THE AKIVA ABSTRACT

Branden Steineckert is an American drummer, songwriter, producer, entrepreneur, and a rare connective figure between 2000s post-hardcore and modern punk rock. Best known today as the drummer of Rancid, Steineckert first made his mark as a founding member and original drummer of The Used, helping shape the band’s early sound, identity, and breakthrough era. His work appears on the band’s self-title...

Kevin Martin is the founding frontman of Candlebox, the multi-platinum Seattle rock band whose self-titled debut became one of the breakout rock albums of the 1990s. Candlebox  was certified 4x Platinum by the RIAA and reached No. 7 on the Billboard 200, powered by defining singles including “Far Behind,” “You,” “Cover Me,” and “Change.” “Far Behind” became the band’s signature song, reaching No....

Justin Pearson is an American musician, author, label founder, and one of the most singular figures in underground music. Best known for his work with The Locust, Dead Cross, Retox, Swing Kids, Deaf Club, Head Wound City, Some Girls, and Planet B, Pearson has spent decades shaping the outer edges of punk, hardcore, noise, grind, art rock, and experimental music. As the founder of Three One G Recor...

T.J. Miller is an American singer, musician, and the frontman of Still Remains, the Grand Rapids metalcore band known for blending crushing heaviness, soaring melody, emotional intensity, and atmospheric synths. Still Remains became a defining name of the 2000s metalcore era with albums including Of Love and Lunacy and The Serpent, released through Roadrunner Records. Their sound, live shows, and...

Eric Victorino is an American musician, vocalist, and writer best known as the frontman of Strata, whose sound became a cult touchstone for fans of post-hardcore, alternative metal, emo, nu metal-adjacent, and cinematic 2000s rock. With Billboard Heatseekers chart history, rock-radio singles, and placements across The Punisher soundtrack, Madden, WWE WrestleMania, and the Elektra soundtrack, Strat...

Uwe Boll is a German filmmaker, producer, and writer known for becoming one of the most polarizing and recognizable independent directors in modern cult cinema. Boll built his reputation through video game adaptations and genre films including House of the Dead, Alone in the Dark, BloodRayne, Postal, Far Cry, In the Name of the King, and the Rampage trilogy. Uwe joins The Akiva Abstract to discuss...

Ryan Lu (@e.mo.tions) is an American creator, social media star, and podcaster known for blending astrology, manifestation, and affirmations into a massively popular digital platform. As the host of Delulu with Ryan Lu, Ryan turns “staying delulu” into a practical framework for confidence, growth, and real-world breakthroughs—alongside conversations with high-profile guests. The Akiva Abstract Spo...

Mike McKeever is an American musician, and vocalist/guitarist of the NYC industrial duo Heavy Halo. Their debut LP Damaged Dream dropped July ’25, followed by a U.S. tour with darkwave powerhouse Light Asylum. Next up: an official remix for Andy Bell (Erasure) arriving this December. Prior collaborations include Duran Duran, Alec Empire (ATR), Xavier Swafford (3TEETH), Kontravoid, Pictureplane, an...

Chloe Jane is a New York/Ibiza raised pop artist, DJ, visual director, and social media star. Her single “Famous,” produced by Tor Eimon and Jakke Erixson, pairs satirical lyrics with a high-fashion, camp video. Leading into Princess of the Night, she blends 2010s EDM euphoria with big-pop hooks. The Akiva Abstract Sponsors:  -BetterHelp: ⁠https://betterhelp.com/akivaalpert⁠⁠ (10% off your first m...

VIBI is a Canadian singer based in Los Angeles who made her TV debut on Netflix’s Building the Band, a chemistry-first music series that hit the U.S, The show hit the U.S. Netflix Top 6 during launch week. Off-screen, she pairs stage-ready pop with diaristic visuals and just released the new Venice-set “why you?” video. The Akiva Abstract Sponsors:  -BetterHelp: ⁠https://betterhelp.com/akivaalpert...

Ali Shah is a Toronto synth-pop artist and INTO 25 Under 25 honoree whose sleek, 80s-tinted songs center desire, power, and honest storytelling. His single “LEAD BY EXAMPLE” leads his sophomore project Boy Blues. Pride highlights include placement of “Girl” on the Recording Academy’s 2025 Pride Playlist. The Akiva Abstract Sponsors:  -BetterHelp: ⁠https://betterhelp.com/akivaalpert⁠⁠ (10% off your...

Nova May is a London-based recession pop artist crafting glitter-charged club anthems with punk grit. Her mini album ROCKR ROOM arrived on July 25, 2025, led by “TROPICANA BAR” and a Y2K-leaning visual world. Honors include BBC Radio 1 support for “STARBOUNCE” and consistent Spotify editorial placement including Fresh Finds, Fresh Finds Pop, Hyperpop, New Music Friday UK, and a cover on Evolver. T...

