100 Words Or Less: The Podcast
Host Ray Harkins conducts in-depth interviews with creators of independent culture, including musicians, artists, and other interesting people. The conversations explore what inspires them, how they came to be, and many other unexpected places. Each episode aims to uncover the personal stories and creative drives behind these individuals.
Episodes
Jared Hart from Mercy Union
Jared Hart grew up in North Jersey in a family of art teachers, and it shows in how he’s approached music for more than two decades. Between The Scandals, Mercy Union, his solo work and running Mt. Crushmore Records, he’s built a career the way a lot of people in this world do, by hand and on the road.In this conversation, Jared talks about coming up in North Jersey, what it means to be r
Bjorn Dossche from Wrong Man & Rise and Fall
Rise and Fall's Bjorn Dossche joins the show to talk about leading Wrong Man into their Deathwish full length debut, and the conversation goes deeper than expected. He breaks down why the mix is where a record actually lives or dies, not just the songs underneath it. He talks about watching hardcore cycle back around on itself generation after generation, and why that's never bothered him
Ari Katz from Lifetime & Zero Zero
Ari Katz has spent over three decades inside hardcore and punk, first as the singer of Lifetime, the New Brunswick band that quietly rewired what a hardcore song could be about, then through Zero Zero, and later behind the counter at Black Cat Records. On this episode of 100 Words Or Less, Ari looks backward: the DFA scene, the New York hardcore bands that set the bar in the late '80s and
Bryan Garris from Knocked Loose
Bryan Garris, vocalist of Knocked Loose, one of the most talked-about hardcore bands to come out of the last decade. He first sat down on the show in 2017, when the band was still an "upstart" fielding as much online debate as praise. Nine years later, they've released a Grammy-nominated record, toured arenas with Metallica and Gojira, collaborated across genres (Poppy, Chris Motionless,
Eric Stenman from The Barbarians of California & Tinfed
Eric Stenman has spent three decades on the other side of the glass, quietly shaping records for Deftones, Weezer, Thrice, Dashboard Confessional, and Senses Fail, while building AWOLNATION's entire catalog alongside Aaron Bruno since 2011. Before any of that, he was a teenager in Sacramento, self-funding vinyl pressings on his own credit card inside a scene that also produced Deftones, F
Mike Morales from Initiate
Mike Morales grew up skateboarding and playing in a power violence band in Lompoc, a small Central Coast town far from any real scene, before those friendships pulled him into Initiate. We trace that path into the band, into writing Cerebral Circus (the record where Initiate let acoustic guitars and huge choruses sit next to their heaviest material), and into what it's like touring with a
Christine Goodwyne from Pool Kids
Christine Goodwyne has been building Pool Kids since she was two people short of a band, booking backyard shows in Tallahassee before there was even a name on the flyer. Nearly a decade later, the group has a Hayley Williams cosign, a flooded studio they somehow saved, a hardcore alter ego born as an April Fool's joke, and three albums that trace a path from math-rock tangents to pop hook
Robin Staps from The Ocean
Robin Staps started The Ocean in Berlin in 2000 as a revolving cast of musicians before locking into the band's most stable lineup in 2009. Twenty plus years and seven albums later, the group's blend of post metal, prog, and sludge has taken them from Siberian squats to European festival mainstages, and Staps runs Pelagic Records, the label he built alongside the band that's become one of
Brian Gorsegner from Ancient Artifax & Wired Booking
Brian Gorsegner has spent his life circling the same scene from every angle. He fronted Night Birds until the band's final show at the end of 2022, books tours for acts like Alice Bag Band, Career Suicide, and Generacion Suicida through his company Wired Booking, and sits on the town council in Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey. But most people know him as the guy behind Ancient Artifax, the
Ladd Mitchell from Park
Before Springfield, Illinois had much of a scene to speak of, Ladd Mitchell was already building one, first with Park, then Tiger Tank, logging years on the road during the golden run of early-2000s midwest emo. We talk about joining Park mid-formation and becoming the one constant across four lineups, chasing a deal all the way to a small Santa Barbara label, and what a yearlong nonstop
Adam Rubenstein from Chamberlain and Solo Work
