100 Words Or Less: The Podcast

In this episode, we’re joined by Aaron Dalbec of Bane for a thoughtful conversation about growing up in the suburbs, staying true to yourself, and finding purpose beyond the band that defined so much of your life. Aaron opens up about carving out an identity outside of Bane, how the hardcore ethos still guides him, and why doing what you love—regardless of expectations—still matters. Whether you f...

In this episode, we sit down with Mark Rose, frontman of beloved Chicago rock band Spitalfield , for a deep dive into the legacy of the band, the evolution of the scene, and his continued passion for making music. Rising out of the early 2000s emo and pop-punk surge, Spitalfield became a cornerstone of the Chicago music community—earning a loyal fanbase through honest songwriting, relentless touri...

In this episode, we sit down with Ken Susi—guitarist for metalcore pioneers Unearth and a key force behind the scenes at Fishman Music—for a conversation that pulls no punches. Ken talks about what it’s like to never quite fit the mold, how being a loud mouth has both helped and hurt him over the years, and why he wouldn’t have it any other way. From tour stories to gear talk, and moments of real...

In this episode, we’re joined by Jimmy Stadt, frontman of the beloved post-hardcore band Polar Bear Club, for a conversation that traces the band’s journey from the heart of Rochester, NY to stages around the world. Jimmy reflects on the band’s whirlwind early days—how they started fast, caught unexpected momentum, and found themselves navigating a rapidly changing landscape in the hardcore and pu...

In this episode, we’re joined by Troy Lusk, the founder and booking agent behind Tour Peachy , a boutique agency that’s redefining what it means to stay independent in the live music world. Troy walks us through his journey from fan to agent—breaking into the business the hard way, learning by doing, and eventually launching his own agency with a clear vision: keep it small, stay hands-on, and tak...

In this episode, we talk with Jensen Ward, guitarist/vocalist of the legendary powerviolence duo Iron Lung , about the band’s uncompromising path through the underground music world. Since forming in the early 2000s, Iron Lung has built a reputation for their blistering sound, minimalist lineup, and relentless work ethic—carving out a space where intensity and intention go hand in hand. Jensen div...

In this episode, we’re joined by Aaron Marsh from the beloved indie/emo band Copeland for a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation. Aaron reflects on the band’s evolution, from their early days crafting sweeping, emotional records to becoming a mainstay in the scene known for their lush arrangements and deeply personal lyrics. He opens up about the whirlwind years when Copeland played nearly 600...

In this episode, we sit down with Maik Weichert, guitarist and founding member of the legendary German metal band Heaven Shall Burn , for a powerful conversation about longevity in extreme music, the stark contrasts between touring in the US and Europe, and the band's enduring commitment to veganism and activism. Maik shares insights from over two decades of pushing sonic and ideological boundarie...

In this episode, Dan Campbell from The Wonder Years joins for a thoughtful, laid-back conversation about the band’s evolution over the years. He reflects on the idea of “passing the torch” — supporting younger artists and recognizing how the scene has shifted since TWY first got started. Dan also dives into the emotional weight of playing live shows and why those moments still matter so much to hi...

In this episode, we’re joined by Luke Bentham, the magnetic frontman of The Dirty Nil , for a conversation that captures the raw spirit and driving force behind one of Canada’s most electrifying rock bands. Luke opens up about life on the road, the band’s unshakable chemistry, and how their no-compromise approach keeps their sound sharp and their performances unforgettable. We discuss the best veg...

Today, I’m joined by Nick Brooks, the vocalist of It Dies Today and Frozen Ground . The band played a major role in shaping the early 2000s metalcore scene, with albums like The Caitiff Choir becoming staples of the genre. Nick’s voice and energy helped define their sound and we spent a lot of time together on the road in the early 2000's so it was logical, since their return, I had to have him on...

For over two decades, Rocky Votolato has been a defining voice in the indie-folk and emo scenes, known for his raw lyricism, haunting melodies, and a body of work that’s both deeply personal and universally resonant. Now, the Seattle-based songwriter is entering a bold new chapter with Suzzallo , a collaborative project that marks a departure from his solo roots. Blending atmospheric textures with...

Is 90's alt rock mixed with nu-metal your thing? It should be and if you are looking for that fix, that's where Bleed comes in. I fell in love with these guys about a year or so ago when the algorithm lords blessed me and been curious about them ever since. Fortunately, my curiosity was satiated when I had this conversation with Ryan from said band. We discussed so many things including the Texas...

