Attonito:  Spending a lot of time and energy trying to get signed. It doesn't usually bring good results. The best thing to do is make music and have fun. Keep rocking and playing out until the labels come to you.

101D.com: You formed as a band in 1987. Looking back at that time, what are some of the ideas you held then that you just laugh at today?

Greg Attonito:  In the early days, I was always trying to create some idealistic concept to follow as a band and as a social movement but it all amounted to shallow ideas. Action is where life and change exists, not in intellectual ideas. I was so egotistical and innocent about it I wasn't aware that so many people before me had already achieved what I thought I was trying to create, but we live and learn. Life is simple, and it's been said a million times, but what you give is what you get. It's funny to me how I complicated things, and still do sometimes.

101D.com: Moving from your youth to today, what direction do you see punk rock going in now and where would you like to see it make an impact, either musically, or ideologically?

Greg Attonito: The pure form of expression is the greatest part of punk rock to me. That pure expression always takes music and life to places we never imagined. I'm looking forward to seeing that. The hard part is keeping ourselves out of the way so we can enjoy the experience of it as it's happening. It's a beautiful thing when people are inspired by music to stay alive, to be happy, and to change themselves. The uplifting  aspect of music is where the big impact has always been for me. This part of music is what changes us for the better.

101D.com: Speaking of music being inspiring and uplifting, punk rock and charitable organizations have had a happy marriage for quite a long time. From an outsider's perspective this might seem like a head scratcher - loud screaming bands and charities joining forces. Why is it that punk rock and giving back go hand in hand?

Greg Attonito:  Punk rock has always been the outsiders getting together to be different together and express themselves. The desire to create a new world and a better life right now has also been a part of that spirit, but we know we can't do it alone. I think punk rockers have understood that and realize we can make an impact on our lives together. If someone needs help let's get together and have a party so we can raise money/bring attention to a subject. Music brings things out into the spotlight, so its a perfect marriage.

101D.com: Do you still have any dreams left to accomplish?

Greg Attonito:  So many of my dreams have come true, so I don't really have any definitive ones. I really just want to be happy with myself and be free of fears so they don't get in the way of good ideas and clear communication.

101D.com: Other than music, what makes your soul bounce?

Greg Attonito: My wife Shanti. She really is an inspiration to me.



To check out or puchase Ghosts On The Boardwalk, click here.

[Tags] Punk

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