Thursday, December 13, 2012

WEBSTORE UPDATE! New HATRED SURGE, GOOD THROB, BROWN SUGAR, BELGRADO, and More!

Well, we are in the thick of the holiday season and I hope everyone has their x-mas shopping finished early and has a few extra bucks to spend on some records!  You owe it to yourself! Or, keeping with the spirit of the holidays you can buy some records for your friends and/or loved ones! I support all of these ideas. This might end up being be the last Grave Mistake Webstore Update for 2012 (we'll see ...) so luckily it's a good one! Before I get to what's new in the webstore, a few quick things ...

First off, thanks to EVERYONE who placed an order during our Black Friday sale a few weeks back - hopefully you picked up some killer records at a nice price! I had a blast packing up all of your orders and it was cool to see so many great records going out the door and to good homes. In case you missed it, I put about 400 or so 7"s at a reduced price for Black Friday, and while a good number of them went during the sale weekend, I still have a ton of killer titles and some other stuff still on sale and you can see those HERE.

Second, the SCHOOL JERKS LP is back in stock! The first pressing came and went, but we've got the second pressing in stock now so pick yourself up a copy HERE if you haven't yet, we've got plenty as well as all three of their 7" singles! The first pressing of the NIGHT BIRDS "Fresh Kills" LP is running low too, but we have a few left still so grab one of those as well if you haven't yet!

Finally, I know I've been promising an official announcement as to what we've got in the works for 2013, but I haven't had the chance to get around to typing it all up so you'll have to wait just a little bit longer for the full details! I will tell you that it's looking like THE SHIRKS 12" and the BIG EYES "2010 Demo" 7" are going to be pushed to January due to some pressing plant delays, but I'll have a full list for you shortly. I'll go into more detail hopefully soon, but expect new releases from SICKOIDS, SECTARIAN VIOLENCE, BIG EYES, NIGHT BIRDS, COKE BUST, VIOLENT OUTBURST, BARGE, DEVILS HAND, COKE BUST, and BRAIN F≠, plus some reissues from 86 MENTALITY, STRIKING DISTANCE, and THE THUMBS will all see the light of day (hopefully) in 2013!

I think that's all for now, on to the new webstore titles!!!
 
 
GRAVE MISTAKE WEBSTORE:
http://www.gravemistakerecords.com/catalog/

WHAT'S NEW FOR 12.14.2012:
http://www.gravemistakerecords.com/catalog/products_new.php

I realized that it's been well over a month since the last official webstore email update, so you are sort of getting two updates for the price of one this time around. That being said, I'll still try and keep it as brief as possible! Got a handful of rad new singles including the debut 7" from the UK's GOOD THROB, the latest from BROWN SUGAR, and ton of 7"s on DISTORT REALITY including the brand new ZYANOSE 7" along with 7"s from FRENZY, TRUNCHEONS, ATTACK SS, ZATSUON, and PEROXIDE; the newest single from HATRED SURGE, some rad singles from PURITY CONTROL, THE INSTIGATION, SEDATIVES, THE STOPS, POOR CHOICE, NIGHT STALKERS, and more!

A bunch of new LPs in this update as well including the first LP release from Cali's BROKEN PATTERNS (this LP rules!), a US pressing of the debut LP from Spain's BELGRADO (this LP also rules!); a couple of new hits from PRANK including the newest from FORWARD and a reissue from ASTA KASK; some new LPs from SWEARIN', ST. DAD, AUDACITY, and SYNTHETIC ID plus a restock of the ripping debut LP from HERATYS that came out a few years back.  Also stocked up on a ton of killer reissues (both legit and, um ... not so legit) - a ton of classic old hardcore and punk from the likes of IMPACT, NEGAZIONE, THE OPPRESSED, STINKY RATS, CHAIN REACTION, PSYCHO, KLAXON, THE VARUKERS, POISON IDEA, GAUZE, and a killer fanclub 12" collection featuring the URBAN WASTE, ANTIDOTE, MOB, and ABUSED 7"s all on one LP! If that wasn't enough, I grabbed some cool fanclub B-Sides and Demos collections from THE SMITHS and MOTORHEAD too!

Finally, grabbed a ton of new tapes from the likes of RECIDE, BLESSED STATE, SELF ABUSE, ZODIACS, THE NUKES, PUBLIC ASSAULT, CONDENADA, DIRTY WORK, DIAPERS, CANCER, and a couple of tape comps including the PEOPLE MOSTLY SUCK IT and THESE ARE THE VOICES IN THE BACK OF YOUR HEAD comps. Also picked up a few new zines including the latest MAXIMUMROCKNROLL, two issues of AS BOREDOM SETS IN, and the first issue of HASHTAG HARDCORE.

Well, I think that's it - the full list with descriptions and full list of restocks is below, check it out! If you don't hear from me until 2013, I hope everyone has a safe and happy holidays and New Years! 2012 was a nice and productive year for the label but I'm ready for it to be over!

Alex / GRAVE MISTAKE RECORDS
SITE: www.gravemistakerecords.com
STORE: www.gravemistakerecords.com/catalog
BANDCAMP: gravemistakerecords.bandcamp.com
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/gravemistakerecords
TWITTER: www.twitter.com/gravemistakerex

NEW IN THE WEBSTORE FOR 12/14/12:

GOOD THROB "S/T" 7" (SUPER FI)
Good Throb’s initial public offering draws from all of their previous bands’ work (the Sceptres, the Shitty Limits,Tortura et al.) in the shadows of the Nixe’s Utreg punk, with a hint of "Swiss Punk Now", a bit of the Australian X’s burliness, but any desire for comparison is overwhelmed by a certain wall of sound and ferocity - on every instrument - that breeds a perfectly nasty sense of empathy. Empathy for a visceral breeze, for the methodical assassination of tedium, for the distilled detestation of our rosy society, and for Tesco anthems. Raw depictions of a mundane universe.

BROWN SUGAR "LUVLY" 7" (COWABUNGA)
Here's the Buffalo band's latest material and this is also some of their strongest output. Musically it sounds like it could have bridged the gap between the Deportation EP and the Birds/Racism LP, SERIOUSLY.  It's as punk as the 1st 7'' but as weird as the LP at the sametime. I really don't know what else to tell you here, if you are already aware of this band and as into them as much as I am I don't need to sell you on this.

ZYANOSE "ISOLATION" 7" (DISTORT REALITY)
Newest 7" from these Osaka noizefreakz!!!

IRON LUNG / THE PROCESS - SPLIT TOUR 7" (IRON LUNG)
Three IRON LUNG songs recorded at the Sexless//No Sex session back in '07. These were originally released on a super limited UK tour 7" with Scottish hardcore stalwarts THE PROCESS. In case you are unfamiliar with these Neds they played in some bands that you might be more in touch with like SHANK or STRETCHHEADS. This is a one time remastered reissue in an edition of 500 copies on maroon vinyl with updated FEEDING artwork.

STOPS, THE "S/T" 7" (RESIDUE)
THE STOPS are a newish band from Portland, OR that keeps up the pace by playing driving, dark-melodic punk.  These five women put on the hurt with 4 essential tracks that are catchy and driving at the same time.   They have the kind of sound that anyone with taste would want playing in a sweat-soaked basement in your shitty hometown.  "Waiting for Today" and "Up Looking Down" will crack open your skull and bury a great tune deep into your brain... try to get it out!  One time pressing of 600 copies.

HATRED SURGE "PURGATORY" 7" (CAN-O-BEES)
Hatred Surge continue their heavy metal evolution with "Purgatory", piecing together the elements from every subfacet of the genre; the dirge, the mother riff, the dynamics. Written and recorded shortly after "Human Overdose", this 7" represents the true core of the Hatred Surge unit; the unbreakable rhythm section of Hughes, Sharp, and Ulsh. The B-side features a cover of "Like Rats" by the legendary, genre-bending-giant Godflesh.  First pressing of 500.

PIG HEART TRANSPLANT / ENDLESS BLOCKADES - SPLIT 7" (SUPER FI)
Sludged-out noise meets noised-out powerviolence.  Pig Heart Transplant is Jon Iron Lung plus chums. The Endless Blockade are ex-Shank and this is their swansong.

PURITY CONTROL "COPING" 7" (HIGH ANXIETY)
"Toronto's Purity Control come out of the gate charging with Coping, their first vinyl offering. Six tracks of abrasive, low-fi grind for creeps, mixed and mastered by Will Killingsworth (Ampere/Orchid)." --Chris Colohan. Limited to 550 copies! Includes download code!

