Recently I was able to connect with the band called NAMAZU to discuss their latest music. Their new single, called “ICE 800” is a slick mix of big rock hooks paired with tight musicianship. In this interview, I asked the band about where they got their name from, the bands they’ve shared billings with, and what is coming next for NAMAZU. If you’re enjoying the new music video, please consider supporting the band here.
Read More “NAMAZU”Interview: Melissa Locker
Recently I was able to schedule a Zoom call with author Melissa Locker to discuss everything that went into her newly released book, And After AIl: A Fan History of Oasis. In this interview, I asked Melissa about the number of Oasis fan interviews she conducted for research for the book, the coolest Oasis memorabilia she came across in fans’ collections, and a bit of a discussion on fan/”stan” culture today. The book is out today via Gallery Books at all major retailers here.
Read More “Melissa Locker”Oruã – “Deus-Dara” (Video Premiere)
Today is a great day to share the new single from Oruã called “Deus-Dara.” On this electric-charged new single from the four-piece band, “Deus-Dara” provides a cool mix of Latin music paired with crisp musicianship. The single is from the band’s recently announced LP, Slacker, that will be out everywhere music is sold via K Records on October 24th. If you’re enjoying the new video, please consider supporting this band here.
Read More “Oruã – “Deus-Dara” (Video Premiere)”The EXOHs – “Soarin'” (Song Premiere)
Today I’m so excited to bring everyone the new single from The EXOHs called “Soarin’.” The band, who is the duo of Chris Canberg and Michael Perdichizzi, shared, “This is our first summer release since our band debuted and it marks the beginning of a new era for the band. it’s a song that deserves an ocean view drive with the windows down. maybe we’re biased, but we feel it’s our best song yet.” If you’re enjoying the early listen, please consider pre-saving the song here.
Read More “The EXOHs – “Soarin’” (Song Premiere)”Interview: Summerbruise
Recently I was able to schedule a Zoom call with emo/punk band, Summerbruise, to discuss their slick new single that recently released, called “Never Bothered” and their touring plans. Summerbuise is vocalist/guitarist Mike Newman (he/him), drummer Stanli Fryman (she/her), bassist John Parkison (them/he), and guitarists Mitch Gulish (he/him) and Cora Kunda (she/her). If you’re enjoying this interview, please consider supporting this band here, or check out a show.
Read More “Summerbruise”Interview: Will Pugh of Cartel
Recently I was able to schedule a Zoom call with Will Pugh, the lead vocalist of Cartel, to discuss his range of emotions ahead of Chroma’s 20th anniversary, and the band’s re-recorded version of that album that recently sold out its first pressing on vinyl. Cartel will be on the road supporting the re-recorded version of Chroma with support from Hunny, Landon Conrath and Macseal. Cartel has since announced a Field Day Records pressing of their 2011 EP, In Stereo, that went on sale today. I asked Will about the vinyl pressings, his Vans Warped Tour 2025 experience, and much more. Tickets for the Chroma 20th Anniversary Tour are on sale here.
Read More “Will Pugh of Cartel”Review: Deadlands – Seven
The music world can always use another metalcore band, right? Deadlands are from Long Island, New York and are comprised of Kasey Karlsen (vocals) and CJ Arey (guitarist/producer). Their sound is a blend of rock bands like From Ashes To New and Poison the Well, paired with Karlsen’s vocal range similar to Courtney LaPlante of Spiritbox, all put on blend with a style that feels fresh and exciting. Seven is their latest EP/effort via Spinefarm Records and it’s a hard-hitting collection of seven songs that are filled with great production, slick guitar work, and visceral vocals that have enough melody throughout for others to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Kasey Karlsen shared, “Our goal is to really bring listeners out of the present world. With all of the crazy crap going on in our everyday lives, we try to take you to different realms. Subconsciously, the music might help you reflect on yourself.” By taking the listener on quite the thrilling ride, Seven marks a new standout moment for not only metalcore, but Deadlands as well.
Read More “Deadlands – Seven”Interview: Cody Parks and the Dirty South
Recently I was able to connect with rock band Cody Parks and the Dirty South that is self-described as “Country Metal.” The band has toured extensively, and is ready for their moment in the spotlight. In this interview with lead vocalist Cody Parks, I asked him about where the band draws their influence from, five records he couldn’t live without, and the best parts of playing in a band. If you’re curious about this band, please consider checking out their merch store here.
