Echo Play Podcast

There are moments that split life into clear before and after segments. For Evan, that moment came on a late October night when, driving home after a Halloween weekend show, he encountered headlights coming straight at him on the freeway. In this raw and emotional return episode, we break our five-month silence to share the story of the devastating wrong-way collision that took the life of Evan's fiancée Chelsea and left him fighting for his own survival.Through unfiltered conversation, Evan walks us through the accident night, waking up in the wreckage with a broken body, and the months of intensive hospitalization that followed. His medical journey was nothing short of harrowing—shattered bones, abdominal trauma requiring complete opening of his torso, wound vacuums, ostomy bags, and the unpredictable complications of fistulas. Christmas Eve marked his hospital discharge, but true recovery was just beginning.What emerges beyond the medical narrative is something profoundly moving: an outpouring of community support that manifested in a benefit concert raising over $50,000, with countless people—many strangers—coming together to ensure Evan could keep his home while healing. We meet the paramedics who saved his life and unusual became part of his story, the surgeons who rebuilt his body, and the found family who never left his side.Most powerful is Evan's candid reflection on grief itself—how trauma and survival mode delayed his mourning process, the complex emotions of returning to a home "frozen in time," and finding meaning in music again by returning to performing perhaps sooner than advisable. Through it all runs a current of profound gratitude and a determination to honor both Chelsea's memory and the second chance he's been given.If you've ever wondered about the human capacity for resilience or the power of community in crisis, this episode will remind you what truly matters when everything else falls away.

After a brief hiatus, we're back! In this episode, we catch up on everything that's happened over the last three weeks. Evan dropped a big announcement—he's engaged! He shares the exciting details of how the proposal went down during the Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico, with drones, fireworks, and even a glowing skull firing lasers, making for a wild but magical moment. There's a fun side story about how he managed to pull off the surprise proposal without Chelsea catching on, despite some well-played “hints” from her best friend.We talk about wedding planning, and how quickly the conversation has shifted to "When's the date?" Evan shares his early thoughts on planning, including the desire to make the day special without it feeling cookie-cutter. We also dive into the pros and cons of big traditional weddings versus more personal and unique celebrations.The episode is rounded out by discussing recent band events. We touch on some smaller gigs that didn't go as planned due to bad timing. There's also a bit of reflection on the joys of playing unplugged shows and how acoustic sets are growing on us.

In this episode, we dive into our recent experience playing an acoustic set at Hop Fusion, a refreshing change from our usual plugged-in, high-energy shows. We discuss how the stripped-down format allowed us to explore new takes on familiar songs, like "Spiderwebs," which we turned into a rhythmic, bouncy tune with a ska flair.We reflect on the benefits of doing acoustic sets, including the chance for more interaction with the crowd and the intimate, inviting atmosphere that it creates. It's a nice break from the usual, high-decibel performances and something we hope to do more often. We talk about wanting to develop an acoustic circuit with a few shows a year to keep things fresh.The conversation also turns to future plans, both for our acoustic endeavors and for the band's growth overall. We discuss the idea of putting together a mailing list to keep fans in the loop about upcoming shows, but we acknowledge how time-consuming it is to juggle everything between gigs and other commitments.

In this episode, we kick off with a very casual Sunday recording, where things are a bit more chaotic than usual—kids in tow, last-minute schedules, and an easygoing vibe. We talk about SLGN's recent show at Texas Live after a Rangers game, where the excitement of the game carried over to our set. The post-game atmosphere was electric, and we were all buzzing from the fun we had on stage.We also delve into the current state of streaming services and the rising costs of daily life, like groceries and fast food. We joke about the nostalgia of past deals, like Arby's 5 for 5, and how those days are long gone. Meal prepping becomes the hot topic as we discuss how it's becoming a necessity to save money. We even get into the weeds of our favorite “guilty pleasure” fast food spots and their prices.Our conversation shifts toward the challenges of raising kids today and the generational differences in parenting styles. We touch on the different ways we and our partners grew up and how that influences the decisions we make for our own families. There's a bit of humor around kids' reactions to things we used to take for granted, like commercials and pay-per-view events.As we chat about the importance of music education, we reflect on our kids' musical journeys. We discuss their experiences with learning instruments, like drums and piano, and the struggle to keep them interested as they grow older. There's a hope that they stick with it, knowing how transformative music can be.