SEDATIVES "TEENAGE RUNAWAY" 7" (ERSTE THEKE TONTRAGER)
Yes it is true! The Ottawa Boys strike back! After having given us the first 7''s and the Debut 12" im so happy that they let me put out this new mind blowing 45! The energetic melodies that blast through every Sedatives Song, are simple and mind blowing. This Canadian punk band from Ottawa has released their self-titled album some days ago, and it may just be one of the best things that has ever been produced in the history of melodic punk rock. The harmonizing vocals of the four Gentleman are the perfect balance of aggression and sincerity while the predominant Bass, the Organ and drumbeats keep the motivating energy that drives their music. These four Canadian gentlemen may be held responsibles for having written one of the best songs in ages with ''Slip away'' but this two Songs are also just A - side Songs! Maybe we should mark both Labels with A - Side. The Sedatives dared to go step further and once more set a landmark in the little mundo punko with this new record that will shake your heart and legs!!! You will never be disappointed with this 7" - believe me!!!

INSTIGATION, THE "S/T" 7" (SELF RELEASED)
Trash rockin' hardcore punk band from Far East Asia,shanghai,The Instigation. Its 4-piece from different countries as Japan,UK,China and Canada their first 7inch with 5 songs is just out and their sound is combining early 80s US hardcore punk with trashy garage punk.  Trashy loud guitar is rumbling and british vocal is blasting on the tight rhysm section and it would blow your mind away. If you are fun of Dean Dirg,Henry Fiat;s Open Sore,Regulations,Napoleon Dynamite etc,you can get the taste. Handnumbering 200 limited

LOS MONJO / RULETA RUSA - SPLIT 7" (SOLO PARA PUNKS)
Two brand new anthems by Mexicans Los Monjo on one side. On the other side, Bay Area punkers Ruleta Rusa (ex Peligro Social) give us two super catchy, bass driven songs with a superb guitar work. While Los Monjo bring to my mind Eskorbuto, or Mexican punk classics like early Sedicion and Sindrome, in the case of Ruleta Rusa, 80's spanish punk rock like La UVI, Commando 9mm or early Ox Pow are a good comparison.

MUUY BIIEN "KNIFE FIGHTS" 7" (WONDERTRICK)
Muuy Biien hails from Athens GA. Their sound is aggressive, hyper-compressed, hardcore noise with ambient interludes that provide the perfect balance. Knife Fights EP, their debut 7", is abrupt, abrasive, and incredibly catchy.

PUKEOID "RABID" 7" (NOT NORMAL)
8 song rager from NWI's Pukeoid. The Rabid Dog Punk rockers return, and with them their brand of Midwestern Weirdness.  Ex-members of NWI/Chicago outfits GUINEA KID and RAW NERVE play with the urgency of condemned men, with bitterness and contempt dripping from every shouted word, aimed at the “shame society,” those around them, and themselves.  Puke fucking rules.  For fans of The State, The Fix, and Die Kruezen.  One time only press of 500, on hot pink.

BROKEN PATTERNS "PATTERN INTERRUPT" LP (SIX FEET UNDER)
Armed with a new singer and featuring the guitar player of Tear It Up and Cut The Shit, Broken Patterns unleash their first full-length that pays homage to the early L.A. punk sound of bands like The Dickies, Adolescents, D.I. and The Weirdos.

BELGRADO "S/T" LP (MMM)
From the squatted vaults of Barcelona comes anarcho punks Belgrado, recently touring through North America and leaving mouths agape. Belgrado play an original-sounding style of early eighties Wave Punk (see SIEKIERA, CORTEX and SKELETAL FAMILY) with a slight morbid feel and a dose of KILLING JOKE here and there. Heavy reverb on guitars and vocals, driving bass guitar with pounding drums. The vocals are reminiscent of Siouxsie Sioux with songs in English and others in Polish. Sound-wise this is close to the originals yet still sounds fresh and urgent.  Limited US press of their s/t LP.

ST. DAD "S/T" LP (VINYL RITES)
Finally, the idiot genius that is the ST. DAD long player is unleashed on this stupid fucking world. These vocals are the snottiest, most crazed thing put to tape in a long time. The songs are always on the brink of falling apart, like all good early punk and hardcore was. It sounds like THE CRUCIFUCKS recorded in a bedroom if the bedroom was in a cave. No poser shit here, just 4 legit weirdos that couldn't even scan their photos in for the layout correctly. The band has been broken up for a while but all 3 labels involved (Moon Machination, 16oh, and Vinyl Rites) knew it had to become part of our reality. You're welcome, world, you probably didn't ask for it.

FORWARD "WAR NUKE & DEATH SENTENCE" LP (PRANK)
Aggressive melodic hardcore punk attack, Tokyo's FORWARD return with their first new LP since 2004's "Burn Down the Corrupt Justice" with catchy guitar riffs grounded in solid rhythms with intense gravel throated vocals from world punk legend, Ishiya! Their first LP with new drummer Akiyama, FORWARD maintain a constant live schedule in their native Japan and have honed these new tracks to make a solid collection of song-driven anthems hammered with hardcore impact. Lyrically the LP is poetically reflective and many of the songs address the situation of post-tsunami Japan. Formed in 1996 and comprised of former members of DEATHSIDE, INSANE YOUTH and SYSTEMATIC DEATH, this is the band's third full LP and follows a recent set of catalog re-issues on Prank. FORWARD returned to the US for their third stateside tour earlier this year. This vinyl edition comes housed in a U/V gloss heavyweight sleeve with mastering by Jack Control from WORLD BURNS TO DEATH/ ENORMOUS DOOR STUDIOS and lacquer cutting by George Horn.

ASTA KASK "MED IS I MAGEN" LP (PRANK)
"MED IS I MAGEN" is the first 12" by Sweden's legendary punk band ASTA KASK, a cornerstone of Swedish Punk Rock and it's "Trallpunk" Genre - where lightning fast delivery of unrelenting melodic and upbeat punk is delivered hardcore tempo . Featuring many of the bands classic tracks "Psykiskt Instabil", "Till Far", "Valkommen Hem". This was the band's Best selling release, though it has become a sought after collector's item since it's release in 1985. This is the first time the original 12" version has been re-pressed in it's debut format since it's initial Release. Maximum Rock'N' Roll #31 said n 1985 of the original Release "Yet another outstanding release from this Swedish band. With their tight musicianship, super instrumental hooks, rough lead vocals, and up-tempo sing-along choruses, they remind me of classic punk outfits from the late '70s like STIFF LITTLE FINGERS. ASTA KASK wouldn't know how to write a bad song, so don't ignore this 12"."  This version Features a heavy weight sleeve and new lyric insert with liner notes and lyric explanations. Re-mastered by Peter En Betou with Lacquers cut by George Horn.

SYNTHETIC ID "APERTURES" LP (ERSTE THEKE TONTRAGER)
There’s a new best band in San Francisco. And this band plays a beautiful cacophony of raw, frenetic guitars, fiercely pounded drums, and jerky yet oddly melodic vocals. Perfect timing and guitar damage reminiscent of the Proletariat underscores a vocal delievery not dissimilar to the Observers but less operatic and more desperate. Synthetic ID sound like Greg Sage, D. Boone, and Colin Newman fabricating the house band for the International Space Station. Or better yet, spending three days in close quarters on an uncharted trek to the Sea of Tranquility. Anxious paranoia dripping from the walls. It's jerky, derailed, and draws heavily from early post-punk, but chugs along at a classic punk tempo, blasting out totally agitated lyrics the whole time. Space madness? Or just a need to escape the surface of this planet, even if it just be through the act of playing two minute punk jams? Either way, it's exciting and different. This record is a tight, fuzzy underground treasure in the waiting.  Synthetic ID evokes collapsing architecture, mangled pin cushions in undated photographs and above all else, tension. The San Franciscan group’s debut EP was an exercise in straight-ahead punk with a post-punk guitar aesthetic that eschewed heavy-handed pastiche in favor of modern neuroses. Sinuous guitar leads deftly plunge, serrate and splice with insidious resolve while the band asserts mid-tempo conviction and tasteful restraint. Constantly on the brink of a seething barrage, the group retreats into their festering comfort zone, as if unable to cope with the demands of healthy social behavior. To illustrate, Synthetic ID recently performed in a Mission District taco shop and margaritas curdled.

SWEARIN "S/T" LP (SALINAS)
The self-titled debut LP from New York/Philly's Swearin' is 12 songs of pop-punk and lo-fi that speeds along through catchy sing-a-longs only to jar you with something just a bit off-kilter. Members of P.S. Eliot, Big Soda, Bad Blood & Radiator Hospital.

