Blacklist Union’s Tony West says: “Our music is kick-in-the-ass rock” – new single “Up In Smoke” out now

Blacklist Union is a rock band hailing from Los Angeles, known for their intense sound and deep, thought-provoking lyrics. Their music blends classic rock, punk, and grunge – yet still manages to sound fresh and current. Chaoszine caught up with the band’s founder and vocalist, Tony West, for an interview. He shared some insights into the history of Blacklist Union, their career, and what the future holds – and also revealed his favorite Finnish bands. Read the full interview below and check out the new single “Up In Smoke”!

Hello Tony and welcome to Chaoszine’s interview! How’s it going?

Tony West: It’s going good. I love the name of your zine because it reminds me of my friend Casey Chaos. He was the singer of Amen, and is no longer with us. I’ll take that as a sign that he’s saying hello.

I think Blacklist Union might be a bit unfamiliar to some of our readers, so could you tell us a little about the band?

Tony West: We know there’s lots of people that love rock n’ roll that still don’t know who we are. We’re about to put out our sixth record. We deliver the rock ‘n’ roll, and we’re not gonna go away.

How did the band get started?

Tony West: I found the guys who were the best players with the worst reputations. That’s how we got started in the streets of Hollywood.

Who’s in the current lineup? Has there been many changes in the lineup throughout the years?

Tony West: I’ve gotten to work with a lot of great people, and I’ve had to work with a lot of assholes. Luckily, the great people stuck around, and the assholes fell to the side, like they always do in any situation in life. As far as lineup changes, the one consistent thing is me, our sound, and our producer Chris Johnson, who is the sixth member of the band.

What kind of music fans or fans of which bands would you recommend Blacklist Union to?

Tony West: We are calling upon bands like Aerosmith, AC/DC, Guns N’ Roses, Turbonegro, and Social Distortion to take us on the road with them doing direct support. Although we’ve been around for a while, we are the new blood of rock ‘n’ roll, carrying the torch and the flag. We are ready to tour with the big boys. So we ask of them, please take a chance on us like people took a chance on you.

Your sixth album called “Slay the Dragon” is coming out soon—what can you tell us about it?

Tony West: I can tell you that it is packed with kickass rock ‘n’ roll songs that will make you wanna fuck, fight, and drink.

From what I’ve gathered, you’re the main songwriter in the band — is that right? What’s your songwriting process like and what inspires your songs?

Tony West: I’ve been able to write with a lot of great songwriters. Todd Youth and I wrote a song off the “Til Death Do Us Part” record called “Diggin’ 4 Gold”. And then Me and Todd ended up writing a whole record. I wrote “Back to Momo” with Todd Youth.

We had an amazing writing relationship. Unfortunately, he left this realm, and I questioned what to do for a long time because a writing relationship is just like any intimate relationship. I was searching for people to write with.

Me and Chris Johnson, who’s been the sixth member of the band since Day 1, decided to start writing together. I thought to myself, what better person than Chris? He knows my style, he knows my voice, and he’s an amazing songwriter. He’s worked with some of the biggest bands in the world, and plus, he’s my brother.

Any chance Blacklist Union will be playing in Scandinavia soon? Have you ever been here before?

Tony West: We certainly hope to get there soon. We’re looking forward to playing in Scandinavia. Of course, we’re really into Hanoi Rocks and Turbonegro… HIM is another band we love.

If you had to sum up the band in three words, what would you say?

Tony West: Kick, Ass, Rock

Thanks for your time, Tony! Any final words or shoutouts you’d like to share with our readers?

Tony West: Check out the new single “Up In Smoke” and previous “Mississippi Moonhound”. This shit will fuckin’ blow your hair back. Listen to the records. Listen to the songs. Read the lyrics. Watch the videos. Tell a friend.

As fans across Europe eagerly await tour announcements, the most up-to-date gig calendar is available on Blacklist Union’s official website. The next chance to catch the band live is on July 12th at Crüefest, hosted at the legendary Whisky a Go Go — a must-see for longtime followers! After that, the next confirmed show will take place in Los Angeles on September 13th.

Check out these links for more info: Instagram, Facebook, X, TikTok, Bandcamp, Spotify