Adam Rubenstein has been making music since he was a teenager in Indianapolis, when he and his bandmates formed Split Lip on Christmas Day, 1989. Drawing early influence from Burn, Youth of Today, and Endpoint, the band became a cornerstone of the Midwestern hardcore scene. They released records on Doghouse before most of them could drive, and landing a track on the landmark 1996 Anti-Mat
Kevin Hart from Public Opinion
Kevin Hart has been yelling in hardcore bands since he was a teenager, but Public Opinion is something different, louder in some ways, quieter in others. His dad was a DJ, which means music was never just background noise growing up. These days Kevin processes the hard stuff through songs instead of burdening the people around him, and it shows as Painted On Smile is one of the most genui
Rich Gaccione from Providence Vegan Deli
Rich Gaccione built Providence Vegan Deli into something rare; a business that functions less like a restaurant and more like a community hub, where free sandwiches go to anyone who needs one, touring bands eat for nothing, and the line between customer and neighbor gets blurry fast. We talk about how that philosophy took shape, the hardcore and punk roots that inform everything he does,
Anthony Lemus from Stateside
This week I sit down with Anthony Lemus, the voice behind Southern California's Stateside. What started as a warehouse job friendship and a shared love of 2000s emo has turned into one of the more exciting bands to emerge from the current hardcore-adjacent scene — and Lemus is the emotional engine at the center of it. We get into how growing up in Southern California's hardcore world shap
Chad Green from Frozen Soul
On this episode, I welcome Chad Green from Frozen Soul to the show. We trace his path from growing up around the Texas heavy music community to finding his place in death metal, building Frozen Soul from the ground up, and watching the band become one of the genre's biggest modern success stories.We also dig into the influence of the Texas hardcore scene on his outlook, the confidence it
Jack Murray from 156/Silence
Jack Murray, vocalist of 156/Silence, joins the podcast to discuss the road that brought the band to where they are today. From coming up in the Pittsburgh heavy music scene to navigating years of uncertainty, Jack reflects on the relationships, community, and DIY spirit that helped shape both the band and his perspective.The conversation also dives into the moments when it seemed like 15
Jeremy Walker from Fire In The Mountains Fest
This week I sit down with Jeremy Walker, co-founder of Fire in the Mountains, for a conversation that goes far beyond festival promotion. Jeremy reflects on the winding path that led him from a life rooted in Vermont to building one of the most unique experiences in heavy music in which a gathering where community, culture, and the natural world carry as much weight as the bands on stage
Mat Dwyer from Oakwood
This week Ray is joined by Matthew Dwyer, the voice behind the beloved Texas band Oakwood. For many people, Oakwood occupies a unique place in underground music history of literally playing only 15-20 shows, but having a "comeback" moment that has now turned into something way more real. Matthew takes us through his life in Texas and the environments that shaped both him and Oakwood. The
Joey Chiaramonte from Koyo
Joey Chiaramonte (Koyo) joins the podcast this week for a conversation about identity, growth, and finding your place both on and off the stage. As the vocalist of Long Island's Koyo, Joey has helped lead one of the most exciting bands to emerge from the modern hardcore and punk scene, blending melodic songwriting with the energy and community spirit that shaped him.In this episode, Joey
Jay Weinberg
More than a decade after his first appearance on 100 Words or Less, Jay Weinberg returns to reflect on a career that has taken him from DIY hardcore basements to some of the world's biggest stages. Ray and Jay discuss the humbling process of ego death, how his perspective on success and identity has evolved over the years, and what it means to rebuild yourself after major life and career
Daniel Danger from The Saddest Landscape
Daniel Danger has spent decades building worlds through both sound and image. As a member of The Saddest Landscape and one of the most recognizable artists in underground music, his work has become synonymous with melancholy, memory, and the architecture of loss. Raised in Central Massachusetts by artist parents, Danger's creative life has been shaped as much by DIY hardcore as by late ni
Nathan Martin from Creation Is Crucifixion
From growing up in the shadow of Western Pennsylvania industry to helping shape some of the most abrasive and intellectually confrontational music of the early 2000s hardcore underground, Nathan Martin has always existed in the space between resistance and reinvention. In this episode, we dig into life in Greensburg, PA, the strange collision of small-town culture and radical art, early i
