Field Day
Dag Nasty hit the D.C. hardcore scene with something different in 1985: a more meoldic touch, that helped launch post-hardcore into the genre that gave birth to emo-core (or simply emo) in the late 90s. Influenced by iconic melodic punk pioneers the Descendents, Minor Threat guitarist Brian Baker put together the initial Dag Nasty lineup that ultimately fizzled after a short time, but in 1986 the crew of Peter Cortner (vocals) Doug Carrion (bass) and Colin Sears (drums), with Baker on guitar, came together and recorded the now classic Wig Out at Denko’s and a year later the iconic Field Day, before promptly breaking up after the subsequent tour. Since then, Dag Nasty has reformed with various lineups but Carrion and Cortner never came back to the fold. While the two friends had moved on musically, and in life, fans have always asked about Dag Nasty. Now, after thirty years, they are returning to the material of their youth as Field Day.
We caught up with Doug Carrion to ask some burning questions ahead of their two night stand at Live Wire November 8th and 9th. Tix are $20. Make sure to get there and sing along to these classic post-punk tunes.
-Kyle Land
DC: Doug Carrion
First off, we have to ask "Why now?" It's been thirty years since Peter Cortner and you were involved in Dag Nasty. Why revisit that part of your musical career at this moment?
DC: For starters Peter and I love the songs, it's that simple. I'd been getting weekly emails asking the same basic questions, " where's Peter .. are you ever going to play and perform Wig Out or Field Day material live again .. is there anyway to hear some of these songs live", questions and requests around the Dag Nasty songs.
That said, the Wig Out / Field Day lineup, for whatever reason, came to a grinding halt. With zero explanations to anyone it just stopped, and everyone went in different directions to pursue other endeavors. Having a few more years of wisdom under my belt working with bands and people, I've come to realize that taking a break would've been a smarter move rather than pulling the plug on Dag Nasty, but at the time, it seemed like the right decision. The emails opened up this question of possible unfinished business with Dag Nasty and with Peter Cortner. Being a creative guy, I'm always looking for the next thing to do, write, play, perform, produce and the Dag Nasty / Field Day project seemed like the next opportunity the universe was presenting to me. Why? Why not, it's FUN!! Reconnecting with people, meeting new people, working on new music, playing new cities, seeing how far you can take an idea from inside your head to the stage, all of that, and a billion other reasons why it feels so exciting to start doing Field Day.
We hear you have new work in the way as Field Day. Will you be playing new songs at the shows along with the iconic Dag Nasty classics?
DC: Yep, new music is coming for sure in 2020. I was at rehearsals last night working on new songs and HOLY chips and guacamole, the new songs are on FIRE!!
We're recording in Los Angeles sometime between November and the end of the year, we've had a few conversations with labels about putting out music, we're just being open to the process and letting things develop on their own. We play all Dag Nasty songs live which includes 8 songs from Can I Say, all of the faster songs from Wig Out at Denko's and any of the faster songs from the Field Day recordings. We know how important the songs are to people, and as a band we have VERY high expectations on how we want to deliver them live. New songs will be added to the setlist further down the line when we release songs as 7"s and EP's
You were involved early on in some classic punk rock projects, how did those experiences shape your perspective in the industry?
DC: I have been involved in a few classics for sure, Dag Nasty, Descendents, Circle Jerks and the list goes on. Over my musical arc things have changed drastically and will continue to change.. haha .. that's the music industry for you. I'd say every experience has helped shape my perspective on things music related. I'm at a place where I can write a song, produce the recordings, make the artwork, book the shows, coordinate players and traveling details, handle social media blah blah blah.. it's very Black Flag / Descendents! It really boils down to doing things yourself and being comfortable wearing all the hats.
In the last twenty years you've composed and worked jobs in television and film, along with still keeping a career in rock and hip-hop. Was it ever difficult to balance the two?
DC: I find that most things in life worthwhile are never 100% easy and require lots of time, energy, ( sometimes money ) and sweat equity. The Italians have a saying that goes like this," you wanted the bicycle, now pedal. " and that idea can be applied to anything really. If you want something, chances are you're gonna have to grind it out to make it happen. If it was easy, everyone would be doing it. I'm fortunate enough to really enjoy what I do musically and wise enough to except the drama that goes along with the gig
You've been involved with so many artists, as a player, an engineer, and producer. What are a few of the moments that you've never forgotten?
DC: Too many to even comprehend, but here are a few in no particular order.
1) First time I heard myself on the radio.
2) First time I saw a crowd singing back to me a song that I wrote.
3) First time I lost someone to drugs.
4) First time I had a promoter pull out a firearm on me.
5) First time I played London.
6) First time I played CBGB's
7) The time I met Joe Strummer.
Dang .. I'm still adding to the list so here's a new one!
8) The time I realized how many people genuinely want Field Day to succeed and how lots of our fans and friends want to sing-a-long with us!!