AUDACITY "MELLOW CRUISERS" LP (BURGER)
Audacity didn’t meet in college and didn’t even meet in high school or middle school - this particular band goes back to second grade in Fullerton, California, where baby guitarists Kyle Gibson and Matt Schmalfeld met and bonded thanks to moms who were both big into the Beatles. After Punk 101 with a savvy older sister who clued them in on Bikini Kill, the Stooges and the Buzzcocks and after searching up Wire and the Adverts in the wild mess of early Internet file-sharing, Gibson and Schmalfeld were ready for junior high and bassist Cameron Crowe and drummer Thomas Alvarez, who’d been playing on his brother’s drum kit in the family garage.

HERATYS "S/T" LP (LA FAMILIA)
Hailing from south of Sweden, this band just owns so fucking much. They sound like a mix between Totalitär from Sweden and snotty 80's Finnish rawpunk! Simple riffs and just straight in your face d-beat hcpunk, you gotta love it.

NEGAZIONE "WILD BUNCH: THE EARLY DAYS" LP (NO NEVER)
This collects the earliest and rarest recordings by this pioneering '80s Italian hardcore band, including their 1984 "Mucchio Selvaggio" split cassette with DECLINO, and their impossible-to-find 1985 "Tutti Pazzi" and "Condannati a Morte Nel Vostro Quieto Vivere" 7"s. A total of 18 high quality tracks, with full color cover, and a printed board innersleeve with the lyrics in English on one side and Italian on the other. Italian import.

IMPACT "SOLO ODIO" LP (GONNA PUKE RETRO)
Official and licensed reissue for one of the few all-time classic lps of the first wave of Italian hardcore. Hailing from Ferrara, early 80’s era, IMPACT , along with WRETCHED, NEGAZIONE, INDIGESTI and DECLINO, set the stylistic and esthetic standards for a musical genre, later to become world famous,  that mixed the political vehemence of british tradition (such as that of CRASS and CONFLICT) with the violence of early american hardcore (CIRCLE JERKS above all). Ten songs, a little more than 15 minutes of musical and ideological  assault, through which IMPACT became a legend and changed the lives of three generations of Italian punks. Reissued on 140gr black vinyl with printed inner.

OPPRESSED, THE "DEAD AND BURIED" LP (RADIATION)
Legendary Welsh anti-fascist oi! band formed in Cardiff in 1981, the Oppressed is the UK punk band who most openly expressed opposition to the racist and right-wing influenced ideals spreading in the skinhead scene in the early 80s. Personally promoting the SHARP ('Skinheads Against racial prejudices') ideals to British Skinheads through lyrics and interviews, both on-stage and in real life, their singer and leader Roddy Moreno lived his life as a mission, happening to write some of the finest working class punk rock anthems ever along the way. "Dead And Buried" collects the first two, self-financed singles by the Oppressed, "Victims" and "Never Say Die", both originally released in 1983, along with their 1983 "Oi! The Tape" complete session. This is OI! music at its best.

PSYCHO "YOU LOVE US ... YOU HATE US" LP (RADIATION)
Started out as a '77 punk-influenced band back in 1981, legendary Boston hardcore band PSYCHO constantly evolved through the years, playing faster and faster with each new release. It wasn't until their 1988 masterpiece "you love us...you hate us" that they fully embraced the 60 second-song, D.R.I.-styled, "bandana" thrash-formula, conceiving one of the most important classics of the whole '80s hardcore era. Reissued on beautiful gold vinyl just like the original version, with original inner sleeve repro in a limited 500 copy edition. Radiation Records bring back to vinyl the 12min. of 100% raging hardcore fury.

VARUKERS "LIVE IN LEEDS 1984" LP (RADIATION)
Released in 1999 on Kickback Records in just a handful of copies without a proper distribution, this is the Varukers recorded live at the Bierkeller at the peak of their career. "Die For Your Government", "Neglected", "Protest To Survive" and all the classics from their early 80's discography included. This is pure Brit-Punk Mayhem!

KLAXON "100CELLE CITY ROCKERS" LP (GONNA PUKE RETRO)
One of the longest running bands in Italian Punk, KLAXON formed in 1979 and released their groundbreaking self titled EP in 1983. After participating in the legendary LP compilation "Quelli che Urlano Ancora", along with NABAT, FUN, BASTA, ROUGH, and the cream of the crop of the 80's Italian Skinhead scene, KLAXON remained inactive for quite a few years. Their comeback album from 1997, "100celle City Rockers", now released on vinyl for the very first time, is still considered one of the best Italian street punk albums ever. Characterized by a more mature and socially aware, Clash-influenced approach both to the lyrics and to the music, compared to their peers, KLAXON's legacy today consists of an incredible number of anthems spread over more than three decades, but "100celle" is where their fans' heart still lies.

STINKY RATS "VERGOGNATI" LP (GONNA PUKE RETRO)
Hailing from the same town that gave us the likes of Nerorgasmo, Negazione, and Declino, although STINKY RATS shared with those guys the uncompromised and fierce anger of the first wave of Italian Hardcore with their peers. Yet they also introduced a melodic, obscure and desperate vibe that created a more mature sound, one somehow reminiscent of the controlled fury present in some UK peace punk. This long awaited vinyl reissue of their 1986 "Vergognati" 12" (originally out on WRETCHED's own CHAOS PRODUZIONI, along with the BLU BUS label, managed by KINA) also features 11 tracks from their 1985 "Urla Di Rabbia" demo tape.
This is 100% Torino Hardcore at its highest level.

CHAIN REACTION "ROTTURA TOTALE" LP (GONNA PUKE RETRO)
One of the most obscure and sought-after gems of the whole Italian Hardcore era, the Chain Reaction first and only 7" "Gabbie" remains unequalled in terms of rawness and unpolished rage, making the band’s "cult" status grow worldwide over the years among the 'extreme' punk collectors. Based in the little town of Bari, deep in the south of Italy and far from the more developed and aware punk communities of the northern cities, Chain Reaction are pure, unaffected 80's hardcore punk played by a bunch of outcasts with no future whatsoever. This full length, remastered reissue is a must-have piece of punk history, and features the complete original 7" along with a bunch of unreleased, lost tracks which were recently re-recorded by the original line-up after 22 years of hiatus.

V/A - 4 NYHC 7"S (ANTIDOTE, MOB, ABUSED, URBAN WASTE) LP (FANCLUB)
Awesome compilation of the four most crucial NYHC 7"s ever made..You get the MOB Upset The System 7", the URBAN WASTE 7", the ANTIDOTE Thou Shalt Not Kill 7", and the ABUSED Loud and Clear 7" all on one 12" record. Plus a little insert with reprints of the original lyric sheets.

POISON IDEA "IAN MACKAYE" 12" (FANCLUB)
Fanclub repressing of this classic Poison Idea compilation LP containing the "Getting the Fear/4A.M. 12", Filthkick EP and one new track! I don´t think you´ll need an introduction in Poison Idea...!?

MOTORHEAD "THE B-SIDE COLLECTION 1977-82" LP (FANCLUB)
Motörhead are an English rock band formed in 1975 by bassist, singer and songwriter Ian Fraser Kilmister, professionally known by his stage name Lemmy, who has remained the sole constant member. The band are often considered a precursor to or one of the earliest members of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, which re-energised heavy metal in the late 1970s and early 1980s. This great collection contains some of Motorhead best material and includes all of the B sides from all of their singles that were recorded between 1977 and 1982. 13 tracks total.

SMITHS, THE "DEMOS & OUTTAKES VOL. 1" LP (FANCLUB)
THE SMITHS Demos & Outtakes Vol I Unreleased & early takes. Tracks are: reel around the fountain / the hand that rocks the cradle / this night has opened my eyes / rusholme ruffians // i misses you / there is a light that never goes out / the queen is dead / frankly, mr shankly

SMITHS, THE "DEMOS & OUTTAKES VOL. 2" LP (FANCLUB)
THE SMITHS Demos & Outtakes Vol II Unreleased & early takes. Tracks are: ask / is it really so strange? / shoplifters of the world unite / sheila take a bow // girlfriend in a coma / death of a disco dancer / paint a vulgar picture / heavy track //

GAUZE "COMPILATION TRACKS" LP (FANCLUB)
Fanclub collection features GAUZE tracks from THRASH TILL DEATH, A FAREWELL TO ARMS, OUTSIDER, and CITY ROCKERS LP compilations!

