Liberty & Justice Full-band Group Chat with Ramzi Beshara, Edwin Carson, Halston Luna, Cory Parker & Ryan Taylor (The Witzard Interview)
Few bands have been busier amidst the pandemic than Houston's Liberty & Justice. Off the back of not one, but two 2020 EP's comes the Telephone Road band's sophomore full-length, PRESSURE. The co-release comes via their home town's recently exhumed Death Exclamations! and Germany's premiere Oi! peddlers, Contra Records.
Still replete with the street-wise anthems that made debut 4 All such a rousing listen, the band's latest is a level-up in every way. Fans of First Wave Oi! & Street Punk would be hard-pressed to find anything more rumble-ready and massive sounding. Their collective résumés have clearly come together for a newly-definitive collection that should appeal to fans of Bishop's Green, Lion's Law, and other booted legions. Yet, the band incorporates a myriad of influences, varied guest spots, and a thickly-muscled sound indebted to Hardcore that will appeal to loyalists of The UK's newest wave of Close Shave & Pub Rock à la The Chisel or Chubby & The Gang.
Matt Horowitz is likely the only person able to corral the band in its entirety for the sprawling and thorough interview below. The dude's preparation, knowledge, and uniquely conversational vibe lends itself well to a rambling and, at times, hilarious piece that reads like a rapid-fire Group Chat (because it is/was!) Thanks for letting me pipe in on a band that I love. Liberty & Justice is for y'all, after all.
- Foreword Penned By: Adam Yoe (Instagram: @dolphinfartz, Twitter: @adam_yoe)
I. Who's part of the current line-up of Liberty & Justice and what is each member's role within the band?
Ryan Taylor: Ryan Taylor - vocals.
The Witzard: Also, can we not do the whole memes thing, please? It's a bit hard to transcend properly to a published/text interview. I know it may seem funny... but, trust me, it's a b*tch to transcribe!
Halston Luna: Halston Luna reporting: lead guitar/vox Liberty & Justice.
Ramzi Beshara: Ramzi. 'sup? I'll go with rhythm guitar, but I do play leads a lot 🤗. And I sing back-ups.
Cory Parker: This is Cory Wayne. I play drums in the band.
Edwin Carson: Edwin - bass.
Halston: Current line-up is Ryan Taylor - lead vocal, myself (Halston) on lead guitar, Ramzi Beshara - rhythm guitar, Cory Wayne Parker on drums, [and Edwin Carson on bass.]
Cory: Thanks Halston you were quicker than I was.
Halston: I, also, think you should include that Ryan just sent memes the whole time and, maybe, describe the meme?
Ryan:
The Witz: I guess... but I would much rather NOT just have ALL memes from Ryan, if at all possible...
Halston: It's SO him, [though], that's SO Ryan.
II. What did your typical writing, creation, recording, etc. processes behind your latest full-length, PRESSURE entail?
Halston It was really exciting; we have been rehearsing on a steady schedule from the inception of the record, I think. Getting that flow going was crucial to how connected the record came out. I would bring a riff to practice (or Ramzi would) and within, maybe, 15 or 20 minutes, we had the skeleton assembled for a song. We recorded and played them for, maybe, 5-6 months and tried different combinations of song forms, played with different background vocals/intros. It took on a life of its own once we got going.
The Witz: Anyone else?
Halston: When we went to record the music, we did it at an amazing studio in North Houston with Craig Douglas & Johnny Rioux. Charted out our progress and knocked it out. Couldn't have happened in the organized manner it did without the ancient wisdom and guidance from Johnny Rioux [Street Dogs]. Can't express that enough.
Cory: Halston nailed it.
The Witz: Thank you! Next...
III. How would you, personally, say this new full-length, PRESSURE, primarily differs from your last, 2019's 4 All?
Halston: Well, 4 All wasn't really a full "group" effort. Rhys [Williams] wrote all the music and recorded most of the guitars and produced the drums [with] our old drummer.
Cory: I only recorded on one track, "Magnolia City," on 4 All.
Halston: Through the process of adding Ramzi on guitar and deciding to write a new record, we developed our new voice and after finishing this record (PRESSURE,) we are a unit. We know how each of us think musically and we trust each other musically. We can say, "ya, that doesn't work for me..." or "yo, that sh*t is fire!" and move on and it's like having one big conversation when we are writing.
* Ryan: In every angle I look at, it's different and that's with intention. It's a darker album lyrically, sonically, [and] thematically. I always write about personal stuff in our songs, but with this, we were all going through different things in our lives personally; COVID was just starting to really hit and take its toll on all of us and we were comin' from that angle with the record. Tried to pepper in as much hope as we realistically could, but this is as honest of a record as you're gonna get out of us.
