Hurdcore readers from the Northwest should not be ignorant of Portland based progressive hardcore artists A Hope For Home, especially after our official introduction to the band in late 2009 (LINK). AHFH adds a depth to the movement within the hardcore scene which has been fighting against the syncronicity of sound that has been eating away at any progression or diversity in tone that might otherwise drive the scene to flourish as a creative beacon. Whether you’d label it post-hardcore or progressive, this West Coast quintet of melodious brutality remains humble in their pursuit to express themselves through music, inviting those with an open mind and divergent tastes to explore the outer limits of where innovation can take us. A Hope For Home will be releasing their 3rd Album ‘Realis’ on Facedown Records on March 30th, 2010 so we thought we’d catch up with the band to get an idea of what we might expect from this incarnation of the bands progression.

2010 is kicking off as a busy year for A Hope For Home, you are launching a national tour and preparing to release a new full length album ‘Realis’ on Facedown Records. The tour takes you from the Northwest into the Midwest and down South with several different bands meeting up with you along the way. Looks like you pick up In the Midst of Lions, Hands and Onward to Olympus once you hit the Midwest. Have you played/toured with these bands before?

AHFH We did a little stint with Hands last summer. They are probably some of our best friends in the whole world, and we are so stoked to be out on this tour with them. We’ve never met any of the other dudes, but it’s definitely been a great time so far.

In touring what has the reception for A Hope For Home been like and what are some of the most rewarding elements of being on tour?

AHFH Touring is an interesting monster. It can be really tiring, but I personally love it. My favorite part is honestly just hanging out with the bands every night. Getting to know another group of dudes and seeing new places every night. It is difficult to gauge reception because every tour we’ve done so far has been drastically different. But its always amazing going to a place you’ve never been and meeting one person who has been impacted by your music- that’s all I could ever ask for.

Last we spoke, you mentioned that you aren’t really a “dancy band” and I agree that AHFH’s sound while clearly hardcore in its roots is quite unique in the complexity of sound that you bring to your craft. What about your writing style and/or approach makes your sound so unique?

AHFH Haha. I just honestly write with my influences in mind, and that’s what I can say about everyone else. We aren’t consciously trying to be weird all that much. Being creative is definitely always in the back of our minds, but I would just say we are wearing our influences on our sleeves. Bands like Cult of Luna, This Will Destroy You, Thrice, etc.

If samples such as Post Tenebras Lux are any indicator of the direction you are headed with your latest release ‘Realis’, this is possibly a more brutal A Hope For Home than ever. How have your tastes in music as fans and performers changed over the years?
AHFH We definitely wanted to make this record heavier than The Everlasting Man. We tuned down to B and focused on bigger riffs and grooves rather than shredding and double kick. Our tastes have definitely changed as we’ve grown, I’ve been in this band for 4 years and gone from being influenced by bands like Beloved and Underoath to bands like the ones I mentioned previously. And honestly, I would rather create music I like to play rather than try and emulate whoever the biggest band in the scene is at the moment.

How have you seen fans respond to your music? Do you think AHFH is a sound that has to grow on you?
AHFH Some reactions have been a little disappointed, as I expected, but others have been really stoked that we are trying something new. We try to not really even think about that though and just write what we like to play. The minute you start thinking about who you are trying to please artistically is when, in my opinion, your art loses its value.

Your previous release, “The Everlasting Man,” was a concept album based upon a work by GK Chesterton of the same title, what drew you to this literary piece?
AHFH I was reading the book while listening to instrumental demos of the songs on that record we were recording, and thought that some of the themes would translate really well to the songs we had recorded would make for a good concept.

Writing music is a difficult enough process, does having the textual outline for what you want to communicate (ie Chesterton’s work) already laid out help the process or make it that much more difficult?
AHFH Well, we pretty much wrote all of the music for The Everlasting Man before any lyrics were written, and decided halfway through the recording process to base it off of the book. Realis was done the other way around.

You’ve hinted that your latest release might be a concept album as well, what direction did you go with “Realis”? For AHFH do you define “concept album” as an attempt to build upon a theme, where content drives the project or does it start with a tonal outline?
AHFH The Everlasting Man and Realis are two very different records and different concepts. The Everlasting Man is, I feel, an 11 song record with a bunch of songs and lyrics that allude to a concept. Realis, however, was imagined and outlined before it was written, and the concept pulls and pushes both the lyrics and the music. So, to answer your question, we have done it both ways, haha. While we wanted give Realis a lot of content conceptually and lyrically, we also did not want that to come at the expense of the music. So at the end of the day, concepts and ideas and all this lofty stuff can play a huge role in what we do, but if the music suffers because of it, then we are going about this the wrong way.

Your first single from “Realis” is entitled “The Machine Stops” which takes themes from a short story published in 1909 by EM Forster. What drew you to this work and how did you adapt that into your music?
AHFH The Machine Stops is somewhat of a one-off idea for the concept. I stumbled across the story one day, which you can read for free online, and was really impacted by it. The Machine Stops tells the story of a future where humanity basically begins to worship the technology it has built and in effect, becomes enslaved by it. The key part of the story is where the main character basically disconnects himself from that machine in order to regain his humanity. I thought it was an amazing metaphor and it fit really well at a point in the concept, so we decided to allude to it.

Like most literary pieces, the word pictures can be taken to mean many things, when you close in your adaptation with,

“Detach: can we pull these wires from our veins? Divide our flesh, our blood, our names. In the face of the machine I see my reflection stand and turn, as I walk. I’m never coming back.”

