INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES THE MONTH:

“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” And “Try not to become a man/woman of success, but rather try to become a man/women of value” -Albert Einstein

Einstein was pen pals with my maternal grandfather Zvi (means a stag in Hebrew), who was an ambassador between Israel and Eastern Europe post WWII. I personally found one of the letters from Einstein to my Grandfather in his cool writing desk. When years later my old guitarist and dear friend Johann “Johnsey” Imgrund translated it to me, we found it to be quite awesome(!) - The letter was about how Einstein viewed the toxic relationship between the Jews and Arabs in Israel. Einstein spoke of compromise as the only solution. His noble words and ideology could be relevant in a debate even today, after so many years have passed since Einstein wrote them.

But, back to the inspirational quotes - 

While these two concepts / ideas seemingly speak of two different things, I feel that at the core, both relate.  From a personal point of view- I can get fixated on solving problems and on succeeding in solving those problems, with such a focus and determination, that sometimes I become like a daft person hitting her head against a brick wall over and over (sort of speak). Instead, I am trying to grow into trying different ways, thinking about the problem from a different perspective, be more open to solutions that perhaps I didn't consider before, trust more in the universe a little more, (as difficult as that is too often), all while remembering that the most important thing is keeping a flexible state of mind about every problem I battle with.

I am trying to practice this in our band, when I bring in new songs. I am trying to practice this when I have to deal with the results of the divorce. I am trying to practice this in my relationship. I am trying to practice this with financial challenges.. I haven't solved all the issues big and small or have reached the meaningful success I seek yet. But seeing ANY progress is a sign to me that I need to keep trying to practice this these life concepts Einstein spoke about.

CAUSE OF THE MONTH:

Skate To Relate

Skate To Relate official page

Contact info: jocelyn@skatetorelate.org 

STAY TUNED FOR THE SKATE TO RELATE FUNDRAIZER 10/10/2026 AT THE PORTLAND HOUSE OF MUSIC. WITH SONIC BOMB - CORRECTIVE MEASURE - CHEMICAL X - STREET TRASH - VAULI  and a huge surprise(!!!) WITH SKATEBOARDING STRUCKTURES INSIDE FOR A JAM, A DJ and MORE…

From Skate to Relate: “Skate to Relate is an occupational therapy-based, positive youth development program that enables at-promise youth to engage in skateboarding and art to improve emotional wellbeing, build resilience, foster personal growth, promote physical fitness, and provide mentorship and support.” What are our goals? 

Improve emotional well-being: Our program focuses on using skateboarding as a therapeutic tool to help participants manage stress, build self-esteem, and develop coping skills. Skateboarding provides an outlet for self-expression and a sense of accomplishment, promoting emotional well-being.

Build Resilience: Skateboarding inherently involves falling, getting back up, and trying again. By embracing the resilience required in skateboarding, participants learn to persevere, adapt to setbacks, and develop a resilient mindset that can be applied to other areas of life.

Foster Personal Growth: Through skateboarding, participants will have the opportunity to set and achieve personal goals, overcome challenges, and develop a growth mindset. Our program encourages self-reflection, self-awareness, and personal development.

Promote Physical Fitness: Skateboarding is a physically demanding activity that promotes strength, balance, coordination, and cardiovascular fitness. Our program encourages regular physical activity and a healthy lifestyle among participants.

Provide Mentorship And Support: Our program pairs participants with experienced skateboarders who serve as mentors, providing guidance, support, and positive role modeling. Mentors also help participants develop life skills, set goals, and navigate challenges.

Q&A's:

What is occupational therapy?

“Occupational therapy is a healthcare profession that helps people of all ages participate in meaningful daily activities (occupations) by improving skills, adapting environments, or using tools to overcome challenges from injury, disability, or illness, enabling greater independence and quality of life in self-care, work, school, and leisure. OTs use therapeutic activities to develop motor skills, improve cognitive function, and address mental or emotional challenges, making life more manageable and fulfilling”. Learn More

Who are “at-promise youth”?

