High Fives Punk Rock Podcast

Better late than never….here is the annual high fives year end episode featuring Mike's favorite albums of the past year. Have a listen and get your year end lists in too! #bestof2023 #punkablums2023 #punkrockpodcast #highfivespunkrockpodcast #punk #emo #melodicpunk #2023albums

Episode 95 is all about friendship because at the heart of it this podcast has always just been about Mike and Nate hanging out and talking about the music that bonded them together. So as we say goodbye to Nate (for now) we figured we should tackle that topic. So take a listen to the episode and get in your favorite songs about friendships.#songsaboutfriends #friends #thankyouforbeingafriend #Verena #Rancid #TheBouncingSouls #RedCityRadio #Petey #JohnnyUniteUs #TheCopyrights #TheArrivals #LivingWithLions #TheSainteCatherines #2023 #punkrockfriends

From the rustle of leaves underfoot to the crispness in the air, Autumn is many things to many people. For some it is relief from the heat of summer. Others see it as a fresh start. Some hate the encroaching darkness and then there are those who can't get enough #pumpkinspice. But what we love about Fall is the music that pairs so well with all of this. Episode 94 of the #highfivespunkrockpodcast is about some of the songs that capture that autumnal essence. So grab something warm, cuddle up in your warmest blanket and enjoy the episode. Then send in some of your favorite #punk #emo #poppunk #melodichardcore #hardcore #ska??? songs for fall #songsforfall #autumnmusic #sweaterweatherjams #punkmusic #emocore #skacore #indierock #Travoltas #DillingerFour #D4 #SavesTheDay #TheWonderYears #RealFriends #Shorebirds #ThePaperbacks #Knapsack #TheWeakerthans #AmericanFootball # Citizen #DripFed #Territories #DeadAlright #SpiritualCramp #SWMRS #Clowns #MakingFriends

Welcome to our Halloween Party mixtape. Episode 93 features a collection of Halloween themed jams curated by our lovely hosts and put together for your listening pleasure this #spookyseason. #halloweenmixtape #punkrockhalloween #punkrockpodcast #spookyjams #halloweenpartyjams

In Episode 92 of the #highfivespunkrockpodcast Nate & Mike continue their mission to introduce listeners to hidden gems that we feel you should check out. This episode is a refined embodiment of the podcast's core purpose: showcasing bands, albums, and songs that might have escaped your radar. In this episode we dive into the overlooked and underrated, shining a spotlight on a selection of bands and albums they we think maybe deserve a little extra attention. So, tune in and take a listen and then send in your list of under the radar bands so we can check those out too! #highfivespunkrockpodcast #punk #ska #emo #hardcore #melodicpunk #poppunk #canadapodcast #yycpodcast #punkrockpodcast #revolts #therules #streets #DeadHeat #TonyMolina #GraveyardClub #Perennial #BikeAge #TheCosmit #SpanishLoveSongs #shortfictions #thecomputers #BigLoser #TheAbruptors #wastedpotential #Exbats #Almostpeople

Check out episode 91 which is our ode to the legendary punk rock label fat wreck chords. We originally did this episode in celebration of Fat's 25th anniversary. Many years later and we are still debating which Fat Albums left the biggest impression on us. Take a listen to the episode and get your list in. We can't wait to hear what you come up with. #punkrockpodcast #highfivespunkrockpodcast #fatwreckchords #fatwreck #punkrockpodcast #punk #poppunk #emo #ska #skapunk #skacore #melodicpunk #skatepunk #90spunkrock #canadapunk #punkpodcast #Lagwagon #propagandhi #getdead #themadcaddies #tonysly #GoodRiddance #Nightbirds #BannerPilot #DirectHit!

