Flipp Blows It Out!
There's more to entertainment than popularity

"If it ain't rock and roll, it can go to hell!" said Brynn Arens, only half jokingly. Arens, the leader of the Minneapolis based punk group Flipp, is actually referring tot he lack of entertainment which comprises our music world today. Quite a bold statement, one might think at first. But try to remember the last time you went to a concert and actually left feeling completely satisfied?

Flipp, consisting of guitarist and younger brother to Arens, Chia Karaoke, bassist Freaky Useless, and drummer Kilo Bale, is on a mission to please. Whether is be their make-up and trademark character costumes, or their attacking of N'SYNC impersonators on stage, the band's forte is helping people have fun. "We're inspired by going out and seeing bands that bore us," said Arens. "Entertainment is important...if you don't want to be on stage, don't be on stage. There's plenty opportunities at the car wash."

Arens' attitude summarizes the band's recent sophomore release, Blow it Out Your A**. The album, released on the 14th of November, was Flipp's first work in nearly four years. Due to legal matters (the band's previous label, Hollywood Records was taken over by new management, leaving then with virtually no support), Flipp was forced to stay on the road for most of those years. It was there that they shared the stage as an opening act for long time rock veterans Cheap Trick, later touring with Psycotica and the Impotent Sea Snakes, before signing to their current Indie label, Rock Steady Records.

Another event which Flipp has been a part of is the annual Teenage Rampage, a contest giving teenage bands the opportunity to play in front of a live audience. The winner then receives the privilege of opening up for Flipp, as the band understands the importance of kids being associated with their music. Flipp generally tries to book as many all age shows as possible, in order to get younger people involved.

"Kids are great," stated Arens, "They know where the rock is" and "have yet to be polluted by the things around them."

To all of the young musicians who dream of making it some day, Arens suggests just keeping it simple and putting your heart into it. "More than wanting it, you've got to love it," he replied. "The minute you know you love to do it, you've already got it. Everything else is like gravy. At the end of the day, if there's one person watching you or 5,000, you've got to love what you do."

Make sure to check out Blow it Out Your A**, available at all Best Buy stores within the metro area, as well as Flipp's web site www.flippcentral.com. This year's Teenage Rampage is also being held on December 30th (tentative date), at the Quest.

[unky note] Teenage Rampage took place at the Quest on January 27th, 2001.