In this episode, we’re joined by Jimmy Stadt, frontman of the beloved post-hardcore band Polar Bear Club, for a conversation that traces the band’s journey from the heart of Rochester, NY to stages around the world. Jimmy reflects on the band’s whirlwind early days—how they started fast, caught unexpected momentum, and found themselves navigating a rapidly changing landscape in the hardcore and punk scenes.

We talk about the impact of coming up in a smaller city, what it meant to find a voice in an era before social media dominance, and how the band learned to adjust their expectations as reality set in. Jimmy shares candid thoughts on identity, burnout, and the challenge of staying grounded when things move too quickly. It’s a look back at a pivotal time in underground music, through the eyes of someone who lived it in real time.

Weekly Recommendation Playlist [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/11xMpD6cIu08GmE3PWpypA?si=83094abaefe04105]

Subscribe to the podcast on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_akI_b6HY7yrc2Zc1ciBvw]

Rockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. [https://rockabilia.com/] 

Evil Greed is a highly curated merchandise provider from Berlin, Germany with fast, worldwide shipping and features stores from bands like Power Trip, Deafheaven, Nails, Russian Circles and so much more. [https://evilgreed.net/]

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jimmy Stadt from Polar Bear Club

In this episode, we’re joined by Troy Lusk, the founder and booking agent behind Tour Peachy [https://tourpeachy.com/], a boutique agency that’s redefining what it means to stay independent in the live music world. Troy walks us through his journey from fan to agent—breaking into the business the hard way, learning by doing, and eventually launching his own agency with a clear vision: keep it small, stay hands-on, and take the kind of risks that build real careers.

Tour Peachy has grown steadily by focusing on meaningful relationships, artist-first decisions, and a roster that reflects not just taste, but trust. We talk about what it means to scale intentionally in an industry obsessed with numbers, how Troy navigates challenges with care and strategy, and why betting on the underdog often pays off. Whether you're in music or just chasing something on your own terms, this episode is packed with insight into how to build something real—and keep it that way.

Weekly Recommendation Playlist [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/11xMpD6cIu08GmE3PWpypA?si=83094abaefe04105]

Subscribe to the podcast on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_akI_b6HY7yrc2Zc1ciBvw]

Rockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. [https://rockabilia.com/] 

Evil Greed is a highly curated merchandise provider from Berlin, Germany with fast, worldwide shipping and features stores from bands like Power Trip, Deafheaven, Nails, Russian Circles and so much more. [https://evilgreed.net/]

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Troy Lusk from Tour Peachy

In this episode, we talk with Jensen Ward, guitarist/vocalist of the legendary powerviolence duo Iron Lung [https://www.instagram.com/ironlungrecords/], about the band’s uncompromising path through the underground music world. Since forming in the early 2000s, Iron Lung has built a reputation for their blistering sound, minimalist lineup, and relentless work ethic—carving out a space where intensity and intention go hand in hand.

Jensen dives into the origins of Iron Lung Records, and how the label has become more than just an outlet for his own projects—it’s a carefully curated home for experimental, heavy, and often unclassifiable music. We discuss what guides his choices as a label head, the importance of platforming artists that challenge norms, and how to balance curation with chaos. From global tours to warehouse shows, from brutal riffs to thoughtful releases, this conversation peels back the layers of one of punk’s most enduring and deliberate forces.

Weekly Recommendation Playlist [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/11xMpD6cIu08GmE3PWpypA?si=83094abaefe04105]

Subscribe to the podcast on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_akI_b6HY7yrc2Zc1ciBvw]

Rockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. [https://rockabilia.com/] 

Evil Greed is a highly curated merchandise provider from Berlin, Germany with fast, worldwide shipping and features stores from bands like Power Trip, Deafheaven, Nails, Russian Circles and so much more. [https://evilgreed.net/]

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jensen Ward from Iron Lung, Innumerable Forms, Gehenna and much more

In this episode, we’re joined by Aaron Marsh [https://www.instagram.com/aaronmarshmusic/?hl=en] from the beloved indie/emo band Copeland [https://open.spotify.com/artist/31HpswGOiF0Mc2wm11sIoN?si=avk2xDCRRdCtiXx4wktH6w] for a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation. Aaron reflects on the band’s evolution, from their early days crafting sweeping, emotional records to becoming a mainstay in the scene known for their lush arrangements and deeply personal lyrics. He opens up about the whirlwind years when Copeland played nearly 600 shows in just two years, and how that pace shaped both the band’s identity and his own growth as an artist.

