Hello everyone! We recently had a quick chat with our long time friend Ty Jamar from the Bronx, NY. He talks about how he got into the scene, his favorite wrestling match and more. Get to know Ty some more below!
ECZ: Who are you and what do you do?
TY: What’s up, everyone! I’m Ty Jamar, but in the scene I go by Ty Gothcore. I’m one-half of the co-founding team behind Brunx Hardcore, a Bronx-based punk and hardcore production company. We book shows across the five boroughs, though we focus mainly on the Bronx.
Beyond that, I’m an independent photographer and cinematographer. I frequently attend shows throughout NYC and Long Island to film videos for content and documentation purposes. I was also a producer on the Ian Hates Music (now titled Ian’s Untitled Scene Show) podcast for a few years, which I would recommend giving it a listen. All in all, a man of many talents.
ECZ: How did you find the hardcore and metal scene?
TY: I discovered the hardcore and metal scene during my junior year of high school, thanks to the Freddy vs. Jason movie soundtrack—crazy to think about, right?
At the time, I was deep into hip-hop and what people often (begrudgingly) called nu-metal. I listened to both genres religiously. When the Freddy vs. Jason soundtrack dropped, it introduced me to a whole different side of music: hardcore. Bands like Killswitch Engage, Hatebreed, From Autumn to Ashes, and even Lamb of God (even though they’re more metal than hardcore) were on that album, and I fell in love with all their tracks.
I was also really into Headbangers Ball on MTV2 when Jamey Jasta from Hatebreed was hosting. That show didn’t just feature metal; they also gave a platform to metalcore and hardcore bands like Bleeding Through, Madball, Agnostic Front, Atreyu, and Avenged Sevenfold. A lot of the bands featured on Headbangers Ball ended up taking over the Ozzfest 2004 second stage, and I was super intrigued by all of them.
My first-ever concert was in late summer/early fall of 2005: Fear Factory headlining with Soilwork and Strapping Young Lad. But my first official hardcore/metalcore show—my second concert overall—was As I Lay Dying headlining with Norma Jean, Madball, and A Life Once Lost. By then, I was already hooked.
Any chance I got to see the bands I loved, I was there. Twenty years later, and I’m still going strong. Haha.
ECZ: What are your top current bands?
TY: That’s a tough question because my list constantly evolves. I always gravitate toward bands that feel authentic and whose music really resonates with me.
Right now, my top five would be:
Knocked Loose
The Suffering (shoutout to the homies in the Bay Area)
Fleshwater
Balmora (shoutout to Ephyra and DAZE)
Beyond that, I recently discovered Split Chain from the UK when they came through Queens with ASkySoBlack. They’re really dope.
For local bands, since I bounce between NYC and Long Island, my top five locals right now are:
Liberate
Shoot Da 5
Kuru HC
Newcomer
Wreath of Tongues (been supporting them for five years now!)
Also, FERMENT and NYC Shootout are bands I’ve been really into lately—their shows have been wild.
ECZ: How did you get your start in photography, cinematography, and production?
TY: I got my start while studying Film/Media Technology at Bronx Community College. My coursework focused on film and TV production, editing, and other media-related skills.
One class I had to take was photography, where we worked with traditional film rolls and developed prints in a darkroom. But my real break came when we had to complete a final film project before graduating. I was given an HD MiniDV tape camera and decided to make a documentary about a local band, The Day Before. That project changed everything.
While working on the documentary, I attended my first couple of local shows in the Bronx and saw firsthand what the underground scene had to offer. After that, I kept going to shows, filming tons of bands, and uploading my footage to YouTube so bands could use it to promote their shows and showcase my work.
In January 2012, I bought my first digital camera: the Canon T2i with a detachable lens (which I still use for photography today). Over the years, I’ve shot countless photos and videos. These days, I mostly focus on photography.
On the production side, I learned a lot from years of attending shows hosted by Bronx Underground and various independent promoters. My experience as a tour manager for five years also taught me a lot. Eventually, I thought, Why not book my own shows?
Technically, the first show I co-booked was during my tour managing days with Made In March. We organized a show at The Point Community Center in the Bronx, featuring bands from Connecticut to celebrate a friend’s birthday. It was a solid event.
Fast forward to June 2019, and the seeds for Brunx Hardcore were planted. A friend and I hosted a beer release festival at The Point, featuring 12–13 bands to celebrate the legendary Bronx band Daly’s Gone Wrong. That event, combined with the beer collaboration we worked on, was a huge moment for the Bronx scene.
ECZ: What inspires your work?
TY: My main goal is to capture the scene through my eyes—to show people what I would want to see.
