Pigeon Magazine

IN YOUR CELL

By: Pigeon Magazine

Devo, the new wave post-punk synth-pop band from the 80s, that Devo. Their big hit “Whip-It” topped the charts back in 1980 and is the one that gave them mainstream popularity. They had many other hits that played on themes some would call sexual or, especially for the time, “risque.” What a good chunk of people don’t know is that they kind of mocked the music industry and the societal norms. They also inspired not just punk-rock as a whole (pun intended), but also unknowingly spawned sub-genres of punk to come well into the 2000’s and today.

Egg-punk, also known as “Devo-core” relies heavily on the lo-fi recording style and the very much do-it-yourself ethos. Using wild rhythms, satirical and awesomely humorous lyrics, it’s a niche genre that has started quite the movement.

Enter PRISON-AFFAIR, an egg-punk band from Barcelona, Spain. Their songs are about having love in prison, a “prison affair” if you will. With song titles like “Masturbation” and “I want you (in my cell)” they create a wildly up-beat environment both on stage and off stage with the crowd. The show involves the three core band members, Bicis, Juanma, and Adri that spread out at either ends of the stage; one far left, another far right, and the drummer in the back center. The reason for this... To make as much room as possible for the chaos that ensues on stage and off stage. Don’t worry it’s fun as hell so long as you don’t mind occasionally getting drenched in beer, a kick in the head, or carrying people over you!

We caught up with Prison Affair while they were on the road and met with them a little more intimately just as they returned home to Barcelona after a long ass world tour spanning the US, Canada, Australia, and most of Europe. The shows did not let up, true to their nature, they celebrated their brief return with the first ever “Prison Fest” at Sala Upload that we have been fortunate to attend and document. You can dive into all the chaos and the full interview in the printed Barcelona issue of Pigeon Magazine available here. Or you can read on for a special online elaboration of what these hooligans have been up to!

Aside from rocking one of the weirdest and coolest fucking bands on the planet right now, they even run their own record label. They also produce shows and events around the world that feature the community of bands they've collected. It's quite the whirlwind of work they've created and after chatting with Juanma and Bicis while on tour in Nashville, TN; they wouldn't have it any other way!

Prison Affair is one of many bands that's at the front of the line when we look at the music industry today. You're either fighting for your life hoping that you get picked up by a label or another group that's bigger. Maybe you're Posting singles every week and marketing them to all hell across social and the web. Or you're out there saying "fuck it" by scheduling shows, making shows, bringing bands together, and making it happen for yourself no matter how it goes. All are the right answer depending on what you want of course. There's no wrong way! And both paths are as hard as a constipated shit with no water behind it.

So what inspires this trio to tear shit up on a regular basis? They're trying to build something. A community really. Comprised of similar bands that throw inhibition to the wind and piss into it with a smile on their face. Every show is a mixed bag of moshing, dancing, and straight out debauchery that welcomes everyone. Which is really where the magic is. We've met the kindest souls that are just looking for an outlet to rage and then grab a beer or a smoke while talking about crochet. That's really what it's all about! Creating a space where they can gather and no one feels alone. Plus it's fun as hell, as they've exclaimed.

Whether you're a punk, an addict, or just someone who likes wild tunes; these shows are for you!

If you want to know more about Prison Affair, how they started, where the name came from, how they met, and what goes through their heads when they write these songs; be sure to check out the printed issue of Pigeon: Barcelona where you'll also find some kick-ass stickers featuring artwork by Juanma from the band and a series of lyric sheets for all the die-hard fans!