The final cover for the second issue of Free Youth
So over the last couple of months I have been working on the second issue of the Free Youth zine. I’ve decided to post one of the interviews to give you guys a little sneak peak I guess. So here’s my interview with Ned from Title Fight/Disengage/Back To Back Records. Free Youth #2 should be out very soon, I will keep you updated. Photo above taken by Alvin Carrillo.
1. Me: Hey Ned, how has 2012 been so far for Title Fight, Disengage and Back To Back?
Ned: It’s been a good year so far. Title Fight has been writing, Disengage had a successful weekend tour, and Back to Back already has a bunch of releases lined up.
2. Tell me a little about Title Fight and Disengage. How and when did you guys form?
Title Fight formed in 2003 just because we wanted to start a band and we just got together and played music. Disengage formed in 2008 because I wanted to write songs that sounded like Youth of Today.
3. Title Fight released their full length record ‘Shed’ through SideOneDummy Records back in May 2011. What was it like writing the record and how did you get signed to SOD?
It was a long process but we had never written an LP before so even though it took us forever because we had no idea what we were doing it was a lot of fun. We just met sideone through a mutual friend and hit it off. It took us a while to make a final decision but I’m very happy with it.
4. Disengage also released their full length ‘Expressions’ in 2011 through Back To Back and Triple B Records. Were you expecting the reaction you got on the record?
No. I just wanted to release it for myself really. People have hit me up and said they really like it which means a lot to me because I know like most people when it comes to that kind of music it’s hard to please people who really love the bands people are trying to emulate. I wanted it to be original yet at the same time a faithful nod to my favourite bands so when my peers liked it that meant a lot.
5. Title Fight recently toured Japan with Foundation, Country Yard and Inside. How were the shows over there and what was it like touring such a cool country?
The shows were all really cool. Tokyo was the best. There were over 200 kids there. We got to do a lot more sightseeing this time and that was awesome. We usually get stuck at venues but it was great to be a tourist for once.
6. Who is your favourite band to tour with, with either of your bands?
I like going out with Free Spirit a lot. They are my favourite current band and some great friends so it’s always great to tour with them.
7. How did Back To Back Records start and what was your first release?
We record the disengage 7” and our label situation got sticky so we just formed Back To Back and released it ourselves.
8. What made you want to be involved in hardcore and straight edge?
My older brother at first. Then we I got older I just really liked the music and the ideals and the shows. It still makes me excited and that’s why I’m still involved.
9. How long have you been playing in bands and what bands have influenced your music the most?
Since I was 12 so 9 years now. A lot of different bands have inspired me since then so it’s hard. My peers, my brother’s bands, Jawbreaker, Youth of Today, etc.
10. What do you do for fun when you’re not touring and running Back To Back? Have you got any hobbies?
I collect records and shirts. I think all of my hobbies are music related.
11. I’ve been told you’re a fan of pizza so what is your favourite pizza toping and your favourite pizza joint in Wilkes-Barre?
Sweet Sauce is a topping offered at Angelo’s Pizza. That is my favourite in the world.
12. Is there any new bands in Wilkes-Barre and any new releases we should keep an eye out for?
Perspective just put out 2 songs that are really cool. United Youth are still kind of new. They are my favourite.
13. What is the hardcore scene like in Pennsylvania and if you could change anything about it, what would it be?
It’s different in every city. There are a lot of different scenes in PA. In Wilkes-Barre it’s a small scene but it’s tight knit and pretty consistent. I’m very happy with it. We run our own venue and put out records and start new bands. We have a small crew of kids that come out and support a lot of shows. We don’t have any problems with violence or anything and I think that’s great. Plus W-B has a lot of my favourite current bands.
14. Thanks for the interview Ned. Any last words?
Thanks for the interview.
Two new cool bands from Pennsylvania, U.S.A!
WB Wolfpack-Demo-http://www.mediafire.com/?vt8kcu51i8sa64f
Single Me Out-The Next Step E.P-http://www.mediafire.com/?977tluwzx0ytxaw
The new Out Crowd 7” will be out on Reaper Records sometime soon, support this band!
Demo-http://www.mediafire.com/?uvzikec824jnc2s
Split with Written Off-http://www.mediafire.com/?jeernr69me3069j
If you listen to hardcore and you live near London or you can travel to London then you’ll be at this show!
