On January 12th, 2008, at around 4AM, Scott Hasbrouck of the local New Jersey band, Belafonte, passed away in a car accident. I did some photo work with the Belafonte guys, the singer Zachary West being one of my close friends, and I can’t even imagine what they are going through right now.

Scott was a great guy who I had the pleasure of meeting during a photo shoot. We talked on AIM now and again, and the conversations were your usual bro-dude convos, lasting a few minutes, discussing music, girls, and how I had to get my ass to a Belafonte show / how they had to come play in Philadelphia.

When the away messages and text messages started flying around that something had happened to Scott, I IMed his screen name, which had been idle for a few hours. It breaks my heart to know that, at 20 years old, he’s gone, and far too young.

He was fortunate to have some amazing people in his life. The guys in Belafonte, Zach, Chris, Bobby, Kevin, and their old drummer Steve… I can’t even express how fun, genuine, and kind these guys are.

They’ll be playing a benefit show on January 18th, at a small venue in Red Bank, New Jersey. All proceeds are going towards Scott’s family. If you’re a scene kid (there is a huge chance you are if you’re visiting my website) and happen to be from New Jersey, make it out to the show, and show some support.

Stay strong Belafonte, and stay afloat like the ship you named your band after. You’re in my thoughts.