Sultans of Slack

Meditation, Dungeons & Dragons, and a cave hidden behind a living room wall—Porter McKnight turns a backstage hang into a fascinating conversation.Porter shares how he’s practiced meditation since he was a teenager, how visualization shaped his experience as a soccer goalkeeper, and why he believes it’s important to “start from the inside.” He also talks about touring internationally, life in Germany, Magic: The Gathering, and what makes a fun D&D campaign.And then there’s the cave: Porter describes the centuries-old house built into a mountain—and the mysterious space hidden behind a wall.00:09 — Meet Porter McKnight00:42 — Hair, self-image, and his wife’s opinion02:05 — Vienna sausages, syrup, and starting from the inside03:18 — Why meditation matters to Porter04:38 — The soccer practice that introduced him to meditation05:16 — Visualization, mental rehearsal, and a game-saving moment07:26 — Building a personal meditation practice09:57 — Touring internationally while living in Germany11:26 — The return of rock music12:31 — Dungeons & Dragons, Magic, and gaming14:05 — Meeting his wife on tour16:19 — Life in an old German house—and a cave behind the wall19:03 — What to do with a hidden cave20:29 — D&D advice for beginners23:02 — Why tabletop campaigns stay with you24:07 — Band life, friendship, and touring together25:48 — The story behind Porter’s gold Doc Martens#atreyu #PorterMcKnight #Podcast #RockMusic #MusicPodcast #Meditation #DungeonsAndDragons #MagicTheGathering #BaldursGate3 #BehindTheMusic

We caught up with Oleander at Aftershock for a hilarious conversation about coming home to Sacramento, playing the very first Aftershock back in 2012, touring life, new music, and somehow spending WAY too much time talking about potatoes and sandwiches.

The band looks back on how much Aftershock has grown since its early days as a one-day festival with two stages, talks about reconnecting with old friends at festivals, and shares some of the bands they were excited to see.

We also get into the realities of touring — including the legendary story of a tour that went sideways after the hotel didn't have HBO — plus their upcoming plans for 2027.

And yes… somehow the conversation turns into an air fryer tutorial, baked potatoes, mustard sandwiches, fried bologna, and the proper way to make a road-trip sandwich. 😂

But the biggest news? Oleander has new music on the way. The band recently released "Fourth of July" and is gearing up to release another single, "Bruise," with plenty more music planned.

#Oleander #AftershockFestival #SultansOfSlack #RockInterview #RockMusic #Aftershock2026 #FourthOfJuly #Bruise #Sacramento #RockAndRoll #FestivalInterviews

We went INSIDE one of the most incredible haunted attractions in America!While covering Inkcarceration Festival, we sat down with Vic and The Warden's Widow from Blood Prison at the legendary Ohio State Reformatory to talk about what it takes to create one of the most immersive haunted house experiences you'll ever see.From Hollywood like special effects and elaborate set design to custom costumes, makeup, and the history behind taking over this iconic prison, we dive into everything that makes Blood Prison a must-visit Halloween destination.We also talk about:

🎃 How Blood Prison got started

👻 The massive production behind the attraction

🎭 Costume design & professional makeup

🏛️ Working inside the historic Ohio State Reformatory

🎄 Their terrifying Christmas haunt👀 Paranormal experiences inside the prison

🤘 Metal, Inkcarceration, and why Gojira is a can't-miss band

After walking through Blood Prison ourselves, we can honestly say it's one of the best haunted attractions we've ever experienced. If you're anywhere near Mansfield, Ohio during haunt season, put this on your bucket list.

👉 Check out Blood Prison:https://bloodprison.com

Follow Blood Prison:📸 Instagram: @bloodprisonohio

If you enjoyed this interview, don't forget to:👍 Like the video💬 Tell us your favorite haunted attraction in the comments🔔 Subscribe for more interviews, festival coverage, rock & metal content, and behind-the-scenes adventures from Sultans of Slack!#BloodPrison #Inkcarceration #OhioStateReformatory #HauntedHouse #Halloween #Horror #HauntSeason #Metal #Gojira #Festival #SultansOfSlack

