Captain’s Log, Stardate 74490.6
A new punk rock album has emerged from the final burning embers of 2020. The album, from Charleston, West Virginia’s own Boldly Go!, has set its phasers to kill because it’s a banger.
If you couldn’t tell from my attempt at a Captain’s Log entry, Boldly Go! is heavily inspired by Star Trek. Their debut full-length was released in December of last year. United Federation of Punx is filled with ten tracks that will make trekkies across the galaxy ecstatic. There’s a magic with this album though. It’s accessible to even the most novice Trek fans. Boldly Go! did a great job to release an anthem filled with energy and punk rock anthems that anyone can enjoy.
Lead singer Foz Rotten recently got into the Captain’s Chair to answer some questions about the band, the new album, and of course, Star Trek.
So, without further delay, it’s time to head to the Transporter Room and get beamed down to our interview.
So, first things first, what is it about Star Trek that motivated you to theme your whole band around it?
The positive outlook of the future in Star Trek mixes perfectly with the positive Punk Rock roots I’ve grown up on. Both are fun as Hell, and both consume my life, so I thought what better way to make two halves a whole than by combining the two of them together in my dream band.
There are several bands who embrace a theme. Dead Schembechlers, Okilly Dokilly, and all the Harry Potter bands come to mind. What’s the line that you all need to tow to attract casual music fans, as well as the fandom die-hards?
We are big fans of Five Year Mission, and other themed bands. Whether it be Star Trek or Lord Of the Rings-themed, it shows people that this is a project of love and passion and people who love and are passionate about the same thing connect to that. People connect through music. It brings a whole new life to the thing you already love.
Don’t you want to continue your favorite fantasy world into your day to day life? Whether you’re in the band or a fan of it, themed bands make you feel a part of something.
Your debut album just came out on Coffin Curse Records. How exciting is it to have your first full-length out in the wild?
Super excited to have it out! We are so happy with this album. Big River Records out of Charleston, West Virginia did a phenomenal job mixing and mastering it.
We love playing live, but without shows happening in the world right now, we’ve really had time to work on the record and get it ready to launch. We want the world to hear it.
Did you do anything fun to celebrate its release?
Unfortunately, the pandemic has prevented any sort of CD Release Show, but on release day we were able to celebrate with a live video and thanked Coffin Curse Records, and everyone who had worked with us or supported us to make this debut album a reality.
What started off as a crazy idea I had one day driving in my car had now become real life. It’s hard to believe at times. But goes to show, if you speak your dreams into the world you can turn them into reality!
For the uninitiated, if they like “X” bands, they’ll like Boldly Go!
Ramones, Misfits, NOFX, Screeching Weasel, Black Flag, Circle Jerks, Teenage Bottlerocket, Rancid.
Basically your favorite Punk Rock playlist bands.
What did Ben Weasel say when you asked him to cover “Phasers on Kill”?
Do you have his number? We’d love to call him!
Unfortunately it wasn’t nearly that cool, just a typical pay for the cover song license type deal when we released the album. Who knows, maybe one day he’ll hear it, that would be cool. Maybe he’s a Star Trek fan!
Aside from the band, you also have a podcast with your wife. What kind of stuff do you cover on it?
Love Plus Us. It’s a geek-tinged relationship and lifestyle podcast that my wife Brittany and I host. We recap our adventures together and answer questions that listeners write in. We like to do fun Top Five Lists of nerdy things, and talk about what we’ve been watching lately. Of course lots of Star Trek Discovery talk! That’s our must see viewing together every week.
If you could build your Ultimate Star Trek Crew, who would you choose?
This is always the toughest question.
Captain Archer would lead, with Tom Paris at the helm.
Tuvok for my head of Security. Tilly would be a great second in command. Scotty and Keenser down below running engineering. Culber as the Doctor, and Data would be there rounding it out.
That’s a dream team for me.
What’s your fondest Star Trek-related memory?
Visiting Star Trek: The Experience with my mother back in the day. It was right before they closed and I had just turned 21, and was thrilled to go after years of seeing the ads in magazines and commercials on the old VHS tapes. We had a blast. I wanted to buy out the entire gift shop. I could of stayed there all day. You really felt like you were in that world.
When you’re not making music, what keeps you busy?
Managing the Boldly Go! social media and all the behind the scenes stuff is pretty much a full time job, but between that and my every day life, I like to post about Movies and retro pop culture on my personal accounts. You can find me under @FozRotten everywhere. Hit me up!
With things being tough for bands right now, what’s the best way for folks to support you?
Buying the record on CD or Vinyl from Coffin Curse Records! Both formats are limited edition and the Vinyl is almost sold out!
You can also download the digital copy from us directly at www.boldlygoband.Bandcamp.com All of that goes directly to us and helps more than you can believe. Also, T-Shirts, Stickers, Posters, and more are all available. Send us a message and we’ll get back to you ASAP!
What are you most looking forward to when the world goes back to “normal”?
Shows. Lots and lots of shows. It’s our dream to tour, so we will be working hard to travel to the farthest reaches of the Alpha Quadrant to play anywhere they want us!
Any last words?
Thank you for taking the time to read this interview. If you love Star Trek and Punk Rock then we are made for you. Come join the fun! Beam Up The Trekkie Punx!