Words on on favourite labels, hardcore origins and more with Ross Lynch of Lights Out:
What was the first band that opened your eyes to hardcore as you know it now?
There are a fair few, but if I was going for one it would have to be Merauder. When I first heard Master Killer it was like a punch to the gut with how heavy and intense it is & the raw emotion on every track. It's fast and aggressive & has this real street level grit to it with something a lot deeper in the lyrics. For me, their brand of metallic hardcore feels powerful and almost personal. That album made me realise how hardcore can express struggle and defiance in a really bold way; how it could speak to people in a way that feels real and urgent, and for me that is one of the best things about hardcore music.
Favourite label and why?
This is tough because there are far too many. I'd probably say Triple B because so many of my favourite bands are on their roster. But it's the same with Closed Casket Activities with all the bands they've got too, and Unrest here in Scotland. It's too tough to answer so I'll just go with those 3. I get every side of hardcore I care about - fast, heavy & real.
Any gear preferences for playing hardcore / in general?
I love Jackson guitars and bought one not that long ago and out of every guitar I've ever owned it's my favourite. The floyd rose is a bit of a pain in the arse but our other guitarist Harry is a wizard with guitar maintenance so if I have any issues with it then he is able to deal with it all which is super handy. But to be honest, I don't really think it matters much what you play, it's all just about having fun isn't it? Some people can't afford to go out and spend a fortune on gear. Just live within your means and have fun.
Outbreak or a 100/200 man festival if you could pick?
100/200 man easy. Outbreak is cool but I feel like it's almost not hardcore anymore. It started as a hardcore festival but I think now the line-up is half-dominated by hip hop, shoegaze and post-whatever bands and that's cool if that is what you're in to but it's sort of lost that edge from the outside looking in. So I'd take a 200 man festival in a shithole venue over that any day of the week.
Favourite pre-200 band?
Again, too hard. I'll list a few. Black Flag, GB, TSOL, Youth of Today, Merauder, Judge, Killing Time, All Out War, Kuckledust, Divide, Broken Oath and Fugazi. But I could sit here all day writing this list!
Favourite label and why?
This is tough because there are far too many. I'd probably say Triple B because so many of my favourite bands are on their roster. But it's the same with Closed Casket Activities with all the bands they've got too, and Unrest here in Scotland. It's too tough to answer so I'll just go with those 3. I get every side of hardcore I care about - fast, heavy & real.
Any gear preferences for playing hardcore / in general?
I love Jackson guitars and bought one not that long ago and out of every guitar I've ever owned it's my favourite. The floyd rose is a bit of a pain in the arse but our other guitarist Harry is a wizard with guitar maintenance so if I have any issues with it then he is able to deal with it all which is super handy. But to be honest, I don't really think it matters much what you play, it's all just about having fun isn't it? Some people can't afford to go out and spend a fortune on gear. Just live within your means and have fun.
Outbreak or a 100/200 man festival if you could pick?
100/200 man easy. Outbreak is cool but I feel like it's almost not hardcore anymore. It started as a hardcore festival but I think now the line-up is half-dominated by hip hop, shoegaze and post-whatever bands and that's cool if that is what you're in to but it's sort of lost that edge from the outside looking in. So I'd take a 200 man festival in a shithole venue over that any day of the week.
Favourite pre-200 band?
Again, too hard. I'll list a few. Black Flag, GB, TSOL, Youth of Today, Merauder, Judge, Killing Time, All Out War, Kuckledust, Divide, Broken Oath and Fugazi. But I could sit here all day writing this list!
Shoutout GHC, EHHC and TSHC. Hardcore forever.
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