In this episode, we dive into venues and the rollercoaster of playing live across the Dallas-Fort Worth area. We share stories about some of the best places we've performed, like The Backyard at Texas Live, where the staff treat us like family and the production quality is top-notch. It's one of those rare spots where everything just clicks—from the comfortable green room to the powerful sound system.We also talk about how important it is to build strong relationships with venue managers and staff. It's not just about drawing a crowd; it's about making sure the people who work there enjoy having us around, which has led to some great opportunities, like playing post-Ranger game shows. On the flip side, we discuss some of the challenges with smaller venues, where things can get a bit nitpicky and high-strung over minor details. It's interesting how the size of a venue often reflects the vibe of the people running it.Reflecting on the local scene, we note how the cover and tribute band industry seems to be growing, thanks to a heavy dose of nostalgia. We touch on a few places we'd love to play in the future—venues that pay well and offer perks like hotel rooms, which isn't always the case here in DFW.We end by talking about the energy exchange with the crowd. Whether it's a few people up front dancing their hearts out or a full house cheering us on, that energy fuels us to give our best every single time. At the end of the day, we're here to make sure everyone has a great time, whether they're rocking out up front or chilling at the back.

In Episode 7 of the Echo Play Podcast, the hosts broadcast from the Ridglea Theater in Fort Worth, where they discuss playing a private event in the Ridglea Room. The conversation weaves through various topics, including memories of playing at the Ridglea, the history of the venue, and the challenges and rewards of performing at private events, particularly weddings. They share humorous and insightful stories about past wedding performances, including how guests from larger weddings often migrate to their smaller, more fun events.The hosts also delve into the intricacies of working in the music scene, comparing the challenges of original bands versus cover bands in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. They reflect on their own experiences with DJing weddings, handling wedding planners, and the financial realities of working in music as they get older. The episode wraps up with a discussion on the changing music industry, the impact of social media on success, and a desire to bring in more guests for future episodes to explore these topics further.

In this lively episode of the Echo Play Podcast, the hosts dive into the albums that have left a lasting impact on their lives. They kick things off with a discussion about Blindside's "Silence", a record that still sends chills down their spines. The episode then shifts gears to explore albums like Killswitch Engage's "Alive or Just Breathing" and Glassjaw's "Worship and Tribute," both of which played pivotal roles in shaping their musical tastes.The team doesn't stop there; they go on to share personal stories linked to these albums, reflecting on how they've influenced not only their music preferences but also key moments in their lives. The episode also features a special guest appearance by Paul, who adds his insights and memories into the mix, making this episode a true walk down memory lane.Tune in to hear the Echo Play Podcast crew get nostalgic about the music that defined them, and stay for the stories and laughs that follow! Whether you're a fan of heavy music or just love hearing about the good old days, this episode has something for everyone.

The Echo Play Podcast crew is back with a brand-new episode, and they're diving deep into the music that's shaped their lives. In this episode, Aaron and Evan explore the albums that left a lasting impact, from Underøath's powerful “Lost in the Sound of Separation” to the unforgettable “Core” by Stone Temple Pilots.Listeners will hear some wild stories from their touring days, including Aaron's networking hustles on Warped Tour and those memorable (and sometimes sketchy) nights crashing at strangers' houses. The duo also gets into the challenges of crafting the perfect setlist, sharing the heartbreak of playing a favorite track only to have it fall flat with the crowd.As always, there's plenty of banter, laughter, and deep dives into music. They even touch on the unique world of cover bands and the magic that live shows bring. Whether you're a longtime listener or new to the podcast, this episode promises to be a fun, nostalgic trip through the albums that have defined Aaron and Evan's musical journey.Don't miss out – tune in to episode 5 of the Echo Play Podcast, and be sure to share your thoughts. Your feedback keeps the conversation going!