DRAMAMINE "GREEN HORSE" LP (THIS CHARMING MAN)
The new Dramamine record! i am proud to announce this to you. 11 songs between Sonic Youth, Wipers & My Bloody Valentine! »GREEN HORSE« is a collection of eleven pieces that prove both the band's progressive thinking and their awareness of history; the songs bring together noise and pop without ever making one half seem like a foreign body – the symbiosis sounds completely natural. The most notable development – besides the distinct enlargement that went along with the adding of a second guitar – can be found in the vocals: A specific quality of DRAMAMINE always used to be the interaction of the instruments and the overall sound that was always more than the sum of the parts. Now their singer Marcel Feige has reinvented his singing completely and finds his space in the band's very own sound.

KADAVAR "S/T" LP (THIS CHARMING MAN)
One thing is clear, it is impossible to overhear the Black Sabbath influence. Of course the impact of other great and important bands, such as Led Zeppelin, Hawkwind and Witchfinder General can also be heard in the music of this band. This can make you forget that you are actually listening to a contemporary trio from Berlin. Reading this you could get the impression, that listening to KADAVAR’s music could get boring quite fast, due to the fact that we’ve heard this kind of music before. The good thing about their music is that the sound is converted in such way that the audience notices that blood, sweat and tears have been shed during the process. Music like this can only be played on such high level if one has been through the rough shit that live brings with it sometimes. As an audience we are automatically faced with long straight hair, minimum one mustache, a lot of rings on both hands, fur collars and flared trousers. The Ludwig- Drum set sounds amazingly dry, well it is a Ludwig. Bass and Guitar stand on either side of the stage, building a panorama view, which is great fun over headphones. On the left you get Grease, on the right Fuzz, everything pounds and booms, there’s the double space vocals. It’s easy to be blown away. Superb.  The trio is a well attuned team that sing of Wizzards, Lucifer and of course Mountains. I don’t quite understand how someone can be so deep into a matter but i like it. The guys names are Lindemann, Mammut, and TIger. I’m witless! For 70′s hardrockfans this vinyl is a complete revelation, for all rockfans, that haven’t dared to advance into the 70′s stuff, this is a good field research. For me, this record is simply mega entertaining. A record that is stuffed with skill and know-how. You can’t reinvent the wheel, but you can roll it!

NOTHING "EMBRACE THE HATRED" LP (THIS CHARMING MAN)
Berlin - two years ago - germany's "aged" punk/Hardcore veterans from Highscore, Mönster, Costas Cakehouse, Durango95, Bombenalarm & Situations are lost in a foreign city - with no hope and only one love left. Nothing is born, Nothing is saviour, Nothing is HC/Punk deluxe. Think of Poison Idea with a metal-shredding edge! This is power, this is fun, this is drive passion with pissed of lyrics. Less TRBNGR and more thrash than debut record! If you need a good and fresh punk record for 2012, get this one!

BLESSED STATE - DEMO TAPE
"Demo tape from this new Massachusetts band that plays awesome heavy, melodic Revolution Summer-style hardcore. Much like DC's Give, these guys really have that Marginal Man / Swiz style down, though Blessed State feel a little bit less retro and more just like a straight up melodic HC band than a lot of bands who just try to ape this style. Regardless, though, if you dig the aforementioned bands as well as mid-period Husker Du or early Dag Nasty you'll love this demo. self-released" - sorrystaterecords.com

RECIDE "II" TAPE (NOT NORMAL)
The great nation of Texas has long been home to some of history's greatest HC Punk bands. Recide continues that proud tradition by blasting through seven tracks in under seven minutes of Koro/Void influenced jams. No nonsense, no frills, just the anxiety and desperation spawned from being young weirdos from the middle of nowhere.  Pro-dubbed black tapes.

SELF ABUSE - DEMO TAPE (NOT NORMAL)
American repress of Sweden's Self Abuse 2010 Demo. Seven burly, pissed off tracks, along the lines of 86 Mentality or Urban Blight, the soundtrack for idiot skins to break bottles against walls. Get this shit!!!

ZODIACS - DEMO TAPE (NOT NORMAL)
Zodiacs, along with Side FX, are the ushers of the new age of Indianapolis HC and one listen to their demo will make you understand why. Super burly vocals spit rage over Donny's incredible Shipwrecked-meets-CCM guitar riffs. Destroy your local basement to SOP, chumps.

CONDENADA "DISCOGRAFIA" TAPE (NOT NORMAL)
15 track pro-tape covering their entire recorded output (Condenada EP, split w/ Sin Orden, Mother Tongue, and an abandoned split w/ CA's Bruise Violet). Absolutely punishing, driving hardcore punk from Chicago, these ladies were/are a force to be reckoned with.  Pro-dubbed orange tapes, with hand-stamped J-Card.

V/A THESE ARE THE VOICES IN THE BACK OF YOUR HEAD VOL.1 TAPE (NOT NORMAL)
(Somewhat) International Hardcore Comp. 15 tracks from 12 bands, all mandatory. Featuring: Bog People (OR), Intifada (IL), Libyans (MA), Much Worse (MN), Positive Noise (MI), Raw Nerve (IN), Rayos X (CA), Renegades of Punk (Brazil), The State (MI), Timebombs (CA), Ultratumbados (IL), and UX Vileheads (Sweden).  Comes housed in screened corrugated cardboard containers with fold out insert/poster featuring an art collaboration between Matthew Williams (behind guinea kid, pukeoid, scabs) and Ryan Lowry (raw nerve) Red pro-tapes. Do not pass this one up.

NUKES, THE - DEMO TAPE (TRIPLE BYPASS)
Snotty freak hardcore punks from Chicago with really awkward, antisocial lyrics. The sound gives a heavy nod to the FU's. 8 songs!

PUBLIC ASSAULT - 2012 DEMO TAPE (TRIPLE BYPASS)
Primal teen frenzy from these misbehaved Midwest highschoolers deliver six quick reasons to grow out of adulthood while you can. This is as real as it gets.

DESPERAT "FIRST TWO AND A HALF" CD (RESCUED FROM LIFE)
Contains ALL tracks from the first 2 7"s and the split with GIFTGASATTACK plus an unreleased rager. Raw Swedish D-beat hardcore executed by some familiar faces who left an undeniable impact on the genre decades ago and continue to churn out punk hits. DKRECS-015

KVOTERINGEN "SAMHALLETS FORRADARE COLLECTION" CD (RESCUED FROM LIFE)
CD collection containing ALL tracks from the "Samhallets Forradare" LP on feral ward, the "Dodens Handslag" 7", and the split with Nitad. "Kvoteringen is a Swedish punk rock band formed 2003 in Örebro. The band plays a style of Scandinavian D-beat and hardcore punk. Members are Jallo-guitar & bass, Fredrik Larzon-drums and Calle-vocals. The band share members with Meanwhile, Millencolin, Ääritila, Totalitär, No Security, Skitslakt, Dischange among others" DKRECS-016

AS BOREDOM SETS IN ZINE - SUMMER 2012
Aw yeah, another issue of As Boredom Sets In for you to read instead of doing homework. This is my favorite zine I've made not only because of the great interviews with SLUGZ, THE SECRET PROSTITUTES, and VIDEO, but it came out looking pretty groovy. There are a lot of pictures and more writing than the winter issue. Get into it!

AS BOREDOM SETS IN ZINE - WINTER 2012
It's been almost 2 years since I wrote the last one. A lot has changed in terms of layout and design, but the goofy stories and fun of ABSI are still present. In this issue, I interviewed SUCKED DRY and BIRTH DEFORMITIES. Lots of groovy reviews and shit too.

HASHTAG HARDCORE ZINE - ISSUE #1
Killer new zine out of Europe.  40 pages cut'n'paste fanzine (full A4 size) with interviews RISE AND FALL, STATE OF MIND, IN EFFECT zine, MURPHY'S LAW, NO TOLERANCE and lots a record/zine and show reviews and pictures.

NEW IN THE WEBSTORE FROM 11/16/12 **************************************************

ZATSUON "VIOLENT NOIZ LIFE" 7" (DISTORT REALITY)
Debut 7" from these NYC noisy crasher crusters. This record is pretty hard to describe, it has the usual Disorder elements, but then it has this really weird "improv" feel to it. I mean the music is just all over the fucking place (especially the drums). Really interesting record, and better than your run of the mill raw/noise punx.  Members of Nerveskade/Perdition.

