HardLore's Day in Chicago with HARMS WAY, THE KILLER & HOLD MY OWN
Digest
This podcast delves into the rich history and vibrant present of Chicago's hardcore punk scene. It features interviews and discussions with Shane Merrill, a prominent figure in the scene, who recounts his experiences booking shows, starting with the Knights of Columbus hall. The podcast traces the evolution of Chicago hardcore, from its early days to its current state, noting changes in demographics and musical styles. Key venues like the legendary Fireside Bowl are discussed, along with the role of online communities like Chicago hardcore.net in connecting people. The podcast also highlights influential bands, both past and present, and explores the personal experiences of those involved, including their favorite songs, albums, and memorable moments. The discussion touches upon the DIY ethos of the scene, the importance of community, and the hopes for a more unified and positive future. The podcast includes an interview with Bo from the band Hold My Own and features reflections on favorite Chicago food spots and venues. The overall tone is celebratory and appreciative of the scene's enduring energy and passion.
Outlines
Early Chicago Hardcore Scene & Recreational Sports
The episode begins with a brief mention of recreational sports exhibitions before transitioning to a discussion of the Chicago hardcore scene.
Legendary Fireside Bowl and Chicago Hardcore
The legendary Fireside Bowl is mentioned, setting the stage for a discussion about the evolution of Chicago hardcore.
A Day in Beau's Life: Exploring Chicago's Hardcore Scene
The hosts and Shane Merrill explore Chicago, encountering Shane's friends and discussing the city's hardcore scene.
Evolution of Chicago Hardcore
Shane discusses the evolution of Chicago hardcore from its early days, noting changes in the scene's demographics and musical styles.
Shane's Early Career and Booking Shows
Shane details his journey into show booking, starting with the Knights of Columbus hall and his collaborations with other promoters.
The Growth of the Chicago Hardcore Community
Shane reflects on the growth of the Chicago hardcore community, highlighting the emergence of new bands and the ongoing evolution of the scene.
The Current State of Chicago Hardcore
Shane shares his positive outlook on the current state of Chicago hardcore, emphasizing the energy and passion of the younger generation.
Favorite Venues and Food in Chicago
Shane discusses his favorite venues to work with and play at, along with his favorite places to eat in Chicago.
Burger Joint Visit and Interview with Bo
The podcasters visit a burger joint and interview Bo, a member of the band Hold My Own, further discussing the Chicago hardcore scene.
Early Hardcore Memories and Current Bands
Shane shares early hardcore memories and highlights some of his favorite current Chicago hardcore bands.
Favorite Hardcore Songs and Bands
The discussion begins with the speakers sharing their favorite hardcore songs and albums, highlighting the intensity and unique qualities of specific tracks and bands like Death Threat. They emphasize the importance of the overall listening experience and the emotional impact of the music.
The Future of Chicago Hardcore
The conversation shifts to the future of the Chicago hardcore scene. The speakers express their hope for a more unified and positive scene, encouraging younger generations to participate actively, contribute creatively, and foster a sense of community.
Margie's Candy and Early Influences
The conversation moves to a local ice cream shop, Margie's Candy, a Chicago mainstay. Chris discusses his early exposure to punk and hardcore music, the role of his brother in introducing him to the genre, and his first show at the Congress Theater.
Early Shows and the Chicago Hardcore Scene
Chris and Shane discuss the bands and shows that shaped their early experiences, highlighting the importance of the Chicago hardcore.net message board in connecting with other musicians and fostering a sense of community. They also talk about their early shows at the Bloomingdale Park District gymnasium.
Top Records and Memorable Moments
Chris shares his top four records of all time, highlighting the sentimental value and broader impact of music beyond just the sound. The conversation then returns to anecdotes about their early experiences in the scene, including memorable moments and mishaps.
The Fireside Bowl: A Chicago Hardcore Icon
The podcast focuses on the Fireside Bowl, a legendary Chicago hardcore venue. Shane and Chris discuss its history, memorable shows, and the reasons why shows no longer take place there. They share anecdotes about specific bands and performances.
Closing Remarks and Appreciation
The podcast concludes with expressions of gratitude to the audience and guests. The speakers express their love for Chicago and their appreciation for the viewers' time.
Keywords
Chicago Hardcore
The intense and influential hardcore punk music scene in Chicago, Illinois, known for its diverse subgenres and strong community.
