WHAT YOUTH: Tell me about the concept behind the video for “Judy”? And who’s the badass star?

It’s Judy Kosmerly! She’s the mother of Shawn Kosmerly who is in an amazing band Dirty Princes and directs the majority of our videos, including this one.

The video’s concept came completely from Shawn, all credit goes to him. After filming one of the last scenes in the venue, Shawn came up to me and said, “dude, dont know if you saw me, but i was sobbing a bit while we were filming that ‘cus… ‘cus that’s my fuckin’ mom, dude.” So glad we got to be a part of it and thrilled with the way it turned out!

Sam Coffey & The Iron Lungs is seriously influenced by power pop. When did that obsession start? And how do you incorporate that love into your music?

I’ve always liked really well-written pop songs and the bands in those genres just hit it home for me. I got more into glam through friends and trolling Discogs and Facebook groups dedicated to junkshop glam and power-pop and pub-rock. More guitars. The world needs more guitars right now and we are here to deliver. Whoever says guitar music is dead should listen up to us and then shut up.

I’ve always been into the idea of genre manipulation, whether it be defying genres or inventing them. And I read somewhere that you call your own sound “downtown music.” Can you explain what that means to you?

Its the fast-paced rhythm of Sam Coffey & The Iron Lungs, baby. Listen to the album and all will be revealed. Even if you live in a cave.

What was it like working with Alex Bonenfant on the new record? How did that come about?

We’ve been friends with Alex for a long time and we were just ready to take these songs to a real studio and get some real proper help with it. He is #1, the record would’ve sounded like trash without him. His production and help really shaped this album and I couldn’t imagine it any other way.

You were once training to be a mechanic. And now you’re in a band. How did you jump over to music? And how has that changed your life?

I was always in a band while i was still working in the shop, but i learned a lot there and brought a lot of transferrable skills over to the band; having pride in your work, perfectionism, working well under pressure, how to fix the van when it breaks down… basically i learned how to work hard at that shop and I’m fortunate for having that experience. I miss it sometimes but i also prefer ROCKING OUT.

And what’s next for the Iron Lungs?

Im currently the busiest ive ever been but I am not giving up till we get our song RAGNAROK on the new “Thor” movie, “RAGNAROK”. I dont care if its already in theatres. I will not let Marvel miss out on the opportunity of a lifetime. That movie needs an official soundtrack and I will be waiting by the phone for their call. We want to be the official Marvel band. Our next album is going to have an 8 minute opus about Wolverine called “SNIKT, SNIKT”. We are also going on a North American tour in October! Check them daaaates!