Today, we have two absolutely wild and fierce representatives of the punk scene on board — the duo Radio Rubbish! These guys, Sir Sidney Squacco and Lord Johnny Mako, know exactly how to spark a real musical rebellion. Their latest creation, “Maga Maga,” is aimed squarely at the system, and they’re ready to gather an army of punks for the final showdown. We’re talking to them about what it’s like to fight from the deck of a rusty pirate ship, inspire people to shout “MAGA-MAGA” from the rooftops, and why punk is still alive, no matter what.
Photo by @radiorubbish
Nice to meet you guys. Your new single “Maga, Maga!” is a bold and provocative step that clearly touches on important social and cultural issues. The composition evokes strong emotions in listeners. Why did you decide to raise such sharp questions?
Nice to meet you too. We decided to raise these questions as they’re the kind of questions we tend to ask and that punk tends to ask. The hard and sharp questions.
The moment of creating “Maga, Maga!” must have been unique. When did you realize that you were creating something that would blow up the scene?
Sir Sidney Squacko wrote it, originally as a midpaced rocker. When Lord Jonny Macko heard it, he suggested speeding it up Radio Rubbish style, ready to take on Trump
Tell us about the flash mob with the hashtag MAGAMAGA!! and quotes from classic punk songs. How did the idea come to combine punks from all over the world with such a bright move?
We have a Chad Valley computer on board our pirate radio ship which gives us all our ideas. We just typed in “promote Radio Rubbish” and it came out with that. It’s really quite great.
The prize for participating in your flash mob — a burger — raises curiosity and surprise for many. This is an original and unconventional solution that surely caught the attention of participants. Why did you choose this symbol?
We thought in a time of division across the USA; the one thing that always bring happy friends and families together across America is a burger. It’s like the equivalent of holy sacrament in the Vatican. We were thinking of giving a gun as a prize at first, but everyone in America already has one.
Do you feel pressure from fans who are waiting for new similar offerings from you?
No, just excitement at the prospect of putting out new music.
It is known that you are currently actively working on a new album, which is set to be released by Christmas. This time is always associated with surprises and new expectations. Should we expect something completely unusual and unexpected from your upcoming release?
There are some cover versions which will surprise both the originators and their fans. For example, you get to hear what Walk On The Wild Side would have sounded like if the Velvet Underground had recorded it as a demo in 1965. And had a drum machine.
Your pirate ship HMS Radio Rubbish is a symbol of freedom and rebellion. What is it like to record tracks on “an old ship that barely stays afloat“?
It’s fine, as long as the weather isn’t too stormy and rainy. Which basically in UK waters means it’s a problem most of the time.
Your radio station is a perfect way to escape from conventional media formats. Do you think this is the future for musicians who want to maintain their independence?
Totally. Who wants their playlist controlled by advertisers or Elon Musk?
Apparently, your music is trying to bring back the sharpness that punk has lost over the years. What do you think has happened to the punk scene over the past decades?
It’s become pigeonholed. We’re not pigeons. We’re magpies.
What would you say to those who believe that punk is dead? Especially in the context of your single, which tries to bring back the spirit of protest?
Listen to our single and forthcoming album. Those ain’t death throes mate. That’s a primal scream.
Apple Music: https://embed.music.apple.com/us/album/maga-maga-single/1769616287
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