ATTACK SS "NO NUKES" 7" (DISTORT REALITY)
Latest EP from this wild Japanese noise punk band. Attack SS are definitely in the D-Clone / Folkeiis / Zyanose school of noise not music, and like those bands there's a lot more here than just noise for noise's sake. There's a clear consideration of how noise textures play off of one another, an real dynamics that give the songs a sense of push and pull despite the noisiness of the individual sounds that compose the band's music. Again, like the best noise punk bands, the energy level here is through the roof.

PEROXIDE "CAN YOU HEAR THE SOUND OF PEACE" 7" (DISTORT REALITY)
Debut 7" from these PDX raw noizers. Raging!

FRENZY "NOIZEY TROUBLE" 7" (DISTORT REALITY)
Debut EP from new PDX raw hardcore band, FRENZY. The band features em-members of NERVSKADE but this is more straight up 80’s hardcore than noise/pogo punk as the album cover and tittle would suggest. Reminds me of DISORDER and other UK82 bands with distortion in maximum.

TRUNCHEONS "STUCK ON THE BLOCK" 7" (DISTORT REALITY)
Truncheons from  Montreal Canada, feature ex-AFTER THE BOMBS doing some noisey hardcore that is full of distort.

POOR CHOICE "TEENAGE LOVE IS BEAUTIFUL" 7" (EAT THE LIFE)
These recordings are definitely "darker" than earlier POOR CHOICE stuff. It's more raw and d-beat like but still has a punk beat to it. Everything is fuzzy and loud, including the vocals. Every song but the last one is under a minute long. The final song is about 2 classmates falling in love; dig that!

DIAPERS "SHIT HOUSE" 7" (EAT THE LIFE)
After 4 fantastic tape releases and countless (off the hook) shows, DIPERS are here with Shit House. Here we've got 7 brief but well written songs with topics ranging from dogs moshing, shitty bodegas, and XL fans. If your sense of humor sucks, don't let the lyrics bug you because the music is very unique in a world of punk. Other than TOM GREEN being an influence lyrically, I have never seen their riffs as being a rip of anything. All of the riffs in The Bomb remind me of something DESCENDENTS would do in their earlier albums. This is what's up.

NAPALM HEARTS "S/T" 7" (HELTA SKELTA)
These guys were around for a while in Melbourne playing their own take on hardcore heavily influenced by UK street punk and oi! Think Negative Approach and Last Resort. With hard hitting vocals and catchy hooks.The Dead Boys cover on here is great and sleazy, adding to the aesthetic. They took a no bullshit approach to this kind of music as it should be and played some great live shows. This recording was originally released by Stained Circles on cassette but quickly sold out. Four new tracks have been added to the B side here, all from the same session.

AGITATED "S/T" 7" (HELTA SKELTA)
Highly influenced by early 80s US hardcore but with an Austarlian edge. These guys listen to a lot of Adolescents and JFA which definately shows on this recording but more broadly this reminds a lot of the early hardcore that came out of Southern California and even the DC scene in the early 80s. This is immature, aggressive hardcore.

MAXIMUMROCKNROLL #355 - DECEMBER 2012
The new (and potentially last???) issue of your favorite punk rock magazine has hit the streets! The December issue, MRR #355, comes busting at the seams with the best punk from around the world — 100% by the punks for the punks!  This month we talk to our Doomsday cover artist Avi Spivak and we have a split interview with Portland-based punks, the RED DONS and the ESTRANGED. We catch up with Sweden’s crust megaliths AGRIMONIA, and Russia’s hardcore punx ANTIMELODIX tell us their story and and explain love of Finland. NAPOLNARIZ talk about what it’s like growing up punk in Puerto Rico and LA ARMADA examine their experience of coming to the US from the Dominican Republic. Peru’s anarchia punks DHK tell us about their scene in Lima, while BREATHING LIGHT from Chicago discuss race, culture and what it’s like to be a punk of color within the punk scene and beyond. The VICTIMS take us on a trip in the second part of their European tour diary, and our scene report from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada sheds some light onto this active part of the Great White North. This, plus all the columnists you love to hate (and hate to love!) and the most extensive record reviews in punk!

NIGHT STALKERS, THE "SEXUAL DEVIATIONS" 7" (OFFSIDE)
After a first effort with a heavy Ratcage/ early T&G vibe, Nightstalkers have grown up mixing straight hardcore/punk bursts with mid tempo songs. The band's malignant nature is evidenced on their slower tracks, the singer's snotty voice adds to the mix.Six tracks exploring out society's deep and morbid drives. You'd better pray that it will be a therapeutic record for these Brest sickos so you don't find them at your door. Limited to 300 copies.

MAMMOTH TORTA "S/T" 7" (FRANKENJEW)
"Are you into surf, bro? It doesn't matter, ... Have fun getting your fucking face melted off by this flawless California surf duo" - http://hobbledgrace.blogspot.com

"PEOPLE MOSTLY SUCK IT" - V/A COMP TAPE (EAT THE LIFE)
17 bands!!! This is a compilation tape with SHAVER from Ohio. It is, in our opinion, a sweet representation of what hardcore and punk looks like right now in the U.S. It features some bands you might already know like DAWN OF HUMANS, CULO, and BURNING ITCH. It also has some bands you might not know like SLUGZ, ZERO PROGRESS, BIRTH DEFORMITIES, and ANNA RAGER. Touch yr junk and get ready!

DIRTY WORK - DEMO TAPE (EAT THE LIFE)
Strutting out of the boring streets of Kansas City, here we have DIRTY WORK. I saw these guys when I went out to KC even before I heard their music. As I walk into this dark warehouse, their singer is going mad hitting himself with the microphone, doing non-synchronized jumps/flips, etc. They had a familiar sound of AMDI PETERSENS ARME but with their own twist. Listen for yourself and decide if you want this band to play your town next month or asap.

DIAPERS / CANCER - SPLIT TAPE (EAT THE LIFE)
DIPERS, from Brooklyn, return with even catchier punk tracks than before and more clever lyrics. The first song will have you pogoing and jumping around your room. CANCER, from Albany, blast out 4 really awesome hardcore punk tracks. I sense they have some influence from Los Crudos. Get psyched, don't miss out.

POOR CHOICE "NEVER GROW UP" TAPE (EAT THE LIFE)
A pretty lengthy tape that has everything Poor Choice has done so far includes Awesome Times tape, First Day of The End of My Life tape, Teenage Love Is Beautiful 7", and WHPK radio session. You can hear the difference between early recordings, more straight forward. Later on more d-beat and heavier riffs.
 
 
RESTOCKS FOR 12/14/12:

BLOODY GEARS - LANDSCAPES OF DISEASE LP
BRAIN HANDLE - S/T LP
CREEM - S/T LP
CRIMEN DE ESTADO / SUDOR - SPLIT LP
CRUCIFIX - DEHUMANIZATION LP
DAYLIGHT ROBBERY - ECSTATIC VISION LP
DEAD SERIOUS - IT'S WHAT YOU CAN'T SEE LP
KIM PHUC - COPSUCKER LP
SICKOIDS - S/T LP
TENEMENT - NAPALM DREAM LP
TOTAL CONTROL - HENGE BEAT LP
TRAPPED UNDER ICE - SECRETS OF THE WORLD LP
TRAPPED UNDER ICE - BIG KISS GOODNIGHT LP
UNHOLY THOUGHTS - THE ATTIC LP
V/A - WHERE BIRDMEN FLEW - LEGENDS OF MARSUPIAL PUNK COMP LP
WALLS - THE FUTURE IS WIDE OPEN LP
WAXHATCHATEE - AMERICAN WEEKEND LP
WHITE LUNG - SORRY LP
WIPERS - OVER THE EDGE LP

BRAIN TUMORS - FUCK YOU FOREVER 7"
BREAK AWAY - FOR LIFE 7"
DIAT - PICK A LINE 7"
DICKS - HATE THE POLICE 7"
DRAFT DODGER - GUANTANAMO BAY HOLIDAY 7"
EYES AND EARS / SNAKE MOUNTAIN - SPLIT 7"
GIVE - BOOTS OF FAITH 7"
HATEPINKS / CHINESE LUNGS - SPLIT 7"
HIGHWAY CROSS - LOCKED IN 7"
LIVE FAST DIE - PRACTICING FOR THE GANGBANG 7"
LOS MONJO - CERDOS 7"
MIGRAINE - S/T 7"
NEO CONS - S/T 7"
NO POWER - DISTORT 7"
NUKLEAR BLAST SUNTAN - THE WHEEL OF FATE IS TURNING 7"
RATTUS - INVADES THE USA 7"
RAYOS X - SUFRIMIENTO 7"
RED DONS - AUSLANDER 7"
RIFF RAFF - LOWLIFER 7"
SPASTIC PANTHERS / THROWAWAYS - SPLIT 7"
STRAIGHTJACKET NATION - NATIONALISM 7"
SUCKED DRY - S/T 7"
TENEMENT / CHEEKY - SPLIT 7"
TOTAL WRECK - 2ND EP 7"
TRAPPED UNDER ICE - DEMO 2007 7"
TRAPPED UNDER ICE - STAY COLD 7"
UX VILEHEADS - CATCH 22 7"

MISLED YOUTH - DEMO TAPE
 
more "RESTOCKED"* titles ...
(*I found some of these hiding in my distro boxes that I thought were sold out. Some of these are out of print!)

