Ska-punk label Bad Time Records is releasing This Is New Tone–a film that’s part documentary about the New Tone ska scene, part concert film filmed on the 2023 Bad Time Records Tour–on digital/Blu-ray on July 19, and it will also premiere at various events around the country between July 13 and July 25. The screenings will include special guests, post-film Q&As, and more, and they happen in DC, Asbury Park, Philly, Berkeley (at the iconic 924 Gilman), Anaheim, and Detroit, with more screenings TBA. Tickets for this first run of screenings go on sale Friday (6/7) at 10 AM local.
The Asbury Park screening is on July 17 at The Showroom. All dates are listed below.
For more on This Is New Tone, the film’s Kickstarter reads:
‘THIS IS NEW TONE’ will be a concert film and documentary centered around the 2023 Bad Time Records Tour, featuring We Are The Union, Catbite, Kill Lincoln, BAD OPERATION, Omnigone, J. Navarro & The Traitors, and more. Much in the spirit of the film “Dance Craze”, the film will primarily center on multi-camera live performances from throughout the tour, but will also document the the bands and crew as they embark on this full-US venture. Featuring interviews from current band members, scene veterans, new fans, and ska legends, the film will also attempt to examine the current state of the modern ska punk scene, how it fits into the broader arc of ska’s history, and try to discover if the perceived “resurgence” is accurate or inflated. With many of the Bad Time Records bands rapidly growing, now is the perfect time to document the trajectory of the bands and the impact of the community.
The modern ska scene has never been captured in this way, and one of the main goals of the film is to make the live show experience accessible to those who are not able to attend the tour or shows in general. We will attempt to make the film as immersive as possible, to show the full scope of the high energy live experience and community aspect that one can find at one of these shows, while also giving a better picture of what the bands are like as people on and off stage. Bad Time Records is a completely DIY effort, and we aim to show that anyone can build up their own scene or collective and accomplish something significant without the support of major labels or corporations.
Watch the trailer and stream the accompanying live album below.
This Is New Tone Screenings
July 13 – Washington, DC @ Comet (Matinee + Evening)
July 17 – Asbury Park, NJ @ The Showroom
July 18 – Philadelphia, PA @ Philamoca
July 18 – Berkeley, CA @ 924 Gilman
July 19 – Anaheim, CA @ Chain Reaction
July 25 – Detroit, MI @ Smalls