This Is Hardcore Podcast

Episode 36 Back To The Beginning: TIHC 2006 www.thisishardcorefest.com/podcast/episode36 Its time to talk TIHC. Something I've been meaning to do, but never had the stream of conscience thought or the time to push forward and try to record an episode on my own. This is 2 hours of my thoughts on This Is Hardcore's origins, some ideas and general who, what, where , when and some why's. Some Q & A's to end up then episode. Hopefully this will put some things in perspective for you all. It was hard to do one with no one else, and I think I've got along way to go to touch what Dan Carlin does, but I hope you enjoy this regardless. Opening Track of Episode: Pillars of Ivory "Levicticus" Off the new release "Genesis to Levicticus" PreOrders Up on Triple B Records www.triplebrecords.limitedrun.com/

Episode 35 The Rule of Three.. Featuring Richie Krutch and OG Geoff of Broad Street Breakdown www.thisishardcorefest.com/podcast/episode35 The Long Awaited meeting of the minds!! The Rule Of Three. Back on Episode 25, Richie Krutch of Post America Podcast appeared to the Podcast for the 2nd time. We talked alot which spurned quite a few ideas that were put forth in the last few episodes and we mentioned dropping a podcast with OG Geoff Gavin from Broad Street Breakdown (podcast featuring OG, Vinnie Paz and Pablo). So here it is. This edition is for TIHC Podcast Feed, The Broad Street Breakdown gang has a version up on their feed as well today. What happens when you get the 3 of us talking? Well its alot of love and respect for what the gang is up to individually, we talk up our favorites of Agnostic Front and Madball and we have some fun. This is a bit more light hearted then recent episodes, but after back to back 4 hr plus episodes, this is a good way to catch our breaths have a laugh and begin another feature which will hopefully return more often in all of our Feeds. Episode art by the OG Geoff www.facebook.com/postamericapodcast www.instagram.com/postamericapodcast www.soundcloud.com/the-post-america-podcast hwww.broadstreetbreakdown.com www.facebook.com/BroadStreetBreakdown www.instagram.com/broadstreetbreakdown www.instagram.com/theggavin www.cressonstreettattoo.com/ [email protected] www.instagram.com/wisdominchains Vinne Paz "Papi Wardrobe" Burn Everything That Bears Your Name OUT IN STORES TODAY!!! www.jmtstore.com

Episode 34 Norman Brannon. A Journey from New York Hardcore to Post Hardcore and Back. www.thisishardcorefest.com/podcast/episode34 Norman's story has more turns than most of our guests. But like many of our recent ones, it starts in a familiar place: Queens. From Queens, to the LES and the world of hardcore shows, Norman is someone who fell in love with the culture and street movement and found a family he was looking for within the NYHC world. He'd later find his way from bands and briefly starting a zine to becoming a Krishna Monk, which would later take him all over the country and world with Shelter. In the aftermath of touring, He'd create Anti Matter, the magazine that would change not only the way zines in the 90s read but the way that I personally saw how interviews could work. Though only a few issues, AntiMatter shaped many people's perspective of the growing and changing hardcore world. So many prominent guests and deeper questions than your average fanzine of the time, AntiMatter was the high water mark for zines and its impact would have direct influence in how I do this very podcast. Norman would go on to create Texas Is The Reason and that band's music was a huge inspiration and impact on me as well. There is alot in this story that I want to leave out of the description just so you'll have to listen to the whole thing, but this is a fantastic story that goes many places more than you may think and Norman being in the center of so much of hardcore, punk and emo from 1986 to the present has such a great perspective and as a journalist as well, a truly powerful way to describe the culture and the going ons of the times. There is alot here and its real and deep and at times dark, but the story is truly inspiring and beautiful as well. I am indebted to have this time to talk to someone whose zine and music influenced me at an age where I was looking for things beyond what was already out in the world. This is chock full of history and insight and also a blueprint on how to not give up on yourself and find the strength to move forward and to create your own voice in the world through any means necessary. www.twitter.com/normanbrannon www.instagram.com/normanbrannon www.instagram.com/antimatterxxv Opening Track of the Episode: Time " Burden" (Unreleased Track from Upcoming LP") www.instagram.com/time_the_band www.timetheband.bandcamp.com/ www.hate5six.com/player.php?album=7618117

Episode 33. Darren Walters. Lessons Learned While Changing The Tone of Hardcore and Indie Music . When you talk to someone like Darren Walters, you have the opportunity to learn more than you may never realize. In fact, the kid who would hit a homerun with his first label and first release, Turning Point's 7" on Hi Impact, wouldn't stop there. He'd go on to be a part of Jade Tree Records, which in time would literally change the face, tone and look of Hardcore Punk, Indie and Emo Music. This was recorded in 2 separate sessions due to some technical bugs, but it is best that it runs almost 5 hours and is complete instead of in 2 parts. If you ever wanted to learn about the Music Industry from someone who would later teach Music Industry classes at Drexel University, this is fucking it. From the very beginning of his story, to the very end of Jade Tree, this cover so much. I had such a pleasure with these 2 conversations and there is just so much history and things to glean from. Darren is an inspiration and his work and the legacy of what it did for our scene locally and overall is unbelievable and unparalleled. Opening Track Wired Shut " Momentum" Tomorrow Fades AWay (available May 26th digitally/ Vinyl Sept 22nd Irish Voodoo Records) This is the Debut Track from Wired Shut . Andy Rice (Meltdown/Sinking Ships) Eddy Lloreda (Hoods/Skare Tactic) Dominic DiBenedetto (Slapshot) and Chusko www.wiredshutpdx.com

Episode 32 Walter Schreifels. A Look Into His Early Years. https://www.thisishardcorefest.com/podcast/episode32 Walter Schreifels discography is one of the most celebrated not only in NYHC but in hardcore punk and indie music. Due to a short window of time, the conversation focuses at the very beginning of Walter finding music and hardcore punk in his local area. As another Queens kid, he would benefit greatly from running into local hardcore kids and as they say the rest is history. From his earliest days as a kid in high school finding bands, to eventually being the roadie for Kraut, later playing in bands like Warzone, Youth of Today and starting the Gorilla Biscuits, we hit all the bases for now. We will be reconnecting with Walter to go over what comes after Gorilla Biscuits ends and Quicksand and the age of Post Hardcore begins. Be sure to check out his new show New Direction on www.instagram.com/vanschannel66 focused on Hardcore and Punk, Live show every 1st and 3rd Thursday at 5-7pm ECT, tune in! Follow him on Social Media @: www.instagram.com/walterschreifels www.instagram.com/newdirectionnyc www.twitter.com/waltertown Opening Track of the Episode : Borstal "Refuse To Lose" off of At Her Majesty's Pleasure on 4 Family Records April 1, 2021 Release www.4familyrecords.com www.facebook.com/borstalhc www.instagram.com/borstalhc

