Punk’s Not Dead: An Interview with Olifer Rock Shop

A rough-edged banner with bold, black-and-white splatter lettering, slapped together with photocopied guitars and skulls, hangs from an unassuming building on State Street. It’s a design that screams “punk.”

When you meet the person behind the banner, he greets you with a friendly invitation: “Hey, we’re selling tacos and horchata at our next punk show. Come check out all the local bands and DIY artists we’ll be showcasing.” Just like that, you learn that the event is being held at Olifer Rock Shop, a hidden local gem in the underground music scene and a safe space for all ages.

“We need more spaces, but you have to make them and you gotta find them, nobody is going to make it happen unless you do.”

Once a print shop, Olifer Rock Shop has evolved into more than just a punk merchandise store — it’s a thriving hub for local musicians and DIY artists. In addition to hosting punk, grindcore and ska shows, the shop provides a space for independent artists to sell their work — far from the cookie-cutter corporate chain store you’ll find in a mall.

Fernando Rojas, also known as Olifer, was originally born in Mexico City and was raised in California. He moved to Utah in 2007 and later opened the shop on August 5, 2020. Ever since then, Olifer Rock Shop has been a staple in the underground community. Now approaching its fifth anniversary, the shop celebrates each year in September.

“Bands come here, and we make them patches so they can sell their merch. They also play live for us — we’re always looking for new bands to perform,” says Bianca, a close friend of Olifer and a friendly face at the front desk who helps run the shop. “We try to keep it all-ages since so many venues around here are 21 and over. I remember what it was like not being able to get into places, so we want to create something that everyone can enjoy.”

Olifer and Bianca emphasize the need for younger generations to have a creative outlet for self-expression — music being one of the most powerful ways to vent and connect. “We need more spaces, but you have to make them and you gotta find them, nobody is going to make it happen unless you do,” says Bianca. “We’re just doing it because it’s fucking boring. We pretty much came to this place because there was nothing much going on, so [we thought] ‘fuck it.’ There’s a need within the community, so we might as well fill it. Give the people an outlet.”

“We try to keep it all-ages since so many venues around here are 21 and over. I remember what it was like not being able to get into places, so we want to create something that everyone can enjoy.”

Olifer and Bianca share their future goals for the shop — especially with Salt Lake City’s growing population — and acknowledge the need for something new. “We’re pretty much at max capacity, so we do need a bigger space. But they’re pretty expensive. I’m looking for something big so we can do shows indoors. Hopefully, we can start a venue so we can get bands to play indoors,” says Olifer. Expanding would mean more space for up-and-coming bands, more room for artists to showcase their work, and a larger community space.

Olifer and Bianca encourage the younger generation to get involved and support the underground music scene with a straightforward message: “Go support the homies. If you don’t tell your friends about your show, then no one’s going to show up. Don’t be afraid to tell people to go to your shows. Don’t be afraid of looking stupid. When you’re into something, do it yourself. No one else will.” Visit Olifer Rock Shop at 3457 State St. and follow them on Instagram at @olifer_rock.

Read more highlights on sick local music spots:
SLUG Mag’s Dead Venues Crossword
Black Lung Society: Ogden’s Haven for Subculture