Fireside Bowl
A legendary Chicago bowling alley that hosted numerous hardcore punk shows, becoming an iconic venue in the city's hardcore scene.
Hardcore Punk
A subgenre of punk rock characterized by its fast tempos, aggressive sound, and often politically charged lyrics.
Show Booking
The process of organizing and promoting live music events, including securing venues, bands, and managing logistics.
DIY Hardcore
A subculture of hardcore punk emphasizing self-sufficiency and independent organization of shows and other activities.
Midwest Hardcore
The hardcore punk scene in the Midwestern United States, distinct from scenes on the coasts.
Knights of Columbus Hall
A significant venue in Chicago's hardcore history, hosting numerous shows and playing a crucial role in the scene's development.
Chicago Hardcore Scene Evolution
The transformation of the Chicago hardcore scene over time, including changes in demographics, musical styles, and community dynamics.
Harms Way
A Chicago-based hardcore punk band known for their aggressive sound and intense live performances.
Q&A
How has the Chicago hardcore scene evolved since you first got involved?
The scene has grown significantly, with more young, enthusiastic bands and larger crowds at shows. The Hispanic hardcore scene has also become very prominent.
What are some of your favorite memories from your time booking shows in Chicago?
Booking In Flames at the Knights of Columbus was a turning point. Many shows at the Fireside Bowl hold special significance.
What role did the Chicago hardcore.net message board play in shaping the Chicago hardcore scene?
The message board served as a crucial online hub, connecting musicians, fans, and promoters, fostering collaboration and facilitating the growth of the scene.
What makes the Fireside Bowl such a significant venue in the history of Chicago hardcore?
The Fireside Bowl's significance stems from its unique combination of an unlikely venue (a bowling alley) and the intense, memorable hardcore shows it hosted for over a decade.
What are some of your favorite current Chicago hardcore bands?
Exit Service, Augment, Absence Soul, and Fates Hand are among his current favorites.
What does The Killer mean to you?
The Killer represents a pivotal era and a group of peers who shaped his generation's hardcore experience.
How has the Chicago hardcore scene changed over time?
The scene has transitioned from a more fragmented collection of sub-scenes to a more unified community.
What city is repeatedly praised by the podcast hosts?
Chicago is repeatedly praised, with hosts expressing their love for the city.
What is the overall tone of the podcast's closing segment?
The closing segment is positive and appreciative, expressing gratitude to the audience and guests.
Show Notes
It's a momentous day in HardLore history as we finally explored the hometown of half of our show: Chicago, Illinois.
We visited a few places around town (hand picked by Bo) where we were joined by very special guests for one on one conversations before finally all converging together at the legendary Fireside Bowl, Chicago's most iconic hardcore venue of the late 90s and early 00s.
Featuring Shane Merrill from The Killer, Chris Mills from Harms Way, and Anchit Chhabra from Hold My Own (and many other bands)
Thanks to Electric Mud, NADC Burger, Reckless Records and of course the Fireside for having us.
Reckless browsing music by Kevin MacLeod.
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Edited by Steven Grise (@iamoneonenineseven) • Title sequence by Nicholas Marzluf (@marzluf)
HardLore: A Knotfest Series
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00:00:00 - Start
00:00:44 - Shane Merrill/Electric Mud
00:01:44 - Evolution of Chicago Hardcore
00:04:58 - Breaking Cradle of Filth's Keyboard
00:06:01 - Shane Meeting Bo
00:10:44 - The Birth of Fest Culture
00:14:30 - The Killer
00:23:36 - Booking Shows is Gambling
00:27:46 - Shane's Four Favorite HC Records
00:33:50 - Anchit Chhabra/NADC Burger
00:40:30 - Chicago Hardcore Changing During His Time
00:41:13 - Shouting Out Local Bands
00:43:17 - Reckless Records
00:46:40 - Anchit's Four FavoriteHardcore Records
00:53:36 - Browsing The Reckless Shelves
00:55:30 - Chris Mills/Margie's
00:58:29 - Meeting Young Bo
01:07:02 - Beginnings of Harms Way
01:11:43 - Chris' Four Favorite Hardcore Records
01:13:10 - Young Bo and Chris Stories
01:19:30 - The Fireside Bowl
01:21:38 - Legendary Fireside Gigs
01:38:30 - STRIKE(S)
HardLore: A Knotfest Series, Fueled by Monster Energy
Edited by Steven Grise • Title sequence by Nicholas Marzluf
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