When I set out the challenge of making this compilation, I had no idea how many great bands I would be working with, and how much of an influence they would be on me, not only as a person, but as a musician. This compilation came about when I had the idea floating around in my head, on the way home from a late gig at—where else—the Seventh Circle Music Collective! I contacted the owner/operator of the place, Mr. Aaron Saye, and he was all for the idea! The next big challenge after asking about it was asking bands to let me use one of their songs for use on the compilation, which required much patience, especially when you're working with fledgling musicians such as myself. After that was the whole rest of the process of making the album and advertising for it and whatnot. And now I am where I am today! The main inspiration behind this compilation is a venue that I feel had the same soul as the Seventh Circle. That venue was the famed CBGB's. Hundreds of famous bands would play there, a few obscure ones, like Television, Blondie, and the Ramones, just to name a few. Hilly Krystal, the owner of CBGB's most famously stated (and I'm totally paraphrasing here), "Bands playing for their first time will suck. But the more they play shows together, the less they'll suck, and the better they will become." And, as a tale of sadness, right before this album was to go out, a tragedy happened here. On September 21st, 2015, a young boy by the name of Simon Katz, died due to a peanut allergy. He was a student at the local Chatfield High School. Although I personally never got to meet him, the friends that I knew were all brought to tears over his death, and I felt like shedding a tear over losing the best mutual friend I ever would have. So, in commemoration of Simon Katz, this album is for you. Keep on slappin' the bass, brother!