Ep. 283: Rob Rufus discusses Blacklist Royals “Punk Rock Survivors”

Chris DeMakes A Podcast

Chris DeMakes

Music History, Music Commentary, Music, Music Interviews

4.9 • 923 Ratings

🗓️ 10 November 2025

⏱️ 58 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

In this episode, Blacklist Royals drummer Rob Rufus sits in for a heartfelt conversation about the band's powerful new single, "Punk Rock Survivors." The song was shaped by Rob’s personal battle with cancer and the themes of resilience and survival found in his memoir Die Young with Me. Rob opens up about the therapeutic nature of songwriting, the importance of vulnerability in music, and how simple, honest lyrics can create a profound connection with listeners. This episode offers a deep dive into the making of a track that aims to resonate with anyone who’s ever fought through hard times. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at ⁠http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at ⁠http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/⁠ Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	This episode is brought to you by Distro Kid.
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0:32.6	When the doctors told me I was gonna die,
0:38.3	They couldn't look me in the-
0:40.4	Today's guest is Rob Rufus,
0:42.8	drummer for the Nashville Tennessee punk rock band, Blacklist Royals.
0:47.3	Together we break down the writing, recording, and inspiration
0:50.3	behind the 2025 single, Punk Rock Survivors, taken from their brand new four-song
0:56.2	EP of the same name. Rob said he initially wrote the song for a musical adaptation of his
1:02.1	memoir titled Die Young with Me. That book was about Rob, his twin brother Knapped, their story
1:08.3	of growing up punk and Rob getting the news at 17 that he had
1:12.0	stage 4 cancer. Nat plays guitar and sings for Blacklist Royals, and I mentioned to Rob that
	...

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