NONSENSE: A Podcast by What Makes Sense

All the way from Minneapolis, Minnesota...this week we are joined by Parker and Sam from Unturned. The fine folks from Unturned just delivered the album of the year in September (Dreams of Being on Television) through No Sleep Records, and are planning shows/a tour around the release. Make sure you catch them on the road in a city near you soon! Follow @nonsensepod @wmsny @unturnedtheband on IG for more!

This week we connect with Colin Vandenberghe, the lead singer of Promise Game, to talk about PG’s new EP “Horizon”. With What Makes Sense performing alongside Promise Game 8/14 in New Hampshire, we had A LOT to cover, which made for a must-listen episode. Intro: “Rear Window” by What Makes Sense, Outro: “Steamroller” by Promise Game. Follow @promisegame @wmsny @nonsensepod on Instagram for more!

Take a dive into the ocean with the coolest Tortuga around, TJ Redding. TJ is the lead singer of the transcendental musical outfit, Mighty Tortuga. In this episode we discuss music as a 24/7 job, cheap ways to make a lot of money, and their new single “Forgive and Forget” - streaming everywhere you get your favorite music. Intro: “Rear Window” by What Makes Sense. Outro: “Forgive and Forget” by Mighty Tortuga. Follow @mightytortuga @nonsensepod @wmsny for more!

Chris Russo, the leader singer of New Jersey-based pop rock band Highwind, joins us this week, hot off of a healthy show circuit and new release “Sugar”. In this episode we discuss vinyls and physical copies, why Baby Metal sucks, and what music means to Chris. Follow @highwindnj on IG for more. Follow @wmsny and @nonsensepod on IG for more details on upcoming shows for What Makes Sense.

Our first Episode of 2022! To ring in the new season, we’ve brought on dear friend and social media guru George Powell. When George isn’t behind the kit for Poeta, he’s busy interviewing the sickest bands in the scene for The Limelight Podcast and breaking his back carrying scene music TikTok. In this episode we go into what music means to George, why you can’t buy menthols in Canada, and what bands should be on your radar. Intro: “Rear Window” by What Makes Sense. Outro: “Anxious Racing” by Poeta.

Come take a skydive with us as we chat with Kevin McCord of New England-based Band We Demand Parachutes. In this episode we chat about what is behind the WDP name and why jumping out of a plane with two parachutes is often better than jumping out with none. All jokes aside, this is a great episode to get into to learn more about being a mostly DIY band while still yielding success. Episode intro “Rear Window” by What Makes Sense. Outro: “Ketamine” by We Demand Parachutes. Follow @nonsensepod @wmsny @wedemandparachutes for more!

We’re back! In our first-post-hiatus episode, Xavier Morency and Vincent Morency of Montreal-based band Second Harbour join us this week to chop it up. Being that they are brothers, Xavier and Vincent have a unique approach to writing and recording their music. Both are talented multi-instruments who can pick up another instrument at a live show with ease. Believe me when I say—this is your new favorite band. Intro song “Rear Window” by What Makes Sense. Song of the Week: “Drifter” by The Maguas. Outro: “Vibrant” by Second Harbour.

Andy (Drums) and Ben (Vocals) of California-based band, Loose Ends, join the podcast this week to talk about their new single “Love in Heartache”. “Love in Heartache” is the first single released off of their upcoming album “Tell God You Were Framed”, which tells the story of leaving the material world for the astral unknown. Andy and Ben, both former members of legendary pop punk group, Kid Liberty, open up their hearts and minds in this interview and share what inspires them as musicians. Intro song: “That’s What She Said” by Kid Liberty. Song of the Week: “Sidelines” by Midfield. Outro: “Love in Heartache” by Loose Ends. Follow @nonsensepod @wmsny @looseendsca for more

Kemble Walters of AEGES joins us this week as our first rock-leaning act we’ve had on the podcast. In this episode we discuss his brush with Rick Rubin, boutique pedals, music production, and finding just the right amount of fuzz. Song of the week: “Back With The Gang” by Sam Coffey and The Iron Lungs. Outro: “Colors” by AEGES. Follow @nonsensepod @aegesband for more!

