Welcome to the Scene

Send us a textDamon Atkinson is a legendary drummer in the mid-west emo scene. Damon started playing for the influential band Braid in 1997  and would go on to help write and record Braid's most critically acclaimed albums in the scene, Frame and Canvas. After Braid's demise Atkinson went on to help form Hey Mercedes with two of the other founders of Braid. Listen as we got through Damon's time in his youth, where he first discovered his love for the drums at 3 years old, to his 20's touring and writing music with Braid and Hey Mercedes as well as working as tour production office manager for Warped Tour.   More importantly we talk about Damon's inspiring story of dealing with anxiety and alcoholism to his current sobriety. If you like the Podcast Subscribe! You can find us on all major Podcasting platforms at Welcome to the Scene Podcast.Instagram TikTok Youtube

Send us a textMy guest is Chad Neptune of the legendary hxc band Strongarm and Further Seems Forever. Join us as we dive into the history of both bands as well as the ups and downs of being in two of the scene's most iconic bands. We discuss Chad's relationship with each of the singers on Further Seems Forever 4 albums and how each change brought its unique challenges. If you like the Podcast Subscribe! You can find us on all major Podcasting platforms at Welcome to the Scene Podcast.Instagram TikTok Youtube

Send us a textJason Trabue has been a drummer for band like Hopesfall, The Casket Lottery and Vedera. He currently is the Tour and Production manager for Jimmy Eat World, Garbage and A Perfect Circle. His music career in the scene is vast. Listen as we talk about his music career with it's ups and downs.If you like the Podcast Subscribe! You can find us on all major Podcasting platforms at Welcome to the Scene Podcast.Instagram TikTok Youtube

Send us a textJoe Marro is the former guitarist and keyboard player for The Early November from 2002 to 2007 and again from 2011-2017. He also played in HelloGoodbye from 2011 to 2018. In this episode, we talk about the fuzzy timeline of The Early November's early formation and its ever-revolving door of musicians at first. Joe also talks about what it was like to be so young and on tour as well as the legal dispute The Early November had with the Getup kids over the song Baby Blue, their reformation and his current band management company. If you like the Podcast Subscribe! You can find us on all major Podcasting platforms at Welcome to the Scene Podcast.Instagram TikTok Youtube

Join me as I talk all things Minus the Bear with bass player and founding member Cory Murchy. We talk about Cory's love of ska music, forming Minus the Bear, a painful back injury that threatened to sideline him and what he is doing now. If you like the Podcast Subscribe! You can find us on all major Podcasting platforms at Welcome to the Scene Podcast.Instagram TikTok Youtube

Orion Walsh is a solo musician the lead singer of Slow Coming Day.  With the bands album Farewell to Familiar turning over 20 years old recently and a string of reunion shows coming in April it only seemed appropriate to  have Orion on the podcast.  Orion and I talk about the band, his solo career,his journey through grief at the loss of his dad at 15 years old and his personal therapy journey now. This is a candid one so bit back and enjoy.If you like the Podcast Subscribe! You can find us on all major Podcasting platforms at Welcome to the Scene Podcast.Instagram TikTok Youtube

Jeff Jenkins is a paranormal enthusiast, believer and also happens to be the lead singer of North Carolina Melodic Post-Hardcore indie outfit Codeseven.  Jeff takes us on his journey of musical love from the womb, to the rise , demise and resurrection of his band Codeseven.  If you like the Podcast Subscribe! You can find us on all major Podcasting platforms at Welcome to the Scene Podcast.Instagram TikTok Youtube

Johnny Smrdel is the bass player for the gone-to-soon band Beloved, as well as the hardcore outfit Advent.  Listen as Johnny takes us through his early love affair with music as a kid in a single parent household to his inclusion in the hardcore scene as a teenager. Johnny also talks about his introduction to Beloved, tim touring and the formation of Advent.  Johnny's passion for music, his family and life is sure to captivate those who listen. If you like the Podcast Subscribe! You can find us on all major Podcasting platforms at Welcome to the Scene Podcast.Instagram TikTok Youtube

