Lead Singer Syndrome with Shane Told

Episode 138 - The Amity Affliction's own Bassist/Crooner Ahren Stringer joins the show while on (the last ever) Vans Warped Tour. Chilling on the back of the bus with a half dozen Coors Banquets, Shane and "String" shoot the shit, talking about his early days growing up in rural Australia, knowing he was going to make it, 3 X #1 albums in a row on the Australian charts, and the radical musical departure on the upcoming TAA album "Misery". If you’re starting to get established and grow your family - you need to consider life insurance. Check out Haven Life - they’ve made it incredibly straightforward and simple to go online, get a quick quote and apply for term life insurance coverage issued by MassMutual. What makes Haven Life different? Well, first of all we’re talking about term life insurance which means it’s only for a specified time, like 10, 15, 20 or 30 years, typically the period your loved ones would need the financial protection most ... So let’s say until your kids are out of the house, or maybe your mortgage is paid off. This is smarter, easier, and makes things way more affordable as well! If you’re a 35 year old man in excellent health we’re talking only 21 bucks a month for a $500,000 / 20 year policy. You never know when the unexpected could happen, and for not a heck of a lot of money you will be protecting your family financially in case you’re not around. Head over to welcome.havenlife.com/lss to get your free quote. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 137 - Shane is BACK ON WARPED TOUR!!! LIVE (pretty much) from (sorta) Cleveland OH, Shane (definitely) speaks with Joe Taylor of Knuckle Puck. They talk about Knuckle Puck's fast emergence to the top and what they do to seperate themselves from the Pop-Punk pack. Also discussed is the writing/recording process behind their last (awesome) album, and a decent amount of talk about Blink-182. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 136 - He Is Legend frontman and Shane's old friend Schuylar Croom joins the show! After their initial breakup over a decade ago, He Is Legend made a comeback and haven't looked back. Shane and Schuylar discuss the early days of feeling like outcasts in the scene, being the only non-Christian band on Tooth and Nail Records, and how they put everything on the line by crowdfunding their latest album. Need Merch from all your favourite bands? Wanna be cool? Look sexy? Then head over to rockabilia.com and get all the goodies. We're talking 500,000 unique OFFICIALLY license items. AND use promo code JCJABBERJAW and save 15% off your order! Don't delay! Pick up something HOT today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 135 - Happy 4th of July everyone!!! On this great holiday, we have a super entertaining episode featuring Tommy Vext, frontman for heavy rock supergroup Bad Wolves. Tommy talks about their smash radio hit single covering The Cranberries "Zombie", his rough childhood upbringing in NYC, his problems with addiction and his road to recovery, and having to testify against his own brother for attempting to kill him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 134 - Here it is! The one you've been waiting for! Shane speaks with the often elusive Anthony Green, with a surprisingly honest and forthcoming conversation. Discussed is the truth behind his departure from Saosin, the insecurities and depression he faced throughout his life, his addiction to heroin, and his passion for being so prolific with Circa Survive, Saosin and on his own solo material. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 133 - Starset frontman and visionary Dustin Bates joins the show to discuss his background growing up as a self proclaimed "nerd" which led him to a masters degree in Electrical Engineering and Air Force Research, not to mention a teaching stint at the International Space University. Now, with an elaborate backstory of how Starset came to be (the highly advanced "Starset Society" has enlisted the band to educate the masses through their music) how does he cope with massive mainstream radio success and "pedestrian" fans? A very unique must listen episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 132 - Greeley Estates’ frontman Ryan Zimmerman joins the show to discuss their unlikely rise to the top of the Screamo pile, their transition to heavier music, and his new life as a father of 3 and a career as a therapist. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 131 - Patrick Miranda of Movements joins the show to discuss moving up to this years Warped Tour Main stage, (nearly) selling out their entire first headline tour, his ongoing battle with anxiety and OCD, and the nerves that go into following up a hit debut album. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 130 - JThe Maine's John O'Callaghan joins the show to discuss the bands humble beginnings in Phoenix AZ, running their own record label, his silly personality, and how they managed to get their video preloaded on every Blackberry in 2010. