Gnarmageddon Fest Preview: at The Glasshouse – Pomona, CA on June 18, 2011

In what is shaping into a great festival known as Gnarmageddon Fest, the guys behind the fest took some time out from the ongoing coordination and staging of the event to get us up to speed to the Gnarmageddon Fest, which really has the potential to be a fest that will rival many of the others. The DIY spirit is alive and well with Jason and Danny, so take note, it further demonstrates that anyone can create what they want, providing you are willing to put the effort in to make it happen.

For those who are unaware, tell us a little bit more about Gnarmageddon Fest.
Jason - It's a festival that we dreamed up. It's basically a rad day of Punk and hardcore music coming together in beautiful harmony.

Danny - Jason summed it up well. It's a fest we're doing in an effort to do away with the segregation between the two scene's.

                                    Agent Orange

How did this idea come about?
Jason - I was taking business classes in college and hating them. I was always involved in making music and in the scene. When i realized the business major/world was not for me, i didn't want all of that knowledge to go to waste. So I called Danny who had more knowledge about throwing shows but was equally stoked about punk and hardcore. We started talking about a music festival and what we saw wrong with some of them and how we could improve upon them. The idea of Gnarmageddon was born.

Danny - I've been throwing shows for a solid 3 years now varying from smaller shows to bigger ones, so this was just the next step to do once Jason approached me about it

Where are tickets being sold?
 Headline Records - LA
 Mass Media -  Costa Mesa
 TKO -  Fountain Valley
 Dr Strange - Rancho Cucamonga (Alta Loma)
 and The Glasshouse record store as well we online at ticketfly.com

                                    DOA

Overall, how has the planning been?
Jason - This is our first time planning something to this magnitude. We learned alot this year as far as how to go about something like this. We believe this year will rule and plan to mach each Gnarmageddon more awesome.

Danny - Stressful as it could be imagined. This is the first time I've had to deal with travel accommodations which is a whole new world for me. Despite it being stressful and all, I'm learning a lot and its just getting better with every step I take.

                                    JFA

The line-up looks great so far. How did you pick what bands you wanted to play?
Danny - Mostly bands that we like to see. Bands that put their heart and soul into playing music and are down with the roots of Punk and hardcore playing together in one place.

Were any bands you asked unable to play? If so, who?
Jason - Their were a few bands i really went for this year that were unable. It sucks that some bands put personal issues before music. As a huge fan, it's difficult for me to understand why you wouldn't be able to push aside petty issues for the greater good of music. However, i am also not involved in their personal issues so it's difficult for me to judge. I really don't wish to name drop as to who refused to play.

Danny - We had some ideas that were pretty out there of bands we wanted to get. Like Jason, no sense in saying who we wanted if we didn't get them...yet. There's always next year to try again.

                                    Media Blitz

Was it difficult to get the venues to host the event? Why or why not?
Jason - It's was not difficult to find a venue. When you operate under the "Punk and hardcore" umbrella alot of negative connotations arise in the minds of the people not involved in the scene. Whether we like it or not violence is part of the territory. We end up paying alot more for a venue because of the extra security we need to hire in order to make these venues feel secure.

Danny - It was super easy for me to find one thankfully, granted it did end up costing more than we had planned for originally, but hey, it'll be worth it in the end when the show goes off without a hitch

It's awesome you're doing this in both Southern California and the Bay Area. Why did you decide to have Gnarmageddon in two different areas, rather than have two days in one area?
Nothing is worse than a fantastic show that you would like to attend, only to find out that it's way too far and impractical to go to. We decided to move the fest to people in order to better suit the multiple large underground music communities in California.

Do you listen to suggestion that fans/attendees give on the Facebook page? For example, if they propose a band, how much do you consider trying to book them?
This year that system didn't work out too well, only because by the time we announced the fest we had a really good idea of who we wanted. However, next year we are looking for suggestions as early as possible. We love feedback about who people want to see. It's for the punks and hardcore kids, so why wouldn't they be involved. Please be practical though... a GG Allin appearance isn't likely.


What advice do you guys have for anyone out there trying to organize a show or music festival?
Jason - talk to people that have experience in the field, we have been overwhelmed by the feedback of our friends.

Danny - Get involved, help out others, even if it's just with smaller shows and work your way up. I started booking in a room that help 30 people legally. Anythings possible if you put your mind to it and truly want it to happen.

The line up for the shows will be?
At The Glasshouse in Pomona, CA on June 18, 2011 will be - Agent Orange, DOA, Ill Repute, Sabertooth Zombie, JFA, Resist & Exist, Rotting Out, Monster Squad, Media Blitz, Dogends, Concussion, Static Thought, Hooded Justice.  For the latest info on the line ups, be sure to check us out on Facebook events (facebook.com/gnarmageddonfest) as well as on the Gnarmageddon Fest 2011 Tumblr (gnarmageddonfest.tumblr.com)

Do you plan on making this an annual event?
Jason - Absolutely!! i am looking forward to Gnarmageddon 20 already.

Danny - As long as I'm still booking, there will be Gnarmageddon's to happen. This wont stop


What do you feel is the overall goal of Gnarmageddon Fest?
To make people realize that Punk and hardcore isn't so different, and to bring those kids together. Kids that live for the music.

Is there anything else you want to add for our readers?
Thank you in advance for years of support. It truly means tons to us. Without people coming and supporting shows, there would be no scene's. You do a bigger part than you all realized just coming. Please, please, get involved though. Start a band, help promoters with shows, start booking your own shows, be the change you want to see in the scene. It all starts with an idea.

Follow us on Facebook and Tumblr
facebook.com/gnarmageddonfest    and   gnarmageddonfest.tumblr.com

There is also a Pre-Gnarmageddon Fest Show at Aladdin Jr #2 in Pomona, CA on Thursday June 16, 2011
Bands playing at that are:
Why We Fight, A Nation Sleeps, Hordes, Low Places, Libérate, Plagues & Trench Rot
More info on that is HERE

-Sarah K.
Big Wheel Staff Reporter

Check out more show previews HERE

 

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