Shai Hulud has a special place in hardcore history. With the 20th anniversary of the band's trailblazing album "That Within Blood Ill-Tempered" and the thrilling announcement of their reunion at Furnace Fest 2024, my guest today is the vocalist of that album,  Geert van der Velde.  As the vocal cords behind the influential music, Geert unveils his journey from a metal-obsessed teen to frontman and vocalist of Shai Hulud,  leaving an indelible mark on the hardcore scene.  But the man behind the mic is more than just riffs and growls; he's a figure of multiple facets, including his ventures with The Black Atlantic and the strategic world of chess at Chessable.com, not to mention his strides in long-distance running and his cherished role as a father.If you like the Podcast Subscribe! You can find us on all major Podcasting platforms at Welcome to the Scene Podcast.Instagram TikTok Youtube

When the mic goes live, it's not just about the podcast voice—it's about the echoes of old friendships and the music that's been the soundtrack to our lives. Reunited with Joe Morin of Edison Glass, we wade through the laughter, the struggles of life on the road, and the burrito joints that somehow stick in our minds more than the venues we played. This episode isn't just a trip down memory lane; it's an exploration of the personal growth that comes from the genuine connections we forge, and a testament to the therapeutic power of revisiting our history.As we stitch together the tapestry of our past, Joe and I grapple with the concepts of redemption and grace that have framed our narratives. From the unpredictability of touring life to the bittersweet act of sifting through memories, we unpack how these experiences have shaped us into the adults we've become. Joe's continued dedication to music, post-Edison Glass, serves as a poignant reminder that our artistry captures the essence of who we are at different moments—each album a chapter in the story of our lives.Concluding with musings on our desire for control, this episode touches on the personal anecdotes and shared experiences that have defined our evolving music careers. We laugh about sneaking into concerts and those formative years that laid the foundation for our musical identities. As we discuss the challenges of aging, parenthood, and health, there's a sense of camaraderie and understanding that resonates deeply. Join us for an intimate journey through the complexities of life, the pursuit of dreams, and the unbreakable bond of music that intertwines our stories.If you like the Podcast Subscribe! You can find us on all major Podcasting platforms at Welcome to the Scene Podcast.Instagram TikTok Youtube

As a first for the Podcast, I am excited to welcome Jolie Lindholm lead singer of The Rocking Horse Winner and The Darling Fire.  Listen as Jolie talks about her time in Florida's rising music scene as one of the few female-fronted bands in the rock/emo scene in Florida.  Jolie takes us through singing with Chris Carrabba's band the Vacant Andy's and subsequently on the iconic song Age Racer Six off of Dashboard Confessionals' first LP, the Swiss Army Romance to her own bands The Rocking Horse Winner, and currently The Darling Fire.  This conversation is sprinkled with awesome little anecdotes about the scene and our mutual love for The Twilight Zone. So sit back, relax grab your favorite beverage, and let me welcome you to the scene.  If you like the Podcast Subscribe! You can find us on all major Podcasting platforms at Welcome to the Scene Podcast.Instagram TikTok Youtube

 On October 15, 2002, Hopesfall released a seminal album called The Satellite Years.  21 years later the band remixed and remastered the album.  Ryan Parrish was a driving force in the formation, songwriting, and touring force that  Hopesfall would become until the end of his time in the band shortly before the full release of the album. This conversation takes us from the inception of Hopesfall to the complications within the band, and Ryan's journey into other music endeavors. Finally, we discuss Ryan's life as a Video Producer in Nashville, Dad and husband.  If you like the Podcast Subscribe! You can find us on all major Podcasting platforms at Welcome to the Scene Podcast.Instagram TikTok Youtube

Challenging the status quo and diving headfirst into the colorful world of music, our episode today resonates with the influential beats of Jake Brown, a creative force behind bands  238, Moments in Grace and Isiya dot exe. A small-town musician with considerable talent, Jake talks us through his journey of juggling parenting responsibilities while feeding his passion for music.As we navigate through Jake's narrative, we touch upon some profound discussions around mental health and the therapeutic role music plays in coping with the same. Exploring the evolution of his music career, we delve into his punk influences and the incredible journey of his band, 238 Moments in Grace. Further, we crack open the recording process, examining the significant influence of lyricism and the exhilarating experiences of touring with big-name bands.Ending our captivating conversation with a deep dive into the complexities of the music industry, we shine a spotlight on the challenges that small-town bands face. No stranger to these struggles himself, Jake shares the compelling journey from being a small-town band to touring with the iconic My Chemical Romance. Finally, we get a glimpse of Jake's life as a 42-year-old musician and father of three, his creative exploration of music, and his appreciation for the reinterpretation of genres by the younger generation. This is a compelling exploration of music, mental health, and the balance of life that is sure to leave you inspired.If you like the Podcast Subscribe! You can find us on all major Podcasting platforms at Welcome to the Scene Podcast.Instagram TikTok Youtube

