#141 Strummer (Blank Expression)

The Story of Orlando punks, Blank Expression, The Punk House, and More With StrummerIn this episode, we're joined by Strummer, original member of Orlando punk band Blank Expression, co-founder of the Punk House, and co-founder of the fanzine *Ramblings of a Twisted Mind*.Strummer reflects on growing up in the Bay Area, discovering punk through college radio and early shows, and relocating to Orlando in 1987. He discusses becoming part of Central Florida's underground punk scene, launching Ramblings of a Twisted Mind fanzine, and documenting the people, bands, and venues he encountered in Orlando's late 1980s and early 1990s punk and alternative culture.The conversation explores the formation of Blank Expression, the band's DIY approach to recording, performing throughout Florida, and the Orlando punk community that surrounded them. Strummer shares memories of local bands including Adventures in Immortality, Solid Answer, The Spitvalves, and others, along with venues such as Electric Avenue, Vis, the Beach Club, Club Psychotronic, Club Nowhere, BT Grinders, and the Fairbanks Inn.We also discuss the Punk House, a DIY space created to give local and touring bands a place to perform, record, and build community. Strummer recalls its humble beginnings, building a makeshift stage, hosting shows, and the challenges of creating a space for underground music outside of traditional venues.Strummer shares stories behind Blank Expression's recordings, including the O-Town Punks demo, the lost full-length album, the Born to Skate 7-inch, and the Punkin Donuts compilation. He also reflects on leaving Florida, Blank Expression's legacy in the Orlando punk scene, and more.