The Soundtrack of Our Lives Podcast

Eleni Drake talks about her album, recent tour, and the creative process behind her introspective sound. She opens up about working with co-producer, the influence of artists like Mazzy Star, and the Bon Iver albums that shaped her life. Host: Mackayla Wiseman Audio Editor: Mackayla Wiseman Script Writer: Mackayla Wiseman

House & Home open up about the next chapter in their journey — from the road to the recording studio. The Richmond-based band reflects on their creative evolution, the energy of the local DIY scene that shaped them, and the making of their upcoming album . They talk about testing new songs on tour, the power of collaboration, and what it means to stay connected to their roots while growing as...

Kinzoogianna dives into her creative rebirth, talking about crafting her solo album from the ground up—bass lines, beats, flute solos, and all. From balancing motherhood, teaching, and running a business to redefining jazz-infused experimentation, she shares what it means to make fearless, independent music in an ever-changing industry. Host: Mackayla Wiseman Audio Editors: Gabrielle Groves and Ma...

Bear Park bring their high-energy indie rock spirit to the pod, talking new music, day jobs, and the making of their covers EP Growl . From teenage dreams in Newcastle to packed venues, the band shares how they keep it real in an image-driven world. Host: Mackayla Wiseman Audio Editor: Mackayla Wiseman Script Writer: Mackayla Wiseman

Action/Adventure talk about their new album and their first headlining tour. The band shares what it’s like balancing day jobs with music, choosing singles, and bringing their high-energy shows to life. We chat about pop-punk influences, the humor behind the heartbreak, and what it means to finally share these songs with fans. Host: Mackayla Wiseman Audio Editor: Mackayla Wiseman Script Writer: Ma...

Sainthood Reps join us for a deep dive into their first album in years and a labor of love. The band opens up about the long road back to recording, the art of sequencing songs for vinyl, and how a mix of home demos, late-night workshops, and studio experimentation brought the record to life. We chat about musical influences, finding balance between moody and upbeat tracks, and what it feels like...

Will Ettante joins us for a funny and heartfelt chat about his upcoming three-part album, turning parenting and aging into punchlines, and finding beauty in life’s chaos. We talk about his alter ego, living room tours, and why sometimes the best songs start as voice memos. Host: Mackayla Wiseman Audio Editor: Mackayla Wiseman Script Writer: Mackayla Wiseman

Alessio Peck joins us for a witty and refreshing chat about his new album, SINCER0, life in Paris, and making music on his own terms. We talk about his shift from band life to solo artistry, his evolving songwriting process (with help from a trusty journal), and his unapologetic stance on social media being “dead.” Expect plenty of laughs, creative insight, and even a few stories about the wild so...

Fight From Within joins us for a chaotic and hilarious chat about their album Talk is Cheap . We talk about their wild live shows, unique songwriting process, and the evolution of their sound — with plenty of tangents about food, South Park, and on-stage antics along the way. Host: Mackayla Wiseman Audio Editor: Mackayla Wiseman Script Writer: Mackayla Wiseman

Grace Annabella Anderson joins us to talk about her journey from Minneapolis to New York, blending her theater background with her evolving sound as a singer-songwriter. She opens up about vulnerability in songwriting, finding creative freedom, and what listeners can expect from her next musical chapter. Host: Mackayla Wiseman Audio Editors: Gabrielle Groves and Mackayla Wiseman Script Writer: Mac...

Man Must Explore joins us to discuss their upcoming album Rise and the philosophy behind it — “together we rise.” They open up about their songwriting process, the emotion behind their live shows, and how their Explorers Guild community brings people together through music, connection, and purpose. Host: Mackayla Wiseman Audio Editors: Gabrielle Groves and Mackayla Wiseman Script Writer: Mackayla...

Heavy Diamond Ring joins us to share the story behind their latest album and the creative process that brought it to life. Embracing a faster, more spontaneous approach in the studio, the band reflects on letting go of perfectionism and keeping the music fresh. We dive into their collaborative songwriting, the joy and energy of live performance, and the unique spirit of Denver’s music community th...

