The Power/Less Podcast
By Brandon Durden
Join me as I speak to musicians, producers, political advocates, commentators, and much more as we talk about a variety of topics in all things both within music, politics, and how they may influence each other.
The Power/Less PodcastSep 26, 2023
Episode 59- Liam Horrigan, Cruel Hope
As of May 13, 2024, at least 39,675 civilians have been killed by IDF forces. 2,000,000 Palestinians are displaced, 141 journalists have been killed, 667 damaged/destroyed mosques, hundreds of thousands of homes have been completely or partially damaged, 459 schools, 931 healthcare professionals, and at least 3,140 detained/forcibly removed. Via Euro Med Monitor.
Liam Horrigan is the vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter of the alternative punk band “Cruel Hope,” out of the Toronto, ON area. Liam and I discuss his start in music and his lyrical and instrumental influences, being labeled an “essential worker” at a music shop during the pandemic, his political trajectory, Cruel Hope’s pointed political and social commentary, and more.
Follow Cruel Hope: https://www.instagram.com/cruel_hope/
Episode 58- With Sails Ahead "Infinite Void" Album Breakdown
With Sails Ahead are a progressive posthardcore band out of New Jersey. Joe, Jaime, Ryan, Sierra, and Santino sit down with me to discuss and break down their newly released full length record, “Infinite Void.” We discuss the writing process of the band, the lyrical themes and influences, and more.
Follow With Sails Ahead on all socials: @withsailsahead
https://www.withsailsahead.com/
Episode 57- Jake Flores
For this episode I speak with Jake Flores, who is a comedian and a cohost of the popular self described “goth socialist comedy podcast,”Pod Damn America, as well as the latino philosophy podcast Why You Mad, and the King Of The Hill focused podcast “That’s My Podcast, I Don’t Know You.” Jake and I discuss his journey both in politics and comedy, the contradictions socialist artists live through in the United States, the blatant hypocrisy of the reactionary responses to Pro Palestine protests at college campuses, and more.
Follow Jake on socials : twitter.com/feraljokes, instagram.com/feraljokes
Episode 56- Anthony Copozzi, Loss Becomes
For this episode I speak with Anthony Copozzi who is the frontman of the metal band Loss Becomes out of New York. Anthony and I discuss his beginnings in music, our mutual love of nu metal, and how every band wishes they were Meshuggah. All of that and more throughout the show.
follow Loss becomes:
Episode 55- Matthew Hunter
ceasefiretoday.com
In this episode I speak with Matthew Hunter, who is a member and organizer with the Communist Party of the USA and writes articles with his substack, “Trending Now Network,” as well as other outlets including People’s World.
Matt and I discuss his journey into politics, what pulled him out of the binary electoral politics structures, the ongoing genocide against Palestinians and his local government’s responses, and more.
Follow Matt: twitter.com/MattHunterMCR
Follow his substack: https://twitter.com/TrendNowNetwork
Episode 54- Nick Picerno, Godseyes
For this episode I speak with Nick Picerno, the lead vocalist of the band Godseyes out of Long Island, New York. Nick and I discuss his recent guest vocal spot with From Autumn to Ashes, the start of his passion for heavy music, a lyric deep dive on the band's debut full length record, "PROGRESS/REGRESS," and more.
Follow Godseyes on socials:
https://nosleeprecords.com/collections/godseyes
https://godseyesli.bigcartel.com/
Episode 53- Bloodveil
For this episode I speak to Bloodveil, a progressive metalcore band out of Nashville, Tennessee. Aidan, Wes (and later Max) discuss the songwriting process for the band, their individual musical influences and upbringings, a deep dive on their debut EP, "Hollow Heart," and more.
Follow Bloodveil on twitter: twitter.com/bloodveil_TN
Follow Bloodveil on Instagram: instagram.com/bloodveil.tn
Episode 52- Ultra Deluxe
Follow Ultra Deluxe: https://twitter.com/ultradeluxe666
For this episode I speak with Max Narotzky, vocalist and songwriter of the multi genre punk/cybergrind/hardcore/etc. band Ultra Deluxe. Max and I discuss their start in music, the world building and narrative concepts behind Ultra Deluxe's releases, Max's start into politics, the organizing that they do at ultra deluxe shows, and more.
