Youngster Year

Orange County’s own DIY band The Hashi are continuously staying busy, and in the best way possible. With a constant drive for learning and honing, the trio are a perfect representation of the supportive and tight-knit musical community from which they hail—a scene built on mutual support and a simple love of making music. Catch The Hashi at any of their upcoming September / October shows in the Or...

Is Teen Mortgage punk? Well, yes and no. Punk is in the eye of the beholder, and the spirit of the band is more about playing their music than fussing over labels anyway, which just feels right. Ed and James have been making music in the DC area for years, but Teen Mortgage is from everywhere, and their reach is just as wide. The new single from Teen Mortgage, “Tuning In,” is out everywhere on Aug...

Originally aired on Behind the Vinyl. Each time Tijuana Panthers release a new record, they often hear that same familiar statement: “this is your best record yet.” Many bands might hear this and feel as though they have arrived, while others use it as motivation to continue to outperform themselves. But Chad, Phil, and Dan seem unbothered by the phrase, perhaps from hearing it directed toward nea...

One of the many fantastic bands to come out of Australia’s famous Byron Bay, the boys in Flying Machine have set themselves apart with their driven yet easy-going style, and an eclectic flavor that by definition, cannot possibly be replicated. Their passionate and open approach toward the music they create is accompanied by an understanding of the necessity of community in their field. With a trie...

“Driven” is the first word that comes to mind when describing Mario’s approach to his music—in a sense, he must continue to create in order to stay sane. A true veteran of the DIY scene, MC has taken his talents to LA, where he will continue to innovate alongside likeminded artists who similarly stop at nothing to keep making music. This Middle American might be moving out west, but he isn’t going...

Originally aired on Behind the Vinyl. Joel has been involved in music quite literally his entire life, whether it’s been booking local shows, managing his best friends’ bands, or writing his own music and performing it with his friends. His approach to the world of music is a special one—in his mind, music is far too important to be left playing in the background and forgotten about. It deserves o...

One listen to the artful chaos of No Lungs yields an immediate assumption that there surely must be a group of talented musicians behind all that studio energy, but in reality, it's just one guy. Austin Cooper's recording project represents the true definition of DIY, and the chance to see him and the boys out on the road is truly something special. Their recent tour was cut short, but the spirit...

Originally aired on the Behind the Vinyl Podcast

Tacoma's finest: Enumclaw, are "kings of self promotion." Their debut EP, Jimbo Demo , has barely been out for a year, but they're already known across the nation, garnering positive reviews from KEXP, Pitchfork, and the like. Their list of achievements goes on, but their charm both on and off the stage speaks for itself.   After a nation-wide tour and several local gigs, they're heading back...

Originally aired on the Behind the Vinyl Podcast. A night drive can be anything you want it to be, from a moment of silent reflection to a loud night out with great music and better friends. And just like the title of the band's new album, the appeal of VHS Collection is universal: however you receive their music, you're doing it right. One discussion with guitarist Conor Cook reveals an immediate...

A conversation with Ron Gallo is a step into the unknown, and as far as anyone is concerned, a step in the right direction. The direction he takes with each album is impossible to guess, but nearly five years after his first solo release (and five years of experimentation), he is nearly returning once again to the sonic novelty of Heavy Meta in his infinite creative wisdom. But there is much more...

Part II and the Electric Boogaloos are a driven group of high school kids whose passion for what they create is truly inspiring. They’ve been hard at work too, having released two full-length albums in the past year alone. Take a listen to this episode to hear more about it, check out their music, and keep an eye on these guys to see where their drive takes them next! Special thanks to Cameron and...

Cloud Nothings began more than 10 years ago as the solo project of singer/songwriter Dylan Baldi, and has since grown into so much more. They put out their 8th album earlier this year, and it follows suit with the rest of their releases: spacey and contemplative, with an audible inspiration to allow it to stand on its own. One conversation with Dylan, and the longevity of his band is obvious--Clou...

The progression of Lillie West's music career up to now has been anything but predictable, but that's simply how she operates. Despite seemingly needing the perfect setting to cultivate creativity, her new album makes vividly clear that Lillie can find inspiration, collaborate, and thrive in just about any environment. Each individual Lala track takes audible love and effort to produce--a firm bel...

PEEL is the reel deel. As once self-described, they're a "whole fruit bowl," and each piece of fruit brings something to the mix entirely different from the next. That stylistic diversity inspires the best kind of collaboration, making the 5-piece shoegaze experience truly unlike any other. Collaboration is the entire foundation of the band, an idea that is ever-present in every track on their exp...

Naked Giants embody a list of positive traits as long as my arm (and I have pretty long arms), but first on that list is authenticity, as there is nothing but truth behind their energetic and passionate stage presence. What you see is what you get, and what you get is raw charisma and excitement that is well worth the cost of your ticket, or the hours you drove to get to their show.  As of po...

Pencil and Mossy truly are aliens with extraordinary talent, come to spoil us with the pure, otherworldly energy that is Le Shiv. I recently had the pleasure of speaking with them about their music and lives, and their charm is unquestionable. One listen, and you're in love.   Special thanks to Pencil and Mossy, and Marcus Haney for getting us set up--stay on the lookout for more Le Shiv!