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 129 - The Word Alive's Telle Smith is back to TALK SOME SHIT! In all seriousness, Telle breaks down their catchy new record, his personal grief of the passing of Linkin Park's Chester Bennington, how the press has disappointed him (not me), possible future collabs, and his most recent broken bone incident. You love merch. You crave it. You can't stop thinking about it. You need it in your life. It's time to let go and head to Rockabilia.com - over 500,000 unique items. You want / they got. Use promo code PCJABBERJAW and save 15% off YOUR ENTIRE ORDER today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 128 - Comeback Kid's Andrew Neufeld joins Shane for a chat on their bus while on tour together in Switzerland. After making the change from guitar player to "Lead Screamer", Comeback Kid enjoyed worldwide success and has since cemented themselves as a staple in modern hardcore. Andrew discusses his humble beginning growing up in a religious household in Winnipeg, finding his own voice and keeping it up on tour, and how he goes "stir crazy" when he's not on the road. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 127 - Another 3-way! Shane chats with Briton and Cody of Wage War, a band who has shown that relentless hard work can really pay off. With their dual vocal attack, technical riffage, and great song writing it's no surprise Wage War is one of the hottest bands in the Metalcore genre. Shane chats with them about their non-stop tour schedule, the Ocala, FL scene working with A Day To Remember's Jeremy McKinnon, scrapping an entire release, and being stormed by Syrian refugees while on tour in Europe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 126 - Clutch has been rocking out for over 25 years, bringing a unique mix of metal, southern rock and stoner rock to their die hard fanbase. With a new album "Book of Bad Decisions" (their 13th!)coming out later this year, they show no sign of slowing down. Frontman Neil Fallon joins the show and chats with Shane about trying out new material live, working with a producer known for country music on their and recently taking a vocal lesson for the very first time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 125 - The singer of one of my favorite albums of 2017, Dan Smith of English punk band Darko joins me this week right before the band departs for a tour in Japan. We talk about his punk rock upbringing starting out in Australia, working regular jobs while still touring as much as possible, playing faster than Neo in the Matrix, and finally garnering some attention of their new album "Bonzai Mammoth". Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 124 - Billy Talent frontman Ben Kowalewicz joins the show! Finally! One of the most requested guests, we chat about long breaks between albums, opening for Guns 'N Roses, the challenge of drummer Aaron Solowoniuk's battle with MS, their surprising radio success, and the struggles of gaining popularity in the US. Also, Shane recounts the story of how Billy Talent got signed instead of his old band. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 123 - Underoath is back with a BRAND NEW album out TODAY! In celebration, we have frontman Spencer Chamberlain talking about the rebirth of Underoath, how this album came together, and plans for the future. Also discussed is his battle with hard drugs, abandoning Christianity, and dropping the "F-Bomb" for the first time in an Underoath song. Need band merch? Check out rockabilia.com ! With over 500,000 officially licensed items, it's the best place to find something unique. AND use our promo code PCJABBERJAW for 15% off your entire order today! rockabilia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 122 - I The Mighty frontman Brent Walsh joins Shane and co-host Brendon Potter on the phone calling from Denver, CO while on tour. We talk about their strange start as an acoustic duo winning contests, their label folding right before their shelved first album (which you can get in secret at the merch table), and of course their recent success with their new album. Also discussed is the Flint Water Crisis, the band The Matches, and how terrible San Francisco is for bands. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 121 - Dream Theater's James LaBrie joins the show this week! We talk about his origins in Canada, beating out 200 other singers to join Dream Theater, being in NYC on 9/11, his "tent" on stage, and how he is often overlooked as a vocalist due to the rest of his band taking the spotlight as virtuosos. Need Merch? check out rockabilia.com - over 500,000 unique items all officially licensed from the artists! Use promo code PCLSS and save 10% off your entire order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 120 - Philadelphia's Whitney Peyton joins the show this week, talking about her recent headline tour and van accident, blending hip hop and rap with rock and punk, the challenges of being a female in hip hop, touring with Three 6 Mafia / Asking Alexandria / Twistd and her massive juggalo fanbase. She also lays down a sick freestyle on this episode. Bonus: Shane plays a little 3-6 for the rap fans of the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 119 - Emarosa's Bradley Walden joins the show, telling his incredible story of how he went from being in the military to discovering his own amazing voice and joining a band. Also discussed is Emarosa's writing process, finding his own identity after filling the big shoes of former singer (and twitter nemesis) Jonny Craig, and how hard it was feeling "under the microscope" when he first joined the band 4 years ago. Need merch?? With spring coming get all the best, OFFICIALLY licensed band merch from rockabilia.com . With over 500,000 items, you'll find something just right for you. Use promo code PCLSS and you'll save 10% off your entire order today! Don't wait! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 118 - THIS IS A MUST LISTEN! I jump on the line with Matt Good, lead singer (for a time) and lead guitarist for From First To Last, and who also had a stint in Craig Owens' Emo-Core supergroup D.R.U.G.S. We talk about the crazy journey From First To Last took all the way to the top of the hype machine, before singer Sonny Moore (now of Skrillex) was forced to quit due to vocal health issues. Now, with last years new song "Make War" with Sonny back on the mic and drumming from Blink 182's Travis Barker - what's next for From First To Last? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 117 - Broadside's Ollie Baxxter joins me this week for an in-depth chat in the back of their van while surrounded by snacks (seriously there was so many snacks). We discuss his unique upbringing homeless on the streets of Las Vegas, how a strangers heart transplant somehow brought him to safety in Virginia, why they cancelled their first ever headlining tour last year, and so much more. Action packed episode! Have a listen and let me know what you think! Email me! [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 116 - Metal/Hardcore legend Howard Jones (Light The Torch, Ex - Killswitch Engage, Blood Has Been Shed) joins the show! He talks to Shane about the reason for the name change of his new band, his Gospel and R&B upbringing that shaped his voice, and the real story of his departure from Killswitch Engage. Bonus: Shane and Howard discuss the best bands with the worst names, and the worst bands with the best names. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 115 - Happy birthday to Shane! But hey did you know Rory Rodriguez is one of the best frontman in the scene right now? Haven’t heard of Dayseeker? Well do yourself a favour and get to know a great band before everyone else on your block! The prolific frontman talks about his family struggles, personal struggles and how he ended up fronting an incredible band and what Shane think is an even more amazing solo career. With a couple amazing albums and some highly acclaimed covers including Adele’s “Hello”, the band is on their way to great success and big things - maybe you heard it here first. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 114 - Lagwagon’s Joey Cape, frontman and songwriter of one of Shane’s all time favourite bands joins the show. He talks about how starting out he never wanted to be a singer (“I hate it, I really hate it”), accidentally writing melodies that sound like other songs, having his parents address on the first Lagwagon record for 20 years, the passing of original drummer Derrick Plourde and No Use For A Name frontman Tony Sly, the writing and legacy of the song May 16 - now known as “Lagwagon Day” and the “Joey Chord” - which Shane thinks gives them their unique sound. Need band merch? Go to rockabilia.com for the BEST selection and prices. All officially licensed from the artists. And even better, use promo code "PCLSS" and save 15% off your entire order RIGHT NOW. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 113 - This week I sit down to chat with the new frontman of Of Mice & Men - Aaron Pauley. After former frontman Austin Carlile announced he was leaving the band a year ago, California metal-core act Of Mice & Men decide not to replace him, but the keep the core of the band together and enlist bass player and clean vocalist Aaron Pauley with the duties. We talk about how daunting the task of singing and screaming a whole set is, writing the new album, the "bromance" of the rhythm section, and having your signature tattooed on someone's skin forever. We also talk about his former projects, including the criminally underrated Jamie's Elsewhere. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 112 - Morgan Lander, frontwoman/guitarist of Canada's own groundbreaking all-female metal band KITTIE is the guest of the show this week! After getting signed when they were still teenagers in high school, Kittie's debut album went on to sell over 600,000 copies and was certified gold. Morgan and Shane talk about the wild ride on the way to the top, working with legendary producer GGGarth Richardson (Rage Against The Machine), their family upbringing with a "non-musical" father for a manager, the sudden death of guitarist Trish Doan, and their new upcoming DVD documentary and live album, featuring never before seen footage of the bands 20+ year career. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 111 - Shane calls Justin on his parents landline telephone for an in-depth chat about the past and present of Anti-Flag. The discussion includes the disappointment of legendary venues, working with Tom Morello of Rage Against The Machine and Benji Madden of Good Charlotte, their experiences with major labels, and his upbringing in an Irish-American family in Pittsburgh, PA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 110 - PART ONE OF A TWO PART MINI-SERIES WITH ANTI-FLAG! The honest and charismatic Chris #2 of Anti-Flag joins the show! As a bass player and hype man, occasional lead singer and stage banter master for Anti-Flag, Chris wears a lot of hats, and he wears them all very well. We talk about how band beef with Dropkick Murphys made him perfect his frontman skills and also led to a huge tour, his humble beginnings as an Anti-Flag super fan, and how they swindled their corporate major label out of a bunch of cash - which they used for a bunch of great causes. Subcribe! Next week we have frontman Justin Sane for part 2 of the Anti-Flag special. