A.P.P.L.E. (from MAXIMUM ROCK N ROLL January 1987)
Interview with Vinny of A.P.P.L.E. by Lydia Ely
MRR: How did A.P.P.L.E. come about in a city like New York where most of the bands would not exactly be called political? Did you see a need for a band with a strong message, or did it just follow from what you wanted to do?
V: The main purpose of A.P.P.L.E. and its main reason for existence is to create a forum for our beliefs. This society not only condemns unpopular beliefs, but also makes it very difficult for such beliefs to be heard. Music is just one medium we have utilized to open communication. In the past we have created Counterculture magazine, and various other literature, duplicated leaflets, etc. and handed them out at gigs for free. I see a strong need for bands with messages that are typically not heard. The New York scene, as I see it, is a quagmire of violence, sexism, fashion and fascism. A.P.P.L.E. strives to rise above such quicksand and offer an alternative. The hardcore bands that are most popular in NYC either have fascist or just stupid/ silly lyrics.
MRR: What is it like being a politically active punk band in New York City? Is the rest of the scene open to you and what you do? Are you supported locally?
V: The NYC hardcore scene is not open to political music. There are only two clubs in NYC that have regular “punk” gigs: the Ritz and CBGB. Neither is open to political music and neither do I patronize them. These clubs are only interested in money. Whatever sells will play. A.P.P.L.E. always plays non-profit gigs. We have played several animal rights benefits, a benefit for a Nicaraguan schoolhouse, and many free gigs.
MRR: You advocate anarchy/ autonomy, pacifism, peace, liberty and equality. Do you think it is possible to live in today’s society, with all its complex networks involving corporations, and still push for those things without being hypocritical?
V: It is vitally important to push for such “things” in this society. Capitalist networks and corporations rely on the support of the masses and without the support of the masses, corporations disintegrate. I, personally, try to live my life as naturally as possible, causing as little harm as possible to other people and species of animals, and causing as little harm to the environment and the earth as a whole. I find nothing hypocritical in doing so. No one is perfect, and I don’t pretend to be perfect.
MRR: What kind of lifestyle do you think would be ideal in this society for someone who is against the system? In other words, is it possible to live within the system and to still fight against it?
V: It is possible to live within the system and at the same time fight against it. It is also sad to say, but those who choose to disregard the system will most likely be crushed by it financially and forced to live in poverty. I feel, in this society, we must use any available tools within or outside the system to disintegrate the church and state. It is possible to enjoy an Anarchist lifestyle and hopefully to at least ignore, if not destroy the system, but at this time it is very difficult unfortunately.
MRR: Do you think it is necessary to remain in society while being against it? Do you think that rejecting it and living in a separate, self-sufficient isolated way is a “cop-out” of sorts?
V: I think we must ask ourselves the question of- is it healthy to live in a hostile atmosphere such as this present society? I don’t think so. Living your own life, regardless of what the system dictates, is not a “cop-out” and in the ultimate goal of Anarchism.
MRR: Do you have any political affiliations? Do you think the power to vote is any power? Are things like “No Business As Usual” etc. important? Necessary? On the right track?
V: I presently am involved in several political groups. I feel being politically active is a responsibility of being a citizen. I encourage people to vote, not because I think our electoral process is good, but because I feel that voting does give people power to- in the very least- voice their opinion in a way in which the state officially recognizes it. Also I feel that by not voting and keeping quiet about it you become impotent. There is a not a ‘none of the above’ lever in voting booths, and not voting indicates to the system that you are indifferent or just don’t care who is elected. Also, many important propositions are placed on the ballot concerning the environment, etc. Suppose two candidates were running in an election for president, one supports the invasion of Nicaragua, the other does not, one supports “Star Wars”, the other does not. I most definitely would vote for the candidate opposing “Star Wars” and the invasion of Nicaragua (ie the lesser of two evils). I feel that if political activists did not vote it would guarantee the election of the more “evil” candidate. Surely we are all aware that the system regulates who is allowed to run, but in the very least even if a progressive candidate has no chance of election, voting can make a statement about which policies one may favor. “No Business As Usual” etc. is very important and on the right track because it allows people to take part in direct action anyway they can, anywhere they can, and leaves the particular action one may take in the hands of each person individually.
MRR: Do you think that music as a medium is the best way to communicate a message? With your music, do you feel confident that people listen to the lyrics as much as the music? In print more successful as a means?
V: I think music is just one of the forms of media that can be used to communicate a message. I don’t know which is more successful; that’s why we use any available media to get our message across (we also use slides, costumes and props at gigs). I think we appeal to people primarily through our lyrics and the music is there to make the message more “enjoyable” as compared to reading a book.
MRR: Do you think Americans are apathetic? Why do you think they are (if they are)? Do you think there’s something about American society that encourages conformity?
V: Americans are apathetic, not naturally, or by coincidence but because the system likes them that way. The system’s health depends upon the apathy and subjugation of the masses. Therefore, the system not only encourages conformity, but ostracizes those that refuse to conform. It must do so because the free will of the individual threatens its very existence.
MRR: How optimistic are your goals as a band?
V: Our music often appears negative to some people. I think this is because we expose and attack the negative aspects of society, the things that most people don’t like to hear about. Our goals are optimistic though. It is very optimistic to strive for a world without war, without bondage and without prejudice. Although much of our music is angry, no malice is intended. We focus mainly on the problems of society. I also feel our alternative way of thinking is refreshing and very optimistic.
MRR: What can the “average Joe” do to promote Anarchy/ Autonomy, Pacifism, Peace, Liberty and Equality? Is say working in a soup kitchen or a shelter significant?
V: The “average Joe” must become a socially responsible global citizen. We must refuse to take part in actions which are detrimental to our way of being. Any job working for the public interest is very significant. The main reason why most people do not work in soup kitchens, etc. is because it is not profitable to do so. Most public interest work is volunteer work. Why? Because the system likes it that way. The system sees to it that if there even is a salary involved, it is not enough for the average Joe to practically survive on, therefore, with the extremely high cost of living, the system forces us to seek employment elsewhere such as in defense plants which have very high salaries.
MRR: Are people assholes by nature? Do you believe that people, once exposed to good, pacifistic, humanitarian ideas will take the initiative to change their lives?
V: I believe people are not greedy, selfish, hateful “assholes” by nature. They are conditioned by society to exploit each other and this is necessary for the system to operate. People adapt to their respective environments. Surely, if a child was exposed to good pacifistic, humanitarian ideas as opposed to those the child now encounters on a daily basis, it would have a totally different attitude towards society and the world as a whole. We must continually evolve and change, for the lack of change brings stagnation, disease and death.
MRR: Up until now you haven’t put any vinyl out. Do you plan to press a record? If not, why?
V: In the past we have made only tapes because I wanted to have complete control, over the production. Also, tapes are less expensive to produce than records and therefore we can sell them for less and even give them away., whereas giving records away is many times more expensive and practically impossible. Selling your music for less means ultimately that you can reach many more people. We hope to make a record as our next project very soon. We presently have a tape available entitled Neither Victims Nor Executioners. It’s thirty minutes of music plus a ten page lyric booklet for three dollars post paid sent to the address below.
MRR: Any last words, comments, etc?
V: We would just like to thank Lydia Ely and MRR for this opportunity to reach its readers. We have always supported MRR and feel it is very important because it highlights alternative and independent music. A.P.P.L.E. would also like to strongly encourage anyone to write to us and let us know what they think of this interview or for any reason whatsoever.
Peace, Liberty, Equality,
Vinny
A.P.P.L.E. 25 Van Dam Street, Brooklyn, New York 11222
