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Ep. 272: Avery w/ Nina Saporta and Janet LaBelle

Release Date: 12/05/2025

This Was The Scene Podcast

Mae is an American alternative rock and emo band formed in Norfolk, Virginia, in 2001. Known for their melodic songwriting, atmospheric sound, and uplifting lyrics, they became a standout act in the mid-2000s emo scene with albums like Destination: Beautiful and The Everglow. Rather than leaning into angst, Mae built a loyal following through themes of hope, self-reflection, and personal growth. Their energetic live shows and strong connection with fans helped them earn a lasting place alongside many of the era's most respected independent bands. More than two decades later, Mae continues...

Ep. 287: ...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead w/ Conrad Keely & Jason Reece

This Was The Scene Podcast

…And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead formed in Austin, Texas in the mid-’90s, led by longtime creative partners Conrad Keely and Jason Reece. The band quickly became known for explosive live shows, smashed gear, instrument swapping, and a sound that blended post-hardcore, noise rock, punk, and indie rock. Their early albums built a strong underground following before they signed with Interscope Records and released Source Tags & Codes in 2002. That album became the band’s breakthrough, featuring songs like “Another Morning Stoner,” “Relative Ways,” and “How Near,...

Ep. 286: Senses Fail w/ Mike Glita

This Was The Scene Podcast

Go follow my new podcast with Dana Bollen. And follow my IG Senses Fail emerged from New Jersey in 2002 and became one of the defining bands of the 2000s post hardcore and emo scene. Known for blending melodic hooks with aggressive instrumentation, the band built a devoted following through emotionally raw lyrics and high energy live performances. Frontman Buddy Nielsen has remained the driving force behind the group, guiding its evolution through multiple lineup changes while continuing to release new music. Albums like Let It Enfold You, Still Searching, and Life Is Not a Waiting...

Ep. 285: Small Towns Burn A Little Slower w/ Danny Wolf & Ryan Traster

This Was The Scene Podcast

Go follow my new podcast with Dan Bollen. And follow my IG Small Towns Burn a Little Slower was a Minneapolis/St. Paul band that blended emo, indie rock, and pop punk into a sound that felt both melodic and emotionally raw. Formed in 2002, they quickly built a loyal following through relentless touring and releases on Rise Records, Triple Crown Records, and Dead Letter Records. Their 2005 full length, Mortality as Home Entertainment, earned them recognition from Alternative Press as one of its "100 Bands You Should Know About." Their music paired soaring hooks with introspective lyrics,...

Ep. 284: The Early November w/ Jeff Kummer

This Was The Scene Podcast

If you live north of Boston, on the North Shore, in Southern New Hampshire, or Maine, meet . Your home shouldn't look like a furniture showroom. It should look like you. Whether it's a vinyl collection you've spent years building, concert posters from unforgettable shows, or vintage treasures with a story to tell, Joyleaf Interiors helps turn the things you love into a space full of personality and character. Shannon and Allison specialize in creating warm, authentic homes using what you already own, helping you avoid costly redesigns and trendy looks that quickly fade. Website IG - The...

Ep. 283: Houston Calls Pt. 2 w/ Chitty

This Was The Scene Podcast

This is part 2 from last week's episode which you can find wherever you podcast :) And here are the rest of the things Chitty and I chat about: How was it being on Drive Thru Records Mark Hoppus wanting to produce their record Touring with Day At The Fair Mustachio How the band ended And a ton more Go support his wife’s business over at . She helps families navigate the often overwhelming process of choosing the right school for their child, offering personalized guidance for PreK through 12th grade placements across public, charter, magnet, and private schools in the Triangle area. The...

Ep. 282: Houston Calls Pt. 1 w/ Chitty

This Was The Scene Podcast

Formed in New Jersey in the late 1990s, Houston Calls blended pop punk energy with catchy melodies and heartfelt songwriting. The band quickly built a loyal following through relentless touring and a string of well-received releases. Their sound balanced upbeat hooks with lyrics that captured the uncertainty and excitement of young adulthood. Albums like A Collection of Short Stories and The End of an Error helped establish them as a favorite within the mid-2000s pop punk scene. Known for their polished musicianship and memorable choruses, Houston Calls shared stages with many of...

Ep. 281: The Mimsies w/ Casey Castille

This Was The Scene Podcast

The Mimsies were an underground band associated with the late 1990s and early 2000s DIY music scene. Their sound combined straightforward melodic elements with a raw, unpolished style typical of independent releases from that era. While they did not achieve widespread commercial success, they developed a small following through word of mouth and local performances. The band is often noted for reflecting the aesthetic and approach of the broader underground punk and indie communities. Having Aspergers The Flaming Lips Moving the band to LA Blurring the lines with band members Labels wanting...

Ep. 280: The Bombpops w/ Jen Razavi

This Was The Scene Podcast

The The Bombpops are a San Diego punk band known for blending fast, melodic riffs with emotionally honest lyrics. Fronted by Jen Razavi and Poli van Dam, their dual vocals give their songs a raw, conversational energy. They gained recognition through releases on Fat Wreck Chords, the iconic label founded by Fat Mike of NOFX. Their music often explores themes like relationships, anxiety, and personal growth while keeping a high-energy punk sound. With catchy hooks and heartfelt storytelling, they’ve carved out a strong place in modern punk. I got Jen on the Zoom and this is what we chat...

Ep. 279: Matt Allison

This Was The Scene Podcast

Matt Allison is a Chicago-based music producer known for capturing the raw, unpolished energy of punk, emo, and indie bands without sanding off their personality. Working out of his Atlas Studios, he’s helped shape records for bands like Alkaline Trio, The Lawrence Arms, and The Menzingers, giving them that punchy, lived-in sound that feels like a basement show bottled up. His production style leans toward honesty over perfection, letting grit and character sit front and center instead of hiding behind glossy overproduction. In a world of hyper-edited music, Allison’s work feels like a...

More Episodes

Avery is a pop-punk band that started in the NJ music scene in 1999. What started as just Nina on bass and Janet singing while playing drums, evolved over the years, with Jess coming on as guitarist, Janet moving up to vocals and keys, and Mike joining on drums. Over the next 10+ years, Avery played hundreds of shows including multiple festivals, toured nationally, and released two records. Avery songs were also featured on multiple television shows on Nickelodeon, Disney, and MTV. The band also wrote the theme song for a commercial for Rebelle Friendship Bags. After a 10 year hiatus, Avery reunited in the summer of 2019 for a series of reunion shows with fellow bands from the NJ pop punk music scene. Though the members are split between the east and west coast, Avery will continue playing occasional shows throughout the year (it was way too fun not to do it again).

I got Janet and Nina on the Zoom and this is what we chat about:

Growing up together
Pillow changing their minds about starting a band
How they felt at shows
The origins of the name Avery
Recording at Portrait Studios
Their connection to Black Flag and the Misfits
Breaking Marky Ramone’s drumset
Nina’s sparkle bass
Getting songs played on Nickelodeon and Disney
How did the band end
Playing the 2019 show after one practice the night before
And a ton more

Click here to hire my Sister who's a Realtor in Plymouth, MA
Click here for Piebald's upcoming shows

Click here to Check out Janet’s DJ night Sun, Dec 14 at 2:30 PM at Wonderville on 1186 Broadway, Brooklyn, New York.

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