Interviews: The Real McKenzies

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Celtic Punk band The Real McKenzies from Canada. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. The title “I Wanna Eat Sardines (With Yer Mother)” is hilariously absurd—what inspired it, and how quickly did the concept come together?

The song was inspired by Paul McKenzie's hatred for fast food and affection for tinned fish. It all came together quite quickly. I believe Kenny had the original inspiration of the chorus melody, and we built the song around it.

2. This track really leans into that rowdy, pub-anthem energy—was it written with live crowds in mind from the start?

The song was written with entertaining ourselves in mind. It really is a slice of silliness. But we are certainly pleased that the recording embodies a rowdy vibe. The raucous crowd response to this song on the last tour was a pleasant surprise. 

3. After decades as a band, how do you keep the Celtic punk sound feeling fresh without losing what makes it unmistakably The Real McKenzies?

We've found that trying to write the best songs that we can keeps everything fresh. Writing a good song is way more important to us than making sure the song fits into a specific genre. At the end of the day, Paul's voice and personality are what make a Real McKenzies song come to life.

4. The bagpipes are as fierce as ever here—how do you approach blending traditional Scottish elements with punk in a way that still feels explosive?

The songs themselves need to be explosive before the bagpipe melodies are even added. It also helps having a ripping piper that is dedicated to playing aggressively.

5. This is the first taste of On Yer Bike—what does this single represent about the album as a whole?

It is more of an introduction than a summary of what the record is like. The album is a lot more varied than this single would suggest. But it is a perfect starting point. If you love the song, you'll most definitely love the album.

6. You’ve been called one of punk’s most relentless touring bands—how has life on the road shaped your songwriting over the years?

If anything, the road has gotten in the way of songwriting! I think we write fewer songs about touring these days. I can say that when we are in a van together, thematic ideas and seeds for songs get thrown around more than when we are at home and away from each other. Mostly, we just try to entertain ourselves on the road. If a song comes out of a touring experience, we'll take it! But being on tour is not a prerequisite to shaping a song. At least for us.

7. With the closing of Fat Wreck Chords, did that transition influence the direction or mindset going into this new album?

Not at all. None of that side of the business affected our approach to the album. The sale of FAT happened halfway through our recording process, so it was more or less easy to keep on track.

8. The album reportedly dives into everything from history to outright lunacy—how do you balance storytelling with humor in your lyrics?

I think that balance just comes very naturally to Paul. He is a hilarious lunatic who loves to tell a story. Mystery solved.

9. The “Sawney Bean trilogy” sounds wild—what drew you to that story, and what can fans expect from those tracks?

The Real McKenzies of yore wrote a song about the Sawney Bean Clan in the mid-nineties. It is a horrific tale of cannibalism, murder, theft, and incest. The new trilogy touches on what that experience would be like from the vantage of the minds of the sick and twisted perpetrators. It's as demented as it is heartfelt. And as righteous as it is deplorable. Beware!

10. There’s a long lineage of Celtic punk from bands like The Pogues and Dropkick Murphys—how do you see your place in that legacy today?

We aren't concerned about the legacy as it pertains to where we fit in and how we compare to other bands. We just wanna make sure that we play well, that we write good songs, that the people at our shows have a great time, and that the band enjoys each other's company. Where we sit in the rock & roll hierarchy is for the fans to decide.

11. You’ve shared stages with everyone from Metallica to Rancid—what’s one unexpected lesson you’ve learned from those experiences?

We've learned that no matter how big or small your band is, fans, promoters, musicians, vendors, crew, security, and venue staff are not concerned with your stature. They are only worried that you are easy to work with, friendly, organized, and flexible. Being approachable goes a long way. Acting like a rockstar is never a good look. Especially if you are one. I guess that's not really an unexpected lesson. But it is an important one.

12. Paul, as a frontman, your persona has always been larger-than-life—how much of that is performance versus who you are offstage?

Paul is the same off stage as he is on stage. The only difference is his proximity to a microphone.

13. The track feels proudly ridiculous in the best way—do you think punk takes itself too seriously sometimes?

Wikipedia says: punk is a radical philosophy prioritizing individual liberty, nonconformity, and anti-authoritarianism, often expressed through DIY ethics and anti-establishment, leftist politics. It rejects mainstream consumerism and social conformity, promoting self-expression, direct action, and a "do-it-yourself" approach to art, music, and social structure. By these metrics, I think punk can and should take itself as seriously or as lightly as it wants to. We humans, are complex creatures. To honor our complexity, we must be free to be silly AND to be deadly serious in times of conflict. If you are a person still wrestling with which behaviors are "punk" or "non-punk," I invite you to take a look at a bigger picture. 

14. With over 30 years behind you, what still excites you most about making and releasing new music?

Making new music has always been its own reward. Same as it ever was. But although the process is the same, the satisfaction of creation (whether that be a song, a riff, a theme, a melody, artwork, or a lyric) is still the most exhilarating part of being a musician, in my opinion.

15. If fans take one thing away from “I Wanna Eat Sardines (With Yer Mother)”, what do you hope it is—besides maybe a craving for sardines?

Enjoy meals with your friends and family, and eat less processed food!

Support independent metal journalism — Visit the official BTC store