Really, it's been 30 years? Listen To An Exclusive Interview With The Violent Femmes.

Back in 1983 the annoying trend of “over producing” albums was catching on like fire.  Synthesizers were beginning to be the norm.  Male rockers had longer hair with more aquanet and were wearing far more make up than their female counterparts.  Thanks to the movie “Flashdance” we (girls) were wearing leg warmers over our jeans to school and cutting up our sweatshirts.  Everyone teased their hair.  Thankfully, the silly trends didn’t stick…but what did last was the music of one particular band who refused to join any trend or jump on any bandwagon.  

I’ll never forget first hearing “Blister In The Sun” on the radio and then running to the record store to buy the whole record.  Instantly, I fell in love with the Violent Femmes.  They were completely opposite of any band at the time…very minimalistic, just guitar/bass/drums/vocals.  Their self titled album is still one of my most favorites, so many great songs!  I believe my jaw hit the floor when I first listened to “Add It Up”.  Pretty sure that song educated me on how hormonal guys think.  Then I went on to college, spinning records at area bars (I was studying to be a DJ after all) and playing Violent Femmes every single night.  Usually more than once.   That band was a huge part of my formidable high school/college years.  The fact that I was able to have a one on one conversation this week with bass player Brian Ritchie was incredibly thrilling!  

CLICK HERE TO HEAR MY EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH THE VIOLENT FEMMES’ BRIAN RITCHIE

Here we are 30 years later and the songs from the Violent Femmes debut album manged to hold up remarkably well.  They still totally nail the mood of a horny and rebellious teenager (I guess some things never change) and their stripped down sound is very welcome after years of auto tune.  The Violent Femmes will perform their ENTIRE DEBUT ALBUM at Riot Fest this Saturday.  You can expect a surprise guest on stage (revealed in my interview).  And expect to see me in the audience with a wide grin, singing along to every word!  See you there.  Maybe I should wear leg warmers…