BSR Show of the Week: Punks Not Dead

Every week of programming we will be highlighting the Black Squirrel Radio Show of the Week

This week’s show is Punks Not Dead

New Black Squirrel Radio show Punks Not Dead is hosted by Zac McDowell. Every week Zac creates themed shows based on different punk genres and eras. From Celtic Punk to Ska he’s got it all!

Describe your show:
I played a different genre/type of punk rock every week and gave commentary about it, general information about the music, and album recommendations

How did you come up with your show concept:
Punk rock is my favorite genre of music, so I just knew I wanted to do something with that

What do you do in your free time:
I enjoy playing guitar, video games, listening to music, and working out

Who are some of your favorite bands/artists:
I enjoy a wide variety of artists outside of the punk realm, but some of my favorite artists that fall under the term “punk” are Minor Threat, Black Flag, T.S.O.L., Subhumans, Free Throw, The Story So Far, The Ruts, Blink-182, Bad Religion, and NOFX

What is your favorite show moment of the semester:
My first show because I was extremely nervous but I got to play 80s hardcore punk which is some of my favorite.

What is your favorite thing about BSR:
Being able to play whatever the hell you want and the variety of interests among the staff and DJs

How did you get into punk music:
I was raised on classic rock which I still adore, but I drifted towards punk rock around freshman year of high school when I went through my dad’s CD collection and found Blink-182’s “Dude Ranch” and Green Day’s “Dookie”. I listened to those religiously and my interest just spread from there.

How can people keep punk alive:
It is more about the attitude than anything. There will always be protest music, but doing whatever you want to do is key. Do not do something because someone else is telling you to do it. Do not settle to be like everyone else. To quote the Dead Kennedys, “Punk ain’t no religious cult; punk is thinking for yourself”, which I think sums it up pretty well.

What are the best concerts you’ve ever been to:
My first ever punk show – July 29th, 2014. I was 15 years old and I saw The Vandals, Pennywise, Bad Religion, and The Offspring. It was one of the best shows I have ever seen. Some other shows up there are Subhumans, Agent Orange, Knuckle Puck, Tiny Moving Parts, and various groups at Warped Tour. Nothing will ever beat Rush though; that is the greatest show I have ever seen and will ever see.

What are your favorite punk subgenres:
I enjoy hardcore punk, skate punk, emo, ska, and UK inspired classic punk the most I would say. I enjoy a little bit of everything, however.

Tune into Punks Not Dead only on Black Squirrel Radio!