Seton Hall
Hardcore Reality Returns
Date: February 4, 2015Next Wednesday Hardcore Reality returns after a three year hiatus. There has been a lot of hype about its return as WSOU tries to reconnect with the New Jersey hardcore scene. “Hardcore music has always been a staple of our metal and hard rock format, but the genre’s resurgence in the Garden State and New York City makes this the right time to return Hardcore Realityto WSOU’s airwaves,” says program director Steve Varsanyi. “A weekly show dedicated exclusively to hardcore allows WSOU to explore this music more deeply than we can do during regular rotation.”
There is a lot of speculation about the shows new host, and future special events. There is very little we can confirm, however we can say that we have spoken with several people within the scene and prospects are looking good. The first being the shows first official guest DJ: Ryan Taylor from Suburban Scum. The date is still tentative, but it will be before they hit the road next month.
The following is a short Q and A with the show's new host Mad Matt:
Who are your favorite hardcore bands of all time?
Damn that's a loaded question. E-town Concrete, Hatebreed, Terror, 100 Demons, Cold World, Sworn Enemy. And Leeway, they might be my favorite.
Who are your favorite hardcore bands right now?
Stigmata, Down to Nothing, Cold World, Suburban Scum, and this band Real Talk from Texas. I don't think there a band anymore, but they're my s*** right now [laughs]. There's too many to list.
Where'd you grow up?
My family is originally from Newark, but I moved around a lot throughout North Jersey. I lived a majority of my life in Woodbridge though.
Is the New Jersey hardcore scene your favorite hardcore scene then?
Is that even a question? [laughs]
What is your history with hardcore music?
The first band that ever got me into hardcore music was E-town Concrete. I was probably like 10 or 11. One of my friend's older brother gave me Time 2 Shine. After that I really got into 100 Demons. From there I just really loved the genre, went to a bunch of shows all throughout middle school and high school.
What did you like about E-town when you first heard them?
Just the whole attitude. Just the whole message that Anthony was talking about. I was always a fan of metal but the messages that are told in hardcore just spoke to me and I could relate to it.
Were you ever in any hardcore bands?
Yeah, but nothing that you've ever heard of. [laughs] I played sports all
throughout high school, then I got injured and had some free time on my hands and I picked up a guitar.
Who were your favorite hardcore bands to see live?
Sworn Enemy was awesome. E-town coming back off their hiatus was dope. Terror was amazing. There's a lot. Again, too many to name. Hardcore shows are always awesome especially in the right venue.
Why are you the right person to be hosting Hardcore Reality?
My overall knowledge of the genre. It's been a part of my life for a long time.
Just the overall passion I have for this music. When I first joined WSOU my
whole passion was getting Hardcore Reality back on the air.
Did you grow up listening to Hardcore Reality?
Yeah up until it's most recent departure. I've always been an avid listener of
WSOU.
Are you excited about Ryan from Suburban Scum coming up to the station?
Yeah dude, definitely. That's just the first of many hardcore bands that I want
to come up and guest DJ with me. I love Suburban Scum, and there a Jersey band so that makes it even better.
What is your goal with the show?
I'm hoping to bring the show back to its former glory. I want it to be a
permanent part of the station. It should have never left. We have the best
hardcore scene in the world right here in New Jersey/New York.
Anything to add?
Tune in every Wednesday 10 to midnight. First show is February 11. That's my birthday by the way.
