JJO's Discover New Music Podcast

It's like Britney Spears and Black Sabbath combined! This week's guest on Discover New Music is Justin Benlolo of BRKN LOVE. Their new album "The Program" came about serendipitously when an unplanned weekend trip to South Carolina turned into a multi-week song writing flood of creativity and inspiration. From forming lifelong friendships to recording in the legendary Foo Fighters 606 studio...this is a record of a lifetime for Justin and the band. Plus, Justin plays a quick round of Rapid Fire...and that Billy Ocean question is a thinker! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You can’t scroll through your music feed without seeing Sleep Theory’s name—and frontman Cullen Moore is here to tell us why! In this episode of Discover New Music, Cullen shares the band’s whirlwind journey from its formation in 2019 through pandemic-era challenges, unexpected lineup changes, and a rocket ride of viral success. He opens up about convincing bandmate Paolo to join the project, the behind-the-scenes build-up to their breakout single "Paper Hearts," and how streaming momentum led to their highly anticipated debut Afterglow. Cullen also reflects on his time in the Army, the musical legacy passed down from his father, and the self-belief that fueled it all. Plus, as always, a quick round of Rapid Fire is played...who the hell are David Bowie and David Lee Roth?!?!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This record is intense...and that was on purpose! This week's guest on Discover New Music is Spencer Chamberlain of Underoath. The band's latest album "The Place After This One" is a heavy, in-your-face piece of work cause that's exactly what the band wanted. Spencer talks about how making what you love and want to hear as a musician will keep your art honest and that's what truly resonates with the fans. The Underoath frontman also talks about how touring with Papa Roach has gotten him excited about the future as well as feeling all the emotions while listening to Tool. As always a quick round of Rapid Fire is played...with fancy grilled cheese!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bigger and better is what's in store for this new record! This week's guest on Discover New Music is Tobias Forge of Ghost. With their sixth studio album "Skeleta" complete Tobias is ready to unleash the latest from Ghost to the fans...not only on the stereo but live as well! Plus he talks about not being a techy kind of guy who had fun doing a techy-style music video for "Satanized." And, of course, Rapid Fire was played but with a Swedish twist!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We can thank Ace Ventura for growling inspiration! This week's guest on Discover New Music is Courtney Laplante of Spiritbox. Their new album "Tsunami Sea" is the culmination of hard work, passion and excitement. After a roller coaster of events surrounding Spiritbox's first album, Courtney and the rest of the band can't wait to officially get out on tour in support of this latest work. Courtney also teases an "eyebrow raiser" track on this new record. Plus, growling at the age of 5, All Dressed Chips, Chuck Norris and more are discussed in Rapid Fire!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When art becomes therapy...that's when something great happens! This week's guest on Discover New Music is Leigh Kakaty of Pop Evil. Leigh reflects on the deeply personal nature of this new album's songwriting. "What Remains" became a cathartic release, capturing themes of resilience, survival, and the struggle against those who doubted them. Despite Kakaty's tendency to keep personal matters private, he acknowledged that embracing vulnerability in this record could not only heal himself but also help others facing similar battles. Plus, stay tuned for a quick round of Rapid Fire...and Mike Tyson is a sweetheart?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Those damn ceramic mugs are hard to break! This week's guest on Discover New Music is Dorothy. For her fourth album, "The Way," Dorothy credits her faith for helping her through the creative process. The album was crafted with top-tier collaborators in both Nashville and L.A., has a special collaboration with Slash and fans are sure to enjoy the diverse influences on the sound of this latest work. Plus a quick round of Rapid Fire is played and there's no love for Creamy Tomato Bisque.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Even after 25 years they aren't slowing down! This week's guest on Discover New Music is Jesse Leach of Killswitch Engage. Their latest album "This Consequence"Consequence, comes at what the band considers the perfect time. Jesse reflected on the challenges of creating music during the pandemic, admitting that it was a difficult and uncreative period. The creative process for Consequence became a means of processing emotions, filtering out frustration, and rediscovering their voice. Now, 25 years into their career, Killswitch Engage has returned with a renewed sense of purpose, delivering an album that embodies the raw, therapeutic power of metal music. Plus, a quick round of Rapid Fire is played where Jesse gets serious about bigfoot!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

