The New Scene

Episode 17: Signal Hill

Keith and Tommy sit down for our first (almost) full band interview and our first post rock interview with Rishi Arora, Tim Cooper and Brian Vasallo of Signal Hill. We discuss the formation and early days of Signal Hill, the creation and inspiration behind their landmark 2009 LP "More After We're Gone", touring Australia and how the band has managed to stay together despite living on opposite coasts and now opposite continents. We also discuss everyone's musical history, entrance to the scene, memorable shows we've attended and a whole lot more.

Episode 16: Cory Brim of Glassing

Keith and Tommy sit down with Cory Brim of Glassing: recipients of our top record of 2019 nod for their LP "Spotted Horse" and one of our current favorite bands. We discuss Cory's early days in music, how he settled in Austin after spending time in Salt Lake City and New Orleans, how he initially struggled putting a band together in Austin and the formation of Glassing. We also discuss guitar tunings, gear and the secrets behind Glassing's unique and massive sound, current bands we love, the burgeoning post scene in Paris, our day to day lives and Cory's new project: Zyclops. Keith and Tommy also check in and discuss day to day anxiety, some recent videos we posted and read some reviews and comments from listeners.

Episode 15: Scott Mellinger of Zao / Creation is Crucifixion

Keith and Tommy sit down with guitar virtuoso and member of genre-defining bands Zao and Creation is Crucifixion: Scott Mellinger. We discuss Scott's discovery of the scene and some of the bands that influenced him early on. Scott also details his time in Creation is Crucifixion, the bands from which they drew inspiration the secret behind how they developed their extremely complex and unique sound. Scott also details his history in metalcore greats Zao, the trials and tribulations of the band, what they're up to now and what we can expect in the future. Finally, Keith and Tommy check in at the end to discuss the current state of the world and the show.

Episode 14: Bob Meadows of A Life Once Lost / Mind Power

Keith and Tommy sit down with our longtime friend and front man of Philadelphia legends A Life Once Lost: Bob Meadows. We talk about the history of A Life Once Lost from their early days, to their rise to success, touring with Ozzfest, their adventures playing in Russia and eventual breakup. We also get the scoop on whether or not we can expect to see an A Life Once Lost reunion. We also discuss the glory days of Bucks County hardcore, the many now legendary shows Bob booked at Polanka Park, Siren Records and other venues and all of the great stories that go along with them. Finally, we discuss Bob's current band Mind Power and what we can expect from them in the future.

Episode 13: Brendan Ekstrom of Circa Survive / This Day Forward

Keith and Tommy sit down with our good friend, virtuoso guitarist and South Florida hardcore magnate: Brendan Ekstrom. We discuss Brendan's early days in Maryland, how he discovered the scene, his work in 200 North and how he and the band ended up relocating to South Florida and then back to Maryland. Brendan also tells the story of how he joined This Day Forward and his experiences with the band. We also discuss the formation and early days of post-hardcore greats Circa Survive, the recording and release of Juturna and their major label experiences around the release of Blue Sky Noise. Keith also seizes this opportunity to ask Brendan some band do's and don'ts. Finally, we close out the discussion with the return of everyone's favorite game: WHO WOULD HEADLINE?

Episode 12: Pat Troxell of Lovelorn / Creepoid

Keith and Tommy sit down with our friend and founding member of Philly mainstays Creepoid and Lovelorn, Pat Troxell. We discuss the Philadelphia scene in the mid to late 90's, train hopping to go record shopping, how Pat got a security job at Emo's in Austin by beating up the drummer of a prominent band, living in a tree house commune and wild Creepoid tour stories including getting banned from Music Hall of Williamsburg and headlining a sold out show there a few months later. We also discuss his current work in the electronic drugpop duo Lovelorn and rising Philly Noise Rock stars Plaque Marks. Finally, Keith and Pat discuss their mutual admiration of Philadelphia legends Ink and Dagger and talk about how it was to record the upcoming Loverlorn LP with Don Devore. We even get some exclusive Sean McCabe stories. 

Episode 11: Mike Cummings of Backwoods Payback / All Else Failed

Keith and Tommy sit down with our good friend and the mastermind behind stoner rock mainstays Backwoods Payback, Mike Cummings. We discuss Backwoods Payback and how Mike managed to take the band from a self recorded demo to a nationally touring act. We also discuss Mike's solo work with MRC and the Souvenirs, Keith and Mike's band Crash of '64, Mike's work in his (and our) favorite band All Else Failed, their sold out tour of Europe, survival in the age of Corona, stuff we do to pass the time and more!

Episode 10: TJ De Blois of A Life Once Lost / Like Lions

Keith and Tommy sit down with our good friend and premier drummer: TJ De Blois. We talk about discovering the Bucks County hardcore scene and how that led to TJ to playing in A Life Once Lost. TJ discusses his experiences in ALOL and shares a secret about the recording of their classic EP The Fourth Plaugue: Flies. TJ also discusses playing in an early version of Circa Survive, his band Like Lions, how they nearly attained a major label contract and the difficulties he had to overcome as a result of these and other experiences. We even manage to trace the 2010 emo boom to a friend showing TJ the band Braid a decade earlier.

Episode 9: Chris Hornbrook of Poison the Well

Keith and Tommy sit down with master percussionist and founding member of Poison the Well, Chris Hornbrook. We discuss it all: the band's early days in the South Florida hardcore scene, their explosive rise following the release of The Opposite of December, playing legendary venues such as CBGB's and Philly's Stalag 13, their time on Atlantic Records, their hiatus and eventual re-ignition which began in 2016. Chris also discusses touring with Dhani Harrison and his work on the upcoming Greg Puciato solo record.

Episode 8: Grant Johnson of Spark Lights the Friction / Difficult

Keith and Tommy sit down with our friend and Syracuse legend, Grant Johnson. Grant tells us about his band band Spark Lights the Friction, how they struggled to find their place in a scene then dominated by metalcore and pop punk and shares stories with us from their days out on the road. We also discuss Grant's follow up band The Funeral, his current project Difficult and what it was like going to shows in Syracuse in the mid 90's. We also find out once and for all: is Grant vegan? Keith and Tommy also talk to Michael Hart who shares a story about how members of This Day Forward and A Life Once Lost got him into hardcore and ended up connecting with him at the last Dillinger Escape Plan show. Finally, Keith and Tommy discuss the show and share some listener emails and reviews.