rebel
 
 
 


   
 Home » Interviews » Distillers  First Prev Next Last 

Distillers

Written by Steve October 2001


Interview with Brody Armstrong of The Distillers

More:
Website
No Profile Page Yet!
Reviews (1)


Actions:
Comment On This Interview! (48)
Submit Interview!
Viewed 17789 times.


Unfortunately, I do not know what it was like to hang out with Elvis Presley in Memphis, 1955, or Joe Strummer in London, 1976, or Kurt Cobain in Seattle, 1990. But, I can tell you exactly what it is like to talk to Brody Armstrong of the Distillers in Los Angeles, 2001. And, trust me, now is an exciting time to know Brody Armstrong because she has everything going for her. Like Presley in '55, Strummer in '76, and Cobain in '90, Brody Armstrong in '01 is not only vastly talented and charismatic, but she also has been given the rare opportunity to realize her limitless potential.

However, living out a punk rock fairy tale is not always easy. Despite her exceptional talent and ability, Armstrong has constantly found herself on the defensive since she arrived in Los Angeles from Melbourne, Australia three years ago. Questions about her marriage to Rancid founder-Hellcat Records owner Tim Armstrong and the Distillers' revolving door-like line-up have followed Brody since the release of her band's self-titled debut in April, 2000. But, with Distillers' second album, SING SING DEATH HOUSE scheduled to come out on Hellcat in January, 2002, Brody can once again concentrate on what matters most -- the music.

"The song, 'Sick Of It All,' is about punk rock," Armstrong explains when describing SING SING DEATH HOUSE's serious-minded opening track. "It's about angry, disenfranchised kids who don't know how to deal with their shit, and they take it out by means of violence or starving themselves or internalizing. It's about [resolving] their anger, frustration, and self-esteem issues instead of doing something [negative]. And punk rock is kind of like a savior. Punk rock saved a lot of people I know, and it saved me. Punk rock is your outlet instead of shooting someone."

While many of Armstrong's best songs -- "The Blackest Years," "Sick Of It All," and "Oh Serena" -- empathetically examine the suffering of others, a new song called "The Young Crazed Peeling" takes a more directly autobiographical, first person approach. And, like the majority of Brody's songs, "The Young Crazed Peeling" offers a heartfelt message of hope and liberation.

"'The Young Crazed Peeling' is about being grateful for what I have," Armstrong tells me. "I've been through all this shit, just like everybody goes through this shit. And even though no two people's stories are all the same, I came out of all my shit and all the pain and am now out on the other side. So, instead of being a bitter human being, I can take the best out of [those bad experiences]. And now I'm really grateful for what I have. I've got everything I need, and I don't need anything more than I have. I have love and I play music and I'm doing what I want to do. A lot of people don't get to do the things that I get to do, so I guess the song is kind of like a 'thank you.' Because you can make it through."

Versions of this article have appeared in Mean Street Magazine and Rockpile Magazine. Please check out www.meanstreet.com and www.rockpile.net.






48 comments on this InterviewWrite your own comment

FUCK THE MOTHERFUCKER WHO SAID THAT BRODY IS A WHORE FUCK YOU IMBECIL PUTO!!! FUCK YOUR MOTHER AND FUCK OFF TO LISTEN HILARY DUFF AND THEN FUCK YOURSELF!!! YOU FUCKING SLOT BRODY IS A REAL SINGER WITH A GREAT STRONG PERSONALYTY SHES THE BEST!!! I LOVE HER AND PUNK KICK ASSES~!!!!I MEAN THE REAL PUNK


Posted By: Anonymous on Jul. 25, 2007 12:20 am

     

Why don't people start to grow up? All these people replying with a bunch of crap like "Brody's a sell-out, she's a whore, she use's people, etc"....shut the fuck up. Firstly, i don't get all this crap about sell-outs. People do a job to make money. Yes, even the bands you love and admire want to make money. And to all the others saying she's a whore and that she used Tim, do you know her? Do you know Tim? Do you know Josh? Do you actually have a fucking clue what went on with them and what either them are truly like? I'm guessing no. So shut up and grow up, or don't say anything at all. Imbeciles.


