Joshua Toomey interviews Cody Quistad of Wage War, discussing Cody's work with Jelly Roll, Ronnie Radke, and The Ghost Inside. Cody shares insights into his musical journey, including early influences and his transition to country music songwriting. The new Wage War record "Stigma" is promoted, and the interview highlights Cody's evolution and collaborations. Songwriting and producing have always been Cody's favorite parts of music because of the creative rush when everything clicks. Growing up with musician parents who worked at Disney and toured with bands, Cody was surrounded by music, which inspired his passion from an early age. His first band experiences included local talent shows and playing at various small venues before forming Wage War in 2010. Their big break came with the Warped Tour in 2016, which significantly boosted Thier exposure and marked a pivotal moment in our journey. Cody talks about their excitement for their new music, emphasizing their passion for creating and performing. They discussed the inspiration behind their song "Tombstone," which includes heavy riffs and movie references, showcasing their creative process. The upcoming album, "Stigma," set for release on June 21st, features ten diverse tracks aimed at pushing the boundaries of their sound. Cody reflects on the band's journey, their evolving musical style, and the collaborative effort involved in their songwriting process. 

Luke Severeid, a comedian and metal enthusiast, discusses the challenges of people mispronouncing his name and his decision to correct them consistently. He shares his background, including playing in metal bands and his transition into comedy, highlighting the similarities between the two in terms of performance energy. Luke notes the importance of understanding and adapting to diverse audiences, even those unfamiliar with metal. Severeid emphasizes his love for metal music and his efforts to incorporate it into his comedy, despite the genre's niche appeal and the initial resistance he faced. Toomey discusses his lack of interest in moshing, sharing an early experience at a Cannibal Corpse concert that solidified this. Despite enjoying the community aspect of moshing, Toomey prefers to stay on the sidelines. Luke also touches on his career, the transition to Pittsburgh for better opportunities, and their efforts to balance metal-themed comedy with broader topics to reach a wider audience.

Joshua Toomey on Facebook/Twitter @talktoomeytalk 

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#talktoomey #metalcore #knotfest #codyquistad #wagewar #lukesevereid #comedy

Max Cavalera reminisces about an unforgettable experience at the Sonic Temple festival, highlighting the electrifying performances and crowd reactions that made it one of Soulfly's best shows ever. He recounts the intense energy of the crowd demanding an encore. Cavalera also shares the unique excitement of balancing small club gigs with massive festival stages, and the joy of re-recording classic Sepultura tracks with improved sound quality. Throughout, he emphasizes the raw, unfiltered passion that drives his performances and projects. Max Cavalera discusses the process of translating lyrics from Portuguese to English for his early music and its impact on the songwriting. He recalls learning English by translating Black Sabbath albums with a dictionary. Max mentions his experiences rerecording old albums like "Schizophrenia" and how these rerecordings retain some imperfections from the original. Additionally, Max talks about his ventures into the coffee business with products like Blood Brothers coffee and Soulfly Healer coffee that are produced by Concept Cafes. 

Mike Tonsetic from Concept Cafes discusses his unique approach to combining metal music and coffee. He emphasizes the immersive experience they aim to create, drawing inspiration from the metal scene and ensuring high-quality, specialty coffee with engaging packaging. Mike explains the collaborative process with bands to match their preferences, resulting in a product both artists and fans can enjoy. The company prioritizes ethical sourcing, working with indigenous women farmers and ensuring fair working conditions. He also highlights the health benefits of coffee, contrasting it with energy drinks and other caffeinated products. He emphasized that premium coffees like Kona and Jamaican Blue Mountain are priced high due to their rarity, not necessarily superior quality compared to Brazilian or Colombian beans. Highlighting innovation, he praised new fermentation techniques from regions like Tanzania and Colombia, which enhance coffee flavors significantly. Mike also described their unique approach of collaborating with metal bands like Cannibal Corpse, blending subcultural elements with high-quality coffee to create artist-supportive products. This strategy extends to various subcultures, aiming to offer genuine experiences and foster cross-cultural appreciation.

