Let’s Talk About It: Black Guy Fawkes
- Beca
- Sep 18
- 4 min read
On the eve of the release of his new album “The Misery Suite”, Black Guy Fawkes sat down to talk about racism in the punk scene, mental health, and Malört.
Q: okay, let’s get this out of the way. What’s with the Malort??
I’m truly glad I can address this in an interview. I do not like the taste of Malört and think it tastes like how RFK Jr. Sounds. That said, every time I’ve had it, with a group of friends or at a festival, I never had a bad time. For me it’s mostly the communal aspect of it. We all know it’s terrible, but we do it together because…. We’re idiots.
Q: I actually found Punk Rock Saves Lives through you. What’s your connection there? In your opinion, why is what we do important?
I knew of Punk Rock Saves Lives for a good long time. I think my first time encountering them in PERSON was at Camp Punksylvania in 2023. I’ve helped out and played their events within the last two years. I love everything Rob & Tina have done for the punk scene.
It’s important because now more than ever, we need community. We need harm reduction. We need mental health support. We need people to know they’re not alone dealing with the bull shit this universe has thrown at us.
Q: You have played everywhere from huge festivals to my backyard. What’s been your favorite show and why?
My favorite show of all time would probably be Frank Turner’s Lost Evenings in 2023. That was a very important show for me and to see that room packed, and my hero right next to me watching me play with that shit crazy.
Q: You are known for protest songs, but you also write deeply personal music about your own experiences. How do you approach these different topics when songwriting? Is it intentional, or do you just write songs as they come?
Sometimes this intentional, but that’s not until after the first few songs are written. I tend to write records so after the first few songs are written, I have an idea of how the record is going to be then I can start plan it that way. It’s a mixture of both.
Q: You are a touring musician, and I imagine that gets lonely. How do you protect your mental health on the road?
When I figure that out I’ll get back to you ha ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha.
Q: How do you think the punk scene is doing in terms of supporting people who might be struggling with mental health? What can we do better?
I think the punk scene does a good job of offering support to those who need it and resources. I think the meaning that we can do outside of that it just be a friend and Listen. We can offer solutions till the cows come home, but we have to be there for a person in that moment. Usually people aren’t looking for a solution but just a shoulder to cry on.
Q: you have sat with me and held my hand while I was having a panic attack, and I am so grateful. What do you do if you’re feeling Not Okay?
Usually, I’ll feel what I need to, spend the next day doing self-care, and then I’m back at it. I try not to hold in my feelings and bother them up. I tried to nip it at the bud and move on instead of letting it get faster.
Q: what’s the best advice you have been given by a fellow musician?
“Always Be You” - Linh Le of Bad Cop Bad Cop
Q: what advice would you give a fellow musician just starting out on the tour circuit?
Save up, pack light, sleep when you can, plan ahead. if you’re with a band, be honest on where you’re at mentally
Q: You have a new album coming out next month! Tell us about it!
Yes! The Misery Suite comes out to September 19! I spent all of 2024 working on this record with my band and it’s honestly proud of work. Lots of blood sweat and tears working on this and it’s about my therapy sessions. I hope you enjoy. for the love of God stream it!
Q: You have explicitly discussed racism that you have faced in the punk scene. Do you think in general the scene is getting better at dealing with racism and racists, or do we still have a long way to go? What do you wish that I, a white woman, knew about racism? What do you hope I teach my children?
I don’t think racism and racists in the scene will get better until we admit there is a problem with that. There are blatantly racist ones in the scene, and there ones who hide their racism with a veil of performative activism.
I just hope you teach your children to be good human beings. Teach him the hard lesson of what’s going on in the world and what has happened and just show them how to love and respect one another. Teach him that while we are all equal the system tell us that we’re not.
Q: Is there anything else you want me/us to know?
I love you
Black Lives Matter
Free Palestine
Jesus was a socialist.
Beyoncé‘s better than Taylor Swift
General Email: BlackGuyFawkesMusic@Gmail.Com
Booking: Emma@HappyHearseTouring.Com
Management: asbestosct@gmail.com
Social Media:
Instagram - @BlackGuyFawkes
Twitter - @BlackGuyFawkes
Facebook - Black Guy Fawkes
Music Links:
Black Guy Fawkes emerges as a magnetic force in the realm of Folk Singer-Songwriters, having been deeply rooted in the DIY music scene throughout his upbringing. With a unique and captivating sound, he weaves together the threads of heartfelt folk music and the raw, energetic spirit of punk to create a truly memorable experience for his listeners; Sharing stages with the likes of Frank Turner, Laura Jane Grace, Violent Femmes, Dave Hause, Bad Cop / Bad Cop, and many more.
Drawing inspiration from an eclectic mix of renowned artists, Black Guy Fawkes pays homage to the likes of Frank Turner, Bob Dylan, and Against Me! while simultaneously infusing his own authentic voice into each song. This fusion of influences allows him to transcend musical boundaries, bridging the gap between the introspective nature of folk and the unapologetic rebellion of punk.
Comments