Canada’s favorite sons, Oakrest join us this week to talk about their trajectory over the past year. Their hit single “Nothing Serious” just surpassed 10,000 streams on Spotify — something well over due for a band that kicks as much ass as they do. In this episode we discuss shady bookers, highs and lows of touring, and what’s on the horizon for Oakrest. Intro song: “Long Thoughts” by Oakrest. Song of the Week: “Shapeshifter” by Back Garden Light. Outro: “Nothing Serious” by Oakrest. Follow @nonsensepod @oakrestband @backgardenlight.

Joining us this week is Alexy and Mickey of Bronx, NY-based alternative band Autumn Revival. AR just recently released one hell of a single called “What It Something That I Said?”, which is the first glimpse they have provided their fans with into their upcoming EP. In this episode we discuss the new single, playing shows in New York City, Presidente Beer, and some of our favorite up and coming bands. Song of the week: “Meant For Misery” by Settle Your Scores. Outro: “Was It Something That I Said”. Follow: @Autumn_Revival and @NonsensePod for more!

We welcome on this week Kurt Zikaras, lead singer/guitarist of Connecticut-based punk band, American Thrills. In this episode, Kurt shares with us what he has learned in his many years of being a part of various musical acts. American Thrills has an impressive but thus far short history after starting in 2020–there is much to come on their horizon considering their stacked line up. The band recently released their second EP “Old Things”, now streaming on all platforms. Their song “Discount Casket” (recently featured in Brooklyn Vegan) can be heard at the end of the episode. Song of the week: “Let Me Go” by Go For Gold. Outro: “Discount Casket” by American Thrills. Follow @AmericanThrillsband and @nonsensepod on Instagram for more.

Brompton Jackson and Blake Evaristo of Action/Adventure join the podcast this week fresh off of signing to Pure Noise Records! Action/Adventure just released their first single/music video on Pure Noise, “Poser”, which can be heard at the episode. The guys share their hidden (and not so hidden) talents, favorite music venues, and memories from the road. Song of the week: “Nothing Serious” by Oakrest @oakrestband. Outro: “Poser” by Action/Adventure. Follow: @actadvband @nonsensepod for more.

Cody Ritchie of Goalkeeper joins us this week to discuss their new single “Black and Blue (Reimagined)” — out everywhere 4/9. “Black and Blue (Reimagined)” is a new take on their hit single “Black and Blue”, released late last year. Also joining the podcast this week is Bobo, the cross-eyed cat that has inspired some of Goalkeeper’s greatest hits. Song of the week: “Divine Connection” by Real Talk. Outro: “Black and Blue” by Goalkeeper.

Gabe Pietrafesa of Young Culture joins us this week with a cast around his arm after a skateboarding accident. This week we talk Young Culture’s signing to Equal Vision Records, their new self-titled album, the Wade Boggs challenge, sitting on your nuts, and a whole lot more. Intro: “Groundhog Day” by What Makes Sense. Outro: “Holiday In Vegas” by Young Culture. Follow @youngcultureny @nonsensepod @wmsny

We are excited to bring to you two very special guests who have been making waves in the pop punk scene recently; Simon and Alex of Incase We Crash. We discussed everything from buying vintage guitars to where you can find the best poutine in Canada. Sidenote: Tim Hortons? Slaps. Intro: “Groundhog Day” by What Makes Sense. Outro: “Soul Paint” by Incase We Crash. Follow for more: @incasewecrash @nonsensepod

Our good friends Say What You Will join the podcast this week! Not a big deal but the last time we saw them was when they opened for Four Year Strong. In this episode we discuss their new single “Chameleon”, their song writing process, and discovering/exploring the wonders of studio recording. Intro: “Groundhog Day” by What Makes Sense. Outro: “Southbound” by Say What You Will. Follow: @saywhatyouwillband @wmsny @nonsensepod

