OurSpace with Matt Vettese

Collin Hanes from Bearings joins OurSpace to talk all about the band's brand-new album Comfort Company (out November 7). We dig into what makes this record their most natural-sounding yet, how the songwriting process has evolved, and why embracing imperfection gave the album its character. We also chat about getting older in the scene, the Menzingers' influence, and how Derrick from State Champs ended up on the track “Float Away.” If you're into emo, alt rock, or pop punk that grows up without losing its heart, you'll love this conversation. ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro 01:15 – Writing Comfort Company across Canada and LA 06:40 – The meaning behind the album title 10:25 – Why this record feels more raw and natural 15:55 – Turning 30 and the nostalgia that comes with it 21:10 – How “Float Away” came together with Derrick from State Champs 27:45 – The Menzingers influence and embracing realism 33:20 – Room 21 Studios and the making of the record 38:00 – What's next for Bearings Keywords: Bearings interview, Bearings Comfort Company, Bearings 2025, pop punk 2025, Canadian pop punk, emo rock, OurSpace Media, Bearings band, Bearings Float Away, State Champs feature, alternative music interview.

Rody Walker from Protest the Hero joins OurSpace to chat all things nostalgia, new music, and why some classic Protest songs are missing from streaming platforms. We also talk about Rody's vocal challenges, the band's unique approach to humor, and how they've managed to stay fresh and fearless after 20+ years in the game.

Boys Like Girls talk When We Were Young, perfecting their live show, and the nostalgia of playing songs that defined a generation. Plus, stories from the stage, lessons learned from touring with the Jonas Brothers, and how they keep their energy high 20 years later.

Bad Religion talk When We Were Young, the evolution of punk and emo, and how they accidentally coined the term “emo” back in 1985.

Arm's Length talk When We Were Young, being one of the youngest bands on the lineup, and what it's like sharing the stage with their heroes. Plus, breaking out from Canada, the story behind their new album, and finding connection with fans across generations.

Taking Back Sunday talk When We Were Young, the evolution of their sound, and connecting with a new generation of fans. Plus, how they stay true to their roots, lessons learned over two decades, and the energy that keeps their live shows legendary.

Taylor Acorn talks When We Were Young, leading the new wave of the emo revival, and sharing a lineup with the bands she grew up on. Plus, we chat about her latest release Poster Child, finding her confidence as an artist, and what fans can expect next.

Her Leather Jacket talk When We Were Young, breaking into the scene, and what it's like being one of the newest acts on a nostalgia-packed lineup. Plus, Warped Tour memories, festival discoveries, and new music with members of Underoath!

Set Your Goals talk When We Were Young, reuniting after years away, and what sparked their comeback. Plus, new music updates, the story behind “Echoes,” and reflections on how the scene has evolved since the 2000s.

The Cab talk When We Were Young, emo nostalgia, and what's next. Along with full-circle moments, mental health, and MySpace memories!

Plain White T's talk When We Were Young, emo nostalgia, and the legacy of “Hey There Delilah.” Plus, touring with scene icons, festival memories, and the emo revival in full swing!

On this episode of OurSpace with Matt Vettese, I'm joined by Aren't We Amphibians, the genre-bending alternative/emo band blending indie rock, prog, and post-punk into a sound that's all their own. We dive into the making of their latest record, their creative process, and how they balance experimentation with catchy songwriting. The band opens up about sampling King of the Hill, navigating the DIY scene, and why they're determined to carve out a space outside of traditional genre boxes. If you're a fan of emo, indie rock, math rock, or post-punk revival, this is a must-listen conversation with one of the most exciting underground acts today.

Indie rock trio Weakened Friends are back and gearing up for their brand-new album! In my chat with Sonia and Annie we talk about the band's creative process, their emo and alternative rock influences, and the stories behind their latest songs. We also dive into touring life, the DIY music scene, and what fans can expect next from Weakened Friends. If you're a fan of indie rock, emo, alternative, or bands like Speedy Ortiz, Bully, or Hop Along, this conversation is packed with behind-the-scenes insights and laughs you won't want to miss.

This week on OurSpace with Matt Vettese, I sit down with Ben and Matt from Pretoria to talk about their latest EP If We're Pretending — a coming-of-age record about identity, transition, and chasing dreams even when it feels impossible. We dive into: -Why Pretoria refuses to be boxed into one genre -How they make 3 guitarists actually work live -The leap from Grand Rapids to Chicago and how it changed everything -Getting “weird” (in the best way) on their new release -Writing beyond the traditional “boy meets girl” lens If you love indie rock, power pop, or just discovering your new favorite band, you'll want to give this one a listen.

