About a year ago I started going to Austin’s underground hardcore shows, and one promoter quickly stood out, Obsidian Frequency. Their shows happen at least twice a month, with awesome flyers and even better bands. At the first one I saw, Bad News spit bars, Bludgeon the Weak pummeled the crowd with deathcore breakdowns, and the Seduced had us all singing along. The quality difference was noticeable, to say the least.
Obsidian Frequency shows quickly became my preference, and they never slowed down. Recently, they’ve been hosting awesome events at Pinballz Lake Creek, putting the heaviness of hardcore and the entertainment of arcade machines together. I have no idea why no one thought of that before, because those shows are the most fun I’ve ever had. What better way to fill the time between sets than with a round of Guitar Hero?
After a while, I started making flyers for Obsidian Frequency, including a few for the Pinballz shows, and getting in contact with a promoter like him turned out to be very insightful. The promoter side of the music industry is one we don’t hear from very often, but it’s equally valuable. I thought I’d ask Obsidian Frequency a few questions about what it’s like creating hardcore shows, and here’s what he said.
What exactly does it take to create and book a show in Austin's hardcore scene ?
I think the biggest thing is communication and building relationships. I’m a musician myself, so I try to make sure the bands know what’s going on and feel respected and taken care of. I want Obsidian Frequency to be something that musicians can trust. Besides communication just make sure you have infrastructure for your show such as a generator & pa system. I feel like bands shouldn't have to worry about power or where the vocals are coming out when doing a diy show, at least not when Obsidian Frequency is involved.
You’ve been in several bands as well as Obsidian Frequency. What does the scene look like as a promoter compared to how it looks as a band member?
It’s definitely a different perspective. As a band member, you’re usually focused on your own set and getting people to come out. As a promoter, you start seeing everything that happens behind the scenes. You’re responsible for multiple bands, the schedule, promotion, and making sure the show actually runs smoothly. Being on both sides has made me more aware of what bands need from a promoter/booker because I’ve been in their position before. That's how we came up with our slogan “Run by Musicians for Musicians”
A lot of your shows are for charity. What charities/causes draw you the most, and what inspires you to support them with hardcore shows?
I honestly just got inspired from watching movies & thinking how I can use my platform to help people like they have. For example one day I was just watching Nacho Libre & thought “ I can do something for the orphans using my platform” after that initial thought it snowballed into a full on event. I will only do a Charity show if I'm genuinely inspired. I can't stand disingenuous people.
I think hardcore can be more than just music. We already have a community of people who are willing to come together and support each other, so I want to use that community to do some good. If we can put on a heavy show and, at the same time, make a real difference for someone, that’s something I’m proud to be a part of.
Do you have any upcoming shows that you’re excited to tell us about?
I have several Obsidian Frequency shows coming up, including our Halloween show and some upcoming shows at the Montop Bridge. I’m also really looking forward to bringing back Breakdowns & Blessings in December. That show is especially important to me because it brings together everything I love about doing shows: heavy music, the local community, and giving back.
Obsidian Frequency has grown a lot since I started it, and I’m really proud of what it’s become. I’m excited to keep building it and creating more opportunities for local bands.
That’s what Obsidian Frequency has to say about being a promoter in the Hardcore scene. As someone who’s worked with him multiple times, I’ve got to say that he’s an awesome person who puts on even better shows, and you should absolutely pull up to one of them. Might I recommend Emo Night on October 17th?
