From CBGB to Lies
Even though it feels like just “last summer,” the punk rock, emo, and hardcore scenes are still vibrant and thriving on Long Island.
A band called Mobiel Life, hailing from New York City, is set to tour this summer for the first time since 2017 alongside a new group. The promoter mentioned there’s no sign that this beloved anti-genre is losing momentum.
Lina Maburg, a 24-year-old booking agent for Bored Friend Presents, shared that “out of state bands are particularly eager to play Long Island.” She noted that if a scheduled date doesn’t align, they often prefer to take part in a hardcore show on Long Island instead of performing in Brooklyn.
Formed in 2021, one local pop/punk and emo band is charming audiences with their introspective and somewhat melancholic lyrics. The band consists of singer Nick Valero, drummer Dan Avelino, bass players Dave Carroll and Joey Valero, and guitarist Stin Barrow—each juggling their musical careers with day jobs.
Carroll, 20, from Massapequa, recalled a lively concert moment: “Nick taught the audience the lyrics, and everyone just climbed over each other to sing along to one song.” It seems like Long Island’s music scene is rekindling an interest in their style.
Once, hardcore music shifted to New Jersey due to the stringent nightlife regulations in the ’90s. Now, Amityville Music Hall serves as a central hub, hosting around 250 events in 2025 alone.
Booking agencies like Miles to Go, Golden Hour Booking, and Boring Friends are some of the leading names in the hardcore, pop/punk, and emo genres, consistently organizing multiple shows. John Scanlon, 33, from Ronkonkoma, noted that he booked 143 events in 2024 alongside AMH’s calendar manager.
Scanlon expressed, “A lot of factors can influence future shows. If a band changes singers or if their latest records aren’t well-received, attendance can drop.” Meanwhile, Steve Levy, a 30-year-old from Lindenhurst, has been shooting about 70 punk rock shows each year since 2021, noting that the business seems to be holding steady.
He humorously recounted, “I got kicked in the face, and my camera flash broke. But, honestly, I don’t mind.” He often captures photos for free at shows, enjoying the experience rather than focusing strictly on profit.
Levy stated, “I treasure the moments at these concerts and the community it fosters. Giving back is what it’s all about.” The hardcore punk band Pain of Truth has gained momentum, touring internationally in locations like Australia and Japan since its inception in late 2021.
Nick Hansen, 28, guitarist for the Babylon band, claimed, “Long Island hardcore commands attention worldwide. We definitely have our own unique style.” The genres’ roots trace back to the 1980s punk rock scenes in places like Washington, DC, and New York City.
Chris Payne attributed his influences from the Long Island scene to his book, “Where Will Your Boy Be Tonight? Oral History of the Mainstream Emo Explosion from 1999 to 2008,” explaining that the genre carries a distinctive character.
“Hardcore incorporates heavier elements like intense screaming and dramatic breakdowns,” Payne elaborated. “Emo is a more melodic subgenre born from hardcore, capturing feelings in a way that’s both catchy and accessible.”
For many local musicians, their involvement with the Long Island scene has been a longstanding journey.
Nick Ropaldo, 37, who has been part of local bands since 2006, is currently performing solo as “the worst champion.” He reflected, “People on Long Island usually stick around. Whether it’s sports or music, that’s just how it is.”
Having opened for noteworthy hardcore groups like Agnostic Front and Mad Ball, Ropaldo finds joy in his passion, even though he works as a home heating technician to support his family and fund his music.
He candidly shared, “Honestly, I’m not doing this for a record deal.”
