The zine will be for sale at the Backtrack/CC/Giant show on tuesday May 1st, and include a lot of good interviews, photos and show reports with bands and labels like Free spirit, Boston Strangler, Mental, Waste Management, United Youth, Giant, Lockin' Out, Youngblood, Triple B, etc..
This is mos def one of the coolest zines I've seen this in a while, so get a copy while you have a chance, and read the interview with Ted below.
-Gus
Tell me a little bit about yourself. Who is Ted?
Ted is a kid who was born into a family of four. He never had one of those families that
would stay subtle in one place. He would always grow his roots into a new environment, yet, into
another after another. He's lived in many states across the U.S.A. and because of that, I don't think he'd
be the type of kid he is today. This is a big issue that he feels left dead inside with. Ted currently goes to
school in Scranton, PA where he feels contented with how his life, surroundings, and most importantly, his state of mind is treating him.
Ted is just a kid who is trying to survive the times in today's society like any other person.
He doesn't like to say much about himself.
When did the idea of the zine take place?
When my Father passed away a few years ago, that's when I was getting into hardcore. My Father died of Cirrhosis, which has quite a few symptoms. In this meaning, his scarring was based on heavy alcohol. That's when my turning point blinked right before my eyes. Hardcore
seemed like the only thing that helped me along the way to feel happiness; nothing else. Not my friends, nor family, but music.
Most of what's inside is what really grasped me, i.e, the bands, pioneers, kid's, and the lyrics that these band's honor. It's not like anything
else to me. The zine is what really kept me busy from just feeling depressed all the time.
Where does the name Individualism Youth come from?
The name comes from a song off a demo. A demo that will be released this year with the issue entitled, Left Dead Inside. The song Individualism on the demo pretty much says it all. Youth was brought in to recognize myself, and only myself. The demo conveys about being lonely, the displacement of friends, and being agonized with destiny; Individualism Youth.
What were your inspirations behind the zine?
Russin's Spirit of Youth Fanzine & Blog, Art/Photography, Alamo Wingstop, & Apple Computers.
What was special about the oslo scene that got your attention?
The Olso scene to me is like no other i've studied before. To me, it's not really much of a scene. From getting an understanding, it seems more like a community than a scene. It doesn't have any bullshit drama taking place in it. Seems like a group of individuals who have respect for anyone, whether if the straight edge takes place or not inside them. Straight edge is just a life pledge. It's not only about refraining yourself from hazardous drugs and vials, it's much more than that you know. It's your brain, your choices, and most importantly, the way you want to live life. The people there really bring forth it's meaning. It's a strong little community you guys have in Oslo.
How many copies of the zine exist, and why is it important for you that none of the interviews and articles are not to be put on the internet?
Eight-Five zines exist across the German, Sweden & U.S.A. hemisphere. I don't like the internet. In some way, shape or form, the internet makes hardcore lose it's supertouch. Instead of blogging about hardcore online and making it look bad, make a zine or something; have fun. This is in reference to tumblr, not as much as blogspot's. They're both online databases, I understand, but tumblr just skews everything. Not only do I hate the internet because of that reason, I personally don't like to be social overall.
Any last words?
I'm not your typical eighteen-year old.