Get your Blood Brothers and Healer Coffees at https://www.conceptcafes.com 

Joshua Toomey on Facebook/Twitter @talktoomeytalk 

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#talktoomey #numetal #knotfest #soulfly #cavalera #conceptcafes

In this episode of Talk Toomey, Andrew and Vigil from The Ghost Inside share insights from their recent performance at Rockville, including their excitement about Slipknot and the unique surprise of seeing a plane with their album banner, arranged by their record label. The conversation delves into the creative process behind their new album, highlighting their collaboration with outside artists and the positive reception of their new songs. Andrew opens up about the challenges of drumming after losing part of his leg and how it has influenced their music. Lastly, the band reflects on the impact of their 2015 bus accident and how it continues to shape and inspire both them and their fans. Searching For Solace is out now. 

Toomey starts the show with news on the Nu Pod change, what happened and the why. He also talks about the debacle that was the podcast studio and he and The Ghost Inside getting ghosted. Thankfully they rescheduled the interview and it is being brought to you today. Toomey discusses seeing Deicide live and meeting Glen Benton for the first time in real life. He also gives a rant on opening bands having too much gear (that never works). 

Follow Joshua Toomey on Facebook/Twitter @talktoomeytalk and Instagram @joshua.toomey 

Subscribe to KNOTFEST YouTube for exclusive performances & in-depth interviews with the most exciting artists in aggressive music, deep dives into iconic artists' discography, and more. 

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#talktoomey #numetal #knotfest #theghostinside

Jon Wysocki was a drum hero and friend to so many. Jon passed away on May 18, 2024 at age 56.

In this episode of Nu Pod, we delve into the making of Staind's iconic album "Break the Cycle" with drummer Jon Wysocki. Jon takes us on a journey through the writing process, making videos, and touring with Limp Bizkit. Join us as we explore the stories behind each track on this transformative album. We explore the themes and emotions that influenced the album's lyrical content. Jon Wysocki provides behind-the-scenes stories from the studio sessions and the band's approach to recording the album.  We go through "Break the Cycle" and how it solidified Staind's place in the rock music scene. Jon provides insights into the writing process and personal connections to each song.

Tyler Riley of Gideon joins Joshua Toomey and Talk Toomey. Tyler speaks about his experiences with music and touring. He reflects on playing festivals like Louder Than Life and Sonic Temple, highlighting their impact on connecting with dedicated fans. Tyler reminisces about his early influences, including his father's band and Christian metalcore, and shares how he started playing guitar. He discusses the transition from playing in church bands to joining actual bands and embarking on tours, emphasizing the DIY approach to booking shows and building a music career in Nashville's vibrant music scene. Tyler and Toomey reminisce about early connections, touring experiences, and evolving musical tastes, highlighting the perseverance required in the industry. Tyler speaks about integrating nu metal influences into Gideon and the importance of crafting songs suitable for large crowds and festivals. They discuss dissecting the elements that define nu metal, emphasizing tempo, flow, and feel over stereotypical elements. The conversation also touches on the commercial success of nu metal and its resurgence, with references to iconic bands like Limp Bizkit and Linkin Park. The discussion concludes with a ranking of top nu metal albums and admiration for Slipknot's musical evolution. 

Joshua Toomey on Facebook/Twitter @talktoomeytalk 

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#talktoomey #numetal #knotfest #gideon

Join Sonny Sandoval of P.O.D. as he unveils the secrets behind their upcoming album, "Veritas," slated for release on May 3rd to Joshua Toomey and the Talk Toomey Podcast. Delving into the band's creative process, Sonny shares insights into their collaborative spirit in the studio. From unexpected collaborations with Randy Blythe and Tatiana from Jinger to poignant discussions on mental health and the pressures of social media, this episode offers a glimpse into the heart and soul of P.O.D.'s music. With honesty and passion, Sonny also reveals his vision for the Youth of the Nation Foundation, aiming to empower underprivileged youth through the arts. Additionally, Sonny reflects on personal milestones, such as Sonny Sandoval Day in his hometown, and shares anecdotes about his love for San Diego and its influence on his identity and music. Whether you're a seasoned fan or a newcomer to the scene, prepare to be moved and inspired by the stories and sounds of P.O.D. 

