Collective Scream presents: a conversation with Warpark
Warpark is a self-described genre-bending power trio based out of Philadelphia and NYC. The three piece has made a name for themselves over the years through their high-energy live shows. Though their music and ethos is rooted in diy punk and post punk, the band uses various sonic elements, adding textures and melodies that are more attune to alternative and experimental rock. Made up of Simon Arcenio (vocals/guitar), Roger Walsh (bass), and Nick Ciccantelli (drums), their first full length album, "All Things Must End", is out now.
Learn more about Warpark and their drummer, Nick, through our interview below - and don’t miss them as part of the next installment of the Collective Scream Benefit Show Series, July 12 at The Gutter!
Why is supporting this month’s organization, MIXTECA, important to you - or what made you want to get involved with Collective Scream?
I think it's important that any artist, regardless of your medium, participates in SOME sort of activism. Benefit shows like what Collective Scream is doing are such a great way to bring folks together for the sake of a charitable cause. A sense of community is crucial to maintaining our mental health and fighting off a sense of loneliness that can be so devastating in a city like New York. Art, and particularly music in my experience, gives people that sense of community that is so necessary for a healthy existence, that in turn allows us to put our energy into what makes us feel whole as people (whatever that may be).
MIXTECA is such a fantastic cause that I wasn't aware existed, and as musicians we have a unique opportunity to amplify their message to a wider audience who also might not be aware of their mission. I grew up in Queens and went to middle school in Jackson Heights, something I'm so thankful for - seeing the beautiful diversity of our city and that neighborhood in particular. Every person in New York City, especially the immigrant populations that have risked their lives and livelihoods to come here for the sake of opportunity, deserve that same sense of community and that same ability to put their energy into what makes them feel whole. MIXTECA's mission helps our Latin American friends and family not only improve their financial and social situations, but improve overall quality of life by providing that sense of community and support.
How do you think music can be and is important in difficult or turbulent times?
As mentioned, music is community and community helps us stay sane and feel supported which is particularly crucial at a time like this when our country is being run by a brainless lunatic who is cozying up to war criminals and fascists. On one hand, I think music is important at a time like this to allow for an escape from reality and tuning out the noise and pains of existing. On the other hand, I think it's important to use music as a way to uplift and amplify the voices of marginalized communities. We want to feel free from worry and pain, but we need to be careful not to bury our heads in the sand as well.
What is one unique thing about being an artist in the NYC music scene right now?
NYC has always been a strange place to be a musician - I've been here my whole life and playing live music in some capacity since 2006-ish. I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with NYC when it comes to being a musician here. Truthfully I think what makes NYC a unique place to be a musician is the simultaneous push and pull of A) an endless sea of talented people who deserve to have their art heard/seen while also B) being probably the worst place to sustainably be an artist because of the ridiculous cost of living.
We have such a rich history of music in this city but it's become so inaccessible for creatives that many people end up leaving for more affordable places. Then you have the rich kids and cool guys that suck up so much air in the scene here. When you have deep pockets, it's a hell of a lot easier to outsource all of the behind-the-scenes grinding that it takes to get your music heard by the "right people". But the thing about New Yorkers is that we always find a way, a hack, some loophole to make shit work. I dunno, I guess the real unique thing about the New York music scene is that it's both incredibly rich (financially and figuratively) and also incredibly flawed.
What have been some memorable experiences playing local and/or DIY shows?
We had what was for me a bit of a bucket list experience last November playing at Music Hall of Williamsburg so I have to mention that, even though it's not DIY. What really sticks out to me was playing at the Yippie Cafe at 9 Bleecker around 2011-2013 with our old band. Those were my first experiences with DIY music when I was growing up. I don't think I really appreciated the significance of a space like that at that point in my life - cheap gigs, all ages, centrally located, local musicians. That type of shit is just so rare and short-lived these days in the city.
Looking back on that time makes me really appreciate when we tour the country and play at DIY/all ages spaces in other parts of the US where it's more feasible to keep those sorts of places alive - special shoutouts to Lurking Class Skate Shop in Salisbury, MD, Orpheus Garden in Philly (and all of the house show spots in Philly), The Mothership in Buffalo, and Wax Atlas in Baltimore. As far as other NYC DIY spots that were memorable to me either playing or attending: The Silent Barn, Aviv, The Glove, Secret Loft, Muchmore's, Bushwick Public House - all amazing places that are sadly gone now.
What surprises or challenges can come with being a local musician in NYC?
No surprise but as I said earlier, cost of living plain and simple is the biggest challenge. Other than that, it can be challenging to navigate trying to make friends and connections with other artists here.
Any other local bands that you would love to share a bill with?
Some folks doing cool shit we haven't played with that come to mind are Two Man Giant Squid, Mary Shelley, MX Lonely, Lip Critic, Amskray, TVOD, Bambara, Bummer Camp, Skorts, Shop Talk, Balaclava, 95 Bulls, Oceanator, too many to name. Some other folks that we have played with but also deserve shoutouts are Tetchy, Le Boss, Locations, Night Spins, Nihiloceros, QWAM.
If you had to get a NYC-specific niche tattoo, what would it be?
Hah, truthfully I don't know that I would ever do that. Maybe a subway token, I bet there's tons of people who live here now who don't even know what those are.
Please let us know about any new or upcoming releases, tours or other projects people should be on the lookout for!
We just recorded three new songs with Matias at Cart Music in Philly. We're currently mixing those tunes now and are hoping to release them in the next few months!
