Sometimes a project just seems to be cursed. For queercore band Hunx and His Punx—which features Seth Bogart (the titular Hunx) on guitar, bass, and vocals, and Shannon Shaw (also of Shannon and the Clams) on bass and vocals, and Erin Emslie on drums—their first new album in 12 years, Walk Out on This World, drops tomorrow on Get Better Records, but the process of making this album was marred by a number of complications and personal tragedies.
Like with every artist, the COVID-19 pandemic threw a wrench into many of the band’s plans, but on top of that, they faced the untimely death of Shaw’s fiancé, a fire that nearly took out Bogart’s house, an eviction, and more. Yet, somehow, all the difficulties just solidified the band’s desire to soldier on and get this record completed.
Bogart and Shaw took the time to sit down with us to talk a little bit about the album and the harrowing journey they went through to make this record see the light of day.
So we’re here to talk about your new album Walk Out on This World. It’s your first new album in 12 years. And the first one since the reunion in 2019; what made you want to get back to the studio and make another album?
Seth Bogart: I think for me, just our friendship and love for each other was the only reason. I didn’t really think this band would do that again, but then we just have so much fun together that it seemed like a good idea. Shannon was so busy with the Clams, and I was so busy with art and other music stuff; I don’t think we really needed to but I think we just really like each other, and it’s fun to be around each other. So that’s why initially we started to do it.
The album has seemingly been almost cursed, from what I’ve read, with a number of tragedies and other major hurdles that have gotten in the way. Can you talk a little bit about the challenges of putting this out, as much as you’re comfortable talking about it?
SB: COVID was a huge challenge. And then after we finally got together and started recording, then Shannon’s fiancé was killed in a car accident, which was absolutely devastating, to say the least.
Shannon Shaw: And then that was the same exact day that “White Lipstick” premiered.
SB: Yeah, we put out a single on Sub Pop, and then that morning we were texting, and then he passed away. Then we shared an art studio that flooded, and we had to move out. Then my truck burned; my house almost caught on fire. And then Shannon got evicted. So it was one thing after another. And I think, because of those things is honestly the only reason why the album actually happened, in a weird way, because I think we got so bonded by all that stuff that we just kept wanting to be around each other.
Was there ever a point where you were thinking of maybe we shouldn’t put this album out, after all, with everything that was going wrong?
SB: Yeah, I think there’s a point where I didn’t want to do anything, period. And I’m sure Shannon felt the same, but somehow it happened.
I always get fascinated with titles in terms of why people choose them. With Walk Out On This World, it is one of the tracks. But why did that one stick out to you as something you wanted to make the title track?
SB: Well, Shannon wrote that song. It was one of the last songs we wrote.
SS: That’s true. I wasn’t even sure about this song, but I sent it to you guys.
SB: She sent us this song, and it’s her recording this demo in her bedroom, and you can hear her crying. It was so beautiful and just made me and Aaron both start crying. And then I was like, ‘The song is so good; let’s record it.’ Then I think it was my idea to be like, ‘This is what the album should be called.’
SS: Yeah, I think that the concept lends itself to everything we’ve all been through. Why don’t you just give up? There’s a reason that you don’t give up. And I think that it definitely encapsulates the themes of the record.
SB: For me, it feels like the moment in the world where it feels like it’s ending and everything feels hopeless. Wouldn’t it be nice to just leave? But you can’t. Well, you can, but that’s a whole other story.
With “Alone in Hollywood on Acid,” that wasn’t the first thing you put out, but it was what you put out the day you announced this album. Why was that the one that represented the album for you?
SB: I don’t think it really necessarily represents the album. We loved the video, and we were going back and forth on what song to do first. I think our band, historically, is a “fun” band. So that song is more fun than some of the others, even though there are some sad parts in it. So it just felt right.
SS: I agree, and I think that that song represents more of the spirit of what we wanted to bring back because it’s the first thing people have heard since we put out “White Lipstick,” and then we were really public about the tragedy of losing Joe and Seth surviving the fire and everything. I think coming back with that fun, carefree, fuck it kind of energy, I think was something we wanted to remember and grab onto. It’s just a fun song,
SB: It’s like, give people a break from the fucking world. You know?
You’re putting this out with Get Better Records, whom I really love, and they’re known as one of the big names in queer punk labels. What has your experience been like with them?
SB: (Founder) Alex (Lichtenauer) is incredible.
SS: Really, it’s been the easiest experience I’ve ever had with the label.
SB: They’re the most wonderful people, and they’re so supportive, so sweet, so in it for all the right reasons. For instance, one of our old labels—I won’t say the name—in Seattle, if we went to play a show there, no one would even show up. And when we play in LA, Alex is in the front row screaming (their) head off. It’s been just such a wonderful experience.
SS: Yeah, they show up to everything we do, whether it’s a video shoot or a photo shoot. I’m sure if they knew we were doing an interview, they would have been like, “Do you want me to be there?” They’re very supportive and open. (It’s) been a really different experience.
We’ve got about a month until the album comes out. This will be out closer to when that is actually released. But once that’s out, what is your next plan after that? Do you have any tours lined up?
SB: Yeah, we’re going on three little tours: northwest California, East Coast, (and the) Midwest. Those go through the end of September, so we’ll be doing that. And then, I don’t know; I feel like (I’m) having a really hard time planning things for the future and just trying to live in the moment. So who knows what will happen, but I’m sure we’ll all keep making stuff, whether it’s together or on our own. Shannon and I are both working on more music, solo record-style, and I think that we’re the kind of people that will just always create till we die.
SS: Totally. I’ve had a brief moment that I wrote a song about where it’s like, “I guess I can’t do this anymore.” And it’s like, no, this is all I can do to feel better and move forward. I think it’s just so a part of both of us to create. But back to the album release, I am putting into the universe, really hoping that we do another Australian tour.
SB: Ooh, me too, and Japan.
SS: Japan, Europe, and I’d be down to go to South America.
SB: And Mexico again. I hope that we get to go on vacation.
SS: I love being in Hunx and as Punx because, Seth, we like to do a lot of the same things, like swim and have fun and eat good food. Not every second is stress and labor. There’s a lot of laughing and making sure we schedule in ways to blow off steam in a healthy way.
Walk Out On This World is out tomorrow, and you can preorder it from Get Better Records. Follow Hunx and His Punx on Facebook and Instagram for future updates.
Photo Credit: Sandy Honig
