Ken Casey made an exciting appearance on Loudwire Nights on Thursday, July 17, to discuss the vibrant details of For the People, the latest and highly anticipated album from the renowned punk band Dropkick Murphys. The album showcases the band’s evolution and their undying passion for music, making it a must-listen for fans and newcomers alike.

Catch the full conversation by tuning into the player located towards the end of this article, where you can dive deeper into this engaging dialogue.

“Whenever you release new music and prepare to embark on a tour, it brings an exhilarating sense of excitement,” Casey shared with host Chuck Armstrong, highlighting the emotional connection artists feel during these pivotal moments.

“A significant amount of time and effort is dedicated to the creative process — we began writing these songs a year ago. By the time we finish writing, recording, designing the artwork, and managing submissions, it’s an extensive process. The anticipation of release feels like Christmas,” he expressed, emphasizing the love and labor behind each creation.

For the People represents Dropkick Murphys’ remarkable 13th studio album, and Casey reflected on the band’s incredible journey, admitting it’s astonishing that they have reached such a milestone in their career.

“I truly don’t know how we got here,” he confessed, revealing his surprise at the band’s enduring success.

“The band initially formed from a casual bet. I had never played music before, and a colleague suggested I form a band to open for his group with just three weeks’ notice … Now, three decades later and 13 albums into our journey, I look back at all the laminates and the countless miles we’ve traveled. If someone were to ask me if I would do it all over again, I might have to say no,” he shared humorously, reflecting on the challenges of his long career.

Casey mentioned that he approaches each day of his journey with a sense of mindfulness and gratitude, attributing the band’s longevity to this perspective.

“We have reached three decades by focusing on the next show and the following album, genuinely enjoying the ride along the way,” he revealed, highlighting the importance of savoring each moment in their musical journey.

“But there are times when I find myself scratching my head, thinking, ‘How on earth did we get here?'” he remarked, underscoring the surreal nature of their long-standing success.

As he spoke to the audience of Loudwire Nights, Casey noted that he doesn’t often reflect on his career, but as Dropkick Murphys nears the significant milestone of 30 years, he can’t help but take a moment to look back and appreciate their impact.

“Since our inception, we’ve stood firmly against racism, far-right politics, and social injustice,” Casey stated passionately.

“If you choose to be a band with such principles for 30 years and find yourself in today’s climate without speaking out, it raises the question of why you would remain silent. Many people are choosing to stay quiet because they fear backlash, potential business repercussions, or the wrath of online trolls,” he commented, addressing the challenges artists face today. [are doing that]

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Reflecting on this issue, Casey asserted that silence has never been an option for Dropkick Murphys.

“Many choose to keep their heads down during these challenging times. However, that would betray everything Dropkick Murphys was founded upon. So here we are, unapologetically standing our ground,” he concluded with conviction.

Key Insights from Ken Casey’s Discussion on Loudwire Nights

• Authenticity in Songwriting: “I truly believe we have never crafted a song about anything that we weren’t emotionally connected to or involved in. Well, maybe ‘Kiss Me, I’m Shitfaced’ — we weren’t emotionally impacted by that one … [But even that] it portrays the frustrating experience of dealing with a person who is so out of touch with reality due to their drunkenness. But that’s the beauty of Irish music; it allows people to transform even the most somber themes of death, war, and famine into anthemic sing-alongs.”
• Overcoming Challenges in Message-Driven Music: “The easier path in any endeavor is rarely the most fulfilling one. Sometimes taking a more challenging route, where we express our true feelings, is what ultimately brings satisfaction. It would certainly be less contentious if we chose silence, but I don’t think I would feel as fulfilled in life,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of authenticity.
• Excitement for Upcoming Tour with Bad Religion: “It’s a privilege to be a band for 30 years and tour alongside another group where we feel like the younger siblings. Their music and messages have inspired us, and it’s bands like Bad Religion that empowered us to find our voice. Spending a summer with like-minded individuals will undoubtedly be an enriching experience,” he expressed, showing enthusiasm for the collaboration.

Catch the Full Interview in the Podcast Player Below

Ken Casey appeared on Loudwire Nights on Thursday, July 17; the show replays online here, and you can catch it live every weeknight at 7 PM ET on the Loudwire app. Additionally, you can check if the show is broadcasted on your local radio station and listen to interviews on-demand.