Is this primarily a reference to cutting the cord between man and technology or are you addressing something deeper than that?
AHFH Realis deals mainly with a struggle of faith and belief. I really think there comes a time in everyone’s life when they begin to look at the world around them and try to decide where they fit into it, or how it relates to them. I think it is very important to understand what your beliefs mean for your life and the rest of the world around you. Different ideological systems will lead to a completely different understanding and relation to ones environment. Maybe that is something wrong, or divisive, or whatever. But I think it is true. At this point in the concept, and not to condone his actions, the Man sees the world around him as a metaphoric machine, churning gears toward no specific goal. He decides to “unplug” himself from his fellow man and abandon everyone.

Often fans want to pigeonhole their favorite bands into a corner of what they expect that band to sound like, will this AHFH be recognizable or will we hear significant differences?
AHFH Not sure. I try to not think about that too much. It is definitely different, but we didn’t come out of left field with anything. I would like to think of it as a drastic progression.

For AHFH, the studio process is _____? (ie a grind, the most beautiful experience, all of the above). What do you like/dislike most about the recording experience?
AHFH I really wish I was doing this in the 60’s or 70’s sometimes. Everyone talks about how the Beatles got tired of performing live, so the last however many years of their careers, they just sat in a studio and recorded music. That is so awesome. I wish I could do that, honestly. I love recording and writing music and as soon as we finish a record I always wish I was back in the studio working on another one. We always end up getting rushed toward the end or not being as prepared as we should be, and that kind of sucks. But at the end of the day, I feel much more comfortable recording in a studio than I do on stage.

As musicians are you at the place where you are able to get your instruments to communicate all the nuances and subtleties of emotion that you are trying to express or is there still a struggle to work through that process?
AHFH I think we have come a long way as players since our first record. I’m pretty un-confident with myself as a guitar player. I think we could all do more, and that’s actually something I’ve been thinking about. I really want to push myself as a player on the next record, to step it up a notch. That said, I’m pretty proud with a lot of things we’ve done in the past. I think the day you achieve total comfort and ease in your ability is when you start to lose perspective though. There is always room for improvement, and in our case, I think a lot of improvement, haha.

In our previous interaction, you mentioned that your founding member had passed away early in the founding of AHFH. I’ve since read some more from you, particularly the superb write up in Hopecore Magazine (LINK) and there is so much more to this story. How has God continued to use your very personal story to draw you and others to Himself?
AHFH Those were definitely a very difficult couple of months. Kyle never wanted anyone to feel sorry for him, or to be the focus everyone’s pity. I remember sitting with him on the couch in the last days of his life, skin and bones spitting blood into a plastic bowl, asking me how I was doing. I would be stupidly complaining about something and he would always tell me that he couldn’t understand what struggle I was going through, and that it must be tough to be going through something so difficult. I always felt like an idiot after he would say something like that, but the fact is that he always put other people first and never once felt sorry for himself. He was by far the most selfless person I’ve ever met. After his death we weren’t too sure what to do, but one thing I remember thinking about was how mad he would have been if we would’ve given up or made everything we did be about him afterward. I think it would’ve been a disservice to him if we had become “Kyles band” or something like that. I felt the best way I could honor his life was to keep pressing on and let the band evolve, just as life was evolving after Kyle’s death. Kyle never let cancer keep him from anything, and I know he would’ve been pissed if we had stopped the rest of our lives at that point.

AHFH started as a local project and through continually taking it to the grind, you have built the foundation for your rock empire with Strike First and Facedown Records. What is the biggest difference between being on your own and having the backing of a known label?
AHFH Its hard to say. I don’t really think of it as that different. It is such a blessing to be able to get connections for booking and the promotion that comes from having a national company push you. I would honestly say the promotion is half of it. Jason and the rest of the Facedown family are so supportive and just knowing that we have somewhat of a solid foundation to build off of is very encouraging. I always see bands so worried about the next record, or the next show, or the next tour, and how much better things will be next year, or whatever. It never ends. Getting signed doesn’t change everything, we are still just as broke as we were before. We are only busier if anything. If we start to worry about “getting huge” or the difference between being signed and not I think we all will forget that we are doing what we want to do right now, playing music every night.

Now that you are full time musicians, how do you stay fresh in your approach to music? Is it ever a battle to keep the passion as you labor day-by-day to make your mark in a competitive and arguably saturated market?
AHFH We are definitely trying to do something different with our music. What gets difficult at times is not trying to be different as much as it is feeling that we never really fit in with any scene or any band we tour with. Most kids who go to heavy shows these days just want to dance, and they just look at us with crossed arms while we play. Playing with softer bands is just as weird since we don’t have catchy choruses. Like I said before, we write what we want to play. That’s really all there is to it.

Obviously there is a spiritual component to your band and you’ve been pretty open about that, how do you maintain a closeness with God while on the road? How do you keep from killing each other when several smelly dudes are packed into a van for an extended road trip?
AHFH Tensions definitely rise when 6 dudes live in a van for months at a time, haha. We just try to stay as grounded as possible. It helps that we are all on the same page goal-wise and, I feel, all in this for the same reason. No one in this band is expecting or wanting to be famous or sell a million records. We are just playing music because we like to play music.

A Hope For Home (Portland, OR)
Hardcore – Facedown Records
Nathan Winchell/Vocals
Matt Ellis/Guitar,Vocals
Tanner Morita/Guitar
Dan McCall/Bass
Lance Taylor/Drums

To Book AHFH contact The Radiant Group – matt@theradiantgroup.net. Visit AHFH’s MySpace Page for music, concert info and news

A Hope For Home has posted a blog on their MySpace giving a full write up and rundown of the lyrical content (LINK) for their latest release Realis, set to launch March 30, 2010 on Facedown Records.

