To all who come across twenty four-year-old Keith Murray, many take notice and comment on his positive attitude and brilliant energy. He fills his weekly schedule with attending classes at Bridgewater University as an undergraduate marketing student, going to various local shows and concerts in Boston, working at the record label Deathwish Inc., and accompanying his loved ones. In his free time, he writes zines, show reviews, goes skateboarding, and educates himself on the importance of being socially, environmentally, racially, ethically aware. Amongst all the busy activities and responsibilities, Murray reflects upon the loss of his father, Glenn.

    When he was eighteen years old, his father was brought to the hospital for jaundice. After being hospitalized, Murray’s father was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Murray’s family was informed, while young Murray was initially excluded.

    “No one really told me what was going on,” Murray said.

    At the hospital he had eventually overheard his aunt on the phone telling someone that Glenn was diagnosed with cancer.

    “I remember being so mad,” Murray said. “I didn’t even know how to process it. I never thought that would happen to me. It was never even a thought. I was just so angry. That’s really when everything changed.”

    On December 7th, 2012, Murray’s father passed away. Murray began avoiding going home because he knew his father would not be there. He took to staying out skateboarding with his group of best friends. It served as a creative outlet for him, making him feel free of negative emotion and allowing him to express himself physically. Murray would leave earlier than everyone else during their times out at skate parks and makeshift locations due to his prioritization of schoolwork.

    “I knew it was expected of me,” Murray said. “In high school my teachers had given me lee way after [my father’s] passing, but I continued to do my homework. I passed all of my classes.”

    When he and his friends in high school were not skateboarding, they also supported one another.

    “They would listen to me and I would listen to them,” Murray said. 

    These friendships from his childhood, along with his other best friend Russell Campot, girlfriend Jae Geralde, and his aunt Karen Murray Dean have helped Murray immensely in his grieving process.

    “I hold them in high regard,” Murray said.

    Murray stressed the importance of having a strong support system in life, while knowing the value of being able to reach out to loved ones. The ability to communicate well over time and feel connected to significant individuals in his life has only been beneficial.

    Social interaction with hundreds of people has become a key part in Murray’s life as he is strongly involved with Boston’s hardcore punk community. The scene carries the message of being true to one’s self and not being ashamed of self expression, while also advocating for racial equality, women’s rights, and more social issue awareness. Murray has gone to local shows since he was a teenager where he has grown to make a safe place for himself amongst likeminded individuals that have become lifelong friends.

    Hardcore festivals are held around the country year after year which Murray attends to at least twice of them annually. Music has played an integral role in his life especially after his father’s passing, serving as an outlet for turbulence, pain, and confusion. Murray has been able to meet and befriend people from all over the United States as well as the world because of hardcore. 

    “You can let out your aggression in a safe and healthy way at shows,” Murray said.

    One festival that is particularly significant to Murray is America’s Hardcore Fest which takes place in Boston.

    “It falls on my father’s passing,” Murray said. “December 7th. I am so lucky to be able to be surrounded by so many great people at that time every year.”

    “I don’t think [my father] would want me to be sad,” Murray said. Murray makes a point to carry on a life of happiness and positivity through high times and low times, wanting to continue to make a difference in people’s lives by being open and willing to share his life with others. He does it for himself, and for his late father.