US - Bucks County, PA

Yo, this is Mitch Koehler, AKA Rich Roller, and I am the vocalist of Carried Away, a metallic hardcore band from Bucks County, Pennsylvania. I want to shine some light on the state of hardcore and punk music from Pennsylvania – mainly Bucks County and beyond, because the bands deserve it.  

(co-produced, mixed and mastered by Alex Kopertowski)

Right now, the bands I know of and support are my ex-roommate’s new band, On Patrol (ex. Mishap) and their Cesspool Collective crew, who put in a lot of time promoting awesome DIY shows and benefits for local friends. 

Uzi Kids are another band I’ve heard good things about. I saw they're opening for Blistered and Malice at The Palace coming up August 3^rd, and more recently, The Barbary show in Philadelphia a few weeks ago with Jesus Piece. It’s pretty cool hearing what young bands have to offer. 

Timebomb is another Philly/Jersey band from around here, I think they’re out on Harvcore Recs, and I know they’ve played This is Hardcore a couple times…So if you’re going to TIH festival this summer, I’d suggest catching their set. I like their drummer’s chops a lot!

We used to have bands like Wrong Answer from our area, but they are no more as far as I know. I’m real lucky because I got to play bass for WA’s second to last show at the American Legion hall in Willow Grove last year. It was sick, I hopped right up for “Struggler” and even though I kind of fucked up the ending of the song, it was awesome to play in front of 100+ people in one of my favorite bands. Definitely went out strong. 

Outside of Bucks County/Philadelphia was a band called Sawed Off (also on Harvcore). I used to love whatever they’d put out, so I’m thinking of putting together a Tourette Benefit show around this area (because I have a complicated case of Tourette Syndrome) and getting Sawed Off to play a reunion set. That would be cool. 

Wrath&Ruin are another friggin’ heavy band from PA and I respect their style. My boy Dylan Tasch recorded their most recent EP as well as On Patrol’s 2016 demo. Wrath & Ruin also has members from the goliath hardcore act, Agitator, who I had the fortune of seeing back in 2010 w/ Title Fight, Wolfblood, Accident Prone, and Mother of Mercy. All great bands, and I’d be happy to put on a benefit show for half of these bands with Carried Away.  Hopefully the DIY Tourette Benefit show works out this fall, because we’ll promote the hell out it and get all our friends out.

All Tic'd Out is a Tourette Benefit comp featuring DIY punk/hardcore bands around the world. All proceeds go to our Tourette Association chapter of Eastern PA, which benefits research and TS awareness.

Before I forget, Scuzbot from Bucks County (Bensalem) Pennsylvania, have a new record coming out, and a single you can stream. Unfortunately, I no longer play bass in the scuz, but the band is still going strong and so I wish them nothing but success in their coming shows, record releases etc. Scuzbot has always been this sorta underground band people know about, but it’s amazing because we were never actually a touring band or anything like that. But anyway, the new album rules. Go check it out!

I’d also like to give a shout out to GoodTimes from the Jersey Shore, as they have a full length LP coming out this year, and it’s going to kick ass. 

Vengeance is another awesome band from New Jersey featuring members of Underdog, Blacklisted and the legendary Floorpunch. Their music can be streamed as well through Six Feet Under Records.

There’re probably 20 other bands I could think of, but for me these are bands that have stood out to me this past year. PAHC forever.

US - Stockton, CA

“Stockton CA used to be a lot bigger in the hxc/punk genre with older bands. Nowadays with the new generation we have this bullshit metalcore scene. I mean with cliques and all trying to fight people from being out of town and stuff. Through all that though we have some good bands trying to bring it back and sprouting up with all types of genres.

The band that really represents our scene well I would have to say is Place Called Home because of their work with local owner and promoter Middagh Goodwin to put on some awesome shows and bring bigger bands from out of town.


We also have 51-50 - a great power violence punk band for the fans of bands like Ceremony. They just came up and are Stockton local.


We even have some great bands from surrounding towns and both are stellar at what they do…

Cutting Loose who is hardcore/punk


Indian Taker who is Screamo/Emo


For venues we have the good ol' Plea For Peace Center ran by Middagh Goodwin and really without him and what he has been doing for years Stockton wouldn't have any scene.


We have also a couple of smaller promoters who bring some good stuff like GoldenNoose Promotions. State Faults and Ruptures came down to play (most definitely should check them out ) and there’s work on booking even bigger names.


