Get The Net is a New Jersey-based punk band that evolved from a 2003 solo project into a collaborative three-piece group. The trio, comprising Ryan, Brian, and Kyle, manages to maintain a high-energy sound while successfully balancing their musical ambitions with the busy lives of working fathers. By handling their own recording, artwork, and video production, the members have cultivated a dedicated DIY approach that keeps the project both rewarding and authentic. Ultimately, the band serves as a testament to their shared belief that, no matter how busy life gets, one should always make time for the creative passions that bring them joy.

Stefani M. C. Janelli is the founder of The MIC Music Group, an organization established to bridge the professional resource gap for independent performers. Rooted in the New Jersey music scene, she leverages her background in the industry to provide specialized label services that prioritize artist autonomy. Her approach encourages musicians to embrace strategic marketing and branding as essential tools for growth without sacrificing their creative control, which she is careful to allow the artists to maintain. Through her leadership, she champions a model where creators retain full ownership of their work while accessing the support structures typically reserved for major labels. We had a chance to catch up with her and hear what she has to say.

Brazil’s own Deaf Kids is known for a relentless sound that fuses d-beat punk with hypnotic African and Indian polyrhythms. Since their formation in 2010, the band has championed a unique non-genre approach, prioritizing raw, confrontational energy over the constraints of traditional musical categories. Their commitment to artistic integrity and the DIY spirit eventually caught the attention of Neurot Recordings, providing a global platform for their unique brand of sonic discharge. By incorporating non-traditional instruments like the berimbau and even scrap metal into their wall of sound, they create a communal, trancelike experience that serves as a bridge across the cultures of the Global South.

Hailing from the UK, The Heretics are an alt-rock collective that masterfully blends the nostalgic pop-punk influences of the late 90s and early 2000s with a modern, high-energy edge. After initially forming around the solo work of Christian Smith, the group evolved into a collaborative powerhouse known for pairing melancholic, emotionally resonant lyrics with anthemic riffs. Their debut success with Relentless even saw their music reach the shelves of HMV, a milestone that cemented their transition from cutting their teeth to becoming a recognized name in the industry. As they move through 2026 with their DIY cinematic single Tidal Wave, the band remains committed to the physical music experience, pressing their work to vinyl to stay true to their roots.

Born from the tension of the late 2024 political landscape, Wonderland Rejects is a defiant Bay Area trio that transforms the outsider experience into high-energy, groovier-than-thou punk. Comprised of Alice (guitar/vocals), Dolly (bass), and Kitty (drums), the band evolved from the simpler Ramones-style roots of their predecessor, The Feminine Urge, into a more complex sonic beast that blends 90s grunge, early Delta blues, funk-driven rhythms and anything else they feel like throwing in. As queer trans women, they utilize the stage not just for performance, but as a bridge-building exercise in radical authenticity.

Angry Old Man is a long-standing New York City punk-rock band led by singer and guitarist Yvan Sehr, known for a DIY ethos and a journey that spans from a 2005 debut at CBGB to a 2019 performance at Carnegie Hall. After a period of lineup shifts and the release of their 2020 album Old Man Lung, the band found renewed energy as a trio featuring original bassist Matt Reed and drummer Michael “Danger” Booth. Their music focuses on authentic self-expression and social commentary, recently shifting toward a steady stream of singles like "Affordability Crisis" to stay engaged with the modern independent music landscape.

Valefor is a metal band from Long Island that blends the technical intricacy of progressive metal with the raw energy of hardcore. Since original members Sean and Cole began playing together in 2014, the addition of Cody has invigorated their songwriting process, resulting in a sound characterized by both mosh-ready rhythms and complex structures. Deeply committed to the DIY ethos, the trio funds their own recordings at Westfall Studios and remains dedicated to building an inclusive community by partnering with local booking collectives and independent zines. Their music often explores themes of self-reflection and transparency, aiming to provide a safe space for expression while they prepare to expand their heavy and atmospheric sound on their upcoming EP.

Out of pain and grief can often come some of the most important art.

