ONHC || CELEBRATING THE WOMEN OF ONTARIO HARDCORE
Women have always been a part of the Hardcore community. Lately we have made an even bigger statement and impact, if you look, we are everywhere, forming bands, playing instruments and photographing events. We’ve come a long way from the “no clit in the pit” era of Hardcore. For International Women’s Day we wanted to highlight a few women in our community who have made an impact on all of us. We had the privilege of interviewing some women who are standouts in our community.
KENEDI || FIGHT ON SIGHT
Photo Cred 📸: @scumcollective
“I’VE HEARD A FEW TIMES THAT SOMETIMES I CAN COME OFF AS A BIT STANDOFFISH AND I HAVE A RESTING BITCH FACE. I JUST WANT EVERYONE TO KNOW THAT I AM ACTUALLY VERY FRIENDLY AND WANT TO WELCOME PEOPLE INTO THE COMMUNITY. THE LITTLE FAMILY WE’VE BUILT MEANS MORE THAN ANYTHING TO ME, BUT I WANT TO HELP PAVE THE WAY FOR THE NEXT GENERATION. SO DON’T BE AFRAID TO COME TALK TO ANYONE OF US AT SHOWS, WE DONT BITE, I PROMISE.”
- KENEDI, @fightonsight905
WHAT IS IT ABOUT HARDCORE THAT MAKES IT SPECIAL FOR YOU?
In my opinion, Hardcore has always been for the outcasts and the people looking for an outlet. It’s for everyone from all walks of life, who don’t feel like they have somewhere they belong. The sense of community and family that’s recently been fostered is something that I will always cherish. I’ve never felt more at home somewhere than I do in the Hamilton Hardcore community.
WHAT IS THE BEST PART ABOUT BEING A FEMALE IN THE HARDCORE COMMUNITY?
Right now, being a female in the Hardcore community means something way different than it did when I was growing up. I come from the “no clit in the pit” era, which was a terrible time to say the least. Women were mostly there to be ogled, and it turned many women against each other. It was a “kill or be killed” type of thing, and it took a very thick skin to make it through that. Now, being a female in Hardcore is like being a role model for the younger generation, and showing all the female (and female identifying) people that they have a place here.
You can get down with the boys in the pit, and some times even give them a run for their money. I’m not saying that I think people look up to me, but I like knowing that being a female body in the pit and on stage has helped to open the door for others to do the same.
“KENEDI IS AN ABSOLUTE FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH. HER WORK ETHIC IS UNMATCHED AND HER PASSION FOR OUR SCENE AND THE COMMUNITY IS SOMETHING TO TRULY ADMIRE. ONE OF THE FRIENDLIEST, KINDEST & TOUGHEST INDIVIDUALS YOU’LL EVER HAVE THE PLEASURE OF MEETING. ALWAYS THERE TO JUMP IN WHERE EVER SHE CAN AND ALWAYS THERE TO CALL IT OUT WHEN SOMEONE IS ACTING A FOOL. ALSO, IF YOU’VE EVER SEEN HER AT A SHOW BE FOREWARNED… SHE’S ONE OF THE HARDEST DANCERS AND AN ABSOLUTE WEAPON IN THE PIT!”
- ROB, @rusthxc
JILL || MVLL CRIMES
Photo Cred 📸: @mgmphotoco
“LIFE IS CHAOS AND THE ONLY CONSTANT IS CHANGE. THE ONLY THING YOU CAN CONTROL IS HOW KIND YOU ARE. GIVE PEOPLE THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT AND PRACTICE ACTIVE LISTENING.”
- JILL, @MVLLCRIMES
WHAT IS IT ABOUT HARDCORE THAT MAKES IT SPECIAL FOR YOU?
Hardcore is such a special genre because it is so versatile. It can be political, antisocial, nihilistic, joyful - whatever you need it to be. I think it's special to me because I'm an angry person and Hardcore music makes me feel less isolated.
WHAT IS THE BEST PART ABOUT BEING A FEMALE IN THE HARDCORE COMMUNITY?
Women have always been part of hardcore but it's nice that, more than ever, we are getting our flowers. I'm grateful to have a platform where I can express my anger and talk about things that are important to me, like police violence and alienation.
“WELL, JILL IS JUST THE BEST. A COMMUNITY LEADER, CREATIVE FORCE, INSPIRING ARTIST, AND INCREDIBLE FRIEND. IN MVLL CRIMES, SHE DEMANDS THE AUDIENCE ATTENTION WITH HER POINTED, TRUTHFUL LYRICS, AND HILARIOUS STAGE BANTER. SHE WORKS SO HARD IN THIS BAND AND IN EVERYTHING ELSE SHE DOES. I COULDN’T BE LUCKIER TO BE A PART OF THE BAND WITH HER. “
- PATRICK, @mvllcrimes
HILLAIRY || FIGHT ON SIGHT
Photo Cred 📸: @_omarshoots
“THANKS FOR CHANGING AND BEING BETTER. THE PEOPLE IN THIS COMMUNITY HAVE BECOME FAMILY TO ME, I’M GRATEFUL FOR THEM AND THE OPPORTUNITIES THAT HAVE COME FROM IT.”
