BeatRoute.ca
Calgary Beer Core
shotgunning social philanthropy
By Laura Glick
Boasting a roster 46 bands deep, Calgary Beer Core (CBC) has musical
representation ranging from the zombie rock of Conniving Cadavers to
psychobilly swooners Scorched Banditos and crust punks the Pissoffs.
However, genre diversity is not what often comes to mind when beer core
is mentioned. It is usually images of hard partying punk rockers and
aggressive hardcore guys who simply want to start fights.
"At first, everybody thought we were just this big white power clan
starting up," explains founding member and BDFM singer Mark Russell,
referring to the presence of non-Nazi skinheads who were fans of the
music being showcased. "There was a lot of violence at first in the beer
core shows. We had a whole bunch of meat heads who would walk in and
just start picking fights."
The violence eventually waned as the beer
core evolved and a more cohesive vision began to formulate. Instead, the
desire to create a thriving network for musicians and audience members
alike moved to the forefront.
"Our ultimate goal was to take all these bands that could we meet, get
them out of the basement and put them in front of a crowd," Russell
continues. |
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Cofounder and BDFM bandmate Kristin Semchuk elaborates, "You can't play
ball without a field. Not to say that the Calgary underground would
cease to exist without us, but it would definitely struggle. We've taken
what used to be a gravel road and paved it for those who follow."
The impetus for CBC's formation grew from an initial response to a
perceived fracture within the punk and related communities and a
disappearing scene for heavy music.
"All the bands hated each other when we started this. Bands would show
up and it would be a high school clique, it would be like one over here
– metal head, punk, hardcore – (and another over there). Nobody wanted
to be associated with the other bands," Russell states.
In place of the divisive mindset grew a scene built on ideals of
friendship in addition to having a good time. One such offspring is the
Babecore, started by Semchuk to promote a different image of the beer
core, unify the women involved (as musicians or fans), and serve as
another outlet for expression.
"The ladies of the beer core are all unique, it's not like a clique
where there are certain criteria necessary. We come in all shapes and
sizes, some of us are very feminine and some not so much. Some of us are
sober and some of us are piss tanks. The one thing we all have in common
is a love for the music and compassion for others," Semchuk shares
matter of factly. "It's so nice to see friendships developing and even
more so, to see excitement towards the fundraising we do."
Another expansion into the realm of community involvement includes
multiple fundraisers for youth and cancer research under the monikers
Rock for Tots and Rock for Tits and Ass. The latter, in particular, is a
dedicated cause the CBC intends to support with frequently occurring
gigs and all proceeds being donated.
The pillar of social philanthropy adds a softer finish onto the beer
core's gruff exterior, one that may be overshadowed by questions about
the lyrical content of beer core artists and their delivery on stage.
"This is art, it's a form of art. Just like somebody cutting themselves
and hanging from something or piercing or doing body modification, it's
art. What some people would say is extreme, others would say is not so
bad. We're just taking it and trying to make light of a situation,"
Russell explains.
Well aware of the risk that each band's behaviour colours the entire
unit, he aims to be involved, but not controlling of each artist's
creative or personal actions. Satisfied to push the boundaries without
being blatantly ignorant is something he feels strongly about.
"I'm not gonna walk around kissing ass but I don't want people thinking
we're horrible people just cause one asshole said something. If I can
pinpoint whoever would say something stupid or ignorant, I'll nip that
in the ass. I'm a big mediator, I've got to make sure everybody's
happy."
For now, everybody being happy involves pushing to see the beer core
expanded to other cities across Canada. Edmonton's beer belly core was
established in January with goals of Vancouver and Toronto to follow.
The formula is simple: a dedicated venue with eager bands and a few
self-sacrificing men and women who will sew the network seams together.
In the meantime, Russell issues a simple challenge to fans of
rockabilly, punk, hardcore and other things heavy who have their doubts
as to the credibility of the CBC.
"Come here and meet us, don't reflect on a story you heard. Come out and
enjoy the show, if (you) think that's what happens, I will prove (you)
wrong." |
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