Episode 51- Blind Equation
original photo: @ghostfinder.dmg on IG (@ghost_prole on twitter)
For this episode I speak to James, the mastermind behind Cybergrind band Blind Equation out of the Chicago area.
James and I discuss his start into heavy music, the rise of the cybergrind scene, Blind Equation's latest record "DEATH AWAITS," their upcoming shows in Asia, and more.
Follow Blind Equation on all socials: @blindequation
Stream DEATH AWAITS on spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/35VF7WrrpbK6IbUpeVsurN?si=vr_C1zdLQYGsbSn1kQeRkw
Follow and support the podcast: linktr.ee/thepowerlesspod
Episode 50- The Case For Open Borders with John Washington
John Washington is a journalist, translator, and author. John recently published the book, "The Case For Open Borders," and has released previous works on the topic of migration, asylum, and the reality of border policy.
John and I discuss the topic of open borders, the historical context from which open border policy comes from, the impact of political theory when it comes to electoral politics and migration, and much more.
follow John: twitter.com/jbwashing
Purchase "The Case For Open Borders," at Haymarket Books or at your local bookstore.
https://www.haymarketbooks.org/books/2199-the-case-for-open-borders
Episode 49- Short Term Spenders and CIA Scams with Rayyvana
For all socials and patreon links: linktr.ee/thepowerlesspod
For this episode I speak with Rayyvana, who is a disability rights advocate, contributor to The Young Turk, cohost of the Taking The L podcast, and twitch streamer.
Rayyvana and I discuss her origins into politics, Chicago's landmark vote to call for a Ceasefire in Gaza, the history of disability rights activism, twitter's bot traffic, the circular discourse around millennial and Gen Z spending habits, and a NYT's financial advisor falling for a $50,000 scam.
Follow Rayyvana: twitter.com/rayyvanaTTV
Taking the L Pod on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6mzjQoWOro8MWE4Y7Xdlls?si=5309a1ab0e1a4185
articles discussed:
https://mashable.com/article/x-twitter-elon-musk-bots-fake-traffic
https://www.thecut.com/article/amazon-scam-call-ftc-arrest-warrants.html
Episode 48- Cybergrind and Communism with Juniper
June (@canteverdie on twitter) is a cohost of the political and online discourse podcast, "Western Kabuki," and the music podcast "Cratediving."June and I discuss her start into her political ideology, her passion for music, some notable lesser known bands and artists, and the liberal brainrot concerning Jon Stewart. That and more on this episode.Find June's podcasts https://open.spotify.com/show/6jH7ZL5LkzFuBtv7R9TgDg
https://open.spotify.com/show/213miJ6XCgwvC3dIuDtRSH?si=b63e3a22a44a4991
Bands discussed:LO//ER https://open.spotify.com/artist/3J007aKsarhJgWc6v5gRRK?si=03fhGAjsQeGMB_q31IrjtQ
Iwan https://open.spotify.com/artist/5Y82s4dRqxZdle5X8g8GYA?si=ev20PgSuQhmYe1PdL9DEDQ
Starfruit https://open.spotify.com/artist/3RIB7aMwiAp0f8X2Ywo0jp?si=7MMLsbn8Qa-KgI3AELqlIA
Blind Equation https://open.spotify.com/artist/0tPLXpO9Br4cvdm2EF8lWS?si=WDGBkhPZS1q8XVkvex5lEw
Thotcrime https://open.spotify.com/artist/1VUYbwXCTxDT7U9KCNTEnE?si=J48rdYvnTLu8F_UkK9gOxg
Episode 47- It's Fine, Everything is Fine
Alec and I sit down to discuss an array of topics, from Oceans Ate Alaska's tumultuous history, to new music from Bloodveil, With Sails Ahead, and thrown, and of course, the impending doom that is electoral politics.
Episode 46- Craig Prater, No Home
All podcast links: linktr.ee/thepowerlesspod
Craig Prater is the vocalist of No Home is a Northwest Melodic Hardcore band. For fans of Counterparts, Being as an Ocean, and No Bragging Rights. Craig discusses the lyrical and musical influences behind the band’s debut full length record, “Hell Is All Around Us,” his start into alternative music and songwriting, No Home’s upcoming Australian tour with Sienna Skies, and more.
