On this episode of the podcast, I’m joined by Tahlia Borg and Cahli Blakers of Teenage Joans for a fun and wide ranging conversation about where the band is heading next. We talk about working on new music, pushing their sound in new directions, and the influences that continue to shape who they are as artists.

We also get into the very real cost of touring when you are coming to America from overseas, what that experience has been like for them, and how they make it all sustainable. The new single Bandits comes up in a big way, from how it came together to what it represents for this chapter of the band. On top of that, we swap stories about favorite pit stops across the United States and some of the lighter moments that come with life on the road. It is a laid back but honest conversation that covers creativity, touring realities, and everything in between.

On this episode of the podcast, I’m joined once again by Mikey Arthur of The Gloom In The Corner, returning nearly four years after our last conversation. We catch up on everything that has changed since then and dive deep into the band’s new album Royal Discordance, both musically and emotionally.

Mikey breaks down the writing process behind the record, the emotional weight carried by the characters, and how those feelings shaped the direction of the album. We spend a lot of time exploring the larger conceptual universe he has built, how the story continues to evolve, and what it means to balance narrative, heaviness, and honesty in the music. It’s a thoughtful, creative conversation that digs into storytelling, world building, and the personal connection behind one of the band’s most ambitious releases to date.

On this episode of the podcast, I’m joined by Crispin Earl of The Veer Union for an open and honest conversation about where the band is right now and what it takes to keep pushing forward. We dive into their upcoming album Reinvention, dropping February 20th via Arising Empire, and talk about how this release represents a real creative reset for the band.

Crispin shares what it is really like touring when you are not based in the United States, the rising costs that come with it, and how those challenges impact everything from routing to sustainability. We also talk about writing as a form of mental relief, using music to work through personal struggles, and why staying honest in songwriting still matters. It is a grounded conversation that touches on the business, the creativity, and the mental side of life in a touring band.

In this episode of You Make The Scene, we’re joined by Shawna Potter of War on Women for a powerful and thought-provoking conversation. Known for using her voice both on and off the stage, Shawna talks about the responsibility and urgency of calling out political overreach and using music as a platform to spotlight critical issues.

We dig into the band’s latest single Precious Problem, which tackles the heavy but important subjects of intimate partner violence and alcoholism. Shawna shares the personal and societal layers behind the song, and how it fits into the band’s ongoing mission to create music that doesn’t shy away from hard conversations.

In this episode of You Make The Scene, we sit down with Derrick Ryan of Minute After Midnight for a conversation that covers everything from fresh starts to big milestones. Derrick opens up about the grind of launching a new project, what it’s been like transitioning from past bands, and finding his footing with something that feels genuinely personal.

We dive into the story behind his new single Machocist, how it came together, and the mindset behind the track. Derrick also talks about what it means to be signed to Fearless Records, the journey to get there, and what fans can expect moving forward.

This episode is all about growth, finding your voice, and putting in the work when no one’s watching. Whether you’re new to Minute After Midnight or have followed Derrick’s journey for a while, this one gives a real look into the passion and persistence behind the music.

In this episode of You Make The Scene, Maggie and Alex of glimmers return to the podcast to catch us up on everything that’s been going on since their last visit. From life updates to creative growth, the conversation dives into how the band has evolved over the past year.

We talk in depth about their upcoming album The Art of Shattering—from the early writing sessions to the recording process, and even the behind-the-scenes of editing and polishing the final tracks. Maggie and Alex open up about the emotional weight behind the songs and how they pushed themselves to grow both artistically and personally.

We also get into the mental side of creating, including struggles with imposter syndrome, staying grounded, and finding confidence in your work when things get overwhelming. It's a thoughtful, honest, and fun conversation with two artists who continue to pour their hearts into everything they do.

Whether you’ve been following glimmers from the start or are just jumping in, this episode gives you a real look at the journey behind the music.

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On this episode of the You Make The Scene podcast, I sat down with the guys from Downswing for a powerful and honest conversation about growth, perseverance, and finding their footing again in a post-pandemic world. We talked about how the band has evolved since their early days, shaping a sound that hits harder and feels more refined without losing the emotion that’s always driven their music.

The guys opened up about how COVID derailed the momentum of their first record, forcing them to take a step back and rethink their creative process. That break, while frustrating, ultimately gave them a new perspective on what they wanted to say and how they wanted to say it.

We also dove deep into their new album And Everything Was Dark, talking about the writing process, recording sessions, and the themes that came out of those long stretches of uncertainty and reflection. It’s a record that feels cathartic, personal, and powerful—a perfect reflection of a band that’s still pushing forward with something to prove.

On this episode of the You Make The Scene podcast, I sat down with Jani of Sainthood Reps for a great conversation that dives deep into the band’s journey and creative evolution. We talked about the early days of Sainthood Reps, how their sound and approach have grown over time, and how the band navigated the challenges that came with the pandemic years.

Jani shared some incredible insights into what it was like reconnecting creatively after that downtime, including collaborating and staying close with their longtime friends in Balance and Composure. The conversation highlighted the sense of community and mutual respect that’s been part of Sainthood Reps’ story since the beginning.

We also got into their brand new album Dull Bliss, out now via Smartpunk Records, discussing the inspiration, process, and themes that shaped the record. It’s an honest and thoughtful look at a band that’s always put heart and craft at the center of their work.
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