In the year 2009, the ethics I grew up with in the hardcore scene are virtually non existent. I grew up fortunate enough to have an older brother to teach me how things should be. I was brought up in this scene knowing that hardcore was a self sustaining industry meaning: Hardcore relies solely on the people who are involved. Unfortunately in recent years, it seems the number of sincere people around is dwindling but more people than ever are flying that flag. I feel like the ethics of hardcore maybe weren't properly passed down from generation to generation. Still, hardcore is something I believe in strongly.
As somebody who has booked shows in my local scene for 7 years, books tours for bands (bands that I was in or just bands that trust me to do so), has played and continues to play in touring hardcore bands, has put out records, opened my house to any and every hardcore band I could, and attended shows and fests all over the world, the state of the hardcore scene is important to me.
I feel that hardcore has given me so much, that it is my obligation to give back and set an example for younger kids in my local scene and across the country. Hardcore IS more than music. It is more than a look or a social group. Hardcore is a way of life. It is MY way of life. Unfortunately, it's something that I feel like, gets twisted and distorted and raped on a daily basis.
DO NOT get me wrong. I'm not talking just of the faceless clones on a message board. I'm also talking about people you see in the hardcore scene, in bands, doing labels, doing shows, who are there for nothing more than status or to gain a buck.
I am in the unique position to be able to observe the actions of every over hyped, over appreciated, bullshit artist fraud from the inside. And let me say, for every band, label or person that is deserving of their hype and mean what they say, there are 500 that don't. So from me, a true believer, a lifer, I give you my sincerest "fuck you". Your band or label may seem important today, but it will not last. You will move on, and you will be forgotten. At the end of it all, I will still be here.
With that being said, I still find people in hardcore that inspire me to succeed in everything I do hardcore or not. As much as I want to dislike the hardcore scene today, some people make it worth it.
Thanks to hardcore I have made the realest connections with some of the best people I could ever want in my life. I'd like to take this time to acknowledge those people.
Juicy Joel - You are the reason I am who I am and you constantly motivate me to be the best musician and man I can be. I love you. We are not meant for this world, but we ride together forever.
Joe Hardcore - You always manage to give the best advice whenever I'm in need of it. The love you've shown myself and more importantly, my brother will always be appreciated. You have certainly earned your title.
Scott Vogel - The positive attitude towards hardcore is a constant inspiration to me to keep my eyes on the prize and appreciate what I've got. You are the realest of the real.
Richie Krutch - You are a wise man and I'm proud to consider you my friend. You have so many years under your belt in this game and still remain true. Truly a man to respect.
Zoli Teglas - For constantly pushing me to do more with my musical talent and leaving me obscene messages in the middle of the night.
I would also like to shout out the following people for inspiring me to keep pushing on and overall being great friends that I met through hardcore. David Wood, Smac Man, Alysha Romero, Sam TUI, Javi and Marshall from The Warriors, Dave Heck, John Bowes, Liz, Ethan Nation, Bryan Harris, Frankie (lifts weights) and my band, COA, Mickey, Chimpo, Mike C, Pete DON, Jeffy, Gabe Wells & Rob To Live, Stu Brundy, Bruce LePage, Terence and Rachel, Chris NASE & Wisdom In Chains, Daniel Die Young, Laredo, TX, Jake, Joaquin NM, Mary KC, Jamie & Andrew in Socal, Mikey Gonsalves, Timmy Peterson, Whiteboy Ben & Andrew A Block, Chedge, and other people, There's too many to name.
"If you ain't feelin this, them damn it, this ain't for you"
They call me the breeze, ride along as I proceed...
Playlist:
A Loss For Words - "The Kids Can't Lose": These are young kids from the South Boston area playing very very catchy, well thought out pop punk. I hope the best for these guys because I think they deserve it. The recording sounds great which is impressive considering they have no label backing AT ALL. PS Singer Matty Arsenault sang all melodic backing vocals on the new DBD record. For fans of New Found Glory, Paramore etc. Big ups to A Loss For Words!
Billy Talent - "III": Their third record (obviously) due out sometime in July. I became a big fan of this band a couple years back thanks to Javier of The Warriors . This band definitely has a unique sound that I don't think is for everybody, but it's definitely for me. Anybody familiar with Billy Talent can expect a great follow up to II with some unfamiliar but super catchy melodies all over it. 