Fans of I Call Fives: we have the answers to your burning questions. Jeff Todd joins us this week to discuss what the band has been up to recently *new material incoming*. Additionally, we talk about I Call Fives’ rich touring history and the unique stories of their wayward journey. Intro: “Groundhog Day” - What Makes Sense. Outro: “Elevator Music” - I Call Fives. Follow @jeffcallsfives @icallfives @nonsensepod

Our first episode of 2021 — what better way to ring in the new year with some fresh talent? We welcome on the boys from When The Sun Sets, and they have been BUSY. We talk documentaries, boujee barn recording, beers (theoretically), and what we’re most looking forward to this year. Outro: “February” by When The Sun Sets. Follow: @whenthesunsetsil @nonsensepod @wmsny

Our LAST EPISODE OF 2020. What a year. Thank you all for listening through these strange times. As a “thank you”, we brought on a very special guest, Chris Tamburro, vocalist/guitar of UK-based pop punk band Project Revise. They just released “Downside Up”, their newest single, today. Make sure to check it out! Intro: “Christmas at My House” by The Dirty Nil. Outro: “Borderline” by Project Revise. Follow: @projectrevisepunk @nonsensepod @wmsny

Almost Heaven...West Virginia...
This week we have on Gage Vota (@stagemomswv) who is the voice behind the pop punk pirate ship that is Stage Moms. Some fun facts about Gage: 1.) Was in a touring folk punk band, 2). Used to own a music venue 3.) Can sing like a m***er f**ker.
We had an awesome time learning about the trials and tribulations of life on the road, and even got a sneak peek into what's next for Stage Moms. Keep your eyes peeled for the new Stage Moms EP in 2021! Outro: Stage Moms - Sophomore Slump. Follow: @stagemomswv, @wmsny, @nonsensepod for more.
Don't forget to check out the music video for "Sophomore Slump", out now!

Hot off their new single/music video “Shameless”, We Were Sharks gave fans last week a taste of what their new album “New Low” will sound like — and it’s really fucking good. Jason walks us through not only the new single and album, but he also touches on growing up in Newfoundland, car crashes, and everything you need to know about Cuba. Intro: “July” by We Were Sharks, Outro: “Shameless” by We Were Sharks. Follow @jasonistheworst @weweresharks @wmsny

I (Aaron) have found my new favorite band, and *spoiler alert*, it is R.O.T.
Arrold Walton, the lead singer, lyrical mastermind, and overall Swiss army knife of a person joins the podcast this week to share R.O.T. with the world, or at least with the reach of this podcast.
Arrold talks us through R.O.T.'s new full-length album, "...As One" which is just heavy hitter after heavy hitter. I actually needed to take a water break halfway through the listening. This album will definitely resonate well with fans of Harm's Way, Code Orange (the old Code Orange...like when they were good), Inclination, Knocked Loose, etc so I would encourage you to go listen NOW.
We also talk about the formation of R.O.T. and how Arrold moved from California to join, we talk about lyrical composition, social issues in music, and his first hardcore show.
Outro: "Technicolor Yawn" by R.O.T.
Intro: Midwest Voice Translator by Charlie Berens (Youtube)

Mcgtherapper out of NJ, coming at ya live from Central Jersey! Our friend Marcus, better known as Mcgtherapper joined the podcast this week as the first rapper we have had in our 31 episodes. Mcg has all the flow and style we knew the listeners would love so we were excited when he expressed interest in joining the podcast. He just dropped his first full length album “Therapy” this year and that is available on all major streaming platforms! Take a listen to a sample at the end of the episode. Intro: Mac Miller Tiny Desk Performance. Outro: “Death of Me” - Mcgtherapper

After losing the first episode recording in the cloud (whatever that is), Aaron learned from his lesson and comes clean with Corbin who was kind enough to join us for a second time. On another note, the guys in Rarity are at the top of their game now having just released two new singles “Worn Down” and “Leave It Alone”. Corbin not only provides a force behind Rarity that has allowed them to create the powerful music they have released recently, but he has also been working quietly on a full-blown solo project that should be released in 2021. Along with that, we also get to discuss Rarity’s upcoming show in Canada with Silverstein, and shirts...there’s a lot of shirt talk. Outro: “Leave It Alone” by Rarity

