The Risk Is Part Of The Fun: An Interview With B00B
By Staff | May 25, 2026
The Northeast corridor band B00B (NYC/Philly) thrives in gritty, unconventional spaces, from dingy punk basements to secretive outdoor raves under bridges, where the element of risk heightens the excitement of their performances. While their debut leaned toward a ‘90s skate-punk feel, the band’s upcoming material pushes into more aggressive, ‘80s-inspired thrash and street punk territory. Ultimately, B00B identifies firmly as a queer punk act, creating music and shows intended first and foremost for queer punks, even as they welcome all who appreciate their fierce, unapologetic sound.
Welcome! Your EP GIRL-O-MATIC was recorded at Permanent Hearing Damage in Philly — can you tell us about the energy in that studio and how it captured the rawness of your live sound?
Rosie, drums: Steve and I were in a band together briefly and also work together so having that familiarity was really helpful in making the recording process fun, easy, and comfortable. Steve is also a total pro and total sweetheart so the recording process was gonna be great no matter what!
Mattie, bass: We had SO MUCH fun recording that one. Like honestly I don’t think I’ve ever laughed as hard as I did all throughout that process. We were probably super annoying, but Steve Roche at PHD was so nice and helpful and knowledgeable as an engineer. We were really lucky to have the opportunity to record with him. It’s so much fun being in B00B and playing shows, and I think the record captured that perfectly.
Photo credit: @supertasterr
You've played everything from queer DIY punk house shows to outdoor raves — what makes each of these environments special for B00B, and which do you prefer?
Mattie: I love playing disgusting punk house basements. Spiritually I feel like that’s where B00B belongs. But we’ve played a couple raves under bridges and on an abandoned pier or whatever, and those experiences really blew my mind. I’d never been to a real rave before playing at one with B00B, and seeing how that subculture blended so easily with the punk thing was pretty eye-opening for me. I’d like to do more of that.
Rosie: I’ve been absolutely loving playing and going to shows under bridges and at outdoor spaces in general. The risk is kinda part of the fun and it makes the gig feel extra special that it was able to happen.
With Punk Island NYC on the horizon this summer, what is the one thing you're most excited for at the festival?
Mattie: I just can’t wait to see all the bands. I don’t really like streaming music and I tend not to go to festivals when they cost hundreds of dollars to get in, so I’m usually a little behind other people on discovering new music. I’m ready to find my next favorite band.
Photo credit: @cerealdebt
Now that you're writing a follow-up to GIRL-O-MATIC, what's a theme or sound you're eager to explore that you haven't fully captured on record yet?
Mattie: So far it feels like the sound is headed in a slightly more thrashy direction??? To me GIRL-O-MATIC has kind of a ‘90s skate punk vibe to it, and the stuff we’re working on now reminds me of ‘80s street punk and hardcore punk. More edgy, but still very B00B.
Is B00B more of a queer punk band, or a punk band that happens to be queer? Do you feel more at home in the queer punk scene?
Rosie: Idk about all that but i know that any show we have played with mostly straight dudes in attendance and playing was a bad time.
Mattie: I guess I kind of go back and forth on this, but I do see us as a queer punk band. I don't want us to be pigeonholed or tokenized or whatever, but in reality the queer part is pretty central to the whole thing. I think straight, cisgender people can and do like our shit – which is great – but the music and the performance is ultimately meant for queer people, queer punx.
Photo credit: @cerealdebt
Anyone you'd like to thank?
Sarah: Bimbo leatherdykes.
Rosie: dumbasses
Mattie: Hamas.
Links
Bandcamp: b00b.bandcamp.com
Streaming: subvert.fm/b00b
Instagram @b00b_worldwide