Feature / One Question Interviews
Michael Yonkers

Words: Loren • October 3, 2014

Michael Yonkers
Michael Yonkers

Michael Yonkers

SPB: How does it feel to revisit music from so long ago? Are you the type of musician that enjoys playing and listening to a full back catalog or are you the type who tends to release an album and move on to the next project?

Yonkers: It is a very odd feeling, to say the least. I have been doing music for 52 years, so going back in time is quite a trip. It is not only the music, but the associated memories too. 

I do go back in time, from time to time. But, mostly I am in a forward leaning position. I don't think there is any "right" or "wrong" way to look at (listen to) history. A lot can be learned from the past. For me, the past is too overwhelming to deal with on a regular basis.

So, the answer to your question is...

I am a person who mostly "moves on."

— Loren • October 3, 2014

Michael Yonkers
Michael Yonkers

Related features

Fest 24 – The Wrap-Up

Music / Fest 24 • November 5, 2026

For those who follow the site, I've been to Fest a lot -- like, I lost count of how many times but it all started at FEST 6, which I think was in 2007. It's certainly about the music first, and I saw approximately 61 bands over 4 days, 3 … Read more

The World Needs To Hear Us: Twenty One Children

Interviews • November 5, 2026

On After The Storm, Twenty One Children strip away every slick, sanitized modern production trick imaginable. The Soweto trio -- vocalist Abdula Skink, guitarist Thulasizwe Nkosi, and drummer Biko -- play fast, heavy, lo-fi punk rock that welds the raw speed of mid-'80s U.S. skatepunk to the thick rhythm of … Read more

Freaks On Parade: Kepi Ghoulie

Regular Columns / Shrapnel Pop • November 5, 2026

A look back at Kepi Ghoulie’s September 2026 residency at MySpace PhoenixWelcome to Kepiland! Kepi Ghoulie did a month-long residency in Phoenix, AZ for September 2026, joined by friends and locals. So, I ventured out into the triple digit heat, to check it out. If you are not familiar with … Read more

Florida Men

One Question Interviews • November 4, 2026

Jouke (Florida Men – guitar)SPB: We all know Florida Man from hilarious headlines, what is the headline about the band Florida Men?Jouke: Florida Men Actually Not From Florida Read more

Deady

One Question Interviews • November 3, 2026

Chyppe Crosby (Deady)SPB: Louisville has had an incredibly deep underground music history, but what does the current Louisville punk scene give Deady that you don't think the band would have gotten growing up somewhere else?Crosby: I think the scene here is more familial. Most genres of music kind of coalesce … Read more

Related news

Drag City reissuing Michael Yonkers

Posted in Records on November 16, 2013

Related reviews

Michael Yonkers with The Blind Shake

Period
S.S. (2011)

Michael Yonkers has a fascinating story: getting dropped by the majors, personal injury, and being rediscovered a generation later. That story has already been told in almost every review I’ve read, though. Instead, let’s talk about the rock. Period marks his third record with Minneapolis trio The Blind Shake, and the two forces offer a full collaboration when they get … Read more

Michael Yonkers with The Blind Shake

Cold Town/Soft Zodiac
Learning Curve (2009)

The Blind Shake are a power-garage trio from Minneapolis. They play highly synchronized, precision rock with guitar, tenor guitar, and drums. Michael Yonkers is a noise-guitar pioneer, having finally gained recognition when Destijl and, consequently, Sub Pop released the 1968 recorded, but never released, Microminiature Love in 2003. The record starts with haunting, dark, and heavy guitars and Yonkers' warbly … Read more

More from this section

Florida Men

One Question Interviews • November 4, 2026

Jouke (Florida Men – guitar)SPB: We all know Florida Man from hilarious headlines, what is the headline about the band Florida Men?Jouke: Florida Men Actually Not From Florida Read more

Deady

One Question Interviews • November 3, 2026

Chyppe Crosby (Deady)SPB: Louisville has had an incredibly deep underground music history, but what does the current Louisville punk scene give Deady that you don't think the band would have gotten growing up somewhere else?Crosby: I think the scene here is more familial. Most genres of music kind of coalesce … Read more

Plastic Meat

One Question Interviews • November 2, 2026

Nerina (Plastic Meat – vocals)SPB: Is there a hyped band (or even TV show/movie) that you just can’t get into?Nerina: My bandmates are gonna kill me for this, but I think that Zeke is a super overrated band. I know everybody loves them and many people tell us that they … Read more