BRUTAL KNIGHTS - LIFE AIN'T COOL 7"
BUKKAKE BOYS - 2ND EP 7"
CAPITALIST CASUALTIES / LACK OF INTEREST - SPLIT 7"
COLD WORLD / STRENGTH FOR A REASON - SPLIT 7"
COP DE FONA - INSTINT DE VENJANCA 7"
DANGERLOVES - LIPSMART 7"
DESPERATE HOURS - THE IRONIES OF LIFE CONTINUE 7"
DESTROY LA - VANDALIZE 7"
DIGITAL LEATHER - POWER SURGE 7"
DIRTY MONEY - NO ESCAPING THIS 7"
F.P.O. - GIVING BIRTH IN ORDER TO KILL 7"
HUMAN MESS - ANGER PROBLEMS 7"
HUMAN MESS - CAGED ANIMAL 7"
INSURGENTS - S/T 7"
KILL YOUR IDOLS - SALMON SWIN UPSTREAM 7"
KRIG I HUDIK - 2 7"
OBLITERATION - S/T 7"
OBSERVERS, THE - DOWN ON TODAY 7"
OFFENDERS - I HATE MYSELF 7"
OTAN - SOCIEDAD DESPRECIABLE 7"
OUT WITH A BANG - FEW BEERS LEFT BUT OUT OF DRUGS 7"
RIPPING HEADACHE - S/T 7"
SABOTEURS - S/T 7"
SABOTEURS - CEMENT FEET 7"
SHITFIT / MOMENT OF YOUTH - SPLIT 7"
SOCIALCIDE - SICK OF THE PRESSURE 7"
TAMPERE SS - KUOLLUT & KUOPATTU 7"
TOTALITAR - VI AR ELITEN 7"
TRASHIES, THE - FARTSTORM 7"
VICIOUS CYCLE - NEON ELECTRIC 7"
VITAMIN X - RIP IT OUT 7"
YOUNG OFFENDERS - S/T 7"
YOUTHS, THE - S/T 7"

Friday, December 7, 2012

The IRON BOOTS "Easy Green" Story

I can't really remember the first time I saw or heard IRON BOOTS, but it was probably sometime around 2004 as I had been living in Richmond for about a year and would occasionally head down to Virginia Beach for shows.  I thought The Boots were one of the best bands going in the VA area at the time, and their demo got constant play in my car tape deck.  If my memory serves correct, I actually asked them about (more like subtly hinted at) possibly doing a record around Spring 2004 but they said that some kid in Atlanta was doing their demo on a 7", and their friend Jay in Richmond was going to do their proper debut 7" EP, "Weight of the World" sometime later that year.  I didn't really know the guys in the band at all at that time, so I didn't press the issue.

Fast forward to late Spring / early Summer 2005 ... IRON BOOTS had recorded a bunch of new songs, two of which were going to be on a new Revelation Records comp, two that were supposed to be on a split with COLD WORLD, and two more for something I can't remember.  Anyways, one day I get a phone call from my pal and Brain Grenade Records CEO Greg Baisden, explaining that as luck would have it, the COLD WORLD split got canned for whatever reason so Iron Boots had four songs with no real plans for them. 

Greg had started Brain Grenade earlier in the year to rescue the Iron Boots Demo 7" from the evil clutches of Tomas / Damaged Records (as well as put out other cool records like the first WAR HUNGRY 7", first BRACEWAR 7", and co-release the first WASTED TIME 7" with yours truly), so he had a grand idea he wanted to present to me.  He asked if I wanted to help him co-release a "secret" 7" EP, released specifically for POSI-NUMBERS FEST in Wilkes Barre at the end of July, which IRON BOOTS was scheduled to play.  We would make no announcement that it was coming, we would just drop it at the fest (I think we actually announced it the week of the fest just so people knew to look for it). 

Of course I jumped at the opportunity to finally release a record for IRON BOOTS - the record was going to be called "Easy Green" after one of the song titles, and we decided it would be cool to run the art with a similar theme. We had a little over a month to get the record together.  I remember asking Flza (Boots Drummer) if he had any ideas about cover art, he just said that he thought the PRONG "Force Fed" record cover looked cool and I should make it look like that ... easy enough! While I wasn't really feeling a full rip off, I thought it would definitely be cool to do the Easy Green cover as a sort of homage (ok, it looks A LOT like the Prong cover, I know) so I ran with the idea.

The dollar bills on the cover are actually a scan of the cash that Greg gave me for his cut of the record, which I scanned in for the cover, then the next day went to the post office to purchase a money order to pay for the deposit on the pressing.  The back cover I believe is also a scan of one of the bills used to pay for the record. This might have been the first Grave Mistake release where I went for a "classic" look for the center labels - I've used that trick for a handful of releases since but I'm pretty sure this was the first. The only bummer is that we really wanted it to be at 45 rpm (which is why we did a large hole) but the engineer cutting the record was worried that it was too long, so we ended up doing it at 33 rpm. Oh well.

We had Anton Underestimated print up the covers which we hand numbered out of 500 at Brain Grenade HQ before the fest.  We were originally just going to press 500 and call it a day, we ended up selling the majority of the pressing at Posi-Numbers fest.  I had just put out a few other new records, including the 86 MENTALITY "On the Loose" 7", RUINER "What Could Possibly Go Right" 7", and the DOWN TO NOTHING / ON THIN ICE split 7" but this Iron Boots 7" was easily the best seller for me at the fest. 

There seemed to be a pretty high demand for the record after the fact, so we decided to go ahead and press up 500 more on Green Vinyl (these were not numbered).  When we got the second pressing, about 50-100 of the 7"s were really warped and bowled, so I complained and the pressing plant agreed to press up 100 more replacements.  I don't really know what happened, but they ended up sending me TWO separate replacement boxes so we had 200 extra records, but unfortunately no covers.  I wanted to do something different from the other pressings, so we asked our friends from the band THE FRONTLINE in Harrisonburg to silkscreen up 200 covers on cardstock.  Once those were gone, we let the EP go out of print for good.

I always look back fondly on this release, as it was a fun project that came together pretty quick and pretty much exactly how we wanted it and in time for what we needed it for.  It ended up being the final release for Iron Boots if I'm not mistaken (although I did a third pressing of the Demo 7" on Grave Mistake in 2008).  There were talks of me doing another record for the band, but it never really materialized and they eventually called it a day.

(We also had our Harrisonburg friends print up a bunch of Easy Green T-shirts for the fest to sell with the record, at the bottom of the box of shirts I found this bad boy ... one of a kind).


Thursday, December 6, 2012

Unpublished GRAVE MISTAKE Interview

Oh, interviews ... I'm a slacker when it comes to doing them but they are always fun to do and it's hard for me to pass up an opportunity to run my mouth. A while back (2008 to be exact) my good friend Mike Riley asked me to do an interview for the second issue of his FIRESTARTER FANZINE. He sent me questions on 7/23/2008. I sent him answers on 1/1/2009 ... yeah, I suck. BUT ... it's now been almost FOUR years and HE HAS YET TO DO ANYTHING WITH IT!!! I came across this as I was searching through my email the other day (thank you gmail, I never have to delete anything) and figured that some of the stuff might still be of interest to someone out there (you make the call).

Anyways, I decided to post it up here for anyone interested in reading ... enjoy.

Alex

1/1/2009

A quick disclaimer/warning ... these answers are a bit long winded but I felt it was necessary. I probably would not even be doing a label if it wasn't for Mike. Aside from putting out the first 7" I was ever on, he has helped me from the start and even to this day. We have worked together on a handful of releases over the past 6+ years (LLR / INFAMOUS 7", RUINER 7", and both the PSYCHED TO DIE and ERGS 7"s that will be out in 2009). I felt it was appropriate to answer these questions as best I could (sorry it took half a year). If you are like me (with an attention span that usually can't make it through a minute long hardcore song), you will probably look in disgust at all of these words and flip past it to the record reviews ... but for those that make it through this, thanks for reading.