Episode 31 Richie Birkenhead.. A Unique Voice. https://www.thisishardcorefest.com/podcast/episode31 From the earliest days of NYHC, Richie Birkenhead was there, but in a different position that you'd might expect. His growing up in Upper West Side and high school would lead him to the Lower East Side and playing in the clubs that would be the first homes for NYHC, which at the time, wasn't even called Hardcore yet. After his first time seeing Bad Brains, Richie was all in and obsessed. So much so, he'd eventually start a band which would turn into Underdog. Underdog has always stood out sonicaly and part of that came from Richie's outstanding vocals. His impact wouldn't end with that band as he would join and be a part of Youth of Today. His time touring with YOT would be the impetus for his taking the art to a new level in Into Another. There is a lot here to dissect and Richie does a wonderful job of giving the details, the feelings and his perspective on a huge part of our history, from its very meager beginnings through the 80s and into the 90s. He is a unique figure as someone whose career began before HC truly began, but would be a member in multiple NYHC bands each of which would be their own force of influence in our culture. His experience, his career and his personal experiences is something that may have been overlooked at times, but is certainly a story I wanted to have on our show so we can hear from someone who watched hardcore shift and helped grow it into something more than it was when he first encountered it. https://www.facebook.com/underdognyc http://www.bridge9.com/underdog https://www.facebook.com/IntoAnother https://intoanother.bandcamp.com/ Help Rob from Brass City Printing with Medical Bills for his Mother's Cancer Surgery https://cthardcore.bigcartel.com/

Episode 30 Parris Mayhew. The Age of Chaos Magic https://www.thisishardcorefest.com/podcast/episode30 Parris Mayhew is someone whose voice has been drowned out in the conversation regarding CroMags for many reasons. Most importantly, he has been very busy with his full time work as a Steadicam operator, working in Film and TV steadily throughout the last 2 decades. In fact, his work had put his musical talents and ambitions on the back burner until March 2020, when the world shut down for Covid. Parris would pick up his instruments, which he has kept for many years and produced what is the first recording that truly brings us right back to the sound of the CroMags. The Aggros, is his new project and their first track “Chaos Magic” has been presented in video form, shot /directed and starring Parris Mayhew. This is a culmination of his talents accrued over the last 4 decades and the product is fantastic. In this conversation, Parris does a wonderful job of retelling old stories from the earliest days of the CroMags, delves deep into the creation and inspiration for some of the most beloved CroMags songs. He also gives amazing detail to what it took to record the video “Chaos Magic” and the story and the lengths he went to get the shots is a testament to his technical abilities and years of experience. From the beginning of the CroMags when Parris recorded and produced the video for “We Gotta Know”, he opened a door towards music video production which we talk about, along with his time in college and the videos he would later produce for bands like Onyx etc. Parris Mayhew may have been quiet in the front lines of the CroMags Online Quarrels, but a lot of what we talk about on here, settles some things in my mind as to the creation of the sound of CroMags, Parris's place in the importance and his role within the band and why he left and hasn't tried to return. There is so much in here, I don't want to give a play by play but I truly feel that after this conversation, many will have a new perspective, not only on the CroMags and Parris's role in the band, but a testament to him as a polymath. From the talent to play and write the songs, to the creativity to direct and produce videos to the technical knowledge as a cameraman, there is a lot more to him than just the other guy from the CroMags I have no doubts when Covid ends and the shows begin, we will see a new age and a world where Parris and The Aggros will bring back that iconic sound that we've come to love and have been yearning for. The Aggros "Chaos Magic" Video https://youtu.be/C1m8v_k4PTA https://www.facebook.com/parris.mayhew https://www.instagram.com/parrismayhew/ https://www.youtube.com/theaggros https://www.instagram.com/the_aggros/ https://www.aggros.nyc https://www.instagram.com/the_aggros/ https://store.drastic-actions.de/en/ Special Thanks to Sunny Singh for the Video Editing and production and sitting in on this episode. https://www.hate5six.com

Episode 29 Danny Diablo. From the Streets of Queens to the Hardcore Scene. www.https://www.thisishardcorefest.com/podcast/episode29 It would be impossible to talk about NYHC without bringing up 2 topics. One is the impact of Queens and the amount of residents who make up a large portion of the talent that would dominate NYHC for 4 decades. The second is EZEC, or Danny Diablo as his stage name is currently. Raised in Queens at a time when Hardcore, Hip Hop, Graffiti all crossed perfectly. The exposure to the subcultures would bring him off the corner and into CBGB's and the world of NYHC. We speak about Queens, his early days as a Sick Of It All Roadie and a number of things general to his early exposure of hardcore, the world of touring and his first band Crown of Thornz. Hopefully we will have him back on and be able to go further into things, but for what we talked about I feel like this is a great introudction to Ezec and his perspective and impact on NYHC and Hip Hop and Graffiti. https://www.instagram.com/dannydiablo_dms/ https://twitter.com/DannyDiablo https://www.cameo.com/dannydiablo https://www.dannydiablomerch.com/ https://twitter.com/force5records https://www.instagram.com/force5records/ http://www.defstarinferno.com Opening Tracks By Sector & RawLife https://www.instagram.com/thechicagosector/ https://www.instagram.com/rawlife_77/ https://rawlife77.bandcamp.com/album/bad-meets-evil-split

EPISODE 28 JEFF GUNNELLS . A STORY OF REDEMPTION. https://www.thisishardcorefest.com/podcast/episode28 This Episode is dedicated to the Memory of Ashley Ann Lohrer Gunnells, Jeff's oldest daughter. Her birthday was March 5, 1988. She would have been 33 on the day of this episode's release. May God Rest Her Soul. The conversation I had with Jeff took place over two separate recordings. We had some minor audio loss but as a whole, the context wasn't loss and this is by far the most honest and touching experiences I've had since I started the podcast. For those who don't know our guest, Jeff Gunnells or Jeff G is best known for being the guitarist and later singer of Detroit Hardcore legends Cold As Life. Much of the early portion of our conversation passed Jeff's background delved into the early days of CAL, the death of Rawn, the first singer of the band. We went through the trials and tribulations from the mid to late 90s and the various changes in members and musical direction. Later we would part from the band side of Jeff's life and go deeper and darker into what would lead Jeff into a 10 year jail sentence. There is so much to Jeff's story, the depth of honesty, the trials and tribulations and the discipline he had to get him through his sentence and the very essence of his emotions during this period and after. We spoke on Jeff's opportunity to become a vocational instructor while serving the end of his time, and how it affected him positively for when he was released. I've linked an article with Jeff being quoted during that time at the end of the notes. Jeff's story is better listened to then read in this format, I truly was stammering at one point as I was dealing with the depth of his story and the emotions in provoked. He held nothing back and shed his public mask as he would say and truly exposed himself and his failings and also his current feelings and how he sees things. I knew we would have a great conversation, as we've not spoken in over 13 years, but I was unprepared for the revelations and the story of his own jailhouse redemption. I truly love this man as a brother and I have nothing but the utmost respect for his ability to share his own story of pain, love and growth as a man. Opening Track: Cold As Life "Where Are We Going" (remastered) off of Born To Land Hard due out on A389 Records later this year. https://www.instagram.com/coldaslifeofficial https://wwmt.com/news/state/new-skilled-trade-program-helps-inmates-climb-rope-out-of-prison-and-on-path-to-new-career