- HILLAIRY, @fightonsight905
WHAT IS IT ABOUT HARDCORE THAT MAKES IT SPECIAL FOR YOU?
For me, Hardcore has always been empowering, it’s an outlet for expression unlike anything else. Musically, artistically, physically, there isn’t anything else like it.
WHAT IS THE BEST PART ABOUT BEING A FEMALE IN THE HARDCORE COMMUNITY?
The community around Hardcore has changed a lot in the last few years, when I was younger & first getting into it the motto was “no clit in the pit”, it used to be a total boys club. The community now isn’t perfect, but there’s an effort to be better and it’s important to acknowledge that! Right now is an interesting time to be fem in Hardcore, I’ve always tried to make space for myself and other fem folks. I think the work those of us have been putting in over the years is paying off.
It’s hard to say there’s a “best part” to being fem specifically in Hardcore, I just like the music, the culture and moshing with my friends.
“HILLAIRY IS ONE OF THE KINDEST, MOST GENUINE PEOPLE I KNOW. SHE DOES SO MUCH FOR THE HARDCORE SCENE AND FOR THE PEOPLE IN IT THAT YOU MAY NOT EVEN REALIZE, WITHOUT EVER EXPECTING ANYTHING IN RETURN. SHE’S A GREAT EXAMPLE OF THE BEST OF OUR HARDCORE SCENE IN THAT SHE’S PASSIONATE ABOUT THE MUSIC AND ABOUT WANTING ONTARIO HARDCORE TO GROW INTO THE HUGE POTENTIAL THAT IT HAS, BUT ALSO THROUGH HER CONCERN FOR THE WELL BEING OF AND LOVE FOR EVERYONE INVOLVED. I’M TRULY GRATEFUL TO HAVE GOTTEN THE CHANCE TO GET TO KNOW HER.”
- CHRISTIAN, @fightonsight905
DANIELLE || FRICTION
Photo Cred 📸: @mgmphotoco
“IT ISN’T EASY FOR EVERYONE TO GET INVOLVED, SO I’D LIKE TO SAY I APPRECIATE WHEN I DO SEE THOSE IN OUR COMMUNITY MAKING IT POSSIBLE FOR PEOPLE TO STEP OUT OF THEIR COMFORT ZONE AND ENCOURAGE THEM TO JOIN IN. WE NEED MORE BANDS IN TORONTO SO BE KIND AND WELCOMING.”
- DANIELLE, @frictionstyle
WHAT IS IT ABOUT HARDCORE THAT MAKES IT SPECIAL FOR YOU?
It’s a community that has put me through the wringer a few times. I’ve had my ups and downs with feeling excluded and or overly sexualized/ unsafe in a primarily male-dominated genre. Although, I am fortunate to have seen Toronto Hardcore grow into such a welcoming community, and because of that I’ve made friendships that will last a lifetime. It’s special to me because I have been part of that positive growth and helped create an impactful environment with my best friends.
WHAT IS THE BEST PART ABOUT BEING A FEMALE IN THE HARDCORE COMMUNITY?
I think seeing younger versions of myself enjoying the scene as much as I do now, without hesitation.
“I THINK DANIELLE IS A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH. I THINK SHE THRIVED IN MORE MELODIC SONGWRITING ENVIRONMENTS (SHE’S A SINGER SONGWRITER), BUT HER CONTRIBUTIONS TO THIS BAND HAVE BEEN MAJOR FOR US DEVELOPING OUR SOUND. ALWAYS CONTRIBUTING RIFFS, HAS AN INSANE HARDCORE SCREAM WHICH I HOPE WE DO MORE OF, AND NOT SHYING AWAY FROM BEING CRITICAL OF THE MUSIC WE MAKE WHICH IS VERY IMPORTANT. EVERYONE IN FRICTION WAS A LONGTIME FRIEND OF HERS BEFORE THE BAND BUT I MET HER WHEN SHE MOVED BACK FROM THE UK IN 2019 WHICH IS WHEN WE MADE THE DEMO.
SINCE THEN WE’VE BECOME VERY CLOSE FRIENDS AND I’M SUPER PROUD OF HER KICKING ASS IN A MALE DOMINATED SCENE. BEING IN A BAND WITH HER HAS SHINED LIGHT ON THE WAYS THIS SCENE NEEDS TO STEP UP TO MISOGYNY WHETHER THAT MEANS TO STOP TOKENIZING WOMEN, OR GENERALLY SHOWING MORE WARMTH AND RESPECT TO THE WOMEN WHO SHOW UP. I’M SUPER GRATEFUL TO KNOW AND MAKE ART WITH DANIELLE.”
- NOAH, @frictionstyle
KRISTA || AB
Photo Cred 📸: @shot.by.demon
”BE FRIENDLY WITH ONE ANOTHER. WE ARE ALL GOING THROUGH A LOT AND PEOPLE NEED TO BE UPLIFTED. SUPPORT YOUR FRIENDS IN ANY WAY YOU CAN. WHETHER IT BE THEIR ART, MUSIC, VENUES, WHATEVER IT IS.
