Nat Wood was kind enough to give us a selection of her photographs of the UK's dynamic and exciting hardcore scene.
We're super-excited about the UK hardcore scene at the moment. It feels like it's full of so much talent right now – creative people, gifted artists and unique bands – and that the thing that unites everyone involved is that they're not waiting on life to happen to them, they're putting their all into whatever it is they do and making shit happen themselves. It's that DIY culture thing you've read so much about, but crucially, in action! IRL! Right now! Today! Cool, huh? You yourself, sitting at home right now, could get involved in this thing at any time, isn't that exciting?
One member of the scene putting her all into what she does is photographer Nat Wood, who has been shooting her friends in hardcore bands for years. She was kind enough to send us a selection of brilliant photos that not only showcase her considerable talent but also feature some of the best bands in the UK right now. So this article's a twofer.
Check out her photos in the gallery above and have a read of what she has to say about the scene and her photography right here:
Hi, Nat! Who are the best hardcore bands in the UK right now?
Some of my faves are: Higher Power, The Flex, Big Cheese, Blind Authority, Frame of Mind and Malevolence. UK hardcore over the last couple of years has massively grown and put itself on the map in a big way. The bar has been set high now, and there’s way more people into it and coming to shows then there ever was. UK bands are finally getting the recognition they deserve. It used to be American hardcore bands selling out shows, and now a bill full of UK bands will sell out just as easy. Hardcore in the UK is a huge, sick community, mates supporting mates.
How long have you been shooting photos?
I’ve been taking photos since I was a kid, when I was about 13 I got super into it and found myself a job a little later at a photography studio. I started to focus more on photographing shows when I was like 15 or 16, maybe. But over the last five-ish years is when I guess I stumbled across UK hardcore and when I really started concentrating on capturing as much of it as I could. I’m surrounded by a whole load of creative and insanely talented musicians and individuals, and I feel like that needs documenting.
What does hardcore mean to you?
I see the meaning of hardcore as a personal thing I guess, people take a lot of different things out of it. But to me it means unity and a DIY mentally. When I was younger it also gave me a sense of self. Hardcore is something I will always be thankful for.
Check out Nat's site and Instagram for more great flix of great bands!
Also, here's a lil playlist we made of some of the bands in this feature – give it a listen:
