This is Justin Sane from Anti-Flag, and today is July 3rd, 2003, one day before Independence Day, what do you know? Awesome!

Haley: Some of our readers may not know what Anti-Flag means, they might take it as being anti-American, can you explain the difference for them?
Justin: Well, it's not anti-American, it's pro-people, and it's anti-nationality. I mean, we're pro all people of the world and we're definitely anti-nationality, because we feel like nationalities are just an artificial barrier that are put up by people in power to keep people separate, and to show people that they are different and therefore scare people into not liking each other or thinking they should have conflict with each other. So, in a way, I guess you could say we are anti-American in the idea that we're anti the idea of having a nationality, ya know, an American nationality, but not anti the American culture in some respects, and the identity I think it's really cool that people have different cultures and different custums and I think that's what makes people unique, and that's interesting to say we are anti-American, isn't true, because Americans have their own customs and things that make them unique, and I think that's a good thing.

Haley: You guys protested the war in Iraq, now that its almost over and stuff, and some of the people are liberated, do you still think it was a bad thing, or did your opinion change?
Justin: Well, ya know, it depends on you know, your definition of liberation, right now there's pretty much one American soldier being killed everyday in Iraq. There's a lot of Iraqis who don't feel liberated, and aren't happy with America being there, there's also, you know, basically George Bush said that, and don't get me wrong, Sadam Hussain had to go, he was obviously like a, well, I don't think he had to go, but, like, I'm not sorry if he didn't go, but you know, when you look at your history the United States installed Sadam Hussain, Sadam Hussain was, he worked for the US, he was basically a figure head that the US had installed into Iraq so that they could have control of Iraqi oil. Whenever Sadam Hussain quit playing ball with the US he became a bad guy, and, um, you know before that, before he quit playing ball with the US, he actually used chemical weapons on his own people and Iran, and the United States defended him. So the United States new that he was using chemical weapons, and they defended him for doing it, but as soon as he wasn't you know, following US doctrine anymore, they used that against him, and said he was a horrible person. So, you have to look at, you have to look at the hypocrisy of the government to see the true agenda of the government, and I think the true agenda of the government is to make sure they maintain control of the oil in Iraq, and, you know, they talked about going in because of weapons of mass destruction, practically the rest of the world, including the Pope, was against going into Iraq. They knew that there was no credible evidence of weapons of mass destruction, CIA and British Intelligence both said that Iraq did not have weapons of mass destruction. The US went in anyway, and I just can't help but feel like it was for the oil. At this point it was very obvious there weren't weapons of mass destruction, you know, as many other world leaders pointed out, there are other ways of dealing with Sadam Hussain if it is about weapons of mass destruction. One of the things they could have done is left weapons inspectors in Iraq indefinitely, they could have left them there forever, and there's no way they can build a nuclear weapons program while continuously being searched. So, I think at this point, the true colors of the American policy are showing itself, because, you know they talk about wanting to set the Iraqi people free and all this kind of stuff, and installing a Democracy, but they're only letting certain political organizations be involved in shaping Iraq's new government, and they're only letting, and those political organizations, and parties happen to be political organizations that are catering to the United States oil companies. So, I think there's a lot of hypocrisy, I think they could shoot a lot of holes in the theory of why they went in. I just think it's an outrage that you know, American soldiers went into Iraq and were killed, I can't believe that Americans aren't out protesting in front of the White House over what seems to me like an obvious lie, and of course there were countless Iraq's killed too, and I think they count as well. *PAUSE* I probably covered about twelve questions with that! Everyone: *laughs*
Justin: Sorry!!
Haley: That's okay!
Justin: But it all kind of ties together, its hard to answer one without the other.
Haley: It's okay, we appreciate it!
Justin: Okay, good!

Haley: What inspired you to begin making music?
Justin: I just really liked to play guitar, I really liked to perform, I thought it was fun. I loved music ever since I was a young kid, you know, I've always played an instrument, and it just made sense for me to do that. I think I got involved into punk rock because I was always interested in politics, and human rights issues, and so it just sort of, punk rock just fit into that really nicely.

