The relationship between Waterloo and St. Louis seems to be growing even more. Recently, the connection is expanding through the hardcore genre and the culture within it as well. About a year ago, Waterloo residents Hunter and Pierson Johnson formed The Safe Place. Along with two of their siblings and tightly knit friendships in the area, they took over the local scene by storm. 

For context, hardcore as a genre is short for hardcore punk, and is a high-energy, aggressive subgenre of punk rock. It is faster, louder, and more intense than traditional punk music.

As a part of culture, the hardcore community is also very outspoken, speaking out on many topics and supporting others within the scene. They would do anything to help out, doing things like benefit shows, food drives, and fundraisers for people in need.

To some, it might not be something for their playlist, but to others it is the music they crave. Hunter goes on by saying, “Familiarize yourself with the music and the culture… Hardcore is probably about 40 years old; some people would maybe say that there’s a lot of culture, and a lot of history with it.”

Hardcore music in general has been expanding in the STL Metropolitan area. In the past few years, new bands on the east and west sides of the Mississippi all have a part in the expanding community. “It’s inviting,” Hunter explained, “big sense of community. They show up a lot for other people’s bands, inviting people, new bands…”

The scene itself is composed of many elite bands, and they all act as one big family. Everyone has a connection one way or another in this scene. But Waterloo hasn’t fully caught up yet. Pierson states, “There really is no Waterloo scene right now.” 

Over the summer, The Safe Place, along with a few other local bands, had a small concert in Waterloo. They hosted Massachusetts band geronimostilton at Waterloo venue Skate & Go, which was just recently refurbished and opened by the Gallagher family. That show, along with a separate show back in April at Triple R Bar, exposed Waterloo to more than just the average open-mic night. Judging by how successful everything was, there might be more to come. 

More opportunities will arise to show Waterloo what it could be musically. Who knows, more bands may form because of this spike in activity. There is a regular roster, with local bands mostly confined to one genre and covering songs. There is potential for this scene, and the people in Waterloo, to really put a mark on local history. All in all, it opens a door for many new and possibly great things to come.

As a band, The Safe Place continues to show up for the community: “The most important thing is to go to shows and listen to the music… You know, talk at the merch table,” Hunter said. Furthermore, the band has been in talks of recording new music and possibly a small gigging spree within the Midwest. 

If you are wanting to experience the scene yourself, there are always things to look out for! Many small venues and connoisseurs have social media where you can find information about upcoming shows and other events. Always keep an eye and ear out, but in this case you will be needing earplugs.