Episode 140 - Mark Scondotto (Shutdown)

<p>On this episode of the Hardcore Archive Podcast Josh and Greg interview Mark Scondotto (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/markshutdown/">@markshutdown</a>) from Shutdown (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/shutdownnyhc/">@shutdownnyhc</a>). </p> <p>Mark discusses his early life growing up in Brooklyn, and his introduction to hardcore punk through his older brothers. We cover the formation of Shutdown and the influence Mark&#39;s friend and classmate <a href="https://www.instagram.com/justin.brannan/">@justin.brannan</a> (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/indecisionnyhc/">@indecisionnyhc</a> guitar player, New York City Councilmember) had on the band&#39;s first songwriting efforts. Mark also talks about the important relationship he and the band had with Ray &quot;Raybeez&quot; Barbieri from Warzone, and how his mentorship helped the band gain a foothold in the New York hardcore scene and get signed to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/victoryrecords/">@victoryrecords</a>. </p> <p>The interview also covers a number of notable experiences Mark and the band had including touring Europe, playing the Raybeez memorial show, and the recording of the LP &quot;Against All Odds.&quot; Mark also shares a surprising and hilarious story about how the band met the cast of Dawson&#39;s Creek while on tour in North Carolina, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/katieholmes/">@katieholmes</a>&#39; subsequent appearance at a Shutdown show. </p> <p>Mark discusses Shutdown&#39;s reformation and the band&#39;s recent activities including their appearance this weekend at Off Limits Fest (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/offlimitsmx/">@offlimitsmx</a>) in Mexico City, their December appearance at Festival 100% Bogota Hardcore (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/100hcbogota.festival/">@100hcbogota.festival</a>) in Columbia, and their forthcoming record on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/equalvision/">@equalvision</a> Records. Mark also shares how fatherhood has influenced the band members, his lyrics and their outlook on l