Haley: Do you have any hidden talents?
Justin: Hmm.. I'm sure I do if I really think about it. I'd like to think that, actually, I have a hidden talent for decorating, which makes me like an interior designer or something, but, I think I do, and, but I think that I only can be able to decorate in the idea of things that reflect my personality, cause everybody who comes to my place they're like, "wow, dude, this is totally you," there's all these like, crazy colors and stuff. It's pretty funny. So, yeah, I don't know, I like to write, so like I write stories and that kind of thing, but, it's nothing anybody's ever read so, I guess that could be considered a hidden talent. *PAUSE* I don't know if they're any good...*Laughs* So maybe it's a talent, maybe it's not.

Haley: How did you guys get the band together, like, how did you get started?
Justin: Well, Pat and I were like the only, our drummer Pat, Pat Thetic, we were sort of like the only 2 kids in our, like, area that didn't drink or use drugs really, so we sort of just attracted to each other, cause neither of us were really into that, and all the other kids in our area were, so I think it just made sense, that ya know, he played drums, and I played drums too and we were like, "we should start a band together," so, I learned how to play guitar and we just went from there. I think it was just that commonality that we both wanted to do something other then get fucked up on the weekends, ya know? And, that's fine, I mean if that's what other people want to do, if that's what they need to get them through their day, then, ya know I'm not saying they shouldn't do it, but, for me it wasn't, it didn't make any sense to me, it didn't really fit into my life style. So, I think that's sort of how the band kicked off, and we had a bunch of different bass players, and then finally we met Chris, and Chris is a great guy, so, just like, on all levels he was very much like us, so he joined the band, and he played bass for a little while, then we met #2, and Chris went to guitar, and #2 went to the bass, and so that's where we've been ever since.

Haley: What's something that fans would be surprised to find out about you?
Justin: I'm a pretty, like, I like to mess around a lot, I'm not very serious, you know, I joke around a lot, you know, like, most people probably think I'm really like, it's funny, cause my girlfriend, before she knew me she was like, "I figured you were going to be really mean," I was like, "What are you talking about?!" and she said, "Well, ya know, you just always look so angry on stage," and I was like, "ahh man," I didn't even realize that I seemed to angry, ya know? So, but, I'm such a teddy bear, she's like, "you're such a push over!" so, ya know, it's kind of funny, like, so yeah, kind of like I'm probably, like, over all I'm not a tough guy, and I'm definitely not serious most of the time, usually, those are probably some things people would be surprised to learn about me. And you know, there are some things that I really care about, and when I talk about them I'm passionate about them, but I like to talk about other things too, I'm not like a political robot that you like, can't turn off. Yeah.. That would get boring.

Haley: What's the most valuable thing you take on tour with you?
Justin: I don't know, I mean, if you want most valuable possession, I mean, I guess like the most valuable thing is just the people I'm with, they're all awesome, next to that would have to be soy ice cream, or these lemon zinc throat lozenges by Zand, *holds up the package* they're like my tour crutch, I'm sucking on one right now. Well, I guess it's the phone, it's nice to have a phone and be able to call my girlfriend, and like, my Mom and Dad.

Haley: I really like your solo CD, do you ever tour just by yourself for that album?
Justin: I've only ever done one show, A-F records had a 5 year anniversary birthday party, and I played at that, and it's the only time I've ever done it. I would like to do it, but I just don't have enough time right now, Anti-Flag has been touring so much, and we're going to tour more this year, probably, then we have in a long time, so, I really don't have the time to do it, but maybe at some point I will, it's just going to be a matter of finding the time to do it.
Haley: Yeah, well, I really like it, that's why I was wondering.
Justin: Well, thank you, that's cool, thanks a lot!

