Rise Against , a band formed in Chicago, Illinois, in 1999, is coming to Brazil in March to participate in The Offspring , called Punk Is Coming , which will feature several punk rock bands from around the world.
Furthermore, Rise Against returns with their first release in three years. The single, “Nod,” is a rallying cry and a call to action, fueled by compassion, camaraderie, and a collective desire for change.
Taking advantage of the band's visit to Brazil, Joe Principe , bassist and also one of the band's founders, spoke exclusively to Wikimetal. In the interview, the musician talked about his visit to the country, his political and social convictions, the release of "Nod," and also gave some advice to the new generations.
Check out the full interview here;
Touring with The Offspring
Wikimetal: How did the idea of you guys being part of this tour coming to Brazil in March, alongside Sublime with Rome, The Damned, The Warning, Amyl and The Sniffers, and others, come about? And how did that happen?
Joe Principe (Rise Against): We were contacted by the promoter, and it seemed like a lot of fun, especially since it involves several bands we love. Even though we just got back from our European tour about a week ago and are flying to Brazil tomorrow, when we received the invitation we thought, “Why not?” It’s going to be a lot of fun.
WM: How does Rise Against feel about the reception from the Brazilian audience, which is known for being very passionate about music and for taking political and social issues seriously – especially after the shows you did here in 2023? If I'm not mistaken, you played at Lollapalooza and also had a solo show, right?
JP: Yes, I think we did two shows in Brazil, we love playing in the country. Brazilian fans are always very passionate. I like playing for audiences who sing along, dance, have fun and really interact. We've always had that feeling when we've played there.
So it's great to be back now for such a big punk rock festival. Lollapalooza was amazing, but we felt a little out of place. This time, we'll be playing with several bands that are a good fit for us. It'll be great to see everyone again, reconnect with our audience, and have a lot of fun. It's always great to play there!
Rise Against and their new release “Nod”
WM: Now, I have a few questions about the new album. The first is about the meaning behind the title "Nod." How does this song reflect the band's current moment, especially after three years without releasing new material?
JP: The song “Nod” is about being part of your local punk rock scene, finding a place to fit in, and discovering like-minded people. You gain this sense of family – an unspoken bond – when you go to a punk show and know you’re among people who are there for the same reasons. That’s the essence of the lyrics. It’s also about remembering our roots – how we got into punk rock – and why it’s important to know where we come from musically.
After three years without releasing anything new, we felt it was important to bring something fresh. Recording “Nod” – and the songs that will follow – was a different process for us. We worked with a different producer ( Catherine Marks , from London) and recorded a lot of the material live, something we didn't usually do. It's all very raw – four guys in a studio, playing without overthinking. I think that's why “Nod” sounds different from our previous work. We wanted to capture that rawer energy.
The stance of Rise Against
WM: At what point in Rise Against's career did you feel the need to make an explicit call for people to go beyond simply reacting to negative situations and start taking action?
JP: From the beginning, the essence of the band has always been to respond to negative things in the world. This is part of the heart of the punk rock scene – we encourage people to use their voices, with respect, but without timidity.
I grew up very quiet, afraid to speak. When I discovered punk rock and the skateboarding community, they taught me the importance of using my voice – of speaking up when something isn't right. That's how I raise my children now. If you speak your mind, you've done your part. If you don't, you end up feeling excluded or frustrated. It's a step beyond just reacting.
From Underground to Mainstream
WM: What motivated the band to sign with a major record label without giving up their political stance or creative control?
JP: When the major record labels first approached us, our main focus was maintaining creative control, even if it meant earning less money. That was the priority. We originally signed with DreamWorks , which later became Geffen , and they basically left us alone to make our albums. We never had to ask for approval for anything; we just wrote the songs and delivered them.
This worked and continues to work to this day, because we were never dropped by a record label and we're still here. We consider ourselves lucky to have done everything this way.
Message to Brazilian fans
WM: What advice would you give to new punk rock bands that want to maintain an activist stance, even while facing pressure to sign with major record labels?
JP: As cliché as it may sound, you need to stay true to what makes you happy and to who you are as a musician and band. Don't let anyone convince you to do something that makes you uncomfortable. If it doesn't feel right, it's a warning sign – whether it's a record deal offer or a show that doesn't align with your values. Your heart is a very good guide. If something feels wrong, walk away.
WM: Could you leave a message for the fans who will be at the shows in Brazil in March?
JP: Thank you so much to all the fans in Brazil who have supported us for so long. I hope you all come, sing along, and have fun. We appreciate you all very much and can't wait to see you at the shows.
WM: I'll be there! At the Curitiba show, I'm really excited to see you guys live.
JP: Thanks! It's going to be fun. It's always amazing to play in Brazil, which has a sensational punk scene and many great new bands. I hope this show inspires people to speak out, take action, and let it all out.
WM: Thank you so much for your time!
JP: Thanks! See you at the show.
Cities where the band will perform.
Rio de Janeiro
Date: March 6th
Location: Farmasi Arena
Bands: The Offspring, Sublime, Rise Against
São Paulo
Date: March 8th
Location: Allianz Parque
Bands : The Offspring, Sublime, Rise Against, The Damned, The Warning, Amyl and The Sniffers
Curitiba
Date: March 9th
Location: Pedreira Paulo Leminski
Bands: The Offspring, Sublime, Rise Against, The Damned, The Warning, Amyl and The Sniffers
Tickets are available on the Eventim website .
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