Saints Of Lorain is a Cleveland-based ensemble rooted in the raw, unapologetic tradition of local punk, metal and rock ‘n’ roll. The band shares a deep, complex history with the band Al & The Coholics, and their work serves as a visceral narrative of survival and the emotional wreckage that follows loss. Through their music, specifically Before We Were Saints and Those Dark Roads, they explore a trajectory from the chaos of reckless youth to a dark, isolated confrontation with ghosts. This commitment to authenticity extends to their philosophy on music; by prioritizing physical media and intentional artwork, they push back against the disposable nature of streaming to provide listeners with a tangible connection to their stories. Ultimately, the band acts as a vessel for processing loss, moving through the pain of unsaid goodbyes toward a place of acknowledgement and endurance.

The Common Thread Hardcore Podcast explores the intersection of the DIY punk ethos and the complexities of adult life, particularly through the lenses of fatherhood, professional careers, and community building. Hosted by Rory (founder of Ugly Duck Coffee) and Greg (a public librarian and veteran musician), the podcast delves into how the scrappy, collaborative spirit of hardcore translates into navigating bureaucratic systems and fostering intellectual freedom. The discussions are often deeply personal, touching on topics like radical acceptance, neurodiversity, and the transition from the rage of youth to the empathy required for parenting. Ultimately, it serves as a testament to the fact that the core values of the underground—nonconformity, resilience, and authentic connection—don't disappear with age; they simply evolve into a more nuanced, sustainable way of moving through the world.

For two decades, Knife The Symphony has been a cornerstone of the Midwestern post-hardcore scene, navigating the evolving DIY landscape with a steadfast commitment to community and authenticity. Rejecting the trend-driven gatekeeping of the modern era, the trio draws from a diverse sonic palette—ranging from the raw aggression of the Minutemen to the intricate textures of The Police—to ensure their ten-release catalog never stagnates. Their philosophy prioritizes genuine human connection and social responsibility over digital metrics, frequently backing their people over profit ethos through benefit shows and local activism. Whether they are sharing stages with legends like HR from Bad Brains or recording in their own practice spaces, the band views their longevity not as a trek toward fame, but as a continuous, intuitive evolution fueled by deep-rooted friendship and a relentless drive to find excitement in the danger of new sounds.

Drowning In Blood is a Montreal-based metal quartet comprised of Christophe Michaud (vocals/guitar), Justin Boisvert (guitar), Nicolas Tremblay (bass/backing vocals), and Noah Muller (drums). Immersed in their city's legendary metal and hardcore scenes, the group has forged a unique crossover sound that blends aggressive thrash with raw, diverse musical influences. Their professional trajectory is rapidly ascending; the band recently undertook an ambitious, self-managed tour across the United States—a feat involving complex visa logistics and significant personal financial investment. Their creative process typically prioritizes visceral instrumentation over lyrics, though their debut EP, You’ve Won… But At What Cost?, successfully explores a cohesive narrative arc centered on revolution. Whether they are sharing the stage with modern thrash titans like Havok or preparing new material that balances melodic death metal with old-school intensity, the band maintains a tight-knit, brotherly bond fueled by a party atmosphere on the road (as you’ll see) and a deep appreciation for their dedicated fans.

Ask many Americans what they know about Bolivia, and the answers may very. You may get “is that a city in Africa?” or perhaps “oh, that’s that laundry detergent they have at the Dollar Store”. Bolivia is in fact a South American country laden with culture and history - exquisite beauty next to crushing poverty; community, coca leaves, sopa de maní, and DIY steering wheel rigs. I was there in the mid-2000’s when protests broke out in support of the citizens being able to own their own national resources. There were people - men, women and children - marching the streets banging pots and pans all day and night, which helped lead to the election of the country’s first indigenous President. Now, if you ask one of those abuelas on the street to name a Ramones song, they probably couldn’t. But what I saw in those streets was as punk as anything I’d seen in a lifetime living in New York.

Out of this environment comes the punk band Kimsacharani, a high-energy outfit that echoes the revolutionary spirit of the country - standing up to hate, injustice, intolerance and Western imperialism. As you’ll read, they are outspoken, committed to their values, and aren’t backing down. We had a chance to catch up with them, and are happy to present this interview.

