Classroom Publication

Step Up Presents is the largest promotional company in the Capital District.

Bystander Fanzine logo

Media Credit: Provided by Scott J. Bystander Fanzine owner Scott J. hangs around.

Pitch Control Music is the Capital District's largest hip hop network.

Media Credit: Courtesy of Pitch Control Music Info from the Pitch Control Music site.

Ralph Renna poses for a photo.

Media Credit: Crista Leigh Collins Ralph Renna plays a show with his band Last Call.

A Sample of Who's Who

STEP UP PRESENTS

Step Up Presents is Albany's largest and most well- known independent promotional company, owned by Ted Etoll. SUP books small- and large- scale shows and concerts, ranging from reggae artist Matisyahu to local hardcore act Hold It Down. Etoll describes himself as a "workaholic" who is dedicated to putting all he can into each and every show.

Ted has been described by show- frequenter Mike DeTraglia as "a big kid-- he's one of us, but he never grew up". Not only does Etoll book, organize and promote shows-- he can also be found dancing with patrons in the pit, hanging out with kids outside or buying a round at the bar for friends and buisness associates.

"I love a good show," says Etoll. "Everyone loves a good show. It's just a matter of how fun you make it".

BYSTANDER FANZINE

Bystander Fanzine has been owned, operated and maintained by Scott Jarzombek since it's inception in 1994. Dedicated to showcasing the best in Hardcore, Bystander is full of everything from album reviews, to concert descriptions, to general chat about the local music scene.

In addition to its highly respected and popular review section, Bystander has a variety of other features. The "Bored" message board is a hub for local scenesters, musicians, promoters and lurkers. The board is a place for scene talk, show announcements, ad listings and general banter. Often, people will try to arrange car pools to different concerts and discuss which artists they enjoy.

Though Jarzombek is the only official staff member, he does welcome article submissions from the community. Though he will not guarantee publication, he promises that he will look it over.

PITCH CONTROL MUSIC

Pitch Control Music is an underground network of local hip hop artists, formed via the web in 2003. Their website offers a message board for people looking to make connections, get gigs and talk about the scene.

Local artists Rick Whispers, Shyste and DJ Turnstyle are among those heavily involved with PCM. According to Shyste, the network is one large group of friends who help each other out, finding different ways to gain exposure, provide entertainment, develop as an artist and just have fun.

RALPH RENNA

Promoter, singer, graphic designer and host of Capital Underground on 104.9 WZMR-fm, Ralph Renna is one to know in the 518. Raised in Troy, Renna has always been heavily involved in the hardcore scene. According to his website, Renna began his career in radio at the New School of Music and TV. From there, he was DJ "Kevin Stone" on quite a few local stations. Ralph took over vocal duties in the Troy Core band Last Call in the 1990's and has released several albums as the group's front man.

Renna's promotional fliers can be found on nearly any Troy band's Myspace page. The have also been used in publications such as the Metroland, Troy Record and Times Union.

Ralph hosts the local music radio show Capital Underground which airs Sundays at 10:00pm on WZMR. "Ive always been involved in local music, so I figured, why not help out the people who helped me get my start. That's what this show is about and you will not hear as much local music anywhere else," says Renna. Band members, promoters, venue owners and many others will typically appear on the weekly show for interviews and general banter.

In addition, Ralph works for Overit Records & Media in the Capital District, doing design work and helping find local talent.

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