Joshua Toomey on Facebook/Twitter @talktoomeytalk 

Subscribe to KNOTFEST YouTube for exclusive performances & in-depth interviews with the most exciting artists in aggressive music, deep dives into iconic artists' discography, and more. 

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#talktoomey #numetal #knotfest #pod #sonnysandoval

Chad Ruhlig of For the Fallen Dreams joins Joshua Toomey and Talk Toomey. Chad talks about the early days of the band, how he joined as a bass player, and the transition to vocals. He reflects on the challenges of being in a band, including touring and his decision to leave the band and his eventual return, emphasizing the impact of nostalgia and his motivation to continue making music. He shares insights into rejoining the band and the changes in dynamics upon his return, highlighting the importance of perseverance and hard work in the music industry. 

The guys delve into the current landscape of metalcore music, with Chad expressing optimism about its growth and popularity. They mention bands like Bad Omens and Spiritbox as examples of the genre's increasing prominence, noting their ability to blend heavy elements with powerful choruses. Reflecting on the influence of nu metal, the guys reminisce about their own upbringing with bands like Slipknot, acknowledging how nu metal's resurgence has subtly infiltrated modern metalcore. Transitioning to touring experiences, they compare the convenience of services like DoorDash now to the challenges of finding food on the road in earlier years. Additionally, they touch on the stark contrast in fan engagement between regions, with South American fans displaying remarkable enthusiasm compared to audiences in the United States. They touch upon the prevalence of nostalgic sentiments among fans, particularly regarding music, and how it can shape perceptions of newer material. The discussion then delves into the Chad's family background in bluegrass music, highlighting his grandfather's influence as a musician. He expresses a desire to honor his grandfather's legacy through a potential collaboration blending country music with his own metalcore style. The conversation concludes with love for the latest For The Fallen Dreams release and a sense of excitement for future musical endeavors. 

Joshua Toomey on Facebook/Twitter @talktoomeytalk

Subscribe to KNOTFEST YouTube for exclusive performances & in-depth interviews with the most exciting artists in aggressive music, deep dives into iconic artists' discography, and more. 

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#talktoomey #numetal #knotfest #metalcore #forthefallendreams

Joshua Toomey and Ro Kohli bring you another new episode of Nu Pod presented by Knotfest. Dryden Mitchell and Terry Corso of Alien Ant Farm join the show to talk about their new album, "Mantras." To start the podcast, the Toomey and Ro discuss their history with Alien Ant Farm and dive into Limp Bizkit's recent performance at Lollapalooza in Argentina. Differences between American audiences and audiences abroad are discussed.  Shavo from System of a Down and his newly formed supergroup, sevenhoursafterviolet, is disected. Anticipation is high for the group's sound, with expectations leaning towards a heavy and groovy vibe. Shifting gears, the discussion moves on to Korn's recently announced tour commemorating their 30th anniversary, featuring special guests Gojira and Spiritbox across North America from September to October. Amidst the excitement for the tour, there's also speculation about the potential involvement of former Korn members like David, sparking hopes among fans for special reunion performances. Reflecting on Korn's journey from their early days to their immense success, there's a sense of appreciation for their influence on the metal scene and the anticipation for what the future holds. Overall, the conversation captures a blend of excitement, nostalgia, and anticipation for both Shavo's new project and Korn's upcoming tour, along with the possibility of reunions within the band.

