The hardcore scene is built on spin kicks, windmilling arms and some of the most violently high-energy shows in Tāmaki Makaurau. And apparently has one of the most genuinely community driven music scenes going. Darian Serrano writes about BornReady, the collective behind the FUNCRUSHERS shows, and talks to JackTea from Money Sock and Heavy Step about why the green rooms at hardcore gigs are always empty and the old heads keep coming back.
Read Fight Riffs and Grass Roots in Issue 5, Puoro o Aotearoa / Local Music.
Available now in print and on Substack.
Written by @gumvoid
Mentioned @bornready.tm@run.it.straight.tmhc@heavysteptmhc@money_sock_hc
Photos by @spacecadetsandy
#hardcoreaotearoa #localmusicnz #aucklandmusic #debatemag #studentjournalism
“Stinky Business”
I forgot to post this, but I did this comic for @debate_mag for the “Whenua” edition about Wellingtons poop water. Thank you to “Debate” magazine for being so great.
“A Knight A Day” doodles/drawings in my journal. I made these as an act of resilience towards my own hard wiring. Fighting the urge to self sabotage and to overthink my way into disaster. Learning to be vulnerable requires bravery and I felt the knight was a good representation of that. Putting on a suit of armor even when you’re scared, and going forward. As this world continues to grow unstable and our psychotic sociopathic evil President continues to dig us deeper into an unnecessary and illegal conflict; resilience is something I keep thinking about. Every day people once again having to bear the consequences of the powers above. I hope things work out for all of us, but if they don’t, I hope we can be there for each other and be brave. February and March have been tumultuous to say the least. I’m holding onto hope the best I can, and loving the people around me as much as I can for as long as I can.
My journal from the end of 2023. I finished it just after my first year of art school. 2023 was a tumultuous year for me. Moving to a new country and starting from square one, the ending of a relationship, and the loss of my father. As hard as it was, I’m grateful for every single person who helped me get through it. To all my old and new friends and family, thank you.
This sketchbook is from 2022. I was freshly unemployed and had just returned to America from playing Rugby in Fiji. This was the moment where I began taking art more seriously. I made the choice to go to school for fine art instead of graphic design and I forced myself to start making physical work again. I was proud when I finished this journal in 5 months, when my previous one had taken two years. I like looking back at this and using it as a reminder of my improvement and how far i’ve come. This is my first time showing this journal like this. Thank you to anyone who takes the time to have a look at all of it and for everyone who has been here since I started this account back in 2019. I have finally scanned my entire back catalogue of sketchbooks and have so much more to show. Thanks again.
Hey guys i’m having a show with a large group of incredible artists. Please come and support @salon_de_povo
Friday, 29Aug25
6-8pm
322 K rd.
Thank you to @ailsa.png and @tovespary for this opportunity and for putting this together.
“Like A Moth To A Flame”
Archival Ink
190x190mm
2025
“Western Sci-Fi in New Mexico”
Archival Ink
190x190mm
2025
“Big Feet You Say?”
Archival Ink
190x190mm
2025
“A Failed Performance And The Tribe”
Acrylic and Wool yarn
2000mm x 2000mm (6ft x 6ft)
“Jumping Through Hoops”
Acrylic and Wool yarn
2000mm x 2000mm (6ft x 6ft)
Statement:
“A tale as old as time. A group of outsiders must prove their worth to the host. Outnumbered and unfamiliar with the terrain; they sing, dance, juggle, jump, smile nice and wide to prove they are worthy of acceptance.
The slightest imperfection or deviation of customs will be met with swift and violent rejection. If successful, they will be welcomed as second-class citizens and will be expected to continue the performance. Until the higher powers decide, it is time to scapegoat the outsiders and blame them for any wrongdoing or negligence based on their own greed and incompetence.
They love the music, the food, and the energy but when times are tough, they’ll always blame the outsiders. Besides, things were better before “they” got here.”
The current administration only has the power of divisive language and force. They threaten anyone they deem isn’t “American enough” or doesn’t align with their hateful rhetoric. Tribalism is in full swing and you’re either in or out. These works highlight what Immigrants have to do to be accepted and the threats they face when they are not. I was born in America but my parents were both immigrants from Cuba during the Mariel Boat Lift. We are a country of immigrants built by immigrants. The rounding up en masse of people is wrong and has been wrong since the inception of ICE and prior. This has not been a fine toothed comb process and innocent people are being detained everyday. This is unacceptable.
I’m losing track of the journals. Holy shit this past month and a half has been insane. I highly recommend getting a journal and a nice fountain pen. Start writing and doodling. Shit keeps me sane in this world of nonsense and noise. Compliments to @boneryan for the napkin portrait of me. Very grateful for the highs and lows I am granted.
