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This week I’m joined by Stephen Christian, mastermind behind the project Anchor & Braille and former frontman of Florida alternative rock band Anberlin. Anberlin was a mainstay of the punk and emo scene throughout the 2000s, releasing celebrated albums like Never Take Friendship Personal and Cities; they also had a bona fide hit single, “Feel Good Drag,” which went gold and at one point held the record for most consecutive weeks spent on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart. The band broke up in 2014, but Stephen is back with new music. His third album under the name Anchor & Braille, Songs For The Late Night Drive Home, is out this Friday, February 5, and is a phenomenal collection of moody, vibey pop in the spirit of acts like Washed Out and Active Child.
I caught up with Stephen to chat about how writing this album was different than past projects, discuss how major labels tend to ruin the songwriting process, dive into some Anberlin songs and much more. Hope you enjoy!
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Stephen Christian’s Twitter | Facebook Songs For The Late Night Drive Home on iTunes The Art Collective with Stephen Christian podcast on iTunes Voice & Verse Podcast on iTunes | Stitcher | Twitter | Facebook
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Along with his writing partner, Nate Ruess, Sam Means was responsible for making some of the most compelling and forward-thinking pop music of the new millennium as one-half of indie-pop band The Format. The band’s debut album, Interventions and Lullabies, produced the minor hit “The First Single” – but the follow-up, 2006’s Dog Problems, was an instant classic, blending big band, folk, pop, rock and Broadway into an undeniable blend of fun.
Musically, things have been quiet for Sam since the Format disbanded in 2008, but he’s back with his first solo album, 10 Songs, set for release this Friday, January 22 – and what a welcome return it is. I sat down with Sam late last year to chat about spreading his musical wings again, his writing partnership with Nate Ruess, our shared love of Third Eye Blind, and much more.
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Sam Means’ Website | Twitter | Facebook 10 Songs on iTunes Voice & Verse Podcast on iTunes | Stitcher | Twitter | Facebook
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Episode 041 is a really special one for me, because I’m joined by Steven Page, co-founder and former frontman of Barenaked Ladies and my all-time favorite songwriter. With BNL, Steven’s songs—including “Brian Wilson,” “If I Had $1,000,000,” “The Old Apartment,” “It’s All Been Done,” and more—were undeniable smash hits in the ’90s and early ’00s. All told, BNL have sold more than 15 million albums worldwide.
Since leaving the band in 2009, Steven’s been busy: He released a solo album, Page One, in 2010; hosted his own TV show, The Illegal Eater; and has performed with the acclaimed Art of Time Ensemble. Most recently, he’s on the road with Art of Time, bringing a re-imagined version of The Beatles’ classic Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band to cities up and down the East Coast (tour dates here). He’s also readying a brand-new solo album, set for release in early 2016.
I sat down with Steven in Fairfax, Virginia, for one of my favorite interviews to date. We discussed his work with Art of Time and how performing Sgt. Pepper’s has augmented his love of the source material; dug in to the stories behind some of my favorite Barenaked Ladies songs; chatted about how the jokey perception of Barenaked Ladies overshadowed the deep, emotional pull of the songwriting; and much, much more. I really hope you enjoy this discussion. Thank you for listening!
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Steven Page’s Website | Twitter | Instagram Art of Time Ensemble Tour Dates Page One on iTunes Voice & Verse Podcast on iTunes | Stitcher | Twitter | Facebook
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(photo credit: Jade Ehlers)
This week, I’m joined by singer, songwriter and actor Max Schneider, known as MAX. You might have seen him out on the road this summer with Fall Out Boy and Wiz Khalifa, or on YouTube, where he’s a prolific cover artist. MAX truly does it all. He got his start on Broadway before moving to Nickelodeon, where he starred in the show How To Rock. His new EP, Ms. Anonymous, was recently released on Pete Wentz’s DCD2 label, and MAX has a part in the film Love & Mercy, a biopic about Beach Boys legend Brian Wilson.
I caught up with MAX to chat about his early days, how rejection at a young age affects his art today, his odd couple friendship with Rancid’s Tim Armstrong, and much more. Thanks for listening!
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MAX’s Twitter | Facebook Ms. Anonymous on iTunes Voice & Verse Podcast on iTunes | Stitcher | Twitter | Facebook
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I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Casey Crescenzo for 11 years, back when he was playing in The Receiving End of Sirens. Since then, he’s gone on to become one of the most prolific and praiseworthy songwriters in the scene as frontman and brain trust of The Dear Hunter. In addition to releasing four of the band’s six-part Acts series, Casey has penned seven EPs worth of material based on the color spectrum, composed a symphony, and much more.
To celebrate the release of The Dear Hunter’s new album, Act IV: Rebirth in Reprise, I caught up with Casey to chat about hitting creative roadblocks, the uncharacteristic music path he almost took and how someone who can’t read music goes about writing a symphony. Thanks for listening!
