MICRO SPY

In this episode, I speak with Kip Ulhorn, singer and guitarist of the seminal hardcore band, The Red Scare. Hailing from Knoxville, The Red Scare had a profound impact on the sonic landscape of punk and hardcore in the late 90s. In this conversation, Kip and I discuss: A shared love for California Social and governmental neglect The importance of community Friendship Being walking time capsules Th...

In this episode. I speak with Brandon Evans, member of the bands City of Caterpillar and pageninetynine. Brandon and I discuss the magic of music, DIY ethos, Richmond’s vibrant hardcore scene, and how playing in City of Caterpillar and pg99 is the same, but entirely different. We also talk about friendship, and the wild nature of connection and community through music, and specifically, punk. Link...

I speak with Sonny Kay, vocalist of the bands Angel Hair and The VSS.  He’s also the founder of the seminal record label, Gold Standard Laboratories, having released albums by The Locust, Melt Banana, The Rapture, Arab on Radar, Mohinder, and The Mars Volta, just to name a few. Sonny and I discuss the perception of time, nostalgia, leading a creative life, and transcending the traditional molds of...

In this episode, I speak with, Jon Nix, co-founder of TurnStyle Films and director of his most recent release, “Don’t Fall in Love with Yourself”, a documentary on the life of Justin Pearson from The Locust, Three One G, and Deafclub. We talk about Jon’s childhood, and how movies and disposable cameras got him through difficult times. We speak about storytelling, and the mysterious, physiological...

In this episode, I speak with Dave Rosenberg— drummer of the band Deadguy.  Dave and I talk about the origins of the band, and what they’re up to today. We reflect on the early days of hardcore, the struggles of tour, and keeping it all together, or not… Dave and I also nerd out over snare drum sounds, his ultra-rare cymbal collection, and his early training under the late renowned jazz drummer, S...

In this episode, I speak with Jeremy Bolm— Singer of the band Touche Amore, Host of The First Ever Podcast, And founder of Secret Voice Records. He’s also a writer, having penned poetry books like 'October' and 'Downtime.' Needless to say, his plate is full. We talk about the early beginnings of Touche Amore, creative headspace, Korn’s first album, working with Ross Robinson, and t...

In this episode, I speak with Christopher Norris, also known as Steak Mountain. He’s a notable figure in the DIY punk scene, having been in bands like Combat Wounded Veteran and Reversal of Man.  We discuss Chris’ childhood, his love of movies, nancy drew novels, and the end of the world. We also talk about creative process, and his new book, The Holy Day, which comes out October 10th, published b...

Jeromes Dream's new album, "The Gray In Between" is out TODAY, and this is a special episode to celebrate it. JD and renowned engineer/ producer, Jack Shirley sit down and listen through the record and reflect on the experience of making it together at Jack's studio, Atomic Garden East, in Oakland, CA. This conversation was recorded a few days before Christmas, 2022. Buy THE GRAY...

In this episode, I speak with Brian Case, singer, and guitarist of the band, FACS. Brian has been long involved in the underground music scene, and has had roles in bands like 90 Day Men, The Ponys, and Disappears. Brian and I discuss the inherent need to create, the philosophy of DIY, the underground scene in Chicago in the 90s, the impact of the pandemic, the practice of restraint, working with...

In this episode, I speak with Walter Schreifels, member of the legendary hardcore bands, Gorilla Biscuits, Youth of Today, and the guitarist and singer of the highly acclaimed, Quicksand, who just announced its 30th Anniversary re-issue of their iconic debut album, “Slip” on Iodine Recordings. Walter and I discuss the correlation between running and creativity, the humbling aspect of pushing beyon...

In this episode, I speak with Alex Edkins, the guitarist and vocalist of the band METZ, and his new brainchild, Weird Nightmare. Alex and I discuss his music as a coping mechanism, the shift in mindset regarding creative collaboration, and the magical effects music and art can have on humanity. His new project Weird Nightmare released its debut full-length on Sub Pop last year. METZ’s most recent...

In this episode, I speak with Seb Alvarez - the vocalist and mastermind behind the bands meth. and Virgin Mother. Seb and I discuss the inner workings of how he fuels expression through metaphor and his fascination with the psychology of cult leaders. We also discuss his take on verbal communication vs performative expression. Seb also discusses his reluctance to vulnerability, but how that might...

