“Music is my outlet for for all the negativity in my life.”- Introducing Rust, Canadian Hardcore Heavyweights

In a scene that was showing signs of lacking pre-pandemic; DIY Hardcore outfit Rust has stepped up and proven time and time again why Canada's hardcore scene needs to be taken as serious as any other scene out there.

Consisting of Tommy Wood (vocals), Rob Beaulieu (bass), Rick Beaulieu (guitar), and Dillon Forret (percussion), Rust are a complete force to be reckoned with. Dedicated to DIY ethics in a scene that was very much lacking pre-pandemic, the metallic hardcore outfit has stepped up and proven time and time again why Canada’s hardcore/alternative scene needs to be taken as seriously as any other scene out there. They single-handedly represent everything Ontario hardcore has to offer which has since resonated with swathes of people, old and young, causing a massive surge in attendance and acceptance in the thriving hardcore community in Canada.

Coming from the Greater Toronto Area, what separates them from any other hardcore band in the area? Could it be their fan engagement? Their love for their community? Their thrive and willingness to push new bands? Or just the fact their music absolutely slaps? It’s actually all of the above. Rust has a massive sense of community and love for their fans, friends, and family alike. Proving they’re not only amazing hardworking musicians but also some of the most all around nicest guys out there. We got to see this first hand when sitting down with vocalist Tommy Wood to answer a few questions for us about the ever growing Canadian hardcore scene, the band, and music in general.

For those who don’t know the band, can you describe Rust and what the band’s influences are?

I would describe our music as metallic hardcore, heavily focused on groove. Dynamic and easy to rock with! We take influence from a bunch of bands, however I’d say we predominantly take from 90’s metal, 80’s thrash metal, and 2000’s hardcore. Bands such as Machine Head, Biohazard, Metallica, Hatebreed, and Terror are some examples.

Who would you say your personal inspirations as an artist might be?

My main inspiration as an artist is my everyday life. Music is my outlet for all the negativity in my life; struggling with mental health, going through hardships, social issues, etc are all things I draw from and try to express musically. In terms of bands that I take influence from; Metallica, Bayside, Testament, Backtrack, King Diamond, and Children of Bodom to name just a few.

Recently releasing EP ‘World Upside Down’, the band has been on an incline since. Can you tell us how that’s been?

We are very grateful for the response and support we received with ‘World Upside Down’. We are all very proud of the EP and everyone who was involved in its creation. All the shows we’ve played have been incredible and we couldn’t be happier. Very excited to continue playing and shopping this material and hopefully release something new soon!

Having survived the Covid-19 pandemic as a Canadian DIY band, how do you find the crowds are responding since returning to the stage?

Honestly, I feel like since the pandemic shows have been better than they were before it happened. Sometimes things aren’t appreciated until they’re absent and I feel like that may have played a part in this amazing resurgence of support and community in the Ontario scene.

Religiously DIY, how do you guys manage to hold up such ethics since the pandemic?

DIY has always been a massive part of the hardcore “spirit” since bands well before us. We are very lucky to have members of our band and talented close friends on our team that are able to deliver quality work within our own camp. DIY to us isn’t so much “do it yourself” rather “do it yourselves”. Our team rules and we love everyone very much.

Being a Canadian hardcore band, how would you describe the scene?

I would describe the scene here as blooming. There has been an insane amount of growth within the past couple of years and I feel we are at a point where we can confidently say we have a strong scene here. Bands from anywhere can come through most places in Ontario and play to great crowds, sell merch, make friends/connections and get paid well for their time here.

What would you say your personal favourites are when it comes to Ontario hardcore bands?

I don’t really pick favourites but I’ll shout out a bunch of bands I love off the top of my head: Single Wound, Reliever, Cold Shoulder, Street Justice, Hostage, Chokehold, Teeth, Mile End, Bar Down, Northern Hit Squad, Strange Ways, Losing Sight, Spirit Of Vengence, Gavel, Deadly Game, Fight On Sight, Choices Made, Fend, Panic Response, Entice, Lapsaria, Betraying Osiris, Temper Tantrum, Beguiler, and so many more!

Lastly, what do you have to say to anyone trying to start a hardcore band in 2023?

If I could give any advice to new bands, it would be to get your “ducks in a row”, get yourself a solid start but don’t sweat it when things don’t go as planned. Get your music recorded, mixed, and ready to release. Promo photos, logos, gear to play live all before you announce your band’s existence. Coming out the gate with a strong presence and as little stress as possible can do a lot for you as long as you’re ready to work to keep the momentum going.