1. You and I teamed up together for what was the first release for both of our labels, although they both had different names at that time. Could you tell me a bit about what made you want to start a label and how that first release came together? 
 
I think I've answered the first part of this question in every interview I've done, so the brief answer is that I just wanted to release records for current local hardcore bands in the MD / DC area at the time (and obviously future bands as well).  There were some consistent bands in the area in the early 2000's that weren't really getting "national" recognition perse, so it was a good opportunity The bands may not have been the most stand-out bands of the time, but they were keeping things going in the area and I wanted to help spread the word.  I think the first release "Looks Like Rain / Infamous" split 7" came about because I mentioned to you I wanted to start a label, I originally really wanted to start the label with an FVK 7" (DC edge band circa 2001 featuring Firestarter ceo Mike Riley, Rich Miles, and Pat Vogel, not to be confused with the one from NYC).

You had mentioned you were starting a new label as well, and your plan was for a Looks Like Rain / Brace split 7" and you asked if I wanted to co-release it. Wasn't my original intention, but it sounded like a good idea; two cool local bands who had been staples in the local scene for the past few years. So to wrap up, BRACE couldn't record anytime soon, and THE INFAMOUS were a newer band from NOVA who had just recorded a demo I was really stoked on so I brought up the idea of using those demo tracks as the other side of the split. I think all in all it came out pretty well, despite both bands pretty much breaking up before the record came out.  Remember the record release for that? It was at the CCAS with LLR, THE INFAMOUS and Striking Distance I think maybe 10 people came out (this was at the height of SD if I'm not mistaken, shows how sweet the Baltimore scene was around that time), and you didn't even end up playing because your drummer was too busy shopping for a halloween costume and didn't bother showing up to the show.  The record release cover did however feature some sweet artwork of Curious George sniffing coke of a strippers ass, so that made up for it.

Around the same time as you and I were getting release #1 together, John from THE AFTERMATH (and later 86 Mentality and Set to Explode) was starting his label, MINOR DISTURBNACE (for pretty much the same reasons we were), and mentioned how he was going to be doing THE AFTERMATH 7" as his first release ... I said "hey I'm starting a label too can I co-release it? He was into the idea and that's pretty much how GM started.

2. Since that time, where have you looked for inspiration and guidance in running the label and how much have your ideals and views changed since the beginning, if at all?

 
Pretty much every label I've come into contact with over the past 6 years I've gotten some form of guidance and inspiration from.  I could name drop 20 labels right now but I'm not going to do that, but nerding out with other label friends, about everything from where to get a record pressed to where to buy boxes or package up your orders, is a favorite pastime of mine and it's kept me going strong.  I'm always learning and I'm always offering advice to other labels, it really keeps things interesting. My views have changed in some ways, and in others they've pretty much stayed the same.   Ways they have changed, I used to think that in order to sell records you needed to do limited runs, colored vinyl, needed a band to constantly be touring, needed to have some sort of "gimmick" or "hype," etc etc.  Over the years, I've come to notice that some of these things didn't matter as much as I thought they did.

When it comes down to it, I think working hard and building up a good reputation and solid relationships for your label is the best way to go, but also putting your all into every release, and making sure that you are releasing quality records.  In most cases, a record isn't going to sell itself (unless you already have some built up hype), you have to work to get the word out and to get the record out.  Also, I used to think that the audience that buys my releases was a lot more limited then it actually is (as in, how can more than 300 people possibly want an 86 mentality 7"?) Obviously, I learned this wasn't the case ... as several of my releases i've pressed thousands of copies of and people (from mailorder customers to distros, labels, and stores) still seemed to be interested in them.  So, I've learned not to underestimate the potential for a record, but I'm also cautious not to go pressing 3000 records off the bat.   Also going back, some of these releases are for bands who rarely play and rarely tour, wiping out the myth that a band needs to be active and touring for people to be interested in a record. 

3. What kind of advice do you give people who come to you with questions about starting their own labels?
 
 
I usually tell people to start small, keep things simple and let your label grow with each release.  Doing a label is a learning process of course, so there is no need to get in over your head right off the bat ... it will only discourage you. I tell people that doing a label takes a bit of work and sometimes a bit of time as well, and that if you want to do it for real then it involves more work than you probably would anticipate  ... everything from getting the record pressed to filing mailorders, contacting distros, working out trades, answering emails, the list goes on.  It will be hard at first, but as the label grows and you build relationships with distros, labels, etc, and you become a bit more established, things will start coming together easier ... so don't get bummed if your first release doesn't fly out the door in the first week. I always recommend trading with other labels, it's the best way to not only build up relationships with other labels, but it's a good way to get your releases distributed in different areas, increase visibility for your label, and also help other labels like your own by distributing their releases.

Another thing I try and stress is that good communication is always important, especially with bands you work with. Always try to lay out everything on the table up front (especially in terms of money and compensation related issues), it can prevent a lot of misunderstandings and conflicts down the line.  Some bands have a very poor or inaccurate idea of how a band / label relationship should work, or even how a label works. On top of that, if a band thinks a label is not telling them stuff, being shady, or lying ... then that causes even more problems. Luckily, I haven't experienced this first hand (at least not that I know of), but I've seen it before and a lot of times it just seems like a bit more communication was probably needed to clear up a minor misunderstanding.

4. At what point were you able to have the label operate on it's own, without you having to put in any personal money? Do you even keep label and personal finances separate at all? 
 
I think by the third release the label was operating on it's own,  first two releases came out of my own pocket, but as those sold or as I sold distro stuff, I was able to raise enough for the next release.  I used to be a lot more budget conscious, I couldn't afford to pay for recordings, if a band wanted more than a black and white cover I would ask them to put in the difference (i also used to sell a shit ton of bootleg CDRs to raise label funds) ...   As the label has grown, I've been able to do more for bands and releases, bigger pressings, more elaborate covers, paying for recording, etc.  I've always kept the label and personal funds separate for the most part.

I think the first "label money" I had was when the Looks Like Rain / Infamous 7" came out ... I remember we sold them at some Bane / Striking Distance show at college park and we actually sold a bunch of them (a lot more than I thought, at least). I remember this wad of what was probably $75 or so (mostly $1's so it looked more impressive than it actually was), I put it in my drawer and was like "this is label money" and that was the start of it. Sometimes I'll dip into the label funds if I'm short on cash at the moment (I do ALWAYS use label money to get quarters for laundry), or if I win something on Ebay and pay with paypal, but that's about it.  For the most part money I make with the label stays with the label for future releases, distro stock, supplies, shipping, "operating" costs in general.  One thing I do gain from the label on a personal level is that I have accumulated a plethora of records for my personal collection either through trades or wholesale from the label.

5. Do you have a favorite release or one that stands out for any reason at all? How about your biggest regret concerning a release or something you would have done differently? 
 
No, I really don't have a favorite release. A few stand out ... the 86 Mentality s/t because it was my first "popular" release and really boosted my excitement on doing the label, the IRON BOOTS "easy green" 7" because it was a "secret" release that came together really well, all of my releases in 2005 (frontline, 86 mentality, set to explode, ruiner, iron boots, wasted time, down to nothing/on thin ice split) because I felt it was a great sort of "cross section" of the va / dc / md area hardcore scene at the time, the GW 7" because it was the first time releasing my own band.  There is something I love about every release.  Conversely, there is probably something I regret or would have done different with every release, but never anything major.  A lot of it is layout related stuff, most of it is minor details I would have changed. I know this is one of those "fishing for a juicy answer" question, but I just can't really think of anything. I like to think I'm pretty particular when it comes to doing the label, from the bands I work with to what comes out and how it looks, that probably cuts down on the majority of regret one might have with something like this.

5. You just released your first 12", the Cloak/Dagger - We Are... LP, do you see that as a major accomplishment? How has that affected the label? How did you find working with a label like Jade Tree to be? Was it that much more complicated than working everything out on your own? 
 
Well the 12" came out in June so this question would have made a lot more sense had I answered it in July when you sent me this interview ... but yes the Cloak/Dagger 12" was my first LP and I did see it as an accomplishment.  Doing 7"s has become like second nature to me, so it was a bit of a challenge, something new ... it was almost like starting from the beginning again.  I found myself asking lots of questions about how to do things, something I did when I first started the label.  I don't really think it has affected the label too much, I just know that I can do a 12" if I want to ... and while I think 12"s are awesome I still prefer releasing the 7" format for some reason, it's a lot easier to deal with especially when it comes to storing them and shipping them that's for sure.

