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Los Angeles Times
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
How Sound and Fury Festival continues to thrive on the bleeding edge of hardcore's evolution
For much of the first 30-plus years of its existence, hardcore music was, for the most part, predictable. While there were outliers such as Bad Brains and Orange 9mm, many acts never veeredfar from the sound set in place by bands like Minor Threat in the early 1980s. Subgenres like metalcore (and other styles of music with 'core' added) blossomed into their own scenes and sounds, but the central tenets of hardcore remained fairly constant — often with hordes of angry fans deriding anything that stepped too far in one way or another. But over the last five to 10 years, the latest generation of musicians from punk rock's slightly more aggressive cousin has expanded into new sonic territory. Bands like Baltimore's Turnstile, Kentucky's Knocked Loose and Santa Cruz's Scowl have pushed the genre in new directions — gaining acclaim and popularity outside the hardcore scene, sometimes at the expense of its die-hard fans. 'It's very awesome to be a part of that wave,' Knocked Loose vocalist Bryan Garris says. 'I think there are a lot of bands that are bringing in new things and opening a lot of doors for everybody else. It's like the generic saying, 'A rising tide raises all ships.' I truly believe there's room for everybody to win, so it feels really good that all these brand-new opportunities are opening for everyone. You see younger hardcore bands really going for it right off the bat, and we're very fortunate to be a part of the era that's taking it to new heights.' That's why it's only fitting for Knocked Loose to be headlining this weekend's Sound and Fury Festival, bringing two full days of the best modern hardcore to Exposition Park. Since its inception in 2006, Sound and Fury quickly established itself as the event for hardcore and hardcore-adjacent music (from the heavier side of emo bands like Anxious to more extreme, metal-leaning acts) first in Los Angeles and then across the country. Just as the festival's lineup and footprint has expanded both in size and musical variety over the years, Knocked Loose has seen its own popularity skyrocket as the band has continued to push the boundaries of what hardcore could be. 'From a sonic perspective, all these bands bringing in new influences to hardcore was pretty polarizing at first,' Garris says. 'You had all these bands that toured and participated in the hardcore world but didn't sound like a traditional hardcore band — and people really made that extremely controversial for an annoying amount of time. Once that barrier was broken, it allowed for so many unique artists and bands to bring new things to the table. Bills and touring packages became more diverse, and I think the coolest thing is when you put a tour package together that makes sense on paper but sonically makes no sense at all. It keeps things interesting and doesn't create such a monotonous atmosphere at a show.' For Knocked Loose, one of the biggest steps outside of 'traditional hardcore' it could possibly take was collaborating with pop-turned-metal artist Poppy on last year's 'Suffocate' — a gamble that paid off handsomely, introducing the band to a whole new audience and earning the group its highest-charting single and a Grammy nomination for metal performance. It's a track that Garris still considers 'definitely one of [his] favorite songs' while also allowing the band to get 'weirder' and experiment in ways it might not normally consider. While the band is already considering how it can continue to push the envelope even further without losing what makes Knocked Loose work at its core, the group is mindful of its history in the hardcore scene both as fans and artists. No scene is quicker to disown an act for its commercial success, and Garris (along with guitarists Isaac Hale and Nicko Calderon, bassist Kevin Otten and drummer Kevin Kaine) is fully aware of the line the band walks. 'We've never been writing a song and felt like we had to check in with how [hardcore fans] would feel about it, but when it comes to how we present the band, that's where we keep hardcore in mind,' Garris says. 'That's where we come from and what we're used to. Even though we know the band is obviously not going to be playing crazy small DIY, no-barricade hardcore shows anymore, it allowed us to create an experience on a much bigger stage. Then we do things like play Sound and Fury or put hardcore bands that we like on our bills because we still feel very passionately about these things. We're very fortunate to be able to play these massive shows and have conversations about [pyrotechnics] and lights, but we're still hardcore fans and that's never changed.' With acts like Knocked Loose, Scowl and England's Basement on the bill this year, Sound and Fury continues to show why it's arguably America's preeminent hardcore festival, bringing together dozens of rising bands with just enough nostalgia acts (such as this year's Forced Order reunion and Poison the Well) to remind the younger generations of those who came before. It's a lineup you won't see anywhere else, with a DIY hardcore vibe that fit just as well when hardcore fans and artists Sean Riley, Robert Shedd and Todd Jones held their initial event at the Alpine in Ventura 19 years ago. 