HardLore Podcast Episode Summary: "BIG BOY: Real Bay S*"**

Release Date: May 8, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of HardLore, hosts Colin Young and Bo Lueders sit down with Brandon from the hardcore band Big Boy. The conversation delves deep into Brandon's journey within the hardcore, punk, and metal scenes, offering listeners an intimate look at touring life, band formation, musical influences, and the evolving landscape of the Bay Area's hardcore scene.

Brandon's Early Life and Discovery of Hardcore

Brandon hails from San Jose, California, positioning himself firmly on the RBS Spectrum (Raging Bay Shore). His early exposure to hardcore music was somewhat unconventional:

• Moving Between Cities: Born in San Jose, Brandon moved to the Central Valley near Stockton during his childhood before returning to San Jose later.

• Discovery at Eureka Coffee Shop: At around 12 years old, Brandon stumbled upon hardcore music at Eureka Coffee Shop in Lathrop, California. This venue became a pivotal space for him, where he met like-minded individuals and discovered local hardcore bands.

  Brandon [06:26]: "It was dope. Like it was dope."

This experience was formative, allowing him to immerse himself in the hardcore scene and establish connections that would influence his musical trajectory.

Formation and Evolution of Big Boy

Brandon's passion for hardcore music led him to form his first band, Rage, during his high school years. While the band had a MySpace-era aesthetic, Brandon's approach was unique:

• Musical Beginnings:

  Brandon [30:07]: "I was like, hey, you should try to be in our band… I know a guy that drums."

• Transition to Big Boy: Post his stint with Rage, Brandon connected with Joseph and other musicians like Keone and Adrian, leading to the formation of Big Boy in 2019. This band was conceived out of a mutual desire to play shows and quickly gained traction within the local scene.

  Brandon [38:28]: "Big Boy starts in 2019. That's the beginning of Big Boy starting."

RBS Fest and Its Impact

The RBS Fest, held in San Jose, stands as a cornerstone event for the local hardcore community. Brandon reflects on its success and significance:

• Community Gathering: The fest was a testament to the DIY spirit of the Bay Area, bringing together bands and fans from various regions.

  Brandon [02:40]: "It was dope. It was awesome."

• Unity and Recognition: Hosting the fest in San Jose fostered a sense of pride and unity, as Brandon recognized familiar faces and bands from different areas coming together.

  Brandon [03:13]: "It was awesome. Yeah. Very, very good."

Early Tours and Recording Releases

Big Boy's journey extended beyond local shows, embarking on tours and releasing music that resonated with the hardcore community.

• First Tour with Abrasion and Extinguish:

  Brandon [59:02]: "It was awesome. It was good enough to be like, oh, this is a dope. This is a dope vibe."

  The Abrasion Tour marked Big Boy's initial foray into touring, solidifying their presence both locally and internationally.

• Recording EPs:

  Big Boy opted for a raw and authentic sound in their recordings, intentionally keeping songs short to maintain the intensity characteristic of hardcore music.

  Brandon [63:07]: "The goal was to make one minute songs, like one minute 30 second songs."

  This approach ensures that their music remains real and unpolished, a deliberate choice to capture the essence of live performances.

Musical Influences and Style

Brandon's influences are deeply rooted in both classic and modern hardcore, shaping Big Boy's distinctive sound.

• Favorite Bands and Albums:

  Brandon cites bands like Cold World, Soul Search, Intolerable Weight, and Scared to Death as pivotal to his musical upbringing.

  Brandon [119:12]: "I do feel good about that. Yeah. Because those four, I think, are good representations of not just our band, but, like the influences that we put towards the sort of music we write."

• Approach to EPs vs. LPs:

  While many bands strive for LPs, Big Boy prefers EPs and splits, believing they are more suited to the hardcore genre's fast-paced and intense nature.

  Brandon [68:30]: "I want to keep the jacket off our LPs."

  This preference underscores their commitment to delivering short, impactful bursts of music that leave a lasting impression without overstaying their welcome.