“At-promise youth is a term to describe young people that face significant obstacles but have potential to success regardless of any adversity they face”.

What is positive youth development (PYD)?

"PYD is a strength’s based approach that focuses on helping young people to build skills, knowledge, and assets to become healthy and successful adults. Rather that focusing on problems, PYD promotes positive outcomes by focusing on their strengths and providing supportive environments/relationships to promote five key components: competence, confidence, character, connection, and caring". Learn more

What is occupational justice?

“Occupational justice is the right of every individual to be able to meet basic needs and to have equal opportunities and life chances to reach toward their potential (Wilcock & Townsend, 2009)".

What are protective and compensatory experiences (PACEs)?

“A PACEs are categorized into two domains: (1) supportive relationships and (2) enriching resources. Supportive relationships include unconditional love from a caregiver, having a best friend, volunteering in the community, being part of a group, and having a mentor. Positive parenting, social support, and belongingness have been found to facilitate the development of children's empathy, self‐regulation and social skills. The second domain, enriching resources, include living in a safe home where needs are met, getting a quality education, having a hobby, being physically active, and having rules and routines”. Learn more

What are ACEs?

“Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood. ACEs can include violence, abuse, and growing up in a family with mental health or substance use problems. Toxic stress from ACEs can change brain development and affect how the body responds to stress. ACEs are linked to chronic health problems, mental illness, and substance misuse in adulthood”. Learn more

Why is skateboarding more accessible than most other sports?

"Skateboarding is inexpensive, individualized, and less structured, all making for an accessible health-promoting activity that adolescents can engage in to reduce risk behavior and improve healthy growth and development". 

Women of the Pit will be holding their first annual SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE during The New York Hardcore Chronicles presents “Back to the NYHC roots music series”! Punk Rock Saves Lives @prsl.lixnyc. They will also be there handing out harm reduction supplies and signing people up for the bone marrow donor registry. It will be a beautiful day of charity and music!
Where: Tompkins Square Park, NYC
When: Sunday August 23, 2-6pm sharp
Bands: @mywarnyc @worldofchaos.band @butterbrainnyc @sonicbombboston

Last year at Tompking Sq Park was a blast!!!

FEATURED BAND - CARRY ON:

CARRY ON's album, "A Life Less Plagued", was the first full length album that B9 released. This is also one of the greatest albums that B9 has ever released, and unfortunately the band only stuck together a little while after it came out. Regardless, it's a classic album and helped plant the seed for a new California Hardcore takeover, with bands like Stand & Fight, Betrayed, Terror, Internal Affairs, Go It Alone, Piece By Piece and more rising from their ashes.

CONCERT REVIEW

SONIC BOMB x ACID CRASH x LONGSHOTT x RESIST at Firehouse, Worcester, MA 

On Saturday June 27th SONIC BOMB had the most fun ALL AGES show we have had since NY HC Chronicles / Women Of The Pit Tompkins Sq Park NYC show, last year. Right when we arrived, everyone helped everyone load in to what used to be a big firehouse, in Worcester.  

The walls were covered with show posters, punky vintage stuff and art. The place has been transforming into what looks like an art studio complex or a cluttered recording studio.  Judy, who runs the place was super cool and on the ball. It’s easy to tell she is not a novice to these types of shows.  The room filled up wall, two wall with teenagers and grown-ups right from the get-go when the first band took the floor stage. 

Resist played 1st. They are a young new band.  

Maya (Vocals/Guitar) 

Dakota (Bass)  

Jacob (Drums)  

They played several great cover choices From Nirvana to Ozzy, Misfits to Megadeath.. and they handled the difficult changes and solos well!  It was fun to hear that the singer‘s favorite band is Megadeth. (One of my all time favorite bands is Iron Maiden so, I get it). Resist played a couple of originals too that I liked a lot. looking forward to hearing more originals from them once they will write some more.  Maya has a voice that is dark and grungy mixed with punky. Their super nice “momager” Yasmin is very supportive of her daughter and the band.  I can definitely feel that there is much more to come from Maya and this group. 

LONGSHOTT played next.  