The conversation also takes an unexpected but fascinating turn into the world of Swedish music, with Aaron sharing how Scandinavian artists have influenced his songwriting and production approach. Lastly, we talk about the unique experience of anniversary touring—what it means to revisit old songs, how fans connect to those moments in time, and the balance between nostalgia and evolution.

Listen to the Official Outbreak Podcast here (executive produced by yours truly)  [https://link.chtbl.com/outbreakfest]

Weekly Recommendation Playlist [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/11xMpD6cIu08GmE3PWpypA?si=83094abaefe04105]

Subscribe to the podcast on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_akI_b6HY7yrc2Zc1ciBvw]

Rockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. [https://rockabilia.com/] 

Evil Greed is a highly curated merchandise provider from Berlin, Germany with fast, worldwide shipping and features stores from bands like Power Trip, Deafheaven, Nails, Russian Circles and so much more. [https://evilgreed.net/]

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Aaron Marsh from Copeland

In this episode, we sit down with Maik Weichert, guitarist and founding member of the legendary German metal band Heaven Shall Burn [https://open.spotify.com/artist/4sy5qWfwUwpGYBnCKnwfcW?si=omDqkKIiRgOMoRBsjSp-bQ], for a powerful conversation about longevity in extreme music, the stark contrasts between touring in the US and Europe, and the band's enduring commitment to veganism and activism.

Maik shares insights from over two decades of pushing sonic and ideological boundaries—from maintaining creative passion after all these years, to navigating the physical and emotional demands of relentless touring. We dig into the unique challenges and rewards of playing for American audiences, the differences in tour culture and infrastructure, and how staying true to ethical principles like veganism fuels the band’s identity both on and off the stage.

Listen to the Official Outbreak Podcast here (executive produced by yours truly)  [https://link.chtbl.com/outbreakfest]

Weekly Recommendation Playlist [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/11xMpD6cIu08GmE3PWpypA?si=83094abaefe04105]

Subscribe to the podcast on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_akI_b6HY7yrc2Zc1ciBvw]

Rockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. [https://rockabilia.com/] 

Evil Greed is a highly curated merchandise provider from Berlin, Germany with fast, worldwide shipping and features stores from bands like Power Trip, Deafheaven, Nails, Russian Circles and so much more. [https://evilgreed.net/]

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Maik Weichert from Heaven Shall Burn

In this episode, Dan Campbell from The Wonder Years [https://open.spotify.com/artist/0nq64XZMWV1s7XHXIkdH7K?si=KQGza8uIR3a4auwHs6AJoQ] joins for a thoughtful, laid-back conversation about the band’s evolution over the years. He reflects on the idea of “passing the torch” — supporting younger artists and recognizing how the scene has shifted since TWY first got started. Dan also dives into the emotional weight of playing live shows and why those moments still matter so much to him and the band. A big part of the chat centers on moving past the early perception of The Wonder Years as a “joke band” and how they’ve worked hard to build something more meaningful and lasting. It’s a conversation about growth, community, and holding onto what makes music powerful, even as everything around it changes.

Listen to the Official Outbreak Podcast here (executive produced by yours truly)  [https://link.chtbl.com/outbreakfest]

Weekly Recommendation Playlist [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/11xMpD6cIu08GmE3PWpypA?si=83094abaefe04105]

Subscribe to the podcast on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_akI_b6HY7yrc2Zc1ciBvw]

Rockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. [https://rockabilia.com/] 

Evil Greed is a highly curated merchandise provider from Berlin, Germany with fast, worldwide shipping and features stores from bands like Power Trip, Deafheaven, Nails, Russian Circles and so much more. [https://evilgreed.net/]

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dan Campbell from The Wonder Years

In this episode, we’re joined by Luke Bentham, the magnetic frontman of The Dirty Nil, [https://open.spotify.com/artist/2mGENPk4M4jtaf5D7fDi98?si=Qrl77ZWhRYinvayTdAYpYg] for a conversation that captures the raw spirit and driving force behind one of Canada’s most electrifying rock bands. Luke opens up about life on the road, the band’s unshakable chemistry, and how their no-compromise approach keeps their sound sharp and their performances unforgettable. We discuss the best veggie burger ever, the impact of the American Hardcore [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Hardcore_(film)] documentary on him and the John Reis influence as a stage performer.