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Casey Crescenzo’s Twitter | Instagram The Dear Hunter’s Facebook | Twitter Act IV: Rebirth in Reprise on iTunes Voice & Verse Podcast on iTunes | Stitcher | Twitter | Facebook
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Dan Wilson’s first hit single came in the late ’90s, when his band, Semisonic, released the seminal sing-along “Closing Time” – a song that practically feels like a federally mandated inclusion to any karaoke night. But his songwriting prowess didn’t stop there. Overseas, Semisonic enjoyed another smash hit with “Secret Smile,” and Dan parlayed that success – along with the desire to branch out and start collaborating with outside writers – into a career as one of the most well-respected songwriters in the industry. Since then, he’s worked with everyone from Adele (with whom he wrote the already iconic “Someone Like You”) and the Dixie Chicks (netting a Grammy for “Not Ready to Make Nice” along the way) to Weezer, Nas, John Legend, Pink, Dierks Bentley, and many more. His newest solo album, Love Without Fear, was released last year.
In this chat, Dan and I discuss why it’s best not to toil over a bad song, how his painting passions contrast his day job, Love Without Fear and much more. Hope you enjoy!
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Dan Wilson’s Website | Twitter | Facebook Love Without Fear on iTunes Voice & Verse Podcast on iTunes | Stitcher | Twitter | Facebook
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If you own a TV, odds are you’ve heard an X Ambasasdors song. This New York quartet have exploded recently, with their hit singles “Jungle” and “Renegades” appearing everywhere from Beats and Jeep commercials to a promo for the 2014 World Cup. But the band are more than just jingle writers; the group’s debut album, VHS, is an intoxicating mix of rock, hip-hop, soul and funk anchored by frontman Sam Harris’ powerful vocals. On this episode, Sam and I chat about the band’s early influences, the proclivity of the Brooklyn music scene to out-indie one another, how his favorite childhood movies colored VHS, and much more. Thanks for listening!
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X Ambassadors’ Website | Twitter | Facebook VHS on iTunes Voice & Verse Podcast on iTunes | Stitcher | Twitter | Facebook
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Good Old War’s new album, Broken Into Better Shape, was just released a few weeks ago, but it’s already in contention for one of my favorite albums of the year. Combining the band’s knack for picture-perfect folk with a newly tuned melodic precision, songs like “Never Gonna See Me Cry” and “Tell Me What You Want From Me” seem destined to find a home on a radio dial near you. But this is the culmination of years of hard work for the Philadelphia-based band; rising from the ashes of Fueled By Ramen act Days Away, Good Old War have been making music together since 2008 and have released four studio albums. They also serve as Circa Survive singer Anthony Green’s backing band, which, as you’ll hear in this episode, allows them to step outside of the classic Good Old War sound and embrace some weirder tendencies.
I caught up with Dan just shortly before the release of Broken Into Better Shape to chat about the band’s history, how their work with Green impacts how they approach making music with Good Old War, why you should never give up on an idea, and much more. Thanks for listening!
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Good Old War’s Website | Twitter | Facebook Broken Into Better Shape on iTunes Voice & Verse Podcast on iTunes | Stitcher | Twitter | Facebook
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Frank Iero is best known for his time spent in My Chemical Romance, but the guitarist shouldn’t just be defined by that decade-plus period. He’s also fronted hardcore band Leathermouth, joined up with My Chem and Get Up Kids keyboardist (and Reggie and the Full Effect bandleader) James Dewees in Death Spells, and, most recently, released an album of solo material under the name FrnkIero AndTh Cellabration.
On this episode, Frank stops by to chat about his fantastic new solo album, Stomachaches, how his identity as one of My Chemical Romance’s two guitarists has (or hasn’t) shaped the music he’s written since, how fatherhood has affected his workflow, and much more!
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Frank Iero’s iero.com">Website | Twitter | Facebook Stomachaches on iTunes Voice & Verse Podcast on iTunes | Stitcher | Twitter | Facebook
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What a thrill it is for me to welcome Guster’s Ryan Miller, one of my all-time favorite songwriters, onto the show. I first heard Guster in 2000, but they’d already been making music for nine years at that point. Their 1999 major-label debut, Lost And Gone Forever, pushed them into more mainstream popularity, as did subsequent tours with the likes of Barenaked Ladies and John Mayer. Since then they’ve been a pop-rock mainstay, releasing four more albums – including 2015’s awesome Evermotion. Ryan’s also an accomplished composer, scoring for films like Safety Not Guaranteed and The Kings of Summer. We chatted about how his film work has expanded his horizons when it comes to Guster, the best songwriting advice he’s ever received, and much more!
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Links: Guster’s Twitter | Facebook | Website Evermotion on iTunes Voice & Verse Podcast on iTunes | Stitcher | Twitter | Facebook
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You’d be hard pressed to find a more iconic couplet in the early ’00s than “He’s too stoned/Nintendo,” from American Hi-Fi’s hit single “Flavor of the Weak.” That’s why I’m thrilled to have Hi-Fi frontman Stacy Jones joining me on Episode 033. In addition to fronting Hi-Fi – who released their fifth (and really, really great) album, Blood & Lemonade, last year on Rude Records – Stacy serves as the musical director and live drummer for Miley Cyrus, live drummer for Matchbox Twenty, and an acclaimed producer and co-writer. He truly does it all.