Episode 27 Aaron Earl Heard. Philly Hardcore's Prominent Son. https://www.thisishardcorefest.com/podcast/episode27 PHOTO CREDIT: https://www.instagram.com/shotsbydoncarter Audio Edited by Wyatt Oberholzer. www.wyattoberholzer.com Aaron Earl Heard is someone who've I've watch grow from a young man finding his way into hardcore, to being a Frontman whose charisma, stage presence and powerful vocals brought him out of Pennsylvania suburbs and across the world. The conversation ebbs and flows from Aaron's upbringing and introduction into heavy music. Later we discuss the early days of Jesus Piece and the trials and tribulations of a growing band and what it takes to do Jesus Piece. Having known him quite a while, it was our comfort with each other that allowed the conversation to touch on the feelings of growing up, the similarities and contrasts of our childhoods and later we discuss Aaron becoming a father and the emotions involved in that life changing moment. He is able to be honest, revealing and give us a inside look into the band, his own motivations and his aspirations for the future. https://twitter.com/aaronheard_ https://www.instagram.com/aaronheard_ https://twitter.com/jesuspiecehc https://www.instagram.com/jesuspiecehc https://twitter.com/bandofnothing https://www.instagram.com/bandofnothing https://www.gofundme.com/f/3j2cq-testexample https://www.gofundme.com/f/eddie-leeways-fight-with-cancer Opening Track : BUSHIDO CODE " HARVEST" (DEBUT ) BUSHIDO CODE "THE RONIN" LP WILL BE AVAILABLE APRIL 16TH FROM UPSTATE RECORDS https://www.instagram.com/bushidocodemetal https://www.instagram.com/upstaterecordsinc https://upstaterecords.bandcamp.com/ Special Thanks to Wyatt for fixing up some of my levels in this post release. www.wyattoberholzer.com https://www.instagram/wyattoberholzer [email protected]

Episode 26 Luis Aponte.. Growing, Learning and Understanding. https://www.thisishardcorefest.com/podcast/episode26 Luis Aponte, a son of PAHC grew up in Allentown, learning from his father about hardcore and straight edge at a very young age. Between skateboarding, finding DIY shows to attend at the Secret Art Space in Bethlehem, PA, he would be fully indoctrinated into the world of hardcore punk. Through traveling with friends, he would eventually go beyond the Lehigh Valley to Wilkes Barre and eventually Philly for shows in West Philly basement shows. Over time, he'd link up with various members of Jesus Piece and they would form one of Philly and PA's finest hardcore groups to date. Much of the Jesus Piece story is already known, but there is a great insight into the band's beginnings from Luis's perspective. When thinking about having him on the podcast, I was much more interested in hearing about how he developed into such a well rounded and diverse musician, as he was posting some incredible hardcore/gabba techno that reminded me of my first encounter with electric music from overseas. This is also during the pandemic, where he would eventually move to NYC to begin work as a model and in a fashion store. There is so much more to Luis then just talking about Jesus Piece tours etc, that we went deep on what his inspirations and aspirations are and how he has grown comfortable with himself and continues to expand not only his creative work in music and art, but how it ties into skateboarding and some fun stories about hanging with Dennis Rodman in a recent photoshoot. Luis is an inspirational young person who has the world in his hand and someone who is okay standing out in a crowd. I have always loved his individuality juxtaposed against the background of this hardcore atmosphere and I wanted to get into how he feels and thinks about many of things around him. This was a fun conversation to have and he is a great person to learn from and listen to his evolution as a someone who isn't limited by culture stereotypes or social expectations. https://www.instagram.com/lu2000k https://www.instagram.com/jesuspiecehc https://twitter.com/jesuspiecehc https://jesuspiecehc.bandcamp.com

Episode 25 The Return of Richie Mancuso... Hardcore's Cultural Value and It's Successes. https://www.thisishardcorefest.com/podcast/episode25 There is no better person to be This Is Hardcore Podcast's first return guest : Richie Mancuso. For those who haven't checked out his first appearance, http://www.thisishardcorefest.com/podcast/episode7 is an awesome story of Richie's beginnings and the story of PAHC King's Krutch. In his second time on the show, We discuss a few things relative to our experiences in hardcore. Alot of great topics are touched on, but the overall most poignant and interesting stuff worth nothing would be the lack of giant commercial success for the greatest in hardcore's history, yet while being so impactful culturally to so many bands that would eventually find larger audiences and vast commercial successes in the mainstream rock world. This was a fun conversation and a great time for us to speak again. I look forward to more episodes like this in the future. Sponsor : https://www.xcrucifiedx.com https://www.instagram.com/wisdominchains https://www.fastbreakrecords.com https://www.instagram.com/z9band/ Opening Musical Track Courtesy of MH Chaos https://www.instagram.com/multiplehomefrontchaos https://multiplehomefrontchaos.bandcamp.com

Episode 24 - Damien Rodriguez. Smashing Through Everything and Never Giving Up. http://www.thisishardcorefest.com/podcast/episode24 Damien Rodriguez is a talented tattooer who is best known for his japanese art. But before he became known on multiple continents for his beautiful work, he was a stalwart of the Philadelphia Hardcore scene. Damien is also one of my closest friends and guitar player of our band Punishment. This episode is a long listen, but details not only Damien's origins, how he found hardcore through, 90's philadelphia and suburbs' scenes and the chaos of the shows back then, but a good bit of stories from the days of us on the road with Punishment. Damien's story is one of passion turned into pursuit, where he finds struggles in the beginning of the pursuit of his passion, but through his tireless efforts and never give up attack and attitude, he managed to not only achieve his goals, but crush them. From barely having any gear and teaching himself to play enough, to being on tour relentlessly with Punishment. Later he would begin as an apprentice screen printer and then as an apprentice tattooer, it was his ability to push himself past his limits and always get back up mentality that brought him from a small shop in South Jersey, to Long Island, NY, where he would travel to Japan and his life was changed forever. Once he returned to Japan, he knew his path and worked relentlessly at his craft, eventually working in the LES and honing his craft in Japan. He would eventually not only learn to speak fluent Japanese, but have an intimate understanding of the culture, which only aided his style and techniques further. He now resides in London, where he and his wife own Nine Tails Tattoo in Shoreditch, London, UK. This is another amazing story of someone who came from nothing pushed himself through all the hurdles, obstacles and setbacks and became a well established and accomplished tattoo artist. With his birthday coming up, I wanted to have him on the podcast and tell his story as a gift to him and all the listeners who always ask for Philly and Punishment stories. I'm biased as this is someone who is near and dear to me, but I loved having this conversation and really believe there is alot of information and inspiration to glean from his story. https://www.instagram.com/damienrodriguez https://www.instagram.com/ninetailstattoo https://www.facebook.com/ninetailstattoo.london https://ninetailstattoo.com/ 25 Pitfield St, Old Street, London N1 6HB, United Kingdom +44 20 7490 8614

Episode 23 Greg Falchetto... From The Mongoloids to Digital Managment https://www.thisishardcorefest.com/podcast/episode23 Greg Falchetto grew up in New Jersey Hardcore. He was going to shows all through north and central NJ before he was even able to drive. He would learn the ropes of selling merch with bands like Senses Fail before he would even graduate High School. Hardcore punk takes ahold of him and its becomes an obsession, whether its going to shows, later playing in a joke band and doing weekend runs as roadie for bands like Shattered Realm, Senses Fail and others, it's his life. This would go even further as he starts The Mongoloids, what seemed as an oddball band, became a fixation in the US Hardcore scene through endless tours. Their constant activity on the road would cement their legacy, which would even take them overseas a few times. Greg would later meet his wife Natalie over the pond in London towards the end of the Mongoloids career. A chance would come his way working with Gamechanger World, a venue in Howell, NJ, to take all the experience garnished in the road crew and support roles of production into the management and day to day operations of a young talented youtube sensation. This would open doors towards him learning the ins and outs of talent management and eventually work his way into the field of digital management. This is great listen, both entertaining and informative. Greg is another great example of what happens when you find something you love, obsession takes hold and eventually finding a path towards a living and profession built up over several years of experience in vans all over the world.