Listen to the Official Outbreak Podcast here (executive produced by yours truly)  [https://link.chtbl.com/outbreakfest]

Weekly Recommendation Playlist [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/11xMpD6cIu08GmE3PWpypA?si=83094abaefe04105]

Subscribe to the podcast on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_akI_b6HY7yrc2Zc1ciBvw]

Rockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. [https://rockabilia.com/] 

Evil Greed is a highly curated merchandise provider from Berlin, Germany with fast, worldwide shipping and features stores from bands like Power Trip, Deafheaven, Nails, Russian Circles and so much more. [https://evilgreed.net/]

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Luke Bentham from The Dirty Nil 

Today, I’m joined by Nick Brooks, the vocalist of It Dies Today [https://open.spotify.com/artist/3uFWRtKjp2E2Y1QmJPaKNC?si=X8SVJ0hPR1qBz2XFh_GDfw] and Frozen Ground [https://www.instagram.com/frozengroundhc/].

The band played a major role in shaping the early 2000s metalcore scene, with albums like The Caitiff Choir becoming staples of the genre. Nick’s voice and energy helped define their sound and we spent a lot of time together on the road in the early 2000's so it was logical, since their return, I had to have him on.

We discuss Buffalo, identity and Dad’s playing hardcore. It's a riot.

Listen to the Official Outbreak Podcast here (executive produced by yours truly)  [https://link.chtbl.com/outbreakfest]

Weekly Recommendation Playlist [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/11xMpD6cIu08GmE3PWpypA?si=83094abaefe04105]

Subscribe to the podcast on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_akI_b6HY7yrc2Zc1ciBvw]

Rockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. [https://rockabilia.com/] 

Evil Greed is a highly curated merchandise provider from Berlin, Germany with fast, worldwide shipping and features stores from bands like Power Trip, Deafheaven, Nails, Russian Circles and so much more. [https://evilgreed.net/]

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nick Brooks from It Dies Today & Frozen Ground

For over two decades, Rocky Votolato has been a defining voice in the indie-folk and emo scenes, known for his raw lyricism, haunting melodies, and a body of work that’s both deeply personal and universally resonant. Now, the Seattle-based songwriter is entering a bold new chapter with Suzzallo, a collaborative project that marks a departure from his solo roots. Blending atmospheric textures with the emotional core he's known for, Suzzallo represents both a sonic evolution and a return to community-driven music-making. We sat down with Rocky to talk about the origins of the new band, tragedy and community.

Listen to the Official Outbreak Podcast here (executive produced by yours truly)  [https://link.chtbl.com/outbreakfest]

Weekly Recommendation Playlist [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/11xMpD6cIu08GmE3PWpypA?si=83094abaefe04105]

Subscribe to the podcast on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_akI_b6HY7yrc2Zc1ciBvw]

Rockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. [https://rockabilia.com/] 

Evil Greed is a highly curated merchandise provider from Berlin, Germany with fast, worldwide shipping and features stores from bands like Power Trip, Deafheaven, Nails, Russian Circles and so much more. [https://evilgreed.net/]

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rocky Votolato from Suzzallo and Waxwing 

Is 90's alt rock mixed with nu-metal your thing? It should be and if you are looking for that fix, that's where Bleed comes in. I fell in love with these guys about a year or so ago when the algorithm lords blessed me and been curious about them ever since. Fortunately, my curiosity was satiated when I had this conversation with Ryan from said band. We discussed so many things including the Texas scene, the importance of Nu Metal and playing what you want. Their debut LP is out soon on 20 Buck Spin so the timing couldn't be better. BOUNCE WITH US.

Listen to the Official Outbreak Podcast here (executive produced by yours truly)  [https://link.chtbl.com/outbreakfest]

Weekly Recommendation Playlist [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/11xMpD6cIu08GmE3PWpypA?si=83094abaefe04105]

Subscribe to the podcast on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_akI_b6HY7yrc2Zc1ciBvw]

Check out Thirty Something Records and pre-order the Suzzallo LP now! [https://thirtysomethingrecords.com/products/suzzallo-the-quiet-year]

Rockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. [https://rockabilia.com/] 

Evil Greed is a highly curated merchandise provider from Berlin, Germany with fast, worldwide shipping and features stores from bands like Power Trip, Deafheaven, Nails, Russian Circles and so much more. [https://evilgreed.net/]

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ryan Hughes from Bleed

Host Ray Harkins dives deep with creators of independent culture from musicians, artists and other interesting people to find out what inspires them, how they came to be and many other unexpected places.

Ray Harkins

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