'There are a lot of festivals in the mainstream rock atmosphere where the lineups are essentially the same,' Garris says. 'For example, two years ago or so, every major rock fest in America was headlined by Metallica. That's no diss at all, but Sound and Fury is such a different thing and the lineups feel so organic and exciting. They're very good about scratching an itch that you didn't know you had.' 'I think [hardcore fans] are seeking more context than what they're getting from the mainstream — and since most of the people here arrive through that filter, it makes for a very open and welcoming space,' Riley adds. 'So whether it's being straightedge and eschewing drugs and alcohol, or whether you are someone who likes wearing corpse paint in public, or you're a person who likes to dance at shows, this is a place you can come and be yourself without judgment. Combine that with hardcore shows being, in my opinion, the rawest form of live-music experiences you can find, it's a freeing experience.' Although Riley is the only one of the three original founders still working on Sound and Fury — currently teamed with Martin Stewart and Madison Woodward — he's made sure to keep it as true to the hardcore ethos as possible year after year. Despite numerous venue changes and growth that many corporate festivals could only wish to have, Sound and Fury today is as instrumental to and beloved by the hardcore scene in Los Angeles and beyond as it's ever been. It's found a way to speak to multiple generations of hardcore kids (and adults), and now some of its biggest fans are the ones onstage. '[Sound and Fury] has never been our 'day job,' but more of something we do in our off time that can hopefully inspire people — knowing how empowering and meaningful this DIY world has been for us and our lives outside of this music scene,' Riley says. 'We've seen attendees start bands that play the fest, put out zines that they sell at the fest, start businesses or become food vendors that operate at the fest, and even people who now help us run the fest and have actual ownership stakes in the festival. Seeing it grow year after year in a very organic way really validates our approach and hopefully means it's serving its purpose.' 'When we were preparing our year, [Sound and Fury] was one of my most anticipated shows of the year because I am such a fan of the festival,' Garris adds. 'I've gotten to watch the festival grow from a fan's perspective, and I remember going to the fest when it was like 1,000 people total. To see what it is now is amazing. It's setting the bar for hardcore every single year and taking it to new places, because it was never supposed to be that big. The people that put it together care so much to protect the festival and to scale it to these unimaginable places — all while keeping it feeling DIY and like a hardcore festival. We're just so excited to be a part of it.' Or, as Scowl vocalist Kat Moss put it, 'I would argue Sound and Fury is the best hardcore festival ever.'
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Urban League STL calls on local churches to help stabilize neighborhoods
ST. LOUIS — Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church in north St. Louis is where Deborah Walton found the strength to turn her life around. 'I was out on the streets doing drugs,' she said. The church was one of the first in the St. Louis area to partner with the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis and its Grill to Glory program. 'It all started with one hot dog,' said Pastor J.B. Garris of Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Walton said she felt comfortable coming to church barbecues. That level of comfort led her to seek the help she needed. 'I feel much better now,' she said. The summertime barbecues are set to resume at the end of May. The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis reported that more than 400 churches are now participating. 'It gives us the opportunity to know each other and change lives,' Garris said. 'That one simple, little hot dog has changed so many lives.' James Clark, vice president of Public Safety for the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, said the message from neighborhood residents is clear. 'We want to galvanize,' he said. 'We want to mobilize, and we need resources, and the best place to come to get resources is the neighborhood church.' Clark said some of the Urban League's resources are also delivered through family resource enrollments established at some churches. Dairy Haven refuses to accept 'sweaty' money He said case managers can monitor neighborhood needs and help connect residents with necessary resources, such as job training. The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis reports more than 100,000 area residents have engaged in the Grill to Glory program. Clark is calling on more area churches to find ways to strengthen the neighborhoods they serve. 'Law enforcement plays a very important role,' Clark said. 'Our elected officials play a very important role, but we are being very intentional about how we can increase the activity and resource delivery through neighborhood churches to families that live in some of our more challenged neighborhoods.' He encourages any church interested in learning more about how they can become a pipeline for resources in their community to contact the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Cleveland remembers Pope Francis
