Q & A with Ogden-based punk rock band Hi Fi Murder reveals the story behind their name, over two decades of shows, a new album, and years of community giving—”we're not the monsters some like to label us.”

By Deann Armes

MUSIC NEWS / Q & A

Five local bands are coming together to raise funds for unsheltered youth at the fifth annual Party for a Purpose at Kamikazes in Ogden on Saturday at 7 p.m. Top Shelf Creeps, The Heavy Bucket Band, Hulking Boy Giant, Brad Rizer, and Hi Fi Murder will perform to support Youth Futures, a nonprofit located in Ogden that provides a home and resources for homeless and at-risk youth in Utah. Tickets are $10 cash at the door. We reached out to Hi Fi Murder, a band that has been involved with the event from the beginning, to learn more about their brand of punk.

Q & A

Who founded the band and how has it changed over the years?

The band was formed in early 2000 by brothers Nick and Chris Poulson. Since then, there have been a few personnel changes. Currently, the band is Nick Poulson (vocals), Ryan Baldwin (bass guitar), Jamie Jameson (lead guitar), Josh Retallick (drums), and Justin Leeds (rhythm guitar). Vince Martinez (TNez Management) is the band's manager.

Where was the band’s first show? What venues can people find you playing in these days?

The band started playing shows at Mojo's Cafe, in Ogden, in the Summer of 2000. Since then, the band has played shows all over the Western U.S. Most recently, the band played at the Tiki Bar in Costa Mesa, CA. They have played shows in California, Nevada, Idaho, and Colorado. Locally, the band splits the majority of their time in Salt Lake City and Ogden. They have played The Lighthouse, Kamikazes, and The Funk n' Dive in Ogden and many other venues in Salt Lake City including The Metro, Ice Haus, and Urban Lounge.

Where did the name Hi Fi Murder come from? Do you ever get negative comments about it, and how do you respond?

When the band was founded, the Poulson brothers wanted to capture a name that would create an image of death by music. Death By Stereo was already taken and Murder By Music didn't sound punk rock enough. While listening to records on an old record player, they noticed a Hi-Fi / Stereo switch. The name Hi Fi Murder came from the combination of that switch and the word "Murder.” That's it! (Kind of anticlimactic, isn't it?)

We do get asked about the name, quite often, around Ogden. The name is in no way, shape, or form related to the horrible crimes that occurred in Ogden in March of 1974. When asked about the name, the band members are all more than happy to explain the name and distance it from the murders. We know that it is a sensitive topic, especially in Ogden, however, there is no disrespect intended. Our music is not violent, does not glorify violence, nor does it disrespect any of the victims or family of the victims.

Have you been part of this annual fundraiser before? Why did you get involved?

We have been part of the Youth Futures fundraisers for the past 4 or 5 years. It's an organization that we all support. Some of the band members have experienced homelessness and jumped at the chance to help such a great organization. Youth Futures provides safe shelter, collaborative resources, respectful guidance, and diverse support to homeless, unaccompanied, runaway, and at-risk youth in Utah. In November, the band spent the night on the streets in Ogden to help raise money and awareness for Youth Futures.

Hi Fi Murder has also participated in several other charity events and benefits for local organizations. We love our community and want to give back as much as we can. Ogden is our home and we want to leave it better than we found it.

Are you still writing new music? Any other upcoming shows?

We have a new record that is currently in post-production. We're hoping to get that released by late spring / early summer. We are writing new songs for a new record that we hope to start recording that later next year. We have a couple of shows lined up in December. Saturday, December 10th, we are playing the Youth Futures fundraiser with Brad Rizer, Top Shelf Creeps, The Heavy Bucket Band, and Hulking Boy Giant. On December 30th, we're playing a benefit show to help a friend out with unexpected medical expenses. That show will be at Aces High Saloon, in Salt Lake City.

After the holidays, we will continue lining up and finalizing shows / tours for next year. We'll be in Southern California, Las Vegas, Boise, Denver, and all points in between. Ogden and Salt Lake shows will also be announced.

Come out to a show! Have fun! Get to know the band. You'll see that we're not the monsters some like to label us. You just might have a good time and make some new friends!!  See ya in the pit!!! 

Kamikazes Club is located at 2404 Adams Avenue in Ogden. Tickets are $10 cash at the door. There is an ATM inside the bar. Party for a Purpose is Saturday, December 10 at 7 p.m. There will be live music, a raffle, and prizes.