In today’s A-Z challenge, we find out all about Debt Neglector who take on the 26 questions!
A song that made you want to make music?
“Filler” by Minor Threat. It was the song that opened up their first album and ultimately they were the band that made me feel like participating in and playing music was something I could do myself. They were just teenagers themselves putting out records and starting their own label and I found that really inspiring.
Best rider you have had?
I think when we toured Europe there was no shortage of hospitality or delicious beer on that entire trip. I’ve always had an amazing time over there.
Craziest moment in the band?
We got asked to open for the Descendents really early on and I remember I almost barfed when I found out we got the show. I was so excited, but it’s a lot of pressure to go and share the stage with actual legends. I think what felt extra crazy about it was that the offer came out of nowhere and we were a really new band at the time just getting our feet wet.
Deepest lyric one of your songs features?
There’s a song called “Hearing Voices” on our new album where I really call out my deepest insecurities and how my self-esteem is extremely shitty sometimes. It’s one of the poppiest songs on the record, so having the lyrics be a huge bummer felt like a cool contrast in that respect. A lot of my lyrics are intentionally blunt and I don’t like hiding behind metaphors. It might not be very poetic but I think it gives a sense of urgency and impact.
Easiest song you wrote?
“Tight Lips” off our new album was pretty easy because it’s only two parts and a handful of chords. But writing a song that simple in and of itself was actually pretty difficult for me! I kept wanting to add to it and do more, and the other guys were pretty adamant that it should stay as simple as possible. In the end they were absolutely right so I’m glad they got me to shut up.
Favourite song in your set?
I’ve been really enjoying playing “Apocalypse Soon” lately. It’s kind of tricky to play but as we get more comfortable it’s gotten more fun.
Guest you’d most like to feature on your record?
Tony from Municipal Waste is one of my good friends and we played in a band together years ago. I’d love to have him come and sing some stuff on one of our songs someday now that he’s living in Florida again.
Hardest thing about being in a band?
Trying to line up everyone’s schedules to get shit done and plan shows.
Interesting fact about one of your members?
Our original lineup was all current or former school teachers. At this point we’ve all left education though because the pay is horrible and down in Florida they’re banning books and doing all sorts of heinous unconstitutional stuff that makes it really tough to stomach.
Jokes you have in the band?
We like to make fun of all the ways people have fucked up our name over the years. We’ve gotten “Debt Neglegtor” a few times which is not how you spell that word! We get “Debt Collector” which makes sense I guess. And one time we just got “Collector.” It was pretty funny to have your band name be two words, they only put one word, but it was neither of the actual words in our name. Impressive!
Key to writing a song?
I’ve always just tried to rip off the songs I love by the bands I love, find inspiration wherever it strikes me, and always keep a list of things I want to write about ready to go. Even if I don’t have a current album or project in mind, it’s good to have ideas for lyrics ready, even if it’s just a vague concept. When you happen upon a cool chord progression or vocal idea you can pull up the list and maybe get the creative juices flowing a little easier if there are some words you can attach to it.
Longest distance you’ve travelled to play a show?
We did a European tour in 2019 that was really fun. I think that’s the farthest we’ve been at this point but would love to do more when we can.
Most inspiring musician you’ve experienced?
I got to see Fugazi in Orlando in the late 90’s and it was just a really cool thing to see Ian Mackaye in person performing. I hung around outside the show afterwards and got to shake his hand but didn’t want to punish him or anything by trying to talk his ear off. I was just a kid but Minor Threat and Fugazi meant a lot to me and it was pretty hard not to totally nerd out to him.
New band you’d recommend?
Cosmic Joke. Killer hardcore punk band that just put out their first record last year.
Opening for this band would be ideal?
Dillinger Four are always a great time live and I would love to get to play with them at some point.
Place you’d most like to tour?
Japan has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. I’ve just never gotten any contacts over there that could make it happen for us!
Quote that you’d like to pass on to our readers?
Things are pretty grim right now in a lot of ways in the world. It’s more important than ever to stand up for immigrant rights, trans rights, reproductive freedom, and make sure that all marginalized people and communities are being taken care of and protected.
Reason for the title of your forthcoming release?
Honestly, we just thought Debt Neglector “Kinda Rips” was funny. Our songs are so serious that it seemed ok to have an album title that sort of goes the other way a little bit. I like that it’s not even a confident statement saying we rip. It’s like we rip… kinda…
See us live at?
Lots of shows in Florida, SXSW in Austin Texas, and an unannounced festival in Montreal, QC in a few months.
The old days of music were better than the current, do you agree?
Absolutely. Streaming taking over, and the consolidation of ticketing and venues under Live Nation have made it harder and harder for bands to make a living. Let alone the rising cost of living and gas. I don’t know how young bands are able to go out and tour extensively under these conditions anymore. It was never easy and I lost a lot of money on a lot of tours over the years in my old bands, but things have only gotten worse and worse since then.
Unusual merchandise?
We sold nalgene water bottles in the preorder for our album Dirty Water. They were pretty cool and glowed in the dark.
Variations you’d like to do on one of your songs?
There’s a few of our songs that might do well acoustically. We’ve done that in the past and it worked out pretty well.
What do your fans mean to you?
We’re just grateful that anyone takes the time to check us out. But if the music we write gives someone a moment of connection or a feeling of belonging then that’s really important and validating. Ultimately, we write these songs and make these records for ourselves. It’s an absolutely amazing bonus when people are into it or would consider themselves a fan.
X-rays or any treatments needed for band injuries?
Not during this band, but I dislocated my knee once on stage at the 9:30 club in DC in front of about 1000 people. I had to go to the hospital and finish the last two shows of the tour on crutches in a big cast. That was a fun one!
You’re late for a show, whose fault is it?
Not me or our drummer that’s for sure! Maybe Burns? But honestly everyone in this band is pretty responsible which is awesome. We all handle our shit and try to show up on time.
Zoo animal that best describes the personality of your band?
Alligator. 1. Because we’re from Florida. 2. Because we lay in wait for our opportunities to go attack! 3. Because we had a giant inflatable alligator that was the liner notes of one of our albums.