PUNK AID: ACEH CALLING
Interview with Mike Virus, Founder
By Tyler Evans
PUNK AID: ACEH CALLING is a massive compilation created by Mike Virus (EVACUATE, CHEAP SEX, THE VIRUS) benefitting the punk scene in Banda Aceh, Indonesia. We got a chance to speak with Mike about the situation in Indonesia, the compilation, and what everyone at home can do to help the kids in Banda Aceh.
For those of our readers that may still be unfamiliar, what is the situation in Indonesia that led to Punk Aid: Aceh Calling?
Banda Aceh, Indonesia is a strict Islamic Shariah region. Punks are forced to have their heads shaved, are forced to pray, have their clothes burned, are detained, and forced into “re-education” camps. Deputy Mayor Illiza Sa’aduddin Djamal proudly claims that she personally supervised police raids in cafes and city parks. Djamal also has been quoted as saying, “Punk is a new social disease,” and also has been quoted as saying “Aceh is a Shariah region. Everyone should obey it and the punk community is clearly against Shariah.” These people are being jailed for being punk. They have not been charged with any crime. On Tuesday December 13, 2011 police took the 64 detainees to the Aceh State Police Camp and shaved their mohawks and dyed hair off and forced them into a lake. Punk is a worldwide movement, and this is our lifestyle. This is our culture. We are proud to be punks and we stick together. This compilation is a necessity. This compilation is a message to the world that we demand freedom and will not live in fear or ever change our lifestyle for anyone. This compilation is also a message to the world that punk music is about a lot more than drinking beer and partying. It is a way of life that is ingrained in the hearts and minds of all who decide to be a part of it.
What made you decide to get personally involved?
It just had to be done. The minute I read the story, I knew it.
It seems like the response from bands to get on board with the release was pretty immediate and overwhelming. How did you get the word out so quickly?
I just posted to the wall of my personal Facebook page about what was happening in Banda Aceh and that I wanted to put together an international compilation to help raise money for the Aceh punks. Within a couple of hours I already had over 40 bands confirm that they wanted to submit a track to the compilation. In less than a week from the time of that original post, I had 84 confirmed bands. At the time of this interview, out of the 84 bands who confirmed, I have received 50 tracks, and the bands still have six days left to submit their tracks.
Do you have a ballpark figure of how much money the release is going to raise for the kids over there?
Depends on how many people buy it. It will be a $5 compilation. What I can tell you is that all of the money raised from the downloadable version will be sent to MOVEMENT RECORDS (Jakarta, Indonesia) to distribute to those who need it. Everyone involved is doing this for charity. No one is getting paid a cent. This is all done out of the love of punk rock and in support of human rights. The bands, the graphic designers, the recording engineer who will be mastering the compilation, the advertising (by the way we still need more people to help provide free ads), the benefit shows – ALL DONATED.
What attracted me to punk so much as a kid was how much passion those loyal to the genre carry over into all aspects of their lives. I, like many others reading this, will want to know what all can we do to help from our respective corners of the world?
When it comes to this compilation, we really need people to help get the word out. Make posters, post online, set up benefit shows to help us get the CD version made. Get involved. This is OUR scene. This is a global effort. If you are a punk rocker, then this is the time to stand up for your lifestyle.
For More Information, Please Visit:
Punk Aid Official Website
Punk Aid Facebook
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