Coming Friday, September 19th, is the fifth album from folk punk singer/songwriter Black Guy Fawkes. That album, The Misery Suite, presents the artist in a completely different light. Inspired by his experiences in therapy and what he learned about himself, The Misery Suite is a concept album of sorts. It’s a confrontation between the work he put in, the baggage he realized he was carrying, and the lessons he learned along the way.
To help bring this album to life, Black Guy Fawkes enlisted a veritable who’s who of guest stars, including the likes of Angelo Moore, Dave Hause, Linh Le, and Kayleigh Goldsworthy. To go with the grand roster of features is an album that sounds grandiose in scope in general. It’s an absolutely beautiful, yet heartbreaking (and hopeful) album that is immediately relatable to folks on a mental health journey. Not only is it a wonderful album that showcases a whole new side of Black Guy Fawkes, but it’s an important one because it helps erase the stigma of seeking help.
Ahead of the album’s release this week on Asbestos Records, Black Guy Fawkes answered a few questions to tide us over until the full album is available.
Listening to the new album, it feels like the songs on The Misery Suite are some of the most personal you’ve ever released. Are there different emotions at play leading up to the release of such a personal album?
I would say there are a lot. That record is about me being vulnerable. Once it’s out there, it’s not my record anymore. It’s everyone else’s. It’s always scary putting yourself out there and speaking about your own truths, especially when it comes to mental health. So, I’m nervous, anxious, happy, hopeful, and a whole mix of things, honestly.
What inspired you to let your guard down and release something so personal?
Therapy was a very big component in making this record. It allowed me to be more honest with myself and heal at the same time. And for me, it’s a milestone in my life because once I started therapy, my life started getting better.
There’s a veritable who’s who of guest artists featured on the new album. Who were you most excited to get on a song for the album?
Honestly, everyone who participated I was very shocked that they agreed or wanted to. Linh Le from Bad Cop / Bad Cop is on one of my songs. Her and I talked about doing something together for quite some time. We met in 2023 in Anaheim and the moment that we sang together in the green room I wanted to work with her.
I was lucky enough to get Dave Hause on the song “This Radio,” and that blew me the fuck away. I got into Dave about 13 or 14 years ago. It was around the time I discovered Frank Turner, Chuck Ragan, Gaslight Anthem, and that whole Revival Tour scene. I grew up on that, and to have a hero of mine on one of my songs meant the absolute world.
And then there’s Lauren Kashan. Lauren’s been a dear friend of mine for about eight years now. She was in a band I absolutely love called Sharptooth. She also a big component on why I’m socially conscious and participate in activism today.
Apart from the guests, the songwriting and song composition on this album show a brand new side to Black Guy Fawkes, in my opinion. The folk punk singer-songwriter ethos is still present, but the album feels significantly larger in scope. Did you consciously go into the studio with a plan to completely open the playbook and explore, or was it something that built as you started recording?
So, the way I write records is basically in batches. The Misery Suite, I would have said it was written to be a concept record. I love listening to records like The Black Parade, Ziggy Stardust, Sgt. Pepper’s, and American Idiot. I also love Broadway Musicals too like Jesus Christ Superstar. I like seeing a very cohesive theme and story to go along with a record. So with this, I wanted to take my time in regards to writing and developing.
I started writing this at the beginning of 2024 and at the time I was listening to a lot of Nirvana. I wanted something to be very grungy, and with therapy being a very down and dirty process because of healing, I wanted the sound to mimic that.
You also received a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council for this record. What did that grant allow you to do with the songs that you might not have been able to do otherwise?
Without that grant, this record would not be a thing. It allowed me to record the songs, but also get packaging, artwork, and do some really cool shit with it. And, I think having the grant as well really pushed me to make something that was massive and to not half-ass ass recording or the production with this.
One of my favorite songs on the album is “This Radio” because it immediately makes me think about the Frank Turner song that changed my life. Your song really touches on the healing power of music. Why do you think music is so important?
Music does not discriminate. Music invites you in. It makes you feel safe when no one else is around. You find a refuge in different genres. The one I found refuge with is punk rock. Also in music, you find your own people and community. It also helps knowing that whatever song you’re singing along to and relate to the most-the band or artist probably felt the same way you have at some point.
If you were to pick one song on The Misery Suite that best represents the mindset of Black Guy Fawkes in 2025, which one is it and why?
Probably “Spotlight.” That song is about your soul and going through hell. Playing these songs live is gonna be a bitch, but I can do it.
Do you have any touring plans in support of the album?
Stay tuned. That’s all I can say.
What new songs are you most excited to perform live?
“Fear of Faith,” “Spotlight,” “This Radio,” and “Racial Battle Fatigue.”
What’s a typical Black Guy Fawkes live show like?
Crying, bad jokes, shots of Malört, and togetherness.
Outside of catching a show and buying some merch, what are the best ways for fans to support Black Guy Fawkes?
Listen online, tell your friends, and follow me because that helps out a good bit.
When looking around the music scene these days, what new bands are catching your eye and exciting you the most?
So many! Pucker Up, Sister Wife Sex Strike, Proper. , The OBGMs, Stay Gone, Early Riser, Call Me Rita, Kayleigh Goldsworthy, The Venomous Pinks, Beyond The Lamplight, Sam Russo, Oh! The Humanity … so many.
You’ve toured with some of the best of the best in punk rock. Who’s one artist you haven’t had the chance to share a stage with yet that you want to?
There is one man I would sacrifice everything to tour with. This is my official call out. Frank Iero of My Chemical Romance, LS Dunes, and the other 5000 projects he’s a part of … take me out on a tour, please!
For someone who hasn’t heard your music yet, what three songs in your entire catalog would you recommend they check out to really understand what you’re about and get a taste of what to expect from your music?
“This is What Fear Feels Like”
“The Greatest Sisyphus”
“This Radio”
Any last words?
Black Lives Matter.
Free Palestine.
Mean Girls is a terrible movie.
The new album from Black Guy Fawkes, The Misery Suite, is available to order now through Asbestos Records ahead of its release on Friday, September 19.
Follow Black Guy Fawkes on social media: Facebook, Instagram, bandcamp