Pack your bags, grab your bug spray, throw back a shot of Malort and follow the inflatable hot dog as Riot Squad Media is returning to Northeast Pennsylvania to take over the West End Fairgrounds in Gilbert, PA with the 5th year of Camp Punksylvania! The 3-day festival with multiple stages and amazing national and local acts like Dillinger Four, The Lawrence Arms, The Vandals and Bridge City Sinners, will take place from 20 June until 22 June. Tickets are available here. TGEFM had the opportunity to speak with Pennsylvania punks Suburban Downgrade to discuss this year’s festival for the latest installment of this year’s Camp-centric interview series: Happy Campers. Check it out below and I’ll see you at the campfire!
Thank you so much for agreeing to this interview! What has Suburban Downgrade been up to since we last spoke ahead of the 2024 Camp Punksylvania? How is everyone feeling?
Zach: Always a pleasure to do these, and thanks again for having us! We’ve been working on material for a new 6 song EP, and finally started recording. We have recorded two songs towards it so far, one being “Mission Statement” which is now available on most streaming services. Most of the EP is written and ready to get back in the office with, still tying together one more track towards it. Life has been a bit curvy. I suffered a heart attack (first one, hopefully the last) back in February. 95% blockage, and I went a bit of time with very little oxygen flow to the brain, which left me with a fun little stent installed in my main heart artery, and a butt load of fun medications. I knew I wasn’t the healthiest, but God damn! I always thought it’d be something else that’d get me… but now, there’s still time for all the other horrendous ways to die to catch me!
Anywho, we had to miss a small amount of shows, which sucked, but it was for the best. We recently had our first show back on May 17th at the Ink in the Rink – Sunbury Tattoo expo. I was nervous to say the least, considering I was playing at practice when I suffered said heart attack, but we ended up having a lot of fun, and got to see a lot of awesome people! Since that craziness, we’ve been focusing more on the EP, and trying to get that out as soon as we see it is fit and ready! We’re also about to do this awesome Punk BBQ our pal Dave Zebley is putting on in Saltsburg, and got a couple other fun shows coming up before Camp in State College and Altoona.
Personally, I’ve been trying to live a little bit healthier, hanging with my kids, and working as normal.
Andrew: hard to believe we’re six months into the year and almost to camp! It’s been a whirlwind with life in general and since Zach’s heart attack but I’m ready to hit the road , get back to playing shows and get this ep out so people can hear our new material
Personally, I’m way into the “Mission Statement” single. Tell me a little bit about the track? What was going on at the time that helped kickstart the songwriting process?
Zach: Well, the song kind of hit me in a quick blur. We knew we were starting to record soon, and needed a new song ASAP.
First thing I could think of when I sat down to write, was how pissed off I have been watching the suffrage amongst my LGBTQ+ friends, and those of other races being pawned off as political voting points. These are people’s lives, hopes and dreams, their safety, their mental and physical health, and their futures being used by old, rich, white, xenophobic, bigoted fuck heads, who knew there was plenty of more hateful people who would vote on the behalf of whoever hated just like they do. I wrote the song not too long before the election. The song is a call out to bigots in general. The artwork, including the ass hole that has all these people eating right out of his hand. We’ve already gotten some shit for it, and they can sincerely eat my ass. The song is about the bands’ disdain in general for phobes and their fear mongering, pushing people who have never given it a thought in the past, to hate those who are marginalized. We’re not “triggered” as some would like to say, because thats the only thing they can put together as a response for speaking against this shit. We have no tolerance for people who blindly fall to hatred, without even knowing them.
I had the lyrics and guitar fully written in less than an hour. It came so quick and easy. Enough with the cryptic messages, I wanted the message CRYSTAL clear.
Andrew: Zach knocked this song out of the park. In a time where wordplay and half-truths seem to dilute every message we get from the talking heads on TV, I think it was regrettably very necessary to have a clear concise mission statement about who we are and what we’re about and this song checks all those boxes .