Posted By: Anonymous on May. 18, 2006 4:29 pm

     

I LOVE BRODY DALLE WITH A PASSION BEYOND PASSIONS<3 ilove you brody... -Bailey


Posted By: Anonymous on Apr. 06, 2006 3:49 pm

     
No picture available.

whether or not you lyk brody dalle is irrelevent cuz you cant deny the power that the distillers' nusic has had on punk rock ' roll, they way they helped bring back the anger insted of just singing about some stupid bullshit that wudn't matter in 20 years from now...after two decades, future punks that havent even been born yet will be listening to the distillers records to help release that anger...and its inevitable that the distillers have inspired hundreds of new punk bands in the short time they were together...its 2 bad that such a talented band that seemed to have so much to offer to us fucked up kids just broke up but we can just hope after a few years of settling down with her new family, brody will come back and make some more kick ass punk. to my girl and my goddess, Theresa-Marie, Coochie, i love u an dont 4get bout me cuz i havnt 4got bout ur fuckin ass...luv ya baby...chris w. still in the philippines


Posted By: filipino punk loser dude on Apr. 04, 2006 6:14 am

     
No picture available.

Brody's lyrics scream the truth of how most teenage girls feel when they're struggling to grow up and are a comfort when I reach a real fucking low point. Brody's so talented and so fucking stunning, how the fuck did she come 2nd in Kerrangs 50 sexiest people in rock?? I, like so many others, idolise Brody and I would love to meet her just to say thankyou for the music that's shes created. Rock on Brody,keep making the music and please play a show in London soon!!! Charlie, London xxx


Posted By: charlie on Aug. 04, 2005 3:59 pm

     

how can u bad some1 out like that when you dont even know them? what the fuck gives you the right? why are you so much better? Brody is just being herself and playing fucking awesome music. is it anyones buisness who she marries and for what reasons? focus more on the music bitches


Posted By: Anonymous on Aug. 03, 2005 3:30 am

     

brodys a dirty fuckin whore, she married tim armstrong and deserves to die..fuck mainstream, fuck sellouts


Posted By: Cheap-sex on Jul. 11, 2005 12:13 am

     

go the last person who wrote the last comment..i think that brody is the best person to wanna be like i mean look at her she achived so much in such a short amount of time including getting off of drugs..so i think brody is the perfect role model....


Posted By: Anonymous on May. 11, 2005 2:47 pm

     

brody is one of my role models, coming from a 15 year old she is the one who got me to be myself and fuck all the wanna-bees in life, she has her own look on things, brody you inspire the hell out of me, fuck being a doctor or a teacher when i grow up i wanna be THE NEXT BRODY ARMSTRONG i love you brody! -lauren-


Posted By: Anonymous on Apr. 23, 2005 4:31 pm

     

brody is the best...she is a lot prettier than most ppl. the only reason you think she is ugly is because you are insecure about your penis and/or vagina...


Posted By: Anonymous on Apr. 17, 2005 8:48 pm

     

how the fuck does every one think she is hot she is a crack whore who uses bands to better her own.she has fucking man features she stinks real bad and her music is realy not that fucking great.


Posted By: Anonymous on Feb. 19, 2005 9:47 pm

     
No picture available.

Look who ever wrote the comment Brody Dalle's a sellout must not be much of a punk fan or into the punk scene right now. Everyones selling out, hell even "The War on Errorism" sounded a little mainstreme to me. She's not a sellout she's just doing what every good musician does- evolving. I hated chick bands and still do, but I cant get enough of The Distillers. If you ask me Brody might be one of punks last hopes, she won't bite her toung for anyone!!!


Posted By: norse_man2602 on Sep. 26, 2004 9:59 pm

     
No picture available.

Brody Armstrong(now dalle) is a great musician, her voice is amazing and she's an awesome guitar player. Not to mention that she has a great attitude, and she's one of the most important women in music, for me. The Distillers are a great band, i love all their records, and i can't get enough of them.


Posted By: Jimena on Aug. 27, 2004 0:32 am

     
No picture available.

The old distillers are one of my favorite bands ever and Brody Armstrong is one of my favorite people ever and it sucks that she completely changed and "sold out" because she was really cool. this article reinforces my love for brody armstrong and makes me hate brody dalle even more.