It is that time of the year again where Nate and Mike sit down with a wonderful guest to discuss some of our favorite releases of the year to date. Joining us for Episode 90 is the incredible Émilie Plamondon, punk rock music aficionado and the host of both The Punk Roquette Show and a long-standing radio show Punk Détente. And oh yeah and she is also a member of The Long Run and 50 shades of Punk Rock. As you might guess Émilie has her ear to the ground when it comes to punk rock. So, get ready for a captivating discussion as we dive into some of our favorite releases of the year and celebrate some great punk rock that has graced our ears. #punkrockpodcast #punk #poppunk #melodicpunk #punk2023 #yycpodcast #emilie #punkroquetteshow #quebecpunk #calgarypunk #emo

If you're a fan of the music we discuss on this podcast, chances are you've been a part of your local scene at some point. Whether you've attended shows, supported your friends, organized events, played in a band, or worked in a venue, the local scene holds a special place in your heart. It's where the punk rock spirit thrives, embodying the rebellious nature and independent ethos that defines the genre. In this episode, we proudly delve into our own local scene in Calgary, showcasing some of the bands we adore. So, crank up the volume, listen in, and afterward, we'd love to hear about your local scene. Send us your recommendations of bands from your area that we should definitely check out! #punkrockpodcast #highfivespunkrockpodcast #yycpunk #calgarypunk #punkrock #poppunk #emo #hardcore #ska #melodicpunk #skatepunk #calgarypunkrock

When you put on a new album for the first time, what's the first thing you hear? The answer, of course, is the opening track. But what makes a great opening track? Is it the hook that draws you in, the lyrics that set the tone for the rest of the album, or something else entirely? Episode 88 is all about the first tracks and the ones we love. So, take a listen and then send in your list of favorite opening tracks. #punkrockpodcast #punkpod #emo #poppunk #punk #ska #melodicpunk #skatepunk #hardcore

What's the deal with sound clips? You know, those little snippets of audio that bands use to enhance their songs or albums? Love them or hate them grabbing something from another media and inserting into music is something prevalent in punk rock. I'm sure you can think of at least one that associate with a song or band. In our latest episode, we explore the world of sound clips and how they're used in punk rock. From movie quotes to random noises, we've got it all covered! Take a listen and make sure you send your list in too! #punkrock #punk #ska #emo #hardcore #melodicpunk #punkpodcast #punkrockpodcast #skacast #skacore #emopodcast #yyc #calgary #calgarypunk #yycpunk

Nate and Mike re-visit episode 2 of the podcast in an attempt to correct the wrongs of the past and explore the world of punk rock side projects. Many of our favorite punk rock musicians have ventured beyond their main bands to create outside their original band. Take a listen to some of the side piece bands that we enjoy and then get your list in too! #punkrockpodcast #punkpodcast #poppunk #hardcore #Emo #indierock #yycpodcast

Check out what songs are mixtape musts for Mike and Nate as they revisit the long lost episode 1 of our little #punkrockpodcast. Check out the episode and get your list in too! #rulesforamixtape #punkrockmixtape #punkpodcast #ska #skapodcast #poppunk #emo #emopod #hardcore #punkcoversongs #yycpodcast #calgarypunk #calgarypodcast

It is the end of another year and that means another year-end self-indulgent podcast episode where Mike talks about 30 albums he was into over the year. So, if you are looking for some albums you may have missed or you just want to hear Mike gush over some music take a listen to the episode. Special thanks to Nate and Jeff for the help with the episode. #punkrock #punk2022 #best0f2022 #punkrockpodcast #punk #emo #poppunk #yycpodcast

We did it. The last episode of the year. This one is all about album art. I mean we could write a long-winded description about how art can help sell an album. Or how it sometimes can give you an idea of what an album or band might sound like. We could discuss how sometimes it can steer you away from an album. But I mean you know that right? So instead of reading all that why don't you take a listen to the episode and get your picks in too! #punkrockpodcast #punk #poppunk #ska #emo #melodicpunk #hardcore #yycpodcast #albumart

It is a weird thing to say but sometimes the best song on an album is the last track. Sometimes it leaves you wanting more. Other times it is just a stand out track. And then there are those songs that just pull everything together and complete the album making it whole. Episode 82 is all about those closing tracks come take a listen to us discuss some of our favorite album closers and why they made that album just a little more special.

