Name: Tyler Kennedy
Band: United Youth
Important Links:
United Youth
Back To Back Store






Who is the biggest influence in your musical career?

um... that's tough to answer, but united youths biggest influences are a lot of 80's NYHC, and early 2000's hardcore.

What is the new year hopefully bringing you guys?

hopefully just playing a lot more shows, maybe a tour, and recording a 7" on back to back records.

What is your favorite part of playing shows?

My favorite part is just seeing people move around for our songs and singing along. Its awesome.

Do you any plan to be going on any tours?

we have a weekend coming up in April with tough luck from Richmond.

Can you tell us some more about untied youth playing united blood fest this year?

not really to much else to say just come out and support the fest.

Name:Kevin Duquette
Record Company:Topshelf
Important Links:
topshelf Records












Can you give us some background information about Topshelf Records?

Topshelf Records is and always has been 100% a labor of love. Seth and I started this from scratch in 2006 without a penny or a clue and have — we like to think — built it up into something of a legitimate operation. At the time of my writing this we have released 32 different albums.

We'll officially be five years old this month and it's certainly been a wild ride in getting here. Like any start up venture, we've had our share of ups and downs: shortcomings, disappointments, triumphs, etc. But that's all part of the process, I suppose... or, it's imperative for growth in my mind, at least. The label has provided both Seth and myself with some of the best experiences and life-long friendships of our lives and that is ultimately what fuels this whole thing for us, really. So, now we have a few more pennies and some semblance of a vague notion of what we're doing, haha.

What is your biggest influence in your career with owning a record company?

Sheesh. It's hard to pin it down to just *something*. We're conscious of what's come before us in staples like Merge, No Idea!, Polyvinyl, etc. (this list could get way out of hand) that simply stayed the course and put out (and continue to put out) fantastic records without ever compromising quality or chasing "the next big thing". That's important to us right down to our core.

At the same time though, ultimately, it comes down to our friends, colleagues and peers. I feel like we're in an incredibly exciting time in independent music where everyone is continually pushing the envelope and busting down barriers. It seems like every other day I'm reading about or congratulating someone I know for doing something great and everyone involved is benefiting from this. We're all collectively succeeding at doing what we love. That shit's contagious. What could be more influential than that?

What are your plans for future months with the bands?

We have a lot going on, and, while I can't disclose everything I can say right now I'm most excited for SXSW. That week is always so much fun and this year will be the first where Topshelf really has a strong presence down there so that will be exciting. We'll be pairing up with Count Your Lucky Stars Records in hosting an all day & evening label showcase and our bands will be playing shows in Austin throughout the week. Nearly our entire active roster will be in the city that week and it should really be a blast.

Can you tell us more about some of the upcoming tours and releases on the label?
Sure! Last year was our busiest yet and this year will definitely continue that trend. We have new releases lined up for Pianos Become The Teeth, We Were Skeletons, The Saddest Landscape, Big Kids, By Surprise, Coping, The Clippers, Miischa, Empire! Empire! (I Was A Lonely Estate) and a slew more that I can't really talk about just yet.

As far as tours go, pretty much our entire active roster will be on the road in the next few months with nearly everyone out in March for midwest and east coast jaunts to and from SXSW. Pianos Become The Teeth will be playing MacRock before gearing up for UK & Europe dates. Coping and The Clippers will both be on the road in April. You can always check for updated tour dates on our site: www.topshelf-records.com/tsr2/_pages/tour.php

Will you be repressing seasons in verse by My Heart To Joy and can you also tell us more about their record release show?
I'm going to assume you're speaking about vinyl here because it's now sold out in that format. It's actually a pretty common misconception that we released this album on vinyl when in actuality we really only pressed it on CD. So, unfortunately, we have no plans at this time to re-press this record in any format. But who knows. It's such a great record!

Their "Reasons To Be" record release show is something I'm seeing a lot of talk and growing anticipation for online — and justifiably so! It's got a killer line up with the likes of mainstays Transit and Pianos Become The teeth along with relative newcomers in Fugue and The World Is A Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid To Die. It's going to be an insane kind of euphoric night full of sing-alongs, friends and twinkle daddies. I can't wait. Ben Sears illustrated a flyer for it (which came out great and really embodies the zero-fucks-given My Heart To Joy mantra we've all come to expect and love). The event page, which has info for buying advance tickets and all of that stuff is here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=125508137514582

Name:Nate Almeida
Band:Convulsions
Important Links:
facebook
Convulsions







Who is the biggest influence in your musical career?

Most of my influence comes from Nas and Jay-Z, when I was growing up I never really watched many movies and television was hardly there to back it up, so hardcore is great for that.

What is your favorite part about playing shows?

We're all about PMA, nothing but that. Really stick to your roots or you'll end up like bands such as, Zipperline or Mashtron.

Do you any plan to be going on any tours?

We are planing on hitting up a full U.S. this summer, but we also bail on tours a lot. We would love to do as much as we can but were really not that interested in touring, you know...whats the point? Car rides are so boring especially when your drummers sleeps so much.