Ellise is an American dark-pop singer-songwriter, and social-media star, known for her cinematic sound and introspective lyrics. Her latest album, PRETTY EVIL , showcases her evolution as an artist unafraid to delve into the complexities of emotion and identity. The Akiva Abstract Sponsors:  -BetterHelp: ⁠https://betterhelp.com/akivaalpert⁠⁠ (10% off your first month)  -Muse: https://shorturl.at/w...

Morgan Freed is an American creative known as the co-founder of Emo Nite and founder of Ride or Cry, a creative agency. He also co-founded Graveboy Records and the genre-blending event series Grave Rave. As co-host of the CD Burners podcast, Morgan continues to shape the intersection of music, culture, and community. The Akiva Abstract Sponsors:  -BetterHelp: ⁠https://betterhelp.com/akivaalpert⁠⁠...

Elias Soriano is an American musician, renowned as the lead vocalist of Nonpoint. Soriano skillfully merges metal, rock, and rap nuances, crafting a distinct sonic identity for Nonpoint. The band soared to fame with their major label debut, "Statement," and their track "What a Day." Check out Nonpoint on their 2024 "Million Watts" Tour. https://nonpoint.com The Akiva Abstract Sponsors: -BetterHelp...

Garzi is an American musician and a genre-bending artist known for blending punk, emo, and trap into an innovative sound characterized by introspective lyrics. He has collaborated with Kellin Quinn of Sleeping with Sirens on the track "Mess," and with Travis Barker of Blink-182 on "SICK OF ME," produced by John Feldmann. garzimusic.com The Akiva Abstract Sponsors: -BetterHelp: ⁠https://betterhelp....

Brokencyde is an American crunkcore group comprising Michael "Mikl" Shea and Julian "Phat J" McLellan. They have been recognized as precursors to the hyperpop movement. Their work, characterized by its infectious energy and innovative fusion of electronic, hip-hop, and screamo, has not only garnered a dedicated global fanbase but also influenced a new generation of artists in the evolving landscap...

Josey Scott is a Grammy-nominated American musician, songwriter, and former lead vocalist of Saliva; renowned for his pivotal role in propelling the band to stardom with hits like "Click Click Boom" and "Always," and has since pursued a diverse range of solo projects and creative ventures. The Akiva Abstract Sponsors:-BetterHelp: ⁠https://betterhelp.com/akivaalpert⁠⁠ (10% off your first month)-Mus...

King Yosef (Tayves Yosef Pelletier) is an American musician, producer, and pivotal figure in the underground music landscape, ingeniously fusing hardcore, hip-hop, and industrial elements to craft emotionally charged and genre-defying compositions. The Akiva Abstract Sponsors:-BetterHelp: ⁠ https://betterhelp.com/akivaalpert ⁠⁠ (10% off your first month) -Goli: ⁠ https://go.goli.com/AKIVAALPERT ⁠...

Johnny 3 Tears (George Arthur Ragan) is an American musician, renowned as co-founder of Hollywood Undead. The Akiva Abstract Sponsors: -BetterHelp:  ⁠https://betterhelp.com/akivaalpert⁠⁠  (10% off your first month) -Goli:  ⁠https://go.goli.com/AKIVAALPERT⁠  (10% off your oder) -Ember:  ⁠https://ember.com/⁠ -Eargasm Earplugs: AKIVA10 (10% off your order) -Avant Arte:  ⁠https://avantarte.com/⁠ -iHer...

Sleepsleep is an American EDM artist, producer, and social media star; known for his electrifying performances. The Akiva Abstract Sponsors: -BetterHelp:  ⁠https://betterhelp.com/akivaalpert⁠⁠  (10% off your first month) -Goli:  ⁠https://go.goli.com/AKIVAALPERT⁠  (10% off your oder) -Ember:  ⁠https://ember.com/⁠ -Eargasm Earplugs: AKIVA10 (10% off your order) -Avant Arte:  ⁠https://avantarte.com/⁠...

Rod Chong is Chief Creative Officer of Race Service, and collaborator on special projects at ACRONYM GmbH. The Akiva Abstract Sponsors: -BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/akivaalpert⁠ (10% off your first month) -Goli: https://go.goli.com/AKIVAALPERT (10% off your oder) -Ember: https://ember.com/ -Eargasm Earplugs: AKIVA10 (10% off your order) -Avant Arte: https://avantarte.com/ -iHerb: https://ih...

Social Repose (Richard Giese) is an American singer-songwriter, influencer, and social-media star; renowned for his avant-garde aesthetic.

Nathan James is an American musician, photographer, and social-media star; known for his unique "Nu Nu Metal" style. He has collaborated with artists such as Lil Wayne, Justin Bieber, Machine Gun Kelly, Avril Lavigne, and Post Malone; also shooting the album cover for Machine Gun Kelly’s "Tickets to My Downfall”.

Holiday Kirk is an acclaimed music journalist and the recognized 'CEO of nu-metal.' He is the driving force behind the social-media accounts @numetal_moment, also known as 'Crazy Ass Moments in Nu Metal History,' which has quickly become the definitive digital chronicle of the nu-metal genre.