Matthew Cole from Knumears
From the suburbs of Rancho Cucamonga to the deeply personal world of Knumears, Matthew Cole joins the show to talk about the path that shaped both his life and music. We get into growing up in Southern California during the 2000s DIY era, discovering bands like Born Against, and how punk and emo became an outlet while navigating suburban isolation and the Inland Empire/OC show circuit. Ma
Scott Mellinger from Zao & Creation Is Crucifixion
Scott Mellinger has spent decades shaping heavy music from the inside out. Best known as the guitarist and primary songwriter for Zao, his path runs through some of the most forward-thinking corners of underground metal and hardcore that span the chaotic experimentation of Creation Is Crucifixion to the long, evolving arc of Zao’s discography.In this conversation, Scott reflects on what i
Piper Ferrari from Roman Candle
This week we sit down with Piper Ferrari from Roman Candle for a conversation that drifts between isolation, creativity, and the strange ways identity takes shape.Piper talks about growing up in the kind of desert environment where time moves differently and where boredom, space, and silence end up shaping how you see the world. That sense of distance bleeds into everything, from songwrit
Travis Shettel from Piebald
In this episode, we talk with Travis Shettel of Piebald about the band’s unique mix of humor and sincerity, and how their songs have aged into something more universal than anyone expected. Travis reflects on the early days, including working with Kurt Ballou, and how that era shaped both their sound and perspective.We get into longevity, cult status, and why Piebald feels more like a liv
Ryan George from Carry On & Youth Code
Ryan George is on the podcast this week and we discuss the Central Coast beginnings pre-Carry On, to A Life Less Plagued, to where things sit now with the Carry On reunion shows. We talk about that early 2000s moment when hardcore was shifting, how Carry On fit between youth crew and the darker wave that followed, and what it’s like playing those songs again in front of a new generation.
Jeff Hydro from Turmoil
In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Hydro of Turmoil to trace the arc of a band that helped define late ’90s metallic hardcore scene. Jeff takes us back to Turmoil’s early days in the Lehigh Valley hardcore scene, unpacking how that tight-knit Pennsylvania community forged their identity, intensity, and work ethic. From there, we get into life on the road in Europe specifically what it
Leah B. Levinson from Agriculture
In this episode, I sit down with Leah B. Levinson of Agriculture to trace a path that starts in the unlikely corners of Poway, California—where punk and hardcore weren’t just genres, but survival tools—and stretches into the band’s fully realized, ecstatic take on heavy music. Growing up around DIY spaces and tight-knit scenes, Leah carries that foundational ethos into everything they do,
Jennifer Finch from L7
This episode features Jennifer Finch — musician, photographer, archivist, and cultural lifer whose work stretches far beyond her time in L7. We get into her earliest bands, including the experimental duo Uh and Sugar Babydoll / Pagan Babies with Courtney Love and Kat Bjelland, her move back to Los Angeles before joining L7, and what it felt like to be inside a band that became part of a l
Uri Avila from Trauma Ray
Uri Avila from Trauma Ray joins the show to talk about the band’s path from the Texas DIY scene to the release of their new EP Carnival. We get into his early musical upbringing playing church music, how those experiences shaped his sense of melody and atmosphere, and the unexpected ways things like karaoke and video games fed into his creative life. Uri also talks about how Trauma Ray ev
Jacob Bannon from Converge
Episode 700 of the podcast welcomes Jacob Bannon, vocalist of Converge, for a reflective, era-by-era conversation about one of the most influential bands to emerge from the hardcore underground.Rather than retracing the usual talking points, Jacob walks through the band’s history record by record, beginning with their early Massachusetts hardcore roots and moving through releases like 'Pe
Michael Bingham from Spiritual Cramp
On this episode, we sit down with Michael Bingham, frontperson of Spiritual Cramp and former member of Creative Adult, to dig into the unlikely path that shaped him. We talk about growing up in San Francisco, cutting his teeth in Creative Adult, and how stepping into the spotlight with Spiritual Cramp forced him to rethink what it means to be the center of attention. Michael opens up abou
