Chord Progression Podcast: The Gateway to New Rock and Metal Music

Artists that we have followed for years on the podcast continue to grow to success that most never thought they would get. And we love to not only show how far they have gotten, but how much more they still have left to go. It is all based on a commitment to making the best music, and a willingness to make the sacrifices to get there.

There is a band that we interviewed all the way back in 2021 that many never knew of. Now, you have heard them all over Octane, have seen them play live supporting mainstay artists in modern metalcore like Electric Callby & Catch Your Breath, and there is no signs of stopping. Now with album number 3 about to release, what do they have in store for us?

Patrick and Cody from the modern metalcore band If Not For Me return to the Chord Progression Podcast for the 4th time as the band is set to release their 3rd album "Where The Light Begins To Fade" on August 14th. With the new album releasing, we get into it with the band by talking about:

- The non-stop touring, writing, and growth If Not For Me has done since the release of "Everything You Wanted" in 2024, and the sacrifices that the members of the band made in order to achieve their goals.

- What new ideas and musical stylings did If Not For Me work with and discover on "Where The Light Begins To Fade," to expand the boundaries of higher pitched electronics & heavier metalcore fills.

- How the lack of a theme allowed "Where The Light Begins To Fade" to be written around the massive amount of change and understanding reflection the band went through over the past 2 years.

This is always fun, and 750 episodes later, we are still going strong. Hit the subscribe button soo that we can get to 1000 episodes with you on board.

Find If Not For Me Online:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IfNotForMe

Twitter: https://twitter.com/IfNotForMeBand

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifnotforme/

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ifnotformeband

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3STbyJQsRcZL4wR6oqhZEw

Website: https://www.ifnotformeband.com

Merch: https://www.ifnotformeband.com/s/shop

LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/ifnotforme

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5aqpMOXNPtkxwT7jWuE9Vd?si=ZZL-XbRsTN-EewwP-J8mPQ

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/if-not-for-me/979159673

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Chord Progression Podcast (Spotify):

https://open.spotify.com/show/53XWPGrIUvgavKF5Fm6SLk

Chord Progression Podcast (Apple Podcast):

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chord-progression-podcast-the-gateway-to-new-rock-and-metal-music/id1454876657

Chord Progression Podcast (Amazon): https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b8dad803-444c-4a73-8aa5-67b4fc43f4ba

Chord Progression Podcast (iHeart Radio):

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-chord-progression-70632531/

Podcast Webpage:

https://mysongoftheday.com/my-song-of-the-day-rock-2000-today/chord-progression-podcast/

Welcome: (0:00)

4th Time is the Charm: (2:14)

Super Busy Since "Everything You Wanted" Release in 2024: (3:56)

Beginning to Explore New Elements in "Where The Light Begins To Fade": (10:21)

New Found Appreciation for Artists in this Lifestyle: (19:48)

Where the Sound Grew on "Where The Light Begins To Fade": (25:58)

How Writing About Random Topics Covered the Amount of Change & Inner Reflection of Past 2 Years: (30:00)

The Drumming Helping Tell a Proper Story: (39:28)

The Release Plans for "Where The Light Begins To Fade": (47:53)

This is 750: (49:31)

What's Next: (56:12)

New Artist Suggestions: (58:29)

Kevin's Final Thought; Reflecting on 750 Episodes: (1:03:24)

Being an original rock band in 2026 is no easy feat like it once was. Rock music has an authenticity that could be felt through and through in the past, but now in the days of social media, it is a lot harder to let the authenticity shine when too many artists are pleasing social media & streaming algorithms.

This rock band was on the podcast during the pandemic. It has been over 6 years of waiting for new music. Now we are getting it, and we not only get to show you why it has a sense of authenticity to it, but it creates a sense of personal "familiar" over nostalgia.

Blake from the California rock band Joyous Wolf joins the Chord Progression Podcast as their brand new album "In Between" is set to release on August 21st. Join us as we get into the music on this episode as we talk about:

- Why it took 7 years for Joyous Wolf to release their debut album following the release of their debut EP back in 2019, with reasons including heavy touring, the pandemic, and authentically connecting to their rock sound.

