If there is one thing the internet has made aware, it’s that the world has more than enough cynics. Every day we are bombarded by a barrage of cynicism everywhere but can we blame them? Perhaps they were just born that way. Whether or not that’s true, it’s a great lead in to Weatherstate whose new album, Born a Cynic, will be out May 10th. We talked to their own Callan Milward about their upcoming Booze Cruise that’s more rock than perhaps dock, unplugging the feels, and of course, cynics.
Kendra: Born a Cynic is out May 10th and while it’s a simple album title, it also made me think of what goes into a genre, musician, and fan. Being cynical is something we tend to see more in punk, emo, rock, and sometimes rap. Do you feel the outlook someone has on life tends to lead them towards particular genres as both a musician and a fan?
Callan: Interesting question! Yes and no really. Growing up, I felt inclined to believe if you were an aggressive person you would be into the harshest of metal and ear-piercing noise projects. The reality is they can be some of the most chilled out dudes on the planet because they are somewhat “venting” through enjoying that music. Not sure if this knowledge applies to “cynicism” as a whole; as the people from my world of music are some of the most progressive and positive people I know. To answer the question, I think all walks of life end up in subgenres as a whole, not just strictly cynics. Big up!
Kendra: Let’s talk about the lead single, “Brain Dead.” You’ve noted how it’s all about unplugging one’s feelings and just enjoying what’s in front of them. Being that we’re living in a time where so much negativity is going on around us, was this song more inspired by the world around you or did it come from somewhere personal?
Callan: A mixture of both. With everything that’s going on in our country and the world in general, I find it can be exhausting getting yourself worked up. Especially when it’s so hard to know what to believe. It also comes from a perspective of being pulled in different directions in your own personal life and accepting its easier on your mental health to roll with the punches, than fret on every single aspect like I sometimes find myself doing.
Kendra: At the end of the “Brain Dead” video, the lead reminded me of that “dance like no one is watching” saying. Was that the inspo behind that scene, or did she just improv and go wild?
Callan: Essentially, yes! We did do it completely improvised to get that sporadic, impulsive and care-free attitude across. That was the motive behind the character a whole. Shooting it was a laugh. We did that scene in what felt like five minutes. It was insanely cold and windy and the cast was not dressed for the occasion. Horrendous!
Kendra: Does the rest of Born a Cynic fall into line thematically with “Brain Dead?”
Callan: It does indeed, however, the rest of Born a Cynic tackles a lot of other things socially from all pockets of life. All fuelled by vigour, venom, and catharsis.
Kendra: Being from the UK, you have an upper hand when it comes to the foundations of true, blue punk. Does it ever make you a bit cynical to see bands from the US put their pop spins on the genre?
Callan: Not really, if I’m honest. I’m of the opinion that genres should progress into all territories and there shouldn’t be genre “loyalty” so to speak. Whether I enjoy the music or not is another question entirely. Keeping the music “real” is what Weatherstate is all about. It’s what I grew up on. We would never call out a band if they were pushing the label “punk” to the masses. Music is totally about freedom. My stepfather spent his early twenties living in crusty punk squats flying the punk flag. I get the vibe from him he is very much of the opinion we’re ruining what punk was “founded as” haha!
Kendra: Your next show is on the Bristol Booze Cruise. Will this be your first time playing on the water?
Callan: Sadly it’s not even a “real” cruise!! How crazy is that?! However, it’s on the edge of the River Avon. We still aren’t sure what stage we will be playing. If we play The Thekla though, then yes, the venue is a boat in the harbour!
Kendra: What’s next after that show? More around the UK?
Callan: Right now we are sorting out a few release shows in the UK. We will certainly be doing something more extensive around the land. Hopefully, we’ll be returning to mainland Europe later this year. We’re just trying to get into as many places as possible. We’d love to head over to the states at some point too! Fingers crossed!