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 109 - Happy New Year!!!! The outspoken and always entertaining Machine Head frontman Robb Flynn, joins Shane for a special episode kicking off the New Year! They discussing Robb now being considered a “legend” of Metal, playing 2.5 - 3 hour long sets with no openers, and receiving death threats over his “racism in metal” video which has accumulated almost 2 million plays on YouTube. The new Machine Head album, their 9th full length “Catharsis”, is out Jan 26th! Check out rockabilia.com for ALL your band merchandise needs - over 500,000 unique items, all officially licensed from the artists. USE PROMO CODE: PCLSS and get 10% off your order RIGHT NOW. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 108 - Lead Drummer Syndrome? Today we have the amazing singer/drummer of Hail The Sun, Donovan Melero. While on their first tour overseas with SIlverstein, we talk about their late blooming ways - finally signing to Equal Vision Records after being an underground band since 2009, his busy schedule also having a side job as a booking agent, and how difficult it is to play technical drums and sing at the same time. Also - Donovan talks about recording their new album with Beau Burchell (of Saosin) and almost spills the beans on their upcoming tour plans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 107 - Awsten Knight, frontman of Waterparks, is this weeks guest! The always candid (and hilarious) singer/guitarist of Houston Pop-Punk sensations joins Shane on the phone from a Starbucks in Lafayette, Louisiana. At the tail end of their first ever national headline tour, they discuss getting discovered in an unlikely way, working with Benji and Joel from Good Charlotte, his strange hip-hop side project "Felony Steve", and why he has "beef" with John from The Maine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 106 - He's BACKKKKKK! So excited to have my friend Garrett Russell (Silent Planet) back on the show. On the eve of their big trek to Europe, we discuss their well deserved APMA award for Best Underground Band, his recent success at managing his own and other bands, doing Warped Tour in a van (!!)and their hustle for free food (and money!) on tour. Always a treat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trash Boat frontman Tobi Duncan joins the show to really talk some shit! All jokes aside, Tobi speaks candidly about the success Trash Boat has had so quickly on their first record, literally living his childhood dream of selling out the London Underworld, working with idol Dan "Soupy" Campbell and the pressure they're currently feeling having to make their sophomore album. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

HAPPY BLACK FRIDAY! Do you like band merchandise? Do you want something unique that isn't the same as all your friends have? DO YOU LIKE SICK DEALS? Well head over to rockabilia.com ! The BEST and BIGGEST online retailer of band merchandise. They have over 500,000 OFFICIALLY licensed items, and tons of unique and hard to find stuff. BUT -> They have a sick sale this weekend as well! Use Promo Code "BLACK" for 20% off your order of $30 of more today! The sale extends through the weekend, with 15% off on Saturday and 10% off on Sunday - So hurray! No point waiting ! GO get a sweet new shirt/hoodie/beanie/whatever at rockabilia.com - They have it all. rockabilia.com PROMO CODE: BLACK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 104 - Stoked for this episode! One of the greatest Canadian bands of all time, the multi-platinum selling Our Lady Peace has been continually putting out great records since 1994's "Naveed". Raine Maida, frontman, songwriter, guitarist and producer joins Shane to discuss their incredible legacy, working as a producer with artists like Pink and Avril Lavigne, his marriage to Chantal Kreviazuk, and their tour celebrating 20 years since the release of the Diamond selling (!) album "Clumsy" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 103 - Thrice frontman Dustin Kensrue, one of the most requested guests, joins the show this week! We talk in depth about their constant reinvention of their sound, their die hard fan base, religion, signing to a major label, and how much he hates the vocals on the first 4 Thrice albums. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 102 - Buckcherry frontman Josh Todd joins the show this week! An electric performer and true rockstar, his mutiplatinum selling band is known for hits like "Crazy Bitch" and "Lit Up". Josh and Shane talk about how perception isn't always reality when it comes to image, his upbringing in the 1980's in the California rock scene, the video shoot for "Crazy Bitch", and his new solo side project Josh Todd and The Conflict. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 101 - HAPPY HALLOWEEN! On this special Halloween edition of LSS, I speak with The Berserker Blöthar of GWAR! Sometimes going by his "earth slave name" of "Michael Bishop", we discuss his entry back into the band after nearly 2 decades following the death of original GWAR frontman Dave "Oderus" Brockie. Also discussed is their stint on Warped Tour, how much work it really is being in a band like GWAR, and what happened the first tour when they started shooting blood on the crowd. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