- The shadow of relevancey that social media algorithms for musicians to always chase, but why the focus is on sound quality for Joyous Wolf, and that consisitency allows the band to stand out with their own brand.

- "In Between," the rock music sense of familiar that it creates, and how Joyous Wolf learned that song dynamics have a dimmer switch throughout the song, not an on/off button.

A great return for a great rock band. Tap the subscribe button for more episodes like this coming your way.

Find Joyous Wolf Online:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joyouswolf

Twitter: https://x.com/JoyousWolfMusic

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joyouswolfmusic/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7W3_dDSqeHZCny8ZBumofg

Website: https://joyouswolf.com

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/48vfT7i3EmuNEDAVRhzxpp?si=BzeFvqyzRoqWBttogkhbxQ

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/joyous-wolf/1014772786

Check out our sponsor: DarkFusion Systems!

Use code "CPPOD" for $100 off of your computer build!

https://darkfusionsystems.com

Follow us on social media!

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/chordprogressionpodcast

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https://twitter.com/cppodofficial

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/chordprogressionpodcast/

YouTube:

https://youtube.com/channel/UCqRKZCDMcFHIYbJaLQMfDbQ

Chord Progression Podcast (Spotify):

https://open.spotify.com/show/53XWPGrIUvgavKF5Fm6SLk

Chord Progression Podcast (Apple Podcast):

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chord-progression-podcast-the-gateway-to-new-rock-and-metal-music/id1454876657

Chord Progression Podcast (Amazon): https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b8dad803-444c-4a73-8aa5-67b4fc43f4ba

Chord Progression Podcast (iHeart Radio):

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-chord-progression-70632531/

Podcast Webpage:

https://mysongoftheday.com/my-song-of-the-day-rock-2000-today/chord-progression-podcast/

Welcome: (0:00)

The Return of Joyous Wolf: (1:41)

Why 7 Years Between EP and LP Release? :(3:44)

Shadow of Relevancy in Today's Social Media World: (9:05)

The "In Between" Writing Breakdown: (22:19)

Hard for a Rock Band Not to be "Nostalgic": (32:08)

Natural Songwriting, Depends on the Band: (36:14)

The Non-Single to Watch For: (46:33)

Next Live Show: (51:27)

New Artist Suggestions: (52:31)

Kevin's Final Thought; The Musical Sense of "Familiar": (1:01:41)

Building a setlist for your band is not an easy thing to do correctly and successfully. There are so many different factors at play from the size of the crowd, the type of venue you are playing, the geographic location that you are playing in, and more. But there is one thing more important than others, understanding the emotion of your own music.

As a musician on stage, you are the one playing, and your music is envoking different emotions in fans. Ballads bring down the energy and make people feel more emotional. Anthems bring the fans together. Energetic and uptempo songs get people moving and up the energy in the room. You are the conductor, but you have to understand how your music drives people to create the greatest experience possible.

Ambre from the German symphonic metal band Xandria joins the Chord Progression Podcast today. The band's brand new album "Eclipse" releases on August 7th, and we go into the live stage on this one. On this episode, we talk about:

- Why Xandria's released singles off of "Eclipse" worked live with an approach to cinematic grandure to their symphonic metal, and why some singles that artists release dont work out live but are powerhouses when fans listen solo.

- How building the best setlist for a live show depends on many factors like crowd size, crowd makeup, venue style, geographic location, and is best discovered by trial & error to determine the proper emotional control of a crowd.

- The reason why artist's typically only play their hits at festivals, due to the need of casting a wide net and provide the best energy for a crowd of differing levels of interest.

A great episode with a band that knows how to do it live. Tap the subscribe button for much more on the Chord Progression Podcast.

