#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...
info_outline
#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...
info_outline
#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_outline
#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...
info_outline
#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...
info_outline
#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...
info_outline
#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_outline
#185 - Modern Color (Vince Nguyen)
Behind the Vinyl
We had Vince of Modern Color on to talk about "There Goes the Dream." The writing process for their latest record was fragmented, as Vince has been personally juggling other projects and endeavors—being on the road with Militarie Gun while still touring with Modern Color. It took a little longer to write because they thrive on getting in a room together and bouncing ideas off each other. Nonetheless, the wait was well worth it. Usually, Fleming or Chad come in with a full song, and they start jamming to develop those ideas. The best part? They can be real with each other and give productive...
info_outline
#184 - Heart to Gold (Grant Whiteoak)
Behind the Vinyl
Tate jumps behind the mic for an exclusive interview with Grant from Hear to Gold! We chat about everything from new jams leading to a 10-song record coming out at a later date. The journey started out with self-producing the first album and eventually the band teamed up with Memory Music. Now they are a force in the music scene just recently working alongside the incredible Will Yip which has been a game changer. While their writing process remains consistent, collaborating with a broader team outside the band has fueled their fire even more. The motivation is at an all-time high,...
info_outline
#183 - Milly (Brendan Dyer & Yarden Erez)
Behind the Vinyl
We’re super excited to share our latest episode featuring Brendan Dyer and Yarden Erez of Milly! Their 2024 record, "Your Own Becoming," released on June 28, has been one of my most anticipated albums this year for me, especially after the single "Drip From the Fountain" dropped. This album is easily in my top 5 for 2024! The band started crafting this masterpiece on a New Year’s Day when Brendan decided it was time to make a record. It was a coming together moment where they realized that they needed to go hard on the new songs. They poured their hearts into the songs, meeting three...
info_outlineTate jumps behind the mic for an exclusive interview with Grant from Hear to Gold!
We chat about everything from new jams leading to a 10-song record coming out at a later date. The journey started out with self-producing the first album and eventually the band teamed up with Memory Music. Now they are a force in the music scene just recently working alongside the incredible Will Yip which has been a game changer.
While their writing process remains consistent, collaborating with a broader team outside the band has fueled their fire even more. The motivation is at an all-time high, and the band is stoked about what's coming next.
Grant opens up about his thoughts on corporate music and how it contrasts with his true vision of what music and art should be. Keeping his morals intact, he's managed to balance two jobs while making it clear that his passion for music—and touring—comes first.
Oh, and did we mention that Tate and Grant have a serious appreciation for Weezer? I think most will love this part of the conversation!
There's also a fun conversation about genre classification which in Grant's mind is totally subjective. But one thing’s for sure—their energy behind every song is 100% authentic and natural. If you haven't yet, make sure to check out Heart to Gold's new song "TNT" which came out at the end of July.