Madison (Lead Vocals/Guitar) 

Judah (Vocal/Bass) I absolutely loved the infectious Clash style anthems by this young band.  Fast, simple punk anthems that you can easily sing along with. These guys have an effortless, no frills, fun sound.  For some reason, they didn’t have a Drummer so Acid Crash drummer HAM filled in. And you wouldn’t know that he was a late addition, and not a regular part of the band.  I got one of their new trucker hats that I’m looking forward to sporting in support of these “clash city rockers”. 

Third came the band that we owe a thank you for, for this show.  Acid Crash were amazing.  

“Syd” Chisholm (Vocals m) “HAM” Chisholm (Drums) 

“Sam” Bouley (Bass) Julia Bukowski (Guitar) Singer Syd has that Sex Pistols Sid vicious meets Kathleen Hanna Riot Girrrl vibe.  So much confidence. So much defience. And a ton of humor. Her brother HAM matched this wild sharp and silly energy and contributed a lot of musicality to the mix. It is clear these guys grew up going to a lot of punk and HC shows. In fact I met this lot at several Tree shows and we hung out in the front row of the Circle Jerks/Murphy’s Law/Gorilla Biscuits show at the Paradise recently, where I was floored by how they knew every word to every song by every band.  

Julia who is studying to become a beautician brings a more gentle insightful artistic vibe to the mix. She is equally as fun/funny but more gentle in her playing and energy.   And sam too. She has this quiet confidence and a strong gentle energy on stage. She seems more introverted than the siblings but holds her own on the bass. They seem like good balance to the wild all out chaos. And I think that with time these two will step forward even more.  I absolutely love this crew.  

At one point Syd complained that their last show was full of “old people who didn’t dance or sing along the entire time. But that this show was the opposite”. I agreed. This show was a alive and a total riot! I thought it was particularly funny when at one point, Syd commanded their friends to lay down, and suddenly there was a floor full of teens pretending to sleep. Hahahaha. Then they jumped up on their feet, all at the same time, and circle pitted for the rest of the song.  Dad Bob, and Mom too, were there, keeping an eye from the side while allowing these punx the freedom to express themselves in every way they wanted. Including talking openly about being queer (as they defined it), and dealing with other bands who preach about being XXX straight edge, but then, get drunk in the band’s van after the show. These guys do not like hypocrisy. They do not like Trump. They do not like “old people who don’t dance or sing along at shows”.     They do not like big dudes who take down little girls and boys in the pit.. They have strong opinions. And also big caring hearts.  They gave me and our SONIC BOMB band a LOT of love and a LOT of support and I for one appreciate that with all my heart.  

Finally it was SONIC BOMB’s turn to play and it was an absolute BLAST!!! 

Josephine “JoJo” Lyons (Me on Vocals and 2nd Guitar).

Chris “Prendi” (Lead Guitar)

Mike “Lefave” (Drums).

"BenBen Killah" Bruneau (Bass),

The crowd was dancing and singing and yelling “i love you”s. Favorite moments: When Julie (Acid Crash) and a couple of other voices jumped on the 2nd mic and sang EVERY word of BunBun Killer with me in unison. So beautifully.  When Judah (Longshott) yelled “Wake Up Wake up” with me throughout the entire song with a powerful voice. When the whole room joined for Don’t Want To Hear It and Hybrid Moments.  When everyone sang “we are the lightning we are the thunder” with me on every chorus. It was hard not to laugh, mid song, when suddenly someone mewed into the 2nd mic. Hahaha. But the singing was stellar. The dancing too. So much movement and fun. And when we broke into Wake Up everyone in the audience activated the glow sticks that we gave ‘em. And all at once there was the most magnificent light show right in front of my singing face. It was a moment I will never forget.  The music and singing along combined with the dancing.. and now, the glow sticks were being connected into holla hoops and jumping ropes and made into glowing torpedoes. Hahaha. It was hard not to laugh out loud mid song, when one of those light torpedoes lightly smacked my face like a noodle right as I was belting out a massive long emotional note. Or when I realized that Brett and Sean were turning the sticks into rings and were ring tossing those at Chris’s head while he was soloing on his guitar.  