Since the 12" was technically a split band / label release, that took some of the pressure off of me working directly with Jade Tree. They really didn't get involved at all with the vinyl, they just said "compensate us in this way for the licensing, and put our logo on the back" and that was that.  I dealt with them on the Kamikazes single too, and it was fairly painless as well.  It's definitely kind of cool to see the GM logo right next to the Jade Tree logo on a record. I wouldn't say I am necessarily a Jade Tree "fanboy" by any means, but they definitely have put out some bands that I love, so is somewhat of an honor to have been involved with them on that release.

6. Along with the label, you operate the distro primarily through web-based mailorder, which is stocked mostly through trades. How much a part of the whole operation does the distro consist of? Have you ever considered shutting it down and just distributing your releases through wholesale orders?
 
 
The distro and mail order take up the bulk of my time, and it's also my main source for label income so I'd say it's vital to the overal operation and survival of the label. As the distro continues to grow, the mailorder tends to increase.  At first, I just had a few distro items available online as sort of "add on" items for people who were already purchasing GM releases.  Now it's become sort of a full fledged mailorder site ... something I've been working towards over the past few years.

The distro has gradually built up from the start.  First it was one box of 7"s, then maybe a box of 7"s and some cds or lps, then two boxes of 7"s and an LP box, etc etc ... it just gradually got bigger and bigger. As I was putting out more records, and records that people actually wanted, the trades became very consistent and I was able to trade for distro items that people actually wanted and that has helped a lot. In 2005, an acquaintance of mine offered to build me up a webstore ... probably the smartest move I have made with the label. I had messed around with paypal buttons on my website but that wasn't helping me move my distro stock.  With a webstore that let me add and maintain my stock and orders, I was able to put all of my distro online and that has helped tremendously.  As that grew, I decided I wanted to carry more than what I could simply get in trade, so I started buying wholesale when I had to. I really wanted the distro to reflect my personal tastes, which are a lot more diverse then the label releases would lead you to believe, and eventually grow into a full fledged mailorder like revhq, ebullition (at the time) or deadalive/buycrime ... unfortunately there are a lot of releases I can't get (or in the quantities I want) in trade, so I do end up buying wholesale a lot, or placing an order with a distributor like no idea, ebullition, or dischord. Right now I'd say the grave mistake distro stock probably consists of about 70% trade / 30% wholesale. It's almost like running an online record store, and I'm really happy with how it's going.

I have occasionally thought about canning the distro (usually when I'm neckdeep in mailorders), but never really considered it as a possibility.  As I mentioned, it's my main source for getting funds for future releases.  But more importantly,  I LOVE getting new records, I love getting packages in the mail. Some days at the post office it's like christmas in the sense that I'll get like 5+ big boxes full of records from trades or wholesale orders. My apartment is wall to wall distro records, boxes, etc etc and I love it (my roommate on the other hand, doesn't, but he tolerates it thankfully). I feel like if I ever got to the point where I wanted to just do the label without the distro, I probably wouldn't even be that interested in the label anymore. They are one in the same to me, if and when one goes, both will probably go. 

7. You recently removed the pressing information from the releases section of your website. Was there a specific reason for that? Is dealing with collector scum getting to be more trouble than it's worth. How much of your limited releases are due to pressing and plant errors and how much is intentional?
 
 
I actually removed the pressing info because I wasn't updating it and I felt that there was no point in it being up there if it wasn't complete.  I honestly don't really deal with that much "scum," I think it's awesome that anyone would want to collect something I've put out.  I've had a few people ask for pressing info since I removed it, but I don't mind. I plan to put it back up there one of these days ... I would love to get pictures like some labels have but I just don't think that is going to happen.  I like people knowing the pressing info, but at this point in the game it isn't a top priority.  I'm going to just start referring people to StefanSonic's trade list / photos.

Pretty much all of the limited stuff is planned, from colored vinyl to special covers. There are a couple plant errors, a few last minute temporary or tour sleeves made, but the versions are done for fun. I'm somewhat of a record collector, so it's fun for me. I don't press multiple colors in hopes that someone will buy every version, I think that sort of motivation behind limited pressings is just sort of pathetic (the whole "preorder all 5 colors!" schtick is lame). I guess in some ways, limited versions in general are a gimmick to entice someone to buy a record, but for the most part it's just all in good fun.  Most of the "here today, gone tomorrow" collector scum just ends up dumping all their shit on ebay anyways when they are over it, so in the grand scheme of things what does it really matter anyways, right?


8. What is the most ridiculous request you have received from a band on your label or that wanted to be on your label?
 
 
I've been thinking about this question for a while, I don't really have a good answer. I'm pretty up front with bands from the start about how I like to do releases, so any band that is working with me knows that I'm not going to go drop lots of money on unnecessary or ridiculous requests ... So in that sense, nothing major. Some bands (not naming names) do have a little bit more sense of entitlement than others, that's always interesting.

As far as bands that WANT to be on the label, well ... I say this all of the time (I even have a disclaimer on the website), I'm never looking for new bands. I usually like to stick to what my friends are doing and the local scene, so if I have no clue who you are or who your band is, there is like a .01% chance I will even remotely consider working with you. Nothing personal, that's just not how I do things.  Granted, I've made exceptions when I think the bands are incredible (Cardiac Arrest and Violent Arrest, coincidentally both split releases with NO WAY), but those bands also had releases under their belts that sort of blew me away so I took those opportunities when they came up.

On one hand, if a band is sincerely into the label, then I'm flattered but that's really not reason enough for me to want to work with them.  But in most cases, I feel like bands just send their crap out to every label they come across.  Furthermore, i'd say 75% of the stuff I get is so half assed, it isn't even worth listening to. CDRs of unmixed music with no vocals, 5 pages of lyrics, horrible pictures. If a band wants to send a demo (like a REAL demo with a layout), then that's cool, but if you don't have time to present your band in a suitable manner, then I don't even have time to check out whatever garbage you send me. I'm not going to "sign" you as it is, so just stop sending me shit all together.  I prefer bands who just resort to sending me cheesy myspace messages, because at least I can simply delete those.
 
9. How long do you see yourself doing this for? Do you have any goals of living off of the label? Can you see yourself at 40 or 50 years old and still putting out punk records? 
 
Good question, who knows? Honestly, I can't see myself doing this in 10 years, at least not the way I'm doing things now.  Right now, the label is sort of my main focus.  For some people, it's a side thing or maybe secondary to a band, career, family, etc ... for me it's what I focus most of my energy on.  It's a blast and I love it right now, but at the same time, this isn't what I want to do with the rest of my life.  Not to say there is something wrong with doing a label or band or even being "punk" in your 40's, but I just don't see myself making a career out of it and I don't think it would be as fun if I was to do it on more of a relaxed "part time" level.  Who knows though ... I guess we will see when the time comes.  I just feel like it's going to get to the point where I will accomplish everything that I've set out to accomplish with the label (I've already far surpassed any expectations I may have had when I started it) ... I think I'd rather just officially call it a day than reside into the "where are they now?" status, surfacing once every couple of years to put out a sporadic release.

Right now, I would love to live off the label, mostly because it would give me more free time. At the current moment, the label is what I do in my free time, so a large bulk of my "free time" just cuts into label time. Like, if I want to watch a movie or go to a show or something, I'm always thinking "damn I could be packing orders or working on a layout or stuffing records" ... if I could make the label the main focus in my life, not my hobby when I get home from my 9 to 5 job, I feel like I'd be able to put a lot more into it as well.  It's kind of tough right now, mainly due to the fact that I'm a huge procrastinator. I sit at work all day thinking about things I want to do with the label when I get home, then when I get home I just end up playing guitar or watching a movie or doing dumb stuff on the internet.  So when I finally get to working on label stuff, I only do the necessary stuff (packing up mailorders, trades, getting records out on time) ... I always have ideas for the label but only like 25% of them ever come to fruition because I'm usually so burnt out I never want to deal with label stuff when I actually have the time.  That being said, it would be great to live off the label but at the same time, I don't think I'd be able to for purely financial reasons ... i really don't make much doing this that's for sure. Yeah sometimes, I can get a little extra cash in my pocket but for the most part it's purely a labor of love.

10. What is your number one, all time, absolute favorite "Fear of a Black Hat" quote?
 
 
wouldn't you like to know