They feel like a brand new band! This week's guest on Discover New Music is Sam Carter of Architects. They're 11th studio album "The Sky, The Earth & All Between" is a love letter to everything the band has accomplished. Sam says the guys are having so much fun and after coming off an exciting past year, you can feel it all in this latest record. Plus, we learn some updated Sussex slang as well as play a round of Rapid Fire!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“I wanted to create something different and I hope listeners hear that. Lyrically and emotionally I hope it empowers them and they can see themselves in the characters and stories I sing about. We all go through dark times and hardships, but there's always a way out. I think that's what being a human being is about.I feel like Earth is a test and we’re here to prove ourselves, go through things and come out better on the other side. “’Mind Control’is part of a larger story than I’m telling on this record and in the graphic novel that goes along with it. We’re following this character Devaren as he’s talking about his disdain for the population and how he can’t stand them, but at the end of the song he has this reflective moment where he actually regrets everything he’s been doing. The interesting thing about the characters in this story is that they represent a different part of my neurodivergence and mental health journey. In ‘Mind Control’ Devaren represents the depression that has crept into my life over the years that I didn’t see coming. I just had to personify that in a character so in‘Mind Control’ it has taken over, but ultimately in our story it will be defeated.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Filming in the desert is not glamorous. This week's guest on Discover New Music is Chris Daughtry. With the recently released "Shock to the System - Part 1" EP, Daughty feels like creatively his band is just getting started with their best stuff...almost 20 years in! With some darker and heavier tones, he's excited to bring Part 2 of this record to the fans. Plus, we talk tattoos and play a round of Rapid Fire...ain't not hatin' on Billy Ocean.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Let's just cut through all the red tape! This week's guest on Discover New Music is John Cooper of Skillet. Their new record "Revolution" is the band's 12th and also their first to be released independently. John discusses how the band navigated the making of this record without a label and how he felt it was a "rebirth" of Skillet. Plus, a quick round of Rapid Fire is played...bring your puka shell necklaces!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How about a nice veggie platter? This week's guest on Discover New Music is the incomparable Myles Kennedy. His latest solo album "The Art of Letting Go" was a great way to challenge the seasoned Kennedy in all aspects of the creative process. Plus, it's very apparent that he's having a hell of a lot of fun making music right now! Myles also talks jazz music and gets deep on aliens and Mike Tyson during a quick round of Rapid Fire.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

He's a little bit country and a little bit rock n' roll! This week's guest on Discover New Music is Cory Marks. His third studio album "Sorry for Nothing" is packed with guest talent that perfectly compliments Cory's own talent in songwriting, playing and singing that is showcased throughout the 13 tracks. Blending country, rock, pop, metal and more...this album has something for everybody. Plus, Cory explains some Canadian Slang and plays a round of Rapid Fire including the best Bubbles(Trailer Park Boys) impersonation you've ever heard!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Put your balls out there! This week's guest on Discover New Music is the legendary Jerry Cantrell. His new solo album "I Want Blood" takes Cantrell to challenging new places in all aspects of the creative process. With an immensely talented crew behind him, this fourth solo project fires on all cylinders. There's also a D-side surprise many don't know about! As always, a quick round of Rapid Fire is played with some Jerry-specific questions and a Chuck Norris thinker.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The heavy stuff came quite naturally to her. This week's guest on Discover New Music is Poppy. She joined us to talk about her latest release "Negative Spaces." With some major collaborations as well has growing critical praise in the metal/rock genres Poppy is excited to explore and grow in this creative avenue and add to her already very diverse portfolio. Plus, a quick round of Rapid Fire is played...Brock spares her the phallic details of the Loch Ness Monster.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A trip to Big Bear can get the creative juices flowing! This week's guest on Discover New Music is Matt McAndrew of Rain City Drive. The band's new album "Things Are Different Now" came at the perfect time and Matt and the fellas were able to find new, creative places to write other than just the studio. Plus, Matt shares a deep cut favorite from the record and a little tease about what could be expected in the near future for the band. And, as always, a quick round of Rapid Fire is played with some new choices...annnnnnd...soup?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

100% authenticity is the key to a great album. This week's guest on Discover New Music is Matty Mullins of Memphis May Fire. Their 8th studio album "Shapeshifter" takes a look at our true selves behind the masks we wear with heavy, raw emotion. Plus, Matty teases a surprise on this record that no one will see coming! As always a quick round of Rapid Fire is played...whale penises and cute duck-sized horse included.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

