And Now The Band

EP350 KROKA on “Believe It”, Live Recording, Touring Plans & Building a Music Community

In EP250, KROKA discusses their upcoming album Believe It, produced by Jason Taylor of The Obsessed, and their approach to capturing an authentic live sound in the studio. The band shares insight into their collaborative songwriting process, rehearsal discipline, and decision to record the album in a condensed four-day session to preserve performance energy. Additional topics include: * The importance of live shows in building a loyal audience * Community-driven growth vs heavy reliance on social media * Vinyl release through Blackthrone Productions * Touring ambitions in the US and Europe, including major festivals * The evolving music industry and opportunities for independent artists * Crossovers into wrestling and multimedia collaborations This episode provides a detailed look at how a modern band balances creativity, strategy, and grassroots momentum.

EP349 EP349: Jack Owen (Six Feet Under) on “Next to Die”, Songwriting, Death Metal History & Touring

In EP349, Jack Owen of Six Feet Under discusses the creation of their latest album, Next to Die, along with his songwriting process and decades of experience in the death metal genre. Jack explains how he approaches writing efficiently, often completing songs in just a few days, and how his lyrical themes have evolved from classic horror influences to true crime and real-world subject matter. Additional topics include: * The evolution of death metal and its connection to horror culture * His role in shaping extreme music through Cannibal Corpse * Recording techniques from analog to digital workflows * Touring plans across the US and Canada * Music discovery and emerging international bands * Long-term partnership with Metal Blade Records This episode offers insight into both the creative and technical aspects of sustaining a long-term career in extreme music. #JackOwen #SixFeetUnder #DeathMetal #MetalPodcast #ExtremeMetal #MusicIndustry #HeavyMusic #MetalHistory #Touring #MetalBladeRecords

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.