Margate

By Jackie Cular

Margate, a punk band based in California, is featured on the Band For a Cure compilation, which raises money and awareness of cancer.

The Cutting Edge Culture: “How did you get involved with Band for a Cure?”

Margate: “We have known Ryan Wade (part of the BFAC crew) for a long time and he’s the one who first approached us about being involved. Once he told us a little about the cause we jumped at the chance to contribute.”

TCEC: “How does it feel to be the compilation’s featured artist? How did that come about?”

Margate: “It’s a big honor to be the featured artist on a CD with so many other amazing artists. I think Ryan and Cristian really believe in our band and they wanted to help spread the word about us by having us be the featured artist - at the time they started putting this whole thing together we were still unsigned. Since our name is the only thing on the front cover other than the BFAC logo, I guess the comp is officially called “Margate” which is pretty awesome.”

TCEC: “Why is this cause something worth donating your music towards?”

Margate: “Almost everyone on the planet has had their life affected by cancer either directly or through a friend or family member. It’s hard to believe there isn’t a cure yet for something that’s so widespread. If there’s anything at all we can do to bring awareness to the cause we’re more than willing.”

TCEC: “Why do you think punk music goes hand in hand with speaking for a cause?”

Margate: “Generally speaking Margate is not an overtly political band, but many of the punk bands we grew up listening to are very much so. The punk ideology is all about being yourself and speaking your mind, and bringing awareness to causes and issues that are important to you.”

TCEC: “Speaking of music, where is the band’s progress on your album on Cyber Tracks?”

Margate: “We’re actually in the final stages of mixing and finishing off the artwork, so we’ll have a full-length album out on Cyber Tracks at the end of May right before we head to Europe with NOFX. “

TCEC: “You’re heading to the UK in June. How do fans from ‘across the pond’ differ from friends at home?”

Margate: “We’ve only been to visit so this will be our first experience playing over there. We get a lot of love from the UK online so hopefully everyone will dig us! And we’re playing Amsterdam, too, which should be nutty.”

TCEC: “What’s the oddest thing a fan has done to get your attention?”

Margate: “One overzealous fan threw Twinkies, popcorn, and a liquor soaked bar-top mat at our guitar player’s face from the crowd during our set. We ate the Twinkies and kept the bar mat for remembrance.”

TCEC: “What’s up next for the band?”

Margate: “After the European tour we’ll come back home and take a little breather before doing some US record release shows. And then the endless cycle continues… more writing, recording and touring.”

TCEC: “Are there any other causes or charities you support?”

Margate: “This is the first project of this kind that we’ve been involved in, but we’re always on the lookout for good causes to champion.”

Look for Margate on the 2012 compilation Band For a Cure.

Go to the band’s website for more information.