They taken care of theyselves!!  This week's guests on Discover New Music are Chris & Brandon of Crobot.  The band's fifth studio album "Obsidian" finds the band in their most confident space yet and is by far their heaviest work to date.  Somehow they were able to make Crobot louder and crazier!  Plus a quick round of Rapid Fire is played...don't forget that Bigfoot is all about perspectiveSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's more relaxing when you make it yourself.  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Dale Stewart of Seether.  "The Surface Seems So Far" is the band's 9th studio album and is a heavy piece of work.  Without any acoustic songs on the lineup Dale and the guys got aggressive with this record and enjoyed taking their time finding the sound they were looking for.  Plus, a quick round of Rapid Fire is played where we learn about Tokoloshe!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is the one that got everyone's attention!  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Lee Jennings of The Funeral Portrait.  A record that has been in the works since 2018, "Greetings From Suffocate City" is a culmination of a lot of hard work, emotion, and dedication from the band and as far as Lee is concerned everything before this doesn't matter.  Lee talks rewrites, full-circle tour moments and getting to work with a guy he looks up to, Bert McCracken of The Used.  As always, a round of Rapid Fire is played and maybe we'll hear a cover of Kung Fu Fighting!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Let's get that lead singer some tattoos!  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Jason Hook of Flat Black.  After leaving FFDP in 2020, Hook set out on his own creative path and, after four years of hard work, is beyond relieved to finally have his band's debut album "Dark Side of the Brain" out into the world.  And according to him it's "100% authentically" Jason Hook.  Plus we play a round of Rapid Fire with, you guessed it, more Loch Ness/whale penis talk!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Even with a new record there's still time to catch some fish!  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Hardy.  With his third album "Quit!!" Hardy was able to take heavier chances and dive head first into a true fully rock album.  Plus we get Fred Durst, Chad Smith and a song that's very close to Hardy's heart.  Plus a quick round of Rapid Fire is played with possibly hunting a swamp monster!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Like wearing a jetpack you didn't know you were wearing!  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Ryan Meyer of Highly Suspect.  More mature, back to their roots and a lot of fun...Ryan's excitement about the band's fifth album "As Above, So Below" is infectious!  Breaking down tracks and where the band is now as a whole, Ryan hopes the fans enjoy this record as much as they enjoyed working on it.  Plus, the guys go full circle with Muse and a quick round of Rapid Fire is played!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Serendipity in up north Wisconsin!  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Eric Boatright of Shallow Side.  Hard work, loss, Spotted Cow, a lot of introspection and more went into the band's latest album "Reflections."  Don't sleep on this band because Eric says Shallow Side are major rock contenders and this new album proves it!  Plus, we play a quick round of Rapid Fire with...wet cheese???See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Successfully docking in 45 seconds!  This week's guests on Discover New Music are the always funny and insanely talented Joey Walser & Blake Allison of Devour The Day.  Everything in this interview is covered as the band breaks down their latest EP "Fragments Of Us" and how drive, failure & success, fans and much more have culminated in what they believe is the best work they've done.  And, as expected, more off-the-rails fun is had in another round of Rapid Fire...including chafing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

He's got practice fighting his mom's ponies!  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Tim Montana.  Validation and vindication is found in Tim's sixth album "Savage" which, according to him, is his best work yet lyrically.  Plus, Tim gets into Letterman, ZZ Top, personal lyrics and more that have gotten him to the place he is now.  As always a quick game of Rapid Fire is played...no bigfoot...but possibly...ALIENS!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apparently Rock Band is a great way to become a rockstar!  This week's guests on Discover New Music is the The Villarreal sisters Daniela, Paulina and Alejandra of The Warning.  These talented young ladies of the rock world felt a sense of maturity and ease in the making of their 4th studio album "Keep Me Fed."  Plus, a triple round of Rapid Fire is played and the sisters have some different opinions on damp socks and horse-sized ducks!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rockstarring is the key to feeling young!  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Sonny Sandoval of P.O.D.. "Heavy" is how Sonny describes the band's 11th studio album and he shares how proud he is of what he and the guys got as the final product.  Plus, a quick round of Rapid Fire as always...the disco may surprise you!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The classic whale penis switch-a-roo!  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Johnny Hawkins of Nothing More.  The band's latest album "Carnal" was a chance to get back to their heavy guitar-driven roots, reminiscent of the 2014 self-titled record.  