Follow No Home:https://twitter.com/NoHomeWa
Spotify link: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1B0UGkzDtoahtUCuCfath6
Episode 45- Revolutionary Optimism with Jen AKA big nasty
Jen (big nasty on twitter) is a political activist as well as the member and chair of the Austin chapter of CPUSA- Communist Party USA, and a member of the The Industrial Workers of the World (IWW).
start into politics/radicalization- world events, personal experience, academics/literature, etc.
If media/art has ever informed or influenced your world view/politics
The Palestinian struggle and the US's response, involvement, motives- ICJ trial
CPUSA- and what people can get out of joining a third party or activist group
Jen (big nasty on twitter) is a political activist as well as the member and chair of the Austin chapter of CPUSA- Communist Party USA, and a member of the The Industrial Workers of the World (IWW). Jen and I discuss her radicalization, looking at politics outside of electoralism, the ongoing genocide in Gaza and the ICJ trial, and more.
Follow Jen on twitter: twitter.com/keepaustinnasty
https://bsky.app/profile/bignasty.bsky.social
Follow CPUSA Austin: https://twitter.com/CPUSA_Austin_TX
Follow IWW: https://twitter.com/iww
Episode 44- SUPERDESTROYER
In this episode I speak to Superdestroyer, an anonymous synthwave/punk/genre bending solo act out of the midwest and one of the cofounders of Lonely Ghost Records.
Superdestroyer and I discuss his journey into music, how it influenced his politics and radicalization, and how modern day discourse is less than the sum of its parts.
follow superdestroyer:
twitter.com/superdestroyed
Listen to the new song:
Episode 43- Fauxtrot
Support on patreon: patreon.com/thepowerlesspod
Fauxtrot is a progressive post hardcore band out of Pennsylvania, the band released it’s debut four song EP “Lost in Translation” on December 1st. Austin, Robert, and Jared discuss the musical and lyrical influences of the release, the start of the band, and each of their journeys into alternative music and songwriting.
Follow the band:
Listen to the new EP on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/0Lk0NjXM49P2XFMTCYGOrs?si=LGtmPqErTOOm1EnX-BbEXQ
Episode 42- The Rumple of 2023
We drank too much liquor and talked about music. You're welcome.brought to you by (drinking) Rumple Minze.
patreon.com/thepowerlesspod
linktr.ee/thepowerlesspod
Episode 41- McCarthyism 2.0 featuring Rob Rousseau
Rob Rousseau is the co-host and producer of the political commentary podcast, “The Insurgents,” and hosts his daily streaming show, “TRRSlive,” on Twitch as well as the host of the recently returned podcast, “49th Parahell.”
Rob returns to talk about the ongoing escalation in senseless violence and occupation in Gaza by the Israeli military, various government and media responses, the failure of propaganda, the new way of McCarthyism, and more.
Follow Rob: @ Robrousseau
Follow the Insurgents Podcast: @ insurgentspod
Episode 40- The Maguas
Ceasefiretoday.com For this episode I speak to Matthew Jenkins (guitar), Daulton Rissinger (guitar), and Brandon Ossont (drummer) of the Emo/Alternative Rock band "The Maguas," from Scranton, Pennsylvania. We discuss the band's signing to CI Records, their debut full length album, "Settled," the band's approach to production and songwriting, and much more. Follow the Maguas- @TheMaguas themaguas.com Follow the podcast: linktr.ee/thepowerlesspod
Episode 39- Austin Carter, BluesBrat
In this episode, I speak with Austin Carter, who writes and releases music under the artist name, "BluesBrat,"
Austin recently released a four track EP titled, "Evil Prayers,"
We do a deep dive on everything surrounding the latest release, Austin's influences and start in songwriting, and more.
follow Austin- linktr.ee/bluesbrat
Follow the podcast: linktr.ee/thepowerlesspod
Episode 37, Jake Olexyn, The Burden
In this episode I speak to Jake Olexyn, the vocalist of the Canadian post hardcore band The Burden.
Jake and I chat about the band's newest album, "Terminal," the band's writing process, being signed to Open Your Ears Records, the start of Jake's journey in music, and more.
follow The Burden- @theburdenband
follow the podcast: linktr.ee/thepowerlesspod
Episode 36- With Sails Ahead DARTING EYES deep dive
Go to Ceasefiretoday.com or gazastrong.com to see how you can help with the ongoing crisis in Gaza and Palestine.
