Erik started making music at a young age, but it wasn’t until age 16 that he started playing shows with his punk band, The Orphans. Influenced by “Fresh Fruit”-era Dead Kennedys and “Worlds Apart”-era Subhumans, the band had released a 7” (“Anthems for Doomed Youth,” 1996) before half of them were even old enough to drive. They officially disbanded in 2000 and Erik continued to make music…digging into the past for a more traditional sound to mix with punk ideals. The result was “Mirth,” a demo of acoustic punk influenced by medieval danses and raucous Romany dust-raising ditties (2000). The tape was rough and scratchy - yet it was clear that there were solid anthems buried under that hiss, which was evident by the scope of the tape, spanning city and state. Logically, a live show was expected – and despite the drums and extra instrumentation on the tape (all layered on a four-track recorder), there was no band. Over the years, seeing “Mischief Brew” on a flyer meant you were just seeing Erik Petersen with an acoustic guitar or mandolin. There was no PA in the beginning, just a roomful of West Philly’s finest rabble-rousers singing along to the “Mirth” songs. And for quite some time, this is how things stayed until it was necessary to deliver a proper recording.
“Bellingham & Philadelphia” (2003) is a split LP/CD with Washington state’s roving songcrafter Robert Blake. Meanwhile, Fistolo Records (the label Erik co-founded and runs with his wife Denise) released the “Bakenal” CDep. It was hard to believe that all the songs were recorded in the same session and split between two releases, as they were completely different experiences soundwise. “Bellingham” was more Phil Ochs/Bob Dylan-style political folk, while “Bakenal” delivered gypsy-punk swing, Poguesy drinking songs, and even a drunken tango. Two years of touring followed, from punk bars to basement shows. Meanwhile, Erik visited the studio here and there to record a few acoustic tracks for the Orphans discography (“Raise the Youth,” 2004), and the Mischief Brew “Oh Sweet Misery b/w All About the Class War” single (2005).
For an official full-length, Mischief Brew needed a non-traditional studio (by punk standards), since the songs required a more varied instrumentation to bring forth the gypsy melodies and circus beats. Impressed by the work of Israeli producer Tamir Muskat (Balkan Beat Box, Firewater, Big Lazy…), Erik visited the Brooklyn studio that he runs. Vibromonk has produced records by such festive acts as Gogol Bordello, World/Inferno Friendship Society, Firewater and more…the kind of place that knows how to mic a marimba. For this record, a backing band was assembled consisting of bass, drums, accordion, clarinet, and junk percussion. Guest appearances by Sturgeon (Leftover Crack), Peter Hess (Guignol), and Franz Nicolay (World/Inferno, The Hold Steady) bring the album even more character. “Smash the Windows” (2005) includes the folk-punk anthems “Nomads Revolt” and “Roll Me Through the Gates of Hell” – but also the epic tale “The Gypsy, The Punk, and The Fool” and the klez/ska rendition of “A Liquor Never Brewed.” The album closes with “Departure Arrival,” a sweet folk lament about leaving the comforts of home for uncharted cities and towns. “Departure” was also featured on “Up the Stairs and Through the Hall,” a 2xCD compilation of independent artists and bands from Philadelphia.
But wait, there’s more! Meanwhile, Mischief Brew released a split 7” with David Dondero (an influence on Bright Eyes) and another with -Bread & Roses (Boston-based labor folk at its best). The newest recording, “Songs from Under the Sink,” is a batch of anarcho-folk songs written between 1997-2002…finally put on LP and CD once and for all. If it had to all fit under one banner, it would read, "Carnivalesque!"
Boycott Me!
Mischief Brew Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Stencil flags of insurrection dancing through the air
Read the rants of a Thomas Payne of modern day
I have felt a spirit that has not yet gone away
Hey!
Boycott me and boycott this and mute your children's mouths
When they sing along to this very song, spread word all around, hey!
I'd rather taste the rebel's glory than drink blood from your cup
I'd rather taste the rebel's glory than drink blood from your cup
Read the rants of those in jail and those who rode the rails
Then lay down on the roads we paved to the crumbs we used for trails
And discredit all the roves, liberty's cracked within the bells
The demons in your heaven's eye and the angels in your hells
Hey!
Boycott me and boycott this and mute your children's mouths
When they sing along to this very song, spread word all around, hey!
