Washed Up Emo

Alex Dunham, singer and guitarist for the band and I connected in NYC right before the pandemic took hold in early March. It's crazy to hear our conversation have zero of the weight of conversations happening with our friends and family today. A time capsule for what was before this insanity we’re all in now. It’s also the last time I did an interview in my apartment in NYC. I insanely miss doing interviews in person because there’s time to gauge an answer, a pause, the eye contact, and the laughs. I’m happy someone captured the moment of us at my shitty Ikea kitchen table. If there’s one thing to do during this podcast, its take a minute. I let Alex contemplate and take a breath a lot of the podcast. There’s so much to get to from Alex’s beginnings in Arizona, learning about punk, getting the fuck out of Arizona and heading to Washington DC, getting signed to Dischord, and a story about Fugazi staying at his grandmother’s house. We also talk about what he’s doing now with his custom furniture company Brokenpress Design. Hoover should be mentioned daily when talking about post hardcore and the early 90s. Absolute icons and I couldn’t be happier to have Alex on to tell his story. Washed Up Emo is a partner of the Double Elvis podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So great to have Chris Simpson back on the podcast. Since we last spoke all the back for episode 15 of this podcast, Mineral wasn’t even reunited yet. We had a lot to catch up on. We talked about the Mineral 25th anniversary and how it was different from the reunion in 2014, the two new songs they wrote for the 25th anniversary book, and The Gloria Record’s reissue of A Lull in Traffic. I also continue to grill Chris about the unheard Gloria Record album I want him to finish and discuss the amazing new Mountain Time album at length which is out now on Spartan Records. At the end, if you stick around, Chris tells an amazing Antioch Arrow story. Lastly, the next volume of the Anthology of Emo book series was announced. Learn more at AnthologyofEmo.com Washed Up Emo is a partner of the Double Elvis podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, we welcome Danny Pound from Vitreous Humor and The Regrets. In this podcast, I’ve tried to go back and find the origin, the meaning, and the stories behind this genre. In this episode, we go back to the start with Danny Pound. Danny’s band Vitreous Humor in the late 80s was the first band signed to Crank! Records and also their first release in 1994. Along with Boys Life, they were some of the first bands from this label out of the gate for a time that was hugely influential to me. The band broke up before I had a chance to see them and along with The Regrets, bucked the trend of what was supposed to be emo, thoughts around it and one of the true pioneers in this scene. They aren’t talked about enough and the best part, Danny is still making music today. Learn more at DannyPound.Bandcamp.com Washed Up Emo is a partner of the Double Elvis podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When I look back on my life and what albums had an immediate impact on me from the 90s, one jumps out that I felt never got their due. The band was M.I.J and the singer of that band, Jeff Hanson. Jeff tragically died in 2009 and left a wealth of material from three solo albums on Kill Rock Stars to an album and EP on the legendary Caulfield Records. I wanted to find a couple of folks to talk about Jeff and his life, stories, and legacy. Speaking about Jeff in this episode is Bob Nanna from Braid, Hey Mercedes, and many other bands, plus Bernie McGinn who put out the full length, “The Radio Goodnight” and an EP. They speak eloquently about Jeff and you’ll find out more about music but also his humor. If this perks your interest, I’ve linked a bunch of articles and content on Washed Up Emo to continue your dive into Jeff’s music. You can also go to JeffHanson.net. This is by no means a complete history and I urge you to dig into Jeff and his life to learn more. Washed Up Emo is a partner of the Double Elvis podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, we welcome Whitmer Thomas. You’re saying, who is Whitmer? Whitmer is a comedian that recently had a 1-hour comedy special on HBO called The Golden One. It’s also an album of music with the same name that you can listen to on our favorite DSP. Whit was a musician before a comedian and has quite the extensive knowledge of punk, hardcore, and emo from his days playing in emo and screamo bands. To that, Whitmer jokes throughout his HBO special about bands we all know and love. You should search it out, as there isn’t a more specific comedy special for our crowd. Whitmer was a joy to talk to and we had a blast talking about his inspirations, his late mom’s band, and being creative in both music and comedy. Washed Up Emo is a partner of the Double Elvis podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, we welcome a legend. Guy Picciotto from Rites of Spring and Fugazi. You may also know him from Happy Go Licky or One