Jade Jones
June 20th, 2022
If you live in the Charlottesville, Va area, you've probably heard of Alpha Zero, the booking company that's been a crucial part of the hardcore/deathcore scene. Founded in late July of 2020 by Josh Lewis, Cory Oliphant and friends, Alpha Zero has been organizing and running shows for the C-ville area, hosting bands like Far From New, Set for Tomorrow, and GraveBound, to name a few. AZ is also deeply rooted in family values, as they have raised money for less fortunate families, donated toys to shelters in the area, and collected food for Meals on Wheels.
Below, I chatted with Josh about the origins behind Alpha Zero, and his thoughts on how much the scene has changed, as well as where it's headed.
Josh, band members and friends at a January show last year.
Photo Credit: Caleb Good Photos
1. How did Alpha Zero get started? AZ started with a relationship that grew from the passion of music and another project we (Cory Oliphant and myself) worked on together! He's been my biggest supporter and homie since day aside from my homie Drew Miller of NoSelf who now is down in Florida. We saw how things were done in the scene, Cory and I, we had enough of the bullshit, lying and favoritism that plagued and does, everything that this industry has in its heart! We've been involved in the scene for years and decided it was time for us to kick in some doors and ever since then, we've never stopped! We cant! Alpha Zero is more then just music, it's a family of people from all walks of life! 2. I understand you were in a band once. What was that experience like for you and did you learn anything that has helped your business? I was with a band, Ghost Logic for 6 years; the experience was one I'd never forget! I met some really cool people and got to forge this fusion of different backgrounds to make the sound we came up with (many say a new age of rage.) My lyrics always came from a place of anger and protest against the a corrupted system that we find ourselves living in daily. We did a few shows together and in the end of 2020 I decided I needed to call it quits and focus on building what the Wolves were calling me to do! 3. What is the process of how you run this company the way you do? We operate as a family, we have since day one! My wife and Cory's wife are also as much involved as we are because let's be honest, behind every strong man there is an even stronger woman! Cory and I talk almost daily about planning, booking, location, timeline, sound and what to offer! We feel that bands shouldn't have to pay for food and water/drinks. Most bands we've worked with have been shocked by our hospitality but that is at the very front of what we do! For bands and patrons alike! We had the great privilege to work with Caleb Good and his wonderful wife Haley of Lost Life Booking back in January on a collaborated event and we look forward to working with them again in the future! The passion that's there with Caleb is echoed in Cory and I! That's for damn sure! 4. What were the artists/bands like in your time My time [laughs] now I feel old as fuck. Breaking into the scene was very challenging because it was all about who you know and whose ass are you going to kiss. I'm not about. I have to tell you, I did have the great privilege to play to open up for an OG of the scene and some I use to go see at the old Outback Lodge in Charlottesville, Rich Wilson Jr of One Slack Mind! That was like my "holy shit" moment because that dude is something else! Mad respect for him and what he has accomplished for people of color in this scene! 5. How has the scene changed since you entered it? Well, there is alot of new blood out there! Really talented musicians like Aura8o4, 3PEACE, The lament configuration, etc! I remember, especially in some place in RVA with certain people, I'm not saying names but because the old heads had been scared of the change and feared losing whatever they thought they had, they didn't book them. I've always been one to push the newer generation of musicians and give them the platform they absolutely deserve! Most of those dudes I love dearly and consider family! I'm extremely proud of the moves that they are making for themselves, their bands and families! 6. Why you think people don't want to give newer DC/HC artists a chance? Bottomline, venues/people are scared. They think we are all bloodthirsty, "bash you teeth in" type of people, we are not. Unless you are a bootlicking ,racist, sexist, homophobic, or bigoted, then don't come around. But seriously, the scene and genres are growing and it's been great seeing more and more deathcore and hardcore shows pop up! Caleb has been grinding for years for the culture and we're just thankful to be a part of that mission. 7. What you see for the future Virginia HC scene Its going to continue to grow and it's going to change the way people see and feel music! There are far too many talented musicians out there for it not to flourish! I just hope I see the day where these bands catch their big breaks and I can sit in my chair at home and watch them, thinking to myself, "Yes! I was a small part that growth" I don't do any of this for myself or clout! I really dont care what people think or say about me truthfully! I do this for our scene, our bands and our culture! It's all with love. Shout out to Champion Brewing Company and Decipher Brewing for giving the Wolves a place to call home!
To Josh and the whole AZ crew, thank you.
Be sure to check out the 1st Annual Gathering Ov Wolves July 30th.
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