EP369 Ralph Torres Interview – Total Meltdown, EP2, New York Hardcore & Mental Health

EP369 Ralph Torres Interview – Total Meltdown, EP2, New York Hardcore & Mental Health

Tom welcomes Ralph Torres of New York hardcore band Total Meltdown for a conversation covering the band's new EP2, the evolution of modern hardcore, vinyl releases, live performances, and the importance of mental health within the music community. Ralph discusses how Total Meltdown expanded beyond the traditional hardcore formula on EP2, introducing dynamic songwriting, noise textures, and greater emotional depth while maintaining the intensity and speed that define the genre. He also explains the band's decision to release shorter EPs, allowing listeners to experience focused collections of songs that encourage repeat listens while adapting to today's music consumption habits. The conversation explores the band's unique vinyl presentation, featuring a striking triptych artwork created by Chuck Barrett with creative direction from bassist Drew Castle. Ralph also reflects on overcoming imposter syndrome while starting the band alongside longtime friends and experienced musicians, including guitarist Chris, whose musical background helped shape the band's early direction. Additional topics include: * The release of EP2 on vinyl and streaming platforms * The evolution of New York hardcore * Vinyl artwork and collectible releases * Performing their first livestream during the pandemic * First live shows and building confidence on stage * Touring throughout the Northeast * Supporting independent music scenes * Spotlights, Mr. Bungle, Melvins, and Gorilla Biscuits * Non-alcoholic beer and changing lifestyles * Community, friendship, and hardcore culture * Men's Mental Health Month * Using music as an outlet for mental health awareness Ralph also shares how songwriting has become a powerful form of self-expression, allowing him to address personal struggles while creating meaningful connections with listeners. Together, Tom and Ralph discuss how hardcore music continues to build supportive communities where honesty, resilience, and shared experiences remain at the forefront.

EP368 Amos Rifkin on Insomniac's Fall Tour, DIY Booking & Independent Music

Tom welcomes Amos Rifkin of Insomniac for a special episode announcing the band's upcoming Fall 2026 tour while discussing independent touring, festival culture, the evolving live music landscape, and what's next for the band. Amos shares details about Insomniac's newly announced fall tour, which follows directly after their summer run and features performances throughout the Midwest, Northeast, and East Coast. He discusses the importance of reaching new cities, returning to longtime supporters, and building sustainable touring opportunities through strong relationships with venues and promoters. The conversation also explores the realities of booking tours in today's music industry, the resurgence of smaller markets, and why intimate venues continue to be the backbone of underground heavy music. Amos reflects on the changing culture surrounding live events, including the growth of all-ages shows and the increasing popularity of alcohol-free social spaces. Additional topics include: * The Summer and Fall 2026 Insomniac tours * Touring with Slumbering Sun * Bog Social's 12th Anniversary celebration * Booking shows across the United States * Building audiences in smaller music markets * The rise of all-ages venues * Non-alcoholic bars, THC beverages, and changing concert culture * In the Key of Dune Fest * Joint Jam Festival * Wisconsin Doomed & Stoned Festival * Visiting Acadia National Park while on tour * Writing Insomniac's next album * Exploring themes of grief, healing, and personal growth through music Amos also reflects on how the underground music community continues to thrive through collaboration, grassroots promotion, and meaningful relationships, offering an inside look at what it takes to keep independent heavy music alive while preparing for Insomniac's next creative chapter.

EP367 Dumb Waiter's Nick Crider Discusses New Album Change, Vinyl, and Creative Evolution

Tom welcomes Nick Crider of Dumb Waiter for a conversation about the band's latest album Change, the evolution of their songwriting, the Louisville heavy music community, vinyl collecting, and balancing music with the visual arts. Nick reflects on Dumb Waiter's progression from an intensely technical, genre-bending style influenced by Mr. Bungle toward a more focused and emotionally driven approach on their sixth album, Change. He explains how simplifying arrangements and emphasizing a single emotional direction has strengthened the band's songwriting while allowing the music to connect more deeply with listeners. The discussion also explores the band's decision to handle vocals internally after experimenting with several vocalists, resulting in a more natural integration between the instrumentation and vocal melodies. Additional topics include: * The Louisville underground music scene * Connections with Young Widows, Photo Crime, and Coliseum * Running Gallery5 in Richmond * An upcoming art exhibition with Evan Patterson * Vinyl, cassette, and physical music releases * Modern vinyl production and pressing improvements * Favorite recent albums and underground bands * Music videos for Deaf Club * Greg Puciato, Better Lovers, and Jerry Cantrell * Live music in intimate venues versus larger clubs * Supporting independent artists and regional music communities Nick also shares his passion for collecting records, creating visual art, and maintaining a healthy balance between multiple creative outlets while continuing to push Dumb Waiter's sound into exciting new territory.

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.