Finally we also have Cutting Teeth who books in our area.”

US - California, Central Valley & Bay Area

“I currently reside in Modesto, California (the central valley). I am straight edge for 5 years now. It wasn't until around 2004 that I found and fell in love with hardcore. I first saw Hatebreed around 2003 or 2004. At the time I just thought they were a really heavy band and when I saw them live they were so much better than any other bands I had seen live. Nowadays I rarely go to any big shows like that. I mostly stick to the smaller venues now, as I seem to find it more fun plus seeing the same familiar faces is nice, it's almost like a second family.

Anyways about venues around the Modesto area there are pretty much none. All the venues that were here closed and no one ever throws shows. I used to rent out a hall and throw shows every once in a while. Looking back at it now I managed to throw some good shows, but the kids here are just not into hardcore and it was really hard to get kids to come, but man I got some good bands to come through and play. I met some really cool people and made a lot of friends just by throwing shows.


The one venue I miss the most is the PoundSF in San Francisco. That venue had the best shows. I swear to you I would be there at least once a week. That shut down back in 2006 though. The Plea for Peace Center, which is in Stockton, is the closest venue doing shows here in the valley.


Also The Workshop in Ceres, which is basically a garage, does some shows. I mostly go to the bay area for shows. I mostly go to 924 Gilman St in Berkely, CA and sometimes I will hit up the Submission Art Space in SF. Sometimes the Metro in Oakland has some good shows too.

Check out calihardcore, Nick does a pretty good job keeping it up to date and you can check out upcoming shows and submit shows too. It’s a cool website.


I started a small record label back in November 2009 to help my friends put out their record, Ultima Victima from Mexico City. They are a really good bunch of guys! I love those guys. I met them back in 2008 in Central America. I tagged along with my friends in 5 victims 4 graves (rip) on a Central America tour. Anyways Ultima Victima blew me away and they asked me later if I could help them out so I decided I would, because I felt like people should hear their music. That's how it all started.

Right now I am working on two releases. You can check out the website also.


Real from Guadalara, Mexico.

Alea Jacta Est from France.

I personally love hardcore and don't know where I would be without it. I try my best to give back to the scene, because I feel that everyone should have the chance to get what I've gotten from hardcore.”

US - Poughkeepsie, New York

“I'm from Upstate NY, around Poughkeepsie/New Paltz area. Hardcore here at this point in time is pretty non existent. No venues, nothing. Next week is the first hardcore show going on here since like June. If I want to go to any good show I usually have to travel, which I don't have a problem with, gives me a chance to meet new people and see new things, but if I could just travel 20 minutes instead of 2+ hours to see a good show that would be awesome.

Like I said before, there aren't really any venues. There’s this one big place called The Chance Theater that actually has 3 different places inside it. It kinda sucks but it gets some good shows. For example, over summer Breakdown, All Out war and Death Threat played there. That was awesome. And in February Most Precious Blood and Incendiary are playing there.

There used to be this basement that my friends and I would book shows in but it got shut down recently. Huge bummer. I did some really good shows there, played some really good shows there and went to some really good shows there. Sucks it’s not around anymore.


There aren't really many good bands going on in this area right now. Only band I can think of is Colony, they're from Westchester which is like 45 minutes away but its close enough. They just got signed to Frequency Deleted Records and just released a 7". Check that shit out. They should be touring soon with Revenge I think so check them out on that too.


But on to zines, I used to do one called Dissed & Dismissed. Really simple, couple of interviews and some record reviews. Nothing special but it was cool while it lasted. I'm starting up a new one called Wardogs with the help of a few friends of mine. That should be cool, I'm using pretty much all the Dissed and Dismissed material plus a whole bunch of new stuff. I'm psyched. Other cool zines you should check out are Down to the Felt and Atlanta Youth Report. They're both real cool.


I think hardcore right now is pretty sweet. Listen to the Violent Side and United Youth if you haven't yet.


Back to Back Records is gonna be the best label in hardcore soon enough. Triple B too. Word.”

US - Memphis 2

US - Memphis 1

"Just a small update since the last time I wrote, three new hardcore bands have formed.