Last Wish. Insert another obscure band to tweet at me later. In my years of doing this podcast, I never expected to have such legends of the genre. I’m glad I waited because Guy speaks about his feelings about the word emo and how it’s changed over the years. Really eye opening and wasn’t expecting him to expound on that as much as he did. Definitely stick around for that. Rites of Spring were only around for a couple years but still are mentioned when referring to this genre. As the word morphs and changes, Rites of Spring are the big bang of emo worth mentioning to this day. Guy was so eloquent and thoughtful in his responses and since we did the interview at my day job, Atlantic Records. We start the podcast discussing Fugazi’s experience back in the day when they were being courted by Atlantic. Washed Up Emo is a partner of the Double Elvis podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we welcome Matt Saincome, Bill Conway and Krissy Howard from The Hard Times! The world famous satirical site stopped by Washed Up Emo on their recent book tour to talk about how the site started, how they come up with all the funny headlines, some regrets they’ve had, and I challenge them to come up with some emo headlines on the spot. A truly inspiring tale of finding something you love and making it your job. Washed Up Emo is a partner of the Double Elvis podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we welcome drummer, William Goldsmith from Sunny Day Real Estate. You may also know him from The Fire Theft, Foo Fighters or his new band called Assertion. William and I had an amazing discussion about how he got into music, meeting Jeremy Enigk, the formation of Sunny Day Real Estate, and the lasting impact of the band. We also talk about how he met his close friend and bandmate in Assertion, Justin Tamminga, who you’ll hear speak up at times during the podcast. William’s story is one of perseverance, admitting when you need to fix yourself and when everything is stacked against you, you keep picking yourself back up. Washed Up Emo is a partner of the Double Elvis podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we welcome Steve Pedersen from such bands as Cursive, The White Octave, Slowdown Virginia, and Criteria. The boys in Criteria, after 15 years, have a new album entitled “Years,” coming out on 15 Passenger Records next month and Steve was kind enough to spend some time with Washed Up to talk about it. If you’re listening to this in the future, it’s out now on streaming services. In this episode, we dive into how Steve met Tim and Matt from Cursive, what was the glue and luck behind the Omaha scene, and how that led to Saddle Creek Records starting up. We also discuss how he divides up work and play and how that was achieved while attending law school at Duke. We try and touch on every part of his career and most of all talk about the new Criteria record. Fun fact: It’s Steve’s first 3rd album as a musician. That’s reason enough to celebrate and you’ll learn why later on in the podcast. Washed Up Emo is a partner of the Double Elvis podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we welcome Jimmy LaValle from The Album Leaf. Jimmy and I met up in Los Angeles to talk about his early days from the 90s in San Diego being exposed to DIY and screamo to touring with bands like The Get Up Kids, Piebald, and Jimmy Eat World. We also dive into The Album Leaf project, how he met Sigur Rós, the Sub Pop Records days, and how he’s now busy with film scoring. It all makes sense and how each one happened all started with putting yourself out there and being involved. Jimmy’s story is one of constant creativity and making connections. Washed Up Emo is a partner of the Double Elvis podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We welcome again on the podcast for a 3rd time, Matt Pryor from The Get Up Kids. In this episode we discuss at length, the 20th anniversary of their album "Something to Write Home About." Matt and I discuss the making of the record, we go track by track on stories and lyrics behind the songs and the release of the record on Vagrant. We also dive into the aftermath after it’s release and boom of emo that followed. We spend time reflecting the album’s lasting impact with fans and the band that continues to this day. When an album comes out during a time that connects, yet today, there are kids now that still reference it shows the staying power of this album. From that opening drum beat of 'Ten Minutes' to the guitar pick scrape on 'Holiday' it all floods back for you and someone out there feels the same hearing it for first today today. That’s pretty amazing. Here’s to 20 more The Get Up Kids and happy anniversary to an absolute classic, "Something to Write Home About." Washed Up Emo is a partner of the Double Elvis podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we welcome singer, guitarist and lyricist, Scott Hobart from Giants Chair. Giants Chair are a midwest band that in the early 90s influenced many in the scene we know today. Starting out on the legendary