BAD BRAINS Unleash Historic Studio Sessions in Long-Awaited Release

Washington, D.C.'s BAD BRAINS, the titans of the American underground music scene, are set to unleash their historic recordings with the November 6 release of "Are You Ready: The First Studio Recording (Inner Ear - March 1979)" via Trust Records. This long-lost gem, previously a revered treasure among tape-trading punks, will finally see the light of day, thanks to a fresh mix by punk stalwart Ian MacKaye.

Originally captured in a frenzied hour at Inner Ear Studios during March 1979, this six-song session stands as BAD BRAINS' earliest known studio recordings, a blistering document of a band on the brink of revolutionizing hardcore punk. For nearly five decades, these tracks have circulated unofficially, a coveted rarity known only to a select few, but now they will erupt onto vinyl, cassette, and digital formats for the world to experience.

To celebrate, BAD BRAINS have unleashed the first single, a raw and unbridled version of "Pay To Cum," recorded well before it made waves as their iconic debut seven-inch single. This early rendition reflects the ferocity and precision that would soon establish the band as pioneers. As Rolling Stone aptly noted, their early work encapsulated “unrestrained fury,” driven by rapid-fire guitar riffs and relentless drumming.

Darryl Jenifer, the band's bassist, reminisces about the genesis of "Pay To Cum," attributing its inception to the punk vibes of RAMONES and THE DAMNED, blended with a touch of jazz fusion energy. “It was a gift that served as a springboard into our sound,” he explains, capturing the chaotic magic of those formative years.

To mark this monumental release, BAD BRAINS will host two special events in their hometown. On November 5, Jenifer and MacKaye will engage in a revealing conversation at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, diving deep into the significance of the recording session and the band's early evolution. The following day, November 6, an exhibition showcasing archival materials will open, featuring contributions from the personal collections of band members and collaborators, running until November 22.

The energy of BAD BRAINS in 1979 was electric, a blend of punk rock fury and eclectic influences ranging from funk to metal. As the band tore through their set that day, they created a foundation that would resonate through the annals of hardcore history. With "Are You Ready," fans can finally witness the raw power of BAD BRAINS as they forged their legacy, paving the way for countless bands that followed.