What was your inspiration for writing the song Callus Grase?

Mostly this title comes from this grill I used to cook on, her name was Liz. Sadly enough i am not with her anymore but the whole demo is out of control right now. Were planing on hooking up a few more Classus Grace's, Since that song did so great Record sales are not so,"through the rough" as of right now, so yeah that song Callus Grace.

Quick Fix Vegetarian Veggie Crumble Tacos

*this recipe is not vegan.
*Ingredients do contains dairy.

ingredients:

1 1/2 bag Morning Star Meal Starter Veggie Crumble
1 Packet McCormick Taco seasoning.
3/4 cup water.
Mexican or cheddar cheese. (Optional & can be adjusted by persons preference)

Put your veggie crumble in a large pan and add 2 or 3 splashes of water to it so it doesn't stick to the pan. Place the lid on your pan and let cook till fully heated but in the mean time preheat your oven to 350 degrees. When the veggie crumble is fully heated get you 3/4 cup of water and pour it into the veggie crumble along with you taco seasoning. Stir it on occasional until it thickens a bit (it should not be soupy but it will be a little when it thickens wet.) After your veggie crumble thickens up fill you taco shells and put on your cheese to accordingly to your own personal preference. Let the tacos heat in your oven for 5 minutes at 350 degrees.

Add some taco sauce, lettuce and our favorite cut black olives to your tacos,enjoy!

Name: Justin Ferguson
Band: Provider
Important Links:
Mediafire
Provider








Who is the biggest influence in your musical career?

My life is pretty much the only thing that I can write about so I guess that’s it. A lot of the things I see happening everyday are things I don’t agree with and I feel like if I don’t use this opportunity to express that then I’m wasting my time.

What was your inspiration for writing the song turn away?

The inspiration for Turn Away came out of frustration with a situation I find myself in far to often. I would go out of my way to help someone to many times to count and when I need a hand there is no one around I can count on. I think a lot of people find themselves feeling that way sometimes.

What is the new year hopefully bringing you guys?

This new year is bringing a lot hopefully. We plan on recording an E.P. within the next few months that I’m really excited about. We will continue to play shows and write tunes.

What is your favorite part of playing shows?

This is a tricky one but I would have to say right before we start playing is my favorite part. Knowing that we have 1 minute until we can show everyone what we have worked so hard on is a great feeling.

Do you any plan to be going on any tours?

We’re still a pretty new band so touring isn’t something I’m terribly concerned with right now. It is definitely something we all want to do and hopefully we will be able to get out on the road in the future.

Can you tell us some more about your recent show with Death Before Dishonor and Casey Jones?

The show was a ton of fun. The venue was a lot smaller than I had thought but that didn’t stop anyone from having a great time. The reaction we got was pretty much what I had expected for a first show. We Can’t Win played the show as well, they’re a band that doesn’t get enough credit on the island. They are awesome and every single time I see them it’s a blast.

Name: Ricky
Band: Backtrack
Important Links:
Backtrack








who is the biggest influence in your musical career?

That's a really hard question. All of us have a ton of different influences which is a good thing. I think the band as a whole is definitely heavily influenced by the NYHC scene and I'd say for Backtrack that's probably our biggest influence, and gambling.

What is the new year hopefully bringing you guys?

Today we're leaving for a European tour with Terror, First Blood, & Lionheart. After that we're doing 5 days in Canada with Gravemaker, Wisdom In Chains, and Expire. Besides that we're writing for an LP that will come out later this year on Reaper Records. We're also playing United Blood in April.

What is your favorite part of playing shows?

My favorite part personally would have to be able to play in different parts of the US and even different countries and have kids appreciate what you do and your music. It's awesome knowing that hardcore is a worldwide movement and there's kids everywhere that appreciate it like you and me do.

do you any plan to be going on any tours?

Yeah the few things I mentioned previously. Once the LP drops we'll be touring on it non-stop.

Can you tell us more about you show at Bergens point country club on jan. 8th

I answered this interview a little late because that show happened this weekend. Regardless the show was amazing. All the bands got great responses and Long Island proved that it's definitely one of the best scenes on the East Coast. It was awesome to see so many people come out for a good cause without any drama or stupid shit.

Name: Nathan Rebolledo
Band: Xibalba
Important Links: Xibalba








who is the biggest influence in your musical career?

For me personally, lyrically it is life and obstacles I encounter. As for the music we are strongly influenced by bands we grew up on and inspire us.

What is the new year hopefully bringing you guys?

Well hopefully continue to play as much as possible and a few records. We have Madre Mia/split LP coming out on A389 at the end of the month. We are finishing recording a new LP and a split with Incendiary.

what is your favorite part of playing shows?

Same reason I attend shows, To let go for a small space of time and forget my troubles..

do you have any plan to be going on any tours?

Yeah man a lot in the works.. Nothing set in stone but we will for sure be hitting the road anywhere and everywhere.