Caulfield Records, Giants Chair have been off and on over the years and continued to be talked about when this genre and era is mentioned. Now they’re about to release their new album “Prefabylon” out December 6th on Spartan Records. If this is the future, it’s out now on streaming services. I think I giggled or laughed more than most episodes as Scott and I talk about the band’s history, his kids, his day job, and “Prefabylon.” Washed Up Emo is a partner of the Double Elvis podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we welcome Tracy Wilson from Dahlia Seed. You may also know her from her other bands Souvenir, Ringfinger or Positive No. If it is a no, let me explain. Tracy is an icon in the emo scene because she made her own path and her own rules on how to make it in the scene. Tracy and I talk about her many bands, jobs and stories over the years that intertwine the icons of the scene and little known ones that deserve a second look. A free flowing interview done in my apartment in NYC that was really enjoyable to listen to back to. We need more Tracy Wilsons in the world. Washed Up Emo is a partner of the Double Elvis podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we welcome Casey James Prestwood from Hot Rod Circuit. Casey and I talk through the history of Hot Rod Circuit and his current endeavors with country music and his band The Burning Angels. Casey recently released a 7” out with fellow friend Josh Berwanger on Lost Broadcast Records that’s worth checking out. If you ever wanted to know the ins and outs of what went down in the early 2000s, Hot Rod Circuit was right there. Casey weaves such a beautiful story through the eras, labels, and both hits and misses. I mostly sit back in this episode and let the master storyteller weave his tale. Washed Up Emo is a partner of the Double Elvis podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We welcome back Dan Didier from The Promise Ring to talk about the album “Very Emergency.” Why do you ask? Because today, September 28th, 2019 is the 20th anniversary of this album’s release on Jade Tree Records! To that, I wanted to find a fun way to celebrate and talk about the album. So Dan and I connected earlier this week to discuss many things including the inspiration of the album artwork, the backlash at the time, the one video they did for the album, Kim Colleta’s honest opinion of the album and also her prowess for taping NBA games on VHS, and finally we read some reviews on the album from AV Club, MTV, and Pitchfork. If you haven’t, you should listen to this album now, get a feel for it and take an hour as Dan and I discuss, laugh, and then laugh some more about this album, time, and how many times we had to go to the internet to remember something. Washed Up Emo is a partner of the Double Elvis podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we welcome Tim Kinsella. You may know Tim from such bands as Cap’n Jazz, Owls, Make Believe, and Joan of Arc. He’s currently playing music with his wife in Good Fuck. Tim and I spent time talking about his work ethic, the word emo, and the podcast interview starts with us discussing the recent Joan of Arc documentary and where they got the footage and stuff for it and Tim’s thoughts on saving things… Washed Up Emo is a partner of the Double Elvis podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we welcome Jamie Stillman from EarthQuaker Devices, an effects pedal company out of Akron, Ohio. Jamie was also in bands you may have heard of like The Party of Helicopters, Fringe Candidate, Relaxer (his current band,) and my favorite, Harriet the Spy. Harriet the Spy was a band out of Kent, Ohio that was around from 1993-1998 and was an actual screamo band. They were one of the first screamo bands I ever heard when I started getting into all of this stuff. Also from 1993 to 2002, Jamie ran Donut Friends Records and put out a ton of punk, metal, and shoegaze acts. What’s even more fascinating than his band/label stories, or his time as a tour manager that you’ll hear about, is how Jamie started an effects pedal company. It’s a testament to pursuing what you love leads to your work. Washed Up Emo is a partner of the Double Elvis podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jade and I connected early on during the first album, "Real Stories Of True People Who Looked Kind Of Like Monsters." I was a huge fan and supporter. Following that debut, it was great to see the mainstream press take a liking to him after the amazing follow-up, "The Yunahon Mixtape." Now the album coming out August 16th, "Basking in the Glow," should propel him to another level. It’s that good. On the podcast, Jade and I discuss his early music life getting heckled, the new album, and there’s a good portion about the NBA, which we’re both huge fans of. Washed Up Emo is a partner of the Double Elvis podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, we welcome Chris Crisci from The Appleseed Cast. Chris has been on my list for the entire 8 years of this podcast’s existence. I am honored to finally