In this episode, we trace his musical history, learn how a tour with Bush sparked his songwriting skills, chat about how “Flavor of the Weak” began as a joke song, and much more.
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Links: Stacy Jones on Twitter | Instagram American Hi-Fi’s fi.com/">Website Summerland tour dates Blood & Lemonade on iTunes Voice & Verse Podcast on iTunes | Stitcher | Twitter | Facebook
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We’re serving up another blast from the past this week with a deep dive into Gatsbys American Dream’s beloved album Volcano. Released on April 12, 2005, Volcano was GAD’s debut release for Fearless Records and cemented the Seattle-based band as one of the most intelligent, forward-thinking acts in the scene. The album loosely centered around the story of Pompeii and its volcano, Mt. Vesuvius, while also exploring themes of humanity and emotion in a package that was equal parts mathematical and melodic.
To celebrate 10 years of Volcano, I caught up with frontman Nic Newsham to chat about the album’s origins, how hearing loss contributed to the overall sound, the odds of an anniversary tour, and much more.
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Links: Nic Newsham on Twitter Volcano on iTunes Voice & Verse Podcast on iTunes | Stitcher | Twitter | Facebook
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Photo: Tom Falcone
Alex from All Time Low drops by on Episode 031, just after topping both the US and UK sales charts with a brand-new album, Future Hearts. In this hour-long chat, Alex and I discuss our shared musical interests, how his opinions on co-writing have changed over the years, and the singular event that spurred him and his All Time Low bandmates to ditch the covers and begin writing songs of their own.
Plus, stick around until the end of the show to find out how you can win a poster signed by All Time Low along with a copy of Future Hearts. Thanks for listening!
Links: All Time Low’s Website | Facebook | Twitter Alex Gaskarth on Twitter Future Hearts on iTunes Voice & Verse Podcast on iTunes | Stitcher | Twitter | Facebook
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On Episode 030, I chronicle the making of one of my all-time favorite albums: The Receiving End of Sirens’ Between The Heart And The Synapse. Released on April 26, 2005, Between The Heart And The Synapse was TREOS’ debut full-length album – and marked the introduction of newcomer Casey Crescenzo, who stepped into the Boston-based group after original singer Ben Potrykus left the band in 2003. Crescenzo’s musical versatility – bordering on genius – was immediately felt, and he pushed his new bandmates to greater musical heights along with introducing the electronic elements that made Synapse such a masterpiece. Balancing three guitars, three adept singers, complex time signatures, and cohesive lyrical content is no easy task, but TREOS made these lofty ambitions look effortless. That’s why it remains a favorite of mine a decade later – and inspired bands like Cartel and Panic! At The Disco to push their craft to the next level.
To celebrate the album’s 10th anniversary, I caught up with old friends Brendan Brown (bass/vocals) and Nate Patterson (guitar) to share a lot of laughs, reminisce about writing Synapse, and learn why they loved tormenting former tourmates Panic! At The Disco. I hope you enjoy this very fun chat.
Links: Between The Heart And The Synapse on iTunes Voice & Verse Podcast on iTunes | Stitcher | Twitter | Facebook
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Photo credit: Alex Liscio (Twitter | Instagram)
On Episode 029, John O’Callaghan, frontman for Arizona-based rock band The Maine, stops by. The Maine formed in 2007 and quickly became one of the hottest young acts in the late-00s pop-punk/emo scene thanks to a mix of unbridled energy and sugary hooks. That formula landed them a major-label record deal, which, as you’ll hear, forced the band into some uncomfortable collaboration situations. Undeterred, The Maine have been a fearless DIY force since leaving Warner Bros. in 2011. They’ve released three albums under their own 8123 collective – the newest of which, American Candy, was released this past week and finds the band melding the spunk of their early days with mature, socially aware lyricism to create their best work.
I called John to chat about his songwriting evolution through the years, how a very unlikely source inspired the sound of American Candy, his reaction to Zayn leaving One Direction, and much more. Plus, stick around until the end of the show to find out how you can win a signed copy of American Candy! Thanks for listening.
Links: The Maine’s Website | Facebook | Twitter John O’Callaghan on Twitter American Candy on iTunes Voice & Verse Podcast on iTunes | Stitcher | Twitter | Facebook
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On Episode 028, Matt from Vertical Horizon calls in for a great chat. As the frontman and chief songwriter of Vertical Horizon, Matt penned some of the biggest hits of the late ’90s and early ’00s including “Everything You Want” (which eventually hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100) and “You’re A God.” Scannell formed Vertical Horizon in the early ’90s at Georgetown University along with fellow student and songwriter Keith Kane. The duo released two albums, 1992’s There And Back Again and 1995’s Running On Ice, before signing to RCA for the major-label efforts Everything You Want (1999) and Go (2003). Vertical Horizon’s newest album, Echos From The Underground, was released in 2013, and Matt’s also been collaborating off and on with renowned songwriters like Richard Marx and Bruce Hornsby.
