Father's Day

by Kenneth Fury

As of the time of writing this, both Fathers day and my Dad’s birthday are coming up soon. In honor of this, I’ll detail my Father’s impact on not only my life in music- but the existence and survival of this zine.

My whole family loves music, but (to my mother’s probable dismay) I credit my father with cultivating my interest in it as a whole. There aren’t numbers for how many times I heard hard rock and metal, from Iron Maiden to AC/DC, while in my dad’s truck. He would nurture my love for music, lending me books and CD’s. At the same time as I wanted to learn to play bass, he bought me one for getting through math class, hilariously enough.

Always the first to wish me luck before I go on stage or remind me to be careful as I’m running out the door, my father has had an incredible impact on my life that reaches into all ways of life. From music, running Yer Scene or simply how I try to treat everyone, my Father's influence is seen.

Growing up, bands like KISS reigned supreme. As I got a little older, I became interested in heavier music I caught on MTV, radio or even Guitar Hero. Bands like Slipknot pushed me to delve into Youtube, which then pushed me further into the rabbit hole. Heavy music became a love I’ve never lost and continues to plague me as I eviscerate my wallet in record stores. Had I not grown up being exposed to heavy music by my dad, I never would have found punk; its culture, its zines.

Beyond music, watching how my dad tackled business and working relationships has been absolutely invaluable in getting Yer Scene off the ground. Lessons in making sure you convert respect and an enthusiasm while always being ready to get down to business. My dad has been the first to explain to me why doing the job right the first time is essential. This, with a strong work ethic instilled in me has lent me the ability to organize and manage Yer Scene (there’s always a lot of shit happening in Yer Scene.)

Consistently, my dad has shown me the value of simply being honest when communicating and willing to compromise or find new solutions. Sometimes things are difficult and we’re all aware of that. However, growing up with my dad I learned the true merit of perseverance and hope, and if that fails, keeping a good crowd of friends to laugh at it all with in the end.

Through it all, it means doing what you can to be good to the world around you while always living the best you can. If that isn’t what Yer Scene boils down too, I’m not sure what else it would. Anytime someone makes a comment about running the zine, I know with absolute certainty I owe my dad a lot. (He’s also helped me keep my Accord running which had to play the role of gear van a few times!)

I figure I owe my dad quite a bit, but everyone involved with Yer Scene does too. So if you find yourself having a beer this weekend while a classic like Dressed To Kill or Killers comes on, have another one for the man who raised me with infinite patience.

Happy Fathers Day, Dad. I hope you like the mug we both know I’ll get you.