Strap in as we explore the intricate dance between faith and music, a narrative that is deeply personal to Jeremy. He speaks candidly about the challenges and triumphs he faced in merging these two worlds, providing a unique perspective that's as enlightening as it is engaging.  We also talk about Jeremy's Podcast "The Rumors Are True!" The podcast, marinated in his rich background and seasoned by the relationships he has nurtured over the years, is a testament to Jeremy's unwavering belief in the power of communities and the transformative ability of music. Whether you're an avid music lover, an ardent podcast enthusiast, or someone seeking a slice of life in the Midwest music scene, this episode has something for everyone. Don't miss out on this harmonious blend of music, faith, and life experiences that are sure to strike a chord.If you like the Podcast Subscribe! You can find us on all major Podcasting platforms at Welcome to the Scene Podcast.Instagram TikTok Youtube

American Football is perhaps one of THE most influential bands in the scene, especially when it comes to Midwest Emo. Steve Lamos is the founding member, drummer, and trumpet player for the band but Steve is also an accomplished professor and academic. In this episode, Steve and I talk about how influential the music scene was in his college years for not only him but many other young people in Champaign-Urbana.  We also cover the reunion of American Football and his subsequent leaving again and coming back. We also talk about Steve's work and teaching at the University of Colorado, Boulder, specifically surrounding the history and evolution of writing instruction especially in the Civil Rights Era.  It was my absolute pleasure to get to talk to Steve and dive into all these topics. If you like the Podcast Subscribe! You can find us on all major Podcasting platforms at Welcome to the Scene Podcast.Instagram TikTok Youtube

Zach Gehring is the guitarist most known for his work in the MAE and his other band Demons but there is so much more to Zach than just the music he creates though.  Zach is currently getting his PhD, while being a Dad and a musician. Zach and I ended up talking about philosophy, theology and music as a political statement.  The conversation was fascinating and showed a side of Zach I'm not sure music fans get to see of him. At the end of the day he's a guy I'd love to share a beer with and talk life and that's what we did! If you like the Podcast Subscribe! You can find us on all major Podcasting platforms at Welcome to the Scene Podcast.Instagram TikTok Youtube

Jimmy Stadt was the lead singer of the band Polar Bear Club and the current singer and musician of the band Shy Tooth.  In 2013 Polar Bear Club called it quits, leaving Jimmy with a difficult transition into "civilian life." Jimmy and I talk about the inception of the band, it's challenges and what life was like and has been since calling it quits. If you like the Podcast Subscribe! You can find us on all major Podcasting platforms at Welcome to the Scene Podcast.Instagram TikTok Youtube

Jason Gleason is perhaps one of my favorite lead vocalists for any band in the scene. Having seen him twice when he was in Further Seems Forever, his stage presence and crowd participation were unmatched. Jason and I talk about How to Start a Fire's 20-year anniversary, his reconciliation with the band, and our mutual love for all things New Jersey. If you like the Podcast Subscribe! You can find us on all major Podcasting platforms at Welcome to the Scene Podcast.Instagram TikTok Youtube

Josh Hagquist from The Beautiful Mistake talks about his own history in the scene and his band The Beautiful Mistake. Josh and I also talk about the importance of working on yourself and the healing that can come from that.  If you like the Podcast Subscribe! You can find us on all major Podcasting platforms at Welcome to the Scene Podcast.Instagram TikTok Youtube

In this episode, we talk with Joe Musten. Joe is the drummer for the band Beloved and at times, The Almost, as well as lead singer in the band Advent. We talk about the rise and fall of Beloved, and their reunion at Furnace Fest, as well as his role in Advent. We also discuss Joe's faith and why Christians seem to resist mental health treatment. If you like the Podcast Subscribe! You can find us on all major Podcasting platforms at Welcome to the Scene Podcast.Instagram TikTok Youtube

If you like the Podcast Subscribe! You can find us on all major Podcasting platforms at Welcome to the Scene Podcast.Instagram TikTok Youtube