Ha! Punk has never been dead. I think Punk will always be around in some way shape or form. Even though we consider ourselves mainly a Power-Ska band, it remains to be a huge influence to our sound overall. People do not realize how much Punk there is around them. Green Day is seeing a lot of success and even punk influenced pioneers like Elvis Costello are still thriving. there seems to be a major resurgence of original acts who are reforming to take advantage of the re-invented interest in the Ska and Punk genres. This is all wonderful and promising for the groups like us who are trying to push our way forward.

DIY arts in Canada are extremely vital to the music industry. There is nothing wrong with mass produced Top 40. Music is music and I would not knock anyone for being into any kind of music. This being said, I think people are starving for something with more substance. The people want a real product. These festivals allow The Artist to showcase the talent with meaning and purpose. Our band is comprised entirely of working class individuals. The same as all the festival goers. especially in times like now, there is more to relate to at these grassroots festivals which helps establish a better connection between the artist and the audience. Rude City Riot is on a vital mission to introduce the rest of the world to Ska Music. Without help of these festivals it would be more difficult. They help the artist and the result is that Music gets the chance instead of mass media always bullying its way through.

Off the top of my head I can only think way back to our very first show. Nobody had a clue who we were and I wanted to come out with a bang. Right off the first stick count I smashed a beer bottle over my head. Thousands of pieces showered the stage and just like that we exploded and have not looked back ever since.

That is a very tough question. There is such a wide array of talent in both cities. I haven’t lived in Calgary as long as Vancouver and unfortunately have not had a chance to really get out there and enjoy the scene as much as I would like. Some names that come to mind are groups like The Mocking Shadows, Joshua’s Habit, and Knucklehead. For Vancouver it is even a tougher decision. I am really a big fan of fellow Ska veterans Los Furios and The Villains.
 
As far as Sled Island goes, there are so many amazing shows on the schedule. It is a musical buffet with so many choices and varieties. I would say that if I could pick only one show to see it would be the legendary Anvil. We are very excited to be taking part in the festival this year and be in great company with the many world class acts also participating.