It is hard to believe that this hardcore, punk and metal fest is already in its fifth year, but it is - for real.
Tomorrow afternoon, the annual For Real Fest will kick off at The Union, 18 W. Union St., with Athens bands as well as various others from across the east coast.
Magrudergrind, a grindcore band from the Washington, D.C. area, will be one of them. Coming from an area with such a huge underground music scene, it is no coincidence that Magrudergrind shares many of the same independent values as Athens punk bands.
Minor Threat and Bad Brains were the big influence in our local hardcore scene
since they are both from D.C. said vocalist Avi Kulawy. An interest in the music and do-it-yourself culture was a big appeal for me.
Magrudergrind has also had the opportunity to tour all across the world, playing extreme music for all kinds of audiences.
Music scenes are much different in each continent Kulawy said. In Asia
especially Southeast Asia
the people in the scene are really devoted
given the poor economic situations they face. In Europe
they are more endowed with funds able to provide high quality everything for the bands: equipment
food
space and promotion.
The band recently signed to Willowtip Records, a label that also represents heavy acts such as Arsis and Cephalic Carnage. The band will be releasing their sophomore effort with the label June 16.
Also returning as sophomore players of For Real Fest, Kulawy said the band enjoys coming to Athens for the show.
I love coming up (to Athens) and hanging out with friends
Kulawy said. Ray (Houska
Fest coordinator) is a great guy and any chance I can come up and party with him ... I take advantage of that opportunity.
Another band taking advantage of the opportunity to play is D.C. hardcore band Coke Bust. They also heavily draw from the scene that has fostered there.
D.C. hardcore has always kind of had a name for itself