(WJW) — As 250,000 people attended Pope Francis' funeral mass at the Vatican, Father Eric Garris with the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland was among them. 'Surreal is the word. The entire experience was very strange, provincial, beautiful, somber,' Garris said. Seven Buckeyes taken on final day of NFL draft while Sanders goes to Browns Garris has been in Rome for a week and a half with plans to celebrate Holy Week with friends. He was in St. Peter's Basilica when the Pope passed. Five days later, he attended Pope Francis' funeral. 'While there was a certain level of solemnity and somberness which was reflected in the rituals and liturgy and songs, there was joy. And I think the joy is a summation of Pope Francis' life,' Garris said. Garris said he was struck by how many faithfuls cheered and clapped in Pope Francis' memory. Visitation, memorial service held for former Avon football player Garris plans to return to Northeast Ohio Monday. He said three priests from the Diocese of Cleveland will remain at the Vatican and be present for the entirety of the papal conclave. 'I think that for people back home to know that something from Ohio was present at this thing. It wasn't just an Italian thing or a Vatican thing. When the church gathers, it gathers, and the church of Cleveland was very much present at that funeral,' Garris said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
‘Tremendous world leader': NE Ohio priest visiting Rome speaks on Pope Francis' death
ROME (WJW) — A Northeast Ohio priest who traveled to Rome for Easter said he is still trying to process the passing of Pope Francis. Father Eric Garris, Vocation Director for the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland, wanted to celebrate the holiday with friends in Italy. On Sunday, he served communion in St. Peter's Square and was among the tens of thousands to hear Pope Francis greet the crowd, saying, 'My beloved brothers and sisters, Happy Easter!' Garris said the Pope's voice was quite labored, but there was an undeniable energy in the air. 'You know, there's a joy, there's a gravitas to the Pope, whether you're a person of faith or not. For me, he's my spiritual father. For many people, he's seen as a tremendous world leader. So, people flock to him,' said Garris. US flags to fly at half-staff for Pope Francis Later, Garris snapped a photo just feet from the pontiff as he passed by in an open-air popemobile, his first full procession through St. Peter's Square since surviving double pneumonia. The next morning, while praying at the tomb of Saint John Paul II, Garris received a text message from another priest. It read, 'RIP Pope Francis.' 'It was just very strange to be there, and then, I immediately ran down to the tomb of Saint Peter. Pope Francis is a successor of Peter and the apostles, and so I just knelt down at the tomb of Peter and prayed for his successor, Francis. And then came out into the square, and was just kind of like, this is real,' said Garris. When reflecting on Pope Francis' legacy, Garris said it's hard to sum up, but he believes the Pope's impact lies in his desire for everyone to feel welcome. 'He lived what he spoke, and especially when it came to being a pope of mercy and embracing those on the peripheries, letting the people know that the gospel is not just contained to those who are perfect and have it all together; that really speaks to people. Because I can tell you I'm a priest, I don't have it all together, and it's good to know that there's a pope who says Jesus can still love you,' Garris said. Garris believes the timing of Pope Francis' passing on Easter Monday is no coincidence, and he noted that Pope John Paul II died just days after Easter in 2005. 'You know, it's one of those things where I don't believe we choose to die, but I would imagine yesterday was an incredibly joyful day for Pope Francis, where he was able to be with his people,' Garris said. 'And I imagine today was a joyful day for him as well, when he was welcomed into the kingdom to the words of hopefully so many who have gone before him, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. Come share your master's joy.' Diocese of Cleveland leaders, parishioners reflect on death of Pope Francis Garris said cardinals will likely certify the pontiff's death on Tuesday, with Pope Francis presumably lying in state Wednesday through Friday. However, because Friday is a national holiday in Italy, the timeline could shift. While the Vatican has yet to confirm arrangements, it's possible Pope Francis could be laid to rest this weekend. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