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Links: Vertical Horizon’s Website | Twitter | Facebook Echos From The Underground on iTunes Voice & Verse Podcast on iTunes | Stitcher | Twitter | Facebook
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We’re back with another look at an album celebrating its tenth anniversary: The Everglow by Mae. Released on March 29, 2005, The Everglow marked Mae’s second release for Tooth & Nail – and an album that to this day remains their most beloved. The Everglow is a rare concept album that doesn’t collapse under its own self-importance, instead brimming with optimism and limitless potential while seamlessly marrying indie-rock and emo. The band is celebrating the album’s anniversary this year; in January, they embarked on a short tour and will be bringing The Everglow to cities across the country this spring and summer.
I caught up with frontman Dave Elkins to chronicle the album’s creation, how it catapulted them onto a tour with one of his all-time favorite bands, and to learn a little about the new music brewing in the Mae camp. Enjoy!
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Links: Dave Elkins on Twitter | Instagram Mae’s Website | Twitter | Facebook Schematic’s Website | Twitter | Facebook Voice & Verse Podcast on iTunes | Stitcher | Twitter | Facebook
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On Episode 026, I sit down with Sam Hollander, an Emmy-nominated producer/songwriter who was one of the true architects of the late ’00s emo/pop-punk scene. Boys Like Girls’ “The Great Escape”? Yeah, that’s Sam. Cobra Starship’s “Snakes on a Plane (Bring It)”? Also Sam. Along with his longtime writing partner, Dave Katz (the two dubbed themselves S*A*M and Sluggo), Hollander wrote songs with acts Gym Class Heroes, The Academy Is…, Metro Station, All Time Low, Mayday Parade and many more. These days, he dabbles in different things; more recently, he’s penned songs for One Direction (“Rock Me”), Katy Perry (“If You Can Afford Me”), Daughtry (“Waiting For Superman”) and Train (“This’ll Be My Year”).
I caught up with Sam to chronicle his role in the scene’s rise, writing with the Baha Men and why his song for One Direction was one of the best – and worst – things to happen to him as a songwriter.
Links: Sam Hollander’s Twitter | Instagram | Website Voice & Verse Podcast on iTunes | Stitcher | Twitter | Facebook
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For our first show of the new year, we’re heading back to 2005 to chronicle Motion City Soundtrack’s breakthrough album, Commit This To Memory. Released on June 7, 2005, the Mark Hoppus-produced album served as Motion City Soundtrack’s coming-out party and established them as one of the strongest acts in the burgeoning pop-punk/emo music scene thanks to songs like “Everything Is Alright” and “When ‘You’re’ Around.” To celebrate the album’s 10-year anniversary, MCS are embarking on a US tour, during which they’ll be playing the album front to back. I caught up with MCS frontman Justin Pierre just days before the tour’s first show to reflect on the album’s creation, how his songwriting approach has changed over the years, and much more.
Links: Justin Pierre’s Twitter | Instagram Motion City Soundtrack’s Website | Twitter | Facebook Commit This To Memory on iTunes Junkshow Cinema’s Website | Twitter Book Narcs’ Website | Twitter Farewell Continental’s Website | Twitter | Facebook Voice & Verse Podcast on iTunes | Stitcher | Twitter | Facebook
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This week, I’m joined by Kevin Devine, an indie-rock singer-songwriter from Brooklyn, New York. Since the early 2000s, Devine has been making some of the most forward-thinking (and thoughtful) songs in the folk rock genre, drawing on political unrest and personal heartache alike to create songs that are often beautiful but never boring. He’s also a member of indie-rock super group Bad Books, featuring Manchester Orchestra; together, the band has released two albums: 2010’s self-titled effort and 2012’s II. Last year, thanks to a fervent grassroots fanbase, Devine funded two albums via Kickstarter: Bubblegum—the loud one, produced by Brand New’s Jesse Lacey—and Bulldozer, a quieter affair helmed by Rob Schnapf. I caught up with Kevin to chat about crowdfunding, how collaboration has affected his songwriting, why idol worship never really leaves you, and much more. Enjoy!
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Links: Kevin Devine’s Website | Twitter | Facebook | Tumblr Buy Bubblegum and Bulldozer on iTunes She Can See Me 7″ via Bad Timing Records Voice & Verse Podcast on iTunes | Stitcher | Facebook | Twitter
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This week, I sit down with Emmy-nominated songwriter Andrew McMahon to chat about his new project, Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness. In high school, McMahon and friends formed Something Corporate, a piano-pop group that would go on to be at the forefront of the early 2000s pop-punk/emo scenes and release two albums for major label MCA Records: 2002’s Leaving Through the Window and 2003’s North. After SoCo dissolved, McMahon formed Jack’s Mannequin, releasing the instant classic Everything In Transit in 2005 along with two other albums.
