"The Scenestar Dozen" is where we feature fascinating culture cultivators. Meet musician and record label owner Andrew Kline. He's played in the band Strife since the '90s, and is also in Berthold City and World Be Free with members of Gorilla Biscuits, Judge, CIV, Rival Schools, and Terror. Read more about him below!
What is the best and worst thing about your profession?
At this point, I am playing music because it is something that I love to do. I am fortunate to have been able to travel the world, meet people and develop friendships with people from other cultures and other walks of life, all while spreading a positive message! The hardest part at this time is really just scheduling. As everyone gets older it gets harder and harder to get people to commit to shows and tours.
As far as the label goes, the most rewarding part is releasing records from bands that I believe in. I have been fortunate to have been involved in the hardcore scene for almost 30 years and it feels good to be able to give back and to use my connections to help new bands. The worst thing is really trying to cut through all the clutter and spread the word about releases. There is so much music being released that it is really hard to get noticed. I really rely on my network of bands, PR people, websites, magazines, labels, and friends to help spread the word. Owning a label in 2018 is truly a labor of love and I need all the help and support that I can get!
What is something you didn’t know about Los Angeles that you recently found out or realized?
That the Los Angeles Coroner has a gift shop!
Where is your favorite place to eat in LA?
I love to eat, and I pride myself in knowing not only some of the best restaurants in LA, but some of the best hole-in-the-wall spots as well. For high end, my go-to is Osteria Mozza. Some LA institutions include Mario’s Peruvian, Noshi Sushi, and El Huarache Azteca.
What was the last good book you read that you recommend?
I have been so busy lately that I haven’t had time to sit down and read a book. The last book I purchased was The Unabomber Manifesto after watching Manhunt on Netflix. Some of my all-time favorite authors include Paul Auster, Kurt Vonnegut, John Fante, and Chuck Palahniuk. I would recommend “Ask the Dust” by John Fante. John Fante was a big influence on Charles Bukowski and his books are highly entertaining and easy to read. “Ask The Dusk” also sheds light on what Los Angeles was like in the 1930’s.
Have you ever seen a work of art that stopped you in your tracks?
I’ve been stopped in my tracks many times whether it be by a song, a film, or a specific piece of art. The last time I can remember being really amazed by art was at a James Turrell exhibit at LACMA.
What is the most remarkable movie you’ve ever seen and what was it about the film?
Tough question! I am a strange type of person that really does not have any concrete favorites… I saw “Sorry to Bother You” a few months back when it was released, and while it was not the most remarkable movie I have ever seen, it was definitely one of my favorites from 2018.
Name your pop-culture guilty pleasure.
I like to watch Shark Tank. I guess it is the entrepreneur in me! It’s pretty cheesy, but it is fun to watch.
What is the most underrated album you’ve heard and what about it is special?
Hmmm. Another hard one. I think so much music is underrated. So of the biggest bands in punk and hardcore have only sold a few thousand records, so I would say a lot of bands are underrated when compared to bigger mainstream acts. I don’t have 1 choice, but I will shine some light on a few of my favorite releases so far this year.
1. Fiddlehead “Springtime and Blind” – Melodic and emotional hardcore with vibes of late 80’s and early 90’s DC favorites like Dag Nasty and Embrace.
2. Culture Abuse “Bay Dream” – A fun record that sonds like a fuzzier Weezer meets Ramones and Koufax.
3. Fixation “Marked” – Full disclosure, this record was released on my label, but I only sign bands I like and believe in. Angry punk influenced hardcore with a strong Boston HC vibe.
Who do you think is the best rock star who ever lived?
What is the scariest thing you’ve ever experienced?
Touring around the world we have definitely seen some crazy shit! I’ve seen people beaten with bats, I have seen people stabbed, and I have been chased by a crazed taxi cab driver with a gun! All of these were definitely scary experiences, but I think the scariest was when I was on a flight from Chicago to Los Angeles and the plane got hit by lightning. The plane dropped a few hundred feet and people started praying and crying! It was intense, but eventually, we landed safely.
Where is one place that someone can visit in LA for free that is a must-experience?
I love hiking in Griffith Park. There are amazing views and there are so many different trails to hike. I would recommend it to anyone that is visiting or anyone that lives in L.A.
What is the weirdest thing about LA?
That it can take 50 minutes to drive 8 miles!
Andrew Kline is a musician, record label owner, and real estate agent among other things. He currently plays in Strife, World Be Free, and Berthold City and operates a label called WAR Records. Strife is just got back from a tour on the East Coast last weekend. Berthold City, has a few shows coming up in January including a show with Snapcase at The Observatory. They just recorded a new 7” that is currently being mixed as well. Head over to www.war-rec.com for information about all new releases on his label. His "adult job" is in real estate where he works for Pacific Union/Compass. Follow him on Instagram @andrewstrife.
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