Feature / Music
Pre-gaming For The Fest

Words: Scottie • Posted pre-2010

Dan Yemin (Paint it Black/Armalite)

Scene Point Blank: How many times has the band played The Fest?

Dan Yemin: Third time for Paint It Black, second for Armalite.

Scene Point Blank: Seeing how The Fest has been dubbed the pinnacle of beard rock, which bands playing do you think have the best bearded members? Do you have suggestions or requests for facial hair at this year's The Fest?

Dan Yemin: I think that my favorite manifestation of the beard phenomena was the "bearded St. Patrick" of Dillinger Four fame. But I think I'm dating myself with that one. I just looked at the list of bands for this year's Fest, and the beard thing doesn't seem as prevalent. Everyone knows that the best beards were on Hot Water Music in their heyday. I would like to see Tony from Municipal Waste shave himself bald and grow an upside-downer.

Scene Point Blank: What have been some of the high and low points of previous The Fests?

Dan Yemin: Of course Dillinger Four always tops my list. The Ergs at Common Grounds in 2006 finally getting the enthusiasm they deserve. The Bomb doing Naked Raygun songs and seeing all the old-heads stage diving and singing along. And P.O.S. at that shitty big place.

Scene Point Blank: What bands are you most psyched to see at this year's The Fest?

Dan Yemin: Naked Raygun, Naked Raygun, Naked Raygun, and Naked Raygun. (D4, Pink Razors, Cloak/Dagger, The Ergs, Municipal Waste, Modern Life is War, New Mexican Disaster Squad, all tied for 2nd).

Scene Point Blank: What are you most looking forward to aside from seeing other bands at this year's The Fest?

Dan Yemin: Seeing old friends. Making new friends.

Scene Point Blank: For all the first timers do you have any advice before attending The Fest this year or any suggestions for things to check out in the off time?

Dan Yemin: For the love of god, stay hydrated!

Related features

Little Low

One Question Interviews • August 6, 2025

Christine Atturio (Little Low) SPB: What is your favorite Disney soundtrack? Atturio: Aladdin, hands down. Robin Williams singing "Friend Like Me" is fire! The soundtrack as a whole goes from hopeful to scary to funny and back again, sometimes even sounding like the music from Indiana Jones when he's exploring … Read more

Normal Park

One Question Interviews • August 5, 2025

McKinnon (Normal Park) SPB: Your bio references math rock, [my opinion] one of the sillier genre names. Is there a music term you hear often that seems like it could have been phrased better? Tyler: I don’t mind math rock as a genre term because it’s simple and descriptive, plus … Read more

Foolsmate

One Question Interviews • August 4, 2025

Alex Gilliam (Foolsmate) SPB: What does the term “Midwest emo” mean to you? Gilliam: After getting this question, I immediately asked the other guys in Foolsmate for their input. Though their answers varied drastically, they all touched upon inclusion. Midwest emo has always been about being vulnerable about yourself and … Read more

Sell The Heart Records – History 101

Music / History 101 • August 3, 2025

Like most independent labels, Sell The Heart started to document a scene without really asking themselves “Where do you see yourself in 15 years?” In 2010, founder Andy Pohl was barely even thinking about vinyl. In “History 101” tradition, Scene Point Blank picked out some of the label's notable releases … Read more

The Planet Smashers

One Question Interviews • July 23, 2025

Matt Smasher (The Planet Smashers) SPB: How did the collabs on the new album come to be? Did you reach out to the artist with a specific idea, or just ask “hey is there something you want to do here?” Matt: It started out super simple, just a “would you … Read more

More from this section

Sell The Heart Records – History 101

Music / History 101 • August 3, 2025

Like most independent labels, Sell The Heart started to document a scene without really asking themselves “Where do you see yourself in 15 years?” In 2010, founder Andy Pohl was barely even thinking about vinyl. In “History 101” tradition, Scene Point Blank picked out some of the label's notable releases … Read more

Scene Point Blank's Favorites: The Year So Far (July 2025)

Music • July 6, 2025

We're halfway through the year: when did that happen?! Luckily for you, SPB is on hand to share the music we've enjoyed most in 2025 thus far. Read on to hear about the records that have made our top list for this year as it stands, and also some bonus … Read more

Shane Herrell: A Tribute

Music • July 6, 2025

Shane Herrell: Rest In Power(pop) (1980-2025) The Rocker I try to live my life with as few regrets as possible. Sadly I never got the chance to hear my friend Shane Herrell karaoke Thin Lizzy’s "The Rocker." As a singing bass player we don’t have enough heroes. It might just … Read more