New Model Army: "Music is a gathering point against fascism"

Justin Sullivan, New Model Army's legendary frontman, spoke to Summer Rain about the band, that never stops evolving, about their relationship with Greece, of course about the Family that is always there, for the uprising of fascism around Europe and their show at the 10th Street Mode Festival #StreetModeON

Greek version here.

Since the birth of punk rock, few bands have engraved a course like New Model Army's. They were between the first that dared to mix folk music with punk rock, while they have influence and got influenced by numerous genres, like metal or post punk.

They were created in Bradford in 1980 by Justin Sullivan and have always remained loyal to their underground philosophy and their political lyrics, being pioneers on that sector, they are one of the few bands that managed to have full control on every aspect of the creative process, without any artistic or commercial compromise, even during the time of their collaboration with major labels. Reborn and always active, they are coming to the 10th Street Mode Festival for a 'traditional' energetic show.

In connection to that show, we spoke with the man himself, the legendary Justin Sullivan, about the polymorphism and constant evolution of the band -even up to this day, their relationship with Greece, about the Family, their loyal fan club that follows them everywhere, but also about the uprising of fascism in Europe during the last years.

You're basically one of the very first that tried mixing folk music with punk rock, and not to even mention how you both influenced and were influenced by other genres like metal or post punk. Did you expect back then to start a whole new musical wave?

We were just looking for inspiration and music that felt right to us and of course we brought with us as individuals all the music we'd ever heard. We all come from different musical backgrounds and loves and were always just trying to find something collectively.


37 years seem like a lot of time. Was there a time that you felt tired and thought about stopping?

Often. Personally I've left the band lots of times but only ever for 24 hours. And of course over the years some members have decided to leave or change their lives. We’ve never been 100% stable. It would be impossible making this kind of music.

During all these years many changes have been made to the band's line up. Do you see this procedure like a 'refreshening' of the band's music and what every member can contribute?

Completely that. One new person changes all the dynamics and relationships so each time is little rebirth.

Have these changes played a role to the evolution of your music and in the 'experiments' you have occasionally tried?

Which experiments? It's more a slow evolution, trying different things but always (whether we want it or not) within the NMA way of being.

You also play some solo shows every now and then, mainly in small venues. Is there a special feeling at these gigs?

Yes  I love the simplicity and directness of it and I'm still studying the art of making one man and a guitar (and I'm not a great guitarist) compelling for 2 hours...


It's been five years since your last visit in Greece. What do you look most forward to?

First the obvious things -the sun, the food, the sea, the mountains and especially the people.  Greece is a place I've always felt at home in, since spending one long summer of my childhood in Euboea. But more, it's easy to share -our musical understanding of drama, the combination of beauty and violence and a love or true interest in nature (not just beautiful places, but the true nature of all things). From the first song of the first concert (in Athens in 1988) we sensed that the Greek audience instinctively understand what we're trying to create.

Is there a moment, or a feeling, that you can recall from back then, in 2013?

Familiarity -just happy to be here

You have two shows scheduled, with the one being in Street Mode Festival in Thessaloniki. How does it feel performing in a big festival, with more that 100 other artists, especially when it's a 10-year celebrating edition?

That’s not a fair question -like asking the winning-goal scorer 'how he feels'... Great, really looking forward to it. And it's often more satisfying playing to an audience that doesn't know us.


The festival is all about the 'street culture' and you have played a big part in the creation of its modern form, so, could you tell us a bit more about your -and the band's as a living organism- life in the streets?

I'm going to disappoint you and say that away from the band we are mostly quiet people. In a strange way the community of people around the world who love the band have come together to be that extension [of the band] and living organism.

Διάβασε ακόμη:

10th Street Mode Festival full programme

Greece has a long history of 'false' politics, and you are one band that is not afraid to speak up when it comes to that matter. Would you say that your music helps the people to keep on fighting to change that ominous scenery?

Yes. Music in itself doesn't change anything but it does have powers. We've noticed over the last few years with the new fascist thing and a generally darkening political atmosphere, that all of us who do not subscribe to their brutalist world view need to gather and be close and take strength and courage from each other. So live gigs or live art of all different kind become this gathering point. There is a sense of a great need for things like your Festival [meaning Street Mode Festival].

The 'Family' has always been there for you and you have always been there for them. What is your relationship with your fans 'behind the lights'?

Complex and difficult to explain. I never think of our audience as a single animal. It's more lots of individuals with different stories and lives -so it's all different relationships.


Is there a message you'd like to send to the Greek 'Family'?

Hope to see you at one of the concerts. Stay strong.

Lambros Loco Papaefthimiou