At the Goodwill Social Club, January 29, 2024
by Seraphine Crowe
“A newly arrived punch to the ear, brought to you by a congregation of Real Hardcore Guys.”
Back in the arctic throws of January, I interviewed Nuclear Man, a recent addition to the local Hardcore punk music scene. The group played for the first time in October 2023, establishing an electrifying presence and releasing their debut EP shortly after. Since then, the group has supported local Hardcore punk acts and played with touring bands. Earlier in the spring, they were booked to play in Toronto and Montreal, demonstrating a devotion to leaving their mark- and maybe a few broken microphones.
After an intense set at the late Goodwill Social Club, I waved down lead singer Carson and drummer Bekim to meet me outside. The area right outside gradually began to fill with noise and smokers, so we migrated towards the bright glow of a nearby convenience store. The other three band members couldn’t make it due to the risk of leaving the merch table unmanned, a crucial responsibility for musicians, as I’ve come to learn.
Who is Nuclear Man? (what do you play?):
C: “I’m Carson, and I sing.”
B: “I’m Bekim, and I play drums.”
Do you want to shout out the other members of Nuclear Man?
C: “No. We’re making money right now.”
(He was referencing the duty of his bandmates to manage the merch table. It was unfortunate not to speak with the whole group, but who can argue with the fiscal upper hand that selling merch can provide!)
How do you feel about the reception of your new EP? Both locally and beyond:
B: “It’s pretty crazy! I didn’t think people would care.”
C: “Yeah, everyone LOVES it.”
Where else in the world have people been listening to Nuclear Man?
C: “Where was that one place? Sweden, I think. They were number one when we checked our global analytics. Shout out to the Swedes!”
In terms of the local music scene, there really isn’t a mainstream focus on punk/hardcore bands. Do you hope to see punk/hardcore bands becoming more of a focal point in Winnipeg? Or are you satisfied with the community that has already been established?
Carson began to answer but suddenly stepped back as if he was overtaken by some internal force. He started to retch and took a few steps away from me. In a split second, he was projectile vomiting on the sidewalk. Bekim began to laugh, and I just stood there without words while my phone continued recording the audio.
C: “This is my first beer.”
B: “Ever.”
Should we wait for him?
Carson began to collect himself now and returned to us. We continued, now standing within a foot of his pile of vomit.
C: “Sorry, I was just yelling really hard during the show. Anyways …”
All good, brother! Do you have any thoughts about my last question?
B: “I just want people who care to show up. I don’t really care about the numbers as long as people are stoked!”
Absolutely.
B: “Also, make bands! MAKE BANDS!”
C: “Yeah, if you’re not in a band you can’t come.”
Our conversation ended here. The next band was about to go on, and we all wanted to get back inside from the biting cold of Winnipeg winter. It was my divine pleasure to have spoken with Nuclear Man despite the spontaneous display of bodily fluids!
You can listen to their demo EP currently on Bandcamp or be sure to keep your eyes peeled for upcoming shows on Instagram @nuclearman.lives
Nuclear Man Interview- Goodwill Social Club, January 29, 2024
by Seraphine Crowe
“A newly arrived punch to the ear, brought to you by a congregation of Real Hardcore Guys.”
Back in the arctic throws of January, I interviewed Nuclear Man, a recent addition to the local Hardcore punk music scene. The group played for the first time in October 2023, establishing an electrifying presence and releasing their debut EP shortly after. Since then, the group has supported local Hardcore punk acts and played with touring bands. Earlier in the spring, they were booked to play in Toronto and Montreal, demonstrating a devotion to leaving their mark- and maybe a few broken microphones.
After an intense set at the late Goodwill Social Club, I waved down lead singer Carson and drummer Bekim to meet me outside. The area right outside gradually began to fill with noise and smokers, so we migrated towards the bright glow of a nearby convenience store. The other three band members couldn’t make it due to the risk of leaving the merch table unmanned, a crucial responsibility for musicians, as I’ve come to learn.
Who is Nuclear Man? (what do you play?):
C: “I’m Carson, and I sing.”
B: “I’m Bekim, and I play drums.”
Do you want to shout out the other members of Nuclear Man?
C: “No. We’re making money right now.”
(He was referencing the duty of his bandmates to manage the merch table. It was unfortunate not to speak with the whole group, but who can argue with the fiscal upper hand that selling merch can provide!)
How do you feel about the reception of your new EP? Both locally and beyond:
B: “It’s pretty crazy! I didn’t think people would care.”
C: “Yeah, everyone LOVES it.”
Where else in the world have people been listening to Nuclear Man?
C: “Where was that one place? Sweden, I think. They were number one when we checked our global analytics. Shout out to the Swedes!”
In terms of the local music scene, there really isn’t a mainstream focus on punk/hardcore bands. Do you hope to see punk/hardcore bands becoming more of a focal point in Winnipeg? Or are you satisfied with the community that has already been established?
Carson began to answer but suddenly stepped back as if he was overtaken by some internal force. He started to retch and took a few steps away from me. In a split second, he was projectile vomiting on the sidewalk. Bekim began to laugh, and I just stood there without words while my phone continued recording the audio.
C: “This is my first beer.”
B: “Ever.”
Should we wait for him?
Carson began to collect himself now and returned to us. We continued, now standing within a foot of his pile of vomit.
C: “Sorry, I was just yelling really hard during the show. Anyways …”
All good, brother! Do you have any thoughts about my last question?
B: “I just want people who care to show up. I don’t really care about the numbers as long as people are stoked!”
Absolutely.
B: “Also, make bands! MAKE BANDS!”
C: “Yeah, if you’re not in a band you can’t come.”
Our conversation ended here. The next band was about to go on, and we all wanted to get back inside from the biting cold of Winnipeg winter. It was my divine pleasure to have spoken with Nuclear Man despite the spontaneous display of bodily fluids!
You can listen to their demo EP currently on Bandcamp or be sure to keep your eyes peeled for upcoming shows on Instagram @nuclearman.lives