The B9 Podcast

Taped right before a show at the Bridge Nine Warehouse, Chris B9 is joined by Luke Garro (Piebald, In My Eyes, Fastbreak) to discuss his extensive journey through the hardcore and punk scenes. Garro reflects on his early beginnings in Glastonbury, the supportive nature of the Boston scene, and the organic process behind Piebald's first new record in nearly two decades.

The conversation also covers:

The Power of Showing Up: How Garro's proactive approach—from volunteering to play drums for Fastbreak to witnessing the "fifth member" dedication of modern tour managers—highlights the importance of initiative and community contribution.

The Multigenerational Cycle of Hardcore: Observing the enduring vitality of the scene, where modern teenagers cover foundational bands like SSD and Madball, proving that the energy and passion of the music remains constant across decades.

Organic Songwriting and Modern Recording: The non-linear path to Piebald's latest album, Tales For The Rages, which was pieced together over several years without label deadlines, contrasting with the high-pressure, two-day drum sessions of past recordings.

The Changing Bar of Entry: A look at how the shift from limited vinyl and cassette releases to instant digital distribution has exponentially increased the volume of available music, making it both easier to create and harder to stand out.

Host: Chris B9

Filming: Bill Fulkerson

Lighting: Bill Fulkerson

Sound: Bill Fulkerson

Editing: Colby Bradford

Set Design: Chris Wrenn

Taped right before a B9 warehouse show, Chris B9 is joined by John Coyle (Outspoken) to talk about his long history in the hardcore scene, from his early days with Outspoken to the band's current reunion and re-releases through Equal Vision. He reflects on the enduring relevance of his music and the creative necessity that drove early DIY efforts, such as hand-printing covers and designing shirts to fund recordings. 

Coyle also explores:

The Evolution of Record Collecting: How the focus has shifted from the music itself to variant collecting and the unique, often unplanned, charm of limited edition releases born out of necessity.

Hardcore Financial Ingenuity: The history behind the iconic "Straight Edge Isn't Cool Anymore" shirt and how it served as a successful fundraiser to cover recording costs for the band.

Maintaining a Legacy: The importance of keeping foundational records in print to provide a "road map" for new generations, even as the scene evolves with new bands and changing dynamics.

Defining Success over Decades: The humbling realization that music created over 30 years ago still resonates and influences modern artists like Pat Flynn of Have Heart.

About Outspoken:

Formed in the early 1990s, Outspoken remains one of the most influential bands of the Southern California straight edge scene. Their music continues to resonate decades later, bridging the gap between the foundational eras of hardcore and the new bands of today.

Chris B9 is joined by Pat Flynn (Have Heart, Fiddlehead, How Much Art) to talk about his prolific involvement in the hardcore scene, from his time with Have Heart to his current work with Fiddlehead and various "science projects" like Clear and Sweet Jesus. He reflects on the creative drive that keeps him starting new bands, emphasizing that his goal is collaboration and artistic expression rather than mainstream fame.

Flynn also explores:
The Symbiosis of Career and Music: How his long-term career as a teacher provides a balanced schedule for touring and makes performing feel more special.

Hardcore Subculture Dynamics: The importance of a thriving youth population alongside "elders" who provide history and guidance to keep the scene healthy.

Defining Success: Why hardcore continues to challenge mainstream ideas of celebrity by prioritizing organic community, accessibility, and the truest forms of self-expression.