#199 - Glare (Izzy & Toni)
Behind the Vinyl
Step into another episode of Behind the Vinyl as we welcome Izzy and Toni of Glare into the interview room for an engaging and heartfelt conversation about their journey, their latest record, and everything in between. While some might say Glare “blew up overnight,” the reality is far from effortless. The band has been putting in the work, grinding behind the scenes, and staying focused on their mission. Their latest album, Sunset Funeral, released in April via the legendary Deathwish Inc., is a testament to that dedication. If there’s one word to describe the album, it’s...
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#198 - Worry Club (Chase Walsh)
Behind the Vinyl
In this all-exclusive interview, Tate sits down with Chase Walsh, the creative force behind Worry Club, to dive deep into the band’s evolving sound, creative journey, and latest releases—including the introspective single “Anything Else” and the newly dropped “Little Fucker.” Chase opens up about the shift from recording music in his bedroom to working in professional studios, and how his surroundings continue to shape his sonic identity. Once dreaming of scoring films, Chase found his voice (literally) while singing in college bands—evolving from hushed vocals to full-on belting...
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#197 - SPY (Peter Pawlak
Behind the Vinyl
In this episode, Steve returns to the mic for an electrifying interview with Peter Pawlak, frontman of the relentless California hardcore outfit SPY. With their latest EP Seen Enough released in February and a non-stop touring schedule that’s taken them from the U.S. with Superheaven to stages across Europe, SPY is proving that hardcore can break barriers and cross genres. Peter talks candidly about what it's like to front one of the most talked-about bands in the underground scene today. Growing up in California—a state with a deep-rooted punk and hardcore legacy—shaped his musical...
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#196 - Pet Symmetry (Evan Weiss & Marcus Nuccio)
Behind the Vinyl
In this episode, Tate chats with Marcus Nuccio and Evan Weiss, the driving forces behind the band, Pet Symmetry, about their latest album Big Symmetry, released on May 2. Since August 2023, the record label, Storm Chaser, has been releasing one album every month, but Big Symmetry stands out as the label's most significant release yet. Marcus and Evan discuss the power of self-releasing music, as owning their own label allows them to make all the decisions and maintain complete control over their music. They also reflect on the incredible freedom this gives them, from...
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#195 - The Wisconaut (Andrew Idarraga)
Behind the Vinyl
Tate is on a roll as we edge closer to the big 2-0-0, and this week’s episode brings a breezy, story-filled conversation with Andrew from the band The Wisconaut. Fresh off a surf trip with his buddies, Andrew joins the show in peak post-sesh energy to chat about everything from catching waves to catching ears with his music. The convo kicks off with Andrew’s roots in Milwaukee and his unexpected journey into surfing. He shares some of his favorite trips — including a formative stint in Rockaway, New York, where he feels he truly honed his skills on the board. But it’s not long before...
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#194 - Prize Horse (Jake Beital)
Behind the Vinyl
This week, Tate sits down with Jake Beital of Prize Horse for an unforgettable convo that kicks off with an instant Minnesota connection. From the Twin Cities to deep dives into the local music scene, Jake paints a vivid picture of home — and yes, he comes prepared with a stacked list of his favorite hometown restaurants. After a quick warm-up, the two dive into the heart of it: music. Jake opens up about Under Sound, the record Prize Horse dropped last year that’s taken on a timeless life of its own. Even two years after recording, he’s still proud of what they created — and listeners...
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#193 - Rosevile Sucks (Anthony Cronk)
Behind the Vinyl
n this episode, we sit down with Anthony, the creative force behind the music project "Rosevile Sucks." The name originated during his time living in Roseville, and even today, driving through the area serves as a humorous reminder of those experiences. Anthony is also part of the popular YouTube channel "Hivemind," which has broadened his horizons and introduced him to the world of football, despite his primary passion for music. Anthony shares how joining "Hivemind" was more than just a job; it was a chance to connect with like-minded musicians. The instant chemistry he found with the team...
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#192 - Steph Jerkova (Punitive Damage)
Behind the Vinyl
In this episode, we had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Steph Jerkova of Punitive Damage back in November. What a fantastic conversation it was! Not only is Punitive Damage an incredible band, but Steph herself is one of the most down-to-earth and engaging people you’ll meet. We dove deep into the band’s journey, exploring their sound, and the unique vibe that sets them apart in the hardcore punk music scene. But it wasn’t just about the music—Steph brought tons of energy, humor, and insight to the table, making this episode a blast from start to finish. Whether you’re...
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#191 - Chat Pile (Stin)
Behind the Vinyl
It’s taken me a little while to dive back into some of the interviews I did last year, but today we’re releasing something I’m really proud of — our interview with Chat Pile. There were times over the past few months when I seriously considered walking away from this project. I was burnt out, and setting up interviews felt like a chore. But in the end, I realized this project is too important to me to let go. I’ve made lifelong friends in Rosie and Tate, who’ve dedicated countless hours to making sure it continues. I often think back to my younger self, feeling lost and...
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#190 - Mat Kerekes (Citizen)
Behind the Vinyl
In this episode, we sit down with Mat Kerekes, the multifaceted frontman of Citizen, to dive deep into his solo work, his ever-evolving approach to music, and his unique balance of passion projects. Whether it’s fronting an iconic band like Citizen, writing his own songs as a solo artist, or stepping into the role of a producer, Mat seems to do it all—and do it well. Mat's most recent solo release, To Dream of Something Wicked, dropped on Wax Bodega to rave reviews, and in this interview, we get a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the record. As Mat explains, the album was a labor of...
info_outlineCharmer's music has always been a powerful exploration of mental health, and "Rose Thorns" is no exception. What's different this time? The lyrics have matured, and the songs are all about moving forward from the mental health struggles that life throws our way. It's a journey towards finding clarity and purpose in life. David believes this new music takes him back to the "early Charmer" days. Get ready for some amazing harmonies and a huge emphasis on guitar playing in these tracks!
In this interview, David opens up about the challenges Charmer faced and the ultimate motivation that drives them today. After college, David took a bold step by moving to the East Coast, fully committing himself to the world of music. The band self-released several EPs, but the growth they hoped for just didn't materialize. It was a tough period. Undeterred, when things didn't go as planned, David decided to return to Michigan with Neil. They had a handful of songs left, so they recorded them, almost like a parting gift to the band. Little did they know, this would mark a turning point.
In 2017, Charmer did five dates with Free Throw, and it marked a turning point for them. Prior to that, they had been slogging it out on some pretty tough DIY tours. These tours, while memorable, were often in front of small crowds and with very little money to show for it. Charmer's journey continued with the release of their first LP, but for the first six months, there was radio silence. The album didn't take off right away, and they had to rely on word of mouth to get some attention. It was only when their second record came out that things really started to change. People began to listen to both albums, and Charmer's music started to gain traction.
The pandemic brought a lot of downtime and changes for everyone, including Charmer. They found themselves dealing with family obligations and even David hitting the road with Hot Mulligan, which demanded his focus. However, this past year has been a turning point. They finally had the opportunity to sit down and get back to making music. The result? The band feels like they've improved significantly.
We are happy that David and Charmer are writing music again. Check out "Rose Thorns" and let us know what you think. Also, make sure to catch Charmer, Free Throw, Prince Daddy & The Hyena, and Saturday's At Your Place on tour! This is just the beginning of an exciting musical direction, and we can't wait to share more with you. Stay tuned for more updates!