Bloodlyne joins us to discuss his new EP The Shot and the global influences that shape his sound. From Zimbabwe to New York to Indonesia, he blends rock, R&B, and traditional Shona music with a message of resilience and positivity. He shares insights into his creative process, the story behind The Shot , and his mission to make music that inspires. Host: Mackayla Wiseman Audio Editors: Gabriel...

Laura Pieri joins us to dive into Frankie (ON THE DANCEFLOOR), a rebirth of her character-driven project Frankie through club-ready, dance floor anthems. She opens up about the literary influences that shape her music, from Frankenstein to Persephone , and how she uses storytelling to craft distinct artistic personas. Laura also shares her love for collaborative songwriting, her eclectic musical i...

Soft Spot joins us to talk about their new album, the unexpected traction it’s found in Chile, and the dynamic energy of their live shows. They share tour highlights, the impact of New Haven’s local scene, and advice for emerging artists, while also hinting at what’s next for the band. Host: Mackayla Wiseman Audio Editor: Mackayla Wiseman Script Writer: Mackayla Wiseman

Indie pop singer-songwriter POLI NIKA joins us to talk about her upcoming EP, set for release this October. She shares the inspiration behind her first singles, how her gentle blend of indie pop, soul, and jazz captures life’s messy and beautiful moments, and how songwriting became a tool for personal growth and transformation. We dive into her creative process, the emotional stories woven into ea...

Punk band Cheap Perfume joins us to talk about their upcoming album Don’t Care. Didn’t Ask. the stories behind their singles and how they’ve kept their band thriving for over a decade. They share insights on songwriting, memorable shows, and building community through bold, unapologetic music. Host: Mackayla Wiseman Audio Editor: Mackayla Wiseman Script Writer: Mackayla Wiseman

Hip-hop artist Big Jon joins us to share his journey from Baltimore classrooms and college stages to pursuing music full-time after a break in broadcasting. He opens up about the emotional and financial challenges of navigating the music industry, and how therapy and a supportive community have helped him push forward. We discuss the lessons he’s learned about avoiding predatory promotion tactics,...

Good Terms join the podcast to share stories from life on the road, the studio, and beyond. We dive into their recent tour, how a sudden loss of voice mid-show pushed them to get creative, and the experimental process behind their latest album. The band also open up about balancing music with personal projects—like restoring a 30-year-old Mustang—and tease what’s next on the horizon. Host: Mackayl...

Singer-songwriter and music teacher Anna Karney joins us to talk about her new album One True Song and the balance between life in the classroom and on stage. She shares how her unique style of “conscious folk rock” weaves together influences from folk, rock, jazz, classical, and world music into a cohesive sound. We also dive into the ways teaching shapes her artistry, her advice for other musici...

Frame and Mantle join us to dive into their new album, discussing the evolution of their collaborative songwriting process and the layered, immersive sound that sets this record apart. Brian and Connor share the influences behind their heavier direction—from post-rock to 90s/2000s emo and grunge—and how unique elements like trumpet lines bring their music to life. We also talk about Pittsburgh’s t...

Belmont joins us to talk about their EP, from the recording process to the creative evolution behind their latest sound. The band shares stories from the road, including unforgettable tour experiences and favorite destinations like Japan, Amsterdam, and Denver. We also get a glimpse into their future plans—new music, upcoming tour dates, and writing for their next full-length album. Host: Mackayla...

Musician Ryan Woods joins us to discuss his long-awaited debut album, the emotions behind finally sharing these songs, and the themes of self-acceptance and personal growth woven throughout the record. He also opens up about his reflective songwriting process, the unique inspirations behind tracks like ' Gun in the Glovebox ,' and his vision of the album as a soundtrack for a coming-of-age...

Singer-songwriter Maddy Michaels joins us to talk about her new single “When Can I Say (i'm finally okay)” and the post-graduation struggles that inspired it. She also shares practical digital marketing strategies for independent artists and her plans to move to Nashville to further her music career. Host: Mackayla Wiseman Audio Editors: Gabrielle Groves and Mackayla Wiseman Script Writer: Mac...

Alley Eyes join us to talk about their new 5-song EP, bondage in the afternoon , and how it represents their most fully realized project to date. They share stories from the Milwaukee DIY music scene and what it’s like building community while carving out their own bold sound. Host: Mackayla Wiseman Audio Editor: Mackayla Wiseman Script Writer: Mackayla Wiseman