The Blackout Brigade emerged from the ashes of two other bands that went up in flames when members quit in the quintet’s hometown of Winnipeg, Man. According to guitarist Danny Ransom, the remaining members seamlessly joined forces to form a new band fueled by rage, whiskey, and a passion for the hardcore sound.

“We’re all buddies, and this is a labour of love, so if we got into quitting/hiring nonsense it wouldn’t be fun, plus we’re way too lazy and disorganized to teach these songs to other people, so if someone checks out, that’s it,” Ransom comments.

But that doesn’t mean any line-up “changes” are imminent. Quite the contrary, especially considering a cross-prairie trek on the band’s gig list, and a recently released fist-pounding debut album on Insurgence Records. Ransom’s just being true to the ethos of the band.

Since their first show in 2008, The Blackout Brigade has been feeding their own musical souls with “ass-kicking aggressive music, coupled with party ’til you puke sing-a-long street punk,” Ransom says.

“It’s badass, pure heavy n’ hard rock n’ roll played by some stiffs that hate their jobs just as much as you do,” he adds, noting the band is rounded out by vocalist Scotty Getoffme, guitarist Grand Slam Graham, Rob the drummer, and James ‘The Bison’ on bass.

How has the band’s sound evolved since first forming?

We’re not really worried about evolving; we write party tunes and songs about being pissed off with having to work every day.

Where does “Blackout Brigade” come from – does it mean anything significant to the band or about the music?

I think it’s a clever allusion to getting blackout drunk, you know, punk band, drinking – we like to escape clichés, but we all do it from time to time. The jello shooters start flowing and the next thing you know we’re going home with the cutest boy at the party.

Are you fairly active in the Winnipeg music scene?

For sure. Graham is recording up-and-coming young bands, we play out as much as we can, and most of us love checking out local shows.

How is Winnipeg’s music scene these days, anyways, whether as a band or fans of hardcore?

It’s in a bit of a lull, but it’s by no means dead. Anyone that’s been doing this a while knows this stuff comes and goes in waves, and it’s definitely a bit slow locally right now. We get lots of cool touring bands, though. I have a feeling it’s getting close to busting right out again.

What inspired you to visit Alberta?

If we drive in the other direction, it’s just Thunder Bay and Sault Ste. Marie. The cooler cities are closer out west for us. It was a no-brainer.

Have you been out here before?

Not as the Blackout Brigade, but we’ve all played through Edmonton and Calgary in different bands at different venues with varying successes.

How did you go about booking your shows?

Our guitar player Graham booked them. I really don’t know how, but I owe him a few drinks for doing it! And having a hard-working group of guys like The Afterbeat traveling with us certainly doesn’t hurt.

Did you find it difficult to secure gigs on the dates you wanted?

Everyone seemed to be super cool and accommodating. We only booked a couple shows this time to see how it all plays out this first sort of test-run, but everyone seemed super down for letting us play.

Did you know anything about the venues before you booked?

Definitely. You can’t be hanging out this close and not hear about some of the places bands actually play. I haven’t had the chance to play at them, but I’m excited to check them out.

Are you performing with Alberta bands, or are you just performing with The Afterbeat, from back home?

October 16 we’re playing with A Fistful of Nice; on the 17th, I think it’s just the two of us, but we hope a local band is playing too.

What are some of the benefits in traveling with another band?

We can borrow their gear! That and they’re really good friends of ours, so it’ll be fun.

What are some of the greatest challenges preparing for cross-prairie shows, even if just for the weekend?

You have to drive a long way and find a way to do so that won’t break the bank. Procuring a friend with a band or buying a van, or convincing someone that owns one to let you take it and not worry about the umpteen kilometers that’ll be racked up on it is a task…

What makes the 12+ hour drive worth it?

It’s 12 hours? Seriously? Like 12 full hours??? I can’t believe I agreed to this.

Will Death and Dishonesty, your first full-length album, be available at these shows as well?

It will be! Bring money! If you like what we’re doing, which is full front-kick to the sternum no nonsense punk rock n’ roll, you should buy it and enjoy it with your friends.

Will you be primarily performing material from that album, or do you include a mix of old and new tunes?

Some old ones, some new ones, some covers, lots of awkward poorly thought out between song pauses and you’ve got yourself a Blackout Brigade show.

What are the top three reasons that people out west should head out to your shows at the Distillery and DV8?

Booze. Ass-kicking rock n’ roll band. Mike from The Afterbeat’s heart-melting smile.

Awesome – well, best of luck with the rest stops in Saskatchewan and we’ll see you when you get here.

Thanks a lot for thinking of us and hooking us up with this interview! Come check out the shows!