The Witz: Rhys
Halston: At least, it feels like that for me. Ramzi probably doesn't care at all. He never hugs me. His name is just "Rhys." My name is "Halston." Please, don't put them together.
IV. In addition to Liberty & Justice, what other bands have/do you guys play with?
Halston: Black Coffee, Fight Pretty, PELOTON, Roger Miret & The Disasters, [and] The New Darkbuster.
The Witz: FM359 & Street Dogs, too? Those two and The New Darkbuster all have direct ties to Dropkick Murphys, right?
Cory: I play in an Action Rock band called Killer Hearts and that's all I play with besides [Liberty & Justice] (LAJ.)
Halston: Oh, ya, I recorded and played a couple shows [with] FM359. That sh*t was f***ing litty like a t*tty. That was when I met Old Man Rioux.
Edwin: I played bass for Fuska. Shrapnel & Left of Center (both Philippine bands.)
The Witz: Anything from you, Ryan? Even if it is just memes... I'd really love to have all five of you be involved!
Ryan:
V. "Halfway Home," "Second Ward Serenade" & "No More Orbits" from PRESSURE were previously exclusively available on Bandcamp for a limited time, right? What made you decide to re-release them and how do these versions differ?
Halston: Yo, ya, those were some of the songs we got to re-work and put some love on when we went to record the full-length. We got to hear them recorded the first way for a while and that gave us the juice to finish 'em and make them what you hear on the record.
Ramzi: Sorry for being late to the party, y'all. Me and wife were making Gözleme. Sh*t's 🔥. And, then, with some Sriracha. We love cooking together.
Cory: Cute!
VI. For anyone who may be hearing about Liberty & Justice for the first time while reading this very interview: How would you attempt to beat describe the band's overall sound, style, vibe, aesthetic, etc.?
Halston: Conscious Street Rock [with] Pop sensibility; f**k [with] me.
VII. What would you cite as some of your greatest sources of inspiration and influence while recording PRESSURE?
Halston: For me, personally: Classical song form, raw [1950-60's] Rock "N" Roll, like Chuck Berry B-sides, civil rights, humans, and The New York Hounds.
Cory: I'm pretty sure we were all listening to different stuff. I was listening to The Pillows, Hanoi Rocks, and FEAR alot during the writing process, but Halston and I were blown away by The NYC Hounds' album God Bless The Royal Hounds; it's so good!
The Witz: Anyone else? Also, if you wanna answer any of the past questions up above (or ANY from here on out) just attach the corresponding number/BONUS QUESTION LABELING, please!
Ryan:
Ramzi: I'll go with what Halston said about our sound. And I'll hug him tonight at band rehearsal. Some recent bands I've been in have been Fun Haunts (still going), a project me and wife started called At Risk Youth (during COVID, so haven't played out yet), a band I started with Halston and some other friends called Spare Bones, and, now, L&J.
The Witz: Cool!
VIII. How in the world did you guys link up with Houston emcee Fat Tony for his stand-out feature on "Six Two?"
Halston: I made friends with Anthony [Fat Tony] in 2010 we started running around together and jamming in his parents' back garage/spare room. We always played music together, performed together a few times; did a defunct Emo band [with] Anthony on bass and Ryan on vocals. Then, he moved to NYC, then, to Cali and has been carving out his place in music history ever since. He's in Arizona now. Love that dude.
The Witz: Fat Tony's previously been in bands/various projects with some of you, right?
Halston: Projects, really. I did a performance of a Prince song with him for Houston Public Media back in 2016, I think? Maybe, earlier. We had Dear Antarctica. Ryan sang and Anthony played bass. Now-defunct.
The Witz: And there was almost a split released with Kool A.D.'s band, Party Animal, right?
Halston: Oh, wow, ya, almost. Hah, forgot about that.
The Witz: A "Fat" little birdy told me... 🐦🤣
Halston: He toured with those dudes a lot back then.
The Witz: Das Racist, right? And I think Tony was even signed to Heems/Himanshu's label, Greedhead, at one point.
IX. What can you tell us about the creation of PRESSURE's Digital Bonus Track, "Knife's Edge" featuring [Jon] from Empire Down?
Halston: We just can't stop writing songs and we wanted to do a special song for Euro release and a different one for The US release.
The Witz: Wow! So, is there already material written for a PRESSURE follow-up?
Ramzi: We wrote that one after being in studio for PRESSURE, so I recorded it. The drums, guitars, and Ryan's vocals. Edwin did his bass at home and [Jon] did his vocal track at a studio near him.