With star-studded colabs, a producing/mixing dream team and much more Johnny says this truly is Nothing More's best album yet!  Plus, Brock & Johnny Play a quick round of Rapid Fire that gets outta hand fast!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Warped Tour can take years off your life!  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Cody Quistad of Wage War.  The band's fifth studio release "Stigma", according to Cody, is a complete collection on what the band has aimed to accomplish over the years.  When it comes to Wage War, this album is as Wage War as it gets!  Plus, Cody plays a quick round of Rapid Fire...and Bigfoot is a cult leader?!?!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An ayahuasca trip can make for one hell of an album!  This week's guest on DNM is Keith Wallen.  Most know him as a member of Breaking Benjamin, but here we focus on his latest solo release "Infinity Now."  Decades on the scene, a shaman, the unstoppable urge to make as much music while on this earth and much more create the driving force behind this latest record.  Plus, Keith plays a quick round of Rapid Fire...look out NBA and everyone should be terrified of bears!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A melody and a word is, sometimes, all you need.  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Jonathan Vigil of The Ghost Inside discussing the band's sixth release "Searching For Solace."  With the help of four producers, Vigil says the band approached this latest work with "an open mind" and that "there were no bad ideas" to help create an amplified version of everything the band has done up to this point.  Plus a quick round of Rapid Fire is played...a 7'7" round!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I didn't know you were in a Beatles cover band!  This week's guest on Discover New Music is the one-and-only Mick Mars.  With every note on his solo debut "The Other Side Of Mars" you'd never guess that he's pushing 73!  With each song Mick's aim was to push and reinvent himself to show everyone...The Other Side Of Mars!  And, before his trip to the dentist, a quick round of Rapid Fire is played with neither disco nor techno allowed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You wanna go to an Alien Convention in Missouri?  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Ash Costello of New Years Day.  How does Ash feel about the band's fifth album "Half Black Heart"?  It's a simple one word answer...Confidence.  She's ready for everyone to hear this next big step in the evolution of New Years Day.  Plus, a quick round of Rapid Fire is played and we get deep into aliens this edition!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Even metal mega-stars still get butterflies!  This week's guest on Discover New Music is the LEGENDARY Rob Halford of Judas Priest.  Yes...THAT Rob Halford!  His metal holiness stopped by to chat about the band's 19th album "Invisible Shield."  Breaking rules, taking chances and making metal for the masses is all in a day's work with this latest project that's been four years in the making.  Plus, Rob plays a quick round of Rapid Fire and says "bring 'em on" when it comes to fighting those duck sized horses!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do you mean you don't want to join the band?!  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Jack Underkofler of Dead Poet Society.  The band's new album "Fission" shows the band in their next big step as they look to solidify the DPS sound they have worked so hard on over the last decade.  Plus Jack talks about the making of the music video for "I hope that you hate me" and it's unique direction.  As always, a quick round of Rapid Fire is played full of potatoes, big foots, and punches!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A wet sock story too gross to tell!  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Jafe Paulino of Oxymorrons here to talk about the band's debut album "Melanin Punk".  The follow up to 2021's "Mohawks & Durags" sets the band on pace for their goal, according to Jafe, of creating a blueprint for future rap/rockers and showcasing their unique sound on a totally new level.  Plus a quick round of Rapid Fire is played and we learn what an honor it would be for Jafe to take a punch for Mike Tyson!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A call from Brian Johnson and real live chickens!  This week's guest on Discover New Music is a man you needs no introduction...Mr. Jesse James Dupree...here to talk about his new solo release "Breathing Fire".  An unplanned album, Jesse shares how listening to some AC/DC albums ..plus a call from Brian Johnson...spurred inspiration for this latest work.  The lost art of front-to-back listened albums is found once again with "Breathing Fire." Plus, Jesse shares his favorite AC/DC album and plays a quick round of Rapid Fire! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dino's "Gentle" is a great way to set the mood!  This week's guest for Discover New Music is a staple of any JJO listener's ear diet, Elias Soriano of Nonpoint, here to discuss the band's latest EP "Heartless".  The second release off the band's own label, 361 Degrees Records, Elias talks about how the band is building to a culmination of over 20 years of Nonpoint.  He also talks about the growth of the band in taking control with their own label.  And, of course, another round of Rapid Fire is played and Elias is gonna take some shots from an old lady!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ink blot tests and Whang Chung slaps!  