Community Engagement through Merch

Big Boy places significant emphasis on community and authenticity, which extends to their merchandising strategy.

• Merch Philosophy: Brandon aims to create merch that is universally wearable, avoiding over-the-top designs that could alienate potential fans.

  Brandon [96:17]: "I want our merch to end up on depop. That's the goal."

• Strategic Distribution: By designing merch that appeals beyond hardcore enthusiasts, Big Boy fosters broader recognition while maintaining roots in the underground scene.

  Brandon [96:41]: "That was my goal with the merch we print."

Touring Experiences and International Shows

Big Boy's dedication to their craft has led them to tour extensively, including international venues.

• European and Australian Tours:

  Touring in Australia and Europe allowed Big Boy to showcase their music to diverse audiences, further cementing their reputation.

  Brandon [85:32]: "I had such a good time there."

• Memorable Performances:

  From performing at climbing gyms to participating in large festivals, Big Boy has navigated various venues, adapting their performances to different settings.

  Brandon [104:07]: "We played Tied Down… Combust…"

These tours not only expanded their fan base but also enriched their experiences, influencing their music and performance style.

Personal Anecdotes and Stories

Throughout the episode, Brandon shares personal stories that highlight his character and the camaraderie within the hardcore scene.

• The Splash Zone Incident:

  A humorous yet telling anecdote about Brandon attempting to create the "biggest mosh pit" during a performance at a climbing gym.

  Brandon [89:41]: "I asked kindly, politely asked, like, probably like a hundred... They listened."

• Beliefs and Fears:

  Brandon opens up about his belief in ghosts and his experiences growing up, offering a glimpse into his personal life beyond music.

  Brandon [112:01]: "Sometimes, certain objects, like, feel like you can. They radiate a certain energy. Unexplainable."

These stories not only humanize Brandon but also illustrate the close-knit and supportive nature of the hardcore community.

Future Plans for Big Boy

Looking ahead, Big Boy has ambitious plans to continue their growth and impact within the hardcore scene.

• Upcoming Tours:

  Plans to tour in the UK, Canada, and further into Europe, playing alongside notable bands and expanding their international presence.

  Brandon [102:41]: "We got the show with Turnstile…"

• Musical Evolution:

  Exploring more experimental elements in their music, Big Boy aims to push the boundaries of hardcore while staying true to their roots.

  Brandon [75:21]: "That was their best album."

Brandon's vision for Big Boy is one of continuous evolution, ensuring that their music remains fresh and resonant with both old and new fans.

Conclusion

This episode of HardLore provides an extensive and heartfelt exploration of Brandon's journey with Big Boy, encapsulating the spirit of the hardcore scene in the Bay Area. From humble beginnings at a local coffee shop to international tours and a dedicated fanbase, Brandon's story is a testament to passion, community, and the relentless pursuit of musical authenticity. Listeners gain valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of maintaining a band in the ever-evolving landscape of hardcore music, all while highlighting the profound connections that fuel this vibrant subculture.

Notable Quotes

1. On LPs and Song Structure

   Brandon [00:06]: "Everyone wants that, right? They say they do. They say they do. Until you listen to the LP, you stop at the sixth song."

2. On RBS Fest Success

   Brandon [02:40]: "It was dope. It was awesome."

3. On Being Straight Edge

   Brandon [19:03]: "I've been Straight Edge and introduced to Straight Edge since I was, like, 13."

4. On Community and Merch

   Brandon [96:17]: "I want our merch to end up on depop. That's the goal."

5. On Tours and International Shows

   Brandon [85:32]: "I had such a good time there."

6. On Personal Experiences

   Brandon [112:01]: "Sometimes, certain objects, like, feel like you can. They radiate a certain energy. Unexplainable."

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the "BIG BOY: Real Bay S***" episode, providing readers with a clear understanding of the discussions, insights, and narratives shared by Brandon and the hosts. Whether you're a hardcore enthusiast or new to the scene, this episode offers valuable perspectives on the life and legacy of a band navigating the pressures and passions of the punk and metal landscapes.