HAPPY 100th EPISODE EVERYONE! To celebrate, I speak with my good friend, and frontman of Rise Against, Tim McIlrath. We talk about the formation of Rise Against from the ashes of another punk band, their extremely unlikely mainstream success and the story behind "Swing Life Away", and how important it is to continue to spread their message on a bigger platform. An eyeopening must listen! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 99! THE GREAT ONE Matt Heafy of Trivium joins the show! 4 years ago, Matt completely blew out his voice. Since that moment, which he thought was the end of his career, he's worked incredibly hard in all aspects of his life. We discuss his intense warm up and practice schedule, his recent love of Brazillian Jiu-jitsu, his pop-punk roots, and how it was to deal with Hurricane Irma. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 98 - Big episode! The very talented and charismatic Kellin Quinn joins the show to talk about the radical change of sound on the bands new album "Gossip", his views on gun control, and admitting he has a problem with alcohol. A must listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 97 - Drummer/Singer of Death From Above (1979) Sebastien Grainger joins the show! We talk about their return with a new album, the challenges of being a 2 piece band, and how hard it really is to play drums and sing at the same time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 96 - Shane gives AJ Perdomo of The Dangerous Summer a call, to discuss THEIR RETURN! Exciting news! They're back, with a new album already finished. AJ speaks of what caused the demise of the band, his vocal style on their last album, and what he's been up to for the last 4 years. A super honest discussion and a must listen! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 95 - We Came As Roman is back! To celebrate, both Dave AND Kyle, co-frontmen of the band are on the show. We discuss them taking some time off to find themselves both musically and personally, how they write vocals and lyrics together, their new label Sharptone Records and how their side projects helped shape the sound of the new WCAR record. We also discuss bad band acronyms, leaving the hard partying days in the past, and how they’re moving forward - by checking their egos at the door. RIP KYLE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 94 - Roger Miret is a true New York Hardcore legend. As the frontman of Agnostic Front, he has been at it since 1980. His story however is not so simple. Born in Cuba, his parents moved to NYC and he faced and extremely abusive childhood, eventually living on the streets, and also served some time in prison for drug trafficking. Now happily married and living in Arizona, he has written a brand new tell-all book chronicling the stories he faced growing up, the hardcore scene and his time locked up. Shane and Roger discuss the behind the scenes stories of the book, and of course what it’s like to be considered one of the “Godfathers of hardcore”. My Riot: Agnostic Front, Guts, Grits and Glory is out now! Buy the book on Amazon: Use link: leadsingersyndrome.com/amazon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 93 - Shane jumps on the phone with Chicago sports fan, Game of Thrones junkie, and frontman of Eighteen Visions, James Hart. One of the most respected bands in the 90's and 2000's hardcore scene, Eighteen Visions was not only known for their technical and heavy riffs, but also their image, often referred to as "Fashioncore". Now, back together with a new album in 2017, Shane and James discuss being straight edge in your late 30's, his major label experiences, his musical influences, and yes - Fashioncore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 92 - Shane sits down with his buddy and '68/The Chariot/ex-Norma Jean frontman Josh Scogin. One of the most critically acclaimed heavy bands of the last decade, The Chariot announced their breakup suddenly in 2013 after a Warped Tour stint where they were arguably as big as ever. Shortly after, Scogin announced his new project '68, a 2 piece band where he now picked up the guitar as well. We talk about the learning curve of becoming a guitar player/singer, looking back on the legacy of The Chariot, touring in Siberia, and the time Silverstein covered The Chariot in their hometown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 91 - Dennis Buckley of 88 Fingers Louie sits down with Shane to talk about being back on the road with a new album after almost 2 decades, watching his ex-bandmates get huge in Rise Against, and the mix up with another band called The Story So Far. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 90 - SWMRS frontman Cole Becker takes time out of his busy schedule and joins Shane between lunch and soundcheck while on tour in Providence, Rhode Island. Starting his first band Emily's Army when he was barely a pre-teen, he learned the ropes from his best friend and SWMRS drummer's father, who happens to be Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day. Now 22, Cole has found his own voice and sound, and he discusses Art vs. Business, how to rev up a crowd of young fans, and his mega crush on Miley Cyrus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices