#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...
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#189 - Speed (Jem Siow)
Behind the Vinyl
What can we say about Speed and their iconic hit record Only One Mode that hasn't already been said? If you're a hardcore fan, you know the vibe. This lovable group from Australia brings everything you could ask for: raw energy, relentless drive, and authenticity on and off the stage. They’re more than just a band; they’re an unstoppable force in hardcore, breaking boundaries worldwide. In this latest episode, I had the privilege of sitting down with Jem from Speed. Going into this, I knew I was a HUGE fan. But after diving into Jem’s past interviews, I could see why Speed resonates so...
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#188 - Been Stellar (Sam Slocum & Skylar Knapp)
Behind the Vinyl
In this episode, we dive deep with Sam and Skylar of Been Stellar as tearlier in the year they celebrated the release of their debut album, Scream from New York, NY. Having crafted their musical bond since the age of 14, the duo reflects on the evolution of their sound from singles and EPs to a full-length record. Join us as they share the story behind the album—how the pressure of previous EP's success fueled their desire to create something raw and authentic. Sam and Skylar discuss their mission to deliver emotionally resonant lyrics that defy trends and showcase their unique identity...
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#187 - Luster (Adrian Castillo)
Behind the Vinyl
This week, we sit down with Adrian from Luster to dive deep into their creative process and the unique dynamics of the band. We discuss how they manage to blend emotional vulnerability with a sound that's evolved over the years. Highlights Include: The surprising fact that, despite playing shoegaze the most, it's what Adrian listens to the least! The origins of Luster as a "bedroom project," with Adrian and Alvin sending ideas back and forth, allowing the rest of the band to contribute at their own pace. How Adrian and Alvin’s friendship began 10+ years ago at California shows, not as...
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#186 - The Barbarians of California (Eric Stenman)
Behind the Vinyl
In this episode, we delve into the fascinating journey of a band that emerged from the fusion of passion and persistence. Our story begins a decade ago with Eric Stenman, who was writing heavier music that he never imagined would reach the public eye. Eric's early musical journey intertwined with Aaron Bruno's in the late '90s through their shared love for hardcore music. Despite their separate creative paths —Eric focusing on music production and Aaron eventually forming Awolnation—they would later find a way to create a band together (although they have been working together for years...
info_outlineFor a majority of his music career, Erik Kase Romero has been behind the scenes. Romero has developed into a prominent music producer – most notably working with the Front Bottoms (also plays instrumentals in the live experience), Lorde, and the Bouncing Souls. Romero has developed a name for himself in the industry and his musical genius is something that musicians desire. A quick peek at his website takes the viewer into a magical journey that involves a large list of production. It’s a list that would be considered a “dream” for anyone just breaking into the business. Romero is now a seasoned veteran and in some ways can be picky when thinking about who he will invite to his home studio next.
Romero has been involved in bands on the local circuit for years now. But, what seemed like a silly idea, quickly became a reality over the past year. Romero made the decision to branch out with his abilities and start a solo project. While it has been a great success so far, it was no easy decision. As previously stated, Romero has always been in the background through production and instrumentals in various groups. His solo act is serving as a time where he has the mic and the listeners get to hear his powerful words. His single still already caught the listener’s attention for how vulnerable and relatable Romero is through his lyrics. While Romero will continue to push his songs through social media and has several live shows coming up, he does not care for commercial success. This project is not meant to result in headlining huge venues, but instead it’s another chance to grow as a musical mind, and have some fun while doing so. How to be still and still be here is set to be released tomorrow. Make sure to give it a listen and support Romero as he takes on this solo adventure.
Audio edited by Tate Daniels
Graphic by Rosemary Young
Host Steven Macri
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