Six Crucial Questions For SICKWALT Frontman Walt Novak

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When we last wrote about SICKWALT in December 2015, we described the punk band as fast and fun, as if it were the child of the New York Dolls and Dead Kennedys.

The group is now out with a new EP — and a vinyl pressing — called GET WELL SOON.

To hear the bands’s glammer-core stylings, click here.

To learn more about the band, we have just the feature for you.

Below are our SIX CRUCIAL QUESTIONS for SICKWALT frontman Walt Novak.

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Photo by Hannah Soule

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NAME: Walter Novak (pictured above)

AGE (if you want to give it up): Been Around

BAND: SICKWALT

POSITION: Singer

HOMETOWN: New York City

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1. What is your earliest musical memory?

When I was 7-years-old.

I grew up with a HUGE stack of my parents’ Beatles 45’s. And I always played them on my Fisher Price record player. I DISTINCTLY remember being 7-years-old and jumping on my bed, air-guitaring, and going NUTS to the Beatles’ song “Revolution”!! That opening wicked guitar riff, and then that balls-out scream!! The opening to that song channeled me right to punk rock music and the spirit of rock n roll!!

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2. What has been your most embarrassing musical moment?

I am not a technical singer. I am very much like Ozzy Osborne was in the beginning. All passion and energy, but didn’t know the technical intricate side of music. Im learning more and more as my singing journey continues, but one of my most embarrassing moments in singing came when I was doing an ensemble piece and the director is asking people to sing certain notes. Like – ‘Oh Sally, sing the F sharp for me?’ or “Tommy, please hit your E minor”, and I’m sitting there, like, oh geez, I have NO freakin’ clue.

So, I didn’t fake it, I stood up and told them, I don’t know the technical names of the notes, but I have a good ear, I know music and the basics, so just kick me in the shins if I am singing off key and screwing up your song.

Other embarrassing moments, falling off the stage because I was too drunk. My zipper on my pants broke after the first song one show, so played it very rock n’ roll, but had to hold my belt and crotch most of the show because I go ‘commando style.’

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3. What do you like and dislike about touring?

Love the family style with the band. Hanging out together. Dislikes? Cranky people that put it on others and make it tense.

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4. What is your favorite record store, anywhere in the world?

My favorite is MR. CHEAPO’s RECORD STORE on Willis Avenue in Mineola, Long Island. I went to high school out there, so I was ALWAYS in that store. Killing time waiting for a bus, or just hanging with my boys, kickin’ the jams after school.

Couldn’t wait to get a new record/tape and listen to it. Later on it was TOWER RECORDS on 4^th St. and Broadway in NYC. Real shame TOWER went out of business. Watch the documentary about the TOWER RECORDS chain and family. It’s fantastic. Great music spirit. Interesting, cool people, that loved to share music and everything that comes with music. Great family of people.

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Photo by Hannah Soule

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5. Other than your own music, what is your favorite song or album of all-time? Why?

You ask a very tough question. I love SO much music. But I’m going to say JANE’s ADDICTION – Nothing’s Shocking.

I was a junior in high school. I’m 16, 17-years-old. And I’ll never forget my best friend Mark O’Brien handing me the tape in the hallway between classes. Album blew my mind. We were metal heads getting into punk and hardcore. And that album just had it all. Attitude with the music. Crushing and phenomenal. I love Perry Farrell.

There are a few other great album memories like that, but Jane’s Addiction has carried the time span. Still LOVE listening to all their stuff. My first band was the Ramones when I was 13. Still LOVE all their stuff, but can’t narrow down to an album. Ramones are my religion.

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6. You wake up in a seedy Berlin hotel room with no recollection of the past 96 hours. Who is your first call?

Wow! 96 hours is some f**kin bender! No recollection? Ha! Holy Mackerel.

I’d check for my wallet and call for the nearest hospital to get myself tested for STD’s!! Then I’d channel the spirit of Lemmy Kilmister and ask him where to get a good schnitzel.

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Photo by Hannah Soule