For more information, interviews and updates for live local music concert tours. Local bands, artists, concerts, venues, tours and events from rock, hip-hop, metal, pop, punk, hardcore, alternative, acoustic, power pop, thrash, R&B, soul, reggae, indie, heavy metal, organic, progressive, funk, death metal, rap and more. Stay tuned to hurdcore.com, friend us on myspace and join us facebook Hurdcore is open to partnerships to promote local arts, music and entertainment as well as advertising opportunities – hurdcore@gmail.com – be specific in “subject” line.

Hurdcore:Midwest set out this evening to observe a performance by a friend of hurdcore, Quad Cities, Illinois based rock/metal band Eleven Fifty Two. One this night there were two items of distinction the bands performance, which is one of (if not) their first as well as the beautiful and spacious venue in Davenport, Iowa known as The Redstone Room – both a first for hurdcore.

Eleven Fifty Two boast a heavy rock sound with a creative blend of metallic riffs and full bodied melodies. For only their first performance, EFT has a great stage presence as several of the local patrons noted, “Did I get here late, are you sure this is the opening act?!” Eleven Fifty Two is one of those bands who sounds as good in recording as they do live and translates their passion from live performances to their recordings. These are good looking dudes, which always helps when you are a local upstart working the grassroots of the bar circuit. There were several moments in between songs where the band displayed their presence with comical interactions, even when they were still working out the kinks with a few misfires from members of the band starting before the whole was ready.

This four piece hard rock/metal band is poised for regional dominance in the Illinois and Iowa local rock scenes. As described by the band,

Our music is pieced together with hard hitting drums, heavy guitars and a mix of rock and thrashy riffs that’ll get you stomping along.

Keep an eye out as Dustin [Vocals/Guitar], Mike [Guitar/Backing Vocals], Erik [Percussion] and Steve [Bass] continue to develop their live act. Stay up to speed with Eleven Fifty Two by checking in on their MySpace or check out video of the show at Hurdcore on Youtube – 11.50.2.

Unfortunately family duties beckoned from seeing the other acts for, but the venue itself was a highlight for the night and hurdcore looks forward to returning for many shows to come. The River Music Experience got its upstart in June of 2004 as one of seven pieces of the Davenport, Iowa’s River Renaissance supported by state, county and local government ventures as well as private investors, which was passed in 2001.  RME’s approach is multi-faceted exhibiting the heritage of Mississippi River music, with a specific emphasis on the Quad Cities creative history.  River Music Experience has hosted live bands, artists and performers from all genres while expanding their promotion and influence in local music through a variety of educational programming.

Our Mission: The River Music Experience (RME) exists [as a not for profit 501(c)3] to give Quad-City residents and visitors opportunities to experience America’s music, and most especially the music of the Mississippi River, through live music performances and programs which nurture, educate and inspire musicians, and music appreciators.

In short…The RME is a nonprofit helping build the Quad-City music scene through diverse live music and unique educational programming.

With a total space of over 31,000 square feet, The River Music Experience operates the bottom three floors of a historic five story building in the heart of Davenport, Iowa.  On the second floor is The Redstone Room, which serves as RME’s live music venue and boasts a full calendar of local and national artists from various genres.  Mojo’s serves as the RME’s spacious coffee house and Community Stage, with a collection of books, CDs, music as well as a calendar of local, regional and visiting artists offering live performances and open mic nights several nights a month.  Within the spectrum of RME’s instructional approach is an education based recording studio, The Sound Lab, and other successful programs like Rock Camp USA and partnerships with West Music to provide instrumental music lessons.

The River Music Experience is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees and managed by a professional staff. Contact us at 877-326-1333 or visit them online

River Music Experience
131 West 2nd Street
Davenport, IA 52801-1828
(563) 326-1333
www.rivermusicexperience.org

For most Saturday, March 27, 2010 will be a close to the week of Spring Break. What better way to celebrate than with ALL of your friends jammin’ to the live soundtrack on exhibition from of some of the finest local artists in Oregon? Oregon’s First The Everything Show will be going down at Riley’s Bar & Grill (124 Broadalbin – Albany, Oregon) with a night of music that will boast a little of Something for EVERYone. No matter what you scene is, if you like music you will enjoy yourself with the rest of the crew at Riley’s for The Everything Show. Hurdcore has introduced you to some of the artists that will be performing (link to article), bring your friends, bring your mom and your grandma and we’ll see you at 7pm on Saturday (3/27/10). To give you a little more background to the show, we sat down with the shows promoter, Danny Morgan Jr. aka Suganuts…

For those locally and nationally who still might not know who Suganuts (aka Danny Morgan, Jr.) is, tell us a little about yourself and what you have learned that has helped you get to where you are as an artist.
SN Honestly I make it because I make the most out of a chance. To make it, is to make music at my will, not to make fetti. I make music because I would be truly NUTS if I didn’t.

As a performer, what has being in Albany, Oregon been like for you?
SN I proudly do concerts and music with Poverty’s Posterboy, Yung Royal, Mr Great White, Tr3u aka Tha Hustla, SOUFside Ink, Weside Ink, Mr 541, Bent, Pynt Syze and EVERY single other rapper in Albany. Much love to all of you. Well I’m sure there are a few I haven’t but can’t quite think of any. Albany is nothing but love. There is nowhere else I’d rather be. Wish I could stay here forever.

You are a family man, carrying a fulltime job by day, writing, mixing and performing at night, how long have you been in the game? How many albums have you released?
SN If you are one of the few that know me, you may know I have 4 boys the oldest being 6 and a wife… If you also have a child you know how much love he/she may bring. I’ve been writing since I was a young teen and performing when I began driving. I’m almost 31 (flavors) and I’m proud to say it. I’ve release 2 pre-pressed albums and 2 pressed. The 5th will be out this year.