Read More “Cody Parks and the Dirty South”Horizon Point – “Bend The Truth” (Song Premiere)
Fresh off the ink drying on their new recording contract with Manic Kat Records, Horizon Point are back with a great-sounding new single called “Bend The Truth.” The band shared:
We are so excited to sign with Manic Kat Records! Our first EP with MKR is already in the works, and should be out later this year. A big part of Horizon Point’s message is about mental health, and this song has an extra special meaning for us. It’s a story about a relationship between two people who have experienced trauma in their lives. They’re both trying to improve themselves and break the cycle of the past to be better partners. The hook, ‘I’m so scared, but I want to get better’, can be applied to so many moments in life where you’re on the cusp of change but still afraid to take the first step. It’s a song about encouragement and hope for something new.
If you’re enjoying this slick song that has all of the vibes of a great ska/punk band figuring things out in record time, please consider staying in touch with the band here.
Read More “Horizon Point – “Bend The Truth” (Song Premiere)”Heavy Seas – “If Only I” (Video Premiere)
Today is a great day to share the new single and music video from Chicago punk/emo band, Heavy Seas, called “If Only I.” The band is J. Robbins (Jawbox), Ronnie Dicola and Jeff Dean, and their great band chemistry is quickly shown on this key track from their forthcoming LP, By Degrees. Jeff Dean shared that this single is “about loss and change, and struggling with being lost within it. The feelings of not being able to let go and move forward.” If you’re enjoying the early watch, please consider pre-saving By Degrees here.
Read More “Heavy Seas – “If Only I” (Video Premiere)”Thank You For The (New) Venom: An Analysis of My Chemical Romance’s 2025 ‘Three Cheers’ Remix
I have to admit that I rolled my eyes a bit at the thought of remixing/remastering what I consider to be one of the most sonically dynamic records this scene has ever had the privilege of calling our own: My Chemical Romance’s Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge. How exactly do you make any improvements to a classic recording? The answer was found out quickly when I first put my ears around the 2025 remix/remaster of Three Cheers. Instead of just making it louder, the original mixer of the record (Rich Costey) used the original source files that were carefully stored away by veteran producer Howard Benson to fully revamp the overall sound that comes out of the speakers when you hit “play.” This article will not be so much of a review per se of the Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge record, as I originally did the retrospective review a few years back, as much as it is a deep dive into the overall package that is presented here in 2025.
Read More “Thank You For The (New) Venom: An Analysis of My Chemical Romance’s 2025 ‘Three Cheers’ Remix”Interview: Daniel Ellsworth and The Great Lakes
Recently I was able to connect with the band called Daniel Ellsworth & The Great Lakes to discuss what went into their cool new single called “After All (Strung Out Version)”. In this interview, I asked the band about their writing process, where they find inspiration that they put back into their music, and what to expect at one of their concerts. If you’re enjoying the interview, please consider staying connected with the band here.
Read More “Daniel Ellsworth and The Great Lakes”Joybomb – “I, Paparazzi” (Song Premiere)
Today is a great day to share the latest single from Memphis-based Alt Rock band, Joybomb, called “I, Paparazzi.” On this great-sounding new track, Joybomb showcase their affinity for slick hooks paired with a classic emo groove. Says front-man Grant Beatty, “‘I, Paparazzi’ is about self-surveillance, the degree to which we exploit ourselves and finely tailor and present real human experiences and desires to feed curated audiences for our own dopamine, social gratification, and sense of purpose or aggrandizement.” If you’re enjoying the new single, please consider pre-saving the track here.
Read More “Joybomb – “I, Paparazzi” (Song Premiere)”Review: HAIM – I Quit
Have you ever had the feeling that a little piece is missing from an album? It’s something that you have a hard time putting your finger on, but it’s an uneasy feeling that something is just…off. I got a little bit of that feeling when I listened to HAIM’s fourth studio album called I Quit, a record that is largely about giving up on relationships that aren’t worth our time and effort. Even as I kept coming back to I Quit over my weekend, I couldn’t shake the feeling that a bit of the magic that the band put into their stellar predecessor of Women In Music Pt. III wasn’t there. This current set was produced by Rostam Batmanglij (Ra Ra Riot, Vampire Weekend), lead vocalist/guitarist Danielle Haim, as well as some extra production from Buddy Ross (Frank Ocean), and the overall sheen that comes through the speakers on singles like “Relationships” and “All Over Me” are readily apparent. The music that surrounds the early standout moments just doesn’t seem to recapture that classic HAIM style, even if those “highs” found in the key songs are great.
Read More “HAIM – I Quit”Interview: TRXVIS
Recently I was able to connect with pop-punk artist TRXVIS to discuss everything that went into his new single and video for “CRASH LANDING”. I asked this artist about some of his favorite bands in the scene, what makes his music enjoyable for others to vibe with, and much more. For tour dates and music streaming options check out the link here.
Read More “TRXVIS”