have him on the podcast. I loved Chris’ appreciation for the scene, constantly challenging himself, and not resting while making the band work alongside his day job, family and life. The band’s discography is one of my favorites in all of my music and to finally hear some of the questions I’ve had over the years was a true treat. Last, to note, there is a new album by the band entitled “The Fleeting Light of Impermanence” out of Graveface Records that we discuss. You can start listening to this on Friday, or if you’re listening to this in the future, it’s on your favorite streaming service. Chris was honest, sweet, and thoughtful throughout this beautiful conversation and I hope you enjoy. Washed Up Emo is a partner of the Double Elvis podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A few months ago, I asked a couple of prior podcast guests Brian Lowit from Lovitt Records and now Dischord Records and John Davis from Q and Not U, if they thought an in-person interview could happen. Through their help and a little timing of a personal wedding in DC set this plan in motion. As this podcast gets into its 8th year with no signs of slowing down, I thought it was time to have the person partly responsible for why I first got into straightedge, punk, hardcore, and the DIY ethos I continue to carry through during my day job in the music industry at large. Ian couldn’t have been more gracious and after some back and forth and a nice Delta airlines agent, I was there with enough time to do the interview and make the wedding later that day. I never expected to have the opportunity to talk to one of my heroes in this setting and for Ian to spent a couple of hours showing me around the Dischord house, the archives and then an interview will be remembered forever. Washed Up Emo is a partner of the Double Elvis podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we welcome Mitch Wilson from No Knife! Mitch and I have spoken to each other over the years and finally got some time to chat. We got deep into the San Diego scene, meeting Rocket from the Crypt and Drive like Jehu and early days of being on a label associated with a major. How No Knife met The Get Up Kids, their deep relationship with Lazycain and Jimmy Eat World. We find out that we both utilize a set of jokes that we use relentlessly to our friends and family. Finally, chat about his life as a dad and you’ll hear his son a couple of times in the podcast. Washed Up Emo is a partner of the Double Elvis podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we welcome John Vanderslice. I found out about John through his album in 2000 called, Mass Suicide Occult Figurines, on Barsuk Records. It stuck with me and I’ve followed him since. Last month, he released his latest album “The Cedars” on Native Cat Recordings. He’s on tour with Pedro the Lion and worth a listen if you’ve never dived into the mind of Vanderslice. We talk about how he started late in music, how creating music takes some narcissism to survive, about the loss of life, and the depression that he’s been dealing with, including how this album saved his life. Plus, we dive into a discussion about having fame and critical acclaim early on in your career and what that does to you during and after. This is probably one of the more emotional as John opened up about his struggles with dependency on drugs and the battle he has every day with life, creating art, and keeping his recording studios, Tiny Telephone, afloat. Many of your favorite albums have been recorded there like ones from Death Cab for Cutie, Sleater-Kinney, Deerhoof, The Mountain Goats, The Magnetic Fields, and Spoon. A man not afraid to say what he feels and talk it out, I think you’ll enjoy this discussion. Washed Up Emo is a partner of the Double Elvis podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A documentary was released a few years ago called "Don’t Break Down," about Jawbreaker. Fun fact: Dan Didier, drummer for the Promise Ring, Maritime and Vermont was the producer of the film! After seeing a screening of the film, I was fascinated at how much footage they had of Jawbreaker. I found out later from Dan that Adam was the one that has been saving everything. When I approached Adam to do the podcast a couple of years ago, Adam said we would need to wait as they were just about to announce all of the reunion shows. Recently in Brooklyn, Adam and I finally sat down to talk. We discuss where these archival/documentation thoughts started in his life and how the video store that he owned for years was feeding that same itch. We also discuss what it’s like being in Jawbreaker now and not being as neurotic about taking photos or saving the flyers. In the same light, Adam is fully realizing how important these things are later and the love for his band is how everyone should think about their own band’s legacy, big or small. Bonus, we talk about emo and how Adam didn’t hear them being called emo until after they broke up. Finally, a couple of rad Nirvana stories about Adam seeing them for the first time and knowing