The American Arson Podcast

Ernie Fabian and Nathan Moe of Tooth & Nail Records band Idle Threat join us for a great conversation about making their upcoming album, the pursuit of excellence while playing live, sketchy places to crash on tour, and more! Listen to Idle Threat: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6RKcKaDODNhqCCXcYgEqEv Idle Threat Merch: https://toothandnailrecords.store/collections/idle-threat?srsltid=AfmBOoo...

Nick Detty is the lead vocalist of metalcore legends Wolves At The Gate on Solid State Records. In this episode, we speak with Nick about dad life, balancing touring and a traditional job, and the band's most recent covers album "Lost In Translation." Nick is also kind enough to share some details about what's next for Wolves At The Gate, along with several of his favorite tour disasters. Listen t...

Hayden Trobee is the lead singer/guitarist of current Tooth & Nail indie/alternative band Tigerwine. In this episode, we speak with Hayden about recording at the legendary Glow In the Dark studio, appearing on Audiotree as a young and inexperienced band, and Tigerwine's strategy of grinding their way to a record deal through relentless DIY touring. We also get to hear some hilarious and memora...

Shaun Hypes is the vocalist/guitarist of Virginia-based rock band Dens, currently signed to Facedown Records. In this episode, we speak with Shaun about the band's unique collaborative songwriting method in which nearly every aspect of the process - from lyrics to melodies to production to recording - are a responsibility shared by all four members of the band. Shaun also shares a few great storie...

Mason Mennenga and Cullen Mack are the hosts of The BlackSheep Podcast presented by legendary heavy music publication HM Magazine.  On this episode, we discuss authenticity in the entertainment industry as well as the origins of their podcast and their partnership with HM.  We also blow the lid off our Toad's combo can hoax and somehow manage to wring a tour story out of two non-musicians.   Liste...

Chris Ratzlaff is the frontman of two Facedown Records bands: nu-metal/metalcore band Fallstar and indie/alternative band Northlander. In this episode, we speak with Chris about the brand new Fallstar album "Sunbreather" and find out why he ditched 63 songs and set Fallstar aside for nearly 6 years before reviving the project in 2020.  We also hear about a close call with a train, bombing a hill i...

Jeremy Shaeffer is the vocalist of South Dakota metalcore band Earth Groans currently signed to Solid State Records. In this episode, we speak with Jeremy about his upbringing as a dairy farmer, his "five-plex" creative paradise, dumpster diving for donuts, and why Earth Groans has decided to be an "EP" band.   Listen to Earth Groans: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4jL8OQmf0x3KZa8g8kt28H   Listen...

Justin Hieb is the guitarist/vocalist of Minnesota emo/alternative band Weathered who recently released their sophomore LP "Everything All At Once" on Facedown Records.  In this episode, we speak with Justin about being an alt-rock band on a label known for metal and hardcore, sliding down the freeway on the roof of a van, and wandering in the wilderness (both literally and figuratively).   Listen...

Nick Diener is the owner of Oneder Studios and Oneder Effects as well as the former vocalist/guitarist of punk legends The Swellers. In this episode, we discuss Nick's life after touring as a music producer, effects pedal creator, laser enthusiast and dad. We also revisit Nick's time on the road with The Swellers as he shares stories about the touring grind and getting house shows shut down by the...

In this episode, we revisit our top 5 American Arson "Tour Disasters" from our time on the road alongside several of our friends who experienced the incidents with us. Laugh at our pain as we recall the pre-pandemic days when touring was alive and well. Jump to a disaster:   Honorable Mention: "Trailer Door" with Tighe of Sink In - 01:41   Disaster 5: "Drum Solo" with Josh of The Almas - 08:47   D...

Jim Hughes is the freelance graphic designer behind Northary and a former member of the bands For Today and Colossus.  Jim also designed the album packaging for our album "A Line In The Sand" as well as some album-related merchandise.  In this episode, Jim shares some lessons he's learned while designing merchandise, album art and more for countless bands in the punk, hardcore and metalcore scenes...

