Nate Fest - Celebration of New York Hardcore’s Best!
Flyer by @art.1.fici4l
I’m not going to lie, and you could probably tell, but I’m pretty new to the hardcore scene. Only within the past year have I been going to see pure hardcore lineups, although I’ve been heavily rotating through the emo, post-hardcore, and pop-punk scenes since my teen years. Honestly, it took me a long time to try hardcore shows because it felt intimidating. However, once I started going to shows, I realized I was being stupid to feel intimidated because the bands and people I met were the sweetest people ever, especially compared to other scenes I’ve dipped my toes into. I started to realize that the group of bands and people I started to see wasn't just a scene, but a true community—not in the buzzword sense of social media right now, but truly looking out for each other and making a difference in each other's lives. These shows were all hosted or co-hosted by Nate Harris.
This type of community is obviously credited to many people in the NYHC scene over the years, but I will say that Nate is definitely one of the most active, caring, and passionate people in the community. He is not only in some of the scene's best bands, like No Weapon, Lake Lanier, and Xtinguish the Code; he also puts on shows with some pretty sick lineups that foster a true community through @natesshowbooking. Of my 10 favorite shows I’ve been to this year so far, Nate helped put on half of them. And one of them was a few weeks ago for his birthday, on September 20th which he helped put on with his good friend and booker at Gold Sounds, Danielle Anderson (@thatdaniellegirl)!
When he first sent me the flyer, I immediately added it to my calendar to make sure I could go. I told my friends about it and got a few of them to attend. It was a somewhat gloomy day, but it did not dampen the vibe. Walking up to the venue with my good friend Nia (late, unfortunately, lol), I could already feel the excitement of celebrating Nate, who has positively impacted so many lives, including mine! I walked in, saw so many familiar faces, said hi to old and new friends I’ve met through Nate’s shows, and went up to Nate to wish him a happy birthday as he set up the next band.
Bleed The Gods - Photo by @sofialisena
I unfortunately missed Cult Dialect (so sorry!), but I did come just in time to see Bleed The Gods, a hardcore metal band from Long Island. Drawing on classic hardcore sounds, they truly rocked the house. The gritty, heavy guitars and hard-hitting vocals got people up and moving. The bass was groovy. They also briefly spoke about I.C.E., discussing the atrocities they’ve committed and how they’re trying to fight against them, before playing their song about them. A fun, classic hardcore set, and I will definitely try to see them again soon. You can find them on Instagram @bleedthegods to keep up with any upcoming shows!
Bleed The Gods - Photo by @sofialisena
Soji - Photo by @sofialisena
Afterward, I'm now one of my new favorite hardcore bands: Soji! Hailing all the way from Philadelphia (and I know I’ve said this a million times, but Philly bands just hit different!), Soji got the entire room moving, sending the crowd in the pit into a frenzy. The sound was a mix of hardcore with a bit of old-school punk. The bass lines were so strong they drove the mosh pit, and the call-and-response between the lead singer and the drummer was awesome during some songs. This set was so much fun to watch; lead singer Jae was expressive and energetic, and it was awesome to see them rile up a crowd having the best time of their lives. During the set, Jae briefly spoke about celebrating life, specifically Nate’s, that night, even in the face of all the fucked-up shit happening in the world, to celebrate all the adversities people have suffered through. They chanted “Free Palestine” and spoke on I.C.E. before getting into their anti-I.C.E. song. Truly a set I’ll never forget, and I’m hoping they’ll come back to NYC soon so I can see them again. You can keep up with them @soji_band for upcoming shows and music releases!!! They’ve got a tour coming up along parts of the East Coast; catch them if they’re coming to your city! More info here!
Soji - Photo by @sofialisena
Gassed - Photo by @sofialisena
Next up was a band I almost missed because I was too busy talking my ass off and catching up with people outside, Queens’ best, Gassed. Although I only saw the last half of the set, the band never disappoints, and I’m so glad I got to see them again. Their fast-paced sound and super expressive performances from the entire band got the crowd moving even more than the previous bands. I got thrown around a few times, which is always fun. The passion they put out is almost overwhelming in the best way. Definitely a great band for the middle of the show to keep people energized. Hopefully next time I see them, I can catch the full set! You can find the band on Instagram @gassed.ny!
Gassed - Photo by @sofialisena
No Weapon - Photo by @sofialisena
No Weapon came on shortly after, the act everyone was most excited for. Before they took the stage, the host of the night, Alex, introduced the band, speaking highly of Nate as a mentor in the music scene, specifically how he has mentored them. Nate then gave a brief speech, thanking everyone who showed up for him. He also spoke about how he came into the hardcore scene, how much it means to him, honoring scene members they have lost over the years who made an impact on him, and how he never would’ve expected to build something like this. He then started the set, and as always, it was amazing! The band opened with “No Right To Live” and dove right into their unreleased discography. It was possibly the best performance I’ve seen from them yet. Nate’s vocals were on point, and the entire band was so passionate about the music they were playing. During the set, Nate talked about some political songs they have, specifically about I.C.E., Palestine, black history, and the fence-sitting that comes from weak people, calling out Ed Sheeran. You can keep up with the band @noweaponbkhc to find out about their last shows of the year and upcoming music releases!!!
No Weapon - Photo by @sofialisena
Ache - Photo by @sofialisena
Last but not least is the NYHC band Ache, who are local legends in the scene. I’m so glad I finally got to see them. They closed out the show with their pure NYHC sound and kept the energy high. They were fun to dance and mosh to. The lead singer, Ryan, was so passionate and pulled people into the performance. He got into the crowd toward the end, getting people to mosh even more and interacting with the crowd. A perfect closer for a perfect show! I hope to see them again soon. You can find them on Instagram @ache_nyc to keep up with any upcoming shows they might have!
Ache - Photo by @sofialisena
Nate came back onstage to thank everyone for coming again, adding that this was the best birthday he’s had. Alex then brought out a cake, and everyone sang happy birthday (the Stevie Wonder version, of course). They stayed for a bit to chat, enjoy cake and other treats, and say their goodbyes and happy birthdays.
Nate Fest was so much fun!!! It was definitely one of my favorite shows I’ve been to! Again, I will never stop shouting out Nate for all he does for the NYHC community and scene; he’s truly a legend in the making. And thanks to Danielle for curating and booking the show, as Nate said, he couldn’t do it without her! You can keep up with Nate and his shows @natesshowbooking. His bands are all so awesome, and you can find them at @noweaponbkhc, @lakelaniernyc, & @xtinguishthecodebxny_.
Photo by @sofialisena