the first single was going to be “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” Washed Up Emo is a partner of the Double Elvis podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wow, we made it to 150 episodes. Crazy to think about all the folks that have come on to share their story with you and I. To that, a big part of this is agreeing to be open and talk about their music. American Football gets the gold star. Before the reunions, in January 2014, Mike was on the podcast for the first time chatting about his career. For LP2, I had everyone in American Football individually to discuss reuniting and what it was like to write together again. So for LP3 I wanted to do something different… This time, I got Mike and Nate together in a room in NYC to discuss every single song in detail on LP3. We go from beginning to end on the writing process, the disagreements, sequencing, and why they made certain decisions for every song. Mike also recommends some bands I’ve never heard before and Nate reads an email he sent to the band passionately discussing why he feels his track listing order is the way it should go. Washed Up Emo is a partner of the Double Elvis podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David Bazan has always been on my list to be on the podcast, it just took almost 8 years. I always sorta thought he’d want nothing to do with me or the podcast. As with this stuff, I got over it and just asked. It worked and fittingly, David has also resurrected Pedro the Lion, with the first album under that name in 15 years. The album “Phoenix” out on Polyvinyl Records, is an amazing return. David and I speak about his religious upbringing, lots of Fugazi and we talk a lot about what music does to us when we close our eyes. Specifically that journey that music takes us on and what story you end up telling in the end. I think you’ll enjoy and I was nervous for a lot of this. I don’t know why, just meant a lot I guess. Washed Up Emo is a partner of the Double Elvis podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we welcome Matt Traxler, guitarist from Brandtson. The band, out of Cleveland was on Deep Elm and The Militia Group back in the day and they recently reissued some lost demos through Matt’s label Steadfast Records. Super fun talking to Matt and a band that if you didn’t realize was around then or now, it’s worth going back and listening to their records. Washed Up Emo is a partner of the Double Elvis podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I first heard Starmarket on the 3rd Emo Diaries compilation in 1999 and soon after they released their third album “Four Hours Light.” I was instantly blown away with the post-hardcore sound and the next level indie rock/emo sensibility. I never met these guys back in the day and with some reunion shows recently in Japan and their home country of Sweden, I slide into the DMs on Instagram to see if they’d be up to chatting about their band. Fredrik, the lead singer and guitar player, was more than happy to chat. Washed Up Emo is a partner of the Double Elvis podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we welcome Steve Schiltz from Longwave. Steve is also an accomplished music producer and composer for film, TV and advertising. If you’re wondering why Steve is on. I have three reasons. First, when I moved to NYC, the Brooklyn thing was about to blow up and I was working at a label nearby a lot of these venues in the city where bands like the Strokes, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and others cut their teeth. Longwave were active around the same time as well and I loved them. Second, I was and still am, obsessed with shoe gaze. The similarities to the long droning emo songs that I also can’t stop emulating is directly related to my love of shoe gaze. I’d happily quit my job and join a shoe gaze band tomorrow. Hit me up. Third, I find out a half hour in that a past band Steve was in, Scout, toured with Sunny Day Real Estate! He waited 30 minutes to tell me that. Steve has a very funny story about Jeremy Enigk you’ll want to listen for. To be honest, this one is sorta for me. Over the years, Steve and I have crossed paths through friends and music here in NYC. I knowwww… It’s not emo, it’s not hardcore but Steve’s music is fucking beautiful and Longwave’s shoe gaze is what I’d want to sound like if I ever picked up my guitar again. Why should you listen? Steve weaves a rad story about early NYC, the boom of 2000s Brooklyn and the lasting effects of that era that still resonates today. Washed Up Emo is a partner of the Double Elvis podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re back and stoked to have episode 145 of the podcast with Hutch Harris, most widely know from the band, The Thermals. Hutch and I have been conversing back and forth on Twitter for years. I’d always loved his take on music, especially the punk and hardcore references. As a fan of his band, The Thermals, I was bummed when not long ago they called it quits. In addition to Hutch being a songwriter, I had also enjoyed