Audiofeed 2017 preview: Parental Petulance

By Ryan G

Pictured: Cover art for Parental Petulance’s latest record – get it here.

At my first Audiofeed my idea of a what some bands can be was torn apart. The notion of a family friendly band that can both be kid-friendly and target serious topics was new to me. Some would call these artists’ stage antics a gimmick. They would call it deliberate art. Or perhaps both!

Most notably, the “not a family band” Desiring Dead Flesh showed me it was possible to be ridiculous and punk while having a grand ol’ time with your kids. I’ve also seen groups like Insomniac Folklore and Destroy Nate Allen add a big heaping of fun to their sets, which all share a down to earth, oddball flair.

Turns out there’s another group taking that route. That band is Parental Petulance, and they’re here to encourage you to take yourself a little less seriously while communicating some passionate messages via their brand of folk punk. Marshall and Ashley Brown, and their friend Derek Mleynenk  put the “parent” in “Parental Petulance.” They’ve played acoustic sets on porches, and would describe their sound as “Parent Punk.” Now they’re looking to get loud at Audiofeed.

I think if you listen to a song or two from this group you’ll find the type of music is self-evident. This is the perfect kind of music for the weird and wonderful sort of family reunion atmosphere that makes up Audiofeed. Take a listen to their self-titled record and then check out our Q&A with them below.

Tuned Up: What’s your favorite Audiofeed memory? If you haven’t been yet, what are you looking forward to?

Marshall: My oldest son Levi got to take a photo with Josh Scogin in 2014 after a ’68 show on the Arkansas Stage. He was only a year old at the time.
Ashley: When we played our first AF show in 2014. We got a 9:40pm slot at The Front Porch and weren’t sure if anyone would show up. There were so many families and babies and everyone had a blast!
Derek: This is my first year! I’m excited to check out some new and interesting bands!

If any band that no longer exists could headline a show you play, who would it be?

Marshall: The Chariot!!
Ashley: Talking Heads
Derek: Elvis and the TCB Band

What records and/or songs have had heavy rotation these past few months for you?

Marshall: I’ve been pretty obsessed with “The Night God Slept” by Silent Planet ever since it came out! However, I’ve been jamming the new Spirit and the Bride album “Dry Bones” the last few weeks!
Ashley: The kids have been super into 21 Pilots… and I pretty much listen to whatever they listen to!
Derek: Jerry Reed, The Devil Makes Three, and Merle Haggard

Describe your music with language as if you’re ordering a five course meal.

First, we start with a fresh and warm poopy diaper. Next, we have a good portion of light-hearted comedic relief followed quickly by a heaping helping of parental fatigue. Our forth course doesn’t really matter because you probably won’t eat it and/or feed it to the dog anyway. All of this topped off and smothered in a glaze of adolscent defiance!

Do you remember the first album you purchased/received? What was it?

Marshall: I think it was either “Beyond Belief” by Petra or “Riot” by Carman
Ashley: Aqua on cassette
Derek: Jars of Clay

Who on the Audiofeed lineup (other than your band), has a don’t miss set? You can only pick one (or two).

Marshall: Absolutely, go and see our dudes in Spirit and the Bride!!
Ashley: October Bird of Death and Letrainiump
Derek: I’m not sure… but Dinner Break seems pretty impressive!

Have you ever come across an exceptionally good (or bad) tattoo job? What was it?

Ashley has this terrible stick-n-poke tattoo that she got in a hotel room full of punks in Texas. It’s awful and you should totally ask her about it, haha! She’s more punk than any of us!

Are there any summer movies you’re especially looking forward to this year?

Ashley: IT
Marshall: Any that serve XL popcorn and ICEEs
Derek: It’s been so long since I’ve been to a movie, I didn’t know that was even a thing anymore!

What’s the ONE THING your music is trying to communicate to the world?

Being a parent is hard, loud, dirty, sloppy, intense, and stinky… If you don’t laugh, you’ll cry!

-Ryan Getz

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