By Benjamin Joe

Working Class Stiffs, of Niagara Falls, played South By Southwest (SXSW) — arguably the top music showcase in America — this year in a culmination of being a band since 2021. While the line-up has changed here and there, they’ve represented the Rust Belt for ska beats and politically minded lyrics pretty much consistently since their self-titled album and Rich Man’s Country both dropped in August of 2021.

While the members of the band haven’t actually named their upcoming album, the latest info is that instrumental tracks are down and big shows like Camp Punksylvania and Buffalo Ska Fest are coming up soon. Working Class Stiffs intends to releasethe new album sometime in 2025.

The lineup for Working Class Stiffs is:

Brian Winker: Vocals
Dylan Gechoff: Guitar and Vocals
Mat Scrivano: Guitar and Vocals
Joe Scrivano: Bass
Garrett Ockun: Drums

Q: You released your first albums in 2021 and both seem charged with politics’ and society’s dark side, so to speak. What’s changed in the world since that first release and how has it affected your music?

Mat: I think we’re being catapulted towards the weakest dystopian timeline possible. We’re also a couple years older and have gained a better understanding on how important well-placed rage and energy are, coupled with trying to remember some beauty in life’s landscape.  I think it’s reflected in our new music.

Joe: People are losing basic human rights, labor rights are being rolled back, and we’re moving towards, like …the 4th recession since I became an adult. As far as I can see, it’s only getting worse, and that means we’ll always have something to write about.

Garrett: The music is definitely heavier, a bit more angry. Obviously a lot has changed in this world since the 2021 EP, but our new music still holds true to that same attitude towards politics, inequality and major changes in life.

Brian: The world is still so politically corrupt and run by the higher upper class. There is nobody looking out for the people that actually make this world run, the working class. That fuels so much of our music, then and now.

Dylan: People en masse are learning about terrible human rights violations daily (or worse, experiencing them directly), and seeing both public and private entities go to great lengths to stifle free speech and the sharing of vital information that we won’t get in mass media. Despite all this, it’s important to remember that there are great people everywhere trying to help, and everyone’s contribution is valuable, even if they feel limited in their ability. I can’t say all this has changed much about the way we write, but there’s certainly no shortage of material to draw from. 

Q: Tell me a little about yourselves. Are you all from Niagara Falls? What was it like growing up there?

Mat: Joe, Brian and myself are all born and raised in Niagara Falls. Back then it was definitely like the wild west and I’m surprised we all survived.  A lot of our friends didn’t. It was dangerous, but it was so much fun. We tell stories now from growing up and they’re almost unbelievable. The Falls is a beautiful microcosm of everything that can go wrong in the post industrialized world. There’s a ton of hopelessness, but that breeds a resiliency that corrupt government and even toxic chemicals can’t kill.

Joe: Looking back, I can’t believe those of us left are still breathing. The opiate epidemic hit us hard. We lost so many good people way too young. I’d like to think they’d all be proud of us for growing up, but somehow never changing and keeping this going. 

Garrett: I’m from Rochester. Prior to 2022, I hadn’t been in a band in years and wasn’t playing much. I met Joe on the internet when they were looking for a drummer. Next thing I know, I was playing in Pennsylvania with them opening up for The Aggrolites and things haven’t stopped since. 

Dylan: I’m from Buffalo and still live here. I’ve always felt fortunate that we have the scene we do, and that so many artists come through regularly. My favorite part about the scene is the energy for smaller to medium-sized shows. It always feels so welcoming, like everyone is there to have fun together, no matter the time or day – it definitely serves as a testament to Buffalo being the city of good neighbors.  

FROM WORKING CLASS STIFFS:

Q: Did you ever think you’d play SXSW? What was it like?

Mat: To be honest, I wasn’t too sure I was going to be playing anything after I lost a finger, let alone something that big. SXSW was an amazing experience.  Everywhere we walked, we would hear these phenomenal bands and it was surreal to be included with that caliber of musicians.  

Joe: Being able to represent this scene, Ninguid Records, and our Riot Squad Media crew at SXSW was not something I ever thought I’d have the opportunity to do. It’s like a carnival of music with no end to the genres represented. Seeing years of hard work pay off, and watching our friend Laura Rose put on some killer showcases on such a huge stage was both a humbling and amazing experience that I am extremely grateful to have.

Brian: I never thought I would be playing at SXSW. It was an awesome time exploring all different artists from all over the world.

Dylan: It definitely caught me by surprise when I found out we’d be playing a showcase at SXSW. Lots of things to see, bands to hear, people to meet. 

Q: What’s summer looking like after this spring? I hear there’s a new album, as well as some big festivals. Are you looking forward to it?

Mat: First thing is definitely the new album. Then we’re back at Camp Punksylvania and Buffalo Ska Fest this summer. Both events are hosted by Riot Squad Media, and you should totally buy tickets to them. 

Garrett: We’re currently in the studio now for a new album. We’ve got Camp Punksylvania in June, a super fun environment with some big name bands and a lot of really cool upcoming bands. After that, we’ve got Buffalo Ska Fest in July, which is pretty close to sold out already. There’s a lot of other stuff to be announced too, so a lot is in store and I think we’re all pretty excited. 

Brian: Really stoked on this new album we’re working on. Camp Punksylvania is one of the biggest events we look forward to every year, and we’ll be back there again this June. It’s great being able to see our friends, family and bands we’ve looked up to forever all at once. 

Dylan: The new record will be coming out soon, and we’ve already got a head-start on even more new material. Really stoked for the summer. We’ve got Camp Punksylvania in June and Buffalo Ska Fest in August, and some other things in the works that haven’t been announced just yet. Stay tuned!