You are originally from The Bay area of California, were you performing down there? When did you decide to move to Oregon and Albany specifically?
SN Yes sir. Born and raised in Santa Rosa, California, but became a man in Oregon. I did a few shows as a youngster but not like the activity since I was introduced to Albany, Oregon, two years ago….. This is where we are supposed to be.

What do you enjoy most about the local rap and hip-hop scene?
SN Because of the talent we make each other better each day. The respect and love is top-notch. Unless you were here you wouldn’t know. It gets frustrating sometimes because the local rappers are honestly better then 99% of mainstream artists. They’re hungry. Someone needs to tell world leaders about Albany hip-hop.

Do you remember your first show here in the 541?
SN My 1st show in Albany was THE BLACKOUT May 2008 also at Riley’s Bar and Grill. Dub-U-Records and Bentley was the reason for my appearance that evening. A great evening and a great show.

As I talk to local artists, venues and promoters it seems that the name Suganuts is synonymous with a track record for putting together successful shows. Why do you think you have been so successful in putting shows together? What are the keys to a great show?
SN *I think my partner in crime… My wife is my key to success in that department. With her support and help it soothes the passion. *Time to plan. *Be creative, everyone else is throwing a show so do what only people have imagined and what you have dreamed of. Make it Re-ality. *Great artists, don’t settle. *Promotion—- really hand out the flyers, treat each one as a guest, posters….wait I can’t tell you all of my tactics.

Many of your larger shows have been at Riley’s (124 Broadalbin, Albany, Oregon) which is the location for The Everything Show. What excites you about hosting a show at Riley’s again?
SN It can hold more people and those people can breathe…I think we all are excited to perform at Rileys and with KC Productions & Entertainment. The vibe is great and stage is awesome to rock.

What have been some of your best experiences at this venue?
SN I think my most memorable experience was Sept 4th 2008 when I released the IMPAIRED album. The show was free and it seemed all the artists were ready to blow up. Everyone killed it that night. The place was packed and in my face. It was the best time at Riley’s.

Tell us about The Everything Show, is there any significance to the name? You’ve been successful with rap and hip-hop shows, why did you decide to take on the challenge of putting together a mixed genre show such as this?
SN Well, I wanted to develop an atmosphere that every age, every gender, every genre of life could come and have an F’n blast with everyone. I’ll never forget an instance when I have handed this lady a flyer and she had said “I don’t like that music.” Say NO now lady.

What performers do you have lined up and how did you choose these artists?
SN I’m proud to tell you that the shows being hosted by THE VERY FUNNY… WILL WOODRUFF – *Tr3u AKA Tha Hustla *Pynt Syze *Tallboy *KTR *Greenlander
*Flo *October Rising *Wetsock *NewAlias *Dj Unofficial — and Myself (Suganuts). [see hurdcore’s previous article introducing the lineup]

Any funny/frustrating stories to share about these artists or the process of setting up the roster for this show?
SN I think a frustrating point had been when artists didn’t respond. I feel like I listened to every artist in Oregon. I had to truly love their music. So here they are. I also wish I had time for every single type of music. Maybe by the 10th Everything Show.

What kind of support have you received from the community? Tell us about your sponsors. Is there still room for others to get involved, if so how can they help?
SN Anyone local person or business can take a part in the show. If you think you can help get ahold of me and let me know what I can do for you. You can reach me at 541-286-0131. I’ve teamed up with great local businesses to spread the word about THE EVERYTHING SHOW and the great job they do for the people of Albany and surrounding areas. Here they are: *KC Productions & Entertainment *Jack and Jill’s Barber Shop *The Sign Express *Albany Downtown Association *Paradox Productionz *Hightide Pipes and Tobacco *Downtown Tattoo and Piercing *J Photography *Go Figure *Magnolia Audio & Music *Movies and Magic *The Adult Shop (JK!!!) *Ciddicis Pizza *Hurdcore.com

In addition to the music you are having the show hosted by The People’s Commedian, Will Woodruff, are there any other tricks you have up your sleeve?
SN Well the only thing I would like to ad is The Sign Express is developing the 1st EVERYTHING SHOW T-SHIRTS for your wearing. You will be able to purchase and have any artists there sign it. It’s what I hope to do. They are all great people I’m sure each one would do it for free.

What do you hope people walk away with after they have experienced The Everything Show?
SN With an open mind to EVERY kind of music and the urge to come again tomorrow! These are all local artists. These are your peeps from your neck of the woods. The rest starts here.

The flyer reads “Oregon’s First…” are you planning subsequent shows?
SN Honestly this is the 1st. If the fans, businesses, artists, and the people of Oregon want another, then damn right there will be another. I hope I’m in Oregon forever, but the future is wide open.

What else does Suganuts have planned for 2010? Are you working on a new album?
SN I’m just coming off of a break or what I would call a break (my wife would disagree). I have been spending time writing and can’t wait for YOU to hear. The next album ” NATURAL” this year.

Just so we’re clear, when/where and how much is the show? Is this an all ages event?

The Everything Show
March 27th 2010
Riley’s Bar and Grill – $5
124 Broadalbin – Albany, OR
7pm-10pm all ages; 10pm-close +21
I hope to see you, your mom, your dad and your kids there.

Thank you for the Love –Suganuts aka Danny Morgan Jr 541-286-0131
Oh, and there will be prize give-aways from the business supporters. You may be very surprised in what we are giving you if you attend.

