Nothing Here Is Yours: An Interview with The RBNX
The RBNX, a hard-hitting three-piece from Poughkeepsie, is a ska-punk band known for its high-energy, sweat-drenched live shows featuring circle pits, skanking, and screaming. The band's unique sound fuses unabashed hardcore, simple guitar riffs, and "faster-than-light drumming" with ska elements, a balance they achieve simply by playing what they enjoy, blending heavy and fun musical ideas. Their sonic roots are influenced by a wide array of 90s acts, including Bad Brains, Agnostic Front, Catch 22, and Sublime.
The band recently released a new album, Nothing Here Is Yours, a title inspired by a saying from one member's stepfather, which RBNX has expanded into a wider commentary on human existence, society, and personal belongings. Though they have previously partnered with Patient Zero Records, the band currently puts out its releases independently and is committed to offering physical copies—CD, cassette, and vinyl—alongside streaming, as the members themselves are enthusiasts of tangible music formats. Their recent output includes a song like "Jah Is Dead," a pre-band track written about the struggles of addiction and serving as a bystander or helping hand to an addict. While their most recent release is a live split with Negative Raxxx, which they’re particularly excited to press on vinyl, they continue to look forward, with touring plans set for the winter, promising high-energy performances that reinforce their core message: a call for unity, community, and taking care of one another.
The band's name, The RBNX, is unique. What's the story behind it?
The name predates the band, The RBNX is an acronym for The Raddigan Brothers Noise Experience. Mike was the passenger in a fender bender. The driver of the car Mike was in decided to give fake information.
The single "Jah Is Dead" is about struggling with addiction and finding a support system. Can you elaborate on the creative process for that song and its personal meaning to the band?
I actually wrote this song before the band was formed. It’s a song about living with and being a helping hand / bystander in the struggles of an addict.
What can listeners expect from the other singles you're working on with Steve Miele?
We worked with Steve the past on Music videos. We plan on working with him in the near future on a couple of different projects involving RBNX as support.
The album is being released on PatientZero Records. How did that partnership form, and what has it been like working with them?
We worked with PatientZero a bunch of the past giving shows and it just seemed like the right fit after searching high and low for a record label to put music out. Right now patient zero is in a complete overhaul. We put out our most recent release ourselves.
What made you decide to release physical copies (CD, cassette, and vinyl) in addition to streaming?
We all personally listen to music on physical formats, whether it’s cassette CDs or vinyl records. Obviously it’s streaming in the car but for the most part we feel it’s nice to have something physical.
Are there any tracks on the new album that you're particularly excited for fans to hear, and why?
Our new record is a live split with our friends negative Raxxx. There’s no new material, but it’s definitely some lightning in a bottle. I (Mike) am a huge fan of live records and can’t wait to have this on vinyl.
Our friends Negative Raxx have never put out a physical release and it will be their first recording.
photo credit: Dave “Face” Boccio - /www.facephoto77.com
What was the inspiration behind the title "Nothing Here Is Yours"?
It’s a saying that my stepfather used to say. We use it in a much wider blanket for human existence and society down to personal experiences and belongings.
As a three-piece from Poughkeepsie, how has your local scene influenced your sound?
RBNX is a ska punk band, but the majority of the bands that come out of the Hudson Valley are definitely on the heavier side. We’ve all played in heavier bands, and support the heavy scene. In turn I think we show our roots a little more than we think.
Your music is described as a fusion of hardcore and ska. What bands or artists, particularly from the 90s, have been your biggest influences in crafting that unique sound?
Agnostic Front, Catch-22, Suicide Machines, Bad Brains, Underdog, the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Sublime.
photo credit: Dave “Face” Boccio
How do you approach songwriting as a three-piece band? Is it a collaborative process, or do specific members take the lead on certain elements?
We all bring something to the table, whether it’s riffs melodies or lyrics songs we all have a hand in composing our songs.
Your music is noted for its "unabashed hardcore with simple guitar riffs and faster-than-light drumming." How do you balance aggression with melody in your songs?
We just do what we like. We’re having fun writing heavy stuff, writing fun stuff. It all kind of just comes together.
Now that the new album is coming out, do you have any touring plans?
We have a tour set up for the winter will be on the road going south for the holidays. DCXPC helped us put it together.
What has been your most memorable live show to date?
We opened up for Sick Of It All in Life Of Agony a while back, that was definitely one for the record books as much as nothing ridiculous happened in the crowd are at the show. It was just a feeling of accomplishment.
photo credit: Dave “Face” Boccio
For fans who haven't seen you live, what can they expect from an RBNX show?
We’re definitely high energy, lots of sweat, and screaming. Circle pits ska king and moshing!
What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about the hardcore genre?
I think a lot of people have it in their head that everyone’s some kind of tough guy asshole who just want to beat people up. It’s really not the case - hardcore is for everyone, but it’s not for everyone. It’s definitely a little rougher than your normal punk crowd, but still a scene full of good people with good hearts and the right intentions.
What do you hope listeners take away from your music, both new fans and those who have been with you from the beginning?
We hope people realize that they need to take care of one another, that there is unity and a community, there a people who understand you and feel the same way. We’re all in this struggle together. Let’s make it easier on one another.
What's one thing about being in a band that has surprised you the most?
Playing in bands and playing music has created some of the most longest lasting strong response we’ve ever had.
Beyond the upcoming album, what does the future hold for RBNX?
There’s no end, it’s like the edge of the universe.
The Daily Planet Diner on 55 - yea or nay?
In all honesty, the place has fallen off. W’d still go, but the 24 hr diners are dead.
Anyone you'd like to thank?
We wanna thank you, everybody who just read this, and Scott Pasch DCxPC LIVE, Dave Boccio, Drew Stone and the Hardcore Chronicles, Steve Messina, Larry Kelley, Chris Wren and B9, Ray Hogan, Josh and Cindy Dan DeFonce, Jerry and Patient Zero Records Bobby Edge, Mike, Terry, Peter Smolin, Ben Basilie, Skyler Onderrock Alan Doishes, Rich Zoeller, Mateo, Masato, Malcolm Tent, Larry and Knuckle Down, the Punk Island family, Pete Crotty, Joey, Steel, rlene and Crystal Moon, Bella and MOB, Goresky and DAIS Holly and Outsider Magazine, Chris and In Effect, Wendy and Guillotine Jon Gusman, J-Ruggz, Brian “Montrose” Wilson, Dan, and Carla Sarah and The Peoples Cauldron Lori Dawn and Women Of The Pit. Also The Carbomb Parade, Dead Blow Hammer, Incendiary Device, Choked Up, They Hate Us, the Errorists, Stop The Presses, Jukebox, Romantics, Spike Polite and SewAge, So Happy, Skappository, The Stress, Cop/out, iEnrage, Rebelmatic, Silence Equals Death, Scarboro, Serial Poets, King Django, Enziguri, Non-Residence, Troublebound, Necrotic Society, Urban Waste, Reagan Youth, Agnostic Front, HVAN 161, Feral Sharp and The People of the Moon. And all of our brothers, sisters and kin.