These days the single life is a crowded game. Gone are the days of the 45, the cassingle, the maxi cd all replaced with a barrage of weekly digital releases until the eventual release of the full length. This month's episode is all about the singles that still follow that original purpose. The song that got you stoked for an eventual release or tour or maybe just the single that kept that band in your thoughts in between activity. The kind of song that let you know they are still alive and kicking it. So if you are looking for hot singles to satisfy those moonlight desires call 1-900-IHEARTNATE….I mean take a listen to episode 81 and then get your list in too! #punkrockpodcast #punkpodcast #punkrock #emo #ska #hardcore #melodicpunk

Can you believe the year is half done? Actually, it is technically more than half over now but we. But that also means it is time for our annual episode “best of (insert year) so far” It has been another buys year release wise so we figured we might need a guest to get a better grasp of what has come out. We were super stoked that Christine of Little Low and Save Ends was kind enough to sit down and talk music with us and share some of her favorite albums of 2022 so far. Take a listen to our picks and then get your lists in too. #punkrockpodcast #punk #poppunk #emo #SaveEnds #LittleLow

Some bands/artists seem to have an endless supply of music. Others put out music periodically and then there are those bands that put out one release and then you never hear from them again. Episode 79 is about those one and done albums that stood the test of time and left you wanting more. Have a listen to the 5 albums we choose and then get your list in too. #bandswithonealbum #punkrockpodcast #punkpodcast #punk #ska #emo #hardcore #punkrock #poppunk #melodicpunk #indierock

We are back from our covid related hiatus with a new episode and this one requires a little detective work. So get out your Inspector Clouseau cosplay outfit and get ready to find some hidden gems. We all know movies have "Easter Eggs" but have you ever thought about the ones in songs. Well we decided to go on a little Easter Egg hunt in our collections and see what we could come up with. So take a listen to our finds and then if you are feeling it, go through your collection and get your list in too! #punkrockpodcast #punk #poppunk #ska #emo #hardocre #eastereggs

One of the things many of us have missed over the past couple of years is going to a show and seeing your favorite band and those familiar faces. Things appear to moving in the right direction and we just might be able to do that again soon so Nate and Mike sat down and recorded an episode all about shows and concerts. Check out the episode and then send in your favorite songs that have to do with going to or playing a show. #punkrockpodcast #punk #poppunk #ska #emo #hardcore #skacore #melodicpunk

It is a special treat when you can look back on a band's last release and think wow they went out on a high note. Sadly, this isn't the case a lot of the time. Before a band breaks up we are often subjected to fragmented work but hey there is a reason they broke up right? Then there are those bands that went out truly on top and left us with an album that stands the test of time. Episode 76 is about those last hurrahs. Take a listen to some of the bands and albums that Nate and Mike thought went out at the top of their game and then get your list in too!

It is the last bit of 2021 and that means music lists galore and in our case it means another year end episode featuring some of Mike's favorite albums from the past year. So get ready for some awkward solo banter and great music. Take a listen, check out the bands and then send in your picks so we can check them out.

Last episode of the season! Looks like we made it after all. For episode 74 Nate and Mike have decided to go out on much lighter tone than our previous episode and explore those clever titles that got us interested in checking a song, album or band out. Sometimes, they are funny, witty, ridiculous or just clever enough to garner your interest. So have a listen and then send in your list of crafty song titles

Death isn't always something we want to explore or think about but ultimately, we are all forced to face it at some point. With all that is going on in the world we decided now would be a good time to explore some of the songs we enjoy that deal with this very topic. So, episode 73 is all about songs that deal with death as the subject matter. As you can imagine some of this might be too heavy for some of you and if that is the case we understand skipping this one. If not then please have a listen and then get in your lists in.

Welcome back! After a month long hiatus we are back at it. This time we discuss songs about famous people. Yup we got lazy and it is a broad ranging topic. So that means it can be about a celebrity, a historical figure, a musician, an athlete or even about some local chud with some sense of notoriety. Anyway, glad you stuck around , hope you enjoy the episode and can't wait to see what you come up with for your list.