Find Xandria Online:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/xandriaofficial

Twitter: https://x.com/XandriaBand

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xandria_official/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKfzrr0MMPH_xFAx0JCD0-A

Website: https://www.xandria.de

Merch: https://shop.xandria.de/de/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1jzIEzXVJ4p1kFDmio6LEL?si=4CxKbFJ2QgGhE4x1MeYfcw

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/xandria/76752772

Check out our sponsor: DarkFusion Systems!

Use code "CPPOD" for $100 off of your computer build!

https://darkfusionsystems.com

Follow us on social media!

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/chordprogressionpodcast

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https://www.instagram.com/chordprogressionpodcast/

YouTube:

https://youtube.com/channel/UCqRKZCDMcFHIYbJaLQMfDbQ

Chord Progression Podcast (Spotify):

https://open.spotify.com/show/53XWPGrIUvgavKF5Fm6SLk

Chord Progression Podcast (Apple Podcast):

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chord-progression-podcast-the-gateway-to-new-rock-and-metal-music/id1454876657

Chord Progression Podcast (Amazon): https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b8dad803-444c-4a73-8aa5-67b4fc43f4ba

Chord Progression Podcast (iHeart Radio):

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-chord-progression-70632531/

Podcast Webpage:

https://mysongoftheday.com/my-song-of-the-day-rock-2000-today/chord-progression-podcast/

Welcome: (0:00)

Boom, Xandria is Here: (1:51)

The Reaction to New Songs Live & Why Some Singles Don't Work Live: (4:26)

Building a Setlist for Best Interaction via Trial and Error: (7:34)

Why Artists Play the Hits on Festival Sets: (15:07)

The Non-Single to Watch For: (20:29)

Return to USA?: (25:34)

New Artist Suggestions: (26:16)

Kevin's Final Thought; Understand Setlist Emotion: (29:27)

The debut album for an artist is more important than some artists realize, but not for the reason you think. Most people think that the debut album is meant to show us the true sound of the artist. If you end up like Linkin Park with Hybrid Theory, then yes that assumption is correct. But if you don't end up like Linkin Park, then is it considered a failure of a debut?

That is where the idea is skewed. The debut isn't meant to be an artist's fully understood sound and that is it. It is meant to be a benchmark of where the artist is starting, and the discovery of potential of where they can go. If we think about it like that, debut albums can be so much more successful.

Alexa from Sorry X rejoins the podcast once again with the release of her debut album, Exes, out now. With the debut album in focus, we talk about:

- Discovering what artists should learn from writing their debut album, that it is a setup for a foundation of their sound to grow and not the quintessential sound they must stick to, while not staying rigid to their own expected timelines.

- The fan reaction to "Exes" & Alexa feeling like she is finally building towards a community of fans & supporters.

- Learning that your own vulnerability as an artist, for the betterment of your own mental health and success in your writing.

Love to support artists we have had on the podcast continually over the past 7.5 years. Tap the subscribe button for so much more to discover.

Find Sorry X Online:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sorryxmusic

Twitter: https://x.com/sorryxmusic

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sorryxmusic

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sorryxmusic

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SorryX

Website: http://www.sorryxmusic.com

Merch: http://www.sorryxmusic.com/merch.html

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1iUS1TbK8JyjsC4ZhMRzaT?si=aGPziZIvQ1-Xtmf9sxN6aA

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sorry-x/1438777924

Check out our sponsor: DarkFusion Systems!

Use code "CPPOD" for $100 off of your computer build!

https://darkfusionsystems.com

Follow us on social media!