This will be my 3rd consecutive year seeing you perform at Camp Punksylvania. What makes you want to come back and perform at Camp again? How has it felt being able to watch this thing grow from the inside?
Zach: Camp Punksylvania, to me, really helped open up the band to a bigger audience back in 2022, when we first played for the pre-party. Even though, people who didn’t make it to that pre-party, we got to meet and talk to, who we have now become close with, and I find that very magical. Each year feels like a reunion, and with more people being added into the mix each year, that reunion just keeps becoming bigger and more important to us.
Watching it grow, has been pretty crazy. It has been really cool telling people about it who haven’t heard of it, to now, when it is brought up, more and more people know what it is. It’s becoming more of a household name. Even if it had to sadly end abruptly, it has moved from a cool thing that has happened in Pennsylvania, to a permanent staple on Pennsylvania Punk history and a true landmark of music festivals in general.
Even if by any chance we can’t make it every year, we will ALWAYS come back!
Andrew: I try to play every show like it’s my last and give 100% of myself to every audience every time . But I cannot deny that camp is special . Getting to bump elbows with so many bands that were extremely formative to me when I was young gets me emotional. I never thought it would be possible to do the things we’re doing with suburban downgrade when we started . Camp is a huge morale booster to me , and it strengthens my resolve every year to keep pushing with music.
The Camp Punksylvania socials recently posted about the inclusivity and diversity of the team and lineup. From an artist’s perspective, how does the diversity of the lineup and the volunteers improve Camp for the artists and the attendees?
Zach: I love to see it. Not just so everybody can feel safe and welcome, but to me, it also gives the heavy hint that hate is not welcome. I really appreciate how loud they are about diversity, because a bigot can also look at that, and know that their hatred is not welcome, and maybe, just maybe they will think “Wow, I need to change. I’m missing a good music fest, because I’m a douche-bag.”
The only hates tolerable, is hate itself, and the hate of corrupted power. I think these incredible women and the crew they have, have done an amazing job of making that clear with the audience they bring.
Andrew : one of the things I love most about riot squad and camp punksylvania is there commitment to the things they say they’re about. That’s huge for me , and I love to see that stuff put into action. They do all that at camp.
We’ve touched on this in previous interviews, but many of the Camp Punx artists have not been afraid to get political and in the interest of bluntness, this timeline is kinda way fucked. With all the shit going on, many of us need the community that comes from these small acts of rad at Camp. How do you hope the festival and your performance benefits the scene and community?
Zach: Wow, you’re not making it easy, to have me NOT ramble on and on 🤣
The world is complete shit. It’s fucking scary and disappointing constantly out there. But if this festival can show us anything, is that we’re not alone. We have eachother, and there are more good times ahead. The world may suck, but we can have our OWN world. I have had friends tell me that this festival “saved” them… And I dont think that’s exaggeration, I believe them completely. I know this little shindig has been a great pallet cleanser for my mental health, and I know I’m far from the only one who feels that way.
Andrew : punk rock has always been about more than a sound, a style or an aesthetic . Building community where there isn’t one is fundamental to what I think punk rock is about. I hope that every event we play, that’s camp and anywhere else, that we can foster and advocate for a healthy , strong and meaningful community of friends and co-conspirators.
In a world where students are being detained for exercising their First Amendment rights in a student newspaper, its not far-fetched to assume artists could find themselves under fire for their lyrics. With the current political climate, are you finding it more challenging or invigorating to approach the causes you support musically? How do you think musicians can or should traverse such rocky ground right now? What steps, if any do you take to keep your personal life separated from your musical career?
Zach: Hoping for the best, but expecting the worst, always. This current administration is doing a wonderful job of pissing all over the constitution thay they supposedly worship, which of course is including freedom of speech.
