The Better Youth Organization changed the landscape of the early 80’s hardcore punk scene. This group of misfits were headed by the Stern Brothers, who also happened to be in the band Youth Brigade. These dudes meant business – BYO put on some of the best shows during this era with way too many rad bands to list. The Stern brothers were all about unifying punks from all over Los Angeles county. It was very important to them that the young punks had self-worth & felt empowered to do shit for themselves. One of the historical things that BYO did was create the film called Another State of Mind. It’s a documentary about the ill-fated attempt of Social Distortion and Youth Brigade going on a national tour. This film gives you a rad look at what the scene was like in 1982. Another State of Mind was made by punks, for punks, so you will be see things from a perspective that many other films lack. It’s pretty cool seeing a world before the internet, cell phones or even video cameras – keep in mind this movie was shot with a huge camera, not some little handycam. One of my favorite things about Another State of Mind is the innocence & conviction that the Stern brothers had, even when faced with adversity.
