In this two-part Rewind episode, Kyle Meredith catches up with Imperial Teen and Rainer Maria — two cornerstone indie bands that helped shape the lo-fi-to-mainstream arc of alternative music. Listen to their insights now.

Taped at different moments in their respective comebacks, both interviews dive into the complexities of making new music after years away. Imperial Teen reflect on their 2012 album Feel the Sound, the logistics of long-distance collaboration, and why they never intentionally chase hooks.

Meanwhile, Rainer Maria discuss the serendipity of proximity that led to their self-titled reunion album, pulling forgotten ideas from old MiniDiscs, navigating the streaming era, and writing lyrics with more personal depth than ever before. Both bands prove that time apart hasn’t dulled their creative spark. Really, it’s only sharpened their purpose.

Listen to Imperial Teen and Rainer Maria chat about all this and more. Please take the time to like, review, and subscribe to KMW wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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