Halston: Of course, there is; there's tons of material in the vault, gov. I get my best ideas on the commode in the mornings, so I hit up Ryan and said, "I got a joint your gonna love." Got to the practice spot and spit it to my man Ram, he twisted it up and put some olive oil and some crushed red pepper on it, Edwin threw a dash of that f**kin' big bottom in the mix, and Cory put down that bop-bop and we had another hit on our hands, Jay.
Ramzi: And, then, Ryan put on that chef's hat and dinner was served. Actually, Halston recorded all the guitars for that one. I was focusing on the recording. But I did lay down the back-up vox on the chorus and bridge.
* Ryan: Empire Down are some friends of ours. We're hoping when things get safer and sh*t smooths over, we can play shows together. But, yea, the songs about the 1% leaving bootprints on the neck of the working class while we're supposed to smile and be grateful because, now, at least, we have jobs in such trying times.
X. So, is there any chance you guys can tell us a little bit about what you're cooking up with Cory Parker & Halston Luna(?)'s other band, Killer Hearts? When might we be able to hear your collaborative efforts?
Ryan:
Ramzi: I can't speak on Killer Hearts. But Ryan's got some sick new tunes coming soon with another band.
The Witz: Trash Magz, maybe?
Halston: Cory is the only member in Killer Hearts and we have a 7-inch coming out with them soon.
Cory: Halston just jumps in, sometimes, in The Killer Hearts for live shows.
Halston: Love those boys! Fire in their eyes and in their bellies.
Cory: But I'm really stoked for that release. I dont know the date on that, though.
XI. So, what initially inspired you guys to record and release a set of covers during Quarantine/Lockdown, which included rippin' renditions of Robyn's "Dancing On My Own" & Green Day's "J.A.R. (Jason Andrew Relva)?"
Halston: "J.A.R." was Ryan's idea. "Dancing On My Own" was another idea I got while on the commode one morning. I, also, kind of like the idea of Skinheads yelling Robyn lyrics because they cross over well and it's f***in' Robyn.
Cory: We've always wanted to cover Robyn. Ryan is a big fan.
Halston: We did "Solitary Confinement" for our My America EP release and I f***in' love The Members and that era of UK Pop/Rock.
The Witz: Man, both those covers RIP and I love that "J.A.R." video featuring Weird Al from The Simpsons, too.
* Ryan: Killer Hearts are our brother band here in Houston. We have a split 7-inch coming out with them on Cut-throat Records. We share a drummer with them, Gaza AKA Cory. We did a proper version of "J.A.R." for that; half during the PRESSURE sessions (guitar, bass, and drums) and half with Ramzi (vocals.) Test presses arrive this week, release date unknown. Trash Magz is a [side-project] with me, Roze, Joey Molina, Kris, and [Fundad]. We just recorded 11 songs with Ramzi. Played our first show [on March] 16 before everything shut down. Joey Molina from Trash Magz did that video.
The Witz: Welcome to the interview, Ryan! 🤣 Which video?
Halston: The "J.A.R." video, foo'.
Ryan: The one you were just talking about, "J.A.R." Demo one.
Cory: The Simpsons one.
Halston: Yaaaaa, man. Joey did that.
XII. What do/did each of you do for day jobs, aside from your duties within Liberty & Justice, prior to this seemingly never-ending COVID-19-related global pandemic?
Halston: Halston here, I was a guitar/music teacher and professional guitarist and I still hold down both of those occupations today.
Ryan:
Cory: Gaza AKA Cory here. I deliver paint to job sites in a van (cover The Earth.)
The Witz: You're a barber, right, Ryan?
XIII. How did you guys initially link up with German-based Contra Records and newly-revitalized imprint, Death Exclamations! to jointly release PRESSURE?
Halston: Man, he a barber, doc. Tha's my blood.
Ramzi: I've been in UI/product design for over 13 years. Still doing that now. I used to think Ryan's last name was Barber.
Ryan: Yo, Ramzi, I've never really [known] that.
Halston: Straight up, yo, Contra releases that real sh*t, that sh*t that make you grit your teeth. We were so lucky that we even crossed [their] desk, yo.
The Witz: My mom's maiden name was Baber... but she is not one! 💈🤣
Ramzi: I called you that at the Fun Haunts' show at East End Barber. Made a shout-out to you: "thanks to Ryan Barber for having us."
Halston: Death Exclamations! released a record for what I consider to be the best band Ryan was in called The Burden. Ryan linked [with] them on this one.
The Witz: The Burden? What was that record for Death Exclamations! called?
Halston: Feral Children. Listen to it, dude. F***in' hit Play and let the chills take over your body, dude.
The Witz: I'm gonna! That's why I asked what it was called.