We have been discussing a few possible tactics, half jokingly, for if shit continues to hit the fan as hard as it has been, with the right of protest. We have begun to worry about the rights to have punk shows in general. We’ve been discussing the possibility of a couple “speak easy” tactics. Won’t go too much into detail here, incase it DOES get that bad, and the wrong eyes see it… but we have begun to throw some ideas around, so bands that speak out against those in power, will still be able to continue to do so… Might have to be more careful, OR who knows, maybe they’ll push us collectively to be even more disruptive and leave a real impression.
As far is keeping personal life separated from the art, it’s hard to sometimes. We believe in what we believe in on and off of stage. I stay a little more laid back in my appearance I guess, when I’m out and about in our home towns, but even at that, we stick out like sore thumbs. I’ve noticed, I’m not nearly as “accecpted” as I was to the general public, and with my line of work (tattooing) I have noticed a curve… Some people don’t like what I believe in. Maybe thats a bit of me over thinking, but eh, I notice shit like that.
Craig: It can be challenging at times, but we REALLY need to share our voices and speak out against hate of all kinds. Especially right now. We are all determined to get our message out there and shake up the status quo or you know, destroy it. It’s important for artists of all genres to stand your ground and speak out.
Andrew: point blank, my personal life has always been incredibly embedded with the music . Growing up in rural central PA as an outspoken and well read anarchist and a punk was not easy. Even dangerous sometimes. But we need punk rock and the politics that goes along with it now more than ever, as the powers that be don’t even hide their intentions anymore, and seem emboldened by the current “administration” of you can even call it that.
In 2024, I was lucky enough to bring my oldest child to day 2 of Camp and read the joy written across their face as Catbite performed. Throughout the day, I introduced them to Zach and we briefly discussed each of our children. Its obvious, children make up a pretty big demographic at Camp. Ox from the Skagazine team has been invited to share the stage with you guys and Suicide Machines, Gabe from Kids in the Pit performed with Punk Rock Cellist last year and now his band World of Chaos being invited to perform. Looking at these kids and our kids at home, in the crowd, surfing the pit or on stage; where do you see the future of the scene? Are the kids actually all right?
Craig: The kids are MORE than alright! I have no worries at all about the future of the scene at large. There are conversations of things us older folk have about shit that we grew up on or how we were raised not existing anymore or being different nowadays, but what is timeless and what will never go away is the feeling that some kid in a bedroom somewhere will hear a punk song for the first time and connect with it and be like”that. Yeah that. That’s it.” That overwhelming feeling that we have had when we all first got into punk music. That will never go away or change. There will always be an angry punk band screaming their heads off about the world at large and a random kid will hear that, connect with it and roll with it and hopefully someday that kid will be in a band that will inspire the next generations of kids beyond them.
Andrew : the kids are indeed alright . We met ox and Jess at our first camp, playing the roach motel across the way to a few dozen people with an unruly sound system. I was initially surprised that we had any interest from kids around ox’s age, but I love it so much, it’s fulfilling and we are committed to making sure we are accessible to the kids that dig it , not just because punk rock was nearly impossible for me to access when I was under 18, but because kids are the future, of the scene , the country , and the world. And getting them talking and motivated about the issues we sing songs about is incredibly important .
Zach: That World of Chaos demo Gabe handed me blew me away. It makes me happy to see parents allowing their kids to make kick ass music. And that band seems to have the discipline down… I didnt at that age, and I wish that I did. They band is gonna set it off HARD if they keep at it. Very excited to catch their set this year. Getting to see Ox, and his parents Jess, and Chris, who have also become buddies if ours, has been something we have looked forward to since 2022.
How cool is it to say, “yeah, my kid like the same music that I do!” That is super rare, and I feel like you don’t get that as much in other genres other than punk rock. I’m sure that’s me being biased, but when I was a young kid, I dibt remember any kids being excited about seeing Kenny Loggins with their parents.
I hope to bring my kids some year, but with transportation, and keeping track if everything going on, it’s just a lot.
I’ve been able to take them to a few shows, including The Upstage Music Fest (look it up, if you haven’t) and it was the best feeling experiencing the music that I love, along with them. …Even if my son did sleep at the merch table all day.