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/chordprogressionpodcast

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/cppodofficial

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/chordprogressionpodcast/

YouTube:

https://youtube.com/channel/UCqRKZCDMcFHIYbJaLQMfDbQ

Chord Progression Podcast (Spotify):

https://open.spotify.com/show/53XWPGrIUvgavKF5Fm6SLk

Chord Progression Podcast (Apple Podcast):

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chord-progression-podcast-the-gateway-to-new-rock-and-metal-music/id1454876657

Chord Progression Podcast (Amazon): https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b8dad803-444c-4a73-8aa5-67b4fc43f4ba

Chord Progression Podcast (iHeart Radio):

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-chord-progression-70632531/

Podcast Webpage:

https://mysongoftheday.com/my-song-of-the-day-rock-2000-today/chord-progression-podcast/

Welcome: (0:00)

Can't Do This One Live? So We Do It Online: (2:01)

What Alexa Discovered Making her Debut Album: (4:02)

Revelation to Not Restricting Creativity to a Timeline: (9:59)

Fan Reaction to "Exes": (14:00)

The Most Important Song on "Exes" for Sorry X: (16:48)

"Afterthought" & Showing Future Vocal Range: (21:27)

Learing to Own Your Vulnerability: (25:59)

Growing in a Live Setting & Future Ideas: (28:12)

What's Next?: (35:25)

New Artist Suggestions: (36:31)

Kevin's Final Thought; Debut Album is a Launching Pad: (39:28)

All of our favorite musicians have an origin story from when they were kids, finding the inspiration in the music that they would come to love and create along the way. But what if you could discover an artist that is that early in their career, and follow along with them every step of the way?

Well that is what this episode is all about. A 13 year old that has taken the stage with artists like Motionless In White, From Ashes to New, Alpha Wolf, and more. A 13 year old that has been able to start creating music and sharing his sound with the world with a metalcore background. And now, you get it.

Kage Archer joins the Chord Progression Podcast, as the youngest artist ever to join the show. With 3 songs out right now, including the most recent "Bonded by Blood", we dive into it on this episode as we talk about:

- The backstory of Kage Archer getting into heavy music, how his attempt to scream for $20 led to a viral moment, and how performing Slaughterhouse with Motionless in White on stage inspired him to get into music for himself.

- Making music with some of the biggest names in the heavy music scene, including Taylor Barber of Left to Suffer & producer Hiram Hernandez, and how experimenting with sound around his deepening vocals over time creates a unique opportunity for exploration.

- The inspriation to find his own sound, and why he isn't following the suggestions of his teachers by "focusing on studying more than music."

This podcast is how you discover great new artists. Tap the subscribe button as we are going to bring you so many more.

Find Kage Archer Online:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567041191272

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kage_archer

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kagearcher

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcqXtMSkH7q6NzpUjp6fj1w

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4J5yNPryyCxOYnOLt6gdsR?si=Xq7HJT_VRq2txntOwwUlYg

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/kage-archer/1778985375

Check out our sponsor: DarkFusion Systems!

Use code "CPPOD" for $100 off of your computer build!

https://darkfusionsystems.com

Follow us on social media!

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/chordprogressionpodcast

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/cppodofficial

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/chordprogressionpodcast/

YouTube:

https://youtube.com/channel/UCqRKZCDMcFHIYbJaLQMfDbQ

Chord Progression Podcast (Spotify):

https://open.spotify.com/show/53XWPGrIUvgavKF5Fm6SLk

Chord Progression Podcast (Apple Podcast):

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chord-progression-podcast-the-gateway-to-new-rock-and-metal-music/id1454876657

Chord Progression Podcast (Amazon): https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b8dad803-444c-4a73-8aa5-67b4fc43f4ba

Chord Progression Podcast (iHeart Radio):

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-chord-progression-70632531/

Podcast Webpage:

https://mysongoftheday.com/my-song-of-the-day-rock-2000-today/chord-progression-podcast/

Welcome: (0:00)

Meet Kage Archer: (1:40)

The Kage Archer Backstory & Parents Support: (3:17)

Making Music with Taylor Barber & Hiram Hernandez: (8:18)

Understanding Kage's Growing Vocals:(12:30)

Kage's Hope to Discover his Sound: (23:22)

Talking Tour Genre Mashing Inspiration: (27:21)

Fun Moshing Stories: (32:22)

Band's That Don't Take Music Too Seriously: (39:29)

Not Letting Others' Opinions Get in the Way: (42:24)

What's Next?: (48:02)

New Artists to Check Out: (48:30)

Kevin's Final Thought; In A Room of Empty Faces, Don't Go Changing: (51:07)

It has been incredible following along with Future Palace ever since the release of their album "Run" in 2022. We have seen them headline tours throughout Europe, open for Electric Callboy, release the album "Distortion" in 2024, all while tackling topics like imposter syndrome and mental health issues. This band is one of our favorites we have ever discovered here.

