Grupo Sub 1 is a Spanish punkband which reminds me a lot of the English band Rezillos/Revillos. Here they have answered a lot of questions from me in the middle of February 2015.

Please tell me a little bit history of the group?

-Mugretone: We started Webelos in 1997. A MongoPunk trio obsessed with the Spanish 1982 Punk (bands like Desechables, Último Resorte, Larsen, Familia Real…). We were Spidey González (drums), Poison Bambee (bass) and Mugretone (guitar). After changing the drummer several times, we broke in 2003. Poison was living in San Francisco, but finally she came back to Madrid. In 2006 we decide to start a new band and we contacted with our original drummer from Webelos. We wanted to incorporate a keyboard line in the band in order to get a different sound: Punk but with a new wave touch. So She Lux came into the band.

She Lux: Mugretone asked me for help with the keyboards for a song they had to record for a compilation. They liked what I did and hired me.

Please tell me a little about every member in the group right now, age, family, work, interests and something bad about everyone? Have you been in any other punkbands before? Have it been many lineup changes through the years?

-Mugretone: No lineup changes.

Sorry but we can’t say our real age. Our record label wants us to be a eternal teen idols, so we Poison and Luz are 15 and Spidey and me 17.

I have played in Webelos, Neo Junco, Asiatics, X-Prays, Danny Lacoste, Gases Nobles, Chopper Kids, Nuri Alabama, Los Americanos… and today in Las Cruces. Always punk bands.

I’m graphic designer and i like to collect records and Mazinger z and Star Wars figures.

She Lux: I played in Asiatics and X-Prays (drums+vocals) and I’ve made some collaborations for other punk bands from Madrid.

Aboy myself, I have a PhD in Astrophysics. I love tech, candy, music, cycling, running, swimming and I’m mom since 5 months ago.

Spidey: I live in New York. I work as a freelance photographer. I was responsible of my uncle’s death. I have previously played in Webelos. Through the years I have changed my costume from red and blue to black

Poison Bambee: I can’t remember how many bands I’ve been involved. I started playing bass because It was easy enough for me and did not have to make much effort to pull into rhythm a couple of “fat” strings. I actually studied music a long time ago. But you can hardly tell. After studying communication I went to the US, where I had the chance to be part of Rip Off Records. Then back in Madrid, toured with metal bands for a while and produced shows until 2005. My last tour was the U2 atomic tour. Oh, well… Then worked for TV. My last achievement was Endemol’s Big Brother (introducing products into the show, like the fabulous “Power Balance” wrist band. It never gave me any special strength, but the company made a lot of money with it) . Here in Spain Big Brother is a big show. We love laughing at our fellow neighbours. In the mean time I also Played drums in a band called Chopper Chicks. I though being in an all girl band was cool at the time. Then, went on to sing with VHS, and back to the roots with Grupo Sub-1. Now I run my own company. Mugretone helps me out and we bring Rock and Roll for kids in Menudo Fest. I have basically tried to live doing whatever satisfied me at all times, having fun and making the best out of everything. Something bad about me? I am never on time. Hopefully I will be late for my funeral as well.

I can hear much old punk in your music, both Rezillos and Vice Squad Am I right? Favorites from the past?

-Mugretone: You’re not the first to talk about Rezillos. Of  course we like Rezillos (and Revillos) and Vice Squad, but our influence (and favorites) are more from KBD groups. Los Reactors, VS, VKTMS, Maggots, Insults, Screamers, Crisis, Suburban Lawns, Mad Virgins…

And my all times favorites are Loli and The Chones.

SL: I love Vice Squad but it’s not an inspiration for us (at least for me). Some people say that we sound like revillos/rezillos just for the keyboards, but I think we are not such a “melodic” band, we are colder and simpler than them. KBD bands are definitely our main influences, and also some 80’s spanish bands.

Grupo Sub - 1 are you satisfied with the name? How did it came up? Any deeper meaning with that? Which is the best bandname you know?

-Mugretone: the name comes from an Último Resorte’s song called “Johnny Mofeta”, one of our favorites. It’s about a bad student teenage delinquent.

I have not a favourite bandname, but I like names like The Jesus Mary and Chain, The Sisters of Mercy, Phatom Pregnancies, Elvis Hitler…

SL- catholic discipline, Castration squad, Bikini Kill.. Germs, Nuclear Family, Monitors,..

What´s the best thing with playing live?

-Mugretone. Insulting audience.

She Lux- adrenaline

Spidey: to put a camera in the ceiling and photograph yourself playing drums.

