PROBLEM ADDICT

PHOTO CREDIT: CECILIA ORLANDO

1. Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions! Before we jump into it, would you be so kind as to introduce yourself and what you do in the band?

My name is Al Dente. I do scratches and squawks on guitar and vocal tirades.

2. Would you please provide a little context about the band—where you’re from, how and when you formed, etc.?

We're from the Philadelphia and New York City areas. The band started a couple of years ago (dates are a little fuzzy). I met honey while waiting in line to sell some scrap metal (it fell off a truck). He was banging out a beat with some forks and figured he would make a good drummer. We needed a bass player and Icky Radneck was hitchhiking on the side of the road, so we picked him up. The problem never joined the band, it always existed and will persist long after we're gone.

3. How would you describe your sound and who are some of the main influences on the band?

Aggressive, chaotic Pop music that's influenced by The Monkees, Butthole Surfers, Circle Jerks and Devo.

4. Tell us a little about your own musical journey. What got you into punk and alternative music and led you here?

I was born a punk ass motherf*cker, so that kind of music found me.

5. After four EPs your first LP is a live album—bold! Tell us about the decision to record and release the live album Live from the Emergency Room as your first LP.

Less bold and more pragmatic. We're broke and it was the cheapest option.

6. Tell us about the physical record—layout, aesthetics, etc. and what went into its conception and design.

The layout was done by Edley ODowd. The record was pressed by our friend Vinny Barreras. The record covers were individually silkscreened and assembled by us. We're accident prone, so we figured we might as well do the record live from an emergency room.

7. If Problem Addict had a mission statement, what would it be?

Be the problem you want to see in the world.

8. Around the release of the live album, you played a slate of shows. How did that go? What were the highlights?

The tour was great and was very well received(our audiences have poor taste). The highlight was the pizza in New Haven, Connecticut.

9. Thanks so much for your time. Any last words for the readers?

Be part of the problem. BUY OUR RECORD!!!