Sydney Sprague joins me to talk about her upcoming album Peak Experience (out September 26), the art of short records, touring with Spanish Love Songs, and why Chris Walla (Death Cab for Cutie) called her single Flat Circle the “song of the year.” We dig into: -How she picks singles (and why one-minute songs still count!) -Balancing heartbreak and fun in her songwriting -Going fully independent on this record -Meme culture sneaking into her lyrics -Touring with Jimmy Eat World, Dashboard Confessional, and The Front Bottoms -The story of “Fairfield” (and that wild night in Hays, Kansas

Esden from Saturdays at Your Place joins me to talk about their new album These Things Happen (out September 12), their viral hit “Tarot Cards,” and what it's like repping Kalamazoo in the emo scene. We also dive into the stories behind “Waste Away” and “What Am I Supposed to Do?,” working with Tades on new music videos, and their upcoming tour with Riley! and Carly Cosgrove across North America, Europe, and the UK. If you're into modern emo and Midwest emo bands like American Football, Hot Mulligan, and Origami Angel, you'll love this conversation.

Dana Bollen put together a 6 episode podcast series called Live Free or D.I.Y and in Matt's chat we dive into his journey from the corporate world to fully embracing the DIY music scene.  In this episode, we cover:

In this episode, I hang out with Summerbruise as we discuss the humor in their music, their upcoming record "Infinity Guise" out September 19, plus how Tades of Hot Mulligan helped them out with a song on their upcoming record. 

Ryland Heagy takes a moment while on tour to chat with Matt about Origami Angel's latest album Feeling Not Found, playing Warped Tour and more! 

In this episode, I chat with Durry about their new record and the difference between when they got their first big break to now! 

I caught up with Taylor Acorn ahead of her set at All Your Friends Fest in Burl's Creek, Ontario! We chatted about: ✨ What she's most excited for at All Your Friends Fest ⏳ How artists make it through those long festival days

In this episode, I chat with Fil and John of World's First Cinema to talk about their unique sound, how it came to be, and of course what cinematic scores would their songs be perfect for?

In this episode, I sit down with Gabe Woodrow to talk about the unique blend of influences that shaped his sound. From his early love of motocross to the massive impact Ace Enders (The Early November) had on his songwriting journey. We also chat about the challenges of getting your music heard today, the pros and cons of social media, and what you need to do to market your music.

Old Neon is a rising pop punk band you need to have on your radar. In Matt's chat with Drew and Zach they dive into the making of their EP "Resolution," their influences, the current state of the genre, and what it's like building a buzz in today's scene. If you love bands like All Time Low, State Champs, or Neck Deep, Old Neon might just earn a permanent spot in your playlist. This is a band that captures the heart of pop punk with a fresh perspective, killer energy, and hooks that stick.

In this episode, I sit down with isitjosh, as we discuss his upcoming album A Collection of Short Stories About The Heart, dropping May 30th. We talk about the impact of being a social media influencer and how that impacts promoting music and shifting audience perception. 

In this episode, I sit down with Kellin Quinn of Sleeping With Sirens to talk about everything from the band's upcoming new music to what to expect during the I Can't Hear You World Tour with Pierce The Veil.

In this episode, I sit down with Eric Egan, frontman of Heart Attack Man, as we discuss their upcoming album Joyride: The Pale Horse, dropping April 25th. We talk about the band's evolution, the heavier direction of their new sound, and why this record takes a more serious tone compared to past releases.

Coco Kinnon from Winona Fighter joins OurSpace with Matt Vettese to talk about their explosive new album “My Apologies to the Chef.” We dive into the stories behind the songs, the band's DIY roots, and how a Craigslist ad led to one of the most exciting punk bands in the scene today. We also talk about what it means to be a true punk band in 2025, Winona Fighter's unmatched live energy, and why their new album might be their most personal yet.

In this episode of OurSpace with Matt Vettese, I sit down with Cody Hanson of Hinder to discuss their latest single "Bring Me Back To Life", their upcoming album Back To Life (out May 23), and how the band's journey has evolved over the years. Plus, we celebrate 20 years of "Lips of an Angel", reflecting on its massive impact then and now!

In this episode, I sit down with Allen Steinberg of Arm's Length to talk about their upcoming album There's A Whole World Out There, dropping May 16. We dive into the writing process, how this record differs from their previous work, and how Allen has leveled up as a vocalist. Plus, we talk about unique instrument choices (yes, there's banjo!), what it's like to be on this year's When We Were Young Festival, and why he loves "Elder Emos."