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Aaron Pauley from Of Mice & Men discussing the band's new album "Tether".  The band's eight studio album finds us, according to Aaron, with a much more confident Of Mice & Men.  Not only are all the tracks written and recorded by the band, the album is self-produced and even the artwork was handled by them.  Plus, Aaron plays a round of Rapid Fire with melted Flintstone Push-Pops, Bigfoot & more!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's nice to have Billy Corgan on your record!  This week's guest for Discover New Music is Jami Morgan of Code Orange here to discuss the band's new album "The Above".  Jami talks about the band's decision to self-produce their fifth record and what it was like working with the Smashing Pumpkins frontman.  Plus, is Jami a bigfoot believer?  We found out that and more in a round of Rapid Fire!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Back alley deals on equipment is a cost effective way to make a record.  This week's guest on Discover New Music is John Beizley of Baroness here to talk about the band's sixth album "Stone".  After two and a half years, some writer's block and a whole lot of touring, John says that the band found exactly what they were looking for in this new album.  Plus, John talks about painting the album's artwork and how he finds joy on the canvas and in the studio.  Plus a quick round of Rapid Fire is played and it's revealed that he just wants to see 100 duck sized horses.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can we get Chris in a goose suit?  This week's guests on Discover New Music are Chris Howorth and Maria Brink of In This Moment talking about their new album "Godmode."  With more time to write and less hectic recording schedule, Maria and Chris agree that this album is reminiscent to "Blood" and is some of the heaviest and most innovative music the band has put out.  Plus we talk covering Bjork and play a quick round of Rapid Fire!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What's the key to a perfect nu-metal breakdown?  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Stephen Richards of Taproot discussing the band's seventh studio album "SCSSORS".  80 percent of the record was done while supporting 2012's "The Episodes" but the demos were shelved for over a decade, but found new life in this latest release.  Steve also talks about producing the album himself, recording with Elias of Nonpoint and much more!  Plus a quick round of Rapid Fire is played and Steve shares a surprising favorite band of his. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You can love all the James Bond actors!  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Wes Scantlin of Puddle of Mudd highlighting the band's new album "Ubiquitous."  Puddle of Mudds' sixth studio album, Wes talks about the turmoil behind getting the album released later than anticipated and how "Ubiquitous" features a "menage a trois" of sounds.  Plus a round of Rapid Fire is played and...Octopussy???See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

He's a lover, not a fighter!  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Richard Patrick of Filter discussing the band's new album "The Algorithm."  After five years of ups and downs, Richard got back to the basics and hands-on with Filter's eighth studio album.  According to him, if you love 90's alternative then you're gonna love this!  Plus, a quick round of Rapid Fire with Billy Corgan, Choco Tacos, Bigfoot and more! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An inside joke about...Wang Chung?!  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Bobby Amaru of Saliva and we highlight the band's latest album "Revelation."  After the death of founding member Wayne Swinny, Bobby talks about picking up the pieces and finding peace in the memories and music that were made in this latest project.  We also find out about some possible future releases from Saliva and another round of Rapid Fire is played.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After 15 years it takes no time at all to make a killer album.  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Danny Worsnop of Asking Alexandria here to talk about their eighth studio album "Where Do We Go From Here."  Recorded at his home studio, Danny talks about how the band had a clear vision of this record and wanted to encapsulate the last 15 years of Asking Alexandria.  Plus, Danny & Brock play a quick round of Rapid Fire and talk about Skinwalkers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chicken dinners and Rock N' Roll!  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Sam Kiszka of Greta Van Fleet.  Sam talks about how the band's third album "Starcatcher" takes them back to their roots musically and is Greta Van Fleet's most energetic work to date.  One song was even written in about 30 minutes and happens to be Sam's favorite on the album.  Also enjoy a quick shout out to chicken dinners & another round of Rapid Fire!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A panic attack and a hockey fight are great for making an album!  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Jon Lundin of Point North chatting about the band's new album "Prepare for Despair."  From their Dookie-reminiscent album cover to making two new songs seven days before the albums deadline, Point North put their sophomore album jitters asaid and "Prepare for Despair" delivers on all fronts.  Plus, as always, an exciting round of "Rapid Fire" is played and we learn even more about Jon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.