I recently had the chance to catch up with John McGeown from BlackWristBand on all things music and food. What better way to capture this band’s early 2000s punk music-inspired vibe than a nostalgic country fried steak recipe? Check it out below! 

When I asked John about his start in music, he shared that he’s been playing since he was about eight years old. He began with the piano, then played the clarinet in fifth and sixth grade. By the time he was ten, he became fascinated with drums, but his parents weren’t thrilled about the noise. Without a drum kit, he practiced by tapping drumsticks on the carpeted stairs and even built his own makeshift drum set using pots, pans, and a cardboard box reinforced with duct tape. At 11, while living in California, John’s aunt visited and saw his passion for drumming. Realizing he needed a real drum kit, his parents, his aunt, and even John himself pitched in to buy a used Ludwig drum set for $60. However, it was incomplete, so he gradually gathered the necessary pieces and officially started playing drums. At the same time, John’s mother owned two classical guitars—a Takamine and an Ovation. While she didn’t want him touching the Ovation, he started learning on the Takamine and developed a deep love for guitar. Despite this, his drumming skills stood out, and as he got older, he realized there were plenty of guitar players but fewer drummers, which led him to focus more on percussion. By 12, John was playing in makeshift bands, and when he moved to Glasgow, Scotland, at 13, his musical journey continued. His family stayed with another family in a neighborhood called Kelvinside Gardens. Their son, Edward, had a drum set and a guitar in their living room, so they started playing together. Since then, John has been performing in bands consistently, carrying his passion for music wherever he goes.

 

 

John’s relationship with music has been a constant push and pull throughout his life. In high school, he was drawn into the punk and hardcore scene after attending a show at the Fireside Bowl, where he instantly connected with its raw energy and angst. That scene became a place where he felt he truly belonged, even if the bands were just playing in basements. However, life took him in different directions. After being kicked out of high school, he considered touring with friends but ended up joining the Navy in 1999, serving until 2003. With no access to a drum set while living on a ship, music took a backseat. Yet every time he stepped away from it, he felt a part of himself slipping, always finding his way back. 

After leaving the Navy, fate brought him back to Chicago, where he reimmersed himself in the punk and hardcore scene. Despite the rise of indie rock at the time, his heart remained with punk’s energy and ethos. While balancing his growing responsibilities—starting a business and becoming a father in 2011—music remained a constant, though sometimes in a more casual role. He played as a session drummer, recorded an album with The Blind Staggers in 2015, and always kept his guitar close. In 2017, a renewed passion led him to home recording, downloading Logic, and revisiting unfinished ideas from his teenage years. Many of the songs on My Escape, the debut album from BlackWristBand, originated when he was just 15. The album’s name reflects what music has always been for him—an outlet, a form of release. He even considered calling it Late Bloomer, a title he might save for a future project. Ultimately, My Escape represents his lifelong journey with music, one that has always drawn him back, no matter where life has taken him.

John draws inspiration from a diverse range of artists, blending punk, hardcore, and grunge influences. Some of his biggest inspirations include Pink Floyd and Queens of the Stone Age, but he was also heavily shaped by Chicago’s punk scene, admiring bands like Screeching Weasel, Oblivion, Apocalypse Hoboken, and Pegboy. During high school at Lane Tech, he immersed himself in Chicago’s music culture before discovering the New York hardcore scene with bands like H2O, Madball, and Agnostic Front. Beyond punk, he also gravitated toward alternative and grunge, citing Kurt Cobain, Soundgarden, and Radiohead’s Pablo Honey as key influences.

Looking ahead, John is gearing up for the release of My Escape, the debut album from BlackWristBand, with a record release show on April 10th in Chicago. What makes this album special is that John did it all himself—writing, performing, and recording every instrument, from drums and guitars to bass and vocals. While he had production and engineering support from Jeff Dean at The Echo Mill and mastering by Justin Perkins at Mystery Room Mastering, the music itself is entirely his creation. A standout single from the album, “I Don’t Care”, captures raw emotion, channeling themes of detachment, community, and self-discovery—largely influenced by his time in the Navy. Despite its title, the song fosters a deep sense of connection, embodying the spirit of punk rock with layered emotions and high-energy instrumentation. The music video, directed by Miguel Echimendia, further amplifies the song’s intensity. My Escape is a deeply personal project, full of angst, emotion, and powerful drumming. The album reflects the evolution of punk—embracing raw energy while also exploring depth and vulnerability. For fans of authentic, emotionally charged punk, this record is one to check out. 

