Roll of the Dice: 8 questions with Joe Mizzi

Chicago punk Joe Mizzi has quite a lot going on at the time. The former member of Common Rider is preparing to release an EP with The Mizzerables, prepping for a fall tour with Iron Spiders, getting ready to play Fest in Florida with The Bollweevils, Iron Spiders and The Mizzerables. Oh, did I mention he’s also about to be a new dad? Somehow, in spite of all of that, Joe found time to roll the dice with TGEFM in the latest of our interview series.

Thank you so much for agreeing to this interview. Congrats on the new record from The Mizzerables! How does this record compare to your previous releases? What was going on at the time that helped kickstart the songwriting process?

The new songs are an evolution of what we did on Whatever… This Sucks, but taken to another level. After recording that album in 2018, life took some unexpected turns—most notably, I found out I have a genetic disorder that required my wife and me to use IVF to have a child. That, along with the pandemic, led to a rough patch for me mentally and physically. But I eventually turned things around, and writing these songs became a way to channel everything I was going through. Now, I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been, and I think that energy comes through in the music.

You have been a part of such an influential acts from Common Rider to The Bollweevils and Iron Spiders. Those bands have meant so much to so many of us. Does the high bar you’ve set for yourselves in the past help, hinder or affect your creativity today and to what extent?

I’ve been fortunate to play with some incredible bands, and I think those experiences push me to keep evolving. I’ve learned not to let expectations weigh me down, but instead to trust the process and the people I’m working with. It’s more about staying curious and open to new ideas than hitting a bar that’s been set.

The music world has also changed a lot over the last few years. What are some of the biggest industry changes you’ve come across in your time within the scene?

Things are pretty cool right now. Before the pandemic, it felt like we were in a bit of a lull, but the pandemic definitely shook things up. I’m not saying something good came from it, but it did create a shift. There are a lot of great bands out there right now, and live music feels more important than ever. Bands with strong live performances are really having a moment, and club shows are thriving, which I really appreciate.

You’ve been at this all for a while, what is your biggest regret? A gig you turned down, advice you didn’t take, what one thing do you wish you handled differently as a musician?

Drinking too much is definitely my biggest regret. I had warning signs for years, but I didn’t take them seriously enough to make a change. It didn’t just affect me—it impacted the people around me as well. I often think about what I could have accomplished if I’d addressed it sooner. It’s hard not to regret how much drinking held me back, but I’ve learned from it. I’m in a much better place now, and I believe that shows in the music I’m making today.

I mentioned you earlier being part of Iron Spiders, The Bollweevils and The Mizzerables. I can barely keep my own kids’ names straight and I get tired just listing the acts you’ve been part of… where do you find the energy for this workload and how do you separate your headspace for each role you play in these acts?

The Iron Spiders started when I was just filling in for The Bollweevils, and The Mizzerables were on hiatus with Korey moving back to Michigan. Once I started playing with The Bollweevils full-time and The Mizzerables got back to recording, I had to get really organized. I used to hate routines, but now I rely on them, and I’ve become a master of the to-do list. With a child on the way, my priorities are already shifting, and I try to waste as little time as possible. It’s amazing how much more you can get done when you’re not glued to your phone or hanging out at the bar. Juggling these bands has helped me grow as a musician. Each project challenges me in unique ways, and that variety keeps me sharp and inspired.
Most importantly, my wife is very supportive.

One of our obligatory questions in these interviews also tends to be the one I have found most important on a personal level. Who are some bands on your radar that TGEFM readers may not know about, but you think they should?

Boybrain and Won’t Stay Dead. I can’t say enough good things about them. Add them to your playlist now.

Once the world has its hands on this record, the Iron Spiders finish up the tour this fall and all 3 bands perform at Fest, what’s next for you?

I have a baby arriving early next year, and being a good father is my top priority. I’m excited to see how fatherhood will shape my music—there’s always new inspiration around the corner. I’m hoping we can get some material recorded for The Iron Spiders soon. Fans have been asking for it at shows, and we are listening. We’ve also started writing new material for The Bollweevils, and while I’m not sure when it will be ready, I’m hoping it’s sooner rather than later.

Was there anything I missed that you’d like to share or dive deeper into with our readers?

I’m going to stand on a soap box for a second. Take care of yourself and the people around you, in real, meaningful ways. It’s easy to offer lip service, but showing up for yourself and others makes all the difference. Off soapbox.

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Roll of the Dice is a short interview format with a variable amount of questions. A pair of dice is rolled and the total, between 2 and 12, is the amount of questions we can ask. All questions are given to the interviewee(s) at once, and no follow-ups are allowed. The interview may be lightly edited for content and clarity.