So why are we doing an intro like this? Does that mean there is more new music coming from this great band? And what is the next step in the journey for Future Palace compared to their first 3 albums? Let's find out.

Maria from Future Palace returns to the Chord Progression Podcast for a 3rd time as the band is set to release their 4th album "Resurgence" on July 31st. Join us for an hour with Maria as we discuss:

- Future Palace headlining a tour in North America in 2025, and the incredible response mixed with positive energy that the band experienced from US and Canada fans.

- How AI and bad business practices have dragged down artist ambitions over time, but how musical unpredictablity and human connection still inspire artists to this day.

- The new album "Resurgence" and how it focuses more on healing, with a positive emotional connotation, compared to the previous albums focusing on more emotional processing with darker vibes.

-"Tidal Wave", the nervousness of releasing such a vulnerable ballad, but why it is so well done.

If you can't tell, we are big Future Palace fans and we want you to be too. Tap the subscribe button to become a fan of more great bands.

Find Future Palace Online:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/futurepalace

Twitter: https://x.com/FuturePalaceDE

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurepalaceofficial/

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@futurepalace

YouTube: https://youtu.be/_DYixxbUFB0?si=oxR-ZrzLY55zzZgv

Website: https://future-palace.com

Merch: https://future-palace.com/#shop

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4QnuZOyl4C9d1keyOZXJ21?si=X5mrtbwxRDi_dSjD7iXvPQ

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/future-palace/1457925016

Check out our sponsor: DarkFusion Systems!

Use code "CPPOD" for $100 off of your computer build!

https://darkfusionsystems.com

Follow us on social media!

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/chordprogressionpodcast

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/cppodofficial

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/chordprogressionpodcast/

YouTube:

https://youtube.com/channel/UCqRKZCDMcFHIYbJaLQMfDbQ

Chord Progression Podcast (Spotify):

https://open.spotify.com/show/53XWPGrIUvgavKF5Fm6SLk

Chord Progression Podcast (Apple Podcast):

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chord-progression-podcast-the-gateway-to-new-rock-and-metal-music/id1454876657

Chord Progression Podcast (Amazon): https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b8dad803-444c-4a73-8aa5-67b4fc43f4ba

Chord Progression Podcast (iHeart Radio):

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-chord-progression-70632531/

Podcast Webpage:

https://mysongoftheday.com/my-song-of-the-day-rock-2000-today/chord-progression-podcast/

Welcome: (0:00)

Maria is Back for the 3rd Time: (2:00)

Recapping 2025 North American Headlining Tour: (5:23)

Predicting Live Show Growth for Future Palace in USA: (11:59)

The Inspiration of "Resurgence": (20:17)

Are AI & Bad Business Practices Detering Artist Ambition?: (28:34)

Tidal Wave: (38:41)

What's Up for 2027?: (46:19)

New Artist Suggestions: (47:40)

Kevin's Final Thought; Full Support for Future Palace: (51:21)

What if we told you that Midwest Emo exists in the UK? Yes we are telling you the truth on that one. Thanks to Manic Kat Records and the guys at BSB TV, they provided us with suggestions around this band on a consistent basis in 2026. So, it is that time to see what they are made of.

But what do we dive into with a Midwest Emo band? Do we decide to talk about their musical inspirations and how they are feeling connection to more fans as they grow? Do we talk about what it is like to be a Midwest Emo band in the UK and what to expect when coming to the USA? Do we talk about the band swiping right on each other to form? All of the above.

