Every local scene has its own "institutions." For me as a teen, that was a mix of the PWAC, Under the Volcano zine, and Exit/Wreck-Age Records. I remember thinking that 924 Gilman Street and Breakout! Fanzine probably had that vibe for the West Coast for a while too.
Point is, no scene survives or thrives without individuals and groups within that scene taking up the responsibility of doing shows, writing zines, starting distros, and releasing music. For Long Island, one of those institutions is State of Mind Recordings. Dave Campbell - the person behind SoM - really is an LIHC institution.
As a label, State of Mind released music from Dead Hearts, Broadway Calls, This Is Hell, Carcosa, By the Grace of God, Instilled, and so many more. They’ve re-issued music from Warped Weeble Wobbles, Black Army Jacket, and Inside. As a distro, State of Mind is constantly stocked with all the best hardcore, punk, and rock records from just about every era.
The distro catalogue is staggeringly comprehensive. There are always sales and offers to help people get the music they want. I mean, Dave’s even held small sales events at his house so people can come check out the distro, and walk out with great music. That sort of openness and hardworking spirit is a cornerstone for the people who believe in our underground, and who decide to give back to that underground. Dave, and his State of Mind Recording and distro, is that person. And he’s been that person for decades.
But Dave needs our help.
Recently, his house experienced a terrible flood. Besides the damage done to the home that he and his family live in, Dave’s distro and record label took a devastating hit with thousands in inventory lost to major water damage. I know Dave. He’s not one to ask for help. In fact, he’s usually the one who’s first to help.
But anyone who follows the State of Mind Instagram has likely seen some of his posts about the damage, and his need for support. And fair enough. For someone who’s devoted much of his free time, money, and effort to our underground, it’s hardly onerous for us to help him out in his time of need.
Here are some of the new shirts up for sale to help with the flood repairs:
So please, head over to his webstore. Buy something. Buy many things. Help someone who’s helped so many of us. Dave doesn’t just deserve our help. He’s earned it. He’s got a bunch of sales and preorders up to help him with the costs of his losses.
State of Mind Recordings is an LIHC institution. Let’s make sure it remains that way.