With Sails Ahead is a progressive post-hardcore band out of New Jersey. Sierra, Joe, Santino, Ryan, And Jaime breakdown their newest single, "Darting Eyes," along with the the accompanying music video. We do a deep dive on the songwriting, production, artistic vision, and more as well as discuss what people can expect (or not expect) on the upcoming full length record.
Follow With Sails Ahead:
Stream Darting Eyes:
https://withsailsahead.ffm.to/dartingeyes
Follow the podcast: linktr.ee/thepowerlesspod
Support on patreon: patreon.com/thepowerlesspod
Episode 35- Gaza and Palestine featuring Mac (goodpoliticguy)
Mac (goodpoliticguy) joins me for an episode breaking down some of the varying angles on Israel's continued bombardment on civilians, the U.S. discourse surrounding the topic, and what people can do outside of voting to put pressure on politicians to call for a ceasefire.
Follow Mac: @goodpoliticguy
Go to his youtube channel: youtube.com/goodpoliticguy
Episode 34- Paul Poole, No Business
To help end the violence and humanitarian crisis in Gaza, go to ceasefiretoday.com to find avenues to assist and/or locate a protest near you. For this episode, I speak to Paul Poole, the vocalist and primary songwriter of the band No Business out of Orlando, Florida. We talk about the band's latest record, Snitch, Paul's introduction to heavier and alternative music, what to expect from the band going forward, and more. follow No Business: linktr.ee/nobusinessfm Follow Paul: @ cqbwaffles follow the podcast: linktr.ee/thepowerlesspod support on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thepowerlesspod
Episode 33: Rob Rousseau- The Insurgents, TRRSlive, Hurstwood
Rob Rousseau is the co-host and producer of the political commentary podcast, “The Insurgents,” and hosts his daily streaming show, “TRRSlive,” on Twitch. Rob and I discuss his music career that spanned a lot of his early adult life in The Mission District, how and why his life took a turn away from the professional musician lifestyle, and why he turned to political commentary. We discuss a few current events that have been going on in Canada and the United States, and Rob’s more current musical endeavors under the project name Hurstwood.
Follow Rob on socials: @robrousseau
Follow The Insurgents: @insurgentspod insurgentspod.com
Link to Rob’s music project: hurstwood.bandcamp.com
Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/thepowerlesspod
Follow the podcast: @thepowerlesspod
Episode 32- Live Nation and merch cuts, Thy Art Is Murder, BTBAM, and The Republican Debate
Episode 31- pulses. "It Wasn't Supposed To Be Like This" Album Deep Dive
Support on Patreon: patreon.com/user?u=96602716
It's pulses. baby.
For this episode I talk to Kevin, Caleb, and Matt from the post hardcore outfit out of Virginia. We talk their weekend run that came through Chicago and deep dive their upcoming record, "It Wasn't Supposed To Be Like This," out 09/29.
Track listing:
The third full length from pulses. “It Wasn’t Supposed To Be Like This,” will be out on all platforms on 09/29. Make sure to check out the band’s socials and website (pulsesva.com) for merch and pre orders.Track listing:1. Different Strokes
2. Run The Ghouls
3. Loafers With The White Socks (feat. Hansel Romero of Nightlife, Joey Lancaster of belle, and Gavin Cole)
4. Ain’t Got No Ceiling
5. Honesty Honestly (feat. Sierra Binondo from With Sails Ahead)
6. Ask A Unc
7. Take A Look Y’all (feat. Ben Rockwood of Granite State)
8. Them Phones (Feat JER)
9. Kupo!
10. Heaven or Helvetica
11. It Wasn’t Supposed to Be Like This
12. But It Is (feat. Carson Pace of The Callous Daoboys)
follow pulses: @pulsesva
Follow the podcast: @thepowerlesspod
Episode 30- Shane Told, Silverstein
Shane and I discuss some of Silverstein's more politically motivated songs, what got Shane into music and how it shaped his world view, his stance on merch cuts and live music issues in the industry, and more.
