INTERVIEW WITH CONZ OF BN1COLLECTIVE/TEMPERS FRAY

Words on building up the BN1 scene post lockdown from real UKHC head Conz of Tempers Fray. 

The Scene in brighton undoubtedly has absolutely popped off for shows / bands over the last 5 or so years, is there anything you would say has been real important in the rise ?

Don’t think it’s because of any one reason alone and really just a mix of things falling into place at once. Post lockdown everyone pretty much came together to kick off shows again after a few years without anything, be it collaborating on shows or just putting our own bands in the local limelight and giving them a platform to push Brighton Hardcore. Plus at the same time we also had a bunch of younger faces attending events and starting their own bands. I’m just shy of 30 and most of the attendees at shows call me “Unc”… The lads in Bodybag would bring half of their college mates to shows, venues hated it… until they all turned 18 and started being able to support the bar and not the offie next door… I can’t lie though we are super lucky most venues here welcome us with open arms and support Hardcore in Brighton & Hove. But I think that’s due to the respect we have for our venues here too.

Favourite band you've played in and why?

I don’t know if I can say I have ever had a favourite band Iv played in. Every band (Tempers Fray, Ex-Stone Hand, Ex-Put Down, Ex-Sleep Lost) holds its own memories for me. From being 16 years old playing my first hardcore shows with Sleep Lost in venues I’d have to get snuck into because I was too young to be there… Too later being able to play shows overseas with some of my favourite bands. Iv been super lucky that of all of the bands Iv been in my over the years it’s always been with super close friends, so much so that the new drummer in Tempers Fray was also the drummer in both Put Down and Stone Hand.
I think that’s one of the most important parts… Having your friends around. That’s what makes it, what it is…

What was your entry to hardcore in the first place how did you come across it

I was definitely exposed to Hardcore without even realising. The famous Irate - Vendetta mosh video would fall into my “up next” on YouTube regularly, older kids in school would send me songs over Bluetooth, things like Suburban Scums first record and UK bands like Brutality Will Prevail but I think the first time I saw it first hand was at a Last Witness show about 15 years ago in Brighton. The aggression of the music and crowed combined really resonated with myself as a teenager and Iv never looked back since on the genre of music that has given me a home away from home… It’s cliché but since the day I found Hardcore, it’s given me something to be a part of. Something to be proud of. And something to look forward to.

Best band/set you've ever seen live if you can pick?

I don’t know if I can pick a best set… “Cold World” or “Madball” always spring to mind… But realistically Iv seen some crazy sets over the years but for me the most consistent band iv ever had the pleasure of watching is the kings of Essex “Splitknuckle”. My first ever tour when I was like 16 was with those guys, the shows were 50/50… but friendships were made that I’m blessed to stay still hold up 15 years later. I’m yet to see them play a bad set and it’s amazing to finally see them get the recognition they fully deserve. Seeing footage of them playing in countries like China or the USA or just killing it on the big stages closer to home at Outbreak and Ieper Fest this year has been amazing to see. I also have to give a special mention to “Knuckledust”… Probably the main reason that Hardcore made a huge imprint in my life. And another band that always kills it live…

Could you suggest something important to UKHC and surrounding scenes being strong and cohesive for the future?

Don’t take it too seriously. Hardcore is a getaway from normal life. Somewhere you can meet up with your friends. See some bands and listen to some music and forget about the bullsh*t that life throws at us. People will say this is a hot take but there’s more to hardcore than mosh moves and wearing Arcteryx. For the most part we as hardcore kids follow the same morals, ethic and views whether that is something political or just every day life views. Be nice to people in your scene. Those close to home should be ones you should try to impress. Hardcore is an incredibly positive thing… despite the image some of the best people Iv met in my life have been because of this type of music.
So yeah, in short… Look after your friends & support your local scenes.