his writing he’s done with various outlets, especially a recent piece on Pete Shelley from the Buzzcocks. On top of all that, he recently released a solo album entitled “Only Water” that’s absolutely beautiful! So the stars aligned and we caught up late last year to talk music. Washed Up Emo is a partner of the Double Elvis podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today welcome Erik Ratensperger from the legendary screamo band Jeromes Dream. Jeromes Dream were around for a very short time from 1997 to 2001 born out of the Connecticut hardcore scene. They had a unique way of playing by way of the singer Jeff Smith refusing to use a microphone for shows. Also, the band was known for playing very short sets, usually no longer than 10 minutes. Pretty unique. These guys are right along side Pg.99, Orchid, Saetia in the early screamo era. If you’re unaware, it’s well worth a dive into their career. Head on over to their site jeromesdreamforever.com and you can learn more about them and be ready for new music next year. Washed Up Emo is a partner of the Double Elvis podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lauren and I connected a few years ago and I found out she listened to the podcast! The stars aligned and we finally caught up recently to chat. Lauren is a massive emo fan and we chat deeply about her early days playing drums in bands around Glasgow, Scotland that helped shape who she is today. She was in a couple killer bands before this including Boyfriend/Girlfriend and Blue Sky Archives. Both are mathy, epic and remind me of the mid 90s. Find those on Bandcamp. You should also know the other two members in CHVRCHES, Martin and Iain, were in a great post rock band called Aerogramme. Their first release, A Story in White, is epic and worth a listen. Washed Up Emo is a partner of the Double Elvis podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you aren’t aware, Anthony’s YouTube channel, The Needle Drop, is insanely popular and influential for reviewing music. How he ended up with this title of Internet’s busiest music nerd, is quite a story. Recently, Anthony and I connected over the phone to discuss how he got into doing this for a living and what he enjoys most out of reviewing music. Don’t worry, we got nerdy on some real screamo too. Washed Up Emo is a partner of the Double Elvis podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we welcome Justin Courtney Pierre, who you may know from Motion City Soundtrack, Farewell Continental or The Rapture Twins. He recently released his first solo album entitled “In The Drink” that we discuss extensively in this episode and what it took to make it happen. We also chat about his upbringing with friends and family that helped him get into music, his years in speech therapy and the label of pop punk and emo with the band. Plus we talk about his struggles with dependence on drugs and alcohol and what he feels like looking back at those years. Finally, there is a cameo from his daughter that is absolutely hilarious that you don’t want to miss. Washed Up Emo is a partner of the Double Elvis podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we welcome Ian King, author of Appetite for Definition: The A to Z Guide to Rock Genres. This book contains 100s of genres explained and as we will discuss, there’s a way to jump around and learn about other genres by way of like minded artist, genres that connect and specific songs. I had the honor of being interviewed for the book and you can guess which genres I was a part of. We talk a lot about genres in general, his take on emo, upbringing in Seattle, finding out about punk and his amazing homemade emo shirt he was wearing during the interview. Washed Up Emo is a partner of the Double Elvis podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The band is celebrating 20 years of The Moon My Saddle with a few select shows and it was time to get David on. This podcast episode is a lot about redemption and letting things go as times pass. One of those is an amazing quote on The Moon My Saddle when it first came out in Alternative Press. It says “David Moore on this record makes Huey Lewis sound like the king of the Delta Blues.” Then, 10 years later, Alternative Press does a big feature/interview on the band. Some things are ahead of their time. David’s father drove his motorcycle across the United States to Los Angeles, California to try and make it as an actor. It never materialized and he came back to Indiana to raise his family. David also made that same decision after Chamberlain broke up, deciding to hang up the music and stop chasing the dream and get on with his life. It wasn’t entirely that simple as you’ll hear. We talk about David’s approach to music, the initial response to “The Moon My Saddle,” the band’s downfall and what David did after that. Also how he’s looking at the upcoming 20 year anniversary shows from that album as an adult versus the boy that first toured those songs. “If this was just about nostalgia, we are self-aware enough to know that we wouldn’t want