The Youth Crew compilation is coming in early 2026, with pre-orders slated for January. The long-running vinyl and streaming collection contains tracks from bands of the genre from around the world, with a fresh crop of bands with each installment.
Coordinated by Tony from Positive and Focused Records (Urgent Kill, Right On Time) in conjunction with various international collaborators over the years, the compilation has been around for nearly two decades and shows no signs of going away any time soon.
In this No Echo exclusive, we spoke with the musicians and label folks behind the compilation this year.
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Rebel (England, UK)
"We’re so excited to be apart of this compilation. before the band was formed we were total strangers but our local hardcore scene and especially straight edge brought us together. We are 4 young people who love hardcore but all of our lives have been affected by drug culture or negative culture in some way or another. So playing in Rebel is our choice to push a positive narrative to other young people and be creative whilst doing it. we owe everything our local scene and the culture that has saved us."
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Absolute Truth (Chicago, Illinois)
"Absolute truth is basically made up of a bunch of old heads that's still love hardcore and want to help be an example for others the way the bands years ago were an example to us. Our first EP was put out by our friend Andrew and WAR Records which we were very stoked about seeing that Andrew played/plays in Strife, which was definitely a band we all loved.
"Some of us in the band are friends with Tony from positive and focused and have even had previous bands on the comp in past years, so it was an absolute honor to be asked to be on it again with this newer project."
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Remain (Dresden, Germany)
"Remain is an antifascist straight edge band from Dresden, Germany, formed in November 2021. Our mission is to reignite the straight edge and youth crew spirit in a local scene that’s become obsessed with violent dancing and ketamine. We stand as a counterculture to the so-called “cool” kids who have nothing to say, a reminder that hardcore has always been more than just music.
"Through our lyrics and live shows, we confront social, political, and environmental issues head-on. The Youth Crew compilation is a testament to what drives us: hardcore that’s fast, passionate, and full of purpose."
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Time X Heist (Denver, Colorado)
"We’re thrilled to be included in this year’s edition of such a legendary compilation series. As a band Time X Heist has been lucky enough to travel abroad and share the stage with a few of the other bands on the record.
"To us they’re more than just a band we played with, they are our friends and comrades. Hardcore is about so much more than the music. The community, connections and ideals you share with other bands and labels are what make it such a special scene to be a part of."
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Modern Guilt (Gothenburg, Sweden)
"Hardcore compilations have always been a crucial part of documenting scenes and hardcore/punk subgenres — from Flex Your Head and NYHC: The Way It Is in the ’80s to The Time Is Now and For the Sake of Dedication in the ’90s.
"I've always loved the Youth Crew compilations for carrying the torch and giving kids the chance to discover new bands from across the globe!"
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What It Meant (Portland, Oregon)
"As a brand-new band, What It Meant is absolutely hyped to be part of such an important compilation. We're glad to be included with a rad group of bands and wave the flag for Portland Straight Edge."
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XinclusionX (Hasselt, Belgium)
"XinclusionX is honored to be part of the Youth Crew compilation that Positive & Focused Records puts out, standing alongside so many bands that helped shape the scene. Being included on a release featuring some truly legendary bands is both humbling and inspiring.
"We’re grateful for the chance to add our voice to something with a lot of history and heart."
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Disputa (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
"Disputa is a hardcore band from Buenos Aires Argentina formed in 2024. The members of the band are Lucas on bass, Gustavo on guitar, Nicolas (Chingo) on drums, and Florencia on lead vocals.
"We discovered the Youth Crew compilations thanks to our friends from Mariscal X and also Distante with whom we've had the pleasure of sharing stages with on countless occasions. We're thrilled to have this opportunity and appreciate the support. Thanks Youth Crew for promoting underground bands."
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Richard Perri (Speedowax Records)
"I am very excited to be part of this year's compilation. It's always very thrilling to hear new bands and be part of the classic 7-inch vinyl series with likeminded punks from around the globe. Speedowax Records is here to help put bands in people faces.
"I don't do it as anything else other than for fun and to put something back to the underground punk hardcore scene I love so much."
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Johan and Micke (Monument Records)
"Monument have been spreading the hardcore reality non stop for the last 23 years with almost 70 releases in the back catalog. Monument is the current home for bands like Sidestep and Modern Guilt and have previously worked with bands like Final Exit, Anchor, Dead Reprise, The Change, No Omega, Håll Det Äkta, and Outlast. Always topping the Billboard list if you ask us! Stay positive, stay hardcore!"
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Aldo (Our Pride Records)
"Aldo here always liked and supported Toni and the comp always good way to discover new music and bands from around the world that you wouldn’t normally get to find . We go way back since Tony asked make the difference to be in one. Glad I’m able to be part of it."
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Nico (24 EdgeWear)
"As a vinyl collector I discovered the compilation through my friends at Ugly and Proud. And I loved the collaboration between all the bands and labels. When I started 24 EdgeWear I had the Intention to make or become a piece in a 'bigger' thing. Helping one another out.
"Making connections for bands and labels, shortcuts to print and ship merch. And when the announcement for the 24th edition came up I just knew I had to be part of it, simply because of the work and passion they put in their end result."
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Tony (Positive and Focused Records)
"This thing started in 2008 and it makes me very humble this is the 10th edition. So far, 83 bands have given their time and music to make this compilation an international succes.
"I also want to thank all the people that helped me with coordinating over the years: Danny, Robert, Nikki, Thomas, and, of course, Javi, my loyal partner, for the artwork."
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Youth Crew 2026 will be out in January. Get more information at this link.
Tagged: absolute truth, disputa, modern guilt, monument, our pride, remain, time x heist, what it meant, xinclusionx
