Young People in Hardcore #2

In the last article on ‘Young People in Hardcore’, I asked Rosie McAlinden what its like being a young female in the hardcore scene. She discussed many things including her thoughts on Second City Hardcore scene itself to taking up the straight edge lifestyle as a young teenager.

This time round, I interviewed Harry Conneely and discovered how being apart of hardcore for over a year has made an impact on his life so far.

Harry Conneely, 17, Coventry

What is it like being a young person in the hardcore scene?

“I would say its quite enjoyable but at the same time it’s a bit awkward. Sometimes events can turn into 18+ if the gig is after a certain time at venues with bar, so when you travel out of town from Coventry to Birmingham to support local bands of the scene you’re apart of, it can be a hassle at times. It’s probably the biggest issue for me as young person in the scene, I do believe there should be more all ages shows for the next generation of kids.”

Most memorable experience at a hardcore show so far?

“As being a massive hip-hop enthusiast, I would probably say seeing Astroid Boys back in March at The Asylum in Birmingham. The combination of hardcore, metal with grime and hip-hop as one unit is the perfect blend for someone who enjoys music from both ends of the spectrum; especially as i'm in the B generation of kids where hip-hop is evolving massively and at its peak of popularity right now. Seeing people who fit into different sub-cultures come together as one, from hardcore kids to people into trap music and rap, it created a surreal vibe which made the atmosphere at the show just completely insane! People throwing down in the pit as well as skanking out to the beats! The energy was right there- good music, good people, good atmosphere. It's pretty lit.”

How’s the hardcore mentality and the scene influenced you as a young person?

“Seeing bands come together to create something to share with others is quite inspiring to me; it connects to people and helps them in many ways, especially the kids in the hardcore scene. Seeing people from all different backgrounds, ethnicities and cultures coming together as one to create something that will make a positive impact on people’s lives, as well as doing something they enjoy and making a living out of it is a reality check for me. I love seeing people I look up to in the scene doing what they love”

What do you love about the scene?

“What I love about the local scene in Brum is that it’s majorly all inclusive and shows are easily accessible. No matter where you come from, you can come together and be happy and share the common ground for the love of hardcore music with people like you. Seeing local bands who keep the scene alive for young people like me and my friends who want to carry on coming to shows is great. Honestly, the scene is mad, its just sick to say the least!”

By Dane Barker