The gents from the Newcaste Midwest Emo band Voted Most Likely join the Chord Progression Podcast, following their most recent release "I'm Still Using My Old MSN Password" (yes that is the name of the song so you know this band has it), we want you to discover this band. Today we discuss:

- Writing Midwest Emo music while being quite far away from the origins and hotbed of the genre, the weedling & "jamming while you cry" vibes on "I'm Still Using My Old MSN Password," and the hate comment on the Punk News review that made the band think they made it.

- What it is like playing Midwest Emo music in the UK, the fear the band has playing in the USA for the first time, and the importancing in understanding how to control the vibe of a live show.

- How the band found each other on "Band Tinder" and how getting ghosted helped form Voted Most Likely.

Not bad for our first Midwest Emo interview right? Tap the subscribe button for more interviews like this.

Find Voted Most Likely Online:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Voted-Most-Likely-61563996815021/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/votedmostlikelyuk/

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@voted.most.likely

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VotedMostLikelyUK

Website: https://www.manickatrecords.com/voted-most-likely/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6AFFQo8Ek6VV5fwEVvw5n3?si=x9SnetkrSUyXesbFe19cgg

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/voted-most-likely/1779974683

Check out our sponsor: DarkFusion Systems!

Use code "CPPOD" for $100 off of your computer build!

https://darkfusionsystems.com

Follow us on social media!

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/chordprogressionpodcast

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/cppodofficial

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/chordprogressionpodcast/

YouTube:

https://youtube.com/channel/UCqRKZCDMcFHIYbJaLQMfDbQ

Chord Progression Podcast (Spotify):

https://open.spotify.com/show/53XWPGrIUvgavKF5Fm6SLk

Chord Progression Podcast (Apple Podcast):

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chord-progression-podcast-the-gateway-to-new-rock-and-metal-music/id1454876657

Chord Progression Podcast (Amazon): https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b8dad803-444c-4a73-8aa5-67b4fc43f4ba

Chord Progression Podcast (iHeart Radio):

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-chord-progression-70632531/

Podcast Webpage:

https://mysongoftheday.com/my-song-of-the-day-rock-2000-today/chord-progression-podcast/

Welcome: (0:00)

Our First Midwest Emo Band: (1:45)

Writing "I'm Still Using My Old MSN Password": (4:37)

The "Fear" of Playing in the USA for the First Time: (8:57)

Midwest Emo Survives on the Live Show Energy: (12:25)

What is the Midwest Emo Scene in the UK?: (21:15)

Recorrecting the Punk News Story: (29:16)

What Else in 2026 & Beyond?: (31:04)

The "Voted Most Likely" Origin Story, Online: (36:20)

Talking Song Titles: (43:26)

New Artist Suggestions: (51:42)

Kevin's Final Thought; I'm Moving: (57:06)

Hardcore music is still having its moment in the 2020's with artists like Knocked Loose, Kublai Khan, Alpha Wolf, and thrown continuing to grow, play in front of larger crowds, and even break through into the mainstream. Yes; the quality of the music has a lot to do with it. But what else is heping that breakthrough, is connecting with audiences outside of the hardcore genre.

That isnt an easy thing, given the stigmas and characterizations hardcore bands have in their live shows, their energy, and overall aggressive sound. But if a hardcore band can play in front of a different audience, cater their live set to introduce a crowd to their sound, and succeed, you have a winner. This is one of those cases.

Blaythe from the Alabama hardcore band No Cure joins the Chord Progression Podcast as the band releases their new album "It Is Going To Get Dark" out now. On this episode, we talk about:

- Writing "It Is Going To Get Dark" and being more interested in exploring in depth, what the real sound No Cure truly has, compared to honing in on a specific sound and topic on something like an EP or a demo.

- Touring with Cattle Decapitation, and understanding how a live show build and presentation can help any artist win over fans of a different genre.

- The importance of having fun with the music, not regretting the safety of holding back later on in life.

Gotta bring you some great hardcore music, or we aren't doing our jobs right. Tap subscribe for more episodes like this.