Episode 22 Alex March.. Energy, Healing and the Power to Overcome. www.thisishardcorefest.com/podcast/episode22 Alex has lead an incredible life, and has battled and won against demons, spoke to angels and has managed to heal so many with her many talents and innate spirituality which has been with her since a very early age. Today she manages her time between training in multiple martial arts, teaching a women's kickboxing class and running her healing business. She has a very active social media presence, which she focuses alot of her time in speaking on the dangers of dealing with abuse in relationships, her experience with her own ex who was an abusive narcissist, and how you can overcome all of this. I met Alex when she was a teenager in the early 00's at a show in New Jersey. She found hardcore punk and underground shows at a very young age and it became a huge part of her life. She would eventually go from attending shows to working with bands and would even tour with the Warped Tour. She talks about her experiences within the hardcore punk scene, her time spent on the warped tour and some of the ups and downs that come within the two communities. Alex is a survivor, someone who drug herself out of a dangerous relationship and rebuilt her life from the ground up. She has learned so much about herself and also how to deal with predators, abusive partners and the red flags of narcissists. She is a healer, compassionate and thoughtful but beyond the new age beliefs, is a true blue hardcore punk, who not only serves her community, but gives back and seeks to heal those who have suffered what she suffered with. This conversation includes some uncomfortable, potentially triggering moments for those who've suffered similar abuse but I wanted to give her a platform so people who are in these situations, be it dangerous relationships or overcoming the trauma from abuse could hear her voice and story and have some hope and inspiration. Alex March is a powerful healer with a vibrant energy that is evident in her every word. This is a sidestep from our typical guest but as someone who I respect and have come to learn alot from, I value her experience and hope that she can help others get through the hard times. https://www.alexmarchenergy.com/ https://www.instagram.com/alxmrchenergy https://twitter.com/alxmrchenergy https://www.tiktok.com/@alxmrch

Episode 21 Jamie Bissonnette.. Under the Knife http://www.thisishardcorefest.com/podcast/episode21 Jamie Biss is the embodiment of hard work and the success that comes from it. So much of his story starts like all of ours, as a disenfranchised kid, who happens to find a place in the world. `Where punk and hardcore would supplant any need to focus energy towards school or career, it would be his own interests in the flavors that were in the vegetarian and vegan foods that he would come to love, that would be his calling and career path. Vegetarianism and veganism were huge impactful forces within the 90's hardcore scene, and being exposed to exotic flavors in the food, Jamie began not only being curious, but excited about learning to cook. He would move from New England to Florida, enrolled in Culinary school. He would be the roommate of Damien Moyal of Culture and managed to stay close to the scene, despite pouring his heart and soul into school, learning his trade. He would later move back to New England and truly begin to grind his way through kitchens in various restaurants. Even Staging, which is working for free in various restaurants to be exposed to new chefs and techniques. It would be a grinding process that would see him put countless unpaid hours in one spot, only to have to work elsewhere to pay the bills. This work ethich within him, really put him over the top and gave him the edge to one day start feeling like he had what it takes to be a great chef. Its this same process of finding a path of interest and grinding through it, that Jamie share with us, which has been told many times in other episodes of TIHC podcast. There are great lessons in Jamie's rise in the kitchens of New England, to even being the executive chef at a restaurant which opened in the former home of Boston Hardcore, the Rathskellar, or more commonly known as the Rat. He would rise to the occasion and do well, but later leave to begin a journey of becoming a restauranteur, opening restaurants with the very person, he'd hoped to one day just work in his kitchen. Jamie's story is filled with great recollections of 90s hardcore, the drive and commitment that is needed to succeed. He remained close to the people who he'd met decades ago in the beginning of his story, and has kept a love of hardcore and punk with him through all the successes. This is not just a story of a hardcore punk who made his way through the kitchens to be a leader in the Boston/NYC restaurant world, but of what anyone can achieve if they follow through and not stray from the path while putting everything they have and then some into achieving their goals. http://www.jamiebiss.com/

Episode 20: Zack Thorne - Respect Through Riffs. http://www.thisishardcorefest.com/podcast/episode20 Few hardcore guitarists have left such an indelible mark on hardcore as our Guest Zack Thorne, yet many may not even know his story. Zack in his teenage years played in Bulldoze, and alongside Mike the Bull, are responsible for what is commonly and simply referred to as "Beatdown". This conversation starts as much of our podcasts usually do, at the beginning in North Jersey. There is alot I'll leave out so you'll have to check it out, but we walk through Zack's metal years in high school and to his initial encounter with hardcore, how he and Puda, Mike etc started Retribution.. Later his first meeting with Kevone, who would later come to sing in their band, which they renamed Bulldoze. Having been a friend of Zack's for well over 20 years, the breadth and diversity of his time in hardcore bands, in my opinion has been overlooked. We spoke alot on the NJHC and NYHC scene of the mid to late 90s and brought up many old bands that have gotten in the sands of time. Something that stuck with me throughout the conversation, was his undying interest not only in the writing and developing his own sound, but his love and respect for hardcore in all forms. There is alot in this that weaves around previous guests we've had on the show and echoes alot of the same ideas and themes that come up about the networking of the bands before management and booking agents came over. From start to finish, this conversation was a joy for me. As a fan, friend and supporter of Zack through all his bands, projects etc, I've always found him to be in the highest spirit, always positive and supportive of the scene and everyone involved. Never a derogatory tone or focus, he sees the good in things and throughout the conversation shouts out old friends and people who looked out for him. This is a great listen, its part just 2 old friends talking about the good ol days, alot of zack's history and perspective on it, what went down and his methodology towards his playing, be it the influences of metal and the many people he's shared the stage and practice studio with. If you're a fan of hardcore, be it beatdown like Bulldoze, the great late 90s mixup of heavy riffs and different rhythms with a different touch of vocals like Train of Thought or the 2000s era mix of metal, hardcore and hip hop rhythms backed by clean singing Ala Agents of Man , or just a fan or interested party who enjoys hearing history by one of its makers, this is a must listen. http://www.thisishardcorefest.com/episode20 https://www.instagram.com/zackthorne11

Episode 19 Aram Arslanian .. Voice of Change http://www.thisishardcorefest.com/podcast/episode19 In 2021, we shed the worries of 2020. I couldn't think of someone whose story was more inspiring than Aram's. From growing up in punk in Alberta, Canada to coming to the Pacific Northwest and starting Champion, balancing his love of hardcore punk and his career in psychology and therapy. When Champion ended, he was quickly back to work and would eventually began coaching leadership. He is now the CEO of Cadence Leadership and even has a podcast. I couldn't think of anyone better to bring us in to the new year with inspiration and words of wisdom. https://www.instagram.com/aramxarslanian https://www.cadenceleadership.ca/ https://www.cadenceleadership.ca/podcast/ https://www.instagram.com/cadencelc https://changehardcore.bandcamp.com/