These days, he’s a solo artist, mixing his love for classic songwriters like Billy Joel, Tom Petty and Bruce Hornsby with electronic elements to create a sound that’s retro and modern at the same time. His debut solo full-length, Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness, was released this past October through Vanguard Records. I caught up with Andrew at the 9:30 Club in Washington, DC to chat about writing songs for TV, transitioning to this new phase in his career, how he plans to celebrate Everything In Transit‘s upcoming 10-year anniversary and much more.
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Links: Andrew McMahon’s Website | Twitter Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness on iTunes Voice & Verse Podcast on iTunes | Stitcher | Facebook
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As you might be able to tell from the retro photo above, we’re traveling back to 2004 to explore the origins of Straylight Run’s self-titled debut album with the help of frontman, guitarist and pianist John Nolan. After leaving Taking Back Sunday in 2003 amidst a sea of controversy, Nolan formed Straylight Run with fellow TBSer Shaun Cooper on bass – eventually rounding out the group with his sister, Michelle, and drummer Will Noon. From the opening strains of Straylight Run, it’s clear Nolan’s new band would be anything but TBS 2.0. Filled with lush harmonies, piano and moody ballads, the album found the singer exploring uncharted musical waters – a sound that fans hail to this day as a true hallmark in his career.
To commemorate the album’s 10th anniversary, I caught up with John to chat about its creation, how he grew as a songwriter and just who the songs on Straylight Run are – or aren’t – about. If you like what you hear, be sure to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher or YouTube so you don’t miss a single episode of the stories behind your favorite songs. Thanks for listening!
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Links: John Nolan’s Twitter Straylight Run on iTunes Voice & Verse Episode 009: Taking Back Sunday Voice & Verse Podcast on iTunes | Stitcher | YouTube | Facebook
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Graham Colton’s seen it all in the business: In college, he developed a fervent grassroots fanbase (aided by the advent of file-sharing), and soon was plucked from pubs and coffeehouses by Counting Crows’ Adam Duritz, who’d go on to serve as one of his two musical mentors. From there, Colton formed the aptly named Graham Colton Band, released a major-label album filled with radio-ready pop-rock (2004’s Drive), and began a high-profile romance with pop star Kelly Clarkson. Along the way, he enjoyed a hit single (“Best Days,” from 2007’s Here Right Now), which would launch him onto Letterman, Leno, and American Idol – just to name a few. Colton now takes his career into his own hands as an independent artist; his new album, Lonely Ones, is a collection of neo-psych-inspired pop that’s among the best music of his career, and he’s also the co-founder of Fanswell – an innovative new platform that allows artists and listeners to come together to create intimate concert environments.
I caught up with Graham to chat about writing with some of the business’ biggest names; his relationship with Flaming Lips frontman (and fellow Oklahoman) Wayne Coyne; how his childhood best friend, Wes Welker, is currently making waves of his own as a Pro Bowl receiver in the NFL; and much more. If you like what you hear, be sure to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher or YouTube so you don’t miss a single episode of the stories behind your favorite songs. Thanks for listening!
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Links: Graham Colton’s Twitter | Website Fanswell’s Website Lonely Ones on iTunes Voice & Verse Podcast on iTunes | Stitcher | YouTube | Facebook
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With hits like “Inside Out,” “Promise,” and “Here’s To the Night” under his belt, Max Collins helped pen iconic alt-rock staples that live on to this day. In addition to fronting Eve 6, the band he formed in high school with a pair of childhood friends that would go on to enjoy gold- and platinum-selling success, Collins is a solo artist these days. His debut solo album, the crowdfunded Honey From the Ice Box, was released earlier this year and finds Collins tapping into artists like The Lemonheads to craft a sound unlike anything in his past. I caught up with Max to talk about Eve 6’s most beloved songs, crafting a unique lyrical style, and what fans can expect from his upcoming second solo album.
If you like what you hear, be sure to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher or YouTube so you don’t miss a single episode of the stories behind your favorite songs. Thanks for listening!
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Links: Max Collins’ Twitter | Facebook Eve 6’s Twitter | Facebook | Website Honey From the Ice Box on iTunes Voice & Verse Podcast on iTunes | Stitcher | YouTube | Facebook
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Joining me this week is Nick Thompson, frontman of pop-punk bands Hit The Lights and Thief Club. Known for a buoyant sound that incorporates elements of hardcore along with a tried-and-true pop-punk bite, Hit The Lights have been a scene staple since forming back in 2003 in Ohio. The group released two albums for Triple Crown Records – 2006’s This Is A Stick Up … Don’t Make It A Murder and 2008’s Skip School, Start Fights – before jumping to Razor & Tie for 2012’s Invicta. Nick’s Thief Club project finds the singer taking a more personal approach to his songwriting, penning songs about childhood nostalgia, familial loss, and more. I caught up with Nick to chat about Hit The Lights’ musical evolution, some details on their upcoming fourth album, and just how he ended up at the home of Stone Temple Pilots bassist Rob DeLeo.
