With fanzines like No Answers and HeartattaCk or his influential Ebullition label, Kent McClard has spent 40 years keeping hardcore accessible for future generations. There was no other path, he says.
In 1990 No Answers #9 with the Downcast 7” was a life changer. Yeah, I had found the Rev straight edge stuff and the older DC records, but the passion in the sound of that record and level of expression in the writing just clicked. It made me travel to see shows, try to start a band and just rethink my place in the world. Thanks for that Kent. I know I was one of so many that had their lives changed by your work. I know because I’ve met more than a few of them. Still straight edge, still vegan, still questioning…
And having a No Answers book wouldn’t just a look back, it would be a document that could be shared with others inspire them. I know my son would pour through it…
Based on the interview he'd cringe at me saying this but, what a legend Kent is, I mean truly, what he created with Ebullition and HeartattaCk, it got me through my crappy highschool experiences and opened my eyes and ears to a world beyond the confines of my small town. I was so happy to order records via mailorder directly from him so I could sell at shows I put on in my small town 🇨🇦. For me it was the most amazing experience and influenced what i'd become through music and running a label myself. Thanks Kent 👊
An incredible start to the anniversary celebration! I’ve known the name Kent McClard for about as long as I can remember but knowing of someone, and their great work, and hearing from them directly about their motivations and vision made for such a great read. Thank you!
No Answers, Ebullition, HeartattaCk, along with Gravity and the Dischord stuff from maybe 1982-1989, left its fingerprints all over everything that mattered to us and everything we’ve done. Really enjoyed this interview.
Very Cool to hear from Kent. Kent, if you wind up reading this somehow. What I think happened with Inside Out is two-fold: (1) I dont think we had the same keep-it-small ethic as you. I think our ethic was "we can take this to the masses in a huge way, without losing sincerity." Thats why we favored Revelation - which is such a "lol" from a grownup's perspective (revelation is "big" is a lol) but at the time on our scale, it makes a little sense. (2) I think there was a lot of tension in the band starting a few months after we talked about doing a record with you. I was pushing the Krishna thing on them really hard, bringing Equal Vision Records and Shelter into the picture - and I think the whole band just got frustrated and stopped thinking calmly. Sorry about that. I always thought you and your zine had a lot of substance. I dont think the value of No Answers comes from anything particular that was in No Answers, but from its connection to the sincerity and integrity of the person behind it (you). What was also interesting about No Answers and you, to me, was that it showed that a person could seriously influence the hardcore scene without being in a band. That was sort of an eye opener for me. Just want to say "thank you" for that Interview. I think in my whole life that one interview with you was my favorite (for several reasons, not all of which have anything to do with you, but still, accept the praise homie )
"...it’s not like I’m not completely anti-capitalist; I just like small stuff. I think the scale works better. I think small business works better. I’m just against monopolies and chains. I don’t like too much concentrated power in the hands of a few."
Always looked to Kent for influence and ideas throughout the years—though from far as we've not met. His label and zine grabbed my attention. Another awesome voice that helped shape me over the years. Thank you Norm.
In 1990 No Answers #9 with the Downcast 7” was a life changer. Yeah, I had found the Rev straight edge stuff and the older DC records, but the passion in the sound of that record and level of expression in the writing just clicked. It made me travel to see shows, try to start a band and just rethink my place in the world. Thanks for that Kent. I know I was one of so many that had their lives changed by your work. I know because I’ve met more than a few of them. Still straight edge, still vegan, still questioning…
And having a No Answers book wouldn’t just a look back, it would be a document that could be shared with others inspire them. I know my son would pour through it…
There needs to be a No Answers anthology book. It inspired people like you and me to do fanzines and I’m sure it would still inspire others today.
Based on the interview he'd cringe at me saying this but, what a legend Kent is, I mean truly, what he created with Ebullition and HeartattaCk, it got me through my crappy highschool experiences and opened my eyes and ears to a world beyond the confines of my small town. I was so happy to order records via mailorder directly from him so I could sell at shows I put on in my small town 🇨🇦. For me it was the most amazing experience and influenced what i'd become through music and running a label myself. Thanks Kent 👊
An incredible start to the anniversary celebration! I’ve known the name Kent McClard for about as long as I can remember but knowing of someone, and their great work, and hearing from them directly about their motivations and vision made for such a great read. Thank you!
No Answers, Ebullition, HeartattaCk, along with Gravity and the Dischord stuff from maybe 1982-1989, left its fingerprints all over everything that mattered to us and everything we’ve done. Really enjoyed this interview.
Very Cool to hear from Kent. Kent, if you wind up reading this somehow. What I think happened with Inside Out is two-fold: (1) I dont think we had the same keep-it-small ethic as you. I think our ethic was "we can take this to the masses in a huge way, without losing sincerity." Thats why we favored Revelation - which is such a "lol" from a grownup's perspective (revelation is "big" is a lol) but at the time on our scale, it makes a little sense. (2) I think there was a lot of tension in the band starting a few months after we talked about doing a record with you. I was pushing the Krishna thing on them really hard, bringing Equal Vision Records and Shelter into the picture - and I think the whole band just got frustrated and stopped thinking calmly. Sorry about that. I always thought you and your zine had a lot of substance. I dont think the value of No Answers comes from anything particular that was in No Answers, but from its connection to the sincerity and integrity of the person behind it (you). What was also interesting about No Answers and you, to me, was that it showed that a person could seriously influence the hardcore scene without being in a band. That was sort of an eye opener for me. Just want to say "thank you" for that Interview. I think in my whole life that one interview with you was my favorite (for several reasons, not all of which have anything to do with you, but still, accept the praise homie )
"...it’s not like I’m not completely anti-capitalist; I just like small stuff. I think the scale works better. I think small business works better. I’m just against monopolies and chains. I don’t like too much concentrated power in the hands of a few."
Always looked to Kent for influence and ideas throughout the years—though from far as we've not met. His label and zine grabbed my attention. Another awesome voice that helped shape me over the years. Thank you Norm.