Episode 18 Scott Vogel.. Keeping The Faith photo by anne spina http://www.thisishardcorefest.com/podcast/episode18 Scott Vogel’s name in hardcore is so well known, that its hard to even consider where to start. Just like our guest on episode 1, I wrote a letter to Scott Vogel in 97 about booking his band Despair, and later would book Buried Alive’s first Philadelphia show in November of 98. We stayed in contact and when Terror’s seminal demo came out in 2002, I was selling them outside of our weekly soccer games down at Drexel Campus. Terror would go on to become world recognized as one of the most important hardcore bands of the last 20 years and known through their relentless touring of the globe from the smallest DIY spaces to the largest festival crowds in europe. What takes place in this episode is a conversation amongst friends that covers plenty of topics that come from a relaxed stream of conscience format that touches on Scott’s thoughts and feelings regarding hardcore and different era’s of his own career from the earliest days of Slugest to Terror and even World Be Free. It would be hard for me to summarize this , but I can say that there is alot more to the guy who is internationally known for amazing stage presence and his demand for more stagedives and this conversation illuminates that and many more lesser known things about the man who fronts one of the most beloved hardcore punk bands of all time. https://www.instagram.com/iamfinally https://www.instagram.com/terrorhardcore https://twitter.com/terrorhardcore

Episode 17 Juice E Joel Murphy... Welcome To Memphis http://www.thisishardcorefest.com/podcast/episode17 This Is Hardcore Fest would look much different if not for Juice/Joel Murphy and his creative talents. From the first day I met him almost 20 years ago, we became instant best friends and the rest was history. Juicy Joel was the singer of Clenched Fist, Memphis's finest and one of the only Memphis bands at the time. In fact, they were probably one of the only bands in that part of the South at the time that took its inspiration from the grittier east coast influences of Agnostic Front, Biohazard and Madball. After a few tours, a Full Length on Thorpe records, Juice and the gang put it to rest for awhile. But that is just where he turned his free time into the self taught web designer/creative artist that he is today. From the very beginning, he worked ingeniously to figure out how to code, build sites and through connections landed his first gig. So much of his story that we talk about is just how if you push forward, stay disciplined, you can learn just about anything, including a profitable career without the ghastly weight of a college education to pay off. There is so much in this episode from the Clenched Fist days, to Joel's work regimen and he gives plenty of pointers, tips and history on just how he went about learning and continues to grow his skills without college. This is a must for so many who are beginning or have began their freelancing gig or full on career. Juice is the man behind This Is Hardcore Fest.com, Phillyhcshows.com, TIHCPODCAST.com and also my right hand man from the days leading up to the fest, to the very last table that gets put away each year at the fest. There are some hilarious behind the scenes stories from TIHC that had me laughing for minutes. From back in the day stories, to much needed advice and inspiration from a self taught successful freelancer, to amazing drunken stories of backstage chaos, Juice commands throughout the episode and makes for an exciting, entertaining and insightful listen. clenchedfist.bandcamp.com/ twinturbodesign.com twitter.com/juicyjoel

Episode 16 Rob Sullivan of Ruiner... Getting Wrecked http://www.thisishardcorefest.com/podcast/episode16 Rob Sullivan is an amazing character from the Baltimore hardcore scene. Whether he was booking Bad Luck 13, or helping out CCAS, he has made an impact locally and was insanely dedicated to preserving the DIY venue and supporting the area's hardcore scene. His story and direction he took his life is not one of your typical hardcore band guy format. From his early days as a wrestler to finding HC music and touring, later he turned his focus into MMA. As Wreck It Rob Sullivan, he smashed his way into the local MMA circuits until he decided to call it quits and return to hardcore and also training in BJJ at Baltimore BJJ. He would later go to school, get certified in personal fitness and begin his journey managing Baltimore BJJ & starting his own company Get Wrecked Fitness. There is an amazing drive spurned from his hands on, working class background that allows Rob to push himself to his goals. Whether its learning a new skill, training Kickboxing in Holland or just working on a DIY venue, He puts 100% into his efforts. It is easily seen in just the amount of shows that Ruiner played in their first few years, they were literally a band who travelled far and wide and its intense touring garnished the attention for Chris Wrenn of Bridge 9 (episode 1) to sign them. There is so much more in the conversation that you will need to listen to, just for the experience and inspiration. Rob has an incredible story and we laughed and had a blast recording this. Sorry for a bit of feedback in the transmission, this is what happens when we have to rely on zoom calls.. Check Rob out at... http://www.baltimorebjj.com/ https://getwreckedfitness.us/

Episode 15 Tim Borror.. His Rise to Success & How He Booked All Your Favorite Bands http://www.thisishardcorefest.com/podcast/episode15 Tim Borror is a Philadelphia Hardcore Legend, who has had his hands in booking shows as early as 1987, and later would become one of the most successful booking agents in Hardcore Punk and in Metal. He began booking Killing Time and Vision a US tour, and the rest they say is history. He worked out of a North Philly apartment booking both shows and running his own booking agency, handling bands like Sheer Terror, Life of Agony and Type O Negative. I don't want to transcribe the entire contents of the conversation in this bio, but needless to say, by the time he was 20, he was responsible for booking so many of our favorite bands from both hardcore and metal. His impact in american heavy metal, the rise of swedish death metal and also in metalcore today is absolutely astounding. There are so many good stories and lessons on how he graduated to the big leagues while still keeping his core beliefs intact. Throughout all of this, he still regards himself as a punk rocker/hardcore kid at heart. Which considering the magnitude of the work he puts in with some serious bands, its a testament to the same tenets we've spoke about with other guests, DIY spirt, the inspiration and never give up attitude which drives him as an entrepreneur from a very early age, to a very powerful and successful booking agent with almost 30 years in the business. His story speaks for itself and there is much to learn from our conversation. Whether you're in a band, or just want to know how or why people get involved in the music industry beyond being in a band, this is an absolute master class on all of the things that aren't written in text books. Sound Talent Group (Agency info): www.soundtalentgroup.com Instagram: @soundtalentgroup Sound Talent Media (podcasts): www.soundtalentmedia.com Instagram: @stmpodcasts LiveFrom.Events (live streaming): https://livefrom.events

Episode 14 James Vitalo.. Dealing With The Devil http://www.thisishardcorefest.com/podcast/episode14 James Vitalo is best known as the frontman of Backtrack, a Long Island Hardcore band that inspired a resurgence of bands, shows and activity in the area. We go through some of the early days of the band and touch on the breakup. I spent a good amount of time discussing James's work first as a booking agent under State of Mind Booking and later as manager of Terror, Turnstile, Knocked Loose etc while working with Good Fight Entertainment. Having watched him rise from the beginning to working with him on plenty of shows and with his bands being a part of This Is Hardcore every year, I watched his progression and I knew he'd be a great guest to speak on different aspects of Hardcore, from being in the band, to booking the bands and then to managing the bands. He has a great connection to hardcore and his grounding in it has lead to him being able to work between the world of hardcore and to get the bands the support they need as they rise to the occasion of their growing popularity. His early roots are completely DIY and he is very hands on still to this day in how he operates. There is alot to glean from here on the who/what/where but more importantly some of the subtle How's and Why's to do things.