West Australian
21-04-2025
- General
- West Australian
Pope Francis' death: Told to rest, the pope kept working through his hectic last day
VATICAN CITY - As it happened, it was the pope's last day on Earth. Pope Francis relished dramatic moments, and this turned out to be his curtain call: an Easter Sunday crowd filling a sunny St. Peter's Square, eyes on the loggia. And the chant: 'Papa, papa!' Pope, pope! The red curtains parted. Francis was wheeled to the balcony. He looked weak, but present. Struggling to raise his right arm, the pope gave what amounted to a final salute to the Catholic world. 'Dear brothers and sisters, Happy Easter,' he said in a rough voice, breathing heavily. The faithful applauded and waved and took photos, the moment broadcast around the world, raising hopes that he was getting better. He was not. The next morning, the square filled with mourners, trying to process the events of the previous 24 hours. It began with a struggling pope celebrating Easter, and ended with his death early Monday at 88 of a cerebral stroke and cardiovascular collapse. The Reverend Eric Garris, a priest from Cleveland, had attended the Sunday Mass. Now he gestured to the loggia. 'It's like what you say about a family member - I just saw him yesterday,' Reverend Garris said. Francis was hospitalised for more than five weeks in February and March with double pneumonia. When he was discharged last month, doctors said he still required a two-month convalescence and cautioned that he wouldn't immediately be able to meet with groups or preside over certain 'important commitments.' Did the pope work himself to death? That might not be the question. Francis had never been a pope content in isolation. Reverend Garris believed he was living as he preached. 'As a priest, you want to be present with your people,' he said. 'I don't think it was an act of neglect. I think it was an act of a shepherd.' After returning to the Vatican, Francis tried to stay in the public eye - at least a bit. Francis met privately with King Charles and Queen Camilla during their visit this month to Rome - an audience that was confirmed only hours before it took place. Charles, in a message of condolence Monday, said the couple's sorrow had been 'somewhat eased' by the pope being able to share an Easter greeting with the world. On Thursday - Holy Thursday, in the Catholic calendar - Francis visited a prison in Rome and met with about 70 inmates. In previous years, he washed the feet of the inmates, in emulation of Jesus with his disciples on the eve of his death. This time, the Vatican said, he apologised that he could not. He instead gifted them rosaries and pocket-size Gospels. Then, on Sunday morning, Francis received Vice President JD Vance briefly at his papal residence. He sat in a wheelchair. 'I know you have not been feeling great, but it's good to see you in better health,' said Mr Vance, a Catholic convert. 'Thank you for seeing me.' The Vatican said the two men met for a few minutes at the Domus Santa Marta 'to exchange Easter greetings.' Mr Vance's office provided few details. It was the pope's last diplomatic visit. Mr Vance's motorcade was on Vatican territory for 17 minutes. The vice president later attended Easter Mass at St. Paul Outside the Walls, one of four pontifical basilicas in Rome. The Vance family also visited the tomb where the apostle St. Paul is said to be buried. Soon after, Francis was on the loggia, where an archbishop read his full Easter address. In a kind of valedictory, the pope returned to themes he had emphasised throughout his pontificate, with appeals for migrants, the marginalised and those caught in often-forgotten struggles. He was global to the end: In his final Urbi et Orbi address - a blessing 'to the City and the World' - he spoke of conflicts in South Sudan, Yemen, the Horn of Africa, Myanmar, and the South Caucasus. He offered prayers for Israelis and Palestinians, and beseeched: 'May the risen Christ grant Ukraine, devastated by war, his Easter gift of peace, and encourage all parties involved to pursue efforts aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace.' 'Even with his weak condition, he was able to be a voice for the voiceless,' said Reni Meak, a nun from Indonesia. After Mass, he was driven around the square in his Mercedes popemobile as men in suits speed-walked at the vehicle's side. Francis offered waves, but with his range of motion seemingly limited, keeping his arm close to his lap. Near the end of his final tour of the square, several children were lifted toward him. Francis clasped one baby's hand in blessing. Another infant, he touched on the forehead. Some of the children cried. The pope waved his palm, a final benediction on a final day of work. - - - Booth reported from London. © 2025 , The Washington Post