Name: Adam Vass
Band: La Dispute
Important Links:
La Dispute
No sleep records









who is the biggest influence in your musical career?

For me personally, and this is sort of goofy because we are friends now, but Thursday is probably my biggest influence. I remember trying to learn their songs on bass as soon as I got one when I was like 13 (damn, has it really been that long?), and I probably would never have bothered learning how to play without them. They also were one of the bands that eased me through the transition from listening to the radio to finding music in other sources, getting into punk and hardcore and screamo and all these sub genres that mainstream society neglected.

what is your favorite part of playing shows?

My favorite part is just having fun and being involved in something collaboratively with other people. Getting together with like minded kids and just having fun, stage diving and singing along. Obviously I have some responsibility to also play my instrument, haha, but just having a good time with the kids in my band and the kids at the show is a very rewarding and cathartic experience.

do you any plan to be going on any tours besides your Austrillian?

Right now, we don't have a ton of plans. After our Australian tour, we have some time off to write and record the rest of the new full length. We're going to play SXSW in March, but I don't know yet if we plan to tour around it. In April, we're planning a headlining East Coast tour, but I don't know how much I can talk about it. We haven't been to that region in almost a year so we're really excited, and we'll be bringing some very good friends with us.

do you plan on releasing any new 7" or 12" within this new year?

Yes, we have a one-sided 12" split with Koji due out sometime soon. We recorded our songs last April and its just been a scheduling game trying to get it out, but I imagine it'll happen early spring ideally. We'll also be releasing our 2nd full length this summer, but I'll say autumn just to be safe. We recorded 6 songs for it so far but we plan to have it be pretty long and the rest of it is slowly coming together. The tracklist and album art are all pretty much in place, its just filling in the puzzle pieces now.

what was your inspiration to write Somewhere at the Bottom of the River Between Vega and Altair album?

Somewhere was the first thing we did after I joined the band so to me, it was trying to make something memorable, but not necessarily intending it to be our breakthrough record. My band before this was still burning cds in the basement and playing for 5 people on tour, so I had no idea what would come of this band and how far it'd take me. Hell, I'm writing this interview from Australia, and four years ago I never could've expected to be here. The interesting thing with our band is that everyone is so different and we all find inspiration in different places, but personally mine was just to held create something that meant something to someone.

what was your inspiration for writing the song Castle builders?

the record was getting kind of dark in the early stages and we wanted there to be some light at the end of the tunnel, so there are songs like this and last lost continent that are supposed to bring in some more hopeful themes to the record. what do we have to complain about, after all? life isn't so bad if you step back and realize whats really important, and that's what these songs were more about. i can't really say the same about the new record though, this time its pretty dark thematically but we're leaving out the hopeful parts.

Name: Brandon Wells and Jaramia Bond
Band: Havenside
Important links:
Havenside







Who is the biggest influence in your musical career?

Brandon: Madball, The Ghost Inside, Hoods, Terror, and many more.
Jaramia: Bury Your Dead, Acacia Strain, and many more.

What is the new year hopefully bringing you guys?

We hope to be touring throughout most of new year in support of our current release "Recognition" as well as start writing new material for our next album.

What is your favorite part of playing shows?

We love the crowd interaction and meeting new friends as well as other musicians. And eating at random taquerias, haha.

Do you any plan to be going on any tours?

We have some tours in the works for 2011. We will keep everyone updated on our facebook/myspace/twitter ect.

What was you inspiration for writing the album Recognition?

We're inspired by life. We've all been through hardships and trials. The passion and aggression shown through our lyrics and music is all derived from personal experiences. We have worked to get where we are now and plan to continue working hard to get as far as possible. We feel like this album has been a step in the right direction and has proven to everyone and even ourselves, that we can keep progressing. It seemed so fitting that it was called "Recognition."

Full name: Neil Patel & Ned Russin
Record Company: Back To Back Records
Important links:
Back To Back
Back to Back store






Can you give us some background information about Back To Back records?

Back to Back was Ned's idea. We talked about it when we first hung out. I always wanted to do a label as well and we were on the same page on everything we wanted to do so we rolled with it.

What is your biggest influence in your career with owning a record company?

We both just want to put out records because we love hardcore and want to set music in stone. Me and Ned have both into hardcore since we were young and we both figured eventually that we would something more than to just go to shows. So I'd say the main influence is hardcore, as cheesy as it sounds. Going to shows, listening to 30 years worth of music, making friends and everything else in the community just made us want to do more than go to shows.

what is your plans for the future months with the bands?

Not much as of now. We're planning on doing a split release with Lockin Out Records for the United Youth 7". You can hear some United Youth songs at http://www.myspace.com/unitedyouthwb

Can you tell us more about some of the upcoming tours and releases on the label?

Stick Together just started a tour with Dead End Path that lasts for about 3 weeks. We just released their "No More Games" EP and they will have that on this tour. Check them out! If you can't see them on tour and want the record you can get it at www.backtoback.bigcartel.com