The Riff Lounge w/ Nick Tello

Sebastian Elizondo | Ep. 23

Sebastian Elizondo is the guitarist for Life Cycles and Darkness Divided. He is also the lead vocalist and guitarist for Porch Dream, as well as the frontman for System of A Brown, a System of a Down tribute band.   Nick Tello sits down with Sebastian Elizondo. During this episode, Sebastian reflected of the time he spent in college before making an exit to pursue music. He also talked about his experience recently touring the UK in support of the metal band Sylosis, including missing breakfast tacos, seeing castles, and sharing some of his favorite shows from the tour. Nick and Sebastian also discussed the evolution of Porch Dream’s sound and the continued growth of Life Cycles, including the addition of a giant new banner for their live performances. Sebastian shared the writing process behind Life Cycles’ latest EP, No One Escapes Death, and Porch Dream’s latest single, Members Only. He also explained how he became a full-time member of Life Cycles and talked about his interests outside of music, including modding Game Boys, repainting guitars, where that craftsmanship started when building Bionicles as a kid. Sebastian loves his cats.     Video is available on https://www.youtube.com/@nicktelloguitar/videos       Follow The Riff Lounge on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/riffloungepod       You can listen to the audio version of this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & anywhere you listen to podcasts.

Sound Guy | Ep. 22

Mark Tomlin is a husband, father, entrepreneur, and audio production engineer. At the time of this conversation, Mark is employed at The Aztec Theater in downtown San Antonio, Texas, and also works as the touring sound engineer for metal bands Snake Father and Left IV Dead.   In this episode, Nick Tello sits down with Mark Tomlin. Their discussion naturally explored the unique production characteristics of various San Antonio venues, including Aztec, Majestic, Empire, Stable Hall, Boeing Center at Tech Port, The Rock Box, and Paper Tiger. Mark also touched on Austin’s Come and Take It Live and San Marcos’ Gnar Bar, highlighting the distinct approaches and challenges each location presents. Mark shares secrets from his experiences on rock and metal tours. He recounted both his best and worst moments meeting his heroes, offering valuable insights into the realities of life on the road. During this episode, Mark also mentors how audio engineers can successfully transition into working for themselves in this field.     Video is available on https://www.youtube.com/@nicktelloguitar/videos   Follow The Riff Lounge on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/riffloungepod   You can listen to the audio version of this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & anywhere you listen to podcasts.

Branch | Ep. 21

Branch is a versatile musician involved in three different bands: Ten Times Demise and End of Evergreen, both known for their post-hardcore and metalcore sound, and the Dawson Baker Band, which plays country music. His ability to move between genres demonstrates his deep musical roots and adaptability. Originally from Killeen, Texas, Branch grew up surrounded by country influences, which is reflected in his involvement with the Dawson Baker Band. He is also a graduate of Texas State University. Outside of music, Branch is an avid Houston Astros fan.   Nick Tello reconnects with Branch, whom they first met during Easy Fest in 2024, where Branch was performing with his band, Ten Times Demise. During our conversation, Branch shared a memorable story about breaking his leg while moshing at a ‘Thrown’ show. Despite the injury, his enthusiasm for live music and energetic crowds remains strong. They discuss the differences between hardcore and metalcore audiences, especially their approaches to mosh pits. Ten Times Demise recently released a cover of "Espresso" by Sabrina Carpenter. Additionally, Branch participates in the annual festival hosted by his band, Demise Fest. He shares when he also performed at EMO NAC X, a venue in Nacogdoches, Texas, where the local community appreciates bands making the effort to play in their town, as many acts often bypass the area. Branch explained the process of how bands progress in the Wacken Metal Battle, advancing through regional and state levels, with the ultimate goal of performing at Wacken Open Air. This renowned heavy metal festival has been held annually since 1990 in the rural village of Wacken, located in the Schleswig-Holstein region of northern Germany. Their conversation also touches on Japanese baseball, specifically how the Japanese Posting System has made it easier for Japanese players to join American teams, leading to an increased presence of Japanese athletes in the U.S. today. Among his many unique experiences, Branch shares when he played on the ‘Wall of Sound’ bus built by Noah Orion.     Video is available on https://www.youtube.com/@nicktelloguitar/videos   Follow The Riff Lounge on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/riffloungepod   You can listen to the audio version of this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & anywhere you listen to podcasts.

Foreword | Ep. 20

‘Foreword’ is a metalcore band from San Antonio, Texas. They incorporate electronic sounds in their songs inspired by video game soundtracks. At the time of this episode, they are signed to the music label “Seek & Strike.”     Nick Tello sits down with two prominent members of ‘Foreword': lead guitarist, Marco Gomez and vocalist, Andy Alderson. In this episode, Marco shares how he fell in love with skateboarding again and that he is also a guitar teacher. The band started to pick up when he had a kid. This led him to pause martial arts. Having a little girl is life-changing, he explains. Foreword recently released a 6 song EP called “Exposition.” They worked with music producer, Cory Brunnemann on this EP and they share how Cory pushed the band out of their comfort zone. Marco and Andy talk about using green screens for their music videos, working with videographer, Dustin Dow of the metalcore band, “Everyone Dies In Utah.” Marco shares how he and Andy met, which was in detention. They share the importance of teamwork in the band. They explain the ordeals of shooting the music video for “Glass Castles,” which was shot in a random man’s home. This home happens to be a castle. They shared their paranormal experience while shooting the “The Will To Survive” music video at Yorktown Memorial Hospital; the most haunted location in Texas, coming home physically bruised and bit.      Video is available on https://www.youtube.com/@nicktelloguitar/videos   Follow The Riff Lounge on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/riffloungepod   You can listen to the audio version of this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & anywhere you listen to podcasts.

Chris Mora | Ep. 19

Chris Mora is a producer, music engineer, composer, guitarist, and vocalist. Chris is currently the guitarist for American Christian metalcore band, Darkness Divided, and was formerly the vocalist for American alternative/nu-metal band, Charcoal Tongue. Chris’s involvement in music has resulted in hundreds of millions of streams across various platforms, demonstrating his wide-reaching influence.     Nick Tello sits down with Chris Mora. Chris shares his recent experience opening up for Playboi Carti when he played guitar for hip-hop duo, HXG at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas. He spills the truth on how he contributed guitar tracks for 5 songs on 'Bohemio,' which is the latest album of Latin artist, Nicky Jam. One of those songs, 'Heikka' even earned Chris a Billboard award at the time of this episode. Chris describes the journey from being a fan of metal band, Upon A Burning Body, to eventually working directly with the band in the studio. He opens up about mental health and why you should think twice about taking mental health prescribed drugs. He shares his experience of co-writing songs for Australian singer, Kim Dracula, including the famous song: “Superhero.” Chris, a devoted fan of heavy metal band, Avenged Sevenfold, shares the excitement of meeting their guitarist, Synyster Gates, as a result of his work with Kim Dracula. Chris talks about the pros and cons of his preferred Digital Audio Workstation for his day to day studio work and even shares some plug-ins he uses. Chris offers advice for aspiring music producers/studio engineers, emphasizing the importance of professional guidance.     Video is available on https://www.youtube.com/@nicktelloguitar/videos   Follow The Riff Lounge on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/riffloungepod   You can listen to the audio version of this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & anywhere you listen to podcasts.