THE BLACKSEED STORY

Shy with Brimstone Coven at Howler’s Cafe circa 2017

THE BLACKSEED STORY

Since its inception in 2012, Blackseed Services has been a cornerstone in the heavy underground music scene. Originally launched as a record label, Blackseed immersed itself in the deep underground of noise, supporting innovative artists and cultivating a unique aesthetic through design. Over the years, Blackseed has created over 100 logos, posters, album covers, merchandise designs, and stage banners, solidifying its reputation as a multifaceted creative force. In 2014, Blackseed began booking shows consistently, hosting both domestic and international touring bands. The brand expanded further with the creation of the Descendants of Crom festival in 2017, an annual event that remains a celebrated gathering for local, regional, and national heavy music acts. Notable bands affiliated with Blackseed include Come to Grief, Dopethrone, The Midnight Ghost Train, Valkyrie, Solace, Orodruin, Duel, Spotlights, Penance, Derketa, Horseburner, Heavy Temple, Earthride, Sanhedrin, The Obsessed, and ‘Slough Feg’. This rich history underscores a commitment to supporting authentic artistry with a bold and uncompromising vision.

{ON THE IMPORTANCE OF OUR COMMUNITY]

“I’ve been involved in nearly all aspects from supporting musicians to being one. I think maybe to give you more than that, here, is to say it is my life. That may seem incredibly unsophisticated …but I mean it. If I can be a part of something this special and help along the way, I’ve done something. Music has saved a lot of people, but I can honestly say that I would never exist without it. It was always a very important thing to me and without it I’d be a shell of a human.”   __Shy Kennedy, Owner of Blackseed Services, OFMUSIC&MIND INTERVIEW

THE BLACKSEED STORY

Services

AR & PR

Crafting a compelling band image requires more than just music—Blackseed AR/PR Services specializes in building professional materials that capture the essence of your artistry. Whether it's writing engaging bios, assembling top-tier electronic press kits (EPKs), or drafting impactful press releases, Blackseed is committed to delivering resources that help artists stand out. With a focus on the underground scene, these services are tailored to amplify your presence while maintaining authenticity.

BOOKING

Blackseed Services collaborates exclusively with select bands that embody originality, heaviness, and ambition. Our mission is to support touring acts by pairing them with exceptional local talent, fostering opportunities that allow Pittsburgh's heavy underground scene to flourish and grow.

Blackseed is also available for booking small tours.

DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY

Blackseed Design Services offers a comprehensive suite of creative solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of bands and artists. From striking logos and captivating cover art to eye-catching poster designs and polished layout work, Blackseed brings a deep understanding of the heavy underground aesthetic to every project. Customization is key, ensuring each piece reflects the artist's vision and identity. For those in the Pittsburgh area, live and promotional photography sessions are also available, providing high-quality visuals that resonate.

BLACKSEED PRESENTS

EVENTS

Blackseed Services specializes in arranging intimate, impactful shows for small touring packages that bring originality and power to the stage. Whether you’re a local band or a touring act, we’re here to craft events that resonate with the heavy underground music community. From securing the right venue to coordinating with local support, we ensure every show is tailored for maximum impact.

Blackseed Services specializes in arranging intimate, impactful shows for small touring packages that bring originality and power to the stage. Whether you’re a local band or a touring act, we’re here to craft events that resonate with the heavy underground music community. From securing the right venue to coordinating with local support, we ensure every show is tailored for maximum impact.

Beyond booking, Blackseed Services offers nearly any assistance related to promoting original, heavy underground music—if it aligns with our principles. From promotional strategies and design to on-the-ground event support, we’re dedicated to helping bands thrive and connect with audiences who truly value their craft. Let’s work together to keep the underground alive and growing.

DISCLAIMER

Blackseed Services collaborates with select artists who align with the community of heavy, underground music. Please refrain from reaching out if your style falls outside these boundaries. All services are offered on a case-by-case basis, contingent upon mutual interest, and available bandwidth.