Remember when conspiracy theories were fun and exciting? Long before they became overtly polarizing, it could be fun to think about the “what ifs” surrounding these stories and mysteries. Does Sasquatch like to party hard? Are aliens bringing the stoke or are they totally lame? And what's the deal with lizard people and Ovaltine? Episode 70 is our dive into some of the songs connected to conspiracy. So put on your tinfoil hat and take a listen to the songs we chose that touch on those crazy or not so crazy theories. Remember the truth is out there. Oh yeah and we would love to hear your list and maybe your favorite theory/mystery. So send them in.

It is June which means it is time for our annual episode “best of (insert year) so far” It has been another crazy year and with so many great releases out there we figured we might need a guest to get a better grasp of what has come out. So Nate and Mike invited Darren Ollinger of Julius Sumner Miller to narrow down our picks for best of 2021 so far. Take a listen to our picks and then get your lists in too.

One of the signs of a great song is when you want to turn the volume up no matter how many times you have heard it. And with summer coming and the future finally looking bright, we wanted to pump up the volume on some of our favorite jams. Episode 69 is all about the songs that make you want to turn it up loud. So take a listen to some of the bangers Nate and Mike love to crank up the volume for. Then send in the tracks that you love loud.

We all know the memes. We have heard the jokes and the ska shaming. Well Ska is more than a one liner about picking it up. It is a rich genre filled with diversity, history and great jams that deserves its kudos on the podcast. And what better way than to invite an expert to help us out, Nate and Mike sit down with Aaron Carnes whose book “In Defense of Ska” is set to drop in May 2021 and aims to give support to a genre that for no good reason has been the brunt of mockery after a pop culture resurgence in the 90s. So please sit back, relax, put on episode 68 and get ready to feel good about Ska. Then get your list in and don’t forget to pick up In Defense of Ska which is available via Clash books and Amazon. You can also check out Aaron’s killer podcast also called In Defense of Ska.

There is something poetic and idealistic about hitting the road and playing shows with your friends and band mates. Punk rock perhaps more than most genres lends itself to a unique aspect of touring. At the very heart there is a grass roots DIY ethos. There are networks of like-minded bands and individuals throughout the world and touring only strengthens that community. And while touring has its share of mishaps, broken vans, crummy venues and shady promoters one could argue that these trials only add to the mystique of being on the road or at very least gives way to some great songs about these moments. While most of us are still unable to catch a band, play a show, or hit the open road, there is a light at the end of this dark highway and we are closer to seeing our friends again. Which brings us to episode 67. Nate and Mike sit down to discuss some of those songs written about being a band and hitting the road. Take a listen and then get us your lists.

The sophomore album is always a tough one for a band. Sometimes the expectations are too high. Other times there is a tendency to do too much. There are some fail miserably and some that play it too safe. But there are those times when the second album hits the sweet spot. Episode 66 is all about the bands that avoided that sophomore jinx and knocked it out of the park. So have a listen to some of our picks and then get your list in too so we can all share in the fun. Stay cool, stay safe and be excellent to each other

Well another year has come and gone which means a new season of our podcast. And since 2020 was such a messed up year we decided we couldn’t move forward without revisiting it one last time. Kind of like listening to that mixtape your ex made for you one last time before you close that chapter on your life. The past year gave artists no shortage of writing material and time and there are bound to be countless nods to it in music for years to come so we thought we should take a look at a few that caught our ears. Episode 65 is about those songs, albums and bands born from the chaos of 2020. So get ready to dive back in and remember to send in your lists.

Check out 40 albums Mike thought were Rad in 2020 in this 2 part bonus episode So here we are again. Another year is almost over and I’m here trying to come up with a concise list of albums to call my favorite of 2020. As usual this task was much too difficult for me. And I want to include so many artists, albums and songs so you can check them out too. But who would listen to a 6 hour podcast? Not me. So, I’ve had to make some rules. No singles or EPs and nothing outside of the usual genres that we talk about on the podcast. No ranking and try to keep the talking to a min. This left us with 40 albums that Mike loved in 2020. So check it out and hopefully you discover some new music you missed out on.

