Ep. 289: Gatsbys American Dream w/ Nic Newsham
This Was The Scene Podcast
Gatsbys American Dream is a Seattle-based rock band known for blending pop-punk, post-hardcore, progressive rock, and emo into a sound that rarely stays in one lane. Formed in the early 2000s, the band built a devoted following with albums like Ribbons and Sugar, Volcano, and their self-titled 2006 record. Their songs are packed with unusual structures, sharp hooks, literary references, and the kind of unpredictable shifts that made them stand out from the mid-2000s scene. Despite never reaching the mainstream level of many of their contemporaries, Gatsbys became a cult favorite and...
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Ep. 288: mae w/ Zach Gehring
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...
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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,...
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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...
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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,...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Formed in late 90s Northern California, Tsunami Bomb stood out immediately, blending sharp lyrics, melodic hooks, keyboards as a true lead instrument, and dual female vocals into a sound that mixed punk urgency with pop instincts and a darker edge. Early releases like The Invasion from Within! and constant touring built a global following, while 2002’s The Ultimate Escape on Kung Fu Records pushed them further, later landing on Rolling Stone’s Top 50 pop punk albums of all time. After lineup shifts and a long hiatus, they returned in 2015 with founding members Dominic Davi, Oobliette Sparks, and Gabriel Lindman alongside Kate Jacobi and Andy Pohl, ushering in a new era that led to 2019’s The Spine That Binds on Alternative Tentacles. Still evolving, they’ve continued touring the U.S. and Europe, and in 2026 teamed with Hammerbombs for the split EP Bombs Away! on Rad Girlfriend Records, proving that nearly three decades in, Tsunami Bomb is still restless, relevant, and very much alive.
I got Dom on the Zoom and this is what we chat about:
- Having a heart attack and stroke
- Jello Biafra
- His Bigwig / Sum 41 theory
- Getting rejected by labels
- Getting on Kung Fu
- The response from changning singers
- His thoughts on the Warped Tour
- Working for King Fu
- Getting kicked out of the band
- Negative lyrics in their songs being about each other
- the Saki truth syrum story (you don’t want to miss this)
- And a ton more
If you'd like to hire me for Freelance Graphic / Motion Design or Video editing or Explainer Animations then email mike@drive80.com.
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