Last Shot Fired

Today I connected with Mike & Roxy from the politically charged punk rock band Last Shot Fired. Don’t let the term “politically charged” scare you away, kids. This band is also catchy as hell, and they know how to write serious hooks. If more bands could infuse some intelligence in their writing, perhaps…well, there’s my idealistic side coming out.

Welcome to Independent Music Promotions, guys. Last Shot Fired is a politically charged punk/rock n’ roll band. Do you feel that people have become more open to political music with all of the Occupy protests of late?



Mike: I’m honestly not sure. I believe Americans, on the whole, stay away from any type of political action or sentiment because we’re too afraid to actually stand up for ourselves. If there’s any increase in political movements or more openness to political music, it’s because we have nothing left to lose. However, what I see from popular music is that the major labels and pop-culture are hanging on to image and salable, stock influences, instead of being any type of force for change. In my opinion, OWS is still too apologetic and concessionary to move people in a progressive direction.



Tell us about the biggest influences and inspirations that inspired you to play music.



Mike: My father and mother. Both of them were musicians. After them, there is a whole slew of musicians from jazz and Latin, to indigenous folk bands (i.e., “world music”) and early to current punk rock bands.



Roxy: The grunge era bands probably had the most influence on me, alongside some metal bands, but bands like Rancid, The Offspring, & Leftover Crack made me want to play in a punk band.



What have you found works well for you as far as promotion goes?



Mike: When the promoters actually promote. Ha, ha. Other than that, it’s mostly word of mouth and handing out fliers to random people. Sometimes you get a hit, sometimes you don’t.



Roxy: Social media sites definitely help spread the word also.



Who in music today do you most admire most and why?



Mike: I admire anyone who actually says to themselves, “whatever music I play, I can make a difference and a living.” I have so many heroes, that I couldn’t put them all on one piece of paper. However, if I were forced to make a decision, I would have to go with Jello Biafra.



Roxy: I admire underground, unsigned bands and musicians like us. Being a musician today is not easy. I also admire the people that book & promote shows, anyone that comes out to shows, anyone who actually buys merch, and people that take the time to find and listen to bands like us!



Do you have any advice for independent musicians who may feel disillusioned or discouraged at times?



Mike: Keep practicing, keep studying, don’t work for free, keep your business chops together, take destructive criticism with a grain of salt, don’t take “no” for an answer, and if the people in your band don’t have the same vision as you do, get a new band.



Roxy: Practice, practice, practice! Play as many shows as you possibly can, and play your ass off at every show! Even if you’re only playing for 4 people- consider it a rehearsal for when you’re playing to 400 people!



How can music fans keep tabs on Last Shot Fired?



Mike: Call Roxy.



Roxy: The typical social media sites- Facebook (facebook.com/lastshotfired), Twitter (twitter.com/lastshotfired), Reverb Nation (reverbnation.com/lastshotfired)

- James Moore

This episode Elvis reviews the Warped Tour!

With Music By:

Last Shot Fired
Less Than Jake
Tat
H2O
Terrible Things
Pennywise
A Story Left Untold
Big D and The Kids Table
Dropkick Murphys - The Elvis & Alfred Show

Though relatively new to the scene as the band Last Shot Fired, the members are no stranger to the American punk rock scene. Founded in 2010 in New York City, Last Shot Fired features former members of the bands All Up In Arms, ShiraGirl and The Hates respectively. With a sound that has been compared favorably to bands such as Rise Against, The Descendants and Rancid, the five piece female fronted band comes across as a more politically active, punk version of Paramore.


Combining both on-stage charisma and a classic punk edge, the members of LSF are Samantha- lead vocals, Foxy Roxy- lead & rhythm guitars, Danny- lead & rhythm guitars, Matt- bass, and Buddha Mike- drums and backing vocals. With influences ranging from the 80's & 90's West Coast and Canadian punk rock scenes to Blues, Jazz, and Afro-Carribean, the music of LSF is both powerful and eclectic, and as members of AFM NY Local 1000, they are clear in their support of both local and touring artists.

For more information on the band, or to view their summer schedule, visit www.reverbnation.com/lastshotfired - The Indie Vote

Punk lends itself to our current political, economic, and cultural climate. Classic punk bands from the UK chronicled the decline of their industrial and imperial system, which once dominated the globe. They were hard and crusty whereas the punk bands in the U.S. were sardonic and relatively playful. Not anymore. - The Unsigned

New York based band Last Shot Fired is not your usual punk band. Female fronted and politically motivated , they entered the scene in 2010 on the heels of a previous dismantling. We were fortunate enough to sit down with two of the bands founding members; Bodhi Mike and Foxy Roxy as they let it spill regarding the band, writing styles, and even a Twilight connection… - Baxojayz-Centricity

right on if we ever get paid is the fundamental question,
super energy great hook! - www.ourstage.com

really diggin this one & im glad there’s bands i can compliment to counter balance all the ones ive insulted..
- www.ourstage.com