Haley: What's your biggest accomplishment as a band so far?
Justin: Well, um, I think just the fact that we stayed together, cause we had so many problems over the years with the band, with peoples health issues, and things like that, I've been hospitalized twice, so, um, just because touring can really be rough. So, I think just the fact that we really over came so much stuff, the guys did half of a warped tour without me, that's incredible, you know, we still stayed together, I was bed ridden, pretty much, and I couldn't do it, so, the other guys just like figured out a way to do it, we had a friend fill in on guitar, and they did it, and then I joined them for the end of the tour. Yeah, I think just the fact that we faced so much inversity and stayed together, I think that's the biggest accomplishment. And, that's always how it is for any band, you know, it usually takes like 4 or 5 years before anything starts to happen for a band, as far as people noticing, usually, I mean there are exceptions, some people, just, you know, are an over night success.
Haley: Those bands don't usually last though.
Justin: No, they usually don't do they? So, yea, I think that's my advice to anyone who's trying to start a band, if you're really serious about it, stay together. It takes a long time, but if you can stick it out, and stay together, if you're any good, people will probably start to notice, if they don't notice you after about 5 or 6 years, you probably suck.

Haley: What would you like to have accomplished by the time you're old?
Justin: By the time I'm like 29?
Haley: No, by the time you're like old and gray.
Justin: Well, I would just like to have found somebody who is so special to me that I would like to spend the rest of my life with them and, ya know, know that I would have ya know, someone like that to rely upon and enjoy things, cause, ya know, I think that when we go on tour we go to some amazing places, but sometimes they're almost lonely to go to because ya know, you're by yourself, ya know, you're with like, 6 stinky dudes, and you're like, "this sucks!!" you know? So, I think that would be a good thing, you know, I'd like to feel like I made a difference in somebody's life, I think that would be a cool thing, but, yeah, but, to be honest with you, I haven't thought that far ahead.

Haley: *Credit for this question goes to Overated Magazine* What sets your band apart from all the rest? Why should kids come to your shows?
Justin: I mean, I think that, people have to make up their own minds about that, you know? For me, what I like about our shows, I think that, more so than some other shows, but probably not all shows, I think that there's usually a really cool, positive vibe going on at our shows, there's a lot of positive energy, and people like, it's sort of an idea of everybody watching out for each other verses, ya know, one or two tough mother fuckers in the pit being assholes. So, that's what I like about it, and ya know, I think that there's usually a lot of hope generated at our shows, and I like that idea, I mean, even if everybody at our shows doesn't go home and get politically active, at least, ya know, hopefully, like, there's something sparked in them that at least makes them think that, you know, kind of knowing what's going on in the world is important and maybe even if all they ever do is go vote, which is a lot more than most people do, they do something, for the rest of their lives. So, I think those kind of things appeal to me, knowing those things.

Haley: Who were your biggest influences?
Justin: Well, I think definitely my Mom and Dad are my biggest influences, they're both really cool, and really politically active, they were both political activists, like, they did all kinds of different things, like they started the first vegetarian restaurant in Pittsburg, like 30 years ago, I mean they were really ahead of their time, cause in Pittsburg, like, it was like meat and potatoes, steel worker town, like, ya know, people were like, "Vegetarian?! What's that?!" So, I think that's pretty badass, they've just been involved in so many things and just from their example, pretty much, and ya know, there are other people that I think are really, there are other people that, you know, you come across along the way that are inspirational, I love Howard Zinn, he's a writer and a teacher and I think he's really incredible. He did a monthly column in a magazine called 'Progressive' and he's so awesome. But, yeah, there's, I could go on and on there's so many people, but, if you're looking for my biggest influences, I guess they'd be my Mom and Dad, and then, *PAUSE* I would say that's who it is, actually.