MORE ALL AGES SHOWS WOULD BE GREAT. THE CITIES IN WHICH WE LIVE ARE NOT MAKING IT EASY FOR US TO HAVE OUR SCENE AND WE NEED TO DO WHAT WE CAN TO MAKE SURE WE TAKE UP SAPCE. BE UNDERSTANDING OF ONE ANOTHER AND LISTEN. YOU CAN LEARN A LOT BY JUST TAKING SOME TIME TO ASK QUESTIONS AND LISTEN TO THE ANSWERS.
BE TOLERANT, BUT NOT OF RACISM, HOMOPHOBIA OR TRANSPHOBIA OR ANY KIND OF DISCRIMINATION. BE NICE, DONT BE AN ASSHOLE. A LOT OF PEOPLE NEED TO BE UPLIFTED.”
- KRISTA, @abraxas.reflux
WHAT IS IT ABOUT HARDCORE THAT MAKES IT SPECIAL FOR YOU?
The things that make it special for me are the community, being around like-minded people, and how cathartic it is. Being able to get on stage and get out all of that energy and connect with people through that, is my favourite part. Having a place to be myself, and share my feelings and opinions while shouting at the top of my lungs. It's free therapy.
Watching my friends make great music and seeing them perform is wonderful. It's such a rush seeing friends unleash their talent. Being surrounded by that raw energy you get being at a show is special to me. Its definitely a great way to connect with everyone.
WHAT IS THE BEST PART ABOUT BEING A FEMALE IN THE HARDCORE COMMUNITY?
As a transgender woman in the scene, I feel like my experience is different. For me, I wouldn't say that there is one best thing, but there are many things that make it great. The community has been very accepting and supportive. I was in the scene for almost ten years before I came out, so in a way, I've seen both sides of it. I can't speak for other women in the scene, because I feel like our experiences could vary so much from each other's. Seeing other women in the scene gives me hope. I've always seen myself that way and it's great to have others to share that with.
“KRISTA IS ONE OF THE SRONGEST AND MOST INDEPENDENT PEOPLE I KNOW BUT IS ALSO EXTREMELY CARING, AUTHENTIC AND HILARIOUSLY SELF-DEPRECATING. SHE LIVES HER LIFE FEARLESSLY AND THIS BECOMES VERY APPARENT TO EVERYONE THE SECOND THE FIRST NOTE RINGS OUT ON STAGE AND SHE IMMEDIATELY BEGINS TO THROW HERSELF AROUND WITH ZERO REGARD FOR HER WELLBEING AND THAT OF HER POOR FLATTENED SM58.”
- AI, @abraxas.reflux
HAILEY || JOCK
Photo Cred 📸: @staygoulden
”THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH DAY 5 LEFTOVERS, THE POLITICS CAME FIRST, YOU CAN CARRY A TRULY IMPRESSIVE AMOUNT OF NATIVE WILDFLOWER SEEDS IN YOUR CARGO PANTS POCKETS, SOMETIMES CROWD KILLING IS OK AND HILARIOUS AND IF YOU ARGUE ABOUT HARDCORE ON THE INTERNET I THINK YOU’RE DUMB”
- HAILEY, @jockhc
WHAT IS IT ABOUT HARDCORE THAT MAKES IT SPECIAL FOR YOU?
I think everyone craves shared experience! Hardcore provides that on a really visceral level - knowing the majority of your community shares the same core values is a special thing.
WHAT IS THE BEST PART ABOUT BEING A FEMALE IN THE HARDCORE COMMUNITY?
At the risk of sounding like an ass I don’t think my experience as a woman is different in Hardcore than it is in any other area of my life. The whole “Female Fronted” trope is irritating (for reasons I could rant about extensively but will not, yet) but I’m hopeful it’ll phase out with more representation. The best part of Hardcore for me has always been the people - I’m eternally grateful for the bonds I’ve built because of this scene and it’s a joy to see your friends accomplish things, musically or otherwise.
“SHE’S AN INCREDIBLY INTELLIGENT HUMAN BEING AND SHE IS ONE OF MY FAVOURITE LYRICISTS IN THE PROVINCE. SHE’S TOUGH AS NAILS, STRONG WITH HER CONVICTIONS, STICKS UP FOR HER FRIENDS AND ISN’T AFRAID TO TELL PEOPLE WHAT THEY NEED TO HEAR, EVEN IF IT ISN’T EASY TO HEAR. THERE’S A LOT OF COMPASSION AND EMPATHY THAT COMES ALONG WITH THAT. YEAH SHE’S A GREAT PAL!
REALLY HAPPY TO WORK WITH HER. I ALWAYS STRIVE TO BE MORE LIKE HER.”
- BOBBY, @jockhc
Stay current with ONHC : @ontarioxhardcore
Writer : @bertnay
Editor : @just_reidz
03/08/23
