Social Distortion's Mike Ness

Social Distortion's Mike Ness

Author: brooklynvegan May 11, 2026 Duration: 45:05
This week we're talking to Mike Ness who has led SoCal punk icons Social Distortion since 1978. The band just released Born to Kill which is their first album in 15 years. It's been a long time coming, delayed further by Covid and Mike's cancer diagnosis and successful treatment.   Mike discusses the making of Born to Kill, the '70s inspirations behind it, and working with producer Dave Sardy and collaborators Lucinda Williams and Benmont Tench of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. We also talk about how beating cancer energized his desire to make even more music, Social Distortion's upcoming tour with The Descendents and The Chats, early Social D documentary Another State of Mind, playing Little Steven's Underground Garage Cruise, five records he thinks everyone should own, and more.  -- Credits: Hosted & produced by Bill Pearis Mixed and mastered by Nick Gray Theme music by Michael Silverstein

For anyone who feels music is more than just background noise, BV Interviews: A Podcast About Music offers a space to dig deeper. This podcast emerges from the long-running music blog and online record store BrooklynVegan, channeling that same curated passion into audio form. Each episode is a conversation built on genuine enthusiasm, whether it's an intimate interview with a songwriter discussing their craft, an exploration of a musical movement's history, or a discussion about the currents shaping today's sounds. You'll hear about everything from the raw energy of punk and metal to the nuanced storytelling of folk and the innovative beats of hip hop, always with a focus on the artists and stories behind the music. It’s for listeners who crave context and connection, who want to understand not just what an artist makes, but why they make it. The tone is informed and engaging, like a discussion between friends who happen to know a lot about music. Tune in for thoughtful dialogues that go beyond the typical press cycle, offering a richer appreciation for the music you already love and a reliable guide to discovering something new. This is a podcast dedicated to the endless discovery and discussion that music inspires, straight from the people who live and breathe it every day.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

BV Interviews: A (mostly) Music Podcast From BrooklynVegan
Podcast Episodes
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