For more information, interviews and updates for live local music concert tours. Local bands, artists, concerts, venues, tours and events from rock, hip-hop, metal, pop, punk, hardcore, alternative, acoustic, power pop, thrash, R&B, soul, reggae, indie, heavy metal, organic, progressive, funk, death metal, rap and more. Stay tuned to hurdcore.com, friend us on myspace and join us facebook Hurdcore is open to partnerships and advertisers – hurdcore@gmail.com – be specific in “subject” line.

Arrived early to Riley’s to do a sit down with Kris aka DJ Gravy also of KC Productions & Entertainment and got to discuss what-it-is with John aka Poverty’s Posterboy of Northwest Noise as well. While KC Productions & Entertainment is now a staple most nights at Riley’s, KC and NW Noise have joined forces and are working a format to bring in larger name hip-hop artists from Portland down through the Bay (CA), pair them with known local acts and produce quality hip-hop shows here in Albany, Oregon. Headlining this night’s roster of rap was Cool Nutz, who is perhaps Oregon’s most renowned rapper and now gatekeeper for rising hip-hop acts through The Northwest Breakout Radio Show on KXJR Jammin’ 107.5, airing every Saturday night from 6pm-8pm.

J Lil opened the night making a hilarious comment about rapping like there is only 2 years left (ala predictions aggrandized by feature films such as 2012). Slap Addicts elicited a response from the crowd with a chorus line well executed to a driving beat – “If you feelin’ this **** nod up and down…” Seemed that just about the time the crowd had warmed up, their set was over. It’s interesting to observe the dynamic between performer and audience, to ponder how much of the connection can be scientifically measured, as though there were a formula which could guarantee fan-demonium. It appears that the basic elements are beat (the music), energy (the performance) and lyric (the content), with various intangibles that can either heighten or reduce the potential for success. If it were all scientific, then copy-cats would thrive but three different artists could be given the same beat, lyric and crowd and each solicit varying responses.

Weside, “with no T”, and Ugly Kid gave a good performance with Wes’ classic rap sound. Markus Tha Great White and Yung Royal perhaps gave the performance of the night, coming with all barrels blazing – “I’m no bragger but I got swagger.” Markus and Yung are a dynamic pair to say the least, Royal is button down with slick back hair, Tha Great White has an unrivaled charisma, and together they burn up a stage. Listening to content, an element stands out where an artist can either address himself and what he would do to/with someone else in various wanton acts or while referring to the same subject matter an artist can use his words to invite a crowd to express themselves, to join together in a sort of celebration. As an observation, few crowds will engage an artist who speaks solely of themselves in a particular act unless that artist has reached a certain plateau, whether Yung and Markus have picked up on this factor intentionally or not, they have demonstrated a rare aptitude for inciting dormant crowds to movement.

Flow would have played well for Rx Tha Perscription but an intermission was called from which Rx and his bevvy of rap accomplices recovered well. For residents of the southern end of the Willamette Valley, there could be no more perfect song than “Where We’re From”. Poverty’s Posterboy and Mr. 541 are the masterminds behind this adept melody, yet anyone with an ear can tell these two have talent that could reach far beyond this region. Pov and 541 stepped their game up this night and put on a show to remember. Kenny Mack took the stage solo for a few tracks and then the all out party started with Maniac Lok, DJ Fatboy and Cool Nutz himself taking the stage. Cool is a man of class, he arrived on time with his crew, staying on site for each of the local acts to do their thing, gave props where due but was understandably disenchanted when several of the local artists either left or were no where to be found during his set. Having a live DJ spinning for an artists definitely takes a performance up a notch and Cool and his crew were all class in giving Albany a genuine show. Whether the moment was appreciated by all, this was a blend of the closest thing to Oregon rap royalty in the mix with what those in the 541 know to be some of the finest hip-hop perhaps in the country.

While some of these performers may remain our little secret, if a rap bracket were arranged, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Albany made a run deep into that hypothetical tourney. KC Productions & Entertainment has the sound and lights dialed in there in a space at Riley’s that has potential to be a destination point for something special. As a fan of music, it was good to see local music continuing to put themselves out there to chase their dreams. Props to Cool Nutz and his crew for venturing into this neck of the woods. Kudos to KC and NW Noise, if they keep their momentum and work to build strong relationships with local artists, Albany, Oregon may even become the hot spot many dream it to be.

Keep up with what’s going on at Riley’s by checking in with KC Productions & Entertainment as well as Northwest Noise

Catch Cool Nutz as he hosts The Northwest Breakout Radio Show EVERY Saturday on KXJM Jammin’ 107.5 (Portland, OR) – call and request your favorite local artists!

For more information, interviews and updates for live local music concert tours. Local bands, artists, concerts, venues, tours and events from rock, hip-hop, metal, pop, punk, hardcore, alternative, acoustic, power pop, thrash, R&B, soul, reggae, indie, heavy metal, organic, progressive, funk, death metal, rap and more. Stay tuned to hurdcore.com, friend us on myspace and join us facebook Hurdcore is open to partnerships and advertisers – hurdcore@gmail.com – be specific in “subject” line.

We are days away from Oregon’s First The Everything Show set to premiere at Riley’s Bar & Grill (124 Broadalbin) in Albany, Oregon on Saturday, March 27, 2010 at 7pm. This show will be a showcase of the depth of Willamette Valley’s local talent, mixing genres to create and atmosphere for EVERYone. An all around music extravaganza to be hosted by the very funny Will Woodruff (Salem). Includes ALL AGES from 7pm – 10pm and then 21 + exclusively after 10pm. With support from artists and local businesses the show will include prizes and lineup packed with some of the best music Oregon has to offer. The Everything Show – a night packed with music for EVERYone!

Hosted by Will Woodruff “No mater what city or town you live in, you can depend on Will Woodruff ‘The Peoples Comedian’ to find you, entertain you diligently, then send you back home in a euphoric state of comic bliss.”

