Interview: @RiotFest On Tweetbacks, Punk Rock And Butter
By Katie Karpowicz in Arts & Entertainment on Aug 23, 2013 4:00PM
If you want to know the latest haps with Riot Fest—which returns to Humboldt Park in an expanded three-day form Sept. 13-15—chances are you follow the festival on Twitter.
If you're anything like this writer though, there's an another reason why you check @RiotFest's timeline several times a day.
That reason: It makes me laugh.
The man behind @RiotFest has been gaining notoriety on the 'Net as a quick-witted, crusty, old punk not afraid to call out anyone with a dumb question or comment about the fest. And while he's not afraid vocalize his opinions, his identity remains anonymous.
a fat, hairy, drunk, asshole? RT @iwuvmepenguin: I'm going to be the @RiotFest guy for Halloween.
— Riot Fest (@RiotFest) August 18, 2013
sorry, she was talking to me. giggity. RT @c0cainekittens: mom get off the phone so I can get my riot fest tickets jesus
— Riot Fest (@RiotFest) August 22, 2013
the people who are afraid of Humboldt Park because "they heard it was bad" are the same people who don't masturbate for fear of going blind
— Riot Fest (@RiotFest) August 23, 2013
Luckily, in-between repping the Humboldt Park blowout (along with festivals in Toronto and Denver) and penning fan club letters to Jesse and the Rippers, @RiotFest had a few minutes to chat with Chicagoist. Don't worry, he didn't sass us too much.
Chicagoist: So how did you wind up at the helm of Riot Fest's Twitter account?
@RiotFest: I lost a bet.
C: How did you get so fast with your snappy comebacks (Tweetbacks?) to your followers?
@RiotFest: I'm a smart ass in real life too.
C: What's the dumbest question you've gotten about the festival so far?
@RiotFest: "Who are The Replacements?" I also had someone ask who this Peter Hook guy was covering Joy Division.
C: How many people do you think you'll have to tell that the single day band lineups have already been announced?
@RiotFest: Too many. There are a lot of days I just feel like Google.
C: Speaking of the lineup, it seems like all ages from high schoolers to parents with high school-aged kids are pleased with it. How does Riot Fest go about deciding on a lineup that satisfies such a wide range of people?
@RiotFest: The "punk genre," whatever the hell that means, stretches a whole variety of bands and time periods, some appeal to the younger generation and some appeal to the old folks like myself. Doesn't mean that one is better or worse than the other, they're just different. Instead of telling the younger kids the bands they like suck, this is a great opportunity for them to see and rediscover bands that started the genre.
C: We love all the rap acts on the bill this year. What spurred the decision to add a little hip hop to the lineup?
@RiotFest: I dare you to listen to the lyrics of Public Enemy and tell me it's not punk.
C: The music that gets defined as "punk" today is totally different from when a lot of this year's Riot Fest bands got their start. What do you think it means to be "punk rock"?
@RiotFest: Trying to define "punk" is definitely "not punk," but I've always been a fan of David Byrne's definition: "Punk was defined by an attitude rather than a musical style." Punk rock definitely isn't dead and you can see that by all the new faces at Riot Fest rediscovering bands that started it all.
C: Who are you most excited to see?
@RiotFest: Radkey is a trio of brothers from outside of Kansas City just getting their start, and they are amazing. And of course The Replacements, playing their first shows in 22 years is a dream come true.
C: I know Humboldt Park holds a special place in @RiotFest's heart but -- unfortunately -- based on your timeline it looks like some people have a different opinion about the neighborhood. As Riot Fest keeps growing and attracting new fans, what's your umbrella statement to would-be attendees who refuse to come to the festival because of its location or parents of those would-be attendees who refuse to let them attend?
@RiotFest: It's not the '90s anymore, the neighborhood isn't what it used to be. I wouldn't have lived here for the past 10 years if it wasn't. The park is beautiful and we're looking forward to showing the neighborhood off.
C: One last question: What's going to happen to all that butter after it's successfully molded to reflect John Stamos' handsome figure?
@RiotFest: I hope Oderus from GWAR eats it, or it will live in my refrigerator.