Check out 40 albums Mike thought were Rad in 2020 in this 2 part bonus episode So here we are again. Another year is almost over and I’m here trying to come up with a concise list of albums to call my favorite of 2020. As usual this task was much too difficult for me. And I want to include so many artists, albums and songs so you can check them out too. But who would listen to a 6 hour podcast? Not me. So, I’ve had to make some rules. No singles or EPs and nothing outside of the usual genres that we talk about on the podcast. No ranking and try to keep the talking to a min. This left us with 40 albums that Mike loved in 2020. So check it out and hopefully you discover some new music you missed out on.

Welcome to the last episode of the year and it is a big one. A two part extravaganza featuring the one and only Joel from the myage podcast and the high fives reply cast. As many of you may know this past November our little podcast and Joel’s podcast held a record challenge entitled the HighAge Record challenge via our Instagram sites. Episode 63 is a look back at that challenge and the choices we made. We broke it down and selected 5 of the topics and explained our picks. So sit back and take a listen and if you are feeling like it send in your list. See you in January (unless you listen to Mike’s bonus year end episode) and thank you for listening and giving us something to look forward to. Stay cool, stay safe and be excellent to each other. Love Nate and Mike of the High Fives Punk Rock Podcast.

Welcome to the last episode of the year and it is a big one. A two part extravaganza featuring the one and only Joel from the myage podcast and the high fives reply cast. As many of you may know this past November our little podcast and Joel’s podcast held a record challenge entitled the HighAge Record challenge via our Instagram sites. Episode 63 is a look back at that challenge and the choices we made. We broke it down and selected 5 of the topics and explained our picks. So sit back and take a listen and if you are feeling like it send in your list. See you in January (unless you listen to Mike’s bonus year end episode) and thank you for listening and giving us something to look forward to. Stay cool, stay safe and be excellent to each other. Love Nate and Mike of the High Fives Punk Rock Podcast.

A special bonus episode collaboration with our friend Joel of the My Age Podcast discussing the #highagealbumchallenge starting Nov 1 2020.

2020 has sucked for many reasons and sometimes you just need to take a step back and smile. Episode 62 is about the songs that make you smile even in these dark times. So take a listen to some of the songs that make Nate and Mike smile. Then get your lists in and share the smiles with all of us. #songsthatmakeyousmile #punkrockpodcast

Are you ever listening to an album and then all of the sudden you hear a new voice? Like the time where the drummer who 3 albums in has never even shared a backup vocal. But now it is album 4 and there they are front and centre singing a song for what you can only assume is the first time. Maybe it is that one song where the guitarist who up until now may have been responsible for some oohs and ahhs is now pulling lead vocal duty and that song shockingly rips. Episode 61 is all about those tracks not sung by the “lead singer”. So take a listen and help Nate and Mike welcome THE OTHERS to the party

Here in little old Calgary, the dog days of summer are upon us, the nights are getting colder and soon we will be huddled inside hiding from the dark winter. But alas there is some good news it appears that we will have a new Tony Hawk game to keep us occupied in our hibernation. Remember how rad Tony Hawk Pro Skater 1 and 2 were? It allowed posers like Mike and Nate to finally do some gnarly skateboarding all from the safety of the couch or your friends bean bag chair. And better yet it came with a killer soundtrack filled with punk rock goodies. So with the re-release of Pro Skater 1 and 2, we sat down and discussed what songs would be great additions for a Tony Hawk Pro Skater soundtrack. So put on your pads, grab your skate and let’s go. But first check out the new The Ativans track “Back to the Start” off their upcoming album Hymn’s For Wizards Castle

Nate and Mike discuss some of their favorite misheard lyrics in punk rock.

