Going hard in the paint - Darren Chewka of Teenage Bottlerocket

Originally posted on Barrietoday.com as part of the Scene Setter series (#21 - July 2, 2022).

The weather is heating up and so are the stages in our city. It feels like ages since we played host to some of the incredible talents that live below the border but they're coming and they're bringing the heat.

For over 20 years, Wyoming's Teenage Bottlerocket have been stirring crowds into a frenzy with their signature brand of fast and fun punk mastery. Following the tragic loss of one founding member in 2015, Teenage Bottlerocket enlisted the talents of Edmonton's own Darren Chewka and has since released several albums and EPs. 

Before they light up the stage on Friday, July 15th, I had the opportunity to ask Darren a few questions.

Richard: For people who are not familiar with Teenage Bottlerocket (TBR), how would you describe your sound and live show?

Darren: It's like eating a Donair and then at the end you look at the plastic bag it was wrapped in and you're like "Man, look at all that sauce... it's like dessert"

For real though... it's a party, a sick sesh you could say. I've been in the band now 6+ years and I don't remember a single gig that we called it in. It's what we do... we try to kill it every night.

Richard: When it was first announced you would be joining TBR on drums, your fellow bandmates said that you had played in pretty much every band hailing from Edmonton. Is that true? And how would you describe the local scene in Edmonton?

Darren: When Ray called me to come down to Laramie for the weekend, I believe I was in 5 or 6 bands. So, not every band but I was either playing or rehearsing 5-6 days a week. Not a lot of drummers in Edmonton, but on the same note I love playing.

I'm down to three these days... TBR, Old Wives and a new project called King Thief. I love the scene here... I feel everyone knows everyone or at least tries to get involved. We're all just trying to help each other succeed. 

Richard: After the sudden and tragic passing of Brandon Carlisle in 2015, you were recruited and have since recorded 3 studio albums (among others) with TBR. How was that transition for you and was there a moment that you realized that this was a good fit?

Darren: If anyone saw us at the beginning of Warped Tour '16, they'd know the transition wasn't easy. We sucked. I remember after the show in Nashville if I wasn't getting kicked out that I should probably just go home. But we kept on and we got some chemistry... and then we sucked for a few more shows, but by the end of it I totally felt we were a band! And then that solidified when we did Stealing the Covers, we knocked that out in no time and it was a blast to make.

Richard: Is there a particular TBR song (or cover) that is your favourite to play?

"Maverick" rules. "Strung Out on Stress" rules. "Gay Parade". "Ghost Story". All bangers live.

Richard: What is it about TBR that keeps people coming out in droves to your shows?

Darren: Well, Bottlerocket has a lot of history. The song catalog is crazy. What we're seeing now is that fans who were there at the band's earliest stage are now bringing their kids with them now. And we still kick it live! We go hard in the paint!

Richard: What's new with Old Wives? Will we be seeing info about the new album and tour dates following your shows with TBR?

Darren: Old Wives have lots happening this year. Our record is being pressed as we speak. It's been a long process but so has everything else in Covid times. Album is slated to be released late September or early October. We'll have label and release info real soon!

Richard: Fill in the blanks. “I would not be where I am today if it weren’t for _______, _______, and ______ ?

Darren: family, friends and music.