Halston: Their best record was Catholic Guilt, [though,] blood. No shade, but that sh*t hits like a [Mack] truck. That record is straight moshing while you're fighting through cold sweats and trying not to puke.
The Witz: Nice!
XIV. What can you tell us about the story behind the PRESSURE album cover? It's really such a striking, hard-looking image!
Halston: It's Houston, baby.
The Witz: So, who did the photography and photo effects (I'm guessing?) seen across the final cover?
Halston: To me, it's the vibe of the album. It's wicked and cold, but you gotta get in it. Mark Champion took the photo.
Ryan: Scott Martin did the rest.
Halston: He's an amazing photographer and good friend of the band.
The Witz: It's Ryan Taylor/Barber, right?
Ryan: "Berber."
Halston: Ya, Ryan owns East End Barber, a king of his craft.
The Witz: "Bärbèr."
XV. I loved your recent video for "MAD WORLD" premiered at New Noise Magazine! Do you have any immediate plans for any additional music videos for PRESSURE and if so, can you share which tracks just yet?
Halston: We have plans for a [video] shoot for "Six Two." You'll have to wait to see it! 😈
The Witz: With Anthony Lawson Jude Ifeanyichukwu "Obi" Obiawunaotu AKA Fat Tony, maybe?
Halston: *screenshot* Wut?
The Witz: That's Fat Tony's given name... I think. 🤣
Halston: It's not.
* Ryan: We released a video a couple months after "MAD WORLD" for "Sin for Sin." We have plans in a few weeks to shoot another one with Derek Rathbun.
XVI. How did additional collaborators Los Skarnales & Gabe Wells get involved in their respective tracks, "Immigrant Rock & Roll" and "Our Town Our Team?"
Halston: Dude, Gabe is family and he fit perfectly on "Our Town Our Team." It pushes that song right to where it needs to be. And Ryan had the idea to include the homies in [Los] Skarnales. They killed it. Everyone involved just did incredible work. Super-grateful.
The Witz: Nice! And here's where I saw that about Fat Tony, I think...
Halston: Oh, hah.
The Witz: Anyone else have any more answers any of these? I feel like I'm just interviewing Halston... 🤣
Halston: I'm a good source. Right, Cory?
Cory: Yeah, you are, mate. I'm with Hoss.
XVII. Now that PRESSURE has been unleashed into the terribly unsuspecting world, what do you fellas have planned next for either Liberty & Justice or any of your related side-projects?
Halston: We are hoping to tour Europe in 2022 and we are always writing and recording. Keep your eyes peeled and your ears open.
Cory: Personally, I cant wait to tour.
The Witz: Sweet! There's a livestreaming show booked for April, right? Anyone wanna plug that here?
Halston: I don't have any of the links, but it's streaming through the Wonky Power Facebook, I believe. April 9th.
* Ryan: Next, we have a split 7-inch with our friends, Killer Hearts, coming out on Cut-throat Records. Just got the test presses in; release date unknown.
XVIII. In closing, what can you tell us about that mysterious bit of dialog preceding album opener "Halfway Home?"
Halston: Ryan had a friend that studied Voice & Opera, I think. Anyway, the opening of "Halfway Home" is "Ode to Joy" by Beethoven.
* Ryan: "Mysterious bit of dialog?" 🤣 That was a woman with a beautiful voice singing "Ode to Joy."
XIX. What are you able to share with us about the concept behind and conception of your phenomenal "MAD WORLD" music video?
Halston: We wanted a beautiful intro for the album that contrasts the feeling we had and wanted to convey when writing and recording it. Ryan and videographer Derek Rathbun were the brains behind that video.
XX. What was your inspiration behind each of the three songs featured across your My America EP? Also, were some of these songs conceptualized during the PRESSURE sessions?
The Witz: Alright, that's it! Fellas, feel free to add anything to any of the questions up above. Just respond either here or via email and, please, just include the question number or BONUS labeling!
Halston: The My America EP is my personal favorite next to PRESSURE. I feel like "A New Town" was written out of frustration at the state of the world right now. "Solitary Confinement" was a perfect song for all of the quarantine and isolation that we are all experiencing. We recorded remotely, aside from my recording guitars with Ramzi and Ryan recording vocals with him. And the acoustic track is a re-working of a song Rhys wrote that was on 4 All. I did it on nylon string and did all three guitar tracks in one take each.
The Witz: It's truly a great, perfectly concise EP. Thanks, Halston and fellas!
Halston: Ayo, this is Kush AKA Steezy with The Bleezy AKA Sauceton AKA Blind Justice; all I see is red, baby, f*c' [with] me.
The Witz: OK, lol.
