100 Words Or Less: The Podcast

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 survive on the road, and we fast-forward to today as he reflects on what it means to prepare for shows as an adult, balancing the same intensity with a new perspective.It’s a conversation that spans eras, connects the past with the present, and reminds us why this music still matters.Weekly Recommendation Playlist presented by Evil GreedSubscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Get 10% off your Evil Greed order by using the code SUBURBS (for a lim

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 memorable stories like the inside joke of “cigarettes make you fight,” navigating the ethos of old school veganism, and the surreal experiences that came with major label interest during the height of the band’s momentum.Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering Texas Is The Reason, this conversation offers a unique window into the culture, choices, and chaos of that era. Weekly Recommendation Playlist presented by Evil GreedSubscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 1

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 chances and embracing the DIY ethos, Geert offers a candid look at how he’s navigated both music and meaning. We also dive into his unexpected path into the world of chess, where discipline and strategy mirror his creative pursuits, and talk about his new band and what lies ahead in this next chapter of expression.Weekly Recommendation PlaylistSubscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Get 10% off your Evil Greed order by using the code REUNION (

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 current mainstream momentum, and how FFAK has adapted along the way. We also explore his approach to “gamifying” different aspects of life and creativity to stay motivated, and why he actively welcomes constructive feedback as a tool for growth. It’s an insightful conversation on longevity, adaptation, and the mindset needed to keep pushing forward in heavy music.Weekly Recommendation PlaylistSubscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Get 10% of

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 grounded, and what it means to build something that lasts, whether it's music or a house. A conversation full of grit, history, and hard-earned perspective.Weekly Recommendation PlaylistSubscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Get 10% off your Evil Greed order by using the code SUBURBS (for a limited time only) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 into what it meant to be part of that scene, and how those formative years shaped his evolution as an artist.Now a seasoned composer for film, TV, and commercials, Taylor opens up about the transition from DIY venues to corporate clients—what he brought with him, what he had to leave behind, and how he’s navigated the balance between authenticity and adaptability. Along the way, we explore the enduring friendships and musical bonds that have kept him rooted, no matter how much the industry has changed.Weekly Recommendation PlaylistSubscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your f

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. Whether you found Bane in the '90s or just stumbled across their music last week, this one’s about more than just the band—it’s about the people we become along the way.Weekly Recommendation PlaylistSubscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Get 10% off your Evil Greed order by using the code SUBURBS (for a limited time only) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-in

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, relentless touring, and their time on Victory Records.Mark reflects on those formative years, the tight-knit energy of the Chicago scene, and what it meant to come up through a label that helped define an era. We also talk about what drives him now—why creating new music still matters, and how staying connected to your roots doesn’t mean standing still.Weekly Recommendation PlaylistSubscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Evil Greed is a highly curat

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 of real self-reflection, Ken opens up about the things he’s most proud of after two decades in heavy music and beyond. Whether you know him from the stage or the tech world, this is Ken Susi. Weekly Recommendation PlaylistSubscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Evil Greed is a highly curated merchandise provider from Berlin, Germany with fast, worldwide shipping and features stores from bands like Power Trip, Deafheaven, Nails, Russian Circ

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 hardcore and punk scenes.We talk about the impact of coming up in a smaller city, what it meant to find a voice in an era before social media dominance, and how the band learned to adjust their expectations as reality set in. Jimmy shares candid thoughts on identity, burnout, and the challenge of staying grounded when things move too quickly. It’s a look back at a pivotal time in underground music, through the eyes of someone who lived it in real time.Weekly Recommendation PlaylistSubscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblin

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, and take the kind of risks that build real careers.Tour Peachy has grown steadily by focusing on meaningful relationships, artist-first decisions, and a roster that reflects not just taste, but trust. We talk about what it means to scale intentionally in an industry obsessed with numbers, how Troy navigates challenges with care and strategy, and why betting on the underdog often pays off. Whether you're in music or just chasing something on your own terms, this episode is packed with insight into how to build something real—and keep it that way.Weekly Recommendation PlaylistSubscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells

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.Jensen dives into the origins of Iron Lung Records, and how the label has become more than just an outlet for his own projects—it’s a carefully curated home for experimental, heavy, and often unclassifiable music. We discuss what guides his choices as a label head, the importance of platforming artists that challenge norms, and how to balance curation with chaos. From global tours to warehouse shows, from brutal riffs to thoughtful releases, this conversation peels back the layers of one of punk’s most enduring and deliberate forces.Weekly Recommendation PlaylistSubscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially

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 nearly 600 shows in just two years, and how that pace shaped both the band’s identity and his own growth as an artist.The conversation also takes an unexpected but fascinating turn into the world of Swedish music, with Aaron sharing how Scandinavian artists have influenced his songwriting and production approach. Lastly, we talk about the unique experience of anniversary touring—what it means to revisit old songs, how fans connect to those moments in time, and the balance between nostalgia and evolution.Listen to the Official Outbreak Podcast here (executive produced by yours truly) Weekly Recommendation PlaylistSubscribe

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 boundaries—from maintaining creative passion after all these years, to navigating the physical and emotional demands of relentless touring. We dig into the unique challenges and rewards of playing for American audiences, the differences in tour culture and infrastructure, and how staying true to ethical principles like veganism fuels the band’s identity both on and off the stage.Listen to the Official Outbreak Podcast here (executive produced by yours truly) Weekly Recommendation PlaylistSubscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite b

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 much to him and the band. A big part of the chat centers on moving past the early perception of The Wonder Years as a “joke band” and how they’ve worked hard to build something more meaningful and lasting. It’s a conversation about growth, community, and holding onto what makes music powerful, even as everything around it changes.Listen to the Official Outbreak Podcast here (executive produced by yours truly) Weekly Recommendation PlaylistSubscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 10

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 best veggie burger ever, the impact of the American Hardcore documentary on him and the John Reis influence as a stage performer. Listen to the Official Outbreak Podcast here (executive produced by yours truly) Weekly Recommendation PlaylistSubscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Evil Greed is a highly curated merchandise provider from Berlin, Germany with fast, worldwide shipping and features stores from bands like Power Trip, Deafheav

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 have him on. We discuss Buffalo, identity and Dad’s playing hardcore. It's a riot. Listen to the Official Outbreak Podcast here (executive produced by yours truly) Weekly Recommendation PlaylistSubscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Evil Greed is a highly curated merchandise provider from Berlin, Germany with fast, worldwide shipping and features stores from bands like Power Trip, Deafheaven, Nails, Russian Circles and so much more.See Pr

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 textures with the emotional core he's known for, Suzzallo represents both a sonic evolution and a return to community-driven music-making. We sat down with Rocky to talk about the origins of the new band, tragedy and community. Listen to the Official Outbreak Podcast here (executive produced by yours truly) Weekly Recommendation PlaylistSubscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Evil Greed is a highly curated merchandise provider from Berlin, G

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 the Texas scene, the importance of Nu Metal and playing what you want. Their debut LP is out soon on 20 Buck Spin so the timing couldn't be better. BOUNCE WITH US.Listen to the Official Outbreak Podcast here (executive produced by yours truly) Weekly Recommendation PlaylistSubscribe to the podcast on YouTubeCheck out Thirty Something Records and pre-order the Suzzallo LP now!Rockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Evil Greed is a highly curated merchandise provider from B

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 bands packaging always was, their tight knit relationship with Giants Chair and the midwest music scene at large. Let's go!Listen to the Official Outbreak Podcast here (executive produced by yours truly) Weekly Recommendation PlaylistSubscribe to the podcast on YouTubeCheck out Thirty Something Records and pre-order the Suzzallo LP now!Rockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Evil Greed is a highly curated merchandise provider from Berlin, Germany with fast, worldwide shippin