Two things I focus on:
1. Quality
2. Clarity
I grew up watching live DVDs and VHS tapes of bands, and the video work always pushed me to perfect my craft. I’m constantly experimenting with settings to improve my content and create something worthwhile for the audience.
ECZ: What equipment do you use?
TY: For photography, I still use my Canon T2i.
For video, I’ve been using my iPhone 13 and a tripod. Sounds funny, but the results have been insane. The feedback from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. I’m even considering getting a second iPhone strictly for filming.
ECZ: What is your fondest memory of shooting content at a show?
TY: Before I filmed my first official local show, I had the chance to document a practice session with The Day Before at SoBro Studios (RIP to that spot). It was my first time meeting them and watching them jam while capturing their talent was exciting.
A few days later, they played a local show at SoBro Studios, alongside Five Cases of a Tragedy (5COAT), Drew Torres, Less Than Normal, and Paint the Target (if I remember correctly).
Seeing a community of kids come together in a small Bronx venue—especially after attending so many big-name concerts—was surreal. That entire night sticks with me to this day.
ECZ: How would you describe your local music scene? Any changes needed?
TY: Right now? It’s the best it’s ever been.
There are so many new bands coming up, each with their own style and personality instead of copying what’s already out there. Independent promoters are thriving, and established groups like Otter House Studios, LIHC Shows/Miles To Go Presents, and Cross Island Connect continue making waves.
One major issue, though, is the lack of venues in the Bronx, Harlem, and Washington Heights. Back in the day, we had so many, including First Lutheran Church of Throggs Neck (FLC)—which I used to call the CBGB of the Bronx. We need more spaces like that again.
ECZ: Have you ever been to the Inland Empire? If so, what stood out to you?
TY: I actually haven’t been to the Inland Empire yet. Wanna take me?! I’ve heard and seen plenty of stories about the IE, but I still need to experience it for myself.
ECZ: Do you currently listen to any bands from the Inland Empire? Who are they and why?
TY: One that immediately comes to mind is Darasuum.
I first came across them at the Indecision 30th Anniversary show. When Beyond Repair was on stage, someone jumped in for a guest vocal spot on one of the songs—it turned out to be Gabe Ochoa. That got me curious, so I looked up Darasuum, checked them out, and I’ve been into them ever since. I really want to catch them live in the future.
ECZ: Are you a wrestling guy? If so, what is your favorite match of all time?
TY: I don’t really consider myself a big wrestling guy these days. But I know plenty of people who are super into it.
For me, I was all about the Attitude Era when D-Generation X was the biggest thing, and everyone wanted to be like them. Nowadays, I’m more into the classic promos and segments—the kind that still hold up when you go back and watch them online.
ECZ: Who’s your current favorite wrestler?
TY: Before he officially retired, I’d have to say The Undertaker—specifically the “Unholy Trinity” version of him from his Boneyard Match against A.J. Styles.
I loved how he blended his dark, demon-like persona with his badass biker era. It was the perfect mix.
ECZ: What’s your favorite local brewery and coffee shop?
TY: I’m not a coffee guy at all—unless someone’s offering me a cup of Café Bustelo. That’s the only exception.
As for breweries, anyone who knows me knows I’m all about supporting P.O.C.-owned breweries and brands. A few standouts:
Round Table Brewery – The first 100% Latino-owned brewery in NY—definitely gets my love.
Harlem Brewing Co. – The first Black and woman-owned brewery in the U.S. Shoutout to Celeste!
Montclair Brewing – Even though they’re in New Jersey, I visit whenever I can.
Other dope breweries I support:
Bed Stuy Brewing
Adapt Beer Project
Cantina Cantina
Moors Brewing (IL)
Brockton Beer Company (MA)
Some of these are now being distributed across the Mid-Atlantic, which is awesome to see. I also hope to take a trip to Baltimore and D.C. soon to show love to Liquid Intrusion—I had the pleasure of meeting them at a tap takeover event at Huntress Bar in Queens, and they’re doing great things.
ECZ: Where can we find you online?
TY: Follow me on Instagram: @tygothcore666 (though I keep my follower list limited). Follow Brunx Hardcore: @brunxhardcore—we’ve got shows in the works, so stay tuned! I’m also switching to a new streaming platform after YouTube screwed me over. Once it’s set up, I’ll be back to uploading show footage. In the meantime, I’ll post videos occasionally on Instagram.
Thank you again Ty, It’s always great catching up! If anyone is on the east coast make sure you check out the recommendations Ty left behind and make sure you check out their work!
*Disclaimer: All text copyright El Corazón Zine 2025. Do not duplicate without expressed permission and fair use*