Interview With Carlos Izurieta Of Police & Thieves
Posted on December 30th, 2008 by Matthew
Photo credit: Brian Froustet
When you listen to D.C-based Police and Thieves, it’s almost like you are hearing the perfect union between the new and old school approach to that area’s rich musical history. I could rattle the list off, but that would be a waste of time so let’s just focus on this amazing band and their new record Amor Y Guerra.
I can’t help but think of a recent episode of Anthony Bourdain’s “No Reservations” when I think about P&T. In that particular episode, Anthony explored the “other” D.C.; the one that exists outside the political spectrum. You don’t have to be from that area to know that Police and Thieves are the sound of that “other” D.C., just like their peers before them. It’s politically-minded, pissed off, and progressive hardcore.
I had a chance to exchange a few words with lead singer Carlos Izurieta not too long ago. Read on and definitely check out this band.
You have been involved in the D.C. scene for quite some time now; notably with your old band Worn Thin. Over the years, what has D.C.’s music scene meant to you?
C: As I get older, I am beginning to appreciate and see the full scope of the musical history of this city and I am proud to be from here. The thing is D.C. was never a hotbed of commercially successful bands but it had bands that influenced many of those bands. One example of that is how many mainstream bands cite Minor Threat as a big influence. Awhile back, I was reading in Rolling Stone how Jack Johnson learned to play guitar by playing Minor Threat songs. I see the loose connection with surfing and digging aggressive music but it’s more than that. It spawned so many sounds and movements such as straight edge, emo and then later on the whole “Dischord sound” that so many indie and post punk bands have. But I think it’s biggest influence on the underground music scene was it’s sense of community and merging the music being made with political and social activism through concerts/protests and organizations such as Positive Force.
Read more after the jump.