We played a long set, and the people sang with us to the very last note and even demanded a nervous breakdown encore. Which they knew every word to, of course.  

Let’s do it again! Real soon!  

SONIC BOMB BAND UPDATES:

JOSEPHINE WITH A CAUSE (SOLO) UPDATES:

Pre-recording prep time for my upcoming solo album!!! Very focused. Very excited. Stay tuned..

And live: I just played a particularly fun show that my old Rev Army friend TwoTone Tim organized called Brews Bites and Beats and the Medford Brewing Co.  What a pleasure to meet and share the stage with my new friends (Maria and her partner) @katawanaSoundClub spinning all my favorite old school reggae, and The Porter Squares covering such an array of cool music from The Clash to Marley to The Cars and everything in between. Such a chill, fun filled, welcoming neighborhood block kind of block party! Still smiling.  

JOSEPHINE POEM OF THE MONTH:

Stop! Let’s GO! by Josephine With A Cause     

Here they come all dressed in black   

Here they come on the attack   

In their veins.. they have ice  

Cats and Mice 

Stop! Let’s GO!     

Kids at school

Friends that rule

Men at work, drop your tools  

Here come nightmares 

Here come ICE   

We are next, it won’t be nice  

Stop! Let’s GO!     

Let’s. GO.

Let’s. GO.

Let’s. GO.

Propaganda. 

Nazi lies  

Vicious crimes on harmless lives  

Without trial, “guys here come ICE”  

History. Repeating twice (twice).  

Stop! Let’s GO!     

Stop! Let’s GO!     

Let’s. GO.

Let’s. GO.

Let’s. GO.

They are anti Immigrants  

Anti choice  

Anti L*G*BT  

Where’s our voice?  

Here goes (our) freedom   

Here go (our) rights   

Get up stand up and unite  

Stop! Let’s GO!     

Let’s. GO.

Let’s. GO.

Let’s. GO.

Let’s. GO.

Here they come all dressed in black   

Here they come on the attack   

In their veins.. they have ice  

Cats and Mice 

Stop! Let’s GO!  

Stop! Let’s GO!     

Let’s. GO.

Let’s. GO.

Let’s. GO.

 Let’s. GO.

SINGING TIP OF THE MONTH:

Your band is up next. But you need to show respect and support to the band before you. So you need to watch them play. But you also want/need to warm up your voice. Damnit! You HAVE to warm up. What I usually do is go over my scales and warmups way before action time. And about 20-30 minutes before I start humming with the songs of the band before us. slowly I increase volume but I never push. Keep it gentle. Listen in. Your vocal chords will tell you if you are ready/limber/warmed up or not yet. -Josephine With A Cause  

FINE ART:

Redemption Tattoo's Erick Lynch & Mike Shea

Erick Lynch

Tattoo Artist - Co-Founder, Redemption Tattoo 2090 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02140 (617) 576-0097 

ericklynch.com 

@ericklynchtattoos 

facebook.com/ErickLynch/photos

Professional Summary Erick Lynch is a highly experienced tattoo artist and co-founder of Redemption Tattoo in Cambridge, MA. With a career spanning more than three decades, he is known for his custom work that emphasizes bold lines, strong composition, and timeless tattoo aesthetics rooted in traditional American and Japanese influences. Career Timeline • 1994 - Began tattooing professionally in New Hampshire • Early 2000s - Relocated to the Boston area to continue expanding his practice • April 2002 - Co-founded Redemption Tattoo with fellow artist Mike Shea • 2018 — Featured in a BostonVoyager artist profile • Present - Continues as an active artist and shop co-owner, maintaining a respected presence in Boston’s tattoo community   

I asked Erick some Qs and these were his answers:  

“I’m basically self taught. I fortunately got to work with some great people in the beginning that have retired long ago. Artists today would be… Always everyone I work with or past employees from Redemption. Past tattoo era from Redemption: Grez, Chris Marchetto, Josh Mcalear, Todd Noble. But absolutely get the most inspiration with those you surround yourself with. Love my coworkers. But industry names would be… Mike Rubendall, Steve Byrne, Damien Rodriguez, Ed Hardy… I could go on forever.”  