Pynt Syze (Albany – Hip-Hop) 14 year old local rap wonder-kid, if Tech9 knows anything about hip-hop than Pynt is about to blow up the scene! HC:Interview

KTR (Salem – Rock/Acoustic) is a four piece, acoustic rock band that knows how to get down. KTR has been playing together since June 2006 and has compiled a catalog of 30+ all-original tracks. A local fan has aptly described KTR as an, “Acoustic version of Stone Temple Pilots.”

Greenlander (Eugene – Alternative) These Eugenantonian music majors combine everything from Funk mixed with Grunge to Progressive Metal and Ska, crafting a high quality sound with catchy grooves and sing-able melodies. HC:Interview

Treu (Albany – Hip-Hop) Laid back hip-hop that will grab you by the throat, bringing the jam that’s’s known to get down in at least two countries, the ever popular “AAAAYYYY.”

DJ Unofficial (Albany – Spinster) If you’ve been around the scene in Albany than you know who you want working the 1’s and 2′s.

Wetsock (Eugene – Punk) “Wetsock is conjuring up tracks with a unique style dubbed “Ghetto Punk”, blending the finest roots, ska, punk, and blues with their strong political ideals, love of life, and true passion for music.”

October Rising (Lebanon – Rock/Indie) Dynamic acoustic indie rockers, quickly becoming a local favorite, bringing smooth and upbeat sound with gripping melodies.

Tallboy (Medford – Hardcore) Having shared the stage with Papa Roach, Heater and Kotton Mouth Kings, Tallboy is steadily on the rise and ready to bring their high-class, action packed, rock inferno to Albany for The Everything Show. HC:Interview

Suganuts (Albany – Hip-Hop) Mastermind of The Everything Show, come see the always classy family-first swag-father of Albany hit the mic. HC:Interview

Flo (Coast – R&B) “My songs are all feel-good songs, something you can listen to when you’re winding down at the end of the day or just chillaxin, but the beats still get ya toes tappin!” HC:Interview

New Alias (Salem – Hip-Hop) Rap power trio of Smitt Smitty, Rhino and Dalliki have set their creative ambitions to educate fans while entertaining them.

The Everything Show
March 27th 2010
Riley’s Bar and Grill – $5
7-10 all ages; 10-close +21
Bring yourself, mom, dad, grandma, neighbors
*Something for EVERYone! w/ giveaways

SPREAD THE WORD – join the guestlist and share event on facebook!

For more information, interviews and updates for live local music concert tours. Local bands, artists, concerts, venues, tours and events from rock, hip-hop, metal, pop, punk, hardcore, alternative, acoustic, power pop, thrash, R&B, soul, reggae, indie, heavy metal, organic, progressive, funk, death metal, rap and more. Stay tuned to hurdcore.com, friend us on myspace and join us facebook Hurdcore is open to partnerships and advertisers – hurdcore@gmail.com – be specific in “subject” line.

Whether its alternative, groovy and progressive or progressive, groovy and alternative, Greenlander will awaken your 90′s tonal senses while indulging your more modern tastes. With a firm foundation in the academic branches of the pursuit of musical excellence, these rock practitioners stand at the ready to help you get your boogie on. Greenlander joins the cast of the mixed genre (rock and hip-hop) extravaganza which will be performing with The Everything Show on March 27, 2010 at Riley’s in Albany, Oregon (more info at the end of this article).

How long have you all been at it and how did you get started
GL Greenlander has been playing together since we were sophomores in high school, which was back in 2004.

How would you describe your sound and what makes it different from other bands who may be in a similar genre?
GL Our sound is heavily influenced from 90’s alternative rock. We love to groove and we do so through the use of funk, syncopation, and unison riffs. We are a progressive, groovy, alternative band.

What is a live experience with Greenlander like?
GL When our bass player doesn’t have a dislocated ankle, mono, or SARS we are a very energetic band. Our music is the source of our energy. On stage we’re not acrobats and we keep power jumping to a minimum. However on rare occasions our energy sources will level up to a bewildering 48 jewels and then we get “buck wild” and pull wicked cool combos.

What are some of your best and worst experiences at a live show?
GL As far as our worst live show goes, one time we were playing on the UO campus and the sprinklers turned on during our second song of the set. Our best live experience was when we headlined a 4th of July show at Dexter Lake and had the opportunity to share our music for 3000 awesome people.

Where do the sons of Greenlander hail from?
GL Half of the band is from Cottage Grove and the other half Creswell, Oregon. After high school we all moved to Eugene where we live now.

What do you enjoy most about the local scene there in Eugene?
GL We love the laid back helpful attitude of the other bands we play with. It is nice to be able to hang with the other bands in the area.

Who have been some of the people that have helped you as you continue to develop your sound and presence as a band?
GL When we were going to high school our music director James Phillips was a huge influence, he really helped Merlin and Thomas get heavy into music. Our parents were also really helpful providing encouragement, food and rehearsal space. Now that we are in Eugene, James Book of Ninkasi Brewery has been really supportive of our band and has been really helpful with booking and production. Also our manager Austin Kovac has been amazing with everything he does.

What are some of the best memories for Greenlander from 2009?
GL 2009 was a great year for us because we started to get sponsorship deals. Both Ninkasi and Sparks sponsored our band in 2009. Also Trevor got arrested in Mexico.

What are you looking forward to most in 2010?
GL We are really pumped for 2010 because now that we have a manager we are really starting to get our act together. We are planning a tour in the summer and planning on doing some more recordings.

What do you hope fans will take from your music?
GL Our music is all about having fun. We want people to be happy and have a good time when they listen to our music.