Yes, the kids are alright, and with our support, and our encouragement, they will do amazing things with this world. Enough with the “Back in my day” shit. This is about THEIR tomorrow, now.
One of the coolest moments from Camp last year was the Career Mode set when Black Guy Fawkes and others joined the band to perform a few pop-punk and emo covers. Career Mode is returning this year, what songs could they perform to get you back on their stage to grab their mics?
Craig: I’m down to sing along to any song from the Tony Hawk video game soundtracks!
Zach: I’ve been telling people we played a fest with My Chemcal Romance last year, that WASN’T them!?
…I HAVE BEEN BAMBOOZLED!
Camp Punksylvania is a smorgasbord of fantastic acts. Which bands are you most excited to see this year?
Craig: There are a lot of great acts playing this year, like always, really. I’m most excited for The Obgms, Rebelmatic, Jer, Against All Authority, Dillinger Four, The What Nows, The Lawerence Arms, Fear, War On Women, Get Dead, Pucker Up!, Stuck Lucky, The Abruptors, Scowl, Ship Of Fools, Murphy’s Law, Working Class Stiffs, The Car Bomb Parade. The band that I am excited the most to see is Cancer Bats and their alter ego band Bat Sabbath. I’m a massive Black Sabbath fan, so I’m beyond stoked to get hot and sweaty and sing along to some Sabbath tunes!
Andrew: stoked to finally do this with our friends Hans Gruber, they are stellar people and in my opinion the hardest working bands in ska punk. Their crowd crontol and musicality makes you an able to look away. Ecstatic to be doing this with them.
Stuck lucky was another one of those extremely important formative bands for me growing up, and it’s surreal that they’re gonna be here so no one should miss them. I had never heard ska like that before and still today their sound is very different .
And there’s no other band that was as important to my formative years than against all authority . They were the soundtrack of my life from 16-24, through good times and bad, and I am honored to be on a hill with them. Their commitment to their anarchism and DIY ethic have VERY OBVIOUSLY influenced me musically and just in my life in general. I still can’t believe it , but that’s a huge deal for me , and I can’t wait
Zach: I’m bad at this, and I always miss a band that I’m friends with, and then feel like a big ol’ butt hole, when I forget to mention ’em… I will say I am particularly blown away to be on a same festival as The Vandals. I remember my mom hearing “SAY FUCK INNFRONT OF YOUR MOM!” and her going “Zach, I don’t like that…” So, it tickles me, and I find it absolutely hilarious that I am now on the same festival line up as a band that my mother didn’t approve of when I was a teenager. I dont know if thats an accomplishment, but that’s fucking something! …and, I now say “fuck” in front of my mom.
Also blown away about FEAR being there, another one of those legendary bands I was introduced to in my youth.
Very excited for The Lawrence Arms, Stuck Lucky, Against All Authorty, Get Dead, and finally seeing our pals Hans Gruber & The Die Hards play at camp! We’ve been lucky enough to play with that amazing flock twice now, and they are an amazing treat to witness live. …If you haven’t seen them live, you are in for a treat! Some of the funnest people to do it, and their music kicks ALL of the ass. HG&TDH and The Chemical Imbalance should spend some time together… That would be one hell of a show!
Was there anything I missed that you’d like to share or dive deeper into with our readers?
Andrew : you nailed it again. I love doing these . See you at camp.
Zach: …BAMBOOZLED!
Bad Dad (occasionally called Ed) has been on the periphery of the punk and punk-adjacent scene for over twenty years. While many contributors to this site have musical experience and talent, Ed’s musical claim to fame comes from his time in arguably the most punk rock Blockbuster Video district in NJ where he worked alongside members of Blanks 77, Best Hit TV and Brian Fallon. He is more than just an awful father to his 2 daughters, he is also a dreadful husband, a subpar writer, a terrible dresser and has a severe deficiency in all things talent… but hey, at least he’s self-aware, amirite?
Check out the pathetic attempts at photography on his insta at https://www.instagram.com/bad_dad_photography/