Artistic Approach Lynch’s philosophy is simple and direct: 

“I make tattoos that look like tattoos, for people that want tattoos that look like tattoos.”

 Erick specializes in bold traditional and Japanese-inspired large-scale pieces including sleeves and full custom work.

Mike Shea 

Tattoo Artist, Redemption Tattoo 2090 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02140 (617) 576-0097 

sheatattoo.com

@mikeredemption

facebook.com/mikesheatattoo

Mike has been tattooing for 27 years, and co-opened Redemption Tattoo in 2002.  BTW Mike tattooed my Songbird tattoo on my left side. (Back when I was a tattoo apprentice at Chameleon Tattoo so long ago). And the piece is standing the test of time gorgously!

LIVE MUSIC PHOTOGRAPHY

Awesome Live Music Photographer Friends and Friends of Friends (PART THREE):

I love looking at live concert /show photos so much. Not only because these are my idols and my performing peers. But also because these images are packed with so much movement. so much expression. So many poetic messages. These artists behind the lens have a back and forth, give and take relationship with the performers. Neither is no more important than the other for the final image.

Please keep in mind that I picked the photos that connected w/ ME the most for this reason or another.  I am sure that you can find anywhere from 1–100 photos by each artist that might might speak to you the most and that Photos in the photographers galleries are lownot high rez on purpose(!) Go buy your prints from the artists y’cheap bastahds. 

Dave Boccio:

@facephoto_77

I first met Dave at Agnostic Front's Roger Miret's and Stigma's books signing event at Bridge Nine a a year or two ago. Dave told me how he shoots RBNX a lot. Then I started covering all my favorite friends and friends of friends who shoot live music here in this zine and at least a couple of folks I love recommended I check out Dave's work as well. And they were right! Fantastic full movement captured. Bright and colorful. Beautiful angles and a sense of thoughtfulness in each shot. A sensitivity to every detail, the vibe, and to the way the light and angle effects the artists in the frame. I also love Dave's street photography. Quite poignant work. But that is for another article. 

I asked Dave some Q's and these were his answers:

“Well, as far as projects go, I’m currently working on photo books. I have a book that I just received the test print called “Only Bands”. Only Bands showcases the photos of all the bands I have shot in the last few years. The second book project I’ve been working on is called “Devoid of Filler”, which is a collection of my favorite social documentary photography I have captured over the last eleven years. Outside of the books, I shoot Hardcore, Punk, and Ska shows as a freelance photographer and as the Staff Photographer for Outsider Magazine”. 

“And this is where I sound like a crazy person. Though I have a large circle, I spend a lot of time alone. I study photos, photographers, techniques, I study people, I study bands and their movements. Honestly, my mind is completely consumed with photography”. 

“If I’m shooting bands, it’s general. I get to the venue early, I scope out the room and try to come up with some kind of feeling or vibe, I meet with the bands to let them know I’m there and so on. If it’s a new band that I am shooting that night, I’ll talk to them and let them know what I do. Once all that is done, I try to find a place to be alone and get all my thoughts together and get into “hyperfocus” mode”.

I have a different approach when I shoot social documentary photos. I try to give myself little “challenges”, such as listing five words and try to capture images that represent those words. There are times I shoot based solely on my emotions and struggles. I tend to shoot based on emotions more so. Photography, specifically on the streets, is extremely therapeutic for me. When I’m done shooting, I feel like I just got out of an intense therapy session haha”. 

“Since the books are still in production, I’m not ready to promote them yet. However, everyone can check for updates on my site (facephoto77.com) or give me a follow and shout on Insta (@facephoto_77)

First and foremost, RBNX! These guys have been my brothers since day one. I first shot RBNX at an annual DIY fest called Boxfest. Once I shot them at Boxfest, I knew I had to stick with these guys. I started showing up to their shows and shooting them and getting to know them. I then asked them if I can shoot their rehearsals so I can practice band photography, which I was very new to, but also get to know them as a band and people. That was nine years ago, and they became family to me. Shit, I live with two thirds of the band now so we are a little family. hahaha.”     I’d also like to give a huge shoutout to Holly, Johnny No Keys and the Outsider Magazine staff. I love each one of you.

