COMBUST: Andrew Vacante, King of Staten Island Hardcore
Digest
This podcast features Andrew from the hardcore band Combust, detailing his journey from early exposure to aggressive music through video games and his cousin's influence, to the formation of his first band, "Preaching to the Converted," and subsequently, Vice. He discusses Vice's successes and failures, including the infamous Vice shirt and the band's eventual breakup. The conversation then shifts to his transition to trucking and the formation of Combust, covering the band's early challenges, their growing success, and multiple European tours filled with humorous and stressful anecdotes, particularly involving a Portuguese driver named Shark. A significant portion focuses on the creation of Combust's second album, "Belly of the Beast," detailing the songwriting process, collaborations with Justice Tripp, and the overall experience. The podcast also includes discussions of Combust's touring plans, Andrew's culinary preferences (especially pizza), personal opinions on various topics, favorite hardcore records, and reflections on the current music industry. The episode concludes with thoughts on the "Belly of the Beast" release show and the band's future.
Outlines
Early Influences & Vice's Formation
Andrew's early exposure to aggressive music, the formation of his first band, and the journey into hardcore with the band Vice, including their DIY approach and early shows.
Vice's Success, Knock Loose, and the Infamous Shirt
Vice's success, their relationship with Knock Loose, the story behind a controversial Vice shirt, and the band's eventual breakup due to internal conflict.
Post-Vice Life: Trucking and Combust's Genesis
Andrew's transition to trucking, the challenges of balancing work and music, and the formation of Combust.
Combust's Formation and Early Challenges
Combust's formation, recruitment of band members, and initial difficulties in the New York hardcore scene.
Combust's Growth and European Tours (Part 1)
Combust's growing success, their first European tour with Mastermind, and the challenges of international travel.
Combust's European Tours (Part 2) & "Belly of the Beast"
Further European tour anecdotes, focusing on humorous and stressful experiences with drivers, and the creation of their second album, "Belly of the Beast."
"Belly of the Beast" Album Creation Process
Detailed explanation of the songwriting process for "Belly of the Beast," including Andrew's perfectionism and collaboration with Justice Tripp.
Touring, Live Performances, and Culinary Preferences
Combust's recent and upcoming tours, including venues and bands, and a discussion of Andrew's favorite New York pizzerias.
Personal Anecdotes, Industry Opinions, and Top Hardcore Records
Andrew shares personal opinions on various topics, including his belief in ghosts, the current music industry, and his top four hardcore records of all time.
Pet Peeves, Classic Metal, Live Music, and Closing Thoughts
Andrew shares his pet peeves, favorite classic metal albums, memorable live performances, and final thoughts on Combust's journey and future plans, including the "Belly of the Beast" release show.
Keywords
Hardcore Punk
A subgenre of punk rock characterized by aggressive music, fast tempos, and often politically charged lyrics.
DIY Ethos
A philosophy emphasizing self-sufficiency and independence in music production and promotion.
Staten Island Hardcore
The hardcore punk scene originating from Staten Island, New York.
Touring Band
A musical group that regularly travels to perform live shows.
Combust (band)
A hardcore punk band from Staten Island, known for their aggressive sound and energetic live performances.
Belly of the Beast
Combust's second studio album.
New York Hardcore
A subgenre of hardcore punk originating in New York City.
Justice Tripp
Music producer who collaborated with Combust on "Belly of the Beast."
European Tour
The challenges and experiences of touring in Europe as a hardcore band.
Q&A
What were some of the biggest challenges Combust faced in its early years?
Gaining traction in the New York hardcore scene, balancing day jobs with music, and finding a consistent lineup.
What is the most memorable experience from Combust's European tours?
The disastrous tour with the Portuguese driver "Shark."
How did Andrew's experiences in previous bands influence Combust's sound and approach?
His experiences taught him valuable lessons about DIY ethics, touring, and band dynamics.
What was the most challenging aspect of creating "Belly of the Beast"?
Andrew's perfectionism and the pressure of creating a sophomore album.
What are Combust's touring plans for the future?
A Midwest tour with Apex Predator and Steamroll, shows in Texas, and potential Sound and Fury appearances.
What are Andrew's top five New York pizzerias?
The Far Rockaway, John's of Bleecker Street, Nonnas, L&B Spumoni Gardens, and Dough.
What is Andrew's biggest pet peeve?
Inconsiderate or "scumbag" behavior.
What band has most blown Andrew away in a live performance?
Echo Chamber.
Show Notes
HardLore is joined by COMBUST vocalist Andrew Vacante, the self proclaimed, but unopposed king of Staten Island hardcore fresh off of their highly acclaimed sophomore LP, "BELLY OF THE BEAST."
Andrew finally joins us for a proper full length episode, documenting his origin from middle school heavy metal hesher singing in bands, to his early days DIY screenprinting in a basement, touring extensively in Vice (NY), the many bands that lead him to finally starting Combust, touring Europe (six times), forming his skills as a songwriter and breaking down their new record.
This marks Andrew's 3rd formal appearance on HardLore but his first proper episode, we knew going in that would be a banger and he immediately delivered. Enjoy and listen to Combust!!!
PS sorry to all the Sharks out there if you're listening. FREE OLA.
Edited by Steven Grise (@iamoneonenineseven) • Title sequence by Nicholas Marzluf (@marzluf)
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00:00:00 - Hello Welcome
00:00:45 - Introduction
00:02:42 - Staten Island
00:04:35 - Formative Years
00:12:12 - Vice
00:12:34 - The Print Shop
00:15:07 - Vice and Knocked Loose
00:19:48 - (One of the) Crazy Vice Shirt(s)
00:27:58 - Getting Fired / Combust Begins
00:35:05 - Getting Over at Home
00:39:23 - The Void
00:40:05 - First Combust Tours
00:43:42 - The Pandemic
00:45:22 - Another Life
00:50:30 - First Time in Europe
00:56:29 - Fluff Fest Debacle
01:02:17 - Pardon This Interruption
01:03:06 - Shark Tales, Europe Reprise
01:16:25 - Combust in 2025
01:17:56 - Belly of The Beast
01:24:26 - Food
01:27:57 - Top 5 New York Pizzas
01:34:11 - Ghosts
01:34:55 - Paid with Pain
01:37:24 - Updated Top 4 HC Records
01:41:32 - Patreon Q&A
01:41:43 - If NYHC Didnt exist...
01:45:40 - Classic Metal Albums
01:49:26 - Belly of the Beast Record Release
01:51:12 - Fugettaboutit
01:52:06 - Hardest band of All Time
HardLore: A Knotfest Series, Fueled by Monster Energy
Edited by Steven Grise • Title sequence by Nicholas Marzluf
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