REAL TALK PART 2: The Maine Episode for people who like The Maine and The State of Maine. We catch up with Stephen Cormier and Patrick Nadeau, guitarist and bassist of Real Talk this week to talk about Pat deleting Snapchat, rig rundowns, Vans vs dress shoes and more. Outro: “Arrivals” by Real Talk.

Scranton, PA: Paper, Trolleys, Coal, and...Emo Music? Yep. Who knew the city of 77,000 people had as big of a scene as it does.
The self-proclaimed "emo anthem" band, The Maguas deliver just that; Hit after hit, anthem after anthem. They apparently also interview extremely well. We know we say this about many of our guests because of how thorough our guest screening process is (it is not), but these guys were one of our favorite interviews so far.
In this interview we discuss:
- Their new song "Seaglass and Springsteen", out everywhere 8/28
- The Maguas' famous curated Spotify playlists
- How they got their name
- Harsh noise music and car batteries to the nips
- The drunkest they've ever been
- Their song writing process
Outro: "Seaglass and Springsteen" by the Maguas

British Invasion 🇬🇧! Joy In Blue out of Portsmouth, UK join the episode this week, hot off of releasing two singles this summer, “Old Roads” and “Places”. We get to talking about how #KemperNation, recording in college dorms, My Chemical Romance, and what lies ahead for Joy In Blue. Outro: “Old Roads” by Joy In Blue. Follow @joyinblueuk

Hailing from Cincinnati, Ohio, you know them already and the incredible body of work they have— that’s right, it’s time for Mascots. Chris, Chase, and Alex joined us to talk about their newest single “Figure It Out”, the Cincy music scene, the craziest stories from the road, Warped Tour, dream jobs, and straws? Outro: “Figure It Out” by Mascots follow @mascotsoh

Joey Fleming of IHOW joins the podcast this week to talk about IHOW’s work for their upcoming album, which will be their 3rd full length. Also discussed in this episode: Joey’s turbulent entrance into IHOW, his stint in driving for Lyft, weird tour habits, and Big Red, the van of death. Outro: “Steady Glow” by In Her Own Words. Follow: @ihowband @joeyflemingmusic

GHOST CHANT PART 2! In this week's episode Mike Held of Ghost Chant/Was and When joins the podcast to to talk about Ghost Chant's newest single and music video, "Like Hell".
Along with his more recent work with Ghost Chant, we go over his days in Firestarter (pre-Ghost Chant), how he balances being in about 1,000 or so bands simultaneously, $125k guitars, and we get philosophical at the end.
Outro: "Like Hell" by Ghost Chant
Follow: @ghostchantny @wasandwhenfanclub @nonsensepod

We’re going international and no one can stop us. Fresh off of their first single release, Sharp Eyes bring a unique flavor to pop punk. Sam, who is the front man of Sharp Eyes, enlightens me on the London music scene, and we get veryyyy deep about music composition and creation in this episode. Music nerds: This one is for you. Outro: “Chokehold” by Sharp Eyes. Follow: @sharpeyesuk and @wmsny on Instagram for more.

Goalkeeper PART 2! This week we catch up with the man behind the microphone, Ryan Beebe, who is as multitalented as they come. In this episode, Ryan walks us through what it’s like to be a part of a quickly progressing band, how powerwashing videos can be a useful marketing tactic, and where to find your next favorite beer (Hint: It’s New Jersey).

Hot off of a busy schedule of touring and recording pre-COVID, the members of Goalkeeper are excited to release their newest single, “Happy”, today, July 24th. The newest album, for which “Happy” provides a sneak peek, is set to be released in late September. Outro: “Happy” by Goalkeeper and “Beer, Beer, Beer” by The Clancy Brothers

Keep an eye out for the “Happy” music video!