Episode 13 Ernie Talbert.. Dancefloor to Boardroom http://www.thisishardcorefest.com/podcast/episode13 Ernie Talbert has been a friend of mine for a long time. From the early crazy days of Philly shows, Bad Luck 13 Riots, scraps with nazis and alot of great times had with friends. Over 20 years ago, Ernie was a constant face in the area Hardcore and HipHop scene, between moshpits, EL routes, road trips to rock out with our friends. He briefly had a hip hop group and played the First Unitarian Church with HorrorShow, along with featuring Mike Brown /Moneygrip (from Punishment) on a track and in a video. But somewhere along the lines, he began to made inroads to a corporate life. He would end up being a huge factor in Hainesbrands, and would help bring Champion back to life. I saw a video with him coaching a young entrepreneur and was floored, Not by his presence, because I always knew he had it in him, but just to see a friend from back in the day, now able to mentor a new generation was just so inspiring. This episode is shorter because of the window of time that was available on his schedule and because I had some major technical difficulties and was only able to get about 1.5 hrs in. This conversation is not like other ones we've done and it was interesting and fun to have our guest ask me some questions in the mix. I look forward to having him back on the show and check in on all the good work that he is putting into the world. His story is inspiring and should give quite a few notes and pointers to get you motivated to make the upward progression from the dancefloors, to the boardrooms if that is where your heart is set on heading towards. @ErnieTalbert on Twitter.

Episode 12 Anthony Moreschi... Don't Stand In Line *photo by Anne Spina http://www.thisishardcorefest.com/podcast/episode12 Anthony Moreschi's road to hardcore punk and this podcast episode started in riding BMX bikes in New England. Through BMX he'd find hardcore shows in the suburbs of Boston. He would eventually go on to front one of the most notable bands of the 90's, Ten Yard Fight. Their impact in the second wave of youth crew was felt across the country. Their last show was deemed Edge Day, which began a 21 year tradition of Celebrating Straight Edge on October 17th. When Ten Yard Fight ended, Anthony wouldn't stop there. He would go on to become a director/editor and even get nominated for an Emmy. I'll let our conversation on this episode fill in all of these details. I was happy to have Anthony "Wrench" on the podcast, not only to talk about Ten Yard Fight and his path from beginning to the present, but also because he is releasing a Docuseries entitled "Don't Stand In Line". Don't Stand In Line is a Docuseries, set up like a netflix series, with specific Episodes on members of the hardcore scene, who through their creativity and DIY spirit have pushed their passion into legitimate businesses. Chris Wrenn of Bridge 9 (episode 1 of our podcast) and Sunny Singh (Episode 2) of our podcast are featured in this first season. This is a true DIY project, funded in full by Anthony, who is also the director and primary videographer. This is an amazing deep look into hardcore punk, its DIY foundation and how these entrepreneurs have learned from the scene and put their blood, sweat and tears into their work. This is true of the people featured in Don't Stand In Line and of our guest this week. Hardcore and the community have always given so many the opportunity to not only learn new skills, network and infuse a DIY approach to solutions within the framework of our world, but also raised a few generations of DOers who would go beyond the basics and take a chance striking out on their own, being their own bosses and making shit happen. Thats what This Is Hardcore Podcast is about, and that is what Anthony's project Don't Stand In Line is about. https://www.codecprojects.com/ https://www.facebook.com/codecprojects https://www.instagram.com/codecprojects Also give him some support, he has decided to take his endeavor into podcast form. His first guest is our beloved Sunny Singh https://www.codecprojects.com/podcast

Episode 11 Salem Vex of Bloodbather.. Putting the Work In http://www.thisishardcorefest.com/podcast/episode11 Salem Vex is a self taught musician whose background and story is worth detailing. From how he found hardcore, to the struggle of being raised in a single parent home. The resilience in the face of the adversities before him, he managed to teach himself guitar, start a band so he could travel and eventually found himself and the strength to break the mold of stereotypical subculture costumes and began his adrogynous style of dress. Bloodbather played This Is Hardcore in 2019. I hadn't spoke much to him aside from interactions on twitter and I was constantly impressed by his talents beyond Bloodbather. Despite the more metallic sounds of Bloodbather and being signed to Rise Records, they are 100% DIY, from how they booked their tours, to the recordings early on. Salem would continue his self taught DIY, creative energy into producing beats and working on Synths, while also hosting a Local goth night. As hardcore grows, there is more influences that come from outside the sphere of the originators of the hardcore punk sound, but as in the case with Salem and people like him, they draw their influences and invest them into their projects which pushes the modern hardcore sound. After having the conversation on this episode, I have found that not only do I have a deeper friendship with him, but that we grew up and hold many similar ideas. There is alot to learn and take to heart, in the way that he didn't let his background hold him back from trying new things, pushing forward and finding a way to learn how to play, buy instruments, book tours and get the world to pay attention to Bloodbather. His work touches back on many previous guests and their ability to network and use youtube and other internet sources to push forward his drive towards success. This is a great story of innovation, never giving up and always looking to find a way to make things happen. twitter.com/salemvex instagram.com/salemvex twitter.com/bloodbather instagram.com/bloodbather

Episode 10 Phil Vibez of Irate & Judas Syndrome,.. A Bronx Hardcore Tale http://www.thisishardcorefest.com/podcast/episode10 For those who listened to Episode 6 with Kevin Castle, you will undoubtedly remember Kevin talking about Irate, a band whose legacy remains strong to this day. After the excitement from the release of that episode, we had to bring Phil Vasquez, better known as Phil Vibez on the show... Phil Vibez started out a metalhead from the Bronx and would be introduced to NYHC at an early age. The coming of age in NYC would be a good story already, but adding the element of travelling across boroughs to be a part of an underground punk scene and this story really takes off. In this conversation, Phil's calm demeanor allows for a retelling and recollecting that makes the long format episode breeze by. There is no ego and lack of praise coming from him, he is very apt in showing gratitude and love to not only hardcore and metal, but to his bandmates and those folks he held close to him. The Irate story from beginning to end doesn't stop Phil and he discusses his next musical endeavor Judas Syndrome. There is so much to this episode, that I don't want to detail it too much here, but needless to say, there is more to the story of Phil then going from one band to the next.

Episode 9 Jaye Brooks, A Knight In Shining Armor http://www.thisishardcorefest.com/podcast/episode9 Jaye Brooks is the owner of The Knights Hall in Nashua, NH. He is also founded Armored Combat Sports, a National League of Armored Fighting with chapters/teams across the country. But his story starts in the 80s, playing Dungeons and Dragons. From his first interaction with SCA (Society For Creative Anachronism) Fighters, he knew he wanted to be in armor. This would begin his lifelong journey studying sword fighting. He would over time become a renowned figure within the SCA throughout the World and after many years needed a new challenge. He gathered some other Knights and fighters of renown and began training as Team USA for the Battle of the Nations, a European Festival which is like the Olympic games of Medieval Fighting. This isn't just a story about a Sword fighter, or modern American medievalism, this is about a creative, determined individual who through the same DIY spirit as most of our podcast's previous guests, learned to find a way to make something happen where there hasn't been something like it before. From renting space in an old mill in New England, to training himself to be ready to take on Melee fights (Group Fighting) in a 5 v 15 and 16 v 16 setting against opponents from Eastern Europe who were half his age, Jaye Brooks pushed himself and learned to push others through the first real US exposure to this steel fighting at an International Level. With determination and unwavering confidence, Team USA would go from 5th place to taking several Gold Medals in a few short years. This episode shows so many similarities between the burgeoning American Steel Fighting culture and our own hardcore punk world. From networking to the instant relation and lifelong long friendships built, their community is just like our own. The Knights Hall and its teams have been present at previous This Is Hardcore Fests, fighting in demonstration fashion in 5 v 5 and in 1 v 1. Everyone who saw the fighting loved it. As you hear Jaye talk and explain his methodology, thought process and the innovations he's made in training and organization, you can find so many co-relating principles that are acted upon in Hardcore businesses, show booking etc. Sometimes we have to step out of our comfort zone and we find a new hobby or at least a different perspective on our own lifestyle and pursuits. In talking to Jaye, I found many ways the two cultures are entwined and similar and thought that this is a great way to step back from talking about hardcore bands or people in the scene and still find so many topics that have been touched upon on this podcast s' previous episodes coming back up in this one. Jaye Brooks is a fascinating, inspiring person who loves what he does, and found a way to make it his living. If there is a way to win at the game of life, its living from what you love to do and his story on how he left the corporate world to be a professional swordfighter and trainer of US Athletes who represent on a International level is just that. http://www.theknightshall.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Knightshall https://www.instagram.com/the_knights_hall/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxh2DrCQ02a3rDRbAK63UQw