Follow Shane: @shanetold on socials
Follow Silverstein: @silverstein on socials
silversteinmusic.com
Follow Shane's podcast: @leadsingersyndrome (leadsingersyn on twitter)
leadsingersyndrome.com
Follow the podcast: @thepowerlesspod everywhere
Become a patreon supporter: patreon.com/user?u=96602716
Episode 29- Dan Hodsdon, Callous Daoboys
For this episode I speak with Dan Hodsdon, guitarist of The Callous Daoboys. Dan and I speak about their start in the band, The Callous Daoboys' latest single, "Waco Jesus," their upcoming EP, "God Smiles Upon The Callous Daoboys," the importance of inclusivity in the scene, and more.
follow Dan on socials: @AllDanAllDay or @AllDan_AllDay
Follow The Callous Daoboys: @thecallousdaoboys Photo credit: Adam Davis Powell @demonrace
Episode 28- Andrew Herman, Johnny Booth
Andrew Herman is the vocalist of the metal band Johnny Booth out of Long Island, NY.
Andrew and I discuss the inspirations behind their latest record, Moments Elsewhere and the political and social dynamics that influence the lyrics. We dive into where both Andrew's upbringing and his journey into punk and heavy alternative music spaces informed his worldview and how inextricably linked music and politics are.
Andrew talk about this, the formation and journey of the band, and more
Follow Johnny Booth on socials: @johnnyboothny
Follow Andrew: @judge_hermanos
Follow the podcast: @thepowerlesspod
linktr.ee/thepowerlesspod
Episode 27- Desmond Zantua, Career Day
Desmond Zantua is the lead singer of the Emo/Punk Rock band Career Day out of New York City.
We speak about their politically charged record Where We've Always Been, Desmond's role in the ACLU, his personal music and political awareness journey, and more.
Follow Career Day on socials @careerdayny
Listen to the band on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/72JXanCAxM5bbkSltz2EA1?si=5aTQ6dFKSiynHIFd13ahUQ
Episode 26- Barry Shelton, Sister Sleep
In this episode I chat with Barry Shelton, the vocalist of the emo/post hardcore band, Sister Sleep, from Atlanta, Georgia. follow Barry: @barryxsleep on socials follow Sister Sleep: @sistersleepband follow the podcast: linktr.ee/thepowerlesspod
Episode 24- Jordan Uhl
This episode I speak to Jordan Uhl , a contributor for The Young Turks , journalist, activist, and cohost of The Insurgents Podcast . Jordan and I talk about politics, his start into heavy music and political journey, and a few current political and music based topics. Follow Jordan: @jordanuhl on twitter find The Insurgents: insurgentspod.com Follow the podcast: @thepowerlesspod on all social media platforms. Editor: Alec Hawkins Logo Designer: Steph Vrona
Episode 23- Benjamin Rose, Kat and the Hurricane
In this episode I speak to Benjamin Rose. Benjamin is a solo artist, keyboardist and secondary vocalist in the indie pop band, Kat and the Hurricane, and a drag performer under the stage name "INVERTIA." Benjamin and I speak about everything from drag performances, to the formation of their band, theirs and my religious backgrounds and where their beliefs have changed and evolved over the years, and much more.
Check out Kat and the Hurricane's new music and information here:
https://katandthehurricane.com/
Find Benjamin's website here:
Episode 22- Josh Lowe, Riverside Drive
In this episode I speak with Josh Lowe, the lead vocalist and guitar player in the pop punk band Riverside Drive from Windsor, Ontario.
We speak about the lyrical content of their newest single, "Counting Down The Days," and their explosive, politically charged single, "Whatever It Takes."
Josh talks about his start in music, playing on stage with a MASSIVE punk rock band as a teenager, and of course, his dream supergroup for a band.
Follow the band on socials: rsdtheband
Facebook: riversidedriveON
website: rsdtheband.com
link to their Spotify page:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/7j8475RxEr5hKqLewIh3CG?si=z6chZdNsRcK5N8D4_vipoA
Podcast editor: Alec Hawkins
Logo artist: Steph Vrona
Episode 21- Rob Hoppe, THE NARRATOR
In this episode, I speak to Rob Hoppe, the bassist and singer in the band THE NARRATOR, out of Western Germany.