Jack Shirley from The Atomic Garden & Comadre
On this episode, we sit down with producer, engineer, and musician Jack Shirley for a deep dive into the craft and philosophy behind his work. We talk about why live recording remains such a powerful and underrated way to capture raw emotion, energy, and musical chemistry—and how Jack has built a career around preserving that human feel in a world obsessed with perfection. We also explore
Frank Bach from Monk
In this episode, we sit down with Frank Bach of the band Monk to explore how a life shaped in Southern Ontario forged his lens on punk, creativity, and work. Frank walks us through his early years in the Ontario DIY ecosystem, discovering punk not just as sound but as art—a design language, a worldview, and a way to build meaning. We talk about Monk’s evolution, its visual and emotional i
Tyler Watamanuk, writer for GQ and author of “Bigger Than Fashion”
This week on the show, we sit down with writer and journalist Tyler Watamanuk—a voice at the crossroads of fashion, music, and culture. You’ve read his work at GQ, where he’s spent years breaking down the way style intersects with identity, subculture, and the everyday choices we make about the clothes on our backs. But before he was writing about menswear and global fashion houses, Tyler
Mikayla Mayhew from Blackwater Holylight
In this episode of the podcast, we interview Mikayla Mayhew, guitarist for the Portland heavy-psych band Blackwater Holylight. Mikayla shares her story of growing up in a small town with limited access to a music scene, discovering guitar through Guitar Hero, and developing the playing style that eventually led her to join Blackwater Holylight in 2018.We dive into her early influences, ho
Tyler Washington from Excide and Foreign Hands
This week on the pod: Tyler Washington of Excide and Foreign Hands. We get into growing up in the South Carolina hardcore scene, being shaped as much by left-of-center, “weirdo” music as by traditional heavy stuff, and how all of that informed the way he found his place in bands and in the community. We also unpack the origin of his longtime nickname “Wallaby" (which isn't connected to a
Dave Collis from Slow Mass
In this episode, we sit down with Dave from Chicago’s Slow Mass to trace the band’s path from early DIY roots to becoming one of the city’s most quietly adventurous heavy bands. We talk about growing up in the Chicago scene, how projects like School of Rock shaped his relationship to music and community, and the long arc of Slow Mass finding its own voice—balancing melody, noise, and emot
The Best of the Rest w/ Riley Breckenridge (Thrice)
This week we kick off a new annual tradition with The Best of the Rest, joined by Riley Breckenridge (Thrice, Less Art). Riley drops by to talk through the records that just barely missed our Top 10 cut this year—the heartbreakers, the growers, and the albums that lived in heavy rotation even if they didn’t make the final list. Along the way we touch on his life in and out of bands, how h
Will Anderson from Hotline TNT
This week we’re joined by Will Anderson, songwriter, guitarist, and driving force behind Hotline TNT. Will traces his path from the Midwest DIY circuit to building one of the most emotionally direct guitar bands of the last decade, including a surreal early moment where a young Justin Vernon was his camp counselor—long before Bon Iver became a household name. We talk about creative whipla
Mercedes Arn-Horn from Softcult
On this episode, we’re joined by Mercedes Arn-Horn of Softcult for a wide-ranging, laid-back conversation ahead of the band’s new record arriving this January. We talk about finding a creative “zen” state in writing and production, the importance of ownership—of songs, ideas, and identity—and why subtlety can often be more powerful than being loud or explicit. Mercedes reflects on buildin
Year End Mailbag - Your Burning Questions, ANSWERED!
This mailbag episode pulls back the curtain on the podcast, reflecting on the most-listened-to conversations of the year—featuring Brenden Murphy, Dwid & Aaron Melnick, George (Blacklisted / Staticlone), Brian from Incendiary, and Josh James (STYG). We also spotlight “new” bands shaping the present and future with guests from End It, Home Front, Restraining Order, and Saturdays At You
BEST OF 2025 w/ Jeremy Bolm and Joey Cahill
On this episode, we break down our favorite records of 2025 with two trusted voices in punk and hardcore: Jeremy Bolm (singer of Touché Amoré, founder of Secret Voice) and Joey Cahill (Wanna Hear It Records). We talk standout releases, unexpected favorites, and what made this year hit harder than most. It’s a wide-ranging, opinionated conversation about the music that defined 2025 for us.