Posted By: libertyXspiked on Jul. 28, 2004 10:49 pm

     
No picture available.

No way r the distillers sellouts


Posted By: beautiful_distortion on Jul. 02, 2004 7:50 pm

     

agreed.i would fuck her any day.she's hot as hell.


Posted By: Anonymous on Mar. 18, 2004 4:19 pm

     

BRODY ID FUCK THAT CHICK ANY DAY AND YES IM A CHICK ALSO...:)


Posted By: Anonymous on Feb. 01, 2004 7:45 am

     

Well hey all brody is so fuckin hot FUCKING DISTILLERS KICK ASS


Posted By: Anonymous on Feb. 01, 2004 7:43 am

     

distillers kick ass


Posted By: Anonymous on Jan. 31, 2004 11:16 am

     

I dont think theyre sell outs at all but why did brody have to dump tim? o n shes dating a dude from a gay pop punk band ...i heard lars has a back problem he might die n so im really sad n im seeing there last show


Posted By: Anonymous on Oct. 22, 2003 3:32 pm

     

Damn, Brody.. She can turn a straight woman straight gay. Her songs are fuckin' gorgeous and I'd bang her too.


Posted By: Anonymous on Oct. 19, 2003 2:43 pm

     

brody rules!!!!!!! loved the hawk but it's gone now :(


Posted By: Anonymous on Jul. 31, 2003 1:53 pm

     

SHE IS SO HOT. I WOULD BANG HER LIKE A SCREEN DOOR IN A HURRICANE ANY DAY. -KATE


Posted By: Anonymous on Jul. 30, 2003 3:17 pm

     

Everybody should appreciate Brody for the great artist that she is. She fucking rocks and her lyrics are easy for so many teen girls like myself to identify with. Rock on Brody!!!!!


Posted By: Anonymous on Jul. 28, 2003 11:23 pm

     

forum The Distillers!http://forospaginau.univision.com/6/ubb.x?q=Y&a=frm&s=700605&f=542601342 Yessy!


Posted By: Anonymous on Jul. 24, 2003 9:33 pm

     

great music, great style...... keep it up.


Posted By: tomwalker on Jul. 14, 2003 5:46 am

     

Distillers kick ass! Their the only band I listen to with a female singing.....!! LONG LIVE DISTILLERS


Posted By: Anonymous on Apr. 21, 2003 12:49 am

     

there fucking amazing I'm pised that there not playing warped 03'. But at least there making a new album and hopfully a great tour will follow. Melissa, Montclair,ca.


Posted By: Anonymous on Apr. 17, 2003 7:56 pm

     

brody's riffs and voice are impecable, andy's drum are perfect, and ryan sums it up to be a bitchin sound. i missed them at the garbage no doubt tour, i am pissed they arent playing at warped, please come to florida. you guys are amazing.


Posted By: Anonymous on Mar. 22, 2003 3:22 am

     

Yah I say give em credit to, but if your gonna do that you might wanna give all three of them credit. Yah brody rocks but they band wouldnt be a band with out Andy and Ryan. There not sell outs and they never will be. Brodys voice fucking kicks and andy rocks the drums! ryan knows how to play his guitar to the fullest and they just rock! thats all i have to say.... CANT WAIT TO SEE THEM LIVE AT WARPED TOUR 2003!!!!!!


Posted By: Anonymous on Feb. 13, 2003 3:16 pm

     

Yah I say give em credit to, but if your gonna do that you might wanna give all three of them credit. Yah brody rocks but they band wouldnt be a band with out Andy and Ryan. There not sell outs and they never will be. Brodys voice fucking kicks and andy rocks the drums! ryan knows how to play his guitar to the fullest and they just rock! thats all i have to say.... CANT WAIT TO SEE THEM LIVE AT WARPED TOUR 2002!!!!!!


Posted By: Anonymous on Feb. 13, 2003 3:15 pm

     

I love punkband distillers!!