We talk about what got Rob started in heavy music, his trajectory to playing bass and singing in bands, the start of The Narrator, their songwriting process, and much more. Their two newest singles, "Lucid," and "Frontier," absolutely blew me away when I heard them, do not sleep on this one, they are going to be one of the next big heavy bands soon!
The Narrator is a large supporter of the organization Sea Watch, which is an organization that rescues and assists migrants stranded in the Mediterranean Sea while attempting to find safety from war torn areas. Make sure to check out and support Sea Watch here: sea-watch.org
Find The Narrator at these links:
https://www.facebook.com/thenarratorhc/
https://www.instagram.com/thenarratorhc
Music video for FRONTIER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQMpXkmqcrA
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7d1ZGbsel9lq6hwvWhPFgk?si=yM8RlwW-QhOXcOik2YBrOg
Episode 20- Dylan Lloyd
For the 20th episode of The Power/Less Podcast, I speak with Dylan Lloyd. Dylan is a singer/songwriter and solo artist who has released a music in a broad scope of genres over the past decade. We talk about Dylan's start in music, his biggest influences, what can be expected from his debut album with a major record label, and more. Follow Dylan: @Dylanlloyd1 on instagram and twitter @Dylanlloyd_ on Tik Tok follow the podcast on all platforms: @thepowerlesspod linktr.ee/thepowerlesspod
Episode 19- Bridget Stiebris and Haley Blomquist, OK Cool
In this episode, I speak with Haley and Bridget of the two piece indie rock band OK Cool, out of Chicago.
We speak about each of their starts in music, how the band formed, their approach to songwriting and lyrical topics, their awesome music video for "nissanweekends," and more.
OK Cool just released an INCREDIBLE 8 song EP titled, "fawn," out now on all streaming platforms.
Find the links here: linktr.ee/okcoolband
Follow the band on social media: @okcoolband
follow the podcast on all social media: @thepowerlesspod
Episode 18- Caleb, Kevin and Matt- pulses.
In this episode I speak to Kevin, Matt, and Caleb of the post hardcore band, pulses. out of Virginia.
We speak about their latest single, "Different Strokes," the lyrical approach for their upcoming third full length record, the influences the band has that helps create their unique sound, and each member gives their fantasy super group picks for the end.
watch the music video for Different Strokes here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4enWSe8C6GE
follow pulses. on social media: @pulsesva
all other links. solo.to/pulsesva
links for the podcast: linktr.ee/thepowerlesspod
follow: @thepowerlesspod
Episode 17- Joey Sturgis
Episode 16- Kevin Andrew, Guardrail
My guest this week is Kevin Andrew, the lead singer of the Diet Punk band, Guardrail. Kevin talks about the beginnings of his interest in music and the start of the band, the upcoming reunion show for his old band El Famous, and does a rapid fire track by track description of both their debut Open Your Ears Records release, "Yikes," and their to be announced upcoming full length record. Follow Guardrail: @guardrailsucks Follow Open Your Ears Records: https://www.youtube.com/@openyourearsrecords4482 Find Guardrail's various releases, social media profiles, and bandcamp: linktr.ee/guardrailsucks Follow the podcast: @thepowerlesspod on all social media. linktr.ee/thepowerlesspod
Episode 15- Billy Zee, amora
In this episode I talk with Billy Zee, lead vocalist of the PA post hardcore band, amora.
We talk about Billy's start in alternative music, the beginnings of the band, their continual progression and eventual working relationship with Fred Mascherino (ex-Taking Back Sunday, The Color Fred), signing to his label Heading East Records, and more.
We do a deep dive on my favorite amora track, "Stay Pony, Golden Boy," as well, so don't miss it!
Follow Billy on IG: @ billyzee215
follow amora on socials: @ am0rapa
bandcamp: am0rapa.bandcamp.com
follow the podcast on instagram, twitter, facebook, Tik Tok, etc.: @thepowerlesspod
linktr.ee/thepowerlesspod
Episode 13- Sierra Binondo and Joe Warner-Reyes, With Sails Ahead
linktr.ee/thepowerlesspod
Band links:
withsailsahead.com
Instagram and Twitter: @withsailsahead
Follow Sierra on Instagram and twitter: @sierraplusultra
Joe: @Joe_NPC on Instagram and @JoeEmptySea on twitter
Episode 12- Garrett Russell, Silent Planet
Welcome to the 12th episode of the Power/Less Podcast!
