Interview with Rough Francis drummer, Dylan.

Afro-punk: Do you think black people on the punk scene is a little odd?
Dylan: Umm, not at all. I think that society has a way of compartmentalizing people and life just isn't that text book. We need to embrace as much expression and creativity to get the best out of music. There is a real need for people to come together and music is a great venue for it.

Afro-punk: So, do you fuck with the idea of Afro-punk?
Dylan: Sure, it's definitely cool. It allows bands that you don't normally hear about on the radio to get highlighted. We just started working with Afro-punk and I like what you guys are doing for underground musicians.

Afro-punk: When did you meet the Hackney brothers?
Dylan: We've always been mutual friends, i've known these guys for a while because we all grew up in the same town.

Afro-punk: Is it true that Rough Francis remakes and performs old Death songs or do you guys get around to writing your own tunes?
Dylan: Well, most of the songs we performed tonight was music that we wrote.

Afro-punk: Your closing number on stage tonight was a song i've never heard from you guys before, what was it called?
Dylan: The song was a new song that we recently wrote up. It doesn't have words, but the main hook is "All I want to do is love you." I guess you can call the song that.

Afro-punk: Those words are kind of sugary for a band with such a grunge sound. What's with the sweet lyrics?
Dylan: Well, I don't think there is enough love in the world, and I am a musician that is a firm believer in spreading a positive message to the world whether it is punk rock or not. I mean, I consider myself a Marxist. I am pretty much against everything in this society that separates us from each other. I'm not perfect or anything, but I do think we could love more.

Afro-punk: So you're a lover, eh? Do you think that's why you get along with the Hackney brothers so well?
Dylan: The Hackney brothers are my brothers, I was adopted into the family a while ago and I love these guys. These guys are all talented musicians beyond belief and I love having the chance to jam with them.

Afro-punk: If you weren't playing music right now, what would you be doing?
Dylan: You know, i'd probably be involved in politics. I would love to be in the position to change things here and the way people think, so I just use music to get my point across. It's my outlet.

Visit Rough Francis' profile for info, music and much more!