Behind the Vinyl

What better way to wrap up this inherently crazy year than to virtually get together with 3 music-binging buddies and dissect our top 10 albums of the year? This episode features a panel style conversation involving previous guest/musician Warren Franklin, Josh Robbins (host of Spinning Out Podcast/plays in Late Bloomer), and Mike Donnelly of Twin Peaks Sessions. While there were a few similarities between the 4 of our lists, I can promise you this episode will grant you a tremendous amount of musical discovery. With an eclectic mix of genre-bending alternative picks stemming from DIY's favorite shrieker Jeff Rosenstock, the revival of 90s space rockers Hum, and rising songstress Phoebe Bridgers, there is something for everyone to indulge in. Grab a pen and paper, note taking is encouraged for this one!

Another special episode in the books! This week I was joined by Tommy Cantwell of Gouge Away and Hesitation Wounds. We talked about the story behind his drumming show on Youtube called "The Pretty Cool Drum Show." I highly advise every musician to check it out because you can definitely learn something. Tommy went into growing up in a family musicians and being in his first ever band with his brother. We discussed Tommy joining Gouge Away and went in-depth about the album "Burnt Sugar." Tommy told his story about meeting Jeremy Bolm of Touche Amore and being asked to become the drummer of Hesitation Wounds. Tommy talked about some of his favorite cities and venues to play in. There was so much more! Check out Tommy's work below:

The Pretty Cool Drum Show: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMlcnuJWtgEcu_NYHUxprEw/about

Gouge Away's Bandcamp: https://gougeawayfl.bandcamp.com/music

Hesitation Wounds' Bandcamp: https://hesitation-wounds.bandcamp.com/album/chicanery

Tommy's Instagram: @tomclaudevandamme

This week's episode was an absolute blast. I had the entire band from Orlando's own, Expert Timing. There was laughing throughout most of the episode. Jeff, Katrina, and Gibran are all down to earth and all-around great people. We talked about the rather alarming loose guidelines when it comes to Covid in the state of Florida. We visited a few stories about alligators because, you know, when in Florida, right? There was a real interesting conversation about learning the music scene -- this included Katrina explaining how she picked up the bass after experiencing the DIY punk scene in Pennsylvania and attending The Fest. She even goes into what planning a tour is like. We deeply explored DIY touring. There were several fun stories like the carrying equipment down a set of steps in Philadelphia show on a snowy day, Gibran losing his wallet the first day of a tour, and playing in Canada for the first time. We heard about a secret project (not so secretive anymore) that Jeff and Katrina work on In their downtime called Weapons of Math Destruction (best name ever). Jeff explained how Count Your Lucky Stars came into the picture and the tweet that started their relationship with the record label. Jeff and Katrina talked about being married and what it's like writing the songs. Lastly, of course, we talked about their most recent release called Whichever, Whatever. I recommend giving it a listen! Also, follow the band! Links below:

Bandcamp: https://experttiming.bandcamp.com

Instagram: @experttiming

Twitter: @expert_timing

It was a real honor having Augusta Koch on the podcast this week. Everything Augusta touches turns to gold. I have been a huge Cayetana fan for years, and I am really enjoying the direction Gladie is heading in.

Augusta has a fascinating story. She grew up in the Poconos where she always attended live shows. One thing she did note is that she was always one of two women at the local gigs. At times she didn't feel accepted by the people she went to shows with. Her taste in music and opinion about certain bands was always pushed to the side. Augusta always wanted to play guitar in high school but an unfortunate experience with a creepy guitar instructor ruined any motive to pick up the instrument. It wasn't until she returned home from one year of living in Colorado for college that she picked up guitar again.

That is where the beautiful Philadelphia music scene comes in. The music scene was more welcoming and there was mutual respect amongst all of the bands. Augusta met Kelly when she first moved to Philadelphia and was eventually introduced to Allegra at a party. They had a similar interest in forming a band. That is when Tom May of the Menzingers let Augusta borrow an amp and guitar so that she could start practicing with what eventually formed into Cayetana. The group practiced for a long time before they played a show. In fact, Cayetana had to get talked into playing their first gig. That led to big things. The release of Nervous Like Me took off and gained a following. Then the band opted to self-release New Kind of Normal, which did equally as well.

In 2018 Augusta started a side project that she labeled Gladie. This project was a two-person group that she formed with Matt Schimelfenig. Eventually it turned into Augusta's main focus once Cayetana decided to take a break. This year the group released a full-length album called Safe Sins, which we discuss in full detail. There have also been a few EPs released, and also one coming out this week!

Augusta's dog, Benny also pays us a visit, which is even more the reason to listen. Check out Gladie's work on Spotify and Apple Music, or visit the links below:

Bandcamp: https://gladie.bandcamp.com

Instagram: @gladie_band

Twitter: @Glad_eee

This week's episode was a special one! I had the opportunity to chat with Abby Weems and Ally Einbinder of the band Potty Mouth about their new compilation album called "Sunday Someday" that will be coming out on March 19 through Get Better Records. Make sure to put in the preorder now! The story all began when the pandemic forced the music scene to come to a pause for touring. Potty Mouth began a zoom to continue their friendship with others in the music industry and eventually the idea of a split-album blossomed. Some of the other musicians and groups to appear on the album goes as follows: Nervus, Full on Mone't, Solstice Rey, and KOJI. The funds will go towards Gabe's surgery and future touring expenses for the artists.