to do it.” Not a bad way to think about it. Washed Up Emo is a partner of the Double Elvis podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we welcome Eric Melin from Ultimate Fakebook. Ultimate Fakebook are from Kansas and were on the amazing independent label, Initial Records. They toured with bands from the era including The Get Up Kids, At the Drive In and Motion City Soundtrack. Eric also was in a couple bands before that called Truck Stop Love and The Dead Girls. He’s also a film critic alongside his day job doing marketing/social media and he’s also a world champion in air guitar, which we start talking about as the podcast starts up. Washed Up Emo is a partner of the Double Elvis podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we welcome Dave Brown. Dave helped start a zine called Muddle, co-founded Better Looking Records, did some marketing and PR under the name Holiday Matinee for your favorite bands and now lives in Seattle and works with Microsoft. Not a bad ride and for someone that was there in the moment and took advantage of what was around him. A truly great chat with someone deeply connected to the inner workings of the scene. Washed Up Emo is a partner of the Double Elvis podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we welcome Ryan Grisham from Mock Orange! They’re back in the news a bit as they recently announced a 20th-anniversary tour for their very much loved “Nines and Sixes” album. Ryan and I talked about the band’s changes, their high profile producers they’ve worked with, how they were a midwest band but never really toured in the Midwest and their life in Japan that kept them going. Mock Orange should be your favorite band, I hope it is after this episode. Finally, we’ve named the episode The Unknown Blur. You’ll figure it out by the end. It’s pretty beautiful. Washed Up Emo is a partner of the Double Elvis podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we welcome Chris Popadak from Hawthorne Heights. Chris has been drumming with the band as a touring and session member since 2014 and joined fully last year. We connected because we’ve definitely used Hawthorne Heights as an example of when emo goes wrong and Chris wanted to set the story straight…. When we spoke over email he mentioned that he was into a bunch of the older stuff, the band knew they weren’t emo and to let me know they are still a band! Plus they haven’t stopped being a band, releasing a bunch of music independently, since the emo boom in the mid-00s. Their latest is on Pure Noise Records. Chris or “Poppy” as many call him that know him well, was a great guest and spoke honestly about being a musician with a band with one big song and how far that can take you and what doors it can open. He’s living the dream. Coincidentally, he is from Ohio. Washed Up Emo is a partner of the Double Elvis podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we welcome Nathan Hardy from the band Microwave. Microwave just finished up a little run with Jimmy Eat World and The Hotelier and it was high time to get Nathan to chat. We talk a lot about being labeled emo, his struggle and acceptance of growing out of the mormon church, being homeless for a time and feeling like a big kid when everyone else moves on and “grows up.” I remind him that Microwave is a horrible band name for SEO and Nathan searches his band name on Google for the first time. He also goes in depth on what the next album will be about. The DIY spirit is alive and well with Nathan and Microwave. If you aren’t familiar, check em out then dive into this interview. Washed Up Emo is a partner of the Double Elvis podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we welcome Tony Weinbender from Fest! Tony has curated an amazing festival in Florida started in 2002 with 60 bands has grown into the premiere independent festival with this year having 400+ bands performing across 3 days this fall. It’s simple, make something awesome and stick at it, people will support. Tony like myself started in college radio and booked bands at MacRock, the festival put on by WXJM at James Madison University. He then went on to work at No Idea Records in Florida and toured with bands like Less Than Jake. Fest 17 is this October and if you want to be a part of a community and a festival that keeps its DIY roots, Fest is it. Tony was amazing to spend time talking about his life and what’s next for the festival. If you want to support the podcast, head over to patreon.com/washedupemo and if you do, I’ll be able to make more of these! Washed Up Emo is a partner of the Double Elvis podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we welcome Anthony Green from Circa Survive, Saosin and the Sound of Animals Fighting. My history with Anthony goes back to the early days of Circa Survive and working alongside him at Equal Vision Records for the Juturna and On Letting Go album releases. As the years passed, we stayed in touch and would see each other as you do when a band rolls through town. Anthony was always super into what I was doing with Washed