Find No Cure Online:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nocurestraightedge/

Twitter: https://x.com/nocurexxx

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nocurestraightedge/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NOCUREXXX/featured

Website & Merch: https://itisgoingtogetdark.com

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3nw6phs4P8q7lncRq3uurU?si=Mxo9i0QcTNajQNrtXhHMPQ

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/no-cure/1611795581

Check out our sponsor: DarkFusion Systems!

Use code "CPPOD" for $100 off of your computer build!

https://darkfusionsystems.com

Follow us on social media!

Facebook:

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https://www.instagram.com/chordprogressionpodcast/

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https://youtube.com/channel/UCqRKZCDMcFHIYbJaLQMfDbQ

Chord Progression Podcast (Spotify):

https://open.spotify.com/show/53XWPGrIUvgavKF5Fm6SLk

Chord Progression Podcast (Apple Podcast):

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chord-progression-podcast-the-gateway-to-new-rock-and-metal-music/id1454876657

Chord Progression Podcast (Amazon): https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b8dad803-444c-4a73-8aa5-67b4fc43f4ba

Chord Progression Podcast (iHeart Radio):

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-chord-progression-70632531/

Podcast Webpage:

https://mysongoftheday.com/my-song-of-the-day-rock-2000-today/chord-progression-podcast/

Welcome: (0:00)

Catching Up with No Cure Right Before Tour: (1:47)

Writing "It Is Going To Get Dark": (4:11)

Showing Off on "Brain Matter Displacement": (6:22)

How Touring with Cattle Decapitation Helped No Cure Win Over Non-Hardcore Fans: (9:27)

Willing to Do the Work as Long as It's Fun: (14:40)

There Is More Coming in 2026?: (21:22)

Kevin's Final Thought; Knowing the Audience You're Playing to at Each Show: (26:11)

In 2025, we brought you Katerina Nicole, an artist who started in the Pop and EDM world around 2022, and then pivoted to the heavy music space because it was a musical direction that she needed to take. It led her to working with her producer to introduce us to her sound and voice on the debut EP "Serene in Violent Oceans."

A year and a half has gone by, and you may not remember her or have been wondering what she is up to. Wondering what direction her music has taken over that time, and where you can find her live. Well, we wanted those answers too.

Katerina Nicole returns to the Chord Progression Podcast with the releases of her recent singles "Ladybug" and "Black on White" released now. Join us and catch up with Katerina as we talk about:

- How she processed grief on the song "Ladybug" and how the more upbeat juxtaposition of the song's melody helps us process the attempts to save a life.

- What Katerina has been up to since the release of "Serene in Violent Oceans" by taking the risks of writing the next batch of songs without outside help in order to discover new, & expand on current heavier sounds she connects with.

- The struggle artists that do not fit into a specific genre or subgenera have with booking live shows over in Eurpoe.

A fantastic catcup episode with some great overall insight. Tap the subscribe button because... more is coming your way.

Find Katerina Nicole Online:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katerinanicolemusic/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAbpD06yRFggM_3jo3iqu9A

Website: https://katerinanicolemusic.com

Merch: https://katerinanicolemusic.com/collections/all

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1PHtnoxwzLCIFAfG49aCDo?si=7X9czvFdT-S0fEWcGXVJ0A

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/katerina-nicole/1615626996

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Use code "CPPOD" for $100 off of your computer build!

https://darkfusionsystems.com

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https://www.facebook.com/chordprogressionpodcast

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Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/chordprogressionpodcast/

YouTube:

https://youtube.com/channel/UCqRKZCDMcFHIYbJaLQMfDbQ

Chord Progression Podcast (Spotify):

https://open.spotify.com/show/53XWPGrIUvgavKF5Fm6SLk

Chord Progression Podcast (Apple Podcast):

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chord-progression-podcast-the-gateway-to-new-rock-and-metal-music/id1454876657

Chord Progression Podcast (Amazon): https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b8dad803-444c-4a73-8aa5-67b4fc43f4ba

Chord Progression Podcast (iHeart Radio):

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-chord-progression-70632531/