Karl Buechner and Jeremy Mueller, authors of “The Unraveling” (and Earth Crisis)
On this episode, we talk with The Unraveling co-authors Karl Buechner and Jeremy Mueller. Karl, best known as the voice of Earth Crisis, brings decades of perspective from a life deeply rooted in hardcore, while Jeremy offers the complementary lens that helped shape the book’s broader narrative.Together they dig into what it means to be taken seriously—both as writers and as people coming
Graeme McKinnon from Home Front
This week on the show, we sit down with Graeme McKinnon, vocalist, songwriter, and driving force behind Canadian post-punk powerhouse Home Front. Before blending icy synths with punk grit, Graeme cut his teeth in the world of hardcore—shaped early on by the tough, street-level bite of Blitz and the chaotic, uniquely Canadian spirit of SNFU. Those bands didn’t just influence his taste; the
Dan Gump from Excessive Force & Life Sentence Records
In this episode, I talk with Dan Gump, founder of Life Sentence Records and vocalist of Excessive Force, about his unique path through hardcore. We get into his upbringing, discovering punk, and how serving in the Marine Corps shaped his perspective once he became part of the OC and Midwest hardcore scenes.Dan reflects on what it means to be a straight edge adult, how that identity evolve
Scott Angelacos from Bloodlet and Hollow Leg
In this episode, we sit down with Scott Angelacos—the unmistakable voice behind Bloodlet, Hope & Suicide, and Hollow Leg—to dig into the history, mythology, and lived reality of one of Florida’s heaviest and most influential frontmen. Scott walks us through the early days of Bloodlet, the unique darkness that shaped their sound, and the gritty Florida scene that helped forge so many b
Petey USA
New episode featuring Petey USA — the musician, comedian, and all-around creative dude known for blending vulnerable songwriting with offbeat humor and viral sketches.We talk about how collaboration has shaped his approach to both music and comedy, what it felt like to throw the first pitch at a Cubs game, and the balance between sincerity and absurdity that’s become his signature.From re
Brett Burnham from Torn Apart
This week, we sit down with Brett Burnham, vocalist of Torn Apart and longtime tattoo artist, for a deep dive into the roots of Baltimore hardcore and the winding path that’s carried him from stages to tattoo shops. Torn Apart was one of the most intense and influential bands to come out of Baltimore 90s scene — a bridge between metalcore’s early chaos and hardcore’s emotional core — and
Bill Stevenson from Descendents
Few drummers have shaped punk rock’s heartbeat like Bill Stevenson. From pounding the kit for Black Flag to defining melodic hardcore with the Descendents, Bill’s fingerprints are all over the sound and soul of modern punk. Now in his early 60s, he’s as sharp, funny, and relentless as ever — splitting time between drumming, producing at his legendary Colorado studio The Blasting Room, and
Patrick Cozens from Restraining Order
In this episode, we sit down with Patrick Cozens, frontman of Restraining Order, the Massachusetts/Connecticut hardcore band known for blending classic early ’80s energy with modern urgency. Patrick talks about growing up in the New England scene, how Restraining Order first came together, and the balance between being easygoing offstage and all-out intensity onstage.We dig into how both
Esden Stafne from Saturdays At Your Place
This episode features a conversation with Esden Stafne, bassist, vocalist, and founding member of saturdays at your place, the Michigan-based band whose blend of Midwest emo, pop sensibility, and raw sincerity has built a passionate following across DIY spaces and beyond.We dig into Esden’s life offstage—the quiet moments between tours, growing up in the Midwest, and how early influences
Akil Godsey from End It
Akil Godsey of End It joins the show for a conversation that’s equal parts reflection and release. Hailing from Baltimore, End It has built their reputation on unfiltered honesty and chaotic energy — a band that channels the city’s grit into hardcore that’s both feral and deeply human. Akil talks about the cycles of death, debauchery, and the strange internet nostalgia of the MySpace-core
Josh Newton from Shiner
In this episode, I sit down with Josh Newton, a musician whose fingerprints are all over some of the most compelling underground sounds of the past three decades. We trace his path from the fertile Kansas City scene of the ’90s, where Shiner carved out their space alongside the era’s noisy, angular bands, to his wild ride as a bassist in Every Time I Die, one of hardcore’s most unpredicta
Tim McIlrath from Rise Against
HAPPY 13TH ANNIVERSARY TO THE SHOW. On this episode, we sit down with Tim McIlrath of Rise Against to dig into the band’s remarkable longevity and the intentional ways they’ve continued to challenge and inspire listeners over the years. Tim reflects on the band’s history—from their early days in Chicago’s punk and hardcore scene to becoming a globally recognized voice for resistance and c
Harper Boyhtari from Greet Death