Everything In Slow Motion is a rock band from Kansas City, MO. Their latest album "Influence" was released on October 16, 2020 on Facedown Records. In this episode, we speak to vocalist/guitarist Shane Ochsner and drummer Aaron Crawford about songwriting, recording, on-stage mishaps and the pain of the creative process.   Listen to Everything In Slow Motion: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1nfgCio...

Nate Parrish is both a solo musician and a guitarist for the genre-fluid rock band Kutless.  In this episode, we discuss themes from Nate's debut solo album, "I'm A Wreck" and hear about how he developed his Americana-tinged punk rock sound.  We also discuss time travel, forehead autographs, and how to know if you're visiting your favorite fast food joint a bit too often.   Listen to Nate Parrish:...

David Baqi is the vocalist/guitarist of Orange County, CA post-hardcore band Takers Leavers. In this episode, we go behind the scenes of the band's expansive cinematic music video for their newest single, "Act 1: Quiet / Chaos," shot on location in the Mojave Desert. We also discuss the value of staying humble and offer a word of caution to anyone thinking of taking their trailer through a Taco Be...

Andy Atkins is the creator of the Party On Forever YouTube channel and the former lead vocalist of iconic Facedown Records metalcore band A Plea For Purging.  In this wide-ranging conversation, we discuss everything from motorcycles to augers to the balance between chorin' and partying, and we explore why authenticity is essential to any creative endeavor.    Check out Party On Forever: https://ww...

Joe Calderon is the lead vocalist for the Bay Area, CA metalcore band Lightworker on Solid State Records. In this episode, we discuss the creative process, vocal technique and health, how not to barf on stage, and releasing a debut full-length album in the middle of a global pandemic - something Lightworker and American Arson both experienced this summer.   Listen to Lightworker:  https://open.spo...

Chris "Peapod" Daher is the host of the music performance and interview podcast "The On The Radar Podcast" as well as a radio personality with shows on several different radio stations in Toledo, OH.  Chris also serves as the Digital Coordinator & Assistant Promotion Director for Cumulus Media.  In this episode, we talk with Chris about how he got his start in radio and podcasting, how to find...

Paul De La Rosa is photographer, rock climber and all-around adventurer from Fresno, CA. In this episode, Paul talks about how his love of adventure and exploration led to a career as a freelance photographer. Paul also offers some valuable insight into how authenticity and quality can help grow your social media following and shares some tips for those who have a hunger for travel and adventure b...

Tighe Eshleman is the vocalist for Los Angeles, CA rock band Sink In. Despite spending most of their 5+ years together as an independent band, Sink In has generated an impressive grassroots following due to a relentless DIY touring schedule. In this episode, Tighe shares his stories, disasters and lessons learned, as well as some valuable tips and insight for any band interested in putting togethe...

"A Line In The Sand" is the debut full-length album from American Arson released July 3, 2020 on Facedown Records. In this episode, Jesse and Evan discuss the inspiration for the songs on "A Line In The Sand" and dive into the backstory of each track.  Join us to hear about the tour disasters that inspired "Forever", the soul-searching journey on a single-speed road bike that was the basis for "Un...

Jordan Baker is a co-host of the retro video game podcast "Worth It Or Worthless" and a creative jack-of-all-trades who has filmed and edited all American Arson videos to date. He has worked full-time and part-time in a wide range of creative fields including videography, graphic design, photography and social media. Jordan was also a founding member of the band Good Luck Varsity and went on his f...

Jason Wisdom is the bassist/vocalist for the progressive metal band Death Therapy on Solid State Records. Prior to forming Death Therapy, Jason was the lead vocalist for legendary technical death metal band Becoming The Archetype.  In this episode, Jason discusses the creative process, thinking outside the box, and his most recent release, "Dance Therapy Part I: Pre-Apocalyptic Cyber Funk For Late...