Why hello out there. Hope you are all doing well and surviving this crazy thing that we call life. Despite the world shutting down around us we still managed to come up with our annual half way through 2020 lists to share with those of you looking for some distraction and music banter. Even better, we coaxed Jason of Western Addiction to come hang out and chat and discuss their new album and what it is like to put out an music during a global shutdown. Plus we got to discuss some of his favorite albums of 2020 so far. So sit back and escape reality for a bit by listening to our picks for 2020 so far. Then if you are feeling up to it send your lists for us to enjoy.

Hey Lovers,We are back with another episode from the self isolation bunkers. If there is anything that being forced to avoid people has taught us is that every once and awhile you need a little love. Which brings us to episode 57 our ode to punk rock love songs. So sit back and take a listen to some of our favorite punk rock love songs and then send us your list. Stay cool and be excellent to each other Love Nate and Mike

Well we are back and despite every intention to wait it out and record when we could be in the same room we finally caved into our digital overlords and recorded an episode self-distancing styles. We hope you are staying safe and doing what you need to do to navigate these murky waters we call life these days and you enjoy this episode. Speaking of episodes, this one is about the albums you would want for the quarantine. So take a listen and then send in your list. We can’t wait to see what albums would be must haves for your days in self-isolation. Once again stay safe and try and support each other out there.

Did you know that this is Episode 55 of our little podcast? When you have been together this long you gotta spice things up and keep them interesting for each other. Other wise you get bored. I mean think outside the box, try something kinky kind of like that one time ...ugh wrong story. Back to episode 55, this time we decided to try something different and take the shuffle challenge. Which meant we only listened to shuffle on our devices for the whole week and then picked 5 songs that caught our ear during the experiment. So don't hit shuffle on this one and take a listen. Then if you are feeling experimental take the challenge yourself and get your list in.

Nate and Mike kick off the 2020 season with a look into punk rock and family, specifically some of our favorite tracks that have to deal with family. There are a lot of ways to go with this and we tried to go down some of those paths. Have a listen and then send in your list. Thanks to Matt for the topic suggestion.

Bonus Episode Mikes Top 30 of 2019 Part 2 of 2 Another year has come and gone and as always I struggled to get my list down to a solid 30 from the crazy amount of music I wanted to put on this episode. In the end it doesn’t really matter what I choose and I only hope when you are looking through this you discover a band that maybe you over looked and you enjoy them as much as me. So please think of this "best of" list as more of a list of praise and thanks to the artists and bands who put out things I could enjoy this year rather some sort of definitive list. Remember if you like something support that band in the best way you can.Thank you for listening to our little podcast and supporting us! Hope you have a great 2020.

Bonus Episode Part 1 of 2A bonus episode of the podcast featuring Moke counting down his top 30 albums for 2019.

Episode 53 is about the music that makes a movie. Now I know what you are thinking, didn’t these dolts already do this in the mixtape episode? Insert Ron Howard narrator voice over “They had” Well we have but we wanted to explore the idea of sound tracking a movie. So we put our heads together and brought in a special guest Mr. Justin Castelino and came up with the brilliant idea of writing our own movie and then creating a soundtrack for it. It seemed ambitious. (IT WAS) so we settled on just picking songs for a hypothetical movie based on 5 categories. So this is our 5 songs for a movie soundtrack episode. Take a listen and then get in your list or your movie. I promise to not pitch this to a network.

There is something about music and weather that seem to go hand in hand. Perhaps the best example of this is when the leaves turn brown, the air is crisp and you want to bunker down inside until the first signs of spring emerge. Episode 52 is our ode to the music that goes hand in hand as you toss away your tee shirts and replace them with that sweater. Take a listen and then send in your favorite sweater weather jams.

Episode 51 is all about the marriage of music and social and political awareness. Like most genres punk rock and politics seem to go hand in hand. And if you are anything like us this genre may have opened your eyes to a wide variety of issues you may have never thought about before. So take a listen to some of the songs that we think are great examples of this and then please send us in your picks. DISCLAIMER: We understand that talking about stuff like this can be hard. It can invoke the best and worst out of people. So please respect each other.