The punk and hardcore scene is one of the many elements that keep the Cebuano music community alive and kicking ass. It has thrived and existed for decades underground, taking space in Kukuk’s Nest, Handuraw, The Outpost, Boss Grill and others. It was one of those “you just had to be there” kind of things.
Over the course of time, event spaces close down, pandemics happen (shit hits the fan), and although times have changed, the real heart of the punk and hardcore scene lies in the people and passion for the music.
The year 2024 has brought the arrival of new spirits to the scene. Not just another label putting out records, Hostile Youth Records has become a pillar for community and inclusivity within the Cebu punk scene with its drive to help local bands grow and make waves.
At the helm of the record label are three passionate individuals who have dedicated themselves to the punk and hardcore community: MAC the resident illustrator who focuses on the bands’ visual identity, cover art for the EPs and albums, LOU who runs social media and logistics and CARLO the banker, PR person, yapper and go-to host for their events.
Hostile Youth was conceived in 2011 with Mac and Ja Durano in college. Inspired to do local shows, they organized events by gathering friends from the punk and hardcore scene. It lasted for a year until its resurgence in the beginning of 2024 as a record label. Lou was invited to join and was ecstatic about it. As a witness to the punk and hardcore scene in Manila, he wanted the same vibrance for Cebu as well. Carlo, a corporate guy who needed an outlet outside of his personal life, joined the group later on.
Running an independent record label is no easy task. With everything DIY, there’s no denying the challenges that come with it like curating new music. To kickstart the label, they debuted with a compilation of local bands, and distributed it through cassette tapes. Despite the niche media, it turns out more people are interested in purchasing the records.
It takes a village to operate a unique form of distribution for this day and age. Luckily, with friendships and solid networking, it all became easier for Hostile Youth Records. On top of the resources coming from the guys themselves out of their 9-5 jobs, the community is always willing to help out in any way they can.
Hostile Youth Records set its purpose to push bands to produce their music and help them distribute. They organize shows for them as well to build the artist line-up and do whatever they can with the help of the band members and their friends and family.
The punk and hardcore scene is in an interesting state, as Mac described. It has undergone a positive transformation over the years. He sees the scene thrive with more diversity and inclusivity. From experiencing the gate-keeping culture pre-pandemic, it has become a space that is forgiving, open-minded, and encouraging. More women have joined in the pits and in the bands.
“Revitalized, revived, refreshing kaayo. There’s new people in the scene and more women,” says Domz from Sift. The assholes get kicked out and women are more comfortable going to shows.
What makes the Cebuano music scene so special is the fact that everyone is interconnected and everyone knows each other. With that, there’s always an appreciation for music across genres. Despite it being small, the scene fosters a community that values music.
“Within the community you see bands that start hardcore, but end up doing something else. At the end of the day, magka jam ra tanan”
Although Hostile Youth Records has only begun its journey this year, it has so much to look forward to like handling a gig for two foreign bands. Exciting as it is, it’s a big task and a gamble they're willing to take for Cebu to become a stop for touring bands. They look forward to more bands and side projects for material. They’d like to see more young people starting bands, seeing how eager the new kids are.
But beyond the challenges, running an independent record label like Hostile Youth Records has its rewards. Like seeing a physical copy of the bands’ music, the successful shows, the feeling of seeing everyone having fun, the photos. Even hearing positive feedback from the people they’ve looked up to before.
“Nalipay ra ko nga naa koy friends na tabang kaayo. Not just us three, mga banda kay kusog kaayo mutabang. Community-driven kaayo ron. Naa na purpose.”
Founded not just on a love for the punk and hardcore scene, but on a belief in inclusivity and diversity, Hostile Youth Records has nurtured a space where all voices can be heard. It's not just about putting out music; it's about fostering a community and witnessing the impact your work can have.
To stay updated on Hostile Youth Records’ upcoming shows, you can check out their social media IG: @hostileyouthrecords. See you at the next gig! \m/
Photos from Hostile Youth Records Archives
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