Hey, Echo Play listeners! Today, Aaron and Evan chat about the rare chaos of having all five band members together and busting the myth that bands hang out 24/7.We dive into our current top bands – Gojira for their raw, heavy energy and Bring Me The Horizon for their ever-evolving sound. Plus, we get nostalgic about Death Cab For Cutie, Paramore, and their epic journies!Ever wondered how specific albums can transport you back to certain times in your life? We share some of our most vivid musical memories and promise a future episode dedicated to our top life-shaping albums.We also tackle the crazy ticket prices for concerts, the irreplaceable magic of live shows, and why technology can't replicate those moments. And for a fun twist, we delve into reality TV, home renovation inspirations, and how those shows make us dream big (until we see the price tags).Don't miss our banter, laughs, and a peek into our world. Tune in, spread the word, and let us know what you think. We appreciate you all and can't wait to hear your feedback. Catch you in the latest episode of Echo Play Podcast!

Welcome to the Echo Play Podcast! In episode three, we gather in the green room with Michael and Paul for another round of laughs, wild stories, and unexpected moments.We kick things off with a chaotic roll call and quickly dive into tales from the band's adventures. From Aaron's memorable confrontation with a mic-grabbing fan during a post-COVID show to wild bar fights breaking out during Blink-182 covers, it's clear that Dick Belding's gigs are anything but dull. We reminisce about hilarious moments like leg wrestling incidents with roller derby girls and the time Michael ended up playing in his boxers.The episode is filled with behind-the-scenes antics, including Matt's infamous on-stage banter. We also touch on our diverse setlists, the challenges of playing specific songs, and why certain tracks have become a no-go.Join us for a casual, unfiltered look at life in a band, where the stories are as entertaining as the music. Whether you're here for the laughs, the music, or just to hear about our latest antics, the Echo Play Podcast has got you covered.

Welcome to the Echo Play Podcast, hosted by Aaron and Evan! In our second episode, we dive into the hilarious and chaotic world of the Dick Belding's, a 90s cover band with a colorful history. We chat with members Paul, Matt, and Michael about the band's origins, their favorite music, and the ups and downs of life in the cover scene.From spontaneous decisions to form a band after a Spasmatics show to unforgettable gigs at wild venues like Spencer's Corner, we share stories that are sure to make you laugh. You'll hear about lineup changes and memorable first shows. Plus, we get a glimpse into their musical tastes, with shoutouts to bands like Every Time I Die, Manchester Orchestra, the Beatles, and mewithoutYou.This episode is packed with behind-the-scenes anecdotes like a cop interrupting a performance to inform Paul about his passed-out girlfriend or Matt showing up in a kid's Spider-Man costume. Join us for a fun, unfiltered look at the music world with plenty of laughs and genuine moments. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the scene, the Echo Play Podcast is your go-to for all things music and band life.

From Evan joining the Dick Beldings during the pandemic to the unforgettable night of a wedding that led to Valera's dramatic split, we share it all. Learn about the seamless member transition, the nostalgia-inducing 90s music that fuels our passion, and the quirky additions like the kazoo that have enriched our sound. We'll also share some unforgettable moments, like Evan's first performance with The Dick Beldings.In this episode, we also recount how the chaos of multiple bands turned into the formation of our LLC, Echo Play Live, revolutionizing our communication and project management. Get a sneak peek into Echo Play Live, born out of a group of music-driven friends, and hear about the vibrant DFW tribute and cover band scene. We tackle the joys and challenges of this musical landscape, confront misconceptions, and introduce you to future plans of featuring rotating band members and interviews with fellow musicians. This is a nostalgic, behind-the-scenes look that promises to keep you hooked!