Rise Against Quotes

"There's a lot of misrepresentation of punk rock in the mainstream. There are a lot of bands that are saying they're punk rock but are not at all. I think the public can be confused on what's punk rock or what can be seen as punk rock. I'm not saying 'We're the real deal' but I'm saying that there is a difference." Joe is upset at the trend of these quasi punk bands, but is fascinated with the current status of the real punk rock bands currently on the scene. "There's this resurgence of the whole screamo style. I think [punk's] going to go back to the more aggressive, fast roots. I think it always comes full circle every fifteen years or so."
Joe Principe

Joe usually has song ideas that he presents at practice and we just mold them into songs from there. As far as lyrics, I have a journal full of lyrics and I decide what mood the song has, the whole feel of it, and find lyrics that'd be appropriate with that.
Tim Mcilrath

"We have been getting press specifically on the political aspect of our band. We are labeled as a political band, but we don't want to be pigeon-holed. We do have strong views on politics, but we don't want that to be our main focus."
Joe Principe

"It was obvious that the popular vote got what they wanted, and we were very disheartened that so many people believe what he's doing is right. I think a lot of people voted out of fear of terrorism, but no one looks at other issues."
Joe Principe

"Thank you to our fans. We've been doing this for five years and it just keeps getting better and better. We're in awe and we're really appreciative."
Joe Principe