Episode 31 Richie Birkenhead. A Unique Voice.

Episode 31 Richie Birkenhead. A Unique Voice.

From the earliest days of NYHC, Richie Birkenhead was there, but in a different position that you’d might expect. His growing up in Upper West Side and high school would lead him to the Lower East Side and playing in the clubs that would be the first homes for NYHC, which at the time, wasn’t even called Hardcore yet. After his first time seeing Bad Brains, Richie was all in and obsessed. So much so, he’d eventually start a band which would turn into Underdog. Underdog has always stood out sonicaly and part of that came from Richie’s outstanding vocals. His impact wouldn’t end with that band as he would join and be a part of Youth of Today. His time touring with YOT would be the impetus for his taking the art to a new level in Into Another. There is a lot here to dissect and Richie does a wonderful job of giving the details, the feelings and his perspective on a huge part of our history, from its very meager beginnings through the 80s and into the 90s. He is a unique figure as someone whose career began before HC truly began, but would be a member in multiple NYHC bands each of which would be their own force of influence in our culture. His experience, his career and his personal experiences is something that may have been overlooked at times, but is certainly a story I wanted to have on our show.

Underdog Facebook
Underdog Bridge 9
Into Another Facebook
Into Another Bandcamp