Podcast Webpage:

https://mysongoftheday.com/my-song-of-the-day-rock-2000-today/chord-progression-podcast/

Welcome: (0:00)

Welcome Back Katerina Nicole: (1:41)

Diving into Grief on "Ladybug": (3:03)

The Fan Conceptualization of Grief: (9:47)

Since "Serene in Voilent Oceans": (16:40)

Releasing "Black on White": (25:14)

The Rewards of Exploring a More Diverse Sound: (31:52)

The Problem Booking Shows in Europe: (36:33)

Kevin Asks for Fan Interaction: (43:44)

New Artist Suggestions: (46:46)

Kevin's Final Thought; Why Is Europe so Segmented Booking Live Shows?: (49:30)

When you have a band with a sound that you loved of their's from the past, what are your thoughts when they release new music that is a deviation from that original album you fell in love with? Are you open to seeing where the sound will expand to? Or are you resistant to change and want them to stick with the sound that made the artist "pop"?

2015, everyone wanted sounds to be classified and segmented, without a deviation from the norm. 2026, experimentation and exploration in music writing is welcome and championed. So, if an artist were to go back to their original album and add on to it, what would happen?

The guys from the fantasy metalcore band The Wise Man's Fear join the Chord Progression Podcast right after releasing their most recent EP, "Apocrypha" on June 26th, 2026. Join us for this episode as we dive into:

- "Apocrypha," why it is an extension onto "Castle in the Clouds" and how they balanced nostalgia of their older sound, while embracing their new skills and influences in songwriting.

- Figuring out where that line is between nostalgic songwriting and retconing an old idea with new material, while maintaining a consistent story throughline in the music's lore.

- Using the live show to inform and guide what they want to do next with their music, not following some Tik Tok trend or pursuing algorithmic results.

Plenty of great conversation and music wrapped up in this one. Tap the subscribe button for so much more.

Find The Wise Man's Fear Online:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TWMFband/

Twitter: https://x.com/twmfband

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twmfband

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@twmfband

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiJ-Qs7YFsjrqO_qL6uxWzQ

Website: https://linktr.ee/twmfband

Merch: https://www.relentlessmerch.store/collections/thewisemansfear

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0Ir2YUbOtgP5GeOzQicQ44?si=HzjnCBuyRs-Sc07Sd4rUQA

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/the-wise-mans-fear/694043469

Check out our sponsor: DarkFusion Systems!

Use code "CPPOD" for $100 off of your computer build!

https://darkfusionsystems.com

Follow us on social media!

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/chordprogressionpodcast

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/cppodofficial

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/chordprogressionpodcast/

YouTube:

https://youtube.com/channel/UCqRKZCDMcFHIYbJaLQMfDbQ

Chord Progression Podcast (Spotify):

https://open.spotify.com/show/53XWPGrIUvgavKF5Fm6SLk

Chord Progression Podcast (Apple Podcast):

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chord-progression-podcast-the-gateway-to-new-rock-and-metal-music/id1454876657

Chord Progression Podcast (Amazon): https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b8dad803-444c-4a73-8aa5-67b4fc43f4ba

Chord Progression Podcast (iHeart Radio):

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-chord-progression-70632531/

Podcast Webpage:

https://mysongoftheday.com/my-song-of-the-day-rock-2000-today/chord-progression-podcast/

Welcome: (0:00)

Let's Bring You The Wise Man's Fear: (1:58)

"Apocrypha" is DLC to "Castle in the Clouds": (3:10)

What's the Line Between Nostalgia and Retconing?: (11:09)

No Barrier Between Genres, Retconing the 2016 Mentality: (16:59)

Why The Wise Man's Fear Always Kept Door Open Stylistically: (23:40)

The Guys Get Bored Fast with the Same Music Stylings: (32:41)

How the Live Show is Informing their Next Songs: (37:02)

What Else in 2026?: (51:07)

New Artist Suggestions: (53:33)

Kevin's Final Thought; Thank You for Expanding on the Past, not Retconing It: (1:01:52)