Interviews: The Tracys

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Punk Rock band, The Tracys from the USA. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that?

When Matt Joined the band Dave was just re-emerging from a music hiatus while he focused on his wife’s cancer recovery. The band had just formed… Matt was the final member and the boys tested out a variety of terrible names, including Little Lord Fuckpants (not kidding) until Matt suggested The Tracys in honor of Dave’s wife Tracy’s recovery from cancer. Yes she is tougher than leather superhuman so we thought that’s a great name for a punk band

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

We all grew up listening to punk rock and hardcore, it’s in the blood and all four members of the band had a history of playing in punk rock bands since childhood, but Dave had a particular pedigree having played such bands as Itch and The Populars, and touring with DOA and other punk legends.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Matt met Dave through his wife Tracy. They bonded over "Dave's Music quiz," which they played every Friday at their boxing gym. Meanwhile, in Brooklyn, Larry and John were playing music together (poorly). Based on their previous collaborations, John invited Dave to come jam. Dave brought Matt, and the band immediately fell into place.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Matt: I mean - punk rock snobbery aside - you can’t lose with some good ‘ol AC/DC. There is just some kind of magic there. Both the Bon Scott and Brian Johnson eras are fantastic. Plus few bands could recover from a death of a defining member like that. Of more recent vintage I’m a huge fan of Queens of the Stone Age.

Dave: The one and only answer to a deserted island and all that has to be the greatest rock-n-roll band of all time The Ramones

John: This is really fucking embarrassing but Spotify says I listen to Puppetbox a lot.

Larry: I just hope all the bands have fun.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Dave: to be honest with what is happening in the world for me the best way still to vent so I don’t fall off the deep end is to get it out in a 2 min ripper or a sarcastic ballad that’s what punk is to me in the first place it’s always been about giving the middle finger to who needs it all while having a good dangerous rowdy time what a time to be alive hey? A lot of material too much material!

John: Unrequited love is a bottomless well

Larry: Speaking of bottomless wells... Dive bars and partying.

6. Where was your last gig?

The Liars Club in Chicago.

7. Where would you like to act?

Dave: I would love to get back to Europe to play punk music. I Did a tour supporting Nomeansno a long time ago in the European punk scene and it was the best time of my life.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Dave: Anyone cool!

Matt: Taylor Swift

9. Whom not?

Band: We love everyone.

Dave: Ted Nugent or Kid Rock can probs go fuck themselves

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

Matt: I hate to speak in public, but I’ve never feared playing…. then again, I’m in the back hidden behind a drum set. Seriously though, fear is good. It means you’re doin something risky and that you care about it. Embrace it!

Dave: Nope start off playing in a punk band and get sloppy and have fun that’s what it’s about if you make a mistake make it twice then it sounds like you meant it!

John: If you're scared of messing up, do it right away and when the world doesn't end you can get to playing.

Larry: If you're having fun, chances are everyone else will be too...

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Too many to list! Ramones AC/DC Motörhead Nomeansno BadReligion The Jesus and Mary Chain was an early inspiration and an enduring noise

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

Matt: After a show, one-night woman asked me to find her "tiny fur purse." I started actually looking around the dark club for her purse. Not kidding.

Larry: She didn't ask but I got bit once...

Dave: I was once asked to go to someone’s ranch after a show and help try to break in a wild horse… I was way too tipsy and I am amazed I am alive

13. What do you think of your fans?

Matt: We love every single one of our fans. Personally.

Dave: I would give them all a million dollars if I could for listening to my voice and tolerating our complaining about the world but I don’t have that kind of money so I say thank you, kind people.

Larry: I would like to hug each one of them if they would like it.

14. What do you think of our site?

I have a lot of respect for any publications that give lesser-known bands a platform and forum to bring their music to a wider audience. Mucho respect!

15. Something to add?

Please find us on Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, or whatever streaming service you use and on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@thetracys975 And most importantly - thank you so much for having us Breathing The Core!!