And where is best to play? And the worst place?

-She Lux- for us, at any place with a good sound checker.

How is to play this sort of music in Spain right now?

-Mugretone: The scene is getting smaller. There aren’t young people interested in Punk. Only a few. 10 years ago it was amazing, but now…

She Lux: … now most bands are redundant and not very interesting. Same people, same music with different band name. I’m bored.

How would you describe your music in three words?

-Mugretone: Cold Synth PUNK.

She Lux: agree.

Spidey: pink pank punk

Poison Bambee: Iberian  Proto Punk

What does punk mean to you, is it only a word or is it a lifestyle?

-Mugretone. For me, Punk is a kind of music (or noise I don´t care). For some people think that it’s a lifestyle, but that lifestyle existed before 1977. I mean anarchy, vegan people, Mohican haircuts… all are things that existed before Punk. These things aren’t Punk.

And I don’t mean that Punk is not an important thing. It’s only a kind of music, but this is very important for me. Of course Punk is not only a word. I live for Punk.

SL- What is exactly a punk lifestyle? Living in a squat? I think Music is a lifestyle, play in bands, go to concerts, but punk for me it’s only the kind of music I like. All the lifestyle associated with punk can be adopted by anyone.

How do you see on downloading, mp3 and that stuff?

-Mugretone: I’m a vinyl collector and I hate mp3, but I think The internet and the mp3 are positive things in order to bring music to all people everywhere.

SL: I use Spotify and mp3 because I like to listen music when I’m not at home (most of my time) with my mobile phone.

Spidey: I prefer to download vinyls not mp3.

Poison: I think digital media has improved the way bands can access a bigger audience. Before records where invented musicians lived off their live performances. It is great to be able to have a neat vinyl and a great equipment to play it on. But if you can’t it is great as well. Just paly it out of your computer. The music industry has changed for good. We better all accept it.

How is it to live in Spain now? Politically?

-SL-We are fucked up.

Spidey: I love Spain, good tapas and sangria.

Poison: Spain has lots of great business opportunities at the time. The problem is our corrupt democracy model, only good to a few and their friends. The middle class is being eroded. But that process is happening in all Europe. But all you people from the north can come to us for our sun to spend your retirement years. Spain is a cool geriatric.

Is there any good bands from Spain now? Is the punkscene big? How is it in your hometown?

-Mugretone: There are a lot of bands, but few people in the scenes. I mean everybody is playing in 1, 2 or 3 bands, the same people that years ago were playing in other bands.

Maybe I rather like previous generations groups that current ones. Today I like Calvario, Leonor SS, X, Sputnik Veneno, Vigilante Gitano, Peluquería Canina, Bit Of, Belgrado, Sect…

SL- There is still a quite big punk scene, but there is much diversity of bands. Sometimes punk is mixed with more indie stuff and it’s a mess. Like Mugretone, I prefer old bands, but now could highlight Obediencia, Leonor SS, la URSS, Sect, Peluqueria Canina, Juanita y los Feos…

What do you know about Sweden?

-Mugretone: It’s the frozen place where Santa lives, isn’t it? Hahaha. In Spain we think you are quiet and civilized people.

SL- You are all blonde and blue eyed, and have 480 days of parental leave.

Spidey: Sweden, officially the Kingdom of Sweden, is a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe. Sweden borders Norway and Finland, and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Øresund. At 450,295 square kilometers, Sweden is the third-largest country in the European Union by area, with a total population of about 9.7 million. Sweden has a low population density of 21 inhabitants per square kilometer, with the population mostly concentrated in the southern half of the country. About 85% of the population lives in urban areas. Southern Sweden is predominantly agricultural, while the north is heavily forested.

Have you heard any good bands from Sweden?

-Mugretone: Some years ago I hated all “false” Punk bands from there (Hellacopters, Backyard Babies, Hardcore Superstar…). Sorry but I don’t like Heavy Metal. But now I loved bands like The Vicious, Knugen Faller, Masshysteri..…

SL- More than 15 years ago I liked Refused, Randy, the Hives... Now, grown up, I love The Vicious, Regulations, Fy Fan, Masshysteri, Burning Kitchen, Sju Svara Ar …

Spidey. ABBA

Your lyrics, who does them and what influences you?

-SL: Mugretone does.

Mugretone: My main influences are the cold war and a lot of  dystopian books and films. You know, Orwell, Fahrenheit 451, Soylent Green, Class of 1984…

In other songs I like to keep an open interpretation… Saying things but meaning nothing. The listener must decide the meaning.