Some of the bands I’d like to shout out is, again, RBNX. Car Bomb Parade, Steven Messina and Serial Poets, WORLDSUCKS, Trouble Bound, Jim and Sickbay, Aaron and Half Dizzy, General Grievance, Ugh, there’s too many.

As for photographers, I have the honor to shoot with some pretty amazing photographers at shows. Shouting out Rich Zoeller, Steven Messina, Aaron Stoquert, Jeff Rae, Luis Rafael Martinez, and Alexander Lopez. Those dudes are doing and have done some dope work and are great humans. I’m honored to work with them.” 

*Anything else on your mind or in your heart that you would like to voice on my Zine platform? 

"Hmm, I guess we all just need to be kind, be humble and be true to ourselves.  

Thank you so much for this interview."

Michelle Mennona:

@mmennonaphotography

Prints by Michelle

Photographer – holding Michelle's published photos

What I personally love most about Michelle's photos is how each subject seems like a beacon in the darkness. While sometimes menacing looking or very angst ridden at least, the subject performer is almost always put forward and center which I love, well lit and surrounded with total black darkness which creates a "pull you in" feel". And illustrates how much Michelle puts her subjects, rather than her own ego and agenda, in focus of each photo/art piece. Bravo girl! And I loved corresponding with her over this. I really hope we get to meet and hang in real life real soon too. 

I asked Michelle a few Q’s and these were Michelle’s answers:

"Promote: I just moved to the Orlando area from NYC so I’m always looking for shows and bands to shoot in and around the area. I’ve been shooting shows for about the last 30yrs from my home area of DC up and down the east cost and west coast, the last 20 yrs in nyc, to now here in Florida. Here is my Flickr address
https://www.flickr.com/photos/mmennonaphotography/albums
You can contact me either on ig @mmennonaphotography or via email at mennonaphotos@gmail.com

Recommends: NEW NOISE MAGAZINE working with them has been a pleasure they’ve given me a place where I can showcase my photos.

Bands: NØ Man from DC (NoManBand) - I’ve known these guys since we were teenagers. And they just get more and more heavier and growly as we’ve gotten older. Maha the singer is pure pro-fection to this band, and as it has grown. So has her voice! She’s brilliant in her lyrics and has made so many more open the eyes to the conflict in Palestine being a Palestinian herself! Also, Bitter Branches (bitterbranches.bandcamp.com) Philly/ NJ. If you like Dead Guy you’ll love Bitter Branches. They just released a new LP called Let’s Give The Land back to the animals! I just love this band so much. Tim is lyrically is just one of my favorites. Kev and Dan Yemin chefs kiss… rev just put out a band called Bird Legs If you were into Snapcase / Youth of Today / Better Than 1000 / Brother’s Keeper. You’ll 100% enjoy this! 

Photographers: My friend Rich Zoeller (facebook.com/richzoellerphotography) - he’s gone back to the 90’s style with the lighting effects. Adam Tanner  dude’s got a treasure trove of hardcore history. Another great photographer: KennPenn from vabeach! Fashion to conventions to hardcore shows! I’ve admire his work for years even being his friend I am always gobsmacked at his use of flash and color!

Last words: I love my hardcore and I love the scene, more mixed bills, less old vs new! Stop the I was there mentality no one cares, oh and Hire more female photographers!!!!! Reach out to the ones that don’t have a big name….. yet! Cus we matter too! And there are some damn good photogs out there you’re sleeping on! Venues: I’ll get heat for this one but, stop allowing so many stage potatoes. If your not in the band, working, or shooting get off the stage at least for the first 4 songs! Give us room to work! Also limit the amount of photographers at shows, way way way to many!!"

Coleman Rogers:

Happy Bday Of The Month