'We Gotta Cherish What We Have' - Vinnie Stigma of Agnostic Front Interviewed

With the recent release of their latest kick to the throat, The American Dreamed Died, Vinnie Stigma of Agnostic Front joined me for the April 18 edition of The Oath to talk about the album, the legendary New York hardcore scene of the 80's, living the hardcore lifestyle and more.

Age hasn't slowed Agnostic Front down in the least bit. Over thirty years into their career and the band continues to deliver high-energy, aggressive music.

There's a lotta guys that wrote records thirty years ago and they still want to live on that. That's fine, but what have you done for me lately, you know?

"I can still bring it", says Stigma. "I see a lotta guys that did it thirty years ago and they can't bring it today. You gotta be in it, you gotta believe."

Being "in it" is a big part of the underground scene. Camaraderie between bands is important to fuel a healthy scene no matter what genre you belong to, but none more so than in the hardcore scene.

Stigma had this to say about the scene, "I'm glad hardcore is a brotherhood, it's a lifestyle." He continues, "It's like a dysfunctional family at times, but it's for real and we gotta keep it real."

With that being said, it's obvious that moving the scene forward is important to Stigma.

"You can't get left behind", he says. "There's a lotta guys that wrote records thirty years ago and they still want to live on that. That's fine, but what have you done for me lately, you know?"

With the release of the new album, Agnostic Front look to head out on a North American tour here in the near future. Keep an eye on their official website for dates.