As mentioned above, MxPx played at the first Soundwave gig which was a Perth only affair back in 2004, and Mike has fond memories of playing that gig.
`We did the first Perth gig. It was a great turn out, heaps of kids showed up, and we just had the feeling the festival was going to get bigger and better.`
MxPx have not released a long player of original material since 2007s excellent `Secret Weapon`, but the band has had a number of other releases since then.
`Well we’ve done a lot since that album`, says Mike. `We have released an EP as well as an album of Christmas songs, and a album of covers. I think most people regard Secret Weapon as our last major album, but we have been active ever since. Most of the stuff since then has been either via download or limited edition to the States, so I guess that’s why some people might not be aware of those other releases.`
Mike also recently came down to Australia for some solo acoustic shows, which was a chance for Mike to showcase his music, from MxPx to his other side projects. `It was great to do a show of just me and a guitar`, says Mike. `I did MxPx songs, as well as songs from Tumbledown (Mike’s alternative country side project) as well as some solo songs. It’s been really fun as I get to talk to the crowd and they even shout out requests which I’m happy to provide.`
MxPx have also recently added a new member to the fold. Chris Wilson is now sitting behind the kit for the group, replacing long time member Yuri Ruley, but Mike says Yuri hasn’t completely left the band. `Yuri has just had it touring`, Mike says. `He now only plays on the records, Chris has come in as our touring drummer. They have two different styles so its fun watching both play to see what they both can do.`
MxPx over their long career have been involved with many labels, some indie and some major. One label being Fat Wreck Cords, run by NOFX singer Fat Mike. Fat Wreck Cords has given us some of the best American punk releases in the past two decades. So I was wondering how the label was to MxPx. `We loved it`, says Mike. `Fat Mike is a friend of ours, so it was heaps of fun working with their label.`
Considering MxPx have been involved with several labels over the years, what is Mike’s evaluation of the differences of major and indie labels. `Indie labels tend to be more helpful but haven’t got the money, while major’s tend to make promises that they don’t keep`, says Mike. `All labels are different and they all have flows, but we have enjoyed being on all the labels we have been signed to.`
A well known fact is that all the members of MxPx are of the Christian faith, but do not consider MxPx to be Christian rock, so I was keen to know of what Mike’s thoughts are of bands who preach their faith in their music (i.e. Underoath, The Devil Wears Prada)
`I think they should sing whatever they want`, Mike says. `For us we just sing whatever is natural to us, but I have no problem with what other bands sing about, whether it be about religion or politics.`
To end our chat, Mike informs us about what to expect at Soundwave. `We’ll be doing a side show with The Ataris, who we are good friends with, so that’s going to be a blast. And they might even join us on stage at Soundwave as well`, Mike teases.
MxPx play Soundwave at the Melbourne Show Grounds March 4 2011.
-Matt Ryan
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