Episode 8 On A WarPath with Jami Morgan of Code Orange http://www.thisishardcorefest.com/podcast/episode8 Early in the evolution of the band, back when they were still the Code Orange Kids, I had the opportunity to meet with them to give out some flyers for a show I booked for them here. Our episode starts there. Much of what we talk about, isn't new records and new technology, but on the early days, when the road was less forgiving and the crowds were quite sparse. This is a story of a band who was molded into a machine. Out of the drive and focus as a team on setting and achieving goals, Jami walks us through the foundation of what would become Code Orange today. Much of our conversation is on the ideas and the structure within the band itself, as each member plays multiple key roles that plays into the vision that they've built for the band. Jami Morgan himself, is a self described maniac. I find him to be much like other podcast guests, creative, obsessive, driven and someone who is constantly raising the bar for himself and pushing beyond the limits of what the last achievement was. Its a great story, and in his perspective, there is so much to be thankful for from the early days, and so much yet to be achieved in the present day. Many may find the confidence intimidating, but when you hear where they have come from and what they put into this band, which is their every day, full time job, it does waver between obsession, dedication and a healthy dose of insanity. But the results are undeniable, To rise with 5 years to be a Grammy nominated band, whose name is ubiquitous in both Metal and Hardcore, there needed to be blood, sweat and tears to rise the way they did. With years of friendship between the two of us, and a great relationship between the band and the fest, I was lucky to know a good bit of this already, but it was a fun ride to push Jami beyond his comfort zone and dig deeper. There is a sincere passion that is sometimes unseen because of the intensity in which he speaks of the direction and creativity of the band. While peers may sometimes play coy or humble brag, there is a cut and dry dissemination from Jami and it is raw and powerful. https://www.codeorangetoth.com/ https://www.instagram.com/codeorangetoth https://twitter.com/codeorangetoth

Episode 7 RICHIE KRUTCH, THE GODFATHER OF PAHC http://www.thisishardcorefest.com/podcast/episode7 Richie Mancuso of Wisdom in Chains, better known as Richie Krutch takes us down memory lane in the early 90's NEPA hardcore scene. From house party shows while in high school, to the infamous Airport Music Hall in Allentown,PA and 100s of nazis at shows, Richie walks us through the beginning of Krutch, one of the most important Pennsylvania Hardcore bands, that would lay the foundation in the Keystone State for so many other bands, including Rich's current band Wisdom In Chains. Echoing previous guests' thoughts on that era of hardcore, we hear more on how bands networked to play out of their own scenes. Krutch would be a standard bearer for PAHC traveling out of state every weekend, and would eventually even garnish attention abroad. It is a great conversation with plenty of detail into the early days of Krutch and many of the great shows and venues of the era like Sea Sea's in Moosic, PA. This episode lays the foundation for much of the friendships that still exist over 25 years later, that explains how alot of the first connections amongst PAHC began. Richie is a Union Concrete Laborer and travels every day via bus from the Poconos to NYC, he has been doing this for over 25 years now. He still manages to write/record/ play shows and tour with Wisdom In Chains. He also runs the Post America Podcast with fellow bandmates Chris Mav and Jotham Oliver. He is also a part of Fastbreak Records and Crucified Straight Edge Clothing. He is a paragon in the PAHC community and is beloved across the world. His wit and calm demeanor and sense of humor has brought alot of attention to recent editions of the Post America Podcast under the subtitle "Voices From Quarantine" . He recently had rapper/actor Slaine, Lillo Brancato ("C" in Bronx Tale) Freddy Madball, Scott Vogel, Jami Morgan and many more. WWW.WISDOMINCHAINS.BANDCAMP.COM https://soundcloud.com/the-post-america-podcast WWW.XCRUCIFIEDX.COM WWW.FASTBREAKRECORDS.COM

Episode 6 We Win Together, We Fail Together with Kevin Castle http://www.thisishardcorefest.com/podcast/episode6 Kevin Castle or Kevin Scondotto, came from a large family of NYHC bands, Inhuman, Confusion, Lament, Shutdown and the Last Stand. Kevin would find his place within the scene, not on stage, but behind the scenes as a talent buyer, show booker/promoter and also as a manager later on. He would take a position working with promotion with metal labels and eventually would be given the opportunity to bring both Hardcore and Death Metal to a small capacity Queens NY club on Northern Blvd. Castle Heights and Kevin would start slow but quickly worked bringing bands not only from other boros of NYC but the east coast. It would be Kevin's ability to network and promote that would make Castle a stop for touring bands as well as up and coming acts from all over. In this conversation we talked alot about how he curated and ran the shows. His tireless efforts to book metal, rock and hardcore shows while holding down a 40 hr week job as well just shows his drive and capabilities. Over time Castle Heights became a must for bands like Hatebreed, Etown Concrete, Vision of Disorder, Candiria and many many more. Castle Heights would become world known for all bands that would eventually be known as "castle heights" bands. Sworn Enemy, Irate, Billy Club Sandwich, Everybody Gets Hurt, 5 Minute Major and others, would garnish a reputation for wild shows in the 130 cap club, full of hard dancing well beyond the 5 boros and would last until present day. What didn't seem like much at first, really shaped into something through the work Kevin would put into the Billing and constantly bringing new bands and old into the forray. Castle Heights isn't all that Kevin did, and once the club closed he would move over to Blackthorn another club and try his hand there. There is so much to be said for his ability to lay out and explain the goings ons and the business side of things. As a podcaster on the very well known wrestling podcast, Don Tony and Kevin Castle show, He has a gift of gab and his stories and details make this 3 hr podcast fly by. The legacy of Kevin's work is seen to this day in the reverence paid across the world courtesy of the internet for the bands that called Castle Heights home. There are so many great stories and lessons that I don't want to spell them out here. There is a fandom that has grown far and wide for those bands that came from that small venue from queens throughout the world, 20 years later. Its a testament to the comraderie Kevin built, the hard work, the blood, sweat and tears he put into making Castle Heights a legendary venue in a great era of Hardcore, not only for NYHC but for everyone. You can find Kevin on FB at Kevin Scondotto and @kevzcastle on twitter you can find his podcast on youtube

