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Interview by Kevin Corazza
Walter Schreifels started out his career in hardcore legends Youth of Today and Gorilla Biscuits deeply immersed in the DC/NYC hardcore scene. Since then, he has rocked out in Quicksand and currently Rival Schools. He has also released a few solo albums between projects. Look out for a new Rival Schools record later this year.
IRR: You just released your first official solo album. There had been a few solo projects you had worked on before that never saw the light of day. For people who haven’t heard it how would you describe the new album and what can you tell us about it in detail?
Walter Schreifels: It sure did take me a while but I like to think of the album as worth the wait. I’ve been writing songs on my acoustic and playing solo shows for years, I think the album reflects some of that journey. I think it tells a kind of story, sets a mood that is open to interpretation.
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IRR: How does the new album compare to any of your other work in the past?
IRR: How does the new album compare to any of your other work in the past?
WS: I think it’s my most original work. I’m still ripping people off but I’ve really nailed my own way of doing it. I had to work harder with my family name on the line.
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IRR: United By Walter is an online community that has been around for the last six years in celebration of your music and career. How do you feel about such a group honoring you and your influence?
WS: Firstly it’s very flattering and as I’ve met members of the community, humbling. There’s some great people there and many friendships have formed as a result.
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IRR: United By Walter is an online community that has been around for the last six years in celebration of your music and career. How do you feel about such a group honoring you and your influence?
WS: Firstly it’s very flattering and as I’ve met members of the community, humbling. There’s some great people there and many friendships have formed as a result.
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IRR: When exactly did you move to Berlin and for what reasons?
IRR: When exactly did you move to Berlin and for what reasons?
WS: I moved to Berlin for fun, adventure and to escape the Bush administration. I love the city and have many good friends there, it’s become a second home for me.-
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IRR: Any plans to move back to NYC?
WS: Someone should update my Wikapedia because I moved back to NYC last year. I still have an apt. there, and will be in Berlin this summer as well. I decided to move back to be close to my family, plus I wanted to make a second Rival Schools record.
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IRR: Walking Concert was a project you released a few years ago that included many older influences on the recording like Syd Barrett, Elvis Costello, The Kinks and others. This was a huge departure from your hardcore days. Have you always enjoyed older British pop stuff and what made you decide to release an album like this?
WS: I was intensely into hardcore for a few years, mostly high school, it still shapes me as a person and certainly as a musician but my interest in music has always been pretty wide. I brought those influences ito hardcore with GB. I suppose Walking Concert and my solo work is bringing my hardcore influence into the classic sixties pop, reversing it.
IRR: What touring have you done in the last year and for what projects?
WS: In the last six months I’ve played in Australia, Japan, The U.K., Europe, The east Coast and West coast of the U.S.. I need to get up to Canada of course but it’s been a busy time for me.
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IRR: Any future plans to hit the road in support of your solo project or Quicksand?
WS: I plan to do as many solo shows as I can this year. I’ve even completed a new solo album for next year. I don’t have any Quicksand plans, although I do a version of “Thorn In My Side” during my live sets that goes over really well.
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IRR: When I was younger, I was big into the DC/NYC hardcore scenes and listened extensively to Youth Of Today and Gorilla Biscuits. What are some of your favorite memories from both of those bands and do you feel proud that you solidified both of them to legendary status in hardcore circles?
WS: I have many excellent memories of those times and I’m very proud to have been a part of all of that. I certainly had no idea that those bands would be viewed the way they are now, I think that’s great. That period of time certainly meant a lot to me and the songs still hold power.
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IRR: What do you think about the latest resurgence of vinyl?
WS: Love it, as it should be. Digital music is convenient but vinyl has soul.
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IRR: Is there any plans for any Youth Of Today or Gorilla Biscuits reissues and if so what releases?
WS: No plans, it’s all pretty available already far as I can tell.
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IRR: How was it to produce albums from the likes of Sinch and Hot Water Music?
WS: I’ve been very lucky to work with such good bands. I’ve never had a bad experience producing, I’ve made some great friends doing it too.
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IRR: Have any future plans to do any more producing?
WS: I don’t look for it, sometimes people ask me and if I have the time and feel I can add something I’ll do it. I’m usually to wrapped up in my own music but as I said I do enjoy doing it when it comes up.
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IRR: What was the reason for Quicksand disbanding?
WS: The band just ran it’s coarse, we weren’t having much fun.
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IRR: You have stated that a new Rival Schools record will be released in the next few months. Is it the same lineup or are there some new members?
WS: They’ll be a new Rival Schools record in October. I believe there will be a rissue of Slip (on vinyl) in the fall. Rival Schools is all the same members.
WS: They’ll be a new Rival Schools record in October. I believe there will be a rissue of Slip (on vinyl) in the fall. Rival Schools is all the same members.
IRR: How does the record sound so far and how is it different from the last few Rival Schools records that were released?
WS: I’ll just answer for Rival Schools when I say that it’s a very comfortable progression. I think we managed to take chances moving forward and hold on to the integrity of our first release.
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WS: I’ll just answer for Rival Schools when I say that it’s a very comfortable progression. I think we managed to take chances moving forward and hold on to the integrity of our first release.
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IRR: Final comments?
WS: Don’t forget the struggle, don’t forget the streets and don’t sell out!
