If you're used to going to local shows, you know how rare it is for the bar crowd to shut up and pay attention for two seconds. It's not their fault, they came for the booze and maybe a little bit of pool. Half the patrons didn't even know there even was a show that night. If they did, they're confused, asking themselves, "it's not jazz night?" So when everyone actually stops their conversation to pay attention, you know that you're looking at something worthwhile.
From note one, Vice City Rockers set themselves apart from other fledgling punk outfits performing at a recent Churchill's show. The drums were blaring and precise, the singer was running around, yelling like a madman, and the guitars drew us to the stage like a fly drawn to a big ol' hunk of delicious horse poop.
We were able to land a few words with frontman Shawn Perkins and the boys to see what the band is up to.
New Times: When and how did the band start?<
Shawn Perkins: We started with me, Nestor, and Kansas wanting to start a band. It was originally with Homer from Enough! on drums and Rictor from M66 playing bass. Charlie joined when he returned from California, and it worked out, considering me, Nestor and Charlie played together previously, and that was a perfect fit. Now Los, from Die Trying/Unit Six, plays bass for us, and we couldn't be happier. We've been playing South Florida for the past two years or so.
What are your favorite venues to play here in South Florida?
We always play Churchill's and it's mainly because we don't get booked out of town too often. When we started, we played the Kreepy Tiki Lounge quite often. Though we're always looking to play out of town, we just don't know too many people.
Are you guys recording or touring anytime soon?
We're planning on recording a full length of at least 12 songs in April. No telling when we'll finish, mix, master, and release it. Ideally, we'd like to do it before a tour we're looking to book with our friends in Enough! (also from Miami).
Any crazy band stories from being on the road, or playing shows?
Nothing really. Usually, the craziest things that tend to happen at shows are fights, but that seems about it. We like to just have fun and avoid bullshit. And since we play Churchill's, if you've ever been there, you know what kind of crazy shit tends to happen there.
Yes, I do. You guys have any pre- or post-gig rituals?
Pre-show: Drink. Smoke weed (certain members). Hit on girls way out of our league.
Post-gig: Drink. Smoke Weed (certain members). Hit on girls way out of our league.
I'd love to give a shout out to: Enough!, Destroyio Records, Die Trying, Unit Six, M66, the 707's, the Talkin' Dogs, Unstoppable, Churchill's Pub, and Hellbound City Tattoos.
"Like" Vice City Rockers on Facebook to keep up with their shows at Poorhouse, Churchill's, and other venues around town.
Follow @CountyGrind