What Lies Ahead Podcast

62-Creature of Rebelmatic

On this episode, I sat down with Creature, front man of New York hardcore band Rebelmatic, to discuss the band’s new album Sting the Devil, out now on Creep Records [https://shopcreep.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com]. We broke the record down track by track, discussing the lyrical themes, songwriting process, and how the band structured the songs to balance hardcore aggression with groove and rhythm. Creature also shared how the new material will shape Rebelmatic’s live set moving forward. Beyond the album, we talked about his musical roots, influences ranging from punk and hardcore to hip hop and funk, and how his background in hip hop continues to influence his vocal style, stage presence, and overall approach to music.

61- Daniel Valentino of AMH Promo Corp/Vaux Hall/Elsie Lane

In this episode, I talked with Daniel Valentino about his path from the hardcore scene into the restaurant business on Long Island. He explains how those early years shaped his approach to work and how a series of jobs eventually led to his partial ownership in AMH Promo Corp. We also get into how he ended up at VauxHall in Huntington and what drew him to that project. Daniel breaks down what his day-to-day actually looks like running a restaurant—managing staff, dealing with issues as they come up, and keeping things consistent.  VauxHall: https://vauxhallhuntington.com/ Elsie Lane: https://elsielanehuntington.com/

60- Cole and Cruz of Pool Scum

Cole and Cruz from NJ hardcore band Pool Scum talk about their new EP, which dropped in the late winter, and the run of shows they’ve been on since. We get into how the band first came together, their connection with Ant $ from E-Town Concrete, and what that’s meant for them. They also talk about their cover of Madball’s “Pride (Times Are Changing)” picking up traction online, and how they reacted to it reaching a wider audience. Toward the end, we touch on what’s next, including the direction their newer songs are heading and how their sound is evolving. Pool Scum (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/poolscum?igsh=MWVscHd5MHBjZXE5bA== [https://www.instagram.com/poolscum?igsh=MWVscHd5MHBjZXE5bA==]

59-Danielle Dombrowski- Photographer

In this episode, Danielle Dombrowski talks about her background in photography and how it developed alongside her involvement in the hardcore scene. She shares stories about the bands she’s worked with and her experience contributing to album projects, where her images help shape a band’s visual identity.  She explains what it’s like shooting hardcore shows in different venues, including how lighting can vary from dark, low-lit rooms to brighter spaces that change how she approaches a shot. Outside of photography, Danielle discusses the challenges she has faced with her health and what it’s like owning and running a hair salon. Balancing both has its challenges, but it’s an important part of her life. The discussion ends with her reviewing her favorite albums, and favorite bands she shot over the years. Danielle Dombrowski (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/danielledombrowskiphotography?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== [https://www.instagram.com/danielledombrowskiphotography?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==] Hair Design by Danielle (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/hairdesignbydanielle845?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== [https://www.instagram.com/hairdesignbydanielle845?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==] Danielle Dombrowksi Wedding Photography: https://daniellesweddinggallery.com/ [https://daniellesweddinggallery.com/]

58-Drew Stone and Tristan D'Graves of Incendiary Device

In this episode, I talk with Drew Stone and Tristan D’Graves of Incendiary Device. The interview focuses on their upcoming album, New York City, due out Friday, May 1 on Creep Records. We go track by track through the record, discussing how each song was written and the lyrical ideas behind it. We also get into how the band puts together their set lists, what they’re trying to do live, and how that connects to the new material. Drew and Tristan talk about their history in their previous bands and how that experience shaped where they are now. Drew discusses his work as a filmmaker, including NYHC Chronicles Live, his involvement in documenting hardcore over the years, and organizing shows at Bowery Electric. The interview wraps up with a conversation about their favorite records, shows, and a few other related topics.