Something Vicious For Tomorrow

By Fringe Staff

By Ryan Kinder

Episode 1: “Choked up at school. And I blew it at the job. And I’m f-ing up everybody else’s lives with Something Vicious For Tomorrow.”

The events portrayed in this column are true. The names have been changed to protect the innocent.

And to prevent embarrassment.

Greetings and salutations. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Ryan, and I’ve been hired by the good folks at The Fringe to write a monthly column on music, culture, and lifestyle, and or a combination of all three.

Now, you may be asking yourself just what qualifies someone like me to write such a column.

My editor asked me the same thing, and here’s what I told her: I’ve worked in the music industry for nearly 15 years. I’ve worked in record stores for over half of my life. I’ve owned an independent record label since 1999. And I was co-owner of a music magazine until my partner bought me out last year. I served as Tour Manager for a nationally known punk band from 1998-1999 (Incidentally, they were the first band to release an album on my label). I was Music Director and a DJ at an award-winning college radio station. I’ve booked and managed bands from all over the world. I was a founding member of pioneering hardcore band In The Shadow of Blood. And one might even say I helped The Killers get signed to Island/Def Jam (although that “one” might be exaggerating a bit, I did book them a few label showcase gigs, and I managed drummer Ronnie Vanucci’s pre-Killers ska band). Plus, I’ve been to rehab for a Cobainsized Heroin addiction, and lived to tell about it.

And if all that isn’t enough to qualify me for this gig, then check this one important fact – I’m a self-proclaimed music snob. I have no problem making fun of bands like Hinder and Nickelback, and artists like Dave Matthews and Gwen Stefani.

I think their music is utter garbage, and I’m insulted that these purveyors of crap sell truckloads of records.

Now that you know a little bit about me, here’s a brief overview of what Something Vicious For Tomorrow will be all about. I plan on using this column to discuss music, and the fashion, trends and rumors associated with it. And when I say “discuss,” I basically mean rant. I’ve very passionate about my love of good music, and even more so about my hatred of bad music. I can’t guarantee you’ll agree with everything I have to say, but hey, this is my column. Occasionally I’ll throw in a CD, DVD, or concert review, or an interview with a band that deserves the exposure.

I invite reader feedback – positive or negative.

Complaints, compliments, and concerns are all welcome via e-mail or snail mail. I’ll do my best to address those which need addressing, however, I won’t waste time responding to “screw you, I like Hinder” e-mails because, come on, no one really likes Hinder, do they?