Posted By: Anonymous on Feb. 09, 2003 11:07 pm

     

Once I found The Distillers... I knew right away they would always be in my playlist... now and forever! I have to say Brody's voice is probably one of the best female vocals in a punk band that I have heard. Everything about this band is kickin'! Sara zXxStarxXz


Posted By: Anonymous on Jan. 31, 2003 1:06 am

     

The distillers are an amazing band and they are so good at producing a punk sound with female vocals that sounds amazing so they deserve a FUCK YEAH! from me, Professional Punker


Posted By: Anonymous on Jan. 28, 2003 10:44 am

     

Oh Lordy Lordy the Distillers are good!! I haven't stopped listening to Sing Sing Death House since I got it and fuck Brody can play the guitar as well as the best of em!!! Best voice I ever heard!


Posted By: Anonymous on Jan. 19, 2003 10:36 am

     

I THINK THIS BAND IS GREAT. I JUST HOPE FOR THEIR SAKE THEY DON'T GET TO BIG BECAUSE THEN PEOPLE ARE GONNA SAY THEY'RE SELL OUTS JUST LIKE WHAT WAS SAID ABOUT GREENDAY. VANESSA LOS ANGELES,CA


Posted By: Anonymous on Jan. 10, 2003 2:03 am

     

the distillers arent sell-outs who caresa if there video is played on mtv. Rancid's rubysoho was played on mtv. There not concedered sell-outs so neither is the distillers. They will never be sell-outs. Brody u fuckin rock AND THE DISTILLER'S KICK ASS


Posted By: Anonymous on Dec. 15, 2002 5:25 pm

     

THEY F**KIN ROCK, Their music's great, the band are great and everythings going for them. They ARE THE BEST new punk band out there and they ARE NOT F**KIN SELLOUTS, just making sure you know! Oh and go buy both their EP's too


Posted By: Anonymous on Nov. 10, 2002 9:44 am

     

The Distillers are a great band and for one reason alone...THEY DONT SING ABOUT BULLSHIT! It's hard to find a NON-PUNK POSER BAND! BUT the Distillers are FAR from being posers!


Posted By: Anonymous on Nov. 06, 2002 4:46 pm

     

Brody IS very fucking hot for a chick. The Distillers kick ass and always will. They help me through a lot of stuff. And I only hope that they will come to my sorry-ass state, Oklahoma. I would pay damn good money to see them. Rock On! Brody your hot!!! -Alyssa


Posted By: Anonymous on Nov. 04, 2002 8:21 pm

     

Brody is hot as fuck, their music is fucking class, and jumpin about, skanking and singing your ass off to it is the best ever!!! Katie x


Posted By: Anonymous on Nov. 04, 2002 10:53 am

     

yeah... brody is really pretty, and she is a great musician... i have gone through many things like brody, and soon hope to get out of all this shit... when i am really sad or something, or when i just need someone and i am alone i usually put on the distillers...i can listen to them for hours... thanks brody... -alyssa ps- brody and tim are HOT...


Posted By: Anonymous on Nov. 03, 2002 3:38 pm

     

so goooooooood :)


Posted By: Anonymous on Oct. 28, 2002 6:05 am

     
No picture available.

SING SING DEATH HOUSE kicks major ass! It has restored my faith in music. I have not been able to put it down since I got it. I don't believe in God or Angels, but if they did exist, I believe that Brody has the voice of a fallen Angel. It's beautiful, and heartfelt. I can't wait to see/hear The Distillers live!


Posted By: Agentmg17 on Oct. 18, 2002 2:11 pm

     
No picture available.

I dont give a shit what anyone says the distillers are no fuckin mully sellouts.one of the best bands of this time so go protest that!


Posted By: hate on Sep. 08, 2002 3:21 pm

     

they are amazing. the new cd sing sing death house is awesome. i have been listening to it daily since i got it. btw in no way have they sold out. their music has jus gotten better.


Posted By: Anonymous on Sep. 08, 2002 1:01 pm

     

they kick ass. who cares if the band is on mtv the music hasn't changed.


Posted By: Anonymous on Jul. 30, 2002 7:36 pm

     

I can just hear the comments brewing. MTV, KROQ, what's next? Open your minds cuz the music still kicks ass!


Posted By: Anonymous on Jul. 26, 2002 8:58 am

     

 First Prev Next Last