Interview: Porcell of Youth of Today, Bold, Shelter, Judge, etc.

John “Porcell” Porcelly has been a hardcore punk and straight edge legend since the mid-’80s. Bands such as Youth of Today, Judge, and Shelter were among my earliest and biggest hardcore influences, so getting in touch with him and asking a few questions for my zine was a big deal.

This interview was originally published in Tigersuit Zine around 2010.

You probably need little introduction for anyone involved in the hardcore punk scene, but what if there are kids reading this who don’t know anything about you?

Porcell: I’m John Porcell, also known as Paramananda Das. I played guitar in Youth of Today, Judge, Bold, Gorilla Biscuits, Shelter, and Last of the Famous. I sang for Project X and Never Surrender. I got involved in punk in the ’80s and still love the freedom and ideas surrounding this kind of music.

Tell us about projects such as War on Illusion, Schism, and Fight Fire With Fire. Can you list all the bands you’ve been involved with? What is your involvement in the scene today? Also, tell us more about your clothing brand, True Till Death, and the idea behind it.

Porcell: Schism was a zine I did back in the ’80s that championed the New York hardcore scene, which was thriving and filled with great bands.

War on Illusion was a zine I did that tried to present some of Krishna’s teachings and the Bhagavad Gita in a format that a hardcore kid could understand and appreciate.

Fight Fire With Fire was a record label I briefly ran in the early 2000s, and we released some great records.

True Till Death is a straight edge merch company that I run now. I try to keep the shirts positive and uplifting instead of putting guns and knives all over them.

What about the Bold reunion? You joined the band after the reunion in 2005 but left soon afterward. Why? Are you satisfied with the Youth of Today, Gorilla Biscuits, and Bold reunions over the past few years? There has been plenty of criticism of ’80s bands reuniting today, so what motivated you to play these shows? Was it only for the money?

Porcell: I played in Bold because those guys are dear friends of mine, and it was a chance to hang out with them again. The same goes for Youth of Today. Believe me, we could make much more money by sticking with our day jobs, but we do it because it’s fun to hang out with old friends and play music that means a lot to us. So far, the kids seem stoked about it.

You’ve performed “Straight Edge Revenge” with different bands, including Gorilla Biscuits and Bold. Do you feel nostalgic for the old days when you were part of Project X? Is it true that “Straight Edge Revenge” was originally a Youth of Today song, but Ray Cappo refused to perform it because of its militant lyrics?

Porcell: “Straight Edge Revenge” was originally a Youth of Today song. We played it at our first few shows, but as the band progressed, we moved toward more positive lyrics.

Project X was basically a band we put together in a couple of days so we could include a 7-inch with the new issue of Schism fanzine. It was just a fun thing, but for some reason, that song really struck a chord with straight edge kids.

I guess they can relate because, when you’re straight edge, people are so quick to put you down for the positive choices you’re trying to make in life.

What is the best thing about being straight edge for so many years? What keeps you true to the edge today?

Porcell: For me, it’s the only way to live. Drinking and drugs just aren’t part of the healthy, progressive lifestyle I’m trying to lead.

What does the DIY ethos mean to you? What is the most positive aspect of being involved in the hardcore scene?

Porcell: DIY is one of the greatest things about the hardcore scene. Back then, if no one would put out our record, we didn’t sit around and cry about it. We put out our own records. We printed our own zines and organized our own shows. It was empowering!

Even today, I feel that I can do anything I set my mind to because of my experience with DIY in the hardcore scene.

What do you think about bands that focus on becoming commercially successful, with videos on MTV and that kind of thing? Shelter also took you a step closer to the mainstream. Don’t you think hardcore often sees a triumph of form over content?

Porcell: I’m not against bands getting big as long as they stay true to what they’re trying to do. Personally, I didn’t care whether there were five kids at the show or 5,000. I was still going to play my heart out because that’s what it was all about for me.

You’re a big fan of The Smiths and Morrissey. What is your favorite The Smiths record? What other musicians or bands have influenced you? What do you think about the vegan straight edge scene of the ’90s, including bands such as 108, Earth Crisis, and the wider mid-’90s scene?

Porcell: I love every The Smiths record, but if I had to choose a favorite, I would say The Queen Is Dead.

7 Seconds, Minor Threat, Black Flag, and Bad Brains also had a huge impact on me. We played with Earth Crisis a lot in the ’90s, and I always respected what those guys were doing. The same goes for 108.

What is the ethical basis of your vegetarianism? Do you support any animal rights causes or organizations?

Porcell: I fully support animal rights and a vegetarian or vegan diet. The meat industry is one of the most vile, polluting stains on the planet. The research is out there. For a greener planet and a healthier body, go vegetarian. It’s the most revolutionary thing you can do.

Tell us about your diet and how you exercise to stay in shape. What impact have yoga and other Eastern philosophies had on your life?

Porcell: I used to work out all the time, but now I practice a very strenuous form of yoga called Vinyasa every day, and I love it. It’s a full-body and mind workout, and I swear by it.

Exercise is important, especially as you get older, and I also try to eat healthily. The body is a temple, so it should be treated with respect.

What do you think about books and films such as American Hardcore? Don’t you think there is something negative about all these hardcore punk veterans talking endlessly about the “good old days” and claiming the hardcore scene died after they stopped being involved?

Porcell: I liked the movie, but the general idea that hardcore is dead is a bit self-serving. I’m sure hardcore kids today love bands such as Have Heart as much as I loved 7 Seconds. The ’core marches on, and it’s as relevant as ever.

How many children do you have? How has being a parent changed your lifestyle and your outlook on life?

Porcell: I have two kids. The biggest impact is that I’m now very environmentally aware and try to live a green life so my children will have a clean planet to grow up on. Somehow, for the sake of future generations, we all have to start doing our part to take care of the earth.

What is the best way for humans to live in harmony with the planet? Are you satisfied with the life you’re living? If so, how could you inspire others to do the same?

Porcell: A huge step forward is becoming vegetarian or vegan. Not only will you become healthier, but the planet will also become healthier, and the lives of innocent animals will be spared in the process. Once you start living without all that karma and negative energy, your life will change profoundly.

Is there anything you would like to say to the kids influenced by Youth of Today, Shelter, and the other bands you’ve played in?

Porcell: I’m humbled and thankful that kids are into the bands I’ve played in. If anyone gets anything positive out of them, then I guess all the time and energy were worth it.

Stay positive, stay healthy, and Hare Krishna.