In this episode, Matt sits down with Brian McShea, Ivan Barry, and Zach Boucher of Good Terms, an independent post-hardcore/pop-punk band known for their energetic, genre-blending sound and deep, introspective lyrics. We dive into the making of their latest album, Burnout—a record born from raw emotion and personal struggles. Brian also shares his story and experience from the chaos of the LA wildfires. The guys open up about the writing process, the emotional weight behind the songs, and how fans, friends, and family have responded to the record. We also explore the band's musical influences, the vulnerability of putting personal experiences into music, and what's next for Good Terms.

Action/Adventure (A/A) is a pop-punk band hailing from Chicago ready to shatter decades-long stereotypes of the scene. Comprised solely of BIPOC, their mission is to create #PopPunkInColor and ensure pop punk is a genre where everyone is represented on and off stage. Matt Vettese talks to Brompton Jackson about: -Making the emo and pop punk scene a safer space for BIPOC and Queer people -Challenges of writing music with so many people involved -What virality has done for the band and more! Check out more from Action/Adventure: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7uBCPmZFHJzrQDlxHNsFwF Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/action-adventure/535629554 https://actadvband.com/ Check out more from Matt Vettese: Instagram: www.instagram.com/mattvettese TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@mattvettese -- If you loved the show please remember to follow!

What defines a "Summer song" or a "Winter song?" If you're anything like me your brain categorizes music by seasons, so when I heard of Secret Gardens and their recent tetralogy of seasonal albums I knew we had to talk about it. In my chat with Greg Almeida we discussed: -Writing songs for each season -What it was like writing or producing songs out of season -What constitutes a song for each season ...and more! Check out more from Secret Gardens: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0ZJoU0Z8MIukDaRiFwMZcp?si=zz7SG44IRpWnbGH93dFxSQ Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/secret-gardens/1475783793 Bandcamp: https://secretgardens.bandcamp.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secretgrdns/?hl=en Check out more from Matt Vettese: Instagram: www.instagram.com/mattvettese TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@mattvettese -- If you loved the show please remember to subscribe!

Anndy Negative perfectly blends horror movies and aesthetic with the emo and pop punk genres. While I may be a chicken (putting that politely) there is an appreciation to what someone like Anndy Negative has done with his music. In my chat with Anndy Negative we discussed: -Blending Horror with Emo -Creating horror/emo content -The story behind getting on stage with Bowling For Soup ...and more! Check out more from Anndy Negative: Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/artist/50yCm5U828gqpLW8EEEtDM Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/anndy-negative/1136908447 https://anndynegative.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anndynegative/?hl=en TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anndynegative?lang=en YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/anndynegative Check out more from Matt Vettese: Instagram: www.instagram.com/mattvettese TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@mattvettese -- If you loved the show please remember to follow, rate and review!

Spanish Love Songs are one of those bands that define the "millennial struggle." Thematically, they write songs that every millennial can relate to, from job loss and financial struggles to self identity and death. They have quickly been become one of my favourite emo bands.   In my chat with Dylan Slocum we discussed: -The nostalgia side of emo and why Dylan is over it -The ups and downs of touring -Being an "older" musician on the road with young bands -Possible new music? -Differences between their records -Why they don't play much from Schmaltz live   Check out more from Spanish Love Songs: Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/artist/5DaZV3qmFT3aS57df8KPkV Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/spanish-love-songs/982837028 www.spanishlovesongs.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spanishlovesongs/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpanishLoveSongs/ Check out more from Matt Vettese: Instagram: www.instagram.com/mattvettese TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@mattvettese -- If you loved the show please remember to follow and leave 5 stars!

There's a good chance you've discovered at least one new artist through social media, more specifically TikTok in the last 5 years. With the uncertainty surrounding TikTok's future, I had a chat with one of the artists I discovered because of the clock app, Shane Hurst of Adjust The Sails.   In our chat we discussed: -What happens if TikTok goes away? -How will musicians pivot? -What other ways can we discover new artists? -Why does he get compared to The Front Bottoms so often? ...and much more!   Check out more from Adjust The Sails: Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/artist/4xVPBr0C8OxqJL4796EZzr Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/adjust-the-sails/1388183650 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adjustthesailsband Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/official.adjustthesails/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adjustthesailsband/   Check out more from Matt Vettese: Instagram: www.instagram.com/mattvettese TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@mattvettese -- If you loved the show please remember to follow, rate and review!