F.O.P, boycott me, for I am standing up
I'd rather taste the rebel's glory than drink blood from your cup
I'd rather taste the rebel's glory than drink blood from your cup
The scorned few of today are the heroes of tomorrow
They'll be a holiday; times of regret and sorrow
And when they're pressed on stamps, we'll hope they're not forgotten
So let's go down in history, blacklisted and boycotted
Hey!
Boycott me and boycott this and mute your children's mouths
When they sing along to this very song, spread word all around, hey!
F.O.P, boycott me, for I am standing up
I'd rather taste the rebel's glory than drink blood from your cup
I'd rather taste the rebel's glory than drink blood from your cup
The lyrics to Mischief Brew's song Boycott Me! explore themes of rebellion, standing up for what one believes in, and the historical context of those who have fought for change. The first verse sets the scene, describing the sound of a fife and snare drum, the sight of protest flags, and the importance of reading the words of modern-day "Thomas Payne" figures. The chorus is a defiant call to action, urging listeners to boycott the singer and their message if they feel threatened, while the verses offer more context and support for the singer's beliefs.
The second verse makes reference to those who have been disadvantaged or oppressed - those who have been in jail, lived as hobos or migrant workers, and otherwise been marginalized by society. The singer urges listeners to lay down on the same roads that have historically been used against them, and to resist the temptation to believe in the "demons" or "angels" propagated by the powerful. The second chorus is a repeat of the first, with the same call to boycott and the same assertion of the singer's commitment to rebellion and personal freedom.
The final verse looks to the future, recognizing that those who are scorned or marginalized in the present will likely be celebrated and recognized as heroes later on. The singer looks forward to a time when change has been fully achieved, and when the figures of the past can be honored and remembered. Ultimately, the song is a call to action, urging listeners to embrace rebellion and resistance in the face of oppression, and to be willing to stand up for their beliefs no matter the cost.
Line by Line Meaning
Listen to the fife and snare marching through the square
Pay attention to the sounds of protest and resistance being broadcast in the public arena.
Stencil flags of insurrection dancing through the air
Visual symbols of rebellion are being displayed for all to see and absorb.
Read the rants of a Thomas Payne of modern day
Consider the impassioned writings of contemporary revolutionaries who desire change and have valuable insights to share.
I have felt a spirit that has not yet gone away
Despite the challenges and obstacles, there is a persistent and enduring energy that fuels the desire for social transformation.
Hey!
Listen up, I have an important message to convey.
Boycott me and boycott this and mute your children's mouths
If you disagree with my views or actions, feel free to protest or express your dissent, but do not try to silence or oppress the voices of the next generation.
When they sing along to this very song, spread word all around, hey!
Encourage the younger generations to get involved and spread the message of resistance and revolution.
F.O.P, boycott me, for I am standing up
Even if powerful organizations or groups attempt to ostracize or undermine me, I will not back down from my principles and my advocacy for change.
I'd rather taste the rebel's glory than drink blood from your cup
I value the exhilaration and fulfillment that comes from fighting for social justice above the corrupt and oppressive structures in place.
Read the rants of those in jail and those who rode the rails
Take note of those who have suffered for their beliefs and face persecution, as well as those who have taken to the streets to bring about change.
Then lay down on the roads we paved to the crumbs we used for trails
Recognize the sacrifices and struggles of previous generations who have paved the way for current activism and resistance.
And discredit all the roves, liberty's cracked within the bells
Challenge the systems of power that threaten the foundations of liberty and justice, and expose the hypocrisy and corruption of those in charge.
The demons in your heaven's eye and the angels in your hells
Question the prevailing ideas and ideologies that define good and evil, and recognize the complexity and nuance of human experience.
The scorned few of today are the heroes of tomorrow
Those who are currently oppressed or marginalized may one day be celebrated and revered for their contributions to societal progress.
They'll be a holiday; times of regret and sorrow
Someday, the injustices of the past will be acknowledged and recognized as mistakes that must never be repeated.
And when they're pressed on stamps, we'll hope they're not forgotten
Even if those who fought for change are eventually commemorated on postage stamps or other memorabilia, it is important to ensure that their stories and legacies are not erased or forgotten.
So let's go down in history, blacklisted and boycotted
Rather than being intimidated or discouraged by attempts to silence or discredit us, let us embrace our role in the struggle for social justice and seek to make history with our actions.
Contributed by Brody G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.