We all know midwest emo, but do we all know Giants Chair? If you don't, let this be a sign that you need to familiarize yourself now! The awesome label Spartan Records have re-released their seminal LP "Red & Clear" that's been out of print for years and to celebrate that, I have Scott Hobart who is the vocalist and guitarist of the band. We get into it all including how sick the bands packagi...

A tried and true screamo hero of mine, Billy Werner is on the podcast this week. He is the lead vocalist from the reunited Saetia and also sang for Hot Cross . He's a true gem of a human and happy to bring you this conversation in which we discuss his formative time at NYU, ABC No Rio and playing with Men's Recovery Project. Saetia is releasing their first new music since coming back on Deathwish,...

SET THE STAGE, we have Marshall from The Warriors hanging out with us today on the show. The Warriors are from Tehachapi, CA and started playing together in 2002. They quickly captured the attention of many with their interesting blend of Rage Against the Machine meets 108 style hardcore and were extremely active throughout most of the 2000's. The band is back with a new LP, their first since 2019...

Sean Ingram from Idle Heirs and Coalesce has made his triumphant return to the show almost 10 years later, and for good reason....his new band! You must listen to Idle Heirs if you haven't already as it's a beast of an LP and expands on Sean's vocal range in some incredible ways. We discuss new beginnings, old friends and being pushed to be creative. Hope you enjoy! Listen to the Official Outbreak...

I am thrilled to welcome an old friend of mine to the show this week, Patrick Piccolo from Caged View . Caged View is his new band that is really exceptional and about to release their debut EP on GGT Records ( pre-order that! ). Pat has been involved in punk and hardcore for many years and sang for bands like Beneath the Ashes and Embrace the End , both really important metalcore bands in the 200...

The best thing to come from Philly since the Eagles championship this year in football? Possibly, but I think Matt the vocalist of Gridiron would have to disagree as his beloved Eagles are the most special thing about the city. Joking aside, I am thrilled to welcome Matt on the podcast as he sings for PA hardcore band, Gridiron who are on the verge of releasing their second LP called "Poetry From...

George Hirsch. He's the frontperson of Blacklisted and his newest project, Staticlone is something you need to reckon with. I had him on the show many years ago and it provided a very thought provoking conversation and this time around is no different. He's a very introspective and thoughtful interview subject and we cover a ton of ground including his songwriting process, working in construction...

THIS NEEDS TO BE ONE OF YOUR NEW FAVORITE BANDS, OUTLANDER . Now that we have that out of the way, we welcome Joe House who plays guitar and sings in one of the best bummer rock bands out there. I had to get to know the band a bit more, so I invited him on the podcast and we did just that. We dug into the UK metalcore scene, how they write 8 minute long songs and being a "best kept secret". Listen...

There's nothing more satisfying for me personally to welcome a guest on the show who's musical output I was impacted by at an early age and between Outspoken and the label he ran called Conversion Records, did just that. Dennis Remsing played drums for Outspoken and just started a new band called Minus Numbers with ex-bandmates in Drift Again. We discuss his early days getting into hardcore, why h...

We have a damn fine episode today with one of the Bay Area greats, Mr Casey Watson. He's been a mainstay in the punk/hardcore scene in Northern California by playing in bands like Yaphet Koto, Look Back and Laugh , The Old Firm Casuals and filled in with bands like Cro-Mags and Good Clean Fun. Simply put, the dude has done A LOT and I was excited to have him on. We discussed what it's like playing...

South Florida Straight Edge Metal is fully represented this week in the shape of Cosmo Vidussi from Contention . They released one of my favorite records from last year called "Artillery From Heaven" that is influenced by all of the late 90's stuff we all love, but updates it so it's not only a trip down nostalgia lane. Cosmo was a great chat about all things Florida and it's unique tax laws, bein...

Today we have the epitome of a "lifer" in the form of Josh James, the guitarist from Stick To Your Guns . He's also played in a ton of other bands like Evergreen Terrace, Casey Jones, 18 Visions and much more but he's on today to speak about his time in STYG as well as dig into Fat Wreck Chords punk, thriving in chaos and removing ego from what your art is (as much as one can). Josh is an open and...