The Proletariates

Formed in 2006, The Proletariates, whose name came later after a first name change, got together when Abe and brother Chewy decided they wanted to start a band. Little did Chewy (Vocals) know that Abe (Bass) had already visited the idea with E.L. (Guitar) whom he knew from a local studio and E.L. had already contemplated the same with Corey Hale (Guitar). So like a puzzle it all fit nicely. When formed it was decided that there would be no leader that all had just say in the direction of the band and no one member would be bigger than the band. Still short a drummer when they started learning songs Chewy looked to friend and experienced drummer Nick X to join, which he did shortly and gave the band its name "The Proletariates". He left a few months later due to wanting to pursue other interests. The band continued to write and did not let the fact that they were shy a drummer hinder on their progress. Their first song, "Commercial Control", was a sign of things to come as the band opted for their songs to be of consciousness. There was no stopping now. It was decided that no songs would be written for the commercial market or just to be catchy. All songs would have a message, whether bluntly put or hidden. The fact that this group of individuals became revolutionary when the band got together is quite contrary. Chewy had earlier taught Latin American history in a clandistine group for free, to teach people the real history of the indiginous people of the Americas. Many times he contemplated leaving all for joining the Zapatista movement in Southern Mexico. Corey Hale had grown up always in the punk movement sporting mohawks since grade school when it wasn't popular to do so. He was consistently getting flak by the faculty for his independent nature and non conformity. He would stand up for the nerdy kids whom constantly got riddiculed in school not only to bullies but staff as well. E.L grew up never feeling accepted by anyone around him, he always felt alienated; and viewed as an outcast. This upbringing gave him plenty of time to read between the lines and question what was right and wrong with society . Abe was the younger bro. of Chewy, but there was 9 yrs difference between them, so they never really bonded as a family. Experiencing disfunctional family issues he found escape through music when his older brother Big B helped buy him his first bass. Abes influence stems from many different experiences, books, and people. Taking all of this into account, one can see why the band is radical in their way of thinking and being. The Proletariates don't just believe in what their lyrics and music portray; they live it! Having gotten inspiration from early punk groups such as, Crass, and Subhumans. They have always done music to set themselves apart and to make people aware of how messed up this society is. In Chewys words, "We are not here to tell you how to fix it. We are here to tell you what is wrong and needs fixin. You can say awaken you! But we most definately not gonna tell you what to do. You need to decide that for yourself and if I told you how to do it, then that would make me just as f*cked up as those that have f*ucked this world up". In a time when all things have gone commerical, once political movements sold out to writting music about fancy cars, diamonds, or how some girl just broke thier heart; The Proletariates are one big breath of fresh air!