If you got extra excited at the possibility of Warped Tour coming back, you probably have a few Anberlin CDs somewhere in your basement. This week Matt had a chance to chat with Christian McAlhaney of Anberlin about changing singers, having an audience that has grown up with the band, their latest album, and what's next for the band. Check out more from Anberlin: Website: https://anberlin.com/  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5v61OSg53KaQxGMpErkBNp  Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/anberlin/16269045  Check out Matt Vettese: Instagram: www.instagram.com/mattvettese TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@mattvts -- If you loved the show please remember to leave a review and follow the show!

Matt Vettese had a chance to chat with Travis Mills and Nick Gross of Girlfriends backstage at Budweiser Stage in Toronto on Avril Lavigne's Greatest Hits Tour! They talked about Pop Punk artists, songs, cover songs, and more! Girlfriends are on tour with Avril Lavigne and Simple Plan right now, check out more from them here: https://girlfriendsxo.com/  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4Dwhb9SL7iO3L27oXvEiO7?si=o-9OPixMTTK3842Etzbh1A  Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/girlfriends/1519328660  -- Find more from Matt here: www.instagram.com/mattvettese www.tiktok.com/@mattvts  -- OurSpace Media:  www.instagram.com/ourspace.media https://www.youtube.com/@OurSpaceMedia 

For over a decade Skyler Acord played bass in Metalcore band, Issues, and recently toured as the bassist for Twenty One Pilots. In this chat we talk about what makes the bass guitar so cool, playing huge stadiums like Madison Square Garden with Twenty One Pilots, writing songs as a solo artist instead of with a band like Issues, and more! Check out Skyler Acord's latest single 'it's you that i'm missing" here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXsNUAdsIZA Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1phSD0yoDFOv2kUbXzM1d4?si=g6mO8n-AQBiKgWo0utsyow Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/skyler-acord/1644557947 Find Skyler Acord on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skyduck64/?hl=en -- Find Matt on social media Instagram: www.instagram.com/mattvettese TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@mattvts -- If you enjoyed this episode please subscribe for more!

If you've watched a Hot Mulligan music video you've seen Michael Herrick's work. Michael Herrick is a director based in the Midwest and he is responsible for some of your favourite modern emo music videos.  This week we talked about how he began creating music videos and have some fun chatting about the revival of emo music from the third wave to the fifth wave. Check out more of Michael's work here: https://michaelherrick.co/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelherrick_/?hl=en  -- Check out more from Matt Vettese: linktr.ee/mattvts

Carly Cosgrove are the latest and greatest Wax Bodega band you should be checking out if you haven't already. They just released their latest album, The Cleanest of Houses are Empty, and Matt has a chat with them about it! On this episode they also discuss how emo has impacted them growing up and as musicians, their evolution of sound, and more! Check out more from Carly Cosgrove: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4h3DxZa1JxZhSB1a64ziKx?si=EhwqS3LdQXCCe6ik4A37bA Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/carly-cosgrove/1477284720 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlycosgrovepa/?hl=en -- Check out more from Matt Vettese: linktr.ee/mattvts 

CLIFFDIVER is a 7 piece band from Tulsa, Oklahoma. While they write emotional and catchy songs they've also been through a lot as a band. This week Matt talks to Joey about what it's like being in a 7 piece band from the bible belt, Joey opens up and gets deep about his sobriety, we touch on their horrific van crash from 2023, their upcoming tour with The Early November and more. This is probably the deepest and most emotional episode of OurSpace with Matt Vettese yet and I thank Joey so much for opening up the way he did. Please check out more from CLIFFDIVER here: https://cliffdiver.carrd.co/ Check out more from Matt: linktr.ee/mattvts Please remember to rate and review the show if you enjoyed yourself!

Every 2010's Pop Punk playlist has a Grayscale song on it but recently the band has grown into so much more than a 2010's Pop Punk band. From their sound, to their personal life, Grayscale has grown so much over the years. On this episode, Matt and Collin discuss the evolution of Grayscale, they get deep when discussing Grayscale's Mum and Mum II, how they do merch differently than other bands and more. Check out Grayscale: Website: https://grayscalepa.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6Xq9CIMYWK4RCrMVtfEOM0 Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/grayscale/1213941724 Check out Matt Vettese: Instagram: www.instagram.com/mattvettese TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@mattvts -- If you loved the show please remember to leave a review and follow the show!