Carrie Riot is one of those quintessential rebels - forging her own path, on her own terms. Navigating a turbulent youth in the Seattle grunge era left her with a strong sense of badass independence. Her creative expression—spanning photography, art, and pinup—functions as a vital form of emotional expression. While she presents a bold, punk persona that challenges traditional beauty standards and embraces the divine feminine, in this interview she candidly discusses the vulnerability of being judged and her ongoing journey to replace a sometimes harsh internal dialogue with self-confidence. Now in her 50s, she balances this fierce outspokenness with a goofy sense of humor (on display below) and a deep commitment to sisterhood, advocating for women to abandon competition with each other in favor of collective power. Supported by her long-term partner who embraces her wild spirit, she continues to critique societal complacency and the modern rat race, drawing inspiration from the vibrancy she finds in cultures abroad to fuel her unapologetic authenticity.

She’s mouthy, opinionated and does not hold back. Prepare yourself.

Emerging from the subterranean basements of Seoul, 18fevers serves as a raw contradiction, even a rejection of conformity. The band is fueled by a shared frustration with social gatekeeping and the pressures of hyper-competitive South Korean capitalism, serving as a high-energy punk collective. Their identity is defined by a "fuck you" mindset and a commitment to radical inclusivity, deliberately using their platform to advocate for feminist and LGBTQ+ rights in a traditionally conservative society. Musically, they prioritize a chaotic, often unhinged energy designed to shatter the numbness of modern life, as their loud, fast performances serve almost as a communal catharsis. Despite facing pushback from those who label their stances as too political, the band continues to foster a sanctuary for the marginalized, proving that the struggle against the status quo is a universal language fueled by both rage and a deep sense of mutual care for not just their fans, but everyone.

Coming out of the vibrant music (and protest) scene of Los Angeles, The Antiks are a high-energy collision of punk energy and experimental alt-rock. The band navigates a creative space where their self-described wackiness often masks darker, introspective lyrical themes, drawing inspiration from a wide-ranging palette that includes The Dickies, Radiohead, and the improvisation of fusion jazz. Rooted in the Chicano punk and Riot Grrrl traditions of SoCal, the band—comprised of Kaitlin, Sean, Ernesto, Chris, and Cjay—uses their platform to confront systemic injustices, specifically targeting issues like immigration and fascism with a direct, confrontational ethos. Whether they are exploring complex gender politics or leaning into absurdist Dadaism, The Antiks prioritize a human-first approach to songwriting, blending technical musicianship with a raw, communal spirit that aims to provide both a wake-up call and a sense of catharsis for their audience.

Taylor Destroy, the powerhouse vocalist for Aspect Iris, has carved a unique space for herself in the metal scene through sheer tenacity and raw talent. After overcoming struggles that forced her away from the industry, she made a triumphant return, gaining 100,000 followers and widespread acclaim following a single viral cover. Her vocal prowess is characterized by a sophisticated, self-taught hybrid of fry and false chord screaming, a technique further refined during her collaboration with renowned producer Landon Tewers. Taylor’s artistry is deeply personal, drawing lyrical inspiration from the grit of the upstate NY music scene and her profound experiences with motherhood—particularly the emotional intensity of a traumatic childbirth. A staunch advocate for LGBTQ+ and trans rights, she actively challenges industry stereotypes, using her commanding stage presence to ensure metal remains an inclusive and high-energy environment for everyone.

When we did our very first interview for this magazine, there was only one person we reached out to, and that was Aaron “White Owl” Collins, a 40-year veteran of the scene. Exactly one hundred interviews later, we brought him back to catch up. Is it because he is one of the best bass players out there? Is it because I had a poster of his band on my wall in college? Well, yes, and yes, but more because I had the opportunity to go from a long time fan to close friend, and discover that the old saying about never meeting your heroes could not be more wrong.

Collins’ career has spanned multiple genres, from funk metal to hardcore to hop hop to his current band Butterbrain, which throws every type of music at you but the kitchen sink (and when the next album drops, we may get the kitchen sink too). We caught up with him to discuss what it’s like to share the stage with your idol, the realization that the party can’t last forever, and why the music world is so much richer because he didn’t listen to his Mom.