Could you introduce yourself to anyone who doesn’t already know you?

Hey! My name is Jerkova. I’m a nerd based out of Vancouver who’s primary interests generally revolve around video games and game development, music, history, art, and vegan bullshit. 

What was your introduction to punk, hardcore?

I was luckily influenced by all my big brothers and sisters into punk at a pretty young age. My brother in law played in an awesome punk band, which then influenced my brother to get into music as well, which then in turn influenced me.

I actually can’t fully remember my first show. But If I had to take a guess, I believe it was Warped tour when I was maybe in the 5th-7th grade? I distinctly remembered Bad Religion was on the bill which was the first band that grabbed my attention and pulled me in.

What were some of the first bands you played in? Is Punitive Damage the first one you’ve done vocals for?

I think Out of Sight what the first sorta HC band I’d played in. It was a vegan straight edge band and I actually played bass for that one. I took a crack at singing in another band before Punitive Damage, but I think Puni D is probably the first thats felt the most comfortable and natural to me.

What are some of your favorite memories and shows you’ve played or attended?

I think the two shows that stand out as my absolute favourites was playing in the back room of a skateshop in Krakow, playing in a French circus on a highway overpass in Paris, and Brighton with a bunch of inflatables. 

It was our first time playing each of these cities, and while I was hyped to play em we also kept our expectations low since it was our first time around and people might not have heard of us. And what blew my mind is that in each of those cities we had kids flying off the stage, the walls, ceilings and each other from start to finish, and everyone was unbelievably friendly and incredibly welcoming. 

Another notable favourite was getting to play with Show me The Body at Fortune Sound Club in Vancouver with a bunch of vancouver legends as well.

Baptism of Fire rips. Hate Training dropped on October 25th. How did that record come together and how did y’all start working with Convulse Records?

I never really know how to answer this question haha. I think it just somewhat came together naturally - especially near the end of writing. We dedicated time to just focus on songwriting after having had zero time to do so for the past year and a bit. The big focus was just to write what we cared about and liked in music with no expectations. No pressure to write another LP, no deadlines, and no obligations - just artists making art the way we want.

Convulse was an awesome label we’d worked with before for our other releases. Adam is a great friend and had always been an amazing person to work with, so getting a chance to work with the Convulse team was an absolute no brainer.

How has the reception to the new EP been?

It’s been awesome! I’m super proud of how it's been received and having it out there for others to enjoy.

Apart from Hate Training now being out, what plans are on the horizon for the band?

We’ve got a bunch of tours we’re lining up starting the new year with Can’t Keep us Down in Barcelona, followed by a quick rip in Europe. We’ve got some cool fests, and more music that’ll be written on the horizon .

I don’t get up to Canada as often as I used to for shows. What are some of your current favorite venues and cities to either play or go to a show at?

You’re missing out! Western Canada - Calgary especially- and Montreal have been my favourite places to play.

I’d say my favourite venues to play are Green Auto in Vancouver, Fortune Sound Club, and Bullys in New West. 

Who are some of your all time favorite nwhc bands?

In no particular order Go it Alone, Juice BC, Smuther, Mortality Rate, Bootlicker, and Sunny Day Real Estate, 

What does the NWHC scene mean to you? How would you compare it to other scenes you’ve seen or played on tour?

NWHC to me is a true testament of love to music and community. It’s a community that never had the luxury of being a big major centralized city, but rather a bunch of smaller cities and scenes that all ride for each other. It’s not a scene that’s segmented into ‘Vancouver Hardcore’ or ‘Seattle Hardcore’ or Everett, Calgary, Tacoma, etc- but as a unified whole.

It’s a group of some of the most determined, hard working artists, promoters, and community members that never let a 10 hour shit drive through the mountains, or a border, or a Ferry get in the way of going to a show. Rainfest, JAG, and Wild Rose are some of the best examples of this dedication I can think of. NWHC has always been true to itself and those that are in it, and thats why I love it so much.

Who are your favorite current locals or bands you think people are sleeping on?

I think Juice B.C is one of the most criminally underappreciated bands to date, and I think you’re a dunce if you haven’t given their new LP a spin yet. Other bands are Video Prick, Chopping Block, Serration, Elimination Squad, End of Dayz, Denial of Life, TV Star, Sunspots.

What would you like to see from the scene currently? 

I’d say just go to a show for local bands and rep your community too. Its easy to only want to go to the big shows, but those bands only got huge because they had people go to their small, first shows. Don’t be the guy that only rolls up for the big names. And just be a nice normal person, you’d be amazed at the friends you can make if you aren’t putting up a defensive front at all times.

Is there anything you’d like to leave people with? 

I’d say just be excellent to each other. It’s easy to be a prick to one another behind a screen on twitter or other platforms. But I promise the exhausting hot takes and being serious 24/7  just isn’t worth it. Shits a lot nicer when you just realize we’re all just a bunch of dweebs with anxiety and we don’t need to be so serious at every waking minute of everyday.

Be excellent, be there for each other, and don’t be a bitch. Pretty simple <3