In this episode, Harper from Greet Death opens up about the deeper currents running through her life and music. She reflects on the impact Blink-182 had on her formative years, not just as a gateway into punk and alternative music, but as a band that showed how vulnerability and humor could coexist. We also explore how Greet Death has often been miscategorized—labeled as shoegaze, doom, s
Garrett Klahn from Texas Is The Reason
We sat down with Garrett Klahn from Texas Is the Reason for a conversation that goes way beyond the band. We talked about growing up in the Buffalo hardcore scene, hanging out at Home of the Hits and why that record store meant so much, and how nostalgia creeps in when you look back on music that shaped your life. Garrett opened up about his early days, the friendships that stuck, and wha
Drew Ringo from Sleepytime Trio
On this episode, I sit down with Drew Ringo from Sleepytime Trio to dig into the stories and experiences that shaped his life in music. We talk about what it was like to grow up around Washington, D.C. in the 1980s, a scene that set the tone for so much of what came later. Drew shares memories from an ambitious five-month tour that pushed the band to its limits and taught them how to surv
Scott Winegard from Texas Is The Reason
In this episode we sit down with Scott Winegard, bassist of the seminal post-hardcore band Texas Is The Reason. Emerging from New York City’s 90s underground, the band carved out a legacy with their melodic sensibilities, introspective lyrics, and their enduring influence on the emo/post-hardcore movement. Scott reflects on those years with a mix of honesty and humor, touching on memorabl
Geert Van Der Velde from Shai Hulud
In this episode, we sit down with Geert Van Der Velde, best known for his time fronting the influential hardcore band Shai Hulud. Geert shares insights from his journey in the world of heavy music, reflecting on the band’s lasting impact and the philosophies that have shaped his life and art. From exploring nihilism and the role it’s played in his worldview, to the importance of taking ch
Ryan Kirby from Fit For A King
In this episode, we sit down with Ryan Kirby, frontman of Texas-based metalcore heavyweights, Fit For A King. Since their formation in 2007, the band has carved out a place at the forefront of modern metalcore with their crushing riffs, soaring choruses, and relentless touring schedule. Ryan opens up about how the genre has evolved over the last decade, from its underground roots to its c
Tim Williams from Vision of Disorder
In this episode, we sit down with Tim Williams, frontman of the groundbreaking Long Island band Vision of Disorder. We dig into the band's rise from local legends to Ozzfest veterans, the intensity of their early shows, and the moments that made VOD a pillar of heavy music in the late '90s and early 2000s. Tim also opens up about life outside the stage—his work in carpentry, staying groun
Taylor McLam from Orange 9mm & Fountainhead
In this episode, we sit down with Taylor McLam—guitarist of the influential post-hardcore band Orange 9mm and creative force behind Fountainhead—to trace a career that bridges underground grit and mainstream polish. Taylor shares vivid memories from the heyday of Warped Tour in the '90s, when Orange 9mm brought their explosive energy to a new generation of punk and hardcore kids. We dig i
Aaron Dalbec from Bane, Be Well and Only Crime
In this episode, we’re joined by Aaron Dalbec of Bane for a thoughtful conversation about growing up in the suburbs, staying true to yourself, and finding purpose beyond the band that defined so much of your life. Aaron opens up about carving out an identity outside of Bane, how the hardcore ethos still guides him, and why doing what you love—regardless of expectations—still matters. Whet
Mark Rose from Spitalfield
In this episode, we sit down with Mark Rose, frontman of beloved Chicago rock band Spitalfield, for a deep dive into the legacy of the band, the evolution of the scene, and his continued passion for making music. Rising out of the early 2000s emo and pop-punk surge, Spitalfield became a cornerstone of the Chicago music community—earning a loyal fanbase through honest songwriting, relentle
Ken Susi, Fishman Music, ex-Unearth
In this episode, we sit down with Ken Susi—guitarist for metalcore pioneers Unearth and a key force behind the scenes at Fishman Music—for a conversation that pulls no punches. Ken talks about what it’s like to never quite fit the mold, how being a loud mouth has both helped and hurt him over the years, and why he wouldn’t have it any other way. From tour stories to gear talk, and moments
Jimmy Stadt from Polar Bear Club
In this episode, we’re joined by Jimmy Stadt, frontman of the beloved post-hardcore band Polar Bear Club, for a conversation that traces the band’s journey from the heart of Rochester, NY to stages around the world. Jimmy reflects on the band’s whirlwind early days—how they started fast, caught unexpected momentum, and found themselves navigating a rapidly changing landscape in the hardco
Troy Lusk from Tour Peachy