Haley: When did you realize that your political beliefs were different from a lot of other peoples'?
Justin: Oh, I've always known, ever since I was a kid, because, probably because we were always losing, my Mom and Dad were always involved in things that never won, you know? Not always, but things were like, when you're at a protest and the cops are coming and pounding people over the head you realize that you're not in the mainstream.
Haley: Oh, so your parents were involved in a lot of that stuff?
Justin: Yeah, a lot of anti-nuclear weapons demonstrations and a lot of civil rights issues, yeah, things like that.
Haley: And, the second part of my question was, were you ever like, harassed because of it?
Justin: Oh yeah, just for instance when you tell somebody that you're in a band called Anti-Flag, they're automatically like, "What?!" you know, they don't know about you or whatever, and they want to know if that's anti the American flag and then they, ya know it's like.. It's interesting, I think what's really interesting in this country is ya know, before like, Watergate, Richard Nixon was coming up for impeachment, the American flag wasn't so prevalent in our society, it wasn't flown everywhere, I was talking about this with my Dad recently, cause we've been to Japan recently, we've been to Europe, and I just noticed there aren't flags there like there are here, what happened was, to show your support for Nixon and Agnew you were suppose to fly an American flag, and then that's where it kind of started, but before that, like, police, and those people didn't have American flags on their uniforms and things like that, and that's what really kicked off such a huge wave of like, flag waving in this country. I think it's interesting that it was kicked off from that because Nixon and Agnew were both crooks. So, it's like, it sort of symbolizes two crooks.

Haley: What's the most embarrassing thing that's happened to you?
Justin: Oh man... I don't know.. gosh... most embarrassing thing? I'm sure I've had a lot of embarrassing things happen to me..*PAUSE* I'm trying to think of one.. and.. One that happens to me a lot is I just forget people's names, and I'm just like, "Uhhhh..." and I feel like a jerk because I'm not good with names.

*At this point in the interview, the music started....YAY! And I couldn't hear a thing.. Luckily we moved... To the Women's bathroom...*

Haley: What's the best and worst things about being in a band?
Justin: Oh, well the best thing is going places, and meeting all kinds of cool people, and the worst thing is going places and being away from home. You know? After a while it can kind of get old. And the over night drives too. Over night drives suck! If you have like, three or four of them in a row, you're just so worn out that you don't enjoy anything, you don't, you just kind of exist, and that sucks.

Haley: *Credit for this question goes to my Dad!!* Do you sing in the shower?
Justin: You know, I don't sing in the shower, cause I'm always afraid of getting water in my ear! But I do sometimes, yeah. I sing all the time though, like when I'm, like, no matter where I am I'm always singing.

Haley: If you weren't in band what do you think you'd be doing instead?
Justin: I'd have like some kind of small business, or I'd be involved, I'd probably I have a small business, and be involved in some kind of political organization like, I don't know, I don't see myself working with anybody else, I can, I can totally work with other people, but I'd rather not, I'd rather be in a band, that's great about what we do.

Haley: Song or quote that inspires you?
Justin: Oh yeah, I mean, I have so many favorite songs, you know, and, it would be impossible for me to like have one favorite song, cause there's so many favorite songs, ya know? But, one band that I've been really liking a lot, just, their music is amazing, and their lyrics are incredible is the newest Hot Water Music record, it's funny cause a lot people don't realize, they don't know like, I think it's a really underrated record, I think it's totally amazing, so, but, I think one of my favorite song writers is Morrisey, I love Morriseys' lyrics. He's really funny, like he's really a tongue and cheek guy, I think that people take him way to seriously. I think he's more fun then serious.

Haley: If you could say anything to your fans, what would you say?
Justin: Oh, I'd just say thanks so much for caring, and you know, thanks for bothering to listen to our band, I mean, it's so cool that anybody is really, it's so flattering to, ya know, that anyone thinks we are worth listening to, that's definitely, and I'd say thanks for all the great energy, and all the great spirit. That's the one awesome thing about the people who come to our shows, because, they're so enthusiastic about things, and I think they really care about things, so many other people feel apathetic, and that's such a downer, but they don't, and I think that's pretty exciting.

For More Information:
• Justin Sane Official Site: www.justinsane.net
• Anti-Flag Official Site: www.anti-flag.com
• A-F Records Official Site: www.a-frecords.com

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