Anti-racist, anti-sexist, anti-homophobic, and anti-fascist. A great code of ethics for any punk band to be founded on, but add a well-balanced amalgamation of punk, crust, metal, and ska plus male and female vocals, razor sharp lyrics depicting said leftist ideals, and have ex/current members of Choking Victim, The Degenerics, Leftover Crack, the Slackers, Nanuchka and Casa de Chihuahua with honorary members from bands like the Bouncing Souls, World/Inferno Friendship Society and the Hold Steady in your ranks... then you'd have to be STAR FUCKING HIPSTERS. With two solid LP's on Fat Wreck and Alternative Tentacles under their belt and a third in the works, SFH are heading out on a two month tour, including their first stop in Ithaca, NY on Thursday, Sept 30th at The Haunt. Founding member Stza (also of LoC and Choking Victim) takes a few moments from the road to speak with Ithaca Underground's Bubba Crumrine.

IU: What do you feel differs about SFH that sets it apart from your other previous bands?

Stza: I am not necessarily the focal point of the band, which has damaged my mental well-being in other bands, although, when I started, I definitely craved attention. But ten one day it becomes too much & there's a lot of pressure when you don't know any healthy ways to escape.

IU: What have you all been up to since "Never Rest In Peace" was released last year?

Stza: We've been touring and touring. And now we're finally working on material for a 3rd record due out next year...

IU: How far along in the writing process are you?

Stza: I have enough songs for an album or two, I'm just trying to figure out who gets what and when we can really dig into the new stuff.

IU: Is everyone in the band involved with the writing process or do a few people handle more writing?

Stza: A few people handle most of the writing, but that might change for the next one...

IU: How has the line-up changed since the first SFH LP?

Stza: Um, 3 drummers, 2 bass players, and help from Major General Franz Nicolay

IU: Will you be touring with the line up from "Never Rest In Piece?"

Stza: Yes, that is the line-up we have right now.

IU: You all will be on the road for almost two months, any ares, spaces, or people you're looking forward to reconnecting with or meeting for the first time?

Stza: I've never been to Ithaca. That's for sure. Upstate holds a fascination for me. I know people that have lived there to go to a prestigious herb school.

IU: For a few years, your bands were facing a lot of heat from NYC cops whenever you tried to play a show in the city... Is that still happening?

Stza: No. They fucked up our flow in our hometown, but I think we're gaining it back after a few years of everybody being scared to book us.

IU: How did that get started?

Stza: I think it was when a cop friended us on the LoC myspace. I accepted and then I told everybody to write him mean letters. I think he probably brought us to the attention of the NYPD in general. I think that we really hurt his feelings. His police feelings...

IU: There are a lot of socio-political bands out there, how did they end up focusing on you?

Stza: We're mostly known for having songs about killing cops. I can't think of any other punk bands that took it to the degree that we did. Free Speech...

IU: Do you face similar similar pressure from cops in other cities when your bands tour? Any specific circumstances?

Stza: I've heard rumors, but they'll probably just fuck with us in your town if they read this...

IU: Do you pay attention to daily American politics or just try to stay as far removed from the government as possible? If you do keep tabs on it, what's your stance on the current administration based on what was promised and what's actually happening?

Stza: At this point, I'm so enraged and embittered with the state of this country and the world that I can't really pay attention too much. It's so painful to feel so powerless about an overpopulated, under-nourished species.

Regarding the administration, all I get is overheard. They say the president is a liar, a crook. I thought that was the job description...

IU: What ways do you find autonomy and escape on a daily basis outside of the band?

Stza: I smother my face with a pillow until I lose consciousness.

IU: Any advice to young artists venturing out on the road for the first time who want to keep their ethics but still make ends meet on the road?

Stza: Sadly, I do not. Things have changed a lot since the last century.

IU: What are some newer punk bands you've run into (from friends, on the road, locally, etc) that you feel actually stand for something these days?

Stza: I take most of my inspiration from folks older than me that are still sticking to their guns.

IU: When you listen to music on your own, do you usually lean toward music with some sort of social/political commentary or does it vary?

Stza: I take in the music first and if that moves me, I listen hard to the lyrics and then I decide. When it has that important commentary, I get excited, but the standards are very low these days.

IU: What do you have planned for SFH after the fall tour and into 2011?

Stza: Recording, some shows, but nothing like this year has been.

IU: Any news for your other projects coming in the next year?

Stza: Maybe something new from LoC, but everybody is spread apart. It's hard to really write together anymore.

IU: Any final words for those coming out to see you all on Sept 30th?

Stza: Send Fucking Help!


Catch SFH with Ailments, Hiroshima Vacation, and Ballistic Shit Circus at The Haunt on Thursday, September 30th. 6PM doors, show starts at 6:30 with regional acts. Only $8 at the door - ALL AGES!