We Knew Nothing: The Punk Band Defying Convention with Cannabis and Music

John Backer, the driving force behind the punk band We Knew Nothing, is a Los Angeles native whose creative process is deeply intertwined with cannabis. Backer, who suffers from cyclical vomiting syndrome, finds that cannabis not only alleviates his symptoms but also fuels his creativity. "I smoke all the time," he admits, underscoring the role of cannabis in his life and work. For Backer, rolling blunts in the studio is as much a ritual as it is a necessity, helping him craft music that feels authentic to his experiences

Backer's journey into music and cannabis began at an early age. His first encounter with cannabis was at age 11, under a storm drain with his cousin, who introduced him to both a bong and a copy of High Times. Growing up in a musically inclined household, Backer's father, an aspiring author turned educational grant writer, instilled in him a deep appreciation for music. This foundation led Backer to explore various musical genres, from hardcore punk to pop-punk bands like Blink-182 and Green Day, and eventually into the realm of film, where he worked on major productions like 'Avatar' and 'Transformers.'

The formation of We Knew Nothing marked a new chapter for Backer, who sought to create a sound that was both emotionally resonant and musically complex. With influences ranging from Rick Rubin to post-hardcore bands, Backer emphasizes the importance of authenticity in his art. "The last people that should come into your mind while making art are the audience," he states, advocating for a creative process that remains true to the artist's vision. This philosophy is evident in the band's upcoming projects, which promise a heavier, more post-hardcore sound

Collaboration has been key to Backer's success, particularly his partnership with producer Cody Benjamin. Introduced by a mutual friend, the two quickly developed a strong creative synergy, producing multiple tracks in a single session. "Cody and I are almost telepathically talking to each other," Backer notes, highlighting the seamless communication and shared vision that drive their work. This collaboration has resulted in a nearly completed debut EP, with a second album already in progress

Backer's vision for punk music extends beyond sound to encompass a moral and political dimension. He believes punk should be "anti-establishment, pro-worker rights, pro-union, pro-equality," and criticizes those who claim punk identity while ignoring these principles. His track "CIA: Can't Imagine Alternatives" exemplifies this ethos, addressing America's imperialistic actions and urging listeners to question the status quo. Backer argues that true punk artists must engage with political issues, using their platform to challenge systemic injustices

Looking ahead, Backer is eager to integrate cannabis culture into his live performances, advocating for weed-friendly environments at concerts to reduce alcohol-fueled altercations. He envisions a future where cannabis is as accepted as alcohol, particularly in music scenes. "The more it becomes legal around the country, the more people see they were crazy for thinking anything else," he asserts. Backer's ambitions for We Knew Nothing include headlining major festivals and incorporating 3D visual elements into their shows, blending his musical and cinematic expertise

Ultimately, Backer's mission with We Knew Nothing is to challenge the conventions of both music and society. He aims to create a space where punk music can thrive as a vehicle for political and social commentary, encouraging other artists to do the same. "If you’re a punk artist and you don’t have at least two or three political songs talking about major issues you disagree with, then you’re not really a punk or hardcore artist," he declares. Through his work, Backer hopes to inspire a new generation of musicians to stand up and fight back against the system