Punk Rock Factory: Here We Rock Again
With the steady rise of PUNK ROCK FACTORY over the years, from their ever-increasing appearances at festivals around the UK to their growing social media numbers, it’s no surprise they are taking their brand of pop-punk re-imagination to the West End this time round.
The South Wales four-piece are giving the world’s most sensational show tunes a loud and heavy makeover in their upcoming record, It’s Just a Stage We’re Going Through. Containing an assortment of 11 tracks originating from the world of musical theatre, this is possibly the best release to date for the leading lads.
Frontman Peej was very open to calling their 2023 offering, “the best album we’ve done so far,” and gave the thanks to the band’s newly-enforced blend of working between the studio and their respective homes. “We did a lot of the stuff individually and remotely, rather than us locking ourselves in the studio for weeks on end. We had a lot of time and a lot of freedom,” he continues. “Instead of locking ourselves in a studio and feeling we had to rush it.”
Taking on the work-from-home ethic that they first explored during the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a chance of them all “dipping back and forth” from this point onward. “I don’t think it’ll be us locking ourselves in the studio all day every day anymore,” Peej looks back on the previous methods, “as we all work so comfortably this way now.”
Staying comfortable was of the utmost importance for Peej and co., as they were heading into the next natural step of their cover-band journey. Following their 2022 sequel to the Disney-themed record A Whole New Wurst, they knew they had to do these Broadway belters justice. “Disney fans are die-hard, they absolutely love Disney,” the frontman comments. “Musical fans are very similar: if you’re into musicals, you have a big passion for musicals.” And there was one particular musical the fans wanted to grant the PUNK ROCK FACTORY magic upon.
“There was no way we could miss out Hamilton,” Peej laughs. The Founding Father-centric musical is factually the most popular and successful musical in history, there was no doubt of its cover potential. The guys chose the iconic You’ll Be Back for the album. They even wore their best wartime wardrobe for a visual accompaniment of the track. It was one of the most important covers. It was going to be the one that gets everyone listening and rocking out.
“Because of how big Hamilton is, it’s gonna have a big pull.” No truer words were spoken on the matter, except the consequence on if this production was abandoned in the studio: “We’d get lynched if we didn’t do it.”
The group are touring around the UK twice in 2023, as the years starts and ends and it’s looking to be a string of unforgettable gigs. The foursome are eager to get back out. According to Peej, they play just as hard as they work on the road. “We’re busting to get back out,” he comments as their February tour kicks off. “We just have so much fun, we have such a laugh.”
But don’t get them wrong. They may be kids in men’s bodies, but they aren’t about the practical jokes, clearly because “we’re getting to old to deal with it.”
Peej continues to condemn the idea of pranks within the PUNK ROCK FACTORY team. “We certainly have a laugh at each other’s expense but none of us want to be messed about with anymore.”
When asked about what the future holds beyond the glitz and glamour of musical theatre, the future is untold. There are “so many” avenues to explore. These avenues do include exploring more television and movie soundtracks, and possibly experimenting with anime themes as the band plan to debut their covering craft in Japan. For now, grab a ticket and take a seat. The first act is about to begin.
It’s Just A Stage We’re Going Through is out now via self-release.
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