In this episode, we’re joined by Troy Lusk, the founder and booking agent behind Tour Peachy, a boutique agency that’s redefining what it means to stay independent in the live music world. Troy walks us through his journey from fan to agent—breaking into the business the hard way, learning by doing, and eventually launching his own agency with a clear vision: keep it small, stay hands-on,
Jensen Ward from Iron Lung, Innumerable Forms, Gehenna and much more
In this episode, we talk with Jensen Ward, guitarist/vocalist of the legendary powerviolence duo Iron Lung, about the band’s uncompromising path through the underground music world. Since forming in the early 2000s, Iron Lung has built a reputation for their blistering sound, minimalist lineup, and relentless work ethic—carving out a space where intensity and intention go hand in hand.Jen
Aaron Marsh from Copeland
In this episode, we’re joined by Aaron Marsh from the beloved indie/emo band Copeland for a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation. Aaron reflects on the band’s evolution, from their early days crafting sweeping, emotional records to becoming a mainstay in the scene known for their lush arrangements and deeply personal lyrics. He opens up about the whirlwind years when Copeland played n
Maik Weichert from Heaven Shall Burn
In this episode, we sit down with Maik Weichert, guitarist and founding member of the legendary German metal band Heaven Shall Burn, for a powerful conversation about longevity in extreme music, the stark contrasts between touring in the US and Europe, and the band's enduring commitment to veganism and activism.Maik shares insights from over two decades of pushing sonic and ideological bo
Dan Campbell from The Wonder Years
In this episode, Dan Campbell from The Wonder Years joins for a thoughtful, laid-back conversation about the band’s evolution over the years. He reflects on the idea of “passing the torch” — supporting younger artists and recognizing how the scene has shifted since TWY first got started. Dan also dives into the emotional weight of playing live shows and why those moments still matter so m
Luke Bentham from The Dirty Nil
In this episode, we’re joined by Luke Bentham, the magnetic frontman of The Dirty Nil, for a conversation that captures the raw spirit and driving force behind one of Canada’s most electrifying rock bands. Luke opens up about life on the road, the band’s unshakable chemistry, and how their no-compromise approach keeps their sound sharp and their performances unforgettable. We discuss the
Nick Brooks from It Dies Today & Frozen Ground
Today, I’m joined by Nick Brooks, the vocalist of It Dies Today and Frozen Ground. The band played a major role in shaping the early 2000s metalcore scene, with albums like The Caitiff Choir becoming staples of the genre. Nick’s voice and energy helped define their sound and we spent a lot of time together on the road in the early 2000's so it was logical, since their return, I had to hav
Rocky Votolato from Suzzallo and Waxwing
For over two decades, Rocky Votolato has been a defining voice in the indie-folk and emo scenes, known for his raw lyricism, haunting melodies, and a body of work that’s both deeply personal and universally resonant. Now, the Seattle-based songwriter is entering a bold new chapter with Suzzallo, a collaborative project that marks a departure from his solo roots. Blending atmospheric textu
Ryan Hughes from Bleed
Is 90's alt rock mixed with nu-metal your thing? It should be and if you are looking for that fix, that's where Bleed comes in. I fell in love with these guys about a year or so ago when the algorithm lords blessed me and been curious about them ever since. Fortunately, my curiosity was satiated when I had this conversation with Ryan from said band. We discussed so many things including t
Scott Hobart from Giants Chair
We all know midwest emo, but do we all know Giants Chair? If you don't, let this be a sign that you need to familiarize yourself now! The awesome label Spartan Records have re-released their seminal LP "Red & Clear" that's been out of print for years and to celebrate that, I have Scott Hobart who is the vocalist and guitarist of the band. We get into it all including how sick the band
Billy Werner from Saetia and Hot Cross
A tried and true screamo hero of mine, Billy Werner is on the podcast this week. He is the lead vocalist from the reunited Saetia and also sang for Hot Cross. He's a true gem of a human and happy to bring you this conversation in which we discuss his formative time at NYU, ABC No Rio and playing with Men's Recovery Project. Saetia is releasing their first new music since coming back on De
Marshall Lichtenwaldt from The Warriors
SET THE STAGE, we have Marshall from The Warriors hanging out with us today on the show. The Warriors are from Tehachapi, CA and started playing together in 2002. They quickly captured the attention of many with their interesting blend of Rage Against the Machine meets 108 style hardcore and were extremely active throughout most of the 2000's. The band is back with a new LP, their first s
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