The Fire Still Burns
Monday, December 1st, 2008
When I found myself on the phone with Ernie Parada asking what he could contribute to Radio Silence the first thing that came out of my mouth was “Do you still have the denim vest?”. I crossed my fingers but and without hesitation Ernie replied “Yeah sure I have it, you want me to bring it down?”. Simple as that a “wish list” item was checked off and more importantly we had an opportunity to speak to a musician and artist that means to so much to New York hardcore’s tradition and legacy.
Ernie has been a cornerstone of the New York hardcore scene for several decades playing in Token Entry, In Your Fac e, Black Train Jack, Grey Area, The Arsons and most recently Higher Giant, but his influence isn’t limited to music. Carrying on a tradition of colorful cartoon based illustrations along with Uncle Al Morris and Sean Taggart, Ernie’s been responsible for several legendary album covers in your record collection and he found time to help Gorilla Biscuits get started by playing drums in their early stages, say thank you to the man please.
In fact if you’d like thank Ernie in person and experience what a down-to-earth guy he is you can roll out to see Higher Giant and Token Entry on December 27th. Token Entry will be thrashing out their signature brand of skate influenced New York hardcore and you’ll also get a chance to hear Higher Giant’s unique brand of melodic hardcore. Former Lifetime and Kid Dynamite drummer Dave Wagenshutz provides the beat while Ernie and Jason Lehrhoff, formerly of Warzone and Grey Area, trade riffs that draw from Dag Nasty’s intricacies and sophistication topped with Ernie’s best vocals yet. Add them on Myspace immediately.
Photo: Ernie Parada at Athletics, Brooklyn, New York, March 2008; Photograph by Nathan Nedorostek.