BLACKSEED HAS WORKED WITH THE FOLLOWING ARTISTS

DOPETHRONE, STINKING LIZAVETA, FAERIE RING, BLESSED BLACK, SPOTLIGHTS, REBREATHER, AXIOMA, GRAVEBATHERS, TEMPLE OF THE FUZZ WITCH, IMMORTAL BIRD, WITCHING, DERKETA, FRAYLE, BRIMSTONE COVEN, AERIAL RUIN, OLDEST SEA, ORODRUIN, BEHIND ENEMY LINES, HORSEBURNER, BRIDESMAID, FOEHAMMER, WITCHING, QUIET MAN, TEL, HEAVY TEMPLE, HOWLING GIANT, IRONFLAME, HOREHOUND, THE LONG HUNT, ARGUS, VICIOUS BLADE, ANCIENT TORTURE, UZKOST, THE MIDNIGHT GHOST TRAIN, EYE, DESTROYER OF LIGHT, TEMPTRESS, THUNDERCHIEF, RIPARIAN, AMPLIFIERS, The Obsessed, Solace, Valkyrie, PENANCE, EARTHRIDE, OLD BLOOD, Irata, Backwoods Payback, Enhailer, Icarus Witch, Foghound, Kingsnake, Sun Voyager, Witchkiss, Leather Lung, Tines, Spacelord, Pillärs, PALE GREY LORE, Lightning Born, NIGHT VAPOR, Void King, SLOUGH FEG, SANHEDRIN, LADY BEAST, Killer of Sheep, SUBMACHINE, Brown Angel, Potslammer, Yatra, LO PAN, FOX 45, BLACK PYRAMID, HEAVY TRAFFIC, MONTE LUNA, Eternal Black, Curse the Son, Doctor Smoke, Doomstress, Demon Eye, Sierra, Disenchanter, Devil to Pay, Lo Pan, Come to GrieF, Thunderbird Divine, Cavern, River Cult, Molasses Barge, Worshipper, Toke, Forming the Void, Geezer, Freedom Hawk, Duel, Mos Generator, CLOUDS TASTE SATANIC, APE VERMIN, THE STONE EYE, CRUCES, HIGH PRIEST, THESE BEASTS, MAGGOT HEART, SACRI MONTE,.. AMONG OTHERS! DOPETHRONE, STINKING LIZAVETA, FAERIE RING, BLESSED BLACK, SPOTLIGHTS, REBREATHER, AXIOMA, GRAVEBATHERS, TEMPLE OF THE FUZZ WITCH, IMMORTAL BIRD, WITCHING, DERKETA, FRAYLE, BRIMSTONE COVEN, AERIAL RUIN, OLDEST SEA, ORODRUIN, BEHIND ENEMY LINES, HORSEBURNER, BRIDESMAID, FOEHAMMER, WITCHING, QUIET MAN, TEL, HEAVY TEMPLE, HOWLING GIANT, IRONFLAME, HOREHOUND, THE LONG HUNT, ARGUS, VICIOUS BLADE, ANCIENT TORTURE, UZKOST, THE MIDNIGHT GHOST TRAIN, EYE, DESTROYER OF LIGHT, TEMPTRESS, THUNDERCHIEF, RIPARIAN, AMPLIFIERS, The Obsessed, Solace, Valkyrie, PENANCE, EARTHRIDE, OLD BLOOD, Irata, Backwoods Payback, Enhailer, Icarus Witch, Foghound, Kingsnake, Sun Voyager, Witchkiss, Leather Lung, Tines, Spacelord, Pillärs, PALE GREY LORE, Lightning Born, NIGHT VAPOR, Void King, SLOUGH FEG, SANHEDRIN, LADY BEAST, Killer of Sheep, SUBMACHINE, Brown Angel, Potslammer, Yatra, LO PAN, FOX 45, BLACK PYRAMID, HEAVY TRAFFIC, MONTE LUNA, Eternal Black, Curse the Son, Doctor Smoke, Doomstress, Demon Eye, Sierra, Disenchanter, Devil to Pay, Lo Pan, Come to GrieF, Thunderbird Divine, Cavern, River Cult, Molasses Barge, Worshipper, Toke, Forming the Void, Geezer, Freedom Hawk, Duel, Mos Generator, CLOUDS TASTE SATANIC, APE VERMIN, THE STONE EYE, CRUCES, HIGH PRIEST, THESE BEASTS, MAGGOT HEART, SACRI MONTE,.. AMONG OTHERS!

Upcoming events

A GATHERING OF THE HEAVY UNDERGROUND

PITTSBURGH, PA, USA

Descendants of Crom is more than a festival—it's a community, a curated celebration of heavy music's raw and authentic spirit. Since 2017, DOC has featured unforgettable performances by headliners [see posters below] alongside a robust lineup of emerging and established acts. Held annually in Pittsburgh, this event offers a unique space for music fans to connect with artists who embody the underground ethos. As we prepare for 2025, please note that DOC remains a curated event, reflecting a hand-picked selection of bands that resonate with Blackseed's standards. No submissions are accepted, but rest assured—the lineup will continue to impress.

THE BLACKSEED LABEL

Blackseed Records was the foundation of it all, born from a passion for handcrafted, limited releases that celebrate noise artists worldwide and the heavy underground. From cassettes, CDs, and vinyl to rare mini-discs and lathe-cuts, every release is a tribute to raw, ambitious artistry—amplifying those who carve their own path in sound.