I have a love/hate relationship with New York Hardcore. The stuff I love – I love A LOT. The stuff I loathe… Well, let’s just focus on the stuff I love. On this mini-episode I ramble on about arguably the most widely known and influential “scene” spawned by hardcore-punk. This certainly isn’t a historical review – just some random thoughts on some well covered ground. If you’re a new to this strain of hardcore – this is a good primer (subjectively). If you have a good handle on it, listen anyway and send me hate mail after.

"Ugh, Ough, Owwwwwwwww"

Eric Starr is the former guitarist of hardcore-punk band D.I.M and currently of Riptide Suicide. He is also the owner of Arkham Tattoo, located in Akron. I’ve known Eric for a really, really long time now and always enjoy hanging out with him. We cover a ton of ground – partly because we don’t get to see each other much – partly because of my verbosity. This conversation was recorded while Eric was working on a piece for me.

Some of things we gab on and on about; Sade, Hank Williams Sr., The Weirdos, Circus of Power, Bathory, Dark Angel, Discharge, Death Angel, Slayer, Hellhammer, Waylon Jennings, The Meters, the films Frakenstein Conquers the World and The Mysterians, Horror film hosts The Ghoul and Superhost, High on Fire, and a TON of Celtic Frost.

This is part 1 of 2.

(Interview originally published 12/20/2021)

"I'm definitely housebroken"

Eric Starr is the former guitarist of hardcore-punk band D.I.M and currently of Riptide Suicide. He is also the owner of Arkham Tattoo, located in Akron. I’ve known Eric for a really, really long time now and always enjoy hanging out with him. We cover a ton of ground – partly because we don’t get to see each other much – partly because of my verbosity. This conversation was recorded while Eric was working on a piece for me.

Some of things we gab on and on about; Sade, Hank Williams Sr., The Weirdos, Circus of Power, Bathory, Dark Angel, Discharge, Death Angel, Slayer, Hellhammer, Waylon Jennings, The Meters, the films Frakenstein Conquers the World and The Mysterians, Horror film hosts The Ghoul and Superhost, High on Fire, and a TON of Celtic Frost.

This is part 2 of 2.

(Interview originally published 12/20/2021)

It’s an AMBUSH!!! But, it’s also Halloween so we’re talkin’ Danzig. But in the spirit of the season, TRICKS not treats, and jump scares. I’ve attacked several of my unknowing friends with a question; Of Danzig’s three biggest projects (Danzig, Samhain and Misfits), what are the 3 best songs?

I ambushed Chris Wyatt (co-host Nickel City Soundtrack), Dave Neeson (writer/artist of Gorgonessa, guitarist of Harriet the Spy), Brittany Nader (producer/co-host of WKSU’s Shuffle), Mike Thorn (Razor Blades & Aspirin), Rich Miles (co-host of Nothing Better to Do, bassist Constatine Sakathi), Bob Shedd (co-host In Search of Tracks and Axe to Grind), Jenn Kidd (Executive Director of The Nightlight Theater), Erick Eagol (co-host of Keeping it 99), and most IMPORTANTLY, Pete Hilton (co-host of In Search of Tracks). Pete has gone on record as saying that The Misfits are NOT a Halloween band. Of course, Pete is entitled to his entirely wrong opinion.

(Interview originally published 10/29/21)

"Djent-the dumbest name for a genre...ever"

Jon Vinson is a busy guy. At the time of this interview, not only was he the drummer for Axioma, Six Kills Nine, occasionally for Child Bite, Jesus Egg and Persistent Aggressor. But, I think things have slowed down a bit and he currently sits on the throne for Frayle. Jon is also a drum instructor and an insane marathon runner. Jon is incredibly talented which explains why he is in such demand.

This is PART 1 of 2. 

(Interview originally published 5/7/2021)

"Can I get some more Glenn Hughes in the monitor?"

Jon Vinson is a busy guy. At the time of this interview, not only was he the drummer for Axioma, Six Kills Nine, occasionally for Child Bite, Jesus Egg and Persistent Aggressor. But, I think things have slowed down a bit and he currently sits on the throne for Frayle. Jon is also a drum instructor and an insane marathon runner. Jon is incredibly talented which explains why he is in such demand.

This is PART 2 of 2. If you haven’t already, go back and check out Part 1.

(Interview originally published 5/7/2021)

" 'Sup, Cuz"

Brittany Nader is a producer for Shuffle, which covers the Northeast Ohio music scene. Shuffle appears every Thursday on 89.7 WKSU and as a stand alone podcast. Brittany also covered music for Akron’s community driven co-op, alt-weekly magazine The Devil Strip.

…And we’re related. Sort of…

Some of the stuff you’ll hear on this episode:

The Wipers, Nirvana, The Beatles, Erykah Badu, The Brand New Heavies, Sunny Day Real Estate, Janet Jackson, Deep Wound, Amel Larrieux, Siege, The Replacements, If These Trees Could Talk, Coby and the Prisoners, Sebadoh, Liz Phair, Bikini Kill, The Police, and Sza.

(Interview originally published 2/8/2021)

"Next time we talk about the Faces, and only the Faces"

Frank McGhee is the drummer for Conservative Military Image. But, our paths frist crossed even before he became the vocalist for long-time Akron Hardcore band FEDS. He was also the drummer for the Unclean. Frank was kind enough to help complete the early Persistent Aggressor demos. Frank is an avid fisherman and a good friend. This episode runs the gamut:

Ice Cube, Blood of Christ, Alison Krauss, Bad Wizard, Chain Whip, Chubby and the Gang, Gluttons, Slapshot, Integrity, AC/DC, Out Cold, MC Ren, OutKast, Circle Jerks, Rose Tattoo, Ringworm, and Zeke.

fedsakron.bandcamp.com

(Interview originally published 4/2/2021)

"With a very special guest appearance"

Frank McGhee is the drummer for Conservative Military Image. But, our paths frist crossed even before he became the vocalist for long-time Akron Hardcore band FEDS. He was also the drummer for the Unclean. Frank was kind enough to help complete the early Persistent Aggressor demos. Frank is an avid fisherman and a good friend. This episode runs the gamut:

Ice Cube, Blood of Christ, Alison Krauss, Bad Wizard, Chain Whip, Chubby and the Gang, Gluttons, Slapshot, Integrity, AC/DC, Out Cold, MC Ren, OutKast, Circle Jerks, Rose Tattoo, Ringworm, and Zeke.

fedsakron.bandcamp.com

(Interview originally published 4/2/2021)

"We might need so Lemon Pledge"

Rich Miles was the bassist for Constatine Sakathi and former the co-host of “Nothing Better to Do” as well as “I’m Not Acutually a Gas Station Attendant” podcast. We discuss the merits of Kiss as well as Alice Cooper and robots. Rich has become quite a good friend and this conversation reflects on of the many drive time "core talks" we have almost daily.

Some of the artists/bands we get philosophical about;

Alice Cooper, Antioch Arrow, Carnivore, Close Call, Dropdead, Integrity, Metallica, King Diamond, Kiss, Sick of it All, Verbal Assault Token Entry and Sick of it All.

(Interview originally published 6/17/2021)