Follow: @Goalkeeperband @ryanbeeebe @wmsny

Originally recorded as our first international guest back in May, Aaron was arguably one of the best story tellers we’ve had on the podcast. He recounts his early years growing up in the Ontario punk scene, how he met a character named “Lunchbox”, and we got the opportunity to educate him on harsh noise music, “the genre of the future.” Keep your eyes peeled for new music coming your way from All The Time Everywhere very soon. Outro: “Partion (Party’s Over)” by All The Time Everywhere. Follow @allthetimeeverywhere @wmsny

The Safest Ledge, but the most dangerous band this side of the Mississippi.
Ken, Joey, and Mason joined the podcast this week to discuss the Youngstown music scene, Wayne's World, Governor Cuomo's nipple rings, banning deep-dish pizza, and we answer the question: "For whom does the Baja blast?"
Outro: "Mountain Eyes" by The Safest Ledge
Follow: @safestledgeoh

Rise and grind, it's time for The Everafter.

Love these guys (and gal). They've probably played in your city. They're on your favorite playlists. They bring a ton of energy to the stage, and leave concerts with more fans than they had walking in. Danny and Cora came on to talk about some of their most interesting stories from the road, how Tim McGraw somehow fits into that narrative, and how they are staying busy during Quarantine 2020.

Outro: "Call It a Night" by The Everafter
@theeverafterny
Follow @nonsensepod for more

You know them. You love them. We got them. Seldom has there been a band with the music writing ability of Sleep On It. These guys broke onto the scene just a few years ago and have had an incredible trajectory since thier conception. Jake Marquis, who plays guitar for Sleep On It, brought an incredible amount of enthusiasm to this episode and was able to share some of his favorite stories about his band on tour and in the studio, and we determine that, yes, Chicago is definitely part of the Midwest. Outro: "Babe Ruth" by Sleep On It.

Rishi Bahl of Eternal Boy joins the podcast this week with arguably one of the most impressive résumés we’ve seen from a guest so far. He walks us through the creation of Four Chord Fest and Four Chord Music, along with the success he has come to yield with Eternal Boy. Outro: “Demons” by Eternal Boy.

Doc Hammer parties harder than you, they're better looking than you, and they play heavier music than your favorite band. Hailing out of sunny San Diego, California, these dudes are nothing like Sugar Ray. There was certainly no shortage of stories in their back pockets; Tattoo parties, smokebombs, and bone-breaking mosh pits. Fuck it, Haze is the Craze.
Outro: "Vamparty Diaries" by Doc Hammer.

We did it. This is our White Whale episode. We might just end the podcast right now; We got a chance to interview one of the three rock n' roll lions that make up the proverbial Voltron that is The Dirty Nil... and his name is Kyle "Starchild" Fisher.
Fresh off of their sophomore album, Master Volume, The Dirty Nil are not slowing down whatsoever and are releasing a kick-ass single, "Done with Drugs" -- out everywhere 6/17. Kyle walks us through how the Nil are staying active despite the current COVID circumstances and Aaron gets a chance to share some of his fondest memories of seeing the guys live.
Stream "Done with Drugs" on all major platforms June 17, 2020 and keep and eye out for the music video soon to follow.
Outro: "That's What Heaven Feels Like" by The Dirty Nil

Have you ever wondered what the hell is going on in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)?
Chris Piquette of No Boundaries Studios and Jack Petit from U.G.L.Y. join the podcast this week to discuss the incredible body of work that is U.G.L.Y.'s debut album "Goons Live Young", which debuted in May 2020. Bonus: The boys also take a deep-dive into their favorite, least favorite, and just downright disturbing movies. Outro: "Minnesota" by U.G.L.Y.

John James Ryan (JJR) from Keep Flying and We are The Union joins the podcast to talk about his vast collection of household treasures, playing saxophone in Keep Flying, tour management, and keeping busy while on lockdown. Outro: "Live Together, Die Alone" by Keep Flying.