Episode 5 The Winston Wolf of Hardcore Fests with Rich Hall http://www.thisishardcorefest.com/podcast/episode5 Rich Hall is one of the most involved and dedicated promoters from the late 90s and billed some of the most outstanding, diverse and sometimes eclectic shows from 97 to 2011. His impact on Hardcore was felt throughout the country as well with helping at various festivals etc. Starting out helping Tyler King of Kingsize Bookings at the Legendary CBGB's, Rich ushered in a new era into HC at the end of the 90s, working with the bands that would bend and break all the genre trappings. From ISIS, Converge, to American Nightmare, From Autumn To Ashes, Poison the Well, the world of hardcore was once again seeing a new path carved and Rich was in the right place, New York City, at the time to foster these bands, while still getting a lesson from the school of hard knocks from the OG's of NYHC. His talent handling CBGBs and other NYC would lend himself to work with various record labels in promotional depts and later as an A&R. He was recruited to help out a fest in Syracuse, NY which was starting to grow in popularity and became the man who put out fires, ran stages and keep things under control for a few years at Hellfest. We even talk about the fallout of Hellfest 04 and the disaster of Hellfest 2005. His experience and skills were put to the test in various other festivals, including most recently This Is Hardcore. Aside from promoting and working within the Record end of the Music Industry, Rich Hall is a painter who lives in the Pacific Northwest with his wife and son. He still has some plans for the future to despite the state of the world right now so we should stay tuned on what he has up next. This story is a great tale of what anyone who wants to get involved in the backend side of working/running shows has to do to start. He has alot to say, great stories and an inspiring yet direct tone to how he went about learning from the old school and applying it to the new school of his era. He is another creative, obsessive and dedicated person whose story lends to each of our previous episodes and I hope you enjoy his lesson on never vouching for anyone. https://www.richhallartwork.bigcartel.com https:// www.instagram.com/rich_hall You can email him at [email protected] Rich Photo by Chrissie Good @chrissiegood on IG

This Is Hardcore Podcast Episode #4 http://www.thisishardcorefest.com/podcast/episode4 Be Passionate and Proud of what you do.. with Madison Watkins of Candy Corpse Be Passionate and Proud of what you do Such simple advice given to Madison or Madi as she is more commonly known, by her grandfather would give her the support needed to change her direction at a pivotal moment in life. Madi created Candy Corpse, a brand that started out with pins and stickers and has gone into apparel and other products. What started as a pet project while holding a government job and playing in Year of The Knife, became a full time job for herself. There is a lot to know about her insane creative mind, her tireless almost workaholic level drive and her obsessiveness for order. She is the youngest guest we've had on the podcast, but her story from growing up at hall shows in Delaware to running a very successful business which she started from scratch is inspiring and informative. We talk on the trials and tribulations of a small company finding its niche and becoming a wider known brand. It is truly awesome just how much detail, care and effort goes into everything that she does, be it playing Bass in Year of the Knife or just working on the organization and logistics for the band, or growing out her business and expanding what she has has to offer as a brand.

Episode 3 An Unsung Hero of PAHC ... Chris Spear of Dysphoria http://www.thisishardcorefest.com/podcast/episode3 On this episode, we go deep into one of the unsung heroes of PAHC, Chris Spear, Drummer of Dysphoria & How it Ends. Chris and Joe go through a huge portion of Chris's life from early moments finding Black Sabbath, to teaching himself to play drums. From the beginning of Dysphoria and all the little things from promoting pre internet, finding sources to produce tapes and later cds, you'll hear one of the people in the mid 90s to early 00s who always had his band's best interest in mind. Be it promoting the band at other shows and in record stores on the east coast, to calling promoters to get on shows, through his own booking of shows, Chris delivers an old school how to on just about every aspect of DIY band management, including booking US tours as an unknown independent band in '99. This tour would be a pivotal moment, not only for Chris and Dysphoria, but a life changing experience for Joe Hc, who credits this tour with being one of foundations of his being able to also tour and later book This Is Hardcore fest. Having been friends with Chris for 25 years, Joe and Chris have a more casual yet still informative conversation about all the ins and outs, the ups and downs of what it was like to make things happen in a pre internet music world. I won't ruin how it ends, but I'll say that if you're in a band now, this is the episode that will inspire you to push forward and start working harder. https://dysphoriapahc.bandcamp.com/ CGFaNmLpLW5ZqEXaxn1M http://www.thisishardcorefest.com/podcast/episode3

Addendum ad·den·dum /əˈdendəm/ noun 1. an item of additional material, typically omissions, added at the end of a book or other publication. After 2 episodes, I felt the need to catch people up to speed and chat for a few about the direction of the podcast, the influence of other podcasts and podcasters have had on getting this podcast off the ground. With a great 2 episodes down and another amazing one coming out Friday, I felt like I'd touch on stuff that just wouldn't be worth adding to episodes #1 or #2 just out of sake of length and also didn't want to screw the rhythm of the show up with me talking too much. There is alot to be said for the power of support of community and friendship and also getting a few questions as to why start the podcast, so it felt right between episodes to address some of it and give you some insight to the direction of the next few episodes and also discussing some of the reasons to do it in the first place.

Episode 2 The Unstoppable Sunny Singh of Hate5six.com http://www.thisishardcorefest.com/podcast/episode2 On this episode, Sunny takes us down the rabbithole, from the beginning of his archive collecting, to bmx and early show footage. There is alot in here that hasn't been heard before and 99% is a great blueprint or inspiration to those who are looking to do something and need the drive or extra push to start. From his high school days through college, we follow him to his first year shooting This Is Hardcore. What started off as a novel concept grew Sunny and Hate5six.com from a local videographer to a name that is known throughout the world. Sunny's work would bring hardcore bands live sets to all the corners of the globe, and would later take Sunny out to Europe, Asia and Australia filming bands. Sunny uses Hate5six.com platform to inspire new generations of Hardcore Punk fans, shed new light on old tapes from the past and also shed light on the plight of marginalized peoples struggling against fascists. The interview runs well over 2 hours, but again when you sit down and give it a go, it will breeze by. Sunny has a great story, and incredibly inspiring drive to learn new skills, which would give him the opportunity to further his drive to shoot more bands, deliver more live sets and ultimately change his destiny from a computer programmer to a full documentarian/videographer. There is just too much in this episode to jot down here, but its worth the full time and you will come out having new found understanding and respect for this man's drive or just be inspired by his ingenuity. https://www.hate5six.com https://www.youtube.com/user/hate5six https://www.instagram.com/hate5six/ https://twitter.com/hate5six http://www.thisishardcorefest.com/podcast/episode2

This Is Hardcore Podcast Episode #1 Nobody is born cool and into hardcore and punk, you gotta find your way there... http://www.thisishardcorefest.com/podcast/episode1 An amazing quote from one of hardcore punk's hardest working record label owners. Over the last 25 years, Chris Wrenn has dedicated his life into releasing hundreds of records from both the best up and coming bands, as well as reissuing and archiving some of the great releases of yesterday. Chris speaks on the early days of the label, the trials and tribulations of a preinternet hc scene. He goes over many of the DIY aspects to his promotion and marketing in the early days and how it comes back into play decades later. This is not a short listen, but its full of honesty, inspiration and a wealth of information for those thinking of starting a record label or looking to grow their label or for those who are just fans of the label's catalog and a great story behind the whole thing. At two and half hours long, it goes deep and gets into many aspects that are usually not talked about from distribution, marketing, A&R and the overall curating and control of one of the most successful independent record labels in the world. you can find bridge 9 and chris on social media.. Bridge9.com @BridgeNine on IG, @Bridge9 on Twitter/FB http://www.thisishardcorefest.com/podcast/episode1