We recently talked with Rick and Luke of Fargo band Germ Circus.
Sami – Vocals
Rick – Guitars
Luke – Bass
BJ – Drums
The Northern Mirror: How long has Germ Circus been playing?
Rick: Germ Circus was an idea around 2012. It came into fruition around 2015ish, maybe 2014. The name was a description of a dude I know who woke up on the floor of a bar bathroom stall. Like, he woke up and looked around and was like. “Ugh, I’ve been sleeping in a Germ Circus.”
Luke: Origin story – Rick started it with I think two other guys and IDK if there were shows. Then I think it was Rick, Tim Allen, Chris and Derek on drums. Derek was in an old band with me and they were looking for his replacement. I reached out and we jammed and had a solid vibe off the bat I think. 2015/16 is when I joined, I think. Early 2018 is when Chris and Tim left. We got Sami in on vocals and three-pieced it for a minute before having Nick on bass. Then Nick left and BJ joined on drums in May 2019. Antiplan was kind of the album transition, hence the name. That was 3pc. era I think before Nick even. Now, we’re taking that Antiplan into the Future Times.
TNM: Please describe your sound.
Rick: I would probably describe it as experimental thrash punk with a throwback sound of the 80’s and early 90’s, but with our own artistic twist.
Luke: I’d say sound has always had old school hardcore influenced by the varying interest of the band members with current hints of Refused, Bikini Kill, Atari Teenage Riot, Black Flag, etc.
TNM: Have you released music? If so, where can one find it?
Luke: Everything from 2015 to present is on Bandcamp, and our previous EPs and our latest single, “Fight With the Foreman” are all on streaming. Physical copies are available at our shows and in local records stores. We’ve been working hard on a new full length called “Future Times” since 2020, and it’ll be coming out this summer.
TMN: What’s the best thing about Fargo/Moorhead?
Rick: Fargo/Moorhead is a big city with a small town feel. It’s comfortable. It’s got some good parks for hiking and the cost of living is fairly low, compared to other cities in the upper Midwest.
Luke: If into traveling, the cheap cost of living, and central location of F/M (4 hrs from a lot), it’s a solid home base. I’d compare it to Austin, TX, in the 80’s or something. Interesting mix of slicker and bumpkin people.
TNM: What do your families think of your band?
Rick: My family and friends always ask, “Do you get paid?” So, I don’t think they understand why I’m still pursuing this dream in my 40’s. In my mind, giving up is the same as death. There’s a point where fate becomes inevitable, but I don’t feel like I’m anywhere near that point. But, yeah, I think my family thinks I’m wasting my time, money, and energy. I feel that same way about settling for a menial labor job.
Luke: Having my family far away and being askew politically, we don’t get into the band much, as far as discussion, but my family has always supported me with music in any capacity albeit not with proximity. They like hearing about the different places played and the adventures that run parallel. Musically, they have no idea what’s happening with Germ Circus.
RRCC 