If you like what you hear, be sure to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher or YouTube so you don’t miss a single episode of the stories behind your favorite songs. Thanks for listening!
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Links: Nick Thompson’s Twitter Hit The Lights’ Twitter | Facebook | Website Thief Club’s Website Voice & Verse Podcast on iTunes | Stitcher | YouTube | Facebook
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If you’re like me, your first introduction to John Feldmann’s work came in the classic Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater videogame, which featured Goldfinger’s ska classic “Superman.” That might have been much of the mainstream’s introduction to Feldmann’s musical skills, but he’s followed it up in a huge way ever since. In addition to fronting Goldfinger, Feldmann is an acclaimed producer and songwriter, helping guide albums for the likes of Black Veil Brides, Panic! at the Disco, The Used, and 5 Seconds of Summer. I caught up with John to talk about how “Superman” came to be, working with young artists, his personal connection to the show True Blood, and much more.
If you like what you hear, be sure to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher or YouTube so you don’t miss a single episode of the stories behind your favorite songs. Thanks for listening!
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Links: John Feldmann’s Twitter The Atlantic – “The Power of Two” Voice & Verse Podcast on iTunes | Stitcher | YouTube | Facebook
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Throughout his long and accomplished career, Ace Enders has put his musical mark on many projects, including Drive Thru Records emo favorites The Early November and the folky side project I Can Make a Mess. He’s also an accomplished producer and songwriter, helming projects for the likes of Aaron West & the Roaring Twenties, a side project/character study of The Wonder Years’ Dan Campbell. With so many parts of his musical life working in concert, Ace is the perfect guest for the show. I caught up with him to talk about The Early November’s beginnings, how songwriting has changed for him over time and why you won’t ever hear the phrase “turnt up” in an Early November song.
If you like what you hear, be sure to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher or YouTube so you don’t miss a single episode of the stories behind your favorite songs. Thanks for listening!
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Links: Ace Enders’ Twitter The Early November’s Twitter | Facebook | Website Voice & Verse Podcast on iTunes | Stitcher | YouTube | Facebook
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From the opening cries of “Are you listening?” on “Walls,” the first track on 2004’s The Weak’s End, Emery have been a staple in the post-hardcore scene. The Seattle-by-way-of-South-Carolina quintet have released several acclaimed albums since breaking onto the scene back in 2004, including The Question and We Do What We Want. These days, they’re stepping out of the traditional record label life with Bad Christian, an alternative faith-based label, blog and media collective they founded in 2013. Currently, the band are hard at work on a new album, You Were Never Alone, which should be out this fall on the Bad Christian label. I caught up with lead guitarist Matt Carter to trace the band’s songwriting history and learn why sometimes a heavy-handed producer can actually work wonders.
If you like what you hear, be sure to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher or YouTube so you don’t miss a single episode of the stories behind your favorite songs. Thanks for listening!
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Links: Matt Carter’s Twitter Emery’ Website | Facebook | Twitter Bad Christian’s Website | Podcast Voice & Verse Podcast on iTunes | Stitcher | YouTube | Facebook
We’re changing things up this week; instead of your regularly scheduled songwriter interview, I sat down with label owner, music blogger and band manager Zack Zarrillo to chat about our favorite songs of 2014 so far — along with some hot-button issues. We delve into the practice of cowriting, whether bands should be scorned for the practice and why the perception of the practice differs for different musical genres. We close things out with a discussion on bands whose lyrics are penned by someone other than the lead vocalist.
If you like what you hear, please spread the word about the podcast and subscribe via one of the links below. Thanks for listening!
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Songs mentioned: Bleachers – “I Wanna Get Better” The Hotelier – “Dendron” Manchester Orchestra – “Cope” Modern Baseball – “Your Graduation” Twin Forks – “Plans” Tigers Jaw – “Teen Rocket” The Menzingers – “Nothing Feels Good Anymore” The Gaslight Anthem – “Get Hurt”
Links: Zack Zarrillo’s Twitter | Blog | Property of Zack | Off the Record | Bad Timing Records Voice & Verse Podcast on iTunes | Stitcher | YouTube | Facebook
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This week, we’re firing up the time machine to head back to 2004 in order to chronicle Underoath’s game-changing album They’re Only Chasing Safety. The album is still to this day heralded as a landmark release in the metalcore genre thanks to its blend of muscle and melody — provided by frontman Spencer Chamberlain and drummer/singer Aaron Gillespie, respectively. Songs like “Reinventing Your Exit” became staples on MySpace pages around the world and inspired countless bands to try their hand at imitating the instant-classic sound (just look around the Warped Tour stages for the past few years for proof).
I caught up with Gillespie (who’s now holding down the kit as part of Paramore’s live band) to chat about the album’s beginnings, how it changed his life and much more.
