And Now The Band

EP348: Dead Runes on Live Performance, Merch Strategy & Legalize Lex Festival

In EP348, Dead Runes discuss their approach to live performance, merchandise strategy, and their upcoming appearance at the Legalize Lex Festival. The conversation explores how live shows can redefine audience perception, often revealing a band’s full potential beyond recorded material. The band shares insights into their experience performing across a wide range of venues, from traditional clubs to unconventional spaces like bookstores and community centers. Additional topics include: * The Legalize Lex Festival lineup and event structure * Building audience engagement through live performance * Limited-edition and creative merchandise strategies * Touring throughout Kentucky and regional markets * Adapting setlists to maintain fan interest * The role of DIY ethics in the underground music scene This episode provides a detailed look at how emerging bands develop their identity and sustain growth through performance, creativity, and community engagement. #DeadRunes #MetalPodcast #StonerRock #DoomMetal #UndergroundMusic #LiveMusic #DIYMusic #BandLife #Festival #HeavyMusic

EP347 Hashtronaut’s Wild Tour Stories, Lineup Drama & Legalize Lex | Robb Interview

Hashtronaut’s Robb joins the show to break down the band’s evolution, lineup shakeups, and what it really takes to survive in the underground metal scene. From becoming a 3-piece after internal issues to pushing forward with heavier touring, Robb shares the reality behind keeping a band alive when things go wrong. We also dive into their upcoming Legalize Lex Festival performance, touring stories (including hitting a deer mid-tour), and why they’re taking their time with new music. We also cover: * Touring with bands like Dope Throne & Year of the Cobra * The truth about band drama and rebuilding * Writing new music without pressure * Life on the road in underground metal * Inside Foul Sounds and gear built for heavy bands * Working with Blues Funeral Recordings If you’re into stoner metal, doom, sludge, and real band stories, this episode delivers. 👉 Subscribe for more underground metal interviews and scene coverage. #Hashtronaut #DoomMetal #StonerMetal #SludgeMetal #MetalPodcast #MetalInterview #UndergroundMetal #TourLife #BandLife #LegalizeLex

EP346 Fred Muench (Slowrole) – From Punk Roots to Creative Freedom

In Episode 346, we sit down with Fred Muench to explore the evolution of his project Slowrole—from its origins during COVID to a fully realized creative endeavor years in the making. Fred shares how Slowrole began as a low-pressure songwriting outlet after his time in Bad Trip, eventually growing into a collaborative studio project with talented musicians he hadn’t previously met. We dive deep into the creative process, discussing how spontaneity, experimentation, and artistic freedom shaped the project—drawing comparisons to later-stage composers like Ludwig van Beethoven and their evolving approach to music. 🎧 In this episode, we cover: * The origin and development of Slowrole * Writing music without pressure or expectations * The emotional depth behind “Fox’s Prey” * Music as catharsis and creative expression * The evolution of punk, hardcore, and modern music scenes * How today’s musicians blend genres and influences Fred also reflects on the changing music landscape—from the DIY ethos of 80s/90s punk to today’s image-driven industry—while sharing personal stories about live shows, musical discovery, and introducing his kids to legendary bands like Black Sabbath, Guns N' Roses, and Deftones. Along the way, we touch on iconic influences including Paul McCartney, Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana, Bleach, Green Day, and The Offspring. This episode is a must-listen for fans of independent music, punk rock history, and authentic creative journeys. 👉 Subscribe for more conversations with musicians, creators, and artists.

EP345 Calloway talks Uga Buga and Legalize

Legalize Lex April 16, 17, 18 at Als Bar Lexington Ky

EP344 Lungburner “Dogma” Interview | New Album, Live Show Chaos & Touring the Underground Metal Scene

Lungburner join the show to break down their crushing new album “Dogma” (out April 17 via Terminus Hate Records) and dive deep into the realities of the underground metal scene. In this episode, we talk about the band’s evolution, their commitment to delivering immersive live performances, and how they’re pushing beyond traditional doom and sludge with theatrical elements, projection visuals, and raw intensity. The band also shares insights into their upcoming Texas tour, working with Bill Keliher (Mastodon), and their fast-paced approach to writing and recording new music. We also get into: The difference between live vs recorded metal experiences Building a band like a business in today’s music industry The importance of merch, vinyl, and physical releases How modern heavy music scenes are stronger than ever Upcoming studio sessions and future releases If you’re into doom metal, sludge metal, underground heavy music, or bands like Baroness, Howling Giant, and Generation of Vipers, this episode delivers real insight into what it takes to thrive in today’s scene. 🎧 Listen now and discover why Lungburner is a band to watch in 2026. #Lungburner #Dogma #DoomMetal #SludgeMetal #HeavyMusic #MetalPodcast #UndergroundMetal #MetalInterview #NewMetal #MetalScene #StonerMetal #LiveMusic #MetalBands #VinylCommunity #Metalheads