My favorites from My Escape are “Second Chances,” “Eternal Rest,” and “Mirror.” Each of these tracks transported me back to my early appreciation of punk music, particularly the raw energy of the early 2000s punk scene. “Second Chances” immediately evoked that era, with a sound reminiscent of classic punk influences—there’s even a hint of Green Day in there. “Eternal Rest” carries a similar nostalgic punch, blending punk and grunge-alternative elements with strong vocals and dynamic instrumentals. Overall, these tracks capture the spirit of early punk while maintaining a fresh edge. If you’re checking out the album, these three songs are a must-listen along with “I Don’t Care”. 

While My Escape is John McGeown’s debut release, he’s far from new to the music scene. This album marks a turning point for him—moving past hesitation and fully committing to sharing his work. Instead of putting things off, he’s embraced the mindset of taking action and releasing his music now. BlackWristBand is just getting started, and with an entire notebook full of songs and fresh ideas constantly flowing, there’s plenty more to come. I’m excited to see what’s next and can’t wait to hear more from BlackWristBand in the future. If you’re in Chicago, don’t miss the album release show on April 10th at Gman Tavern, and be sure to get My Escape on all streaming platforms. 

Download My Escape From Bandcamp 

When it comes to food, John’s top choice is country fried steak with mashed potatoes, corn, and white gravy—a true classic for him. Another dish close to his heart is Scottish mince with tatties, a traditional stew made with beef or lamb, served with mashed potatoes, brown gravy, peas, and carrots, a staple from his father’s Glasgow roots. John’s grandmother also had a unique cooking style, often throwing together “trash can salads”—a mix of whatever was in the kitchen. She was also known for her Coca-Cola or Pepsi-Cola chicken, a dish that, despite its unconventional ingredients, always turned out delicious. Daily, John prefers to keep his meals clean and healthy, typically eating fish with rice and vegetables. However, if he had to pick one food for life, it would be tacos—his ultimate favorite, especially when it comes to Mexican cuisine. When indulging, he enjoys pizza, cheeseburgers, chicken wings, and nachos, with a deep love for Texas barbecue. For breakfast, John’s go-to is corned beef hash with runny eggs—always paired with Tabasco sauce. As for snacks, he gravitates toward Nerds Gummy Clusters and anything Reese’s. While he doesn’t have a big sweet tooth, he enjoys brownie à la mode, sticky toffee pudding, and the occasional scoop of ice cream. On a regular day, he sticks to protein bars or shakes, aiming to minimize snacking.

Given his love for comforting and indulgent meals, a country fried steak felt like the perfect dish to highlight in this feature. It’s nostalgic, hearty, and full of flavor—just like John’s approach to food and music. Be sure to check out the recipe below!

 

Country Fried Steak

Ingredients For Steak 

  • 4 cube steaks  (about 5 ounces each steak)
  •  1 cup all-purpose flour
  •  salt and black pepper to taste
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  •  ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  •  2 large eggs
  •  ½ cup whole milk
  •  1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

Ingredients For Sawmill Gravy 

  • ¼ cup pan drippings (from frying the steaks)
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Directions 

  1. Mix flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika in a shallow dish.
  2. In another dish, whisk together the eggs and milk.
  3. Coat each cube steak in the seasoned flour, dip it in the egg mixture, and then coat again in the flour. Press the flour mixture onto the steak to ensure a good crust.
  4. Heat vegetable oil in a large cast-iron skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat (about 350°F).
  5. Fry the steaks for 4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
  6. Remove the steaks and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Keep warm.
  7. Discard all but ¼ cup of the pan drippings and reduce heat to medium-low using the same pan used for frying the steaks.
  8. Stir in ¼ cup flour and whisk constantly for 2 minutes until the mixture turns light golden.
  9. Gradually add 2 cups of milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
  10. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  11. Continue stirring until the gravy thickens, about 5 minutes. Pour the sawmill gravy over the fried steaks, garnish with parsley, and serve with mashed potatoes and corn. Enjoy!