Whether you're a fan of the 2000's Emo and Post Hardcore scene, you love today's scene including Hot Mulligan, Prince Daddy & The Hyena, Mom Jeans or you love both you're definitely going to love Riley!  They recently released their album "Keep Your Cool" and it's at the top of my list for Emo Album of the Year. I had to talk to them about this album and their band, including a conversation about staying cringe (looking at you my fellow cringe elder emos) Check out more from Riley! here: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6mxWaHNcOgrJeD8NCRenps  Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/riley/1420351343  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rileytheband/?hl=en  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rileytheband  -- If you enjoyed the show, please remember to leave a rating! Follow me on social media: Instagram: @mattvettese TikTok: @mattvts

Hue are a Washington DC based band that mix go-go funk with metal, punk, and so many other genres. Their blend of genres truly makes them unique in the current scene, which is why I had to speak to them!  As of right now, they only have one song released but so many things on the horizon. We discuss how they've developed their sound, have been authentically themselves, the Washington DC scene and more!  Check out more from Hue: https://hue.band/band Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0zdplS4ya9kYvzqcwdrS1P  Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/hue/1746150763  -- Please remember to rate the show and share it with your friends, it's the easiest and cheapest way to help support the show and the scene!

Both Mike and Rossy of Internet Frendz are lucky the other person isn't a serial killer. Their band name really is the story of how two friends met on the internet and formed the ultimate Pop Punk duo. On this episode we talk about their origin, MGK's Tickets To My Downfall, hidden messages in their songs and more! Check out more from Internet Frendz here:  Spotify  Apple Music  Instagram TikTok YouTube Twitter -- If you enjoyed the show please remember to leave a rating and review. Support your music scene! 

Who says Gen-Z can't have their own Bruce Springsteen? Supergold is one of the many artists that came across my feed that stood out to me. Not only was it because of the Dreamy Pop Rock sound but the stories told in the songwriting and the political messages that hit in a powerful way. Matt Vettese and Alex Alston had a great chat about politics in music and what we as a society can accomplish through music. Check out more from Supergold here: https://linktr.ee/supergoldfl Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/68ousdyH7lBXYu9U7SX2ys?si=7nF_ptmOR_uOsOqfru1vcw&nd=1&dlsi=f411d9507af44afe Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/supergold/1497433965 -- If you liked the show remember to leave a rating and review!

For most of us, when we look back at the MySpace era we remember the emo and pop punk bangers that were also on MTV but we tend to forget about the Crunkcore era!  BrokeNCYDE are one of the few that helped shape the Crunkcore genre and had fun while doing it. Turns out, they never stopped having fun or creating Crunkcore songs. I had a chance to sit down with them to talk about the MySpace era, new music, and more!  Check out more from BrokeNCYDE: https://www.brokencyde13.com/  Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/brokencyde/266962025  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/22WwE0lMmGx4AJeyUfT7rh  -- Please remember to follow the show and leave a rating/review! 

If you like your music to be on the poppy side but still love that rock edge, you'll love A Story Told. They recently released their latest single "How Do You Write a Love Song?" and are about to go on tour. This week we're joined by Alex and Josh from the band A Story Told! On this episode we talk about: -Writing Pop Rock songs that still hit hard emotionally -Why is writing love songs so hard? -Their own experience with Warped Tour -Their favourite places to tour   Keep up with A Story Told here: https://www.astorytoldband.com/ Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/a-story-told/648593689 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0kMSrud2q1lDBgp43LwU54?si=-pchn_ITSg2C4aG24ACzRA -- Please remember to rate and review the show, follow/subscribe for more, and share with your friends!!

If you love Nu-Metal, Rap Rock, or Heavy Music, you've probably come across Silly Goose on your feed. Silly Goose made a name for themselves by playing shows in Subway restaurants, 7/11 parking lots, and by following around other band's on tour and playing the parking lot outside those shows. On this episode we talk about: -How the parking lot idea came to be -What bands have the best crowds -Wild encounters with security and police -Will they still be playing surprise parking lot shows now that they have official tours and festivals? -New music this year and more!   Keep up with Silly Goose here: https://sillygooseraprock.com/   Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/silly-goose/1584399710 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0GicbfMtwhn3Ch0PdwkADQ   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sillygooseatl/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sillygooseatl -- Please remember to rate and review the show, follow/subscribe for more, and share with your friends!!

If you remember MySpace or went to Warped Tour in the late 2000's there's a good chance you remember "The Millionaires." Melissa Marie is keeping Millionaires alive and well, while also undergoing a full rebrand, just in time for When We Were Young later this year. On this episode we talk about: -The MySpace Days (both the good and bad) -Warped Tour  -When We Were Young -Emo Nite Keep up with Melissa Green and Millionaires here: Millionaires IG: https://www.instagram.com/millionairesxo/?hl=en  Melissa's IG: https://www.instagram.com/melissamarie/?hl=en  Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/millionaires/285255892  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0sBSVbPm3QRd2LnDao9H9U  -- Please remember to rate and review the show, follow/subscribe for more, and share with your friends!!