In our latest interview, we sat down with the members of Noopinion, the skate punk force behind their incredible new album Revolt And Resolve. We delved into their songwriting process, explored the themes that fuel their energetic sound, and got a closer look at what it takes to create music that resonates with skate punk and melodic hardcore fans. Enjoy!
Your latest singles,”Breaking Obligations,” “2000 Years,” and “Last Words” tackles deep socio-political themes. Could you tell us more about the message behind the song and why you felt it was important to address these issues now?
I would say “breaking obligations” and “last words” are more about some personal tackles that had an input on us in our lives. “2000years” is a song about the way our world has been in the past and recent and addressed to the hardliners of hypocracy. It’s not (only) against the catholic church, but takes lots of examples from it. It’s about creating equality and overthinking old traditions and habbits.
Noopinion has always been known for expressing strong opinions in your music. How has your lyrical approach evolved over the years, especially with “Revolt And Resolve”?
Well…you’re never done learning. 😊 Writing is a progress, the more practice you get, the more you will increase. Philippe and Mike had a couple intense vocal-sessions before recording “Revolt and Resolve”. They split a lot of the vocals on this album, so then Mike – who’s half American – somehow ended up writing most of the lyrics this time. The others, as usual, came out of Patty’s pen. Seems like it worked out. Happy with the result.
“Revolt And Resolve” comes after an 11-year gap since your last album. What inspired you to come back to the studio and create this record?
You know, we’ve never been much of a studio band. The magic happens at the live-shows…! But no matter what – we know – we should of recorded way earlier. Sorry. Won’t happen again. Prior to recording this album we all had a lot going on in life…running your own business, marriage, unreplaceable losses in life that were hard to cope, some of us had kids that turned everyones world upside down, covid…. All of that had a big impact on our lives and created lots of inspiration at the end.
The song “2000 Years” critiques ancient dogmas and calls for breaking down societal barriers. How do you see these themes resonating with today’s global political climate?
It reflects todays world and political climate. We’ve had many examples and years of separation, discrimination and oppression which have shown us more than clearly, that it doesn’t work or help shit.
You’ve been a band for over two decades now, and skate punk has seen its highs and lows in popularity. How has the punk scene changed since you started, and where do you see it heading in the future?
It changed a lot through out the years. Emo and all the Pre-, Post- and Whatever-Core’s nearly killed Punkrock in Germany and around the world. Happy we’ve gone back to normal. The scene is less “street-punk” yet even more political. On the one side it’s gotten way more common and relaxed, on the other side there’s a lot of “rules” which one or the other take quite serious. Punkrock has never been about rules. Do what you want, just be cool, or?! For the shows themselves -Punkrock is back and better than ever.
Noopinion has toured extensively over the years, playing over 2,000 shows in 20 countries. How has your global touring experience influenced the sound and themes of “Revolt And Resolve”?
You know our last global-tour has been a while…but I know what kind of impact they had on us and on our music in general. They definitely made us love and hate each other equal enough to go back to the studio after 10+ years. Sound- or Themewise…we’ve always done our own thing. But it would be a lie to say there was no influence on us or our music thru that. Just not on purpose.
Your songs frequently address the persecution and discrimination of minorities. In what ways do you hope your music can inspire listeners to take action or think differently about these issues?
We don’t want to tell our listeners what to say or do. We want to make them think. Maybe make them overthink some things, but to come to your own conclusion about what is right or wrong. Maybe inspire others or younger generations to stand up for certain things. Do it better than we have in the past.
Musically, you’ve stayed true to your skate punk roots, but with modern production. How did you balance the nostalgic elements of your sound with fresh, contemporary influences on this album?
Music-wise we all come from a different corner of Punkrock and Hardcore. Everyone of us has his “home”, but we all evolve and keep on looking for new music. I’m sure this “new music” has an influence on us without us noticing. More like a “back of your head” kind of thing. But all in all….we just do what we do and what sounds right to us.
You’ve signed with Sbäm Records for this release. How has working with a new label impacted the creative process behind “Revolt And Resolve”?
To stay honest – I don’t think it has. We recorded before signing. The classy, old school way. No matter what – the SBÄM-RECORD-FAMILY is the best thing we could imagine. For now they inspire us in planning on recording more new music as soon as possible. All the love and support we get and have gotten are incredible. SBÄM is Europe’s #1 Label and we’re happy to be part of it.
As a band that started in the late ‘90s, how do you feel about the rise of social media and streaming platforms? Have they influenced how you connect with fans or distribute your music?
Dude…you can’t image!! We used to spend days burning CD’s, spray paint labeling them, sending them out to bookers and labels who never answered. 100’s of Euros wasted… Social Media and Streaming platforms spread your music all over the globe. For bands like us, its amazing. Last week I talked to a guy from Mexico, then with a girl in Indonesia and so on and so on…they all tell us how we inspire them since years and make them happy with our music. All that eveen tho we’ve never made it there. How cool is that?!
The album title, “Revolt And Resolve,” suggests both rebellion and a path forward. How does this duality reflect the themes of the album and your personal journeys as a band?
The message we want to send is an appeal to our society…we can’t just say “no” and be against everything. We need a change, we need opportunities. As a band…it fits our story as well. Revolting the trends, finding our solution in our music.
You’ve played alongside iconic bands like Pennywise, Lagwagon, and Ignite. How have those experiences shaped you as a band, and what did you learn from sharing the stage with those legends?
…NoUseForAName, Strung Out, Bouncing Souls…(I have to smile when I read and type those names) One thing for sure – we never took these nights for granted and are still unbelievably thankful for all these moments. The coolest thing for us always was seeing some of our favorite bands and our Idols – as you said: legends – but from behind the stage! Even before that…during soundcheck and meeting them. Unreal. Not even talking about partying and making friends after the show. Can’t get more inspiration than nights like those.
Skateboarding played a pivotal role in your early days. Do you still feel a connection between the skate culture and your music, and how does that influence your creativity?
Hell Yeah!! Every one of us still Skates and Snowboards. Bit less, bit slower maybe, probably uncapable of moving the next day – but hell yeah!! Boarding and Punkrock will always go hand in hand. Rap, Trap – whatever’s cool at the moment – you’ll always find that one skatepunk kid in the park, shredding it and kicking ass. Influence on creativity? Maybe. I think the music probably inspires the athlete more tho.
The last 17 years have given you countless experiences as a band and friends. How have these experiences impacted the lyrics and emotions behind “Revolt And Resolve”?
17? More like 24!! 😉 We’re family. A weird, crazy and sometimes complicated, but fucking amazing family. All the years, shows and memories – good and bad – made us to what we are. Emotional impact – 100%. Lyrics – yes and no. Can’t talk about some nights in public…hahaha!
What can fans expect from your upcoming tour? Do you have any special surprises in store, and how do you plan to bring the energy of “Revolt And Resolve” to the stage?
For the energy – Cocaine or Speed. Hahahaha – no man. Just kidding. Really!! The special surprise might be, we have a ton of merch. No shit. Other than that – never change a winning team. We are who we are, we do what we do. Stephan brings the energy on the drums, we bring the sound. The rest just happens I guess. Expect Hell of a Party!! Tour-wise…another Asia- or a South-America-Tour sounds like a lotta fun to us. Who knows. 😉
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