Lagwagon: An Interview and a Ticket Giveaway

Lagwagon recently released their first studio album in nine years called Hang. The record has gotten really good reviews from the media and amazing reviews from fans of the band. It's great music and you can tell that it is Lagwagon, which I find to be very refreshing. The band may have grown up a bit, but they are still true to the sound that stole our little punk rock hearts.

I had the privilege of interviewing the band's front man, Joey Cape, and his answers made me smile. Joey has stayed true to himself, Fat Wreck Chords, and his fans. Like a fine wine, he only gets better with age.  

HID- How does your new album Hang compare to your previous albums?
Joey Cape- "That's a tough question. It's difficult to be objective. I feel that it is our best work."

HID- How has the process of recording and promoting an album changed from the early '90s to today?
Joey Cape- "It's pretty much the same with exception of web press. Lots of touring and interviews. Most of which is a pleasure."

HID- Lagwagon has never left Fat Wreck Chords. What kept you on this record label all of these years?
Joey Cape- "We have had a great relationship with the label from the beginning. They have always been exceptionally accommodating to their bands and I consider them all close friends as well as colleagues. I have seen many other bands fall into the pitfalls of this industry. With Fat it is a very simple plan and completely transparent. We spend what we can afford and work together. There is no delusions of Grandeur. This maintains an honest and realistic relationship."

HID- What is your favorite part about being on tour? What do you despise?
Joey Cape- "Food. I have become a bit of a foodie. I don't despise any aspect of touring. Being away from my family has been some compromise of course."

HID- What inspires you to keep writing recording and touring?
Joey Cape- "I am still passionate about music. As long as that is true and people are interested in what I do, I see no reason to do anything else. I'm very fortunate."

HID- What bands are you currently listening to?
Joey Cape- "To name a few, Swingin' Utters. Love their new album "Fistful of Hollow". Canadian band The Dirty Nil. Laura Mardon from Gold Coast, Australia. She was the latest One Week Records artist I recorded. She's an amazing song writer. Her album will be released in January 2015."

HID- Best memory of your time in Detroit?
Joey Cape- "There are many. I have had some pretty good times at the border casino, the many shows we have played, endless nights out at bars with friends. And the DIA is cool too."

HID- Anything else that you would like our fans to know?
Joey Cape- "Yes, come to the Magic Stick on November 22nd. We'll have a good time."


Lagwagon plays The Magic Stick this Saturday, November 22nd alongside Swingin' Utters and This Legend. Tickets for the show are $20 pre-sale and $22 at the door. We also have one set of tickets to give away to one lucky reader courtesy of Black Iris Booking. If you would like to enter to win, please email your full name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with Lagwagon in the subject line. We will draw one lucky winner the day of the show and email them details on how to claim their prize!

~S