EP359: Amos Rifkin of Insomniac & Deceased on Touring, Festivals & Underground Metal

EP366 Rick Jimenez Talks Extinction A D , Monthly Singles, Touring & Hardcore

Tom welcomes Rick Jimenez of Extinction A.D. for a wide-ranging conversation covering the band's ambitious new release strategy, the realities of touring in today's music industry, songwriting, hardcore culture, and why authentic human connection remains at the heart of heavy music. Rick explains Extinction A.D.'s decision to release one new single every month through the end of 2026, discussing how the approach allows the band to remain creatively flexible while responding to current emotions instead of waiting years between album releases. He also reflects on the financial challenges facing independent bands and why modern touring requires careful planning more than ever before. The conversation explores the growing overlap between thrash metal, death metal, and hardcore, along with the resurgence of younger audiences discovering heavy music through live shows. Rick also shares his frustrations with social media algorithms, discussing the difference between meaningful fan engagement and chasing online metrics. Additional topics include: * Working with M-Theory Audio after Unique Leader Records * Touring economics in today's music industry * Creating meaningful content instead of chasing algorithms * Personal training, sales, and staying authentic * Why live music creates irreplaceable human connections * AI and the future of creativity * Building stronger local music scenes * The importance of smaller, packed venues * Songwriting and demo production * Writing over 90 minutes of material before entering the studio * Early musical projects with Chris Enriquez * Future musical experiments inspired by Failure and Cro-Mags Rick also discusses his philosophy on songwriting, collaboration, and artistic integrity, offering an honest perspective on balancing creativity, family, work, and life as an independent musician in today's evolving heavy music landscape.

EP365 Dave Krusen Talks Loud Love A Tribute to Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, and Seattle's Grunge Legacy

Tom sits down with Dave Krusen, the original drummer of Pearl Jam, for an engaging conversation about Loud Love: A Tribute to Soundgarden, Seattle's legendary grunge movement, and the evolution of the modern music industry. Dave discusses joining the Loud Love tribute project, explaining how the opportunity to honor Soundgarden's legacy and support a meaningful cause made the invitation impossible to refuse. He shares the challenges of learning Matt Cameron's intricate drum parts, ultimately finding his own interpretation while respecting the spirit of the original performances. The conversation explores Seattle's explosive music scene of the late 1980s and early 1990s, reflecting on the rise of Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, and Nirvana, and how the city's unique culture helped define an entire generation of rock music. Additional topics include: * Relearning "Loud Love" on drums * Matt Cameron's drumming style and influence * Touring life and favorite memories on the road * Seattle landmarks and music history * The Showbox and Seattle's legendary venues * Dave's current band, The Vases * Recording new music at Litho Studios * The changing economics of the music industry * Artist ownership and retaining music rights * New music recommendations including Neurosis and Volcandra Tom also shares personal stories about visiting Seattle on his honeymoon, exploring iconic Pearl Jam locations, and discussing how the grunge movement continues to inspire musicians around the world. This episode is packed with stories from one of rock's most influential eras while offering an insightful look at where independent music is headed next.

EP364 Jordan of Sporelord

Jordan Nalley of Louisville based Sporelord spent some time chatting with me about the band and his shop. A local TCG shop named Heavy Meta Gaming. Jordan helps explain how Sporelord puts together their unique sound. How they fit on to so many different bills. From playing with some super heavy bands to some not so heavy bands. We also talk about their unique approach to releasing music It really helps each single stand out on its own and makes each single a collectable.

EP363 El of Incite

While on tour with Death Angel and VIO-Lence, El from Arizona based Incite joined me from behind the merch booth for a quick chat before the show. We discussed everything from The release of Savage New Times last year to the current run with these rad bands and crew. El talked about how everyone was super helpful and there were no egos on this run. I need to say that this bill absolutely rips and it's a tour you don't want to miss if you're into Thrash. This tour runs for a couple more weeks. They're on the West Coast now finishing up. I'm hoping they do another run soon!

EP362 Alex from Pains

Pains was out on tour with UK based Conjurer, Sadness and Snooze. While on tour, they made a stop in Louisville, Ky at Portal, this is where I caught them. This was my introduction to them. It was a killer set and a killer night of music.Alex was kind enough to take a few minutes and chat with me in between bands (and part of one of the bands sets, which we ended quickly to get in and watch). Pains in an Illinois based band that crushes the live setting. Watch the chat. Catch the band(s) live. Pains has another tour coming up, though I won't say anything about it yet