Any favorite stories fans have told you?
GL One of our fans told us this story: When he was 5 years old he went to visit his aunt and uncle. At this point in time he had never heard of a ferret. So he strolled into his aunt and uncles house wearing his favorite sweatshirt, excited by the prospect of seeing his relatives. He sat down on the couch, an unassuming young boy in his favorite sweatshirt. When all of a sudden out of the back room his aunt’s ferret came streaking across the room leaping through the air toward the boy. Claws extended, like a cat pouncing on a startled mouse, the ferret assaulted the boy. He can’t remember if the ferret started pooping before or after it landed on him but he was certain the feces and the ferret hit at the same time. Upon landing the ferret began clawing and twisting and really just going crazy. The boy lept up screaming and running around the room trying in vain to remove the bloodthirsty ferret. Quickly his aunt came to his aid and removed the ferret. His favorite sweatshirt shredded and covered in ferret crap the boy wept. Since that day he has had a deep-rooted hatred for ferrets.

Recent trend that you will never join?
GL College boys with their flat billed hats with the stickers still on and college girls with the giant sunglasses that make them look like flies on acid.

Anything interesting that you’ve read recently?
GL We are musicians we don’t read for fun. All of the books we are reading now are text or music type books.

What has been grabbing your attention musically?
GL The band is on a really big Porcupine Tree listening binge. We are also into Dream Theatre, Mutemath and The Red Hot Chili Peppers.

In your spare time, what do you enjoy watching?
GL We are watching The Office, 30 Rock and Blazers basketball.

Any crazy pre-performance rituals? When you are all divas, what will you demand be in your dressing room?
GL We don’t really do anything before shows. But when we are rock stars we are going to demand appropriately sized bread and cheese, a miniature basketball hoop, an open bar and all we can eat Charleston Chews.

What are the top 5 songs in your personal playlist right now?
GL Arriving Somewhere But Not Here – Porcupine Tree; Aeroplane – Red Hot Chili Peppers; Typical – Mutemath; Set it Off – Audioslave; Home – Dream Theatre.

For more information, interviews and updates for live local music concert tours. Local bands, artists, concerts, venues, tours and events from rock, hip-hop, metal, pop, punk, hardcore, alternative, acoustic, power pop, thrash, R&B, soul, reggae, indie, heavy metal, organic, progressive, funk, death metal, rap and more. Stay tuned to hurdcore.com, friend us on myspace and join us facebook

What does it take to get a few shakes from the talent tree?! How pitiful is it that those who grind and grind to eek out something that barely tips the scale at mediocre only to discover your best efforts are trounced by those touched by the hand of the “rock-gods.” When Tim Lambesis can pilot the uber-popular metalcore band As I Lay Dying as his main gig and in his spare time fart out a humorous and totally brutal metal four piece rock-tet of Tim, Tim, Tim and Ahhhnold known to the world as Austrian Death Machine, you may doubt your abilities and be tempted to turn in your sticks for good. I want to encourage you, my young rock Padawans, to consider another way.

“I Need Your Clothes, Your Boots, and Your Motorcycle”

Austrian Death Machine (DOUBLE BRUTAL out noooow!) | MySpace Music Videos

Let pain or even despair fuel you. Of course reality is that those who have mastered their skills do not arrive upon their perch by accident, top tier talent the likes of Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods are relentless in their pursuit of greatness. Perhaps they’ve been given a special touch but more so than any mystical talent, like a sword in the stone released, the rise comes with an ability to take frustrations and pound them into submission. While it would be easy to throw the white flag up, when stacking your piddly accomplishments to men turned monsters like Mr. Lambesis, rather than wait for you rock fairy to arrive and sprinkle you with her dust let your revelry in the triumphs of others spur you to the pursuit of excellence.

Grab your frustration and failures by the throat and continue to wrestle your dreams to victory. When you are faced with a battle that you feel unprepared for, sometimes you have to fight with what you’ve got. Addressing a nation basically of farmers, the prophet Joel instructs, “Hammer your plowshares into swords and your pruning hooks into spears. Train even your weaklings to be warriors.” (SIDENOTE: if you’ve ever wanted to know more about the book of Joel from the Bible, HERE’s a quick yet thorough intro) Everyone starts somewhere, so beat those plowshares into swords – what’s more brutal than that!

Aside from his more noted Hollywood personas, Arnold’s own story does bear some weight of what dedication can create. In serious note, let Mr. Schwarzenegger encourage you in this,

“For me life is continuously being hungry. The meaning of life is not simply to exist, to survive, but to move ahead, to go up, to achieve, to conquer.”

Well said sir. Well said. [-Have you HURD?!]

For more information, interviews and updates for live local music. Local bands, artists, concerts, venues and events from rock, hip-hop, metal, pop, punk, hardcore, alternative, indie, organic, progressive, rap and more. Stay tuned to hurdcore.com, friend us on myspace and join us facebook

What were you doing when you were 14 years old? Perhaps you we chasing the dream on your Jr. High B Squad or still getting taken for your lunch money, but did you ever venture to the mic and take your chances with a live audience? The young man performing as Pynt Syze is making his mark locally in Albany, Oregon and if you suppose that Tech9 is any judge of what is or isn’t hip-hop, then you may want to keep a listen out for what is to come.

So, you are a young man but you’ve have been rapping and performing for a while, how long have you been doing rap?
PS I was 9 years old and I happened to be hanging out at the Paradox Productionz studio with my cousin Klutch. Klutch and Phonix of Paradox knew that I liked to break dance so they knew I had rhythmn. They wrote me a verse really quick and put me in the booth to see how it sounded, after some instruction and practicing we finished the song which is called “Kyng Syzed”.