Suspicious Minds fb



Pulltrigger which earlier this year played here on the KEEPERS OF THE FAITH TOUR


Guardian

We are starting to see a small growth in our hardcore scene and we are excited to see where it will lead us :)"

US - Santa Cruz

The hc scene in SC was up until very recently on hiatus or pretty non existant. Years ago when I started going to shows, punk/hc/metal shows would happen every weekend, sometimes two shows a weekend. I began going to shows with 1 kid from my highschool but he ended up not liking going to shows/the music/whatever, fuck him. So I started going alone, knowing it was the only place I truly belong. From going to shows I met a lot of great friends, most of which I am still close with.


The main hc venue in SC used to be the 418 Project, a lil indian restraunt/venue. There was also the Vets Hall. Over the years I've seen a lot of sick bands in SC.


After a while, because of fights, not enough ppl or lack of initiative hc shows just stopped happening. Raves took over and there were no bands coming through. My friends started a band and played a few shows and they were ragers. This band was Sick Mess. They had a practice space downtown sc and the guy who owned it ended up building a venue complete with a spiderweb carved into the floor. The first show at this venue was a Sick Mess show and it went off! smoke machines, slippery floor, lots of pit beef ha. Only a couple of real fights though. By the end of their set you couldn't see cuz it was so smokey inside, you couldn't breathe and the fire alarm was going off. The cops and the fire department were on their way but somehow it was ok and the venue went on to have another show. Last weekend sabertooth zombie played and it was fucking awesome. This new venue rules and I hope it continues to have shows.

Good bands from SC:

Sick Mess


At Risk RIP


Uzi Suicide RIP


This dude puts on some rad shows:

Bane Shows



hc pride, hc unity.

US - Merrimack Valley

There’s so much to say, I've been to some pretty big shows. The MVHC has been a host to huge bands such as Cro-Mags, Guns Up, Bracewar, Trash Talk, Death Before Dishonor, Shipwreck, Hammer Bros, Have Heart, and Verse.


I'm fortunate enough to live close to the venue Anchors Up, run by Josh Hynes. It is thriving really well. It hosted the Triple B Records Showcase and the America's Hardcore Compilation. Both shows were a success.


The area is just amazing for real hardcore where you not only find enjoyable shows but you realize everyone has a somewhat mutual respect for each other and it really is becoming a brotherhood, I've met so many good friends from shows.

There’s a pretty huge show coming up: Death Before Dishonor, Casey Jones, The Mongoloids, Reckless, Hundredth, Mountain Man on January 22.

Other venues around the area:

The Chop Shop in Framingham, MA

Rad Skate Park in Mendon, MA

Rocko's in Manchester, NH (sometimes a good show)

Elks Lodge in Haverhill, MA

Lions Club in Londonderry, NH


Other than those venues, I've been to some house shows from Dover, Lowell, and Derry

I haven't really left the area much to give an opinion based on other hardcore scenes but I've got to say this area of hardcore is amazing. It's not something kids take as a joke and they truly respect. Pile Ups, Circle Pits, Stage Dives, Breakdowns..everything!

Some Bands from the MVHC:

Think Again


The Nasty


Hammer Bros RIP


The Bonus Army


Thin Ice


Think Straight


Guns Up!


Villian (more Marlborough)


Ignorance RIP

Resist RIP

Powerwolves


Watchfire


…and many more.

My friend, Jim Doucette has been promoting his own zine Where It Ends for some time now, I've bought a few and they're exceptionally well done, with amazing interviews.


Johnnie Limit runs his own Label called Arrest Records. He is one of the realest guys ever, always busting his ass for his bands trying to get them in the open, and helping them tour. Definitely check out some of his bands.

Canada - Vancouver & US - Seattle

It's really hard to get bands to tour into Vancouver on a regular basis. Since we are in the Northwest it seems like all tours get as close as Seattle but do not venture into Canada because of the hassle of crossing the border and the distance between towns in BC. Not to mention the dwindling venues that Vancouver has to offer. As of lately, all of the all ages venues have closed down and we are left with nothing more then bars to have our shows in. The promoters are doing the best they can with the limited resources and spaces they are given.

It's honestly a bit frustrating to be in a large city and have nothing, I guess it's a good thing that Seattle is only 3 hours away and the friend network we have is uncanny.

As per bands, I feel there are tons of great/amazing bands coming out of the Vancouver/Seattle area (just to name some off the top of my head).

In Stride


Go it Alone


Ill Intent


Vacant State


ON


Black Breath


Grave Maker


I feel there are tons of really talented kids that have a lot to offer to the Hardcore scene that are right here in our small scene.