Interview by Cosmic-A (Monica Demattei) | Transcription by Kiya Gaskin
Hailing from Asbury Park, New Jersey, Hardcore band Old Wounds spent their summer riling up crowds at the 2016 Vans Warped Tour. Tour Press Force talked with Michael Weintraub, the bassist of Old Wounds, at the San Diego tour stop to see how the tour was going.
Old Wounds had to experience long, grueling days in excessive heat during Warped Tour, but that did not prevent them from enjoying themselves.
“It’s been fun – long, really long days,” Weintraub said. “It’s kind of hot sometimes, but whatever. It’s been a real treat.”
While the group is not new to touring, Weintraub said that Warped Tour is unlike the other tours they have done.
“This might be the longest tour we’ve done, but by maybe five to ten days,” he said.
This stint on Warped Tour has helped Old Wounds attract an audience far different than they are used to.
“I think what separates Warped Tour from any other tour that we’ve done prior … is that we are being exposed to kids that may not otherwise go out and see us,” he said. “It’s a completely different scene.”
Warped Tour consisted of the most elaborate shows Old Wounds ever played. Weintraub said that these venues are much unlike where they usually play.
“For the most part it’s a lot of DIY stuff - VFWs, arts spaces, things of that nature,” he said. “It’s more of an actual community. No one’s the show runner with their hands in everybody’s pockets. It’s good, but this is all right too.”
Many Hardcore shows involve heavy moshing and aggression, and Weintraub said that it is one of its most important qualities.
“I think hardcore has an aggressive nature, and that’s what makes it special,” he said.
Along with enjoying the aggressiveness of the music, Weintraub said that being in Old Wounds gives him purpose and happiness.
“I feel like I don’t have much of a place anywhere else,” he said. “It gives my silly life just a little bit more purpose. And it’s just one of the few things that I enjoy nowadays.”
After Warped Tour, Old Wounds headed out on a U.S. Tour, but Weintraub left a few words of wisdom for the fans.
“Start a fucking band,” he said. “Go to shows. Be involved in what’s going on around you within your music scene. Don’t be a dickhead. Don’t trash venues. Be welcoming of all people, especially the new kids, because maybe they seem dopey to you but we were all that at one point or another. So just be kind and be good to each other. Just fucking do it.”
Old Wounds is passionate about inspiring their fans and spreading messages of love. Although they haves since parted ways with their lead singer, Old Wounds will continue to make music that can connect members of their music scene.
For fans who missed them on Warped Tour, Old Wounds is currently on tour with Lost Souls.
Connect with Old Wounds on social media:
Facebook: oldwoundsnj
Twitter: oldwoundsnj
Instagram: oldwoundsnj
Check out Tour Press Force every Wednesday for more Warped in Reverse.
YouTube | Heaven Is A Memory – Old Wounds (Official Video)