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Links: Aaron Gillespie’s Website | Twitter | Instagram They’re Only Chasing Safety on iTunes | Amazon Voice & Verse Podcast on iTunes | Stitcher | YouTube | Facebook
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Through his work in Further Seems Forever and Dashboard Confessional, Chris Carrabba has been one of the most successful and idolized scene-based songwriters of the past 15 years. His work in Dashboard has earned him three gold records, the lead single to the Spider-Man 2 soundtrack and even a stint at Madison Square Garden — not bad for a gig that was originally a side project. These days, his focus is on Twin Forks, a boot-stompin’ folk band he started with friends from Florida.
I caught up with Chris at the 9:30 Club in Washington, DC to talk about the different stages of his career, how his mother’s education colors the words he uses in his songs and much more. If you like what you hear, be sure to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or Stitcher so you don’t miss a single episode of the stories behind your favorite songs. Thanks for listening!
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Links: Chris Carrabba’s Twitter Twin Forks’ Website | Facebook | Twitter Twin Forks on iTunes | Amazon Voice & Verse Podcast on iTunes | Stitcher | YouTube | Facebook
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If you’re headed to Warped Tour this summer, odds are you’ll hear The Summer Set’s name thrown around quite a bit. Since forming in 2007, the Scottsdale band has risen to become one of the more popular acts in the pop-rock genre, even earning some much-desired crossover success by performing at the iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.
Just before the band headed out for Warped, I caught up with frontman Brian Dales to chat about the evolution of The Summer Set’s sound, how re-runs of How I Met Your Mother provided a jumping-off point for the group’s new album, Legendary, and why he’s forever indebted to Bruce Springsteen. If you like what you hear, be sure to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or Stitcher so you don’t miss a single episode of the stories behind your favorite songs. Thanks for listening!
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Links: Brian Dales’ Twitter | Instagram The Summer Set’s Website | Facebook | Twitter Legendary on iTunes | Amazon Voice & Verse Podcast on iTunes | Stitcher | YouTube | Facebook
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As drummer and half of the songwriting team behind The Swellers, Jonathan Diener’s punk proficiency has helped the Flint, Michigan quartet grow a cult following and tour with everyone from Paramore to Anti-Flag. Since 2002, the band has released four full-length albums and two EPs; their most recent release, 2013’s The Light Under Closed Doors finds the band at a crossroads in life, imbuing the music with a sense of urgency and desperation that made it one of the year’s best albums.
I caught up with Jonathan to talk about writing songs with his brother, how a would-be side project inspired their new album and why it’s best not to suppress your inspirations. If you like what you hear, be sure to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or Stitcher so you don’t miss a single episode of the stories behind your favorite songs. Thanks for listening!
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Links: Jonathan Diener on Twitter The Swellers on Twitter | Facebook | Bandcamp Braided Veins on Twitter | Facebook | Bandcamp Voice & Verse Podcast on iTunes | Stitcher | Youtube
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In June 2004, New Jersey rock band Midtown released Forget What You Know, their third and what would go on to be their final album. The quartet cut their teeth on Drive-Thru Records in the early 2000s, releasing albums that launched them onto tours with the likes of Blink-182, but it wasn’t until years after the group’s 2005 breakup that they achieved cult-like status. After disbanding, bassist/frontman Gabe Saporta went on to form Manic Panic-painted electro-pop act Cobra Starship, while guitarist Heath Saraceno enlisted in Senses Fail and drummer Rob Hitt founded I Surrender Records. Fans’ wishes for a reunion finally came true this year, when the band announced they would be appearing at the Skate And Surf Festival, marking their first shows in nearly nine years.
To commemorate the album’s tenth anniversary, I caught up with Gabe via Skype to talk about the situation surrounding its creation, antagonizing Butch Walker, nihilism and more. If you like what you hear, be sure to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or Stitcher so you don’t miss a single episode of the stories behind your favorite songs. Thanks for listening!
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Links: Midtown’s Facebook Gabe Saporta on Twitter | Instagram Forget What You Know on iTunes | Amazon Skate And Surf Festival Tickets Voice & Verse Podcast on iTunes | Stitcher | Youtube
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Taking Back Sunday is truly a band that needs little introduction. The Long Island quintet changed the emo and contemporary punk games forever back in 2002 with the release of Tell All Your Friends, and they went on to enjoy mainstream success thanks to hits like “MakeDamnSure.” Of course, none of this was without turmoil; guitarist/vocalist John Nolan and bassist Shaun Cooper unceremoniously departed the band in 2003, later going on to form Straylight Run before returning to TBS in 2010.
I caught up with Cooper and drummer Mark O’Connell in Silver Spring, Maryland to chat about their new album, Happiness Is, and major-label horror stories. If you like what you hear, be sure to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or Stitcher so you don’t miss a single episode of the stories behind your favorite songs. Thanks for listening!