Today I talk to Garrett Russell, lyricist and vocalist in the progressive metalcore band, Silent Planet.
Garrett and I discuss Christianity and the modern dilemmas of how spirituality, theology, and evangelical aspects are often used for the opposite of what much of spiritual teachings profess. We also talk about political and social issues, the problems of partisanship in the United States, and a host of other issues both related to tensions in and outside of the music industry.
Garrett also speaks for the first time on an an aspect of Silent Planet's song, "Alive, As a Housefire" that was written during the height of the 2020 protests, as well as "Native Blood," and how a song he wrote a decade ago really still resonates today.
This is probably my favorite episode I've done so far, so I hope you enjoy it!
Follow on all socials (twitter, facebook, TikTok, Instagram, Youtube: @thepowerlesspod
follow Garrett on twitter: @SilentGarrett
Official band and merch website: https://silentplanetmerch.com/
Episode 11- Benny Scholl, AVOID
Benny is the frontman and lyricist of the energetic metal/punk band, AVOID.
We talk about a variety of topics from Benny's start in music, to the origins of the band, the subjectivity of what "success" is in music, and much more.
Benny is such a fun and easy person to talk to, we could have easily gone for hours! I really hope you enjoy this episode, it was such a fun conversation.
Find AVOID on all social media at: @AVOIDKICKSASS
follow the podcast on socials: @thepowerlesspod
Bonus Episode 1- Kristin and Brandon, By Design
Hello and welcome to the first bonus episode of the Power/Less Podcast!
Kristin and I talk about the origin of our band, By Design, some of the details on lyrics and our songs, and our frustrations with left leaning independent media.
Check out By Design at bydesign.bandcamp.com
Listen to the original release under Dookey Tree for Wake Again.
Episode 10- James Lascelles, Wheel
Welcome to the 10th episode of the Power/Less Podcast!
In this episode, I speak to James Lascelles, singer, frontman, and mastermind behind the Finnish progressive metal band, WHEEL.
James talks about their newest EP "Rumination," and the more straightforward approach to the songs as compared to the band's more proggy full album releases, "Moving Backwards" and "Resident Human."
We talk about the inspiration behind the heavy track "Blood Drinker," where James pulls inspiration from for the band's music, where a lot of the tones and textures come from for their recordings, and the ups and downs for a full time international touring band over the last few years.
I was very happy to have James on and I hope you enjoy the episode!
Check out wheel at wheelband.net
Check the podcast out at the various links here: linktr.ee/thepowerlesspod
Episode 09- Kelsey Montanez
Hello and welcome to the Power/Less Podcast!
In this episode I talk to Kelsey Montanez, singer songwriter in the Chicago area. Kelsey has had a hell of a trajectory when it comes to music, from starting at an early age, to a debut EP and record contract in 2013 and featuring Chance the Rapper on a song, to making the decision to go independent. Kelsey talks about the pressures of that era and what lead her to make a decision to leave her deal and become an independent artist, as well as how the pandemic (and a very cool music residency job in Chicago) helped give her the drive to get back into releasing music and playing seriously again after almost a decade.
Her new single, "Sold My Soul," talks in good detail about these things, and it's also a hell of a song!
Catch Kelsey and her band at Reggies on 01/21 in Chicago, and look for information on their upcoming shows in the future at her instagram handle: @kelseymontanez_
Episode 08- Nate Bergman, Solo Artist/Lionize
In this episode I talk to Nate Bergman, solo artist and frontman of Lionize.
We talk a lot about Nate's debut album, "Metaphysical Change," especially the song Just Like Dylan Said, which plays at the end.
Nate and I discuss the trajectory of his solo album from being locked down at the start of COVID in a different country, to the collaborations including members of Coheed and Cambria, Thursday, My Chemical Romance, Opeth, and more. This record is timeless, incredibly well done, and an album almost anyone can find enjoyment in, so make sure to check it out!
Find Nate Bergman at:
Natebergmansings.com
twitter and instagram: @natebergmansings
Follow the podcast:
Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter: @thepowerlesspod
thepowerlesspod@gmail.com
linktr.ee/thepowerlesspod