Is there any subject that you never will write anything about?

-Spidey: I will never write an answer to this question.

Politic and music, does it goes hand in hand?

-Mugretone: I don’t like to mix politics and music. I don´t need to hear the same speech again and again. I Think it’s boring. Music must be fun for me. Anyway I like a lot of political bands like Dead Kennedys or Oxymoron. But I prefer nihilist lyrics like Sex Pistols, or even politically incorrect lyrics.

I think Punk must be aggressive, provocative and offensive (in lyrics and / or in attitude). If you are singing against nazis you are not offending your listeners, cause we are all against nazis. Of course the nazis are the worst scum of the earth, we know it, we don’t need to listen it again. I prefer to  listen lyrics against my city or my country for example. Provocation is Punk.

SL:  Usually it does. You can sing complaining about a current political statements that you don’t like, but I don’t like bands that tell you what you have to do, say or think. I hate those that force me to think in a certain way. In Spain there are many people who think that if you are not anarchist, or don’t talk about politics you’re not as punk as other political bands, even if today they are still talking about situations that no longer exist. I think it does not make sense. Punk music is more handed with liberty, DIY, provocation, fun and many things not necessarily politics.

Spidey: I don't like politics. I don't like communists. I don't like games and fun. I don't like anyone

Best political band/artist?

-Mugretone: Dead Kennedys.

SL: Dead Kennedys, Circle Jerks/ Black Flag, and if feminisms can be considered politics: Bikini Kill.

Spidey: Johnny Ramone

Do you think that music(lyrics and so on) can change anyones life, I mean people who listens to music?

-Mugretone: I don’t want to change lifes. I only do this for fun. I respect people that wants to give a message in their songs. Maybe I even envy their idealism. But I think most people listen music just for fun. Maybe there are some guys that change their likes after listing a song. Is that OK? Is the message ok? Imagine that it’s a racist message or a song in favour of death penalty. It will a serious shit.

I do not want to communicate my very wise doctrine. I prefer irritate people and force them to think for themselves.

SL- of course it does, but GS1 is not a band for that.

Spidey: Yes, it is true. My life changes after I hear “Me pica un huevo” (“My ball itches”) by Siniestro Total when I was 6 years old.

Poison: I agree with She Lux. Music has always been an important part of Revolution. And every revolution has its own hymn.

Are you interested of football, if you are which team do you support?

Mugretone: I hate TV sports.

SL My father was a professional Football player but I don’t like football.

Spidey: New York Giants

Poi: No.

Is it important to get out physical records of your stuff? Why or why not? Good record label? Anything new on it´s way?

-Mugretone: For me it’s very important to have a physical support. But I’m a record collector. I suppose that the real important thing is the song, not the record.

SL- Physical records are more than some songs, it’s the cover art, the pics.. something you can see, touch and show to your grandsons. Any record label that want to release our album is a good record label. Ha.

Spidey: I like to make vinyls. I left Webelos because they started to make CDs.

Please tell me a funny thing which have happened during your career and under some gig?

-Mugretone: Some guys hit me for being an anarchist, and other guys hit me for being a nazi. Very funny, isn’t it? Of course the nazis were them ALL.

She Lux- I have played live with the keyboard unplugged, or each one of us playing a different song...

Poison: Once we had a line of girls asking to sleep with all of us. Great night in Murcia. I have been asked for my panties several times. And more than once some guy went to sleep with his head on Spidey’s drum. And we were in the middle of the show. Quite romantic. Our first show with Webelos was at a summer camp for kids in the middle of nowhere.

How does your audience look like? Which people do you miss on your concerts?

-Mugretone: In Madrid the Mohican Punk and the “Posh” Punk are in different scenes. We have fan in both sides, but I think there are more people wearing Nike or Vans that people with dreadlocks and Scottish trousers.

Spidey: With the mask is impossible to see the audience. I miss Hulk in our concerts. It would be good to see him dancing pogo.

Please rank your five favoriterecords, five favoriteconcerts and five most important things in life?

-Mugretone: Fave Records: P.S. we hate you (Loli and The Chones), Never Mind the Bollocks (Sex Pistols), Vicious Circle (Zero Boys), Got a record (Rip Offs), Cuándo se come aquí? (Siniestro Total).

Fave shows: The Rip Offs, Dwarves (in the 90’s, with their 90’s stuff and their only 20 minutes show), New Bomb Turks (these guys always are great), Gwar, Meanies (in the 90’s).