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Links: Taking Back Sunday’s Website | Facebook | Twitter Happiness Is on iTunes | Amazon Voice & Verse Podcast on iTunes | Stitcher
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I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Will Pugh since 2004, back before his band Cartel struck pop-punk gold with Chroma, their debut full-length. From there, the group went on to star in Band In A Bubble, a high-profile MTV reality show and live web series that thrust them even further into the mainstream fray. These days, Cartel is enjoying independent life; their new album, the self-funded and self-produced Collider, hit digital retailers in March 2013. Aside from his involvement in Cartel, Will is also an aspiring producer. I caught up with Will to chat about the making of some of Cartel’s most popular songs and how a very unlikely topic inspired their heaviest song to date.
If you like what you hear, be sure to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes so you don’t miss a single episode of the stories behind your favorite songs. Thanks for listening!
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Welcome to Episode 007, featuring the ever-so-talented William Beckett. You might know Mr. Beckett from his time spent fronting Chicago-based band The Academy Is… from 2003 to 2011, but these days, he’s a hard-touring solo artist. His debut full-length album, Genuine & Counterfeit, was released last year on Equal Vision Records.
I caught up with William on a rainy Saturday evening in Vienna, Virginia to talk about his involvement with Downwrite (a service that connects fans and artists to create one-of-a-kind songs), re-living high school memories via music, and why skipping school actually helped him in the long run. Stick around until the end of the show to find out how you can win a William Beckett prize package, including a signed CD!
If you like what you hear, be sure to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes so you don’t miss a single episode of the stories behind your favorite songs. Thanks for listening!
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Mike Herrera from MxPx stops by on this week’s show to chat about the early days of MxPx, how songs like “Chick Magnet” and “Well Adjusted” came to be, and why being compared to Jimmy Eat World actually turned out to be a bad thing. Stay tuned to the end of the show, because we’ll reveal the winner of last week’s contest and give away a signed copy of A Rocket to the Moon’s Wild & Free album.
If you like what you hear, be sure to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes so you don’t miss a single episode of the stories behind your favorite songs. Thanks for listening!
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On Episode 005, I sat down with Nick Santino, formerly of A Rocket to the Moon and currently of Nick Santino and the Northern Wind. During the conversation, which was recorded back in November while Nick was opening the Up Close & Personal Tour alongside This Century, we talked about his feeling toward co-writing culture and about the genesis of several of his songs, including Rocket’s hit single “Like We Used To.” Stay tuned to the end of the show, because you’ll find out how to enter to win a copy of ARTTM’s Wild & Free album signed by Nick.
If you like what you hear, be sure to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes so you don’t miss a single episode of the stories behind your favorite songs. Thanks for listening!
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On Episode 004 of the show, I sat down with the members of Never Shout Never to talk shop. We chatted about Bandhappy (a songwriting lecture Christofer Drew gave on last summer’s Warped Tour), the push-and-pull of major label politics, and even heard Chris play the very first song he ever wrote. Chris also gave us some exclusive insight into the band’s upcoming plans for 2014, which includes an album of re-done Never Shout Never classics, an NSN release of brand-new songs and a solo album.
If you like what you hear, be sure to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes so you don’t miss a single episode of the stories behind your favorite songs. Thanks for listening!
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On Episode 003 of the Voice & Verse Podcast, my guest is Brendon Urie from Panic! at the Disco. Panic!’s new album, Too Weird To Live, Too Rare To Die!, hit stores last November and debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, matching their best chart position ever. You can pick it up on iTunes here, and read more about the making of the album in Alternative Press issue 304 (written by yours truly).
I caught up with Brendon backstage at Rams Head Live in Baltimore to talk about writing a song with Weezer’s Rivers Cuomo, his Dr. Dre mentality when it comes to composing music, and how an unlikely love inspired the first song he ever wrote. If you like what you hear, be sure to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes so you don’t miss a single episode of the stories behind your favorite songs. Thanks for listening!
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Welcome to Episode 002! This week, my guest is Matt Pryor of The Get Up Kids, The New Amsterdams and The Terrible Twos. Matt’s also an accomplished solo musician; you can pick up his new solo album, Wrist Slitter, here. Additionally, he’s a member of the service Downwrite, which connects fans and songwriters to create customized, commissioned songs.
I caught up with Matt backstage at The Ottobar in Baltimore to talk about his involvement with Downwrite and why songwriting is at times a bit like parenting. If you like what you hear, be sure to subscribe to the Voice & Verse Podcast on iTunes so you don’t miss a single episode of the stories behind your favorite songs. Thanks for listening! (26:52)
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Hello, and welcome to the very first episode of the Voice & Verse Podcast. This week, I’m pleased to welcome my buddy Joel Madden to the show. Joel is best known as the singer of (and half of the songwriting duo behind) multi-platinum rock band Good Charlotte.
These days, he’s staying busy as a songwriter and producer, working with newer acts like Emblem3, 5 Seconds of Summer and Krewella. He and his brother Benji are also hard at work on a new album from their band the Madden Brothers. I caught up with Joel to talk about the genesis of “The Anthem,” how writing with new artists stretches him creatively and what song he considers to be the gold standard in terms of songwriting. As always, you can subscribe to the podcast here, ensuring you don’t miss an episode of the stories behind your favorite songs. (38:34)
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