Scene not herd

>> Underworld is Alex Bastide's punk rock mini-empire

by JOHNSON CUMMINS

When Alex Bastide set out to improve on the Montreal hardcore scene, he didn't imagine himself having to worry about what tax bracket he would find himself in.

As the owner of Underworld skate shop and record store, Bastide has also started up two record labels. The Underworld label deals with more of the straight-up punk rock stuff like New York's Undead and Times Square, Subb, My Big Wheel, the Ripcordz and the Planet Smashers (vinyl only). Point the Blame, the other label, deals with the more emo and hardcore-oriented stuff, with bands like Boston's Pie Bald, North Carolina's Griver and Mile Marker.

Both labels are doing exceptionally well among the faithful hardcore crew, with Pie Bald selling a whopping 3500 copies, which in indie terms could be likened to going platinum.

Underworld also used to be a live music venue that was able to showcase bands from all over North America to an all ages audience. Last March, however, the fire department and the MUC demanded that Bastide put a stop to his shows. Bastide remains undeterred, though, and will continue to promote shows for friends' bands at other venues.

"That sucked, getting shut down," says Bastide, "because I still get tons of calls from bands who want a good all-ages place to play in Montreal and I just don't have the time to book all the bands."

Bastide currently has 10 employees to keep operations running smooth and has recently hired his dad to keep track of the bills and accounting. Not being able to say no to opportunities, Bastide has also just started his own clothing line, which will eventually include a line of skateboard decks.

"I've been a skater for over 10 years now, and so naturally my friends who skate support my store. Now I've got one of the busiest skateboard stores in the city."

The key to Bastide's success is simple enough. "My goal was never to make a lot of money. It was to give something back to the scene. If you give something back then your accomplishments will be remembered forever. And if you can pay your bills at the same time, then that's the icing on the cake."