Dryden and Terry of Alien Ant Farm invite listeners into their world, teasing the release of their new album, "Mantras," amidst playful banter about pronunciation. The discussion effortlessly transitions from anecdotes about encounters with Metallica's James Hetfield to reflections on their journey over the past decade, marked by personal struggles and creative breakthroughs. As they reminisce about their legacy and the unexpected success of their hit "Smooth Criminal," they candidly share insights into their creative process and the challenges of returning to touring after a hiatus, leaving listeners eager to join them on their next musical adventure.

Nu Pod on Instagram @nupod1999 

Joshua Toomey on Facebook/Twitter @talktoomeytalk 

Ro Kohli on Facebook/Twitter @warmachinemerch 

Subscribe to KNOTFEST YouTube for exclusive performances & in-depth interviews with the most exciting artists in aggressive music, deep dives into iconic artists' discography, and more. 

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#nupod #numetal #knotfest #korn #alienantfarm 

In this episode of Nu Pod on Knotfest.com, hosts Joshua and Ro touch on Slipknot's new drummer speculation and Dino Cazares' search for a bassist and the list of requirements. The guys then dive into the latest track "Anti-Droid" with Burton C. Bell, formerly of Fear Factory. Burton discusses the meaning behind some of the lyrics to the new song, his plan to release more music and hints at an upcoming show. They delve into the industrial sounds Burton brought to the band and the influences behind Fear Factory's iconic style. The guys talk past OzzFests and Burton's early impressions of Slipknot. This one is a must listen!

Nu Pod on Instagram @nupod1999 

Joshua Toomey on Facebook/Twitter @talktoomeytalk

Ro Kohli on Facebook/Twitter @warmachinemerch 

Subscribe to KNOTFEST YouTube for exclusive performances & in-depth interviews with the most exciting artists in aggressive music, deep dives into iconic artists' discography, and more. 

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#nupod #numetal #knotfest #burtoncbell 

In this episode of the Nu Pod, hosts Joshua Toomey and Ro Kohli, along with guest Ahrue Luster, former guitarist of Machine Head and current Lions at the Gate, discuss Machine Head's album "The Burning Red," released 25 years ago. They touch on the influence of producer Ross Robinson, the polarizing nature of the album, and its impact on the nu-metal scene. The conversation delves into the recording process, highlighting the emphasis on emotion and feeling in the music. They also explore the opening track, "Enter the Phoenix," and the polarizing "Desire, The Fire," dissecting its origin and unique elements. Ahrue discusses various aspects of his experience during the recording process and touring with Machine Head. He mentions his initial impressions of the band, the challenges faced during recording, and specific details about certain songs such as "Nothing Left," "The Burning Red," "The Blood, The Sweat, The Tears," and "From This Day." Ahrue also shares an anecdote about an incident during the tour with Coal Chamber and Slipknot, highlighting the growing popularity of Slipknot during that time.  Ahrue discusses the common tendency of bands to blame labels for low record sales and not receiving enough promotion. They touch upon the perception that external factors contribute to a band's success or lack thereof. The conversation then shifts to the iconic orange jacket worn by Robb Flynn in music videos, revealing it originated from a piece Ahrue had bought at Urban Outfitters but found to have an unusual fit. The orange jacket became a memorable and iconic part of Robb's image. Ahrue shares insights into the making of specific songs, such as "Message in a Bottle," expressing the satisfaction of playing teh opening riff. The interaction with producer Terry Date during the mixing process is highlighted, emphasizing the unique experience of working with him. Overall the guys look back on this record with high praise and great memories.

Nu Pod on Instagram @nupod1999 

Joshua Toomey on Facebook/Twitter @talktoomeytalk 

Ro Kohli on Facebook/Twitter @warmachinemerch 

Subscribe to KNOTFEST YouTube for exclusive performances & in-depth interviews with the most exciting artists in aggressive music, deep dives into iconic artists' discography, and more. 

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#nupod #numetal #knotfest #machinehead #slipknot