Pre-order the record here: sundaysomedayrecord.com

Potty Mouth's Bandcamp: https://pottymouth.bandcamp.com

Instagram & Twitter: @pottymouthworld

Jonathan Francis, who is formerly the bassist with The Moms, and now releasing music with his solo project, joins me this week. We talked about his most recent release which is a modern version of Woody Gutherie's song "Tear the Fascists Down." That was the first of many upcoming songs that should be on everyone's radar. There is an EP coming our way and in the spring there will be more music, possibly even a full-length album. We also discussed Jonathan Francis' path to his solo project after transitioning from The Moms, moving to Asbury Park and how that gave him even greater access to the music community -- the change from the move stirred something up in him. Continuously, we chatted about working with Pete Steinkopf (The Bouncing Souls) in the studio, the process behind creating these songs, influences while growing up, burning CDs during a time before Spotify & Bandcamp, staying true to yourself as a musician, getting involved with record labels, and so much more. Give Jonathan Francis a follow!

Instagram & Twitter: @jnthnfrncsnj

In October I was fortunate enough to come across a fun discovery in the band Petrov. The Charlotte, NC based band joined the show to talk about their new EP labeled Flower Bed. We talked about the message behind the music, having more studio time for this EP, and how each song was put together. Also, we chatted about the live music experience -- including a cool socially distanced fundraiser this year and all of their great shows last year when they first formed as a bed. We discussed last year's EP, Sleep Year, which quickly put the band on the map, and was even included on NPR's best songs of 2019 list. Then we got into hobbies such as Syd picking up drawing and creating the next music video for the band, which will be influenced by the song "Take on me" by a-ha. Give the band a follow:

Bandcamp: https://petrovclt.bandcamp.com

Spotify & Apple Music: Petrov

Instagram & Twitter: petrovclt

Rick Maguire of Pile joins Behind the Vinyl straight from his home in Boston, Ma. Rick talked about what he has been doing during his downtime from touring, which hasn't really been downtime, but instead has been filled with writing more music than ever and picking up drawing again. Pile released a cassette tape in October that included a booklet of artwork from Rick. We then went into finding dedicated band members and setting up recording and rehearsing even though they all live in different states. Rick discussed growing up and playing football and basketball, but having music take over his life at the age of 12. Rick even talked about finding his own voice during the writing experience and how sometimes his songs mention his political frustrations. A key word that continuously pops up is "journey." Rick was in it for the long haul. Pile began in 2007 as a solo project when Rick decided to leave his previous band and form his own universe. Slowly but surely it formed into what it is today. What exactly is Pile today? A band that is seven albums in -- that list includes well-known records Magic Isn't Real, Dripping, and the most recent release, Green and Gray. The band consistently fills up venues and tours the world. Rick certainly doesn't have to live at his practice space anymore. He is on his way.

I took a virtual trip to Los Angeles this week to have a conversation with punk rocker, Kelsey Reckling! We talked about the release of 24 hours in the beginning of the year, going back to school to study biology, finding a passion for bird watch and plant hikes, getting sober and working at Cosmic Vinyl. There was also an detailed discussion about moving to Los Angelas from Houston. Kelsey is a sports fan and talked about what it was like living in LA when Kobe Bryant passed away and the Houston Astros' cheating scandal. Plus, we had an extensive conversation about growing up with a guitar in her hand and finding a love for punk bands like Rancid, Black Flag, and L7. When Kelsey has some free time she runs a record label, Wink and Spit Records. Lastly, Kelsey tells me about starting up Reckling, the first album, and playing live with awesome acts such as Vivian Girls and Great Grandpa last fall. Check out Reckling on the following platforms:

Bandcamp: https://reckling.bandcamp.com/music

Spotify & Apple Music: Reckling

Instagram: @kelseyreck

Twitter: @kelseyreck

Facebook: Reckling

One name that has been popping up more-and-more since their release of their sophomore album "Pleasure Vision" is the band Bacchae out of Washington, DC. This week Andrew, Katie, and Rena took some time out of their schedule to tell their story. Pleasure Vision was released on March 6 right around when Covid was storming into the US. The band was able to luckily play their release show, but the tour ended there as the entire country went into a lockdown. The band talked about some interesting topics like working with J. Robbins during the production of the album and connecting with Brian Gorsegner of WIRED Booking and the Night Birds. They went into their growth from starting out as a new band 5 years ago when they recorded a home mixed demo to the professional setting with this "Pleasure Vision." This included a lot of tips about starting up and getting your name out. They thought back to the tour life and discussed opening up for The Ergs! and playing the Bouncing Souls pre-show in Asbury Park. This episode was a good one so give it a listen and check out Bacchae too!

Bandcamp: https://bacchae.bandcamp.com

Instagram: @bacchaeband

Twitter: @Bacchaeband

Facebook: Bacchae