In the Chinese zodiac, the dragon is a symbol of strength and harmony. Not surprisingly the two leaders of Year of the Dragon, Roderick "Rodcore" Palmer, and Walter Adam Kibby, II AKA Dirty Walt, were born within days of each other under that sign. Rodcore, has had various starts and stops with different incarnations of YOTD in the past between stints with other LA based bands, but it was not until Dirty Walt left the band that he co-founded and co-led for over twenty-five years, Ska-Punk-Funk legends Fishbone along with fellow former Fishbone solider guitarist Spacey T, that the seeds of the current YOTD were planted.

Hey Walt, thanks for doing this interview. Please tell us a bit about yourself and Year of the Dragon.

Well I am the one and only Dog King of the Freaks, Reppin' Year of the Dragon and OG from Fishbone.

What made you and Rodcore decide to leave Fishbone and form your own band?

I left the band Fishbone in 03, because of Anger and Bizzness reasons, and YOTD was born!!

What opportunities do you feel like you have musically in Year of the Dragon that you might not have had in Fishbone?

It's just easy to work with YOTD than the Bone, Less headaches and pain!!

You've gone through a lot of different band members so far, do you feel like you have the right mix of musicians now to carry out the sound you want?

Oh Yeah, Fo Sho!!

What's been the hardest part of keeping Year of the Dragon afloat all these years? What gives you the staying power to keep going?

The hard part about it is money and time to do it, but I believe in this band, and if I believe, I'll do it till the wheels fall off!! For the love of what I'm doing keeps me going.

How did you get involved with Greg Hetson and Stylus Records? What's that partnership like?

We ran into Uncle Greg after YOTD left the IBCT, to work on new material, and we fit like a glove.

Will Greg be producing your new full-length like he did with the EP?

Only if he has the time, he's a bizzy man, I hope so.

Will you be touring after the album is released?

I say Yes!! Alive and Raw!! The YOTD Way!!

Any dates opening for Bad Religion or Circle Jerks coming up?

I Wish, that would be nice.

You've released solo albums, do you plan on doing that again someday or does YOTD satisfy your creative itch?

Right now I'm focused on YOTD, I'm aways working on my solo stuff in my off time, when I feel Funky!!

What are you most excited about in 2012, the Year of the Dragon?

I'm most excited to be Alive!! In this Year of the Dragon 2012!! Five Fingers of Def!! More to come!!

Thanks for the interview, Walt. Hopefully the world doesn't end in December so we can meet one day. Any last words of wisdom?

We will be here, and we will meet, and Smoke Weed Everyday!! DW!!

Punk Globe would like to thank Dirty Walt for the interview....