In this episode, I speak with Mike York of the band, Pianos Become The Teeth, who recently released their fifth studio album, “Drift” on Epitaph Records. Mike and I discuss the beauty of imperfection in music, how intentionality influences songwriting, and the bond he’s established with his bandmates over the years. We also talk about the importance of gratitude, and the excitement for what lies a...

In this episode, I speak with visual artist, Jesse Draxler. Jesse is probably most known for his abstract, visual manipulation through collage. He’s had solo exhibitions between New York and Los Angeles and has done commercial work for brands like Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen, and Ferrari. One of his most iconic works became the cover art for Daughters’ 2018 comeback album, “You Won’t Get What...

In this episode, I speak with Robert Pettersen and Rex Shelverton of the band Portraits of Past. Portraits of Past was a hardcore band from Half-moon Bay between 1993 and 95, and did a handful of reunion shows between 2008 and 2009. Their debut LP, released on ebullition records came out after they had already broken up. And it wasn’t until overtime did people start to catch on to the brilliance o...

In this episode, I speak with Anthony DiDio of the Boston hard-core band Vein. Vein is one of the heaviest hardcore bands out there today. Their creativity along with their musical capability is arguably unrivaled. Their 2018 full length, Errorzone is a blistering and beautiful record that pushes musical and conceptual boundaries. This band has such a unique style, combining various influences, cr...

In this episode, I speak with Hrishikesh Hirway, creator of the award-winning podcasts, Song Exploder and The West Wing Weekly. His most recent endeavor is hIs new podcast entitled, Partners — where he explores the bond between people who have made something together. Hrishi is also the executive producer and theme composer of The Jump, a Podcast hosted by Shirley Manson of the band, Garbage. He i...

In this episode, I speak with Geoff Garlock of the band Orchid. Though Orchid hailed from Massachusetts, Geoff grew up in Connecticut like me. And not surprisingly we were exposed to a lot of the same bands. We talk about the Connecticut hardcore scene in the mid-nineties and how the state acted as a sieve for bands that came through between New York and Boston. Jeff also talks about his relations...

In this episode, I speak with Jeff Howe of the legendary hardcore band, Reversal of Man. He also played bass in Combat Wounded Veteran and is currently playing in the band Horsewhip. Jeff is also the co-founder of Nah Dogs, an all vegan hot dog stand, which he runs with his wife in St. Petersburg, FL. Jeff and I talk about Reversal of Man’s history and the challenges they faced and endured through...

In this episode, I speak with Mike Taylor, guitarist of the seminal hardcore band, Pg.99. Mike and I share some punk rock history, having played numerous shows together in our band’s earlier years. From playing Food co-ops, the flat bottom of a half-pipe, to our bands sleeping on the floor of an old movie theatre somewhere In Virginia, our memories are fond and plenty. Mike’s fluency in music is i...

In this episode, I speak with Justin Pearson, probably best known for his work in The Locust and one of my all-time favorites, Swing Kids. He is the founder of Three One G records and also plays in Dead Cross with Mike Patton of Faith No More, and Dave Lombardo of Slayer and Suicidal Tendencies. Justin is also one half of the assaulting electronic endeavor, Planet B in collaboration with Luke Hens...

In this episode, I speak with Jack Shirley, a musician, an audio engineer, producer, and owner of The Atomic Garden studio in Oakland California. Jack is probably best known for his work with the band, Deafheaven, whose sophomore album, Sunbather was named Best New Music by Pitchfork. He has also recorded and produced bands like Loma Prieta, Gouge Away, Joyce Manor and countless others, including...

In this episode, I speak to Alexis Marshall, vocalist of the band, Daughters. In November 2018, Daughters released their first LP in almost 6 years. It was followed by 15 months of grueling and unrelenting touring that just wrapped this past December. Their critically acclaimed record, ”You Won’t Get What You Want“ has sold over 40,000 copies and has since amassed a devout and loyal following. The...

Hey everyone, my name is Erik Ratensperger and welcome to the first episode of Micro Spy, a podcast that takes a closer look at the lives and work of musicians and creatives I admire. My first guest is Sean Leary of the San Francisco-based hardcore band Loma Prieta. I first met Sean in 2019 when I reached out to him to see if Loma would like to join my band Jeromes Dream on our first tour in 18 ye...