Episode 366 features my longtime friend Luke Roberts (aka LJR), who has also been a member of The Hollow Truths over the years. I wanted to catch up with him this week because we just released a song called “Old Dive’s Tale,” which Luke played drums on (and added some harmonies to as well). The song was written about our college days, when we couldn’t legally get into bars, and it focuses on a seasoned, wise bartender we all used to know. Beyond that, Luke and I caught up on everything we’ve both been up to. I’m getting married soon, so we talked a bit about that and how I probably need to work out more. Luke has been putting a lot of time into his videography business and it is going well. We will also be playing a show together 4/24 in Philadelphia at The Grape Room! Thanks for listening and supporting local artists. Stream “Old Dive’s Tale” wherever you listen to music.

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Episode 365 features Jon Cativerra, the founder and songwriter of Time Spent Driving, an indie rock band whose emotive, heartfelt sound helped define the early 2000s emo and indie scene. He is also the Founder, CEO, and Creative Director of Sleepless Media, a full-service creative agency he launched in 2003. For nearly 25 years, Jon has balanced life as a working musician and agency leader. Proving that creativity and professional success don’t have to come at the expense of one another. In this episode, he shares honest insights on resilience, time management, creative burnout, and what it really takes to sustain both passions. Whether you’re a musician building a career, an entrepreneur with creative ambitions, or someone trying to balance work with passion projects, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and inspiration. Tune in as Jon shares stories from the road, lessons from building Sleepless Media, and how he continues to stay driven in both worlds. This episode also features the track “Sleep and Matchbooks,” available wherever you listen to music. Thanks for listening and supporting local artists. 

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Episode 364 features Mike Huff from BEES! and Jim aka Scoopski from DelCobras. We’re all beyond excited to talk about our big show on April 24 at The Grape Room now back and better as The Grape in Manayunk. We’re thrilled to see this legendary Philly venue back in action. Huge thanks to Mose and the entire team for bringing it back to life. Some of our best nights have happened on that stage and we can’t wait to do it again. This episode we catch up with Mike and Jim over Zoom, trading stories from past shows, digging into what they’ve been working on, and building the hype for what is shaping up to be a stacked lineup. Joining the bill are our friends Haha Charade, bringing their signature space trash meets evil disco in a mid Atlantic dive bar by the beach energy. They will also be on the podcast next week.

BEES! bring a chaotic arcade fueled rock energy that feels like getting dropped into a neon 90s video game gone wrong. Think giant radioactive bees, horror movie panic, and pure controlled chaos. Inspired by bands like The Presidents of the United States of America and Queens of the Stone Age, they have even created their own video games and took home the 2023 Homey Award for Best Alternative Rock Song.

DelCobras come in with a sharp three headed power pop attack. Featuring Jim Scoops Lorino, Marc Schuster, and Nick Cervini, the band delivers a tighter and more aggressive sound while keeping things catchy and direct. Their debut single The Turnaround, inspired by the Phillies and Trea Turner story, hits hard with themes of redemption and momentum. If you are in the Philly or Manayunk area do not miss this one. Expect arcade rock chaos, power pop anthems, and a night full of great music and stories. And then of course we (The Hollow Truths) will also be playing. I always describe our sound as ‘modern 90’s alt rock.’ 

See you at the bar. We will be the ones overtipping. 

Episode 363 features Teeth Out from Prince Edward Island, celebrating the release of their new EP, Here We Go.

I spotlight their track “Whales,” which you can stream wherever you listen to music. In this episode I spoke with Kevin, Josh, and Ozone for a fun conversation about making music in PEI, working in the oil fields, and surviving the harsh Canadian winters.

They’re playing the first ever Chatfest this Saturday in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Thanks for listening and supporting local artists!

Episode 362 is our annual SXSW recap episode, live from the legendary Hole in the Wall in Austin, TX. Chicken Ranch Records was having a showcase, and I got to catch up with our old friend Zach Black, as well as our new friends Alien Chicks from South London. Our band also had a quick chat. The Hollow Truths this year were Brendan Clarke, Alex Jacobs, Will Cole, and his wife, Kelly. So, this is a three-part episode. I should have a couple more episodes dropping later on as well.

It was a great year at South by Southwest. I got invited to the conference for the first time and was very appreciative. There was literally an insurmountable amount of things to do between checking out new bands, going to talks, and playing shows with The Hollow Truths. I definitely recommend coming down if you are in a band trying to get on the map.

I started the episode off with Alien Chicks, who mix punk, jazz, rap, and math rock. They played a set shortly before us at Hole in the Wall. I believe their names were Martha, Joe, and Stefan, respectively. I introduced them to the definition of “natty splattys.” I featured their track “Candlestick Maker” on this episode, and if you like it, you can stream it wherever you find music.

Next in the episode is Zach Black from Souls Extolled. He is an OG guest of the show and one of my good friends in Austin. We caught up on everything he’s been up to and featured “The Cut” from their album Soulsex.

Lastly, The Hollow Truths and I had a few laughs discussing brendan’s airport snafus, among other things. We were extremely grateful to get added to Chicken Ranch Records’ unofficial showcase that day. Thanks for listening and supporting local music.

