It Just Works: An Interview With New York’s The Kulprits

By Staff | June 25, 2026

If you don’t know who The Kulprits are, then you certainly were not in attendance at Hardcore in the 914 Fest earlier this month, where they definitely opened some eyes.

The Kulprits craft their high-energy Hudson Valley punk sound through meticulous songwriting, polished vocals and a tight rhythm section, creating an unexpected chemistry on stage and in the studio. Through lineup shifts and a few growing pains, this five-piece outfit has channeled their collective experiences into the aggressive, catchy tracks of their upcoming Sick And Tired EP, fueled by a relentless live energy that thrives from tiny clubs to (the aforementioned) festival stages.

Can you walk us through a typical songwriting process between the five of you?

Marlena Horton, vocals: We make Scoot do all the work! He has to write all the lyrics and music then we get to pick it apart, create the drums, lead guitar and bass parts based on his original ideas.  If I am singing lead vocals I play around with his vocal lines until I get it, or create a harmony part to accompany him.  In the future we will add originals from other band members but right now Scoot forces us to just play his originals, he reminds us daily it’s HIS band. I’m totally kidding.  Scoot is truly the nicest human being without an ego.  He loves all his songs being a true collaboration.

Scoot Horton, guitar/vocals: A lot of times when I write I will come up with a phrase or a chorus first and then build music and lyrics around that. There could be a lot of rewrites before it actually gets heard by the band or the public. Writing for Marlena I try to get in her head. I think I know her well enough to write lyrics for her. She may read them and tweak them or make suggestions. She has to be comfortable with what she is singing.

Photo credit: Dave “Face” Boccio

Marlena, how does your vocal style complement Scoot’s Awkward Thought and Shell Shock hardcore roots?

Marlena: We have very different voices and come from extremely different backgrounds. He introduced me to hardcore, I am from Upstate NY and I never even got to NYC until I was in my 20’s. Hardcore is a world I knew nothing about. I grew up listening to Dolly Parton, glam rock and over time merged to Green Day (all time favorite next to Steven Tyler! Steven, if you’re reading this Scoot knows I will run away with you in a second!!)

I went to school for music, took vocal lessons and have a pure, no vibrato voice. Scoot went from hardcore to folk to what he is today, all with a country twang. (no he is NOT from the South, it’s just just a natural Scoot sound) What is really cool is that our voices mesh really well together. When we each take lead the audience gets two totally different styles yet when we harmonize it just works.

What has been the biggest lesson you've learned from the member changes and growing pains over the past three years?

Marlena: It’s exhausting being in a band! No seriously, every member has brought something very special to the group. Whether it’s a riff or a full line they helped to develop our songs and for us to figure out who we want to be. I feel like every member has been integral in the making of The Kulprits.

Scoot: I have learned something from every person that has been in the Kulprits. Whether it was advice given to me, encouragement, leadership skills, things to do and not to do. I have picked up many things from them both big and small.

Photo credit: Dave “Face” Boccio

How would you compare the energy of your local NYC shows to the sound captured on the upcoming EP Sick And Tired?

Marlena: Our recent shows with Outsider Magazine have been off the charts.  I feel like our EP captured the energy we have on stage.

Scoot: I think we sound a little heavier live than we do on our demo. The Sick And Tired EP has a heavier sound than the demo so it may capture a more live sound than the demo. We believe it contains 5 of our best songs right now. We worked really hard on it and think it sounds great. It’s aggressive and catchy. It should be out later in 2026.

Which NYC (including the suburbs) venue feels most like home, and what would be your dream venue to play?

Marlena: My favorite venue was Simple Motive Brewing for the Hardcore in the 914.  I felt like a rockstar.  They know how to put a show together from the organization, sound, stage set up-just everything was tight.  The crowd were our people!  We were much lighter than the other bands but everyone was really into our music, showed so much love and respect.

I am ready to play MSG! (know someone to book us??)

We just have the best time playing, I don’t care if it’s a tiny place with 3 people or a huge space of a thousand. Our music is great, we have a blast playing it and truly enjoy being in the band together.

Scoot: So far my favorite places to play have been shows put on by Outsider Magazine and the Hardcore in 914 Fest put on by Outsider and NYHC Comics. Lee and Holly are both top notch and know how to put on a show.

As far as places I’d like to play. I have been lucky enough to play places in previous bands that I dreamed of as a kid like CBGB’s and later Coney Island High and Wetlands. More than a location to play I think of all the bands I’d love to play with.

Whose energy drives the live show most nights, and how do you keep that intensity fresh?

Scoot: I get excited to play. I also feed off of Marlena and try to get the crowd going. If I see Marlena having fun and getting into it, she always does, that fires me up.I like to see the crowd  bopping around to our songs. We are a newer band and they don’t know us yet, but it’s good to see them getting into it.

What would need to happen for The Kulprits to go from playing locally to touring beyond the tri-state area?

Marlena: We need to get more shows, keep promoting and really get ourselves out there. I feel like we have a really good energy going right now and it’s a new beginning, so anything is possible.

Scoot: I agree with what Marlena said but we just need to be asked.

Anyone out there you'd like to thank for their support?

We would like to thank knifetwister records for getting to know us. Holly from Outsider Magazine, Lee from NYHC Comics, our friends that come to our shows, all past members of the Kulprits, and anyone that listens to our music. 

-LIVE FOR TODAY!

Official Website- www.thekulprits.com

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/the_kulprits/

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/theKulprits/

Bandcamp- https://thekulprits.bandcamp.com/album/the-kulprits-ep

Booking/Contact- thekulpritsband@gmail.com