And Now The Band

EP335 Inside Legalize: Braun & Josh on Booking 19 Bands, Posters, and Building a DIY Music Scene

Braun and Josh join Tom to talk about organizing the growing underground music festival Legalize Lex — a three-day event showcasing 19 bands from across the Midwest and Southeast. What started as a grassroots gathering has evolved into one of the most anticipated heavy music events in Lexington, bringing together regional bands, collectors, artists, and fans of doom, stoner, and underground heavy music. Inside this episode: • how Legalize Lex grew from a small show to a multi-day festival • curating a lineup that balances local talent and touring acts • the art and collectability of concert posters • challenges of running a DIY festival while keeping tickets affordable • why longer set times improve the live music experience • working with local sponsors and record stores • introducing younger fans to underground music culture They also talk about their shared love for Spotlights, stories from past shows, and upcoming performances featuring bands like Conan, Howling Giant, and High Desert Queen. Braun breaks down the logistics of running a festival — from poster printing and merch planning to scheduling bands and ensuring everyone gets paid fairly. They also discuss the community spirit behind the event, including record sales, giveaways, and even plans for a Sunday brunch gathering with fans and musicians. If you’re into doom, stoner rock, underground metal, or DIY festivals, this episode is a behind-the-scenes look at how passionate fans turn an idea into a thriving music event. 🎧 Listen now to hear how Legalize Lex is helping grow the regional heavy music scene one show at a time. #LegalizeLex #DoomMetal #StonerRock #UndergroundMusic #MetalFestival #DIYMusic #LexingtonKY #HeavyMusic #AndNowTheBand

EP335 Chris Mullins (Acromancer / Goose Hydra) on DIY Metal, Merch Ideas & Building a Scene

Chris Mullins of Kentucky based Acromancer and Goose Hydra joins Tom to talk about building bands from the ground up, creating unique merch, and navigating the challenges of the underground music scene. They kick things off with the story behind a hand-painted meditating figure designed by Steven that fans are already demanding more of. The conversation expands into DIY merchandise ideas, including Goose Hydra keychains and LED collectibles — proving that creativity offstage can be just as important as creativity onstage. Inside this episode: • Chris’s unexpected journey into playing bass and joining multiple bands • recording progress on the upcoming Acromancer album • Goose Hydra’s plans to record a new EP with 6 songs from a growing catalog • the reality of gaining traction in a crowded local music scene • balancing day jobs, family life, and heavy music • why consistency with releases and live shows matters for underground bands • the importance of playing music for passion rather than validation They also discuss upcoming shows including Legalize Lex at Al's Bar, where Acromancer will perform alongside several regional bands. Chris also talks about planning a Goose Hydra birthday show at Spinelli's Pizzeria. Along the way, the conversation dives into the grind of modern band life — writing songs, recording on a budget, building a fanbase locally, and staying motivated when recognition doesn’t come immediately. If you’re into DIY metal bands, underground scenes, and the real stories behind independent musicians, this episode delivers a raw and honest look at how bands grow from the ground up. 🎧 Listen now and discover the drive behind Acromancer, Goose Hydra, and the next wave of heavy music in the Midwest. #Acromancer #GooseHydra #UndergroundMetal #DIYBands #MetalPodcast #LouisvilleMetal #IndependentMusic #MetalScene #AndNowTheBand

EP334 Restless Spirit on Raw Songwriting, DIY Touring & New Album Energy | Paul & Gusmo Interview

Paul and Gusmo from Restless Spirit join Tom to talk about their no-filters, high-energy approach to songwriting, the grind of a decade in the underground scene, and how their new album Restless Spirit became their most focused and authentic release yet. Written mostly between May–August 2025, the record captures the band at their most spontaneous — less overthinking, more instinct. The guys break down their creative philosophy: serve the song first, ditch trends, and let emotion drive everything. Inside this episode: • their fast, energy-driven writing process • sequencing an album for flow (acoustic interlude + 9-minute closer) • why progressive elements should support songwriting — not ego • early DIY tours in a van surviving on free meals • the evolution from DMP (“Death Metal Pope”) to Restless Spirit • building chemistry through 10+ years of friendship and collaboration • preparing for a 36-day tour announcement • why live shows should feel raw, loud, and FUN They also swap concert stories and influences — from Tool, Static-X, and Dream Theater to the songwriting mindset of John Frusciante and the progressive spirit of Rush. Tom even floats the idea of a future run with Howling Giant, hinting at what could be a killer tour pairing. If you’re into heavy rock, doom, stoner metal, or bands that prioritize authenticity over algorithms, this conversation hits deep. 🎧 Listen now and hear how Restless Spirit turned 10 years of hustle into their strongest record yet. #RestlessSpirit #HeavyRock #DoomMetal #StonerRock #UndergroundMusic #MetalPodcast #Songwriting #IndieBands #AndNowTheBand

EP333 10 Minutes with JP Kaine of Surfaced

Last night at the LDB Fest Pre-Show at Portal in Louisville, I spent a few minutes chatting with Jp Kaine from Surfaced. Jp and I talk about some of the highlights over the last year and what Surfaced is working on over the next 1-3 years. Is there something here that you didn't know Surfaced was up to? Maybe! You'll have to listen to find out. #surfaced #ldbfest #ldbfestpreshow #portal #andnowtheband

EP332 Mike Burns (Radian) on “Subterfuge,” Emotional Songwriting, Studio Evolution & Acid Bath Shows

Mike Burns of Radian joins Tom to break down the band’s upcoming album Subterfuge (out March 20, 2026) — a record built around flow, atmosphere, and emotional weight rather than singles or algorithms.They dive deep into the sequencing and mood of the album, especially the transition from “Spiraling Ash” into “Fathom,” and how restraint, space, and vocal delivery shaped some of the band’s most powerful moments yet.Inside this episode:• crafting an album that plays like a complete journey• recording vocals in a home studio for flexibility and feel• why “Fathom” became the emotional centerpiece• honoring their late bass player Bill through songs and artwork• balancing nostalgia with growth and new members• analog vs digital recording (Tascam 4-track to modern DAWs)• writing riffs that feel timeless instead of trendy• preparing for their biggest shows yetMike also talks about upcoming performances with The Obsessed and Acid Bath, signing with a booking company, and pushing the band further than ever before.Beyond gear and songwriting, the conversation gets personal — touching on grief, friendship, photography, and how music becomes a way to process loss and stay connected to the people who shaped you.If you’re into heavy rock, doom, sludge, post-metal textures, or albums that reward front-to-back listening, this one’s for you.🎧 Listen now and hear how Radian turned memory, atmosphere, and emotion into one of their most cohesive releases yet.#Radian#Subterfuge#HeavyRock#DoomMetal#SludgeMetal#MetalPodcast#UndergroundMusic#ThirdHouseCommunications#AndNowTheBand