We had the opportunity to interview the legendary punk rock icon Mike Park recently and you can find that interview below.

for more info visit Simple Stereo

Your Wikipedia page says you have an album called “Beans and Toast” that was scheduled to come out in 2008, is that record still coming out?

Well, that was just a cd compilation with some new tracks that I put together for a tour of the UK in FEB. of 2008.  I pressed 300 and made screened jackets to give it some kind of exclusitiy and that was it.  Done. 

Do you still play the the sax? Have you kept up on it?

I have not played the sax for about 18 months.  Unfortunately.  I would like to play more than I do, but it’s not something I love anymore. 

What ever happened to the Shaken 69 side project?

Shaken 69 was just a side project with myself, Tim, Matt, and Dave from Op Ivy, and Eric and Paul from the Uptones.  It was just a recording a project for a compilation that LOOKOUT and KILL ROCK STARS put out called SLICE OF LEMON. 

Why did you choose to release your 2nd solo record on Hopeless as  opposed to Asian Man?

I actually released both records on SUBCITY.  In the past I’d have bands comment that they’d see more promotion for my own record than there own, so this was a way of distancing me from that conflict.  That was the idea behind it, but I will definitely be doing my future releases on asian man. 

For being a truly independent record label, you have an amazing back  catalog, what had been your most successful release?

The three ALKALINE TRIO records are easily the top sellers.  Suprisingly followed by POTSHOT “POTS AND SHOTS” as we exported about 50,000 cd’s to Japan for that release. 

What are your thoughts on the vinyl resurgence? Where do you think the future of records will take us?

Its fun.  I like vinyl, but the craze will dwindle as vinyl will just become a staple for every release.  Meaning it will just become part of the norm in terms of records being released under the format of digital/cd/vinyl.  

Speaking of vinyl, I recently orderd your 7 inch / art print from  Simple Stereo how did that collaboration come about. Did you have a concept for the artwork (which is awesome by the way)? 

I got an email from a guy named Doug Castro and he just asked me if I was into doing a 7″.  I said sure.  My take on vinyl(especially 7 inches) is that there’s really no way to rip somebody off unless you’re selling like 10,000 copies.  In this case selling 500 will probably take a few years.  But it’s basically something people do for fun, so anytime people offer to press vinyl for my music I’m all for it. 

Congrats on your Plea For Peace center in Stockton, hows it going running your own venue and why did you choose Stockton as its home?

Well, I only pay the bills.  A gentleman named Middaugh Goodwyn runs the day to day operations.  Stockton is affordable and I knew Middaugh had and still is nurturing a scene for the last 15 years, so I thought why not try it there. 
We know a lot about your music and label, what do you do for fun? 

 Now that I have two kids, I like hanging out with the family and playing games with them.  Going to the park, going for walks, to the beach.  Basically anywhere that’s fun for the kids. 

What’s a day in the life of Mike Park like?
Normal, very normal.  Just getting the day started with helping the kids get ready and eat breakfast, work, and then home with the family.  Albeit, I probably go to more shows than your average 40 year old, but yup..  pretty normal lifestyle.   
What advice would you give to an artist who has just started out?

Have fun.  If it’s meant to be, it will happen.  But if you’re trying to become a raging success, 9.9 times out of 10 it won’t happen. 

What advice would you give to a label thats starting out?

Again, it goes back to having fun.  labels that try to be big usually have crappy hair bands.  Just do what feels right compared to what you think will sell.  you’ve got to like the music you’re being a part of.