Up Emo and check in when I’d post something about The Promise Ring or Braid. Anthony came along at an amazing time for punk rock and rode the wave with Circa Survive to heights not afforded many and still can play anywhere in the world for his solo material or with Circa Survive. In the hour we chatted, we got to catch up in thoughts on emo, sneaking up on stage to ask Thursday, who he didn’t know, about joining a certain band. Plus, how I forced Circa Survive to do a Fuse TV event for a girl that really just wanted Panic! at the Disco and where he is now and what he would have said to himself 10 years ago. Washed Up Emo is a partner of the Double Elvis podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we welcome back Matt Pryor from The Get Up Kids. Matt and the boys have a new EP, Kicker, on Polyvinyl Records, out this week and it was time to get Matt back on to chat. We discuss how The Get Up Kids have stayed together all these years, their knack for writing EPs, I get caught saying I liked Jim’s songs better and you’ll hear why I owe Matt $25 for doing the podcast. Finally, we hear about more recordings happening and what that means about a full album. Washed Up Emo is a partner of the Double Elvis podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we welcome Dave Diem from Twelve Hour Turn and LAPêCHE. Twelve Hour Turn were an amazing post-hardcore band from Florida from 1997-2002. You may know them from their LP with I Hate Myself or 7" with Engine Down. My personal favorite is their LP The Victory of Flight. Dave and I chat about his time in Twelve Hour Turn, how independent music shaped him, why the band broke up and what led to LAPêCHE and the feeling of making music after a 10 year absence. Washed Up Emo is a partner of the Double Elvis podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Henderson read about bands getting screwed by Victory Records in the news, he thought he could do something about it. So he actually went to law school. In this episode you’ll learn about how Henderson got into law, where his DIY roots started, and why he founded The Alternative. This is also a crash course about what things bands should think about when it comes to a lawyer. I learned a ton on this episode and I think you will too. Washed Up Emo is a partner of the Double Elvis podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we welcome Susie Ulrey from the band Pohgoh. I first heard about the band on the first volume of the Emo Diaries compilation. They were everything I wanted in a band when I was playing music back in the day. Susie and I met up in New York City recently to chat and we discussed her upbringing in Florida, getting into the scene, her crush on Brent with a bowl cut and why a community is so important. We also chat about her living with MS and the many challenges of daily life and trying to continue to make music. Washed Up Emo is a partner of the Double Elvis podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we welcome Scott Vogel from the band's Despair, Buried Alive and Terror. You’re probably confused right now, hear me out. Scott is a huge emo fan and professed his love for Texas is the Reason, Split Lip and Chris Higdon from Elliott multiple times including a dream scenario for Chris you need to hear in its entirety. Scott also mentions the time he kept singing the chorus of Jimmy Eat World’s "Sweetness" for a whole tour annoying his band. We talk at length about the hardcore scene and how time off from the band both saved the band and the members itself from imploding. I had a blast talking to him and hope you enjoy too. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/washedupemo) Washed Up Emo is a partner of the Double Elvis podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Late last year Matt Pond PA played it’s last show, after almost 20 years of music. I had always loved Matt Pond PA and wanted to find out more about him, his life and where he sees the next phase of his music. To learn more go to InDreams.Space Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/washedupemo) Washed Up Emo is a partner of the Double Elvis podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we welcome Nathan Ellis from Coalesce, The Casket Lottery and Able Baker Fox. The Casket Lottery has re-released some records via Run for Cover and got back in the van again to play live. Nathan spoke with me prior to the tour about growing up in Kansas City, seeing shows at the age of 14 and how we’d both be outed if we tried to hang with the kids today. Nathan’s love of music shines through this entire episode. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/washedupemo) Washed Up Emo is a partner of the Double Elvis podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joseph Grillo from Garrison, God Fires Man, I Hate Our Freedom and Gay for Johnny Depp is our guest on the podcast this week! Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/washedupemo) Washed Up Emo is a partner of the Double Elvis podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices