Bottomfeeder - II
Know The Score to drop new EP, Stray Dogs
New album by Minority
Outspoken/Suffer Survive tour
Cutdown streams two new songs
New Stone Heart album
Last Hope - Someone Else
Bulgar display of power! Nive video from this long-running European hardcore band.
Kings Of Hate - The Fire That Never Ends
California Beatdown Hardcore. For fans of Suffokate or Nasty.
Watch Your Back - Last Man Standing
Seconds Of Peace - Carry The Weight
Rise Up - new No Turning Back song
News from Indecision Records
Countdown - Mass Murder
Live Snippet for Countdowns (BE) Song "Mass Murder" from the Blinded Souls EP (Out on Marked for Death Records)
Another new song from No Turning Back!
Coldburn posts new song, Love Left Me
Agitator streams new song
Listen to Remain In Vain, Chula Vista hardcore!
New Blood: Drowning
Drowning is a new Chicago-based band that delivers that sweet metallic hardcore that makes you wanna start some violence. Guys are about to drop new EP on BadAss Records and since we’re always down to support the young talent, here’s the interview with Bryan (vocals) who explains what’s the idea behind the band and what to expect from the upcoming release. Black Knives - The Rise
Seeds Of Hate - El Camino Recto
Strictly Business: Alexis from Straight & Alert on running a distro
Recently it was Darin from Westcoast Worldwide discussing how to take care of business when running a hardcore label, and it’s time to continue with our ‘strictly business’ series. This time Alexis from Straight & Alert dropping a knowledge how to run a hardcore distro without losing a fortune on it. This is integral part of hardcore but a hard work to do in a times of digital downloading, but Alexis knows how to hold its own. Check it out!
Recently it was Darin from Westcoast Worldwide discussing how to take care of business when running a hardcore label, and it’s time to continue with our ‘strictly business’ series. This time Alexis from Straight & Alert dropping a knowledge how to run a hardcore distro without losing a fortune on it. This is integral part of hardcore but a hard work to do in a times of digital downloading, but Alexis knows how to hold its own. Check it out!Hello Alexis, can you introduce Straight & Alert distro and tell us how did it get started?
Hi Dloogi ! Straight & Alert is a distro I've started during 2009 summer. I've been into vinyl records since 16 years old and going again and again to the local metal / hardcore record store made me want to start my own distro . Around May or June 2009 my friend Simon with whom I was playing in a band had a small distro but he had to stop doing it because he was moving to UK to finish his master degree. So we agreed on a deal and he gave me his leftover records, so I just had to place a couple orders to some labels and start my own distribution ! I started with a few 7"s and a list on a blogspot.
To be precise Straight & Alert is a hardcore punk mailorder / distro but we also carry some old metal / thrash / death & crossover records and a couple of indie / post hardcore stuff too. We're trying to have a wide selection of records, from classics to the last new hype ***band members*** side project.
What led you to run a hardcore distribution? What was the vision you had in mind when starting Straight & Alert?
Like I said it before, I'm into vinyl records for a while now and it has always been a real pleasure to drive from my hometown to the closet big city to get to the local record store. By this time I was a kid and I thought it would be so cool to have my own shop one day. Who is into vinyls would'nt like to spend his days listening to records, talking about music and maybe sell a bunch of LPs?
Also I felt ( and still feel) doing a distro is playing an important role in the (local) hardcore / punk scene. Since I'm into this music I've always wanted to get involved one way or another. It's a small scene so YOU have to make things happen, and it's up to everyone to build something the way they want it to be.
I've done a fanzine, played in bands ( still do !) so I just wanted to try something new.
Basically when I've started Straight & Alert my ultimate aim was to open a record store quite quickly. I've started working on this project with a friend but life and things forced to him to slow down and eventually it didn't work out. So I decided to do continue to work on that alone and continue to chase that dream. And at the end it's probaly better like this ! In fact I'm not sure it would have worked out so fast… I'm not even sure a record store could be a viable project now. Maybe I'll figure it out one day !
However I'm currently thinking about some alternatives to a "real" record store. I will keep going with the mailorder as it is and also try to do like "Straight & Alert HQ open house" days once or twice in a month.
The fact you can't talk face to face with the people is the anoying part of running a mailorder.
Sending an email is obviously less pleasent than have at talk about the last cool band or whatever else. That's why I love having a table with S&A at shows or festivals. Meeting and sharing with new people is essential to me.
Does it take a lot of time to run this business? Is it hard balancing the so-called regular life and the distro?
Yes it does. Currently it takes me between 25 and 35h a week in the mean, depending on many orders I recieved and all. Besides i'm working on a regular job 35h a week too. So weeks can be pretty long sometimes yeah. So far it's kinda hard to balance between doing a mailorder and the regular life.
However running S&A is one of my favorite activities, it's an hobby over all. So I'm ok with sleeping a few hours during night and wake up at dawn to work on S&A before going to work. I'm fine but people around me feels it takes me too much time and so I don't have enough to hang out with my girlfriend or friends.
Fortunately I'm quiting my regular job mid August to focus on Straight & Alert and other work / personal projets. I'm somebody who likes to do everything by his own and having a boss telling me how things have to be done isn't something I'm enjoying so much. Besides I've always (more or less) made choices that set me appart during my life. It's not at all something I take pride in but it's just how it is. So I feel I don't fit in the " work – eat – sleep routine" mold. I need something more.
I've been running the distro this way for 3 years now and I feel it's time to turn S&A into a full time activity. Hopefully it will work out, if not I'll find alternatives but I'm pretty sure Straight & Alert will last long, in a way or another. It's just up to me.
Now I will have more time to focus on what's really important, make S&A evolve and enjoy life a bit more with people I care about.
What's the process for what records you choose to carry in your distro? What are your favorite albums you carry right now?
Well it's petty simple. If I really dig a record I try to get it to distribute over here. It doesn't matter if it's the last album of american heavyweights or a local band's demo tape. The point is I have to like the record. I can't really sell to people stuff I don't like at least a bit. Off course I also carry stuff I don't particulary appreciate… If Madball or Terror put out a new "metal-called-hardcore" album I have to distribute it, but it's far from being my prority.
The 2 last records I'm really glad to distribute is THE HOLLOWMEN "Three Betrayals Toward Modern Man" 7' and the SHORT DAYS demo Tape.
I didn't know those bands band before they emailed me to know if I could help them to distribute their stuff and I had a blast listening to both of them !
THE HOLLOWMEN comes from Spain and is like RINGWORM mixed with IN COLD BLOOD and INTEGRITY. Heavy stuff, listen to it !
SHORT DAYS is the french version of THE OBSERVERS, incredibly catchy.
I'm also glad I could have a few copies (15) of the BOSTON STRANGLER LP. It was sold out on my webstore in just few hours. This is an awesome record but I don't really understand the frenzy about this LP.
What more …
The new xDIGx 12" is pretty rad. They friends from Paris playing Hate-edge hardcore, influenced by Violation, Guns Up, One Life Crew and mid-80's NYHC. The last NOOSE 7" is dope too ( even if what happened during their tour sucks). The TWITHCHING TONGUES "Sleep Therapy" LP is probably one of my favorite records of the year. The last POWER TRIP 7" is crazy too.
I'm also always glad to have in my shelves old hardcore classics like YOUTH OF TODAY, IN MY EYES, MINOR THREAT or even great old metal stuff like DEATH, NUCLEAR ASSAULT, POSSESED, or OBITUARY.
A word of advice for kids interested in starting their own distro or label - looking back, what was the best decision you made when setting up the S&A?
First : Have fun doing it. Second : Work hard. Things happen if you are dedicated and don't give up.
Doing a distro (or a label) is a wonderfull experience. It's all about doing something you like, meeting new people, sharing and building something that you care about. It feels great when you achieve something by your own. There is no rules, just yours.
Concerning the best decision, well I hope it will be the one I'm doing right now : to turn it into a full time activity. I'll find out pretty fast haha.
It's always hard in this scene to try to keep doing things balancing between ethics and "business" . I don't want to run a "random-$$$-rock-n-roll$$$-mailorder" but you sometimes have to do some things like publicity or stuff like this if you want to do a bit more than deal 3 or 4 local bands' 7"s. If you are cool with the DIY-Punk-Police talking shit about what your doing it's fine.
And what is the worst choice you have ever made when getting the S&S going? What hardcore entrepreneurs should avoid doing on their road to riches?
The worst choice is to work with cheesy label owners.
Just to name a few ( the worst ! ) there is the guy from DOUBLE OR NOTHING records who stole over $200 from me and a LOT of people, including some friends.
It was back when the STEEL NATION LP was about to be released. He took preorders and then said the record was delayed at the pressing plant. After a while and tons of message to know what was up with the LP he started to email everyone with messages such as " yeah i've sent the records, i've sent the records" to eventually recieve nothing.
Also the guy behing THIRTY DAYS OF NIGHT records who told me like 4 times in the same month he sent my HANG THE BASTARD records for at the end give me the money back. I guess he didn't send them but at least he refunded me ! Several people told me he's doing this really often.
The ugly thing is you don't know they suck before they rip you off !
I don't feel I've doing other really bad choices so far.
What are some of the downsides of running a label or a distro? Does it ever happen that stuff gets stolen at the show or some records you've paid for are not sent to you? How to avoid being ripped off?
Except the fact you need a lot of time to run a label or a distro and cheesy label owners I don't see other downsides.
Like I said, it's all about fun and doing something you like. As S&A isn't a label (yet) I didn't have to deal with all the problems related to pressing a record, I guess it's a mess but i'm impatient do struggle with pressing plants ahah.
I also noticed lately ( since like a year) that I recieve a lot of records with damaged covers. I don't know if shipping compagnies treat packages worst than before or if labels try to save on shipping costs by sending lighter packages but it's kinda anoying ahha. 90% of the time labels send replacement covers but it's another loss of time.
I don't know if records got stolen at shows, it probably happened a few times but I didn't realize.
Concerning not recieving some records you've paid for I've said all I had to said in the previous question ! Unfortunately I guess there is no perfect solution to avoid to be ripped off. Bad people are everywhere, even in the hardcore scene. Life isn't pink !
As hardcore rarely pays the bills, running a distro is usually considered a hobby and keeping an eye on the costs is always important. Any tips of how to promote your stuff on budget?
DO IT YOURSELF. Learn new things.
If you need a website do it by your own. If you need flyers print them at work. There is tons of ways to save money. Just don't be lazy and ask people around you. You probably know a lot of people good in doing something, ask them how to do and do it by your own.
For instance I've did my own website when I didn't know anything about how to do it. I've just found the right tools on the right boards ( google is your friend). It took me more than 3 months but now it's working fine since almost two years ! I think I've learnt more things that I use and need everyday in 3 years doing a distro than in 3 years of highschool haha.
Looking at bigger trends, it seems that everything is moving into digital world with kids rather paying for mp3s than for a real record. What’s your opinion about it? Do you see the same trends among hardcore crowd?
Well first of all I think CD- era is over. Fortunately vinyl is trendy again since some years. Even big majors / mainstream bands put out vinyls now.
But as far as hardcore is concerned I don't know if things have ever changed. I'm incapable of being objective about it that much because I didn't leave the pre-internet era in the hardcore scene.
But I think labels were really clever to start adding download cuppons with vinyl records. With that you've got the best deal : the physical and digital version.
I guess kids in the hardcore and punk scene buy vinyls records since the begining and keep doing it over the years. Paying for a record is more than just getting a piece of wax. It's helping and supporting a band, a label, a distro… It's another way to keep the scene alive. Without them, there is NO scene.
Records nerds need more than an mp3 file !
Before we wrap up, ever thought about turning Straight & Alert into label?
Straight & Alert should turn to be a label too this year, maybe early 2013. I have some plans since a long time but it's always postponned, mainly because of a lack of money but I'm really impatient to start to work on a first Straight & Alert release !
Plans for the future?
A lot ! The first one is to buy a van to go with S&A across France and Europe, to festivals, shows or tours with bands. Then the label thing is something I'm really looking forward to doing it. Eventually maybe open a real record store. We'll see how things are going but I've got new ideas every month, it's sometimes hard to focus on one. As far as I'm concerned I'm supposed to start on or two new bands with some friends in September. 2013 should be a great year for Straight & Alert! Thanks a lot for the interview, I had so much fun doing it.
Check out Straight & Alert website/Facebook
Parasitic Skies and Losing Skin 7" split coming soon
Upward - Pushed Aside
Face Your Enemy - Teschio Truck
Feat. Fiore (Still In Da Game). The song taken from the new album "Do The Right Thing"
Hard Resistance - Conform.Consume.Obey
Official Video Clip Hard Resistance 'Conform.Consume.Obey', taken from the album Lawless & Disorder 2012.
New Blood: Bad Terms
Game On, the latest output of the West Virginia-based Bad Terms, has been on constant rotation all day for me and I still can’t get enough of this shit. Menacing and dark hardcore that delivers some serious heavy-ass groove. Show hardworking band some love and like their page, go to their gigs or just listen to the demo!
Game On, the latest output of the West Virginia-based Bad Terms, has been on constant rotation all day for me and I still can’t get enough of this shit. Menacing and dark hardcore that delivers some serious heavy-ass groove. Show hardworking band some love and like their page, go to their gigs or just listen to the demo!For those that don’t know you, please introduce yourself and tell us where you’re from? How was the band formed?
The band consist of Trent, Nick, Tj, Eric and Bozeman. We are from Huntington west Virginia. We started in late 2010 and our first show was with OUTBREAK in our home town on feb 1st 2011. The band formed in a garage after most of us had broken ties from our previous bands. A few of us had been in bands together over the years.
Game On sounds fucking powerful, there’s lot of anger and hate in these songs. What were your major influences when writing this stuff?
When you live in a city such as Huntington WV you learn a lot about life and how you don’t have to live in a big city and know people just to play hardcore. And when we see all these little kids with their parents money only going to fest and not coming to local shows it sucks because when we were growing up we only went to local shows.
Do you guys have a certain aim when it comes to your sound?
We just want people to enjoy what we like to listen to. We are a hardcore band and just want people to bang their heads.
Who writes the lyrics and how important is the message to you?
Nick our vocalist writes most of them with some insight of the rest of us. They mean to world to us. Were not trying to send any messages, we want people to know what we go through and the struggle that we battle every day.
You did a tour across East Coast recently with No Zodiac and No Regrets. How did it go?
Both of those bands are solid dudes and have our upmost respect for what they do. It was a successful 6 day tour and everyone that helped us through it, we owe the world to.
How is hardcore doing in Huntington, WV? Any favorite bands from out there right now?
Hardcore around here use to be awesome, our scene has died over the years like most. There is still people that book shows and know what its about. we as a band have played with just about every band we could ever want to in our hometown. Its really just us and a band our guitar player Trent plays in now called Hard Times that just the locals.
What is the hardest thing about being in a band?
Working full time jobs and being able to get on the road to get our music out to the world. Its takes money to get to places and we all work hard as fuck to get to where we need to be.
What’s the most underrated hardcore band in the history?
Under One Flag and Forfeit.
What are the plans for the band in the near future?
To tour as much as possible and write our new lp for the fall of 2012
Last words or shout outs?
Our last words will be, don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. Fuck the world. Shout outs to: Hard Times, David Dunlap, Jacob Westfall, No Zodiac, No Regrests, Mind Crimes.
Pics by Drew Mistak
Race Riot streams songs from the upcoming split
Mercyless - Mundo Enfermo
Instead, a lot of elements here are straight up distracting and many of the moments when the songs are meant to really take off are not executed as powerful as they should. I am never too much demanding when it comes to hardcore, in my world the more ignorantly in-your-face it is, that better. On the other hand, I like to feel real passion behind the band, and I know Mercyless are folks who are really pissed off with the world today and want to make a change. But it doesn’t come across in their music though. Listening to these songs makes me wanna bitch a little about my boring job at the office and idiots I have to work with, while hardcore should make me want to go on riot, rape and pillage spree.
On the positive side, the band sings in Spanish which is a definite winner in my book. I have always been a fan of bands singing in their native language and Mercyless definitely scores for that. Doing my research I have found out they’ve got some socio-political edge in their lyrics, not too much PC, but just commentary about what’s happening right now in Europe and rest of the world. And with unemployment among young people in Spain at around 50% right now, you bet they’re fucking angry.
Ok, I realized I have been too negative in this review and I don’t want you to get an impression that No Hay Paz is totally wasted effort. It has its moments, and if you are longing for that Hatebreed/Born From Pain sound that was such a hype couple of years ago, it might be worth to check it out. Still not as good as Reclaiming The Crown, but how many times have you listen to that album during all those years after it came out? Give that album a break and try something new.
Review by Dloogi
Cruzade Records, 2012
New Blood: Impulse CV
Impulse reps vibrant Chula Vista scene and if you like hardcore that’s raw and fast, their demo should be on heavy rotation right now. Here’s a short interview which should shed some light about what this about, what are some other bands from CV to follow and some other shit you might find interesting.
Impulse reps vibrant Chula Vista scene and if you like hardcore that’s raw and fast, their demo should be on heavy rotation right now. Here’s a short interview which should shed some light about what this about, what are some other bands from CV to follow and some other shit you might find interesting.There is not much info about the band on your FB page so tell us what Impulse CV is all about? How long the band has been around? What is the line-up?
We got together in summer 2007 while were still in high school and took a long hiatus after 2 years of playing shows off and on. Back then the lineup was Alberto Aguilar on guitar, Alex Alvaro on drums, Guam on bass, and Nick Gonzalez on vocals. We just got back together this summer with a different bass player, MASON HATTTAM.
Is this your first band or have you been in other bands?
Yeah, this is our first band. We also share most of our members with SLEEP WALK which was started shortly after Impulse’s break.
Tell us something about your first demo. I dig your style which is all about playing it fast and fucking angry. What influenced you most when writing this stuff?
Old school hardcore, Infest and Straight Ahead.
Chicano Violence – is the any deeper meaning behind the title?
It’s the title of one of our songs and the vocalist felt like it was necessary to pay homage to the fact that our scene is mostly composed of first generation immigrant families from Mexico and the Philippines.
The pissed off and somehow pessimistic lyrics make the package complete. Where does it come from?
Our vocalist Nick committed suicide before the bands third show back in 07. But he’s ok now. BADASS. Some of his songs were written before and some after the fact.
Is there anything you’d like listeners to get from your music?
Nothing. Just making free music for the dawgs, take it or leave it.
Take Offense is the band that put Chula Vista on the map for the folks like me who didn’t even know the place exists before Tables Will Turn came out. Do they get much support from the local scene and how do you think it helps other bands out there to get attention?
Yeah the local scene in Chula Vista and most of San Diego have always supported Take Offense. Our scene is tight as fuck and better than everyone else’s.
So, what are some of the bands, zines and labels from your local scene kids should check out?
Mind disease records, 1039 records, SLEEP WALK, DEADWEIGHT/BACKSTABBER, STOPPING POWER, DOWN AGAIN, DEADLINED, TANTIVE IV, THE ROSICRUCIANS, COLD STARE, P$O, Linkletter and a bunch more we forgot.
And how is living in Chula Vista like? What are some places to go, things to see?
Boobs, Burritos, and Mexicans. Go to Tijuana and check out Zona Norte. Sexta y Revolucion, and of course Lolitas on Telegraph.
As a band, what do you want to achieve over the next 2 or 3 years?
We don’t think that far ahead. We just want to get one more release in before this summer is over and our guitarist joins the air force and our vocalist goes to school up north.
Anything you’d like to add?
Pregnant bitches shouldn’t drink Monster energy drinks.
Uprising distro website launched
New album by No Turning Back in October
Brutality Will Prevail - The Path
First track to be taken from rhw upcoming new album 'Scatter The Ashes', out November 2012 via Purgatory.