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Episode 361 features Andrew Savage from Austin, TX. We are playing a show together this Saturday in Austin during South by Southwest weekend at The Liberty on 6th Street. We (The Hollow Truths) are playing just before Andrew and his band go on. Zach Black kicks things off at 4:00pm. So we play at 445 and 530 respectively. This is the second time Andrew has been on the show, and he also played with us last year. It was a great turnout, and we hope for the same again this year. There will be a bunch of bands playing all day long at Liberty (as well as all week), so if you're in town definitely come by, hang out, have a few Lone Stars, and check out the bands. Andrew Savage has a folk-punk/Americana rock sound, and I featured Andrew’s latest track, “Parking Lot Puddle,” on the episode. You can find it wherever you listen to music. Jack Meidel, who is in Andrew’s band, was also part of the interview. We talked a lot about nostalgia, songwriting, playing hotel bars, and following your dreams year after year.

Thanks for listening and supporting local artists!

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Episode 360 features Thanks! I Hate It from Hollister, CA. I spoke with Joel and Ryan to talk about their recent Midwest tour, traveling in an RV, balancing remote work while on the road, and what it really looks like to grind as an independent band in today’s music landscape. We got into their songwriting process, the emotional themes behind their music, and how they have carved out their sound in the modern emo and pop punk scene. Thanks! I Hate It is a self described Mid Westcoast Emo band blending the heart tugging vulnerability of Midwest emo with the high energy punch of pop punk. Drawing inspiration from bands like Real Friends, Hot Mulligan, and The Wonder Years, they have developed a sound that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Their sophomore album Scatterbrain, released in fall 2025, has been praised as a major step forward in both songwriting and production.

The band is also known for their creatively bold song titles, and on this episode I featured the track “Tonight’s the Night You Hit Your Dad.” Thanks for listening and for continuing to support independent and local artists.

UPCOMING TOUR DATES 

SUNFO

+

THANKS! I HATE IT

OKC → XLNC

3/31 OKLAHOMA CITY @ RESONANT HEAD

4/1 ST. LOUIS @ MOSHMELLOW

4/2 INDIANAPOLIS @ HEALER

4/3 DETROIT @ THE SYNDICATE

4/4 BAY CITY @ XLNC FEST

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Episode 359 features Hannah Sandoz, a performer-composer out of Chicago. In the interview we talked a lot about DIY touring, songwriting, and the ChiTown music scene. I featured “dominator1” on this episode, and if you like it you can stream it wherever you listen to music. 

Hann Sandoz creates music that holds you while you cry, weaving tender lyrics with lush, intimate arrangements for guitar, vocals, and laptop. After first writing songs as a teen using scrappy recording techniques and candid, emotionally raw lyrics, they went on to study classical composition and production at the Oberlin Conservatory. That background shaped a reverent creative practice centered on tenderness, shared experience, and emotional memory.

We also dive into their latest release, MF / HS, which came out in October 2025, four years after relocating to Chicago. To support the record, Hann hit the road for a true DIY run, touring 6,000 miles in just two weeks across the West Coast, playing independent venues like Junior High in LA and Kilowatt in San Francisco. With ethereal vocals and gauzy, rural-tinged instrumentals that will resonate with fans of Adrianne Lenker, Grouper, and Animal Collective, this is a conversation you do not want to miss.

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Episode 358 features Loose Panic from the greater Philadelphia area. In the interview, I spoke with singer songwriter and guitarist Jarret Crawford. We discussed the local music scene, his work in the psychology field, the evolution of Loose Panic from a solo project into a full band, and their upcoming debut LP Weightbearing, due out in June 2026.

We also touched on their brand new single, The Cruelty is the Point, which is the first single off Weightbearing. Loose Panic began as Jarret’s project before taking shape as a full band following the release of their five song EP In Hindsight, recorded at Cambridge Sound Studios in Philadelphia. Since then, the lineup has solidified with Anthony Carlisi on bass, Liam Hare on drums, and Max Blauer on lead guitar and backing vocals.

Blending folk and Americana inspired songwriting with 90s and 2000s indie and alternative rock sonics, Loose Panic creates guitar driven songs that balance loathing and hope, isolation and connection. The band has become a regular presence at venues like John and Peter’s in New Hope, PA and has played throughout the Philadelphia, New York, and New Jersey areas. Their music has also been featured on 88.5 WXPN and other regional radio programs.

This was a great conversation diving into creativity, mental health, and building a band from the ground up. Check out Loose Panic wherever you listen to music.

Episode 375 features Grandma Drinks from NYC. They are an alt rock band mixing grunge, new wave, and punk. They have a brand new EP out called Rapture, and I featured their tracks “Gone” and “Chemical” on the episode. In the interview, I spoke with Deke Blackburn and Jeremy Dirzis. We talk about the Staten Island and NYC music scene, inspirations, Oasis, face tattoos, trends, and staying true to yourself. If you like their stuff, you can find the band on any social media platform and give them a follow. Thanks for listening and supporting local artists!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/susto-schmidt-house-tickets-1980430363529

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