Most Important things: Punk, me, people, puppies and French fries.

SL- very difficult one. I have thousands of fave records, both old and new, but let’s try with these 5: X-Ray Spex- Germefree adolescent, Ultimo Resorte (S/T), Descendents -Milo goes to college, Adolescents (S/T), Bratmobile (Girls get busy).

Shows: Fun concerts: Tyrades (2004), Rip Offs (2007), Clorox Girls (any from 2005-2007). And those 2 because of the emotion of seeing two of my fave bands live:: zero boys (2012) and Avengers (2007).

Most imp things – water, food, health, love and music.

Spidey:

Records: Megadiez, Cero en Matemáticas, Tercer Grado en Leningrado, Rebelde Wave, Nuevos Dioses

Concerts: 1^st  Grupo Sub 1 concert, 2^nd  Grupo Sub 1 concert, 3^rd  Grupo Sub 1 concert, 4^th  Grupo Sub 1 concert, 5^th  Grupo Sub 1 concert,

Things: Wall-crawling, Climbing, thwiping, web-swinging and web-spinning

Poi:

Records: Cramps “Off the bone”, Dwarves “ Blood Guts and Pussy”, Alaska y los Pegamoides “Grandes Éxitos”,  Desechables “Golpe tras Golpe”, rammstein “reise, reise”

Shows: Dwarves, Cramps, Guitar Wolf, New Bomb Turks, Reds

Things in life: Family, Respect, Innovation, Change, Rock and Roll.

Is it boring with interviews? Is it much interviews??

-Mugretone: I really enjoy interviews. And I like this one, cause I could say things that in other interviews I couldn’t because they do not asked me.

SL- I’m not interviewed very often and usually I get bored at the 5th question…

Spidey: It is very boring. I use the interview-o-matic which generates random answers based on the life of Michael Jackson.

If you could choose five bands from the past and the history and nowadays and both dead and living bands to have a concert together with your band. Which five have you been chosed?

-Mugretone: Sex Pistols, Desechables, Screamers, Warsaw and Plasmatics.

SL-  Ultimo resorte- joy division/warsaw, screamers, x-ray spex or Electric Deads.

Spidey: Great idea to play with dead bands. I would like to play with a zombie band formed by Stiv Bators, Sid Vicious, Tommy Ramone and Johnny Thunders.

Is punk a good way to get out frustration and become a nice person outside the punkmusic??

-Mugretone: Anything to channel your anger is always positive. Punk or any other thing.

Spidey: No. To be a nice person is better to join Webelos Scouts and help blind people to cross the street.

Poison: I have started kick boxing for that reason, but our shows? I think we do it just for fun. I don’t think they could make us better persons… We already are great people.

Which is the most odd question you ever have got in an interview?

-Mugretone: No doubt here. “Are you interested of football, if you are which team do you support?”

She Lux- question 27(The one about frustration)

Spidey:  If you ate pasta and antipasta, would you still be hungry?

Poison: When they ask you what will be your input and contribution to the company if you the the job. And then your football question.

Which is the question you want to have but you never get. Please ask it and answer it?

-Mugretone: Question: Are certain rumors about his romance with Katy Perry?

Answer: Katy what?

Spidey: What’s the connection between Turkey and Turkmenistan?

Answer: Turkey is the first country to recognize the independence of Turkmenistan and to open its Embassy in Ashgabat.

Poison: I am hard of hearing. So there are plenty of questions I never get. I blame it all in Rock and Roll.

Futureplans for the band?

-She Lux- we never have plans, we just wait for our phone to ring. Now we are too old and busy for recording a new album but we can still play at birthday parties and weddings.

Poison: maybe learn to play one song.

Spidey: masterplan masterplan masterplan, it makes you feel so sure

For yourself?

-Mugretone: Don’t die. Be happy. Stay always in bands. Go to Japan again. Complete my collections.

She Lux- My plans are: win a Nobel price, start another band, stay fit forever, sleep a little bit more and work less.

Poison: I am expanding my horizons eating cup cakes.

Spidey: I’m trying that someone makes a movie about me.

Wisdomword?

-Mugretone: what the hell is wisdomword?

Poison: your freedoms  stop where mine starts, yo bitch!

Spidey: with great power comes great responsibility

Something to add?

-Mugretone. Thanx for your interest. Sorry for my English.

SL- Thanks to you and thanks to Google transalator..

Poison: Bitch!

Spidey: A calculator.