Never A Phase Podcast

In this episode of the Never a Phase podcast, Swemo sits down with Rob of Good Night Moon to unpack a reunion that’s been more than 20 years in the making. Born out of a tight-knit group of high school friends in Florida’s early-2000s emo and pop-punk scene, the band quickly became part of a vibrant, inclusive local movement that helped shape a generation of alternative music.

Now, after a 16-year hiatus, Good Night Moon is back. They are revisiting their roots with a newly recorded EP that reimagines their original songs through a modern production lens. Rob shares what it’s like to capture the essence of youth while navigating the realities of adulthood, distance, and today’s largely virtual recording process. From tracking parts remotely to reconnecting with their hometown scene, the reunion is both nostalgic and forward-looking.

The conversation dives deep into the evolution of Florida’s music community, the lasting influence of the emo and pop-punk era, and how platforms like TikTok are reshaping music discovery for a new generation. Rob also opens up about the role music plays in mental health—“Music is my medicine”—and why the phrase “It was never a phase” still resonates louder than ever.

Support the Show buy using the code EMO10 at check out when you buy Eargasm Earplugs

The Never a Phase Podcast is a part of the Never A Phase Network. Follow us @NeverAPhaseNetwork on all social media and visit NeverAPhaseNetwork.com for more.

In this episode throwback episode of Emo Kids Anonymous, hosts Amanda and Robb welcome their first guest, Ryan, AKA the Swemo Guy. The conversation delves into Ryan's background in the emo scene, his influence on TikTok, and the resurgence of emo culture. They explore the connections between Taylor Swift's music and emo influences, discussing her lyrical depth and emotional resonance. The discussion also highlights The 1975, Olivia Rodrigo, MGK, Demi Lovato, Poppy and Zach Bryan, and how modern pop continues to draw from emo the scene. The discussion also touches on the legacy of emo music and its impact on contemporary artists, highlighting the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in songwriting.00:00 Introduction to Emo Kids Anonymous

02:01 Ryan's Emo Journey and TikTok Influence

18:44 Exploring Emo Influences in Taylor Swift's Music

33:29 The 1975: An Emo Adjacent Band

39:03 Wrestling and Pop Culture References

44:54 Pop Punk Resurgence and Influences

01:01:14 Emo's Influence on Modern Pop

01:18:50 The Legacy of Emo in Music

This week Swemo hangs with Further North for a real-deal, no-filter conversation about life as a Texas Pop-Punk band bring Sad Dad Rock to the masses.

We talk about how the band grew up on MXPX, Relient K, and all the melodic, heart-on-sleeve stuff that made us want to start bands in the first place.

Faith comes up a lot too. Their songs wrestle with light and dark, doubt and hope, and a lot of very real personal stories.

Like every band of our era, they’re figuring out how to survive in a world where TikTok clips matter more than substance and everyone feels pressure to go viral just to stay visible.

Behind the scenes, it’s band life stuff most people don’t see: juggling jobs and family, and trying to grow something sustainable. This year they’re pushing for bigger moves, including four Texas dates with Geena Fontanella.

HIGHLIGHTS:

00:00 – Meet Further North & tour talk
06:00 – Band chemistry, rehearsals, and influences
12:00 – Faith, lyrics, and personal storytelling
19:00 – Nostalgia, local scenes, and growing up on pop punk
32:00 – Social media, content pressure, and staying authentic
45:00 – Planning the future, touring, and going international
55:00 – Supporting new bands & building community
01:10:00 – Parenting, punk values, and lightning round

Listen to Further North on Spotify

This show is a part of the Never A Phase Network. For more info on ours shows and creators visit NeverAPhaseNetwork.Com

This show is brought to you by Eargasm Earplugs. Use code EMO10 to save 10%.

In this engaging conversation, Ryan Styles interviews Betty Mauritz of Gold Steps, exploring the band's journey from their beginnings in Austin, Texas, to their current success in Milwaukee. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of being a pop punk band, the influence of other bands, and the personal growth and resilience required to thrive in the music industry. Betty shares insights into their songwriting process, the impact of their music, and their plans for the future, including new releases and tours.

• 00:00:02 Introduction and Band Origins
• 00:00:32 Musical Influences and Style
• 00:00:54 Challenges and Resilience
• 00:01:02 Personal Growth and Songwriting
• 00:01:28 Balancing Life and Music
• 00:01:57 Future Plans and Releases

LISTEN TO GOLD STEPS

BUY EARGASM EARGLUGS

Gold Steps, pop punk, Milwaukee music scene, Betty Moritz, songwriting, band journey, music industry, new releases, tours

In this conversation, Swemo interviews the band My Side of Paradise, who transitioned from a cover band called Emo Kids to creating original music. They discuss their journey, the writing process, and their collaboration with Jaret Reddick from Bowling for Soup. The band reflects on the themes of their new single 'All My Exes', the impact of social media on the music industry, and the challenges of being a musician in today's world. In this engaging conversation, the members of Emo Kids discuss their unique blend of nostalgia and modern influences in the emo music scene. They explore the significance of the emo revival, the connections being made across generations, and the party atmosphere at their shows. The discussion touches on authenticity within the emo scene, the dynamics of setlists, and the reactions to deep cuts. They also share their favorite venues, the cultural significance of food like In-N-Out, and the impact of emo music on new generations. The conversation concludes with insights into their original music project, My Side of Paradise, and their aspirations for the future.

In this engaging conversation, Ryan Styles interviews the Atlanta-based band Glimmers, known for their unique Rom-Com Pop Rock sound. The band discusses their journey from solo projects to collaboration, the impact of life changes on their dynamics, and their decision to release a full-length album, The Art of Shattering coming November 7th.

We delve into the complexities of the music industry, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by female artists. They discuss the impact of their song 'Jaded', the comparisons to Hayley Williams and Paramore, and the backlash they received from fans. The conversation highlights the importance of solidarity among female artists, as well as the struggles of navigating social media as a woman in the music scene. The episode concludes with a fun Q&A session, showcasing the lighter side of being in a band.

Pre-Save the Art of Shattering

00:00 Introduction to Glimmers: The Band and Their Sound

03:05 The Formation of Glimmers: From Solo to Band

06:12 Navigating Life and Music: Challenges and Changes

09:59 The Decision to Release a Full-Length Album

15:34 Theater Influence: How Broadway Shapes Their Music

23:01 Coming of Age: Themes in Their Music

29:21 Musical Inspirations: The Roots of Their Passion

32:16 The Recording Process of 'The Art of Shattering'

42:25 Addressing Comparisons in the Music Scene

51:43 Dealing with Backlash and Misunderstandings

58:18 Collaboration and Support in the Music Community

01:06:56 Rapid Fire Q&A with Glimmers