La Versión Extendida de las Cosas (Costa Rica). Photo courtesy of  Craig Mazer

Seven bands. Six countries. One Monday night in Orlando.

On October 19, Will’s Pub becomes a meeting place for punk musicians from across the globe as Foreign Dissent returns for its 11th edition. The international punk showcase brings together bands from Japan, Austria, Greece, Wales, England, and Costa Rica, all making their way through Florida ahead of THE FEST, Gainesville’s multi-day punk festival.

Since 2014, founder Craig Mazer has been giving international punk bands another reason to stop in Orlando. Pulp City Magazine asked Mazer how it all started, why the showcase has stayed here, and what keeps him bringing the world to Mills Avenue.

Pulp City: What inspired you to start Foreign Dissent in 2014, and how did the idea originally come together?

Craig Mazer: In 2014, I was asked to book a show at Will’s Pub for Laura Palmer, who was scheduled to play THE FEST in Gainesville, a long-running, multi-day punk rock festival. I assumed Laura Palmer was a solo act, so I was surprised to find a three-piece punk band from Australia named after the cult-classic TV show Twin Peaks.

After one listen, I agreed to book them and decided to see if other non-U.S. bands heading to THE FEST wanted in. Some thought it was a foolish idea. A lineup of all non-U.S. bands with no local support? You must be out of your mind!

But it was too late. The concept was too exciting and unique not to move forward.

The illustrious Joe Williams signed on to handle the art (and has every year since except FD9), and local Orlando musicians volunteered their amps and drum kit so the bands didn’t have to haul gear across an ocean.

Five bands from four countries played that first night, and Foreign Dissent was born.

Pulp City: How did the relationship with THE FEST in Gainesville develop, and how do you go about selecting the international bands that perform in Orlando?

Mazer: After the success of year one, and how much fun I had pulling off such a unique concept, I knew it had to continue.

Fortunately, FEST organizer Tony Weinbender backed the idea and started telling the international bands about Foreign Dissent when they were invited to play THE FEST. That took a lot of the legwork off me, because now bands were reaching out to me.

I try to build a diverse lineup of sounds and experiences, but I’m also limited by the bands that are coming for THE FEST (usually ~15-25 international bands).

The one hard rule is that every band comes from outside the US. We also generally don’t do repeat performers, though a few have earned an exception, like Costa Rica’s La Versión Extendida de las Cosas, who returns this year after playing FD8.

Pulp City: Foreign Dissent has called Orlando home since 2014. What is it about the city, its music community, and Will’s Pub that has kept the festival here for 11 editions?

Mazer: I’ve been in Orlando since the early ’90s, and the music community here helped shape the person I am today. I’m so grateful for the variety of venues, bands, and music lovers who keep this scene going.

That community is built into how Foreign Dissent works: every year, local musicians loan their gear so the traveling bands can share a backline (shoutout to Orlando Girls Rock Camp and Micky Michalec, who provide all the gear these days).

And Will’s Pub is Orlando’s crown jewel of music venues. It has supported DIY music from day one (over 30 years!), has hosted every Foreign Dissent, and continues to play an integral role for both local and touring bands.

Pulp City: Foreign Dissent operates on a zero-profit model, with all door proceeds going to the bands. Why was that important to you, and how have you sustained that approach over the years?

Mazer: I’m fortunate that I can afford to support this passion project so that all the money goes to the bands.

I recognize that privilege, and I’m grateful I can use it to help these far-traveling bands without taking any door or sponsorship money to cover my own costs (artwork, printing, advertising, etc.).

Park Ave CDs, Orlando’s best record store, has been our exclusive sponsor since 2023 (FD8), and that money goes straight to the bands too.

Making the trip is very expensive, so this puts more in their pockets after they’ve traveled all this way to gift us with their music in person.