How would you describe your sound and what distinguishes you from other hip-hop artists?
PS I think my sound is different because I’m much younger than anyone else that is rapping around here, I don’t curse or talk about stuff that I wouldn’t want my Grandma to hear, ha ha. I mean, I’m only 14 and I’ve been doing this since I was 9 so I think I already have more experience than most other rappers around here.

What is a Pynt Syze live set like?
PS Well I’m a solo Hip-Hop artist and I try to make my shows as energetic as possible. I’m sure when people see a 14 year old get on stage for the first time they don’t know what to expect but I think by the end of the show they come to respect me as a actual artist, not just a gimmick.

Where are you from and what do you enjoy most about your local scene?
PS I am born and raised in Albany, Oregon. I think what I like best about the local scene is the support that most every artist gives each other.

Who have been some of the key people that have helped you pave the way to where you are now?
PS The biggest influences I’ve had in music are my big brother Mike, the guys from Paradox (Klutch & Phonix), and all of my family.

It’s the start of a new year, what are some of your favorite memories from 2009?
PS My best memory from 2009 was rapping for Tech N9ne, Slaughterhouse, and all of the other artists on Tech N9ne’s K.O.D. tour back stage before his show in Eugene.

What are you looking forward to in 2010?
PS In 2010 I’m looking forward to dropping my mixtape “Class ‘N Session”, working on my debut album, and working towards getting signed!

What do you hope that fans will receive from your music?
PS I hope that they feel my passion for music and understand that you can do Hip-Hop without cursing.

What is one of the coolest stories you have heard from a fan?
PS I guess he’s not really a “fan” but the coolest thing for me was when Tech N9ne shouted my name on stage saying how good I was in from of thousands of people after I rapped for him.

Trend that you have noticed that you will never join? Skinny jeans, they’re not for me. Currently reading I’m reading my 8th grade Science book, haha; listening to Tech N9ne and the songs that I have done from my “Class ‘N Session” mixtape, and T.I.’s “Paper Trail” album; and watching I guess the channel that I watch the most is B.E.T. Any crazy pre-performance rituals? Nothing to crazy, but I pray before every show. When you are a diva/rockstar the three things that you will demand be in your dressing room are? If I demanded three things in my dressing room it would be a notebook to write in, junk food, and apple juice. The perfect combo! Top 5 songs in your personal ipod right now? I’m a Zune guy, so the top 5 songs in my Zune are Tech N9ne – Riot Maker, and 2-5 would be my own songs, haha! I mainly listen to my own music and other music from Paradox Productionz.

See Pynt Syze tear the stage up at Riley’s on March 27th with Oregon’s First The Everything Show starting at 7PM (124 Broadalbin – Albany, Oregon) see banner link below…

For more information, interviews and updates for live local music. Local bands, artists, concerts, venues and events from rock, hip-hop, metal, pop, punk, hardcore, alternative, indie, organic, progressive, rap and more. Stay tuned to hurdcore.com, friend us on myspace and join us facebook

How many people still “know what Bo don’t know”? Oregon continues to host and nurture several local treasures who could make an impression in music at large. Flo brings a blend of beauty with humility, class with swagger and a unique Samoan spice to the R&B scene. Her voice is one that reaches beyond genres and carries a power that will readily break through a cloudy day to usher in some melodious sunshine. We’re glad to introduce Flo as an up-and-coming local artist who will be sharing the stage with several other local acts for Oregon’s First The Everything Show (more info at the end of this article).

How long have you been at the R&B game and how did you get started? FLOI’ve been singing just about all my life…my mom taught my sister and I how to harmonize when we were young and made us practice every night…I hated it then, but I’m grateful for it now. I started pursuing a music career a couple years ago when I recorded in the studio for the first time…there was something electric about it, I knew it was something I had to pursue.

How would you describe your sound and what makes it different from other solo R&B artists?
FLO My sound has a lot of island influence because I’m Polynesian and I love the reggae vibe. But I also fuse some R&B into it. I’d say my songs are all feel-good songs, something you can listen to when you’re winding down at the end of the day or just chillaxin, but the beats still get ya toes tappin!

What is a live experience with Flo like? What are some of your best/worst experiences at a live show?
FLO A live experience with my group is always a good one, crowds get to experience a different type of music that they’re not typically used to listening to but at the same time will catch their ear. I think generally a bad experience at a show is when nobody’s feelin’ what you’re performing. You put your heart into this music and for people to not like it is always a bad experience. Whenever I can get a crowd to move with my music or if I’m able to hit a nerve with some people through my music then I consider it a good show.

Where are you from and what do you enjoy most about your local scene? FLO I’m originally from the coast, Florence to be exact…the music scene there is not as active as in other parts of Oregon but it’s nice because the small community there really appreciates any musicians that come out of that town so I’ve always felt supported.

Who has been the greatest influence in getting you to where you are now? FLO My family has been a great influence on my music. My mom has always pushed me musically whether I liked it or not but it’s been a great help in getting me where I am today.

Top 5 songs in your personal ipod right now?
strong>FLO Feluteni – Siaosi, Here Come the Hotstepper – Ini Kamikaze, I Love You – Chris Brown, You’re the One for Me – Dondria, Get Me Bodied – Beyonce

Catch Flo in Albany, Oregon on March 27, 2010 @ 7pm withOregon’s First The Everything Show see banner link below…

For more information, interviews and updates for live local music. Local bands, artists, concerts, venues and events from rock, hip-hop, metal, pop, punk, hardcore, alternative, indie, organic, progressive, rap and more. Stay tuned to hurdcore.com, friend us on myspace and join us facebook