In this episode of Sultans of Slack, we sit down with Neal from Royal Bliss for an unscripted, honest, hilarious deep dive into 28 years of touring, underground rock culture, and the small towns that built a band.From Pocatello, Twin Falls, and Southern Idaho to sketchy bowling alleys, beer fights in Midwest clubs, autograph signings gone sideways, and stories that definitely shouldn’t be forgotten — this one’s packed with real talk, laughter, and love for rock music done the right way.Neal talks about:The resurgence of real rock & roll (and why kids are shredding again)Playing live vs backing tracks & AI musicRaising kids who shred guitars instead of playing sportsNew music, upcoming shows, and what’s next for Royal Bliss…and yes, the infamous Kid Rock wrestling story 🥊🍻This isn’t a polished PR interview — it’s a real conversation about music, family, chaos, and why rock & roll should make you feel something.🎸 If you love honest music, underground scenes, and bands that built it the hard way — this one’s for you.👇 Drop a comment:What small venue show do you still talk about?Do you think rock is really coming back?Acoustic sets, backing tracks? Let’s argue.👍 Like, subscribe, and share!Go give Royal Bliss some lovin:https://www.instagram.com/royalblissband/https://open.spotify.com/artist/2DntubHirEICSdXa23WNpVhttps://www.facebook.com/royalbliss/https://music.apple.com/us/artist/royal-bliss/151633533https://tiktok.com/@royalblissbandhttp://twitter.com/royalblissLocation: Vintage Vinyl & Antiques. Go check them out:https://www.facebook.com/vintagevinyl.idaho/ #RoyalBliss #RockAndRoll #Podcast #SultansOfSlack #LiveMusic

From deep philosophy to total chaos — this Sultans of Slack interview with The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus at Aftershock Festival has everything.

Frontman Ronnie Winter breaks down the meaning behind their powerful lyrics (“Be right or be happy”), dives into the story behind “X’s For Eyes,” and opens up about spirituality, addiction, and what happiness really means in 2025.

Then things take a hard left turn — into Idaho nuclear meltdowns, All-American Rejects sightings, and a startup idea for onstage porta-potties called “Stage Piss.” 😂

This episode has heart, humor, and honesty — exactly what makes Red Jumpsuit timeless.

🎙️ Highlights:

• The real meaning behind “Do You Feel Like a Man”

• Ronnie’s collaboration with producer Matt Squire, “the godfather of emo”

• How “X’s For Eyes” came together in just four days

• Philosophical breakdown: Being right vs. being happy

• Festival chaos, stage fright, and one very weird business idea

Recorded live at Aftershock Festival — hosted by Sultans of Slack, the rock & metal podcast that keeps it loud, loose, and a little unhinged.

#TheRedJumpsuitApparatus #AftershockFestival #SultansOfSlack #RonnieWinter #EmoRevival #RockPodcast #BehindTheLyrics #BeRightOrBeHappy #StagePissworks

Drumming legend Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater, Avenged Sevenfold’s Nightmare) sits down with us backstage at Louder Than Life to talk about:

His emotional return to Dream Theater in 2023 and what it feels like being “back home” after 40 years. The making of Parasomnia, blending classic prog influences with today’s modern metal sound. Playing U.S. festivals for the first time with Dream Theater after decades of European stages. Memories of recording Avenged Sevenfold’s Nightmare, his connection with The Rev, and roasting marshmallows over pyro on stage. His biggest drumming influences (Ringo Starr, Keith Moon, Neil Peart, Lars Ulrich) and how they shaped his style. Upcoming Parasomnia World Tour and the just-announced Live in France album. If you’re a fan of prog, metal, or Avenged Sevenfold, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Backstage chaos, festival schedule & finding “the giant drum village”

00:24 – Listening to Parasomnia on the drive & Avenged Sevenfold fandom01:15 – Reuniting with Dream Theater, recording Parasomnia, and world touring

02:16 – How the new album blends prog roots with modern metal

03:26 – Playing U.S. festivals for the first time with Dream Theater

04:58 – Early drum influences: Ringo Starr, Keith Moon, Lars Ulrich & Neil Peart

06:02 – Full circle: Recording Nightmare with Avenged Sevenfold & The Rev’s influence

06:53 – Short festival setlists vs. Dream Theater’s usual 3-hour shows

07:43 – Fan appreciation, favorite deep cuts & “Save Me”

08:37 – Upcoming Parasomnia U.S. tour & new live album announcement (Live in France)

09:21 – Wrapping up: Aftershock Festival & final words from Mike

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Events:Aftershock Festival, October 2-5, Sacramento, CA

Subscribe, leave a comment, and get slacking with the Sultans of Slack! #DreamTheater #MikePortnoy #AvengedSevenfold #Parasomnia #ProgMetal #LouderThanLife

Avenged Sevenfold fans—you don’t want to miss this. Discover how City of Evil, Chicago’s top A7X cover band, **quietly received a DM from Synyster Gates** inviting them to perform exclusive deep cuts the night before the big show at Soldier Field.In this candid interview, you'll hear:• The moment they got the DM—and almost wrecked the car • How the band reacted (yes, tears included) • Why debuting “I Won’t See You Tonight” Parts 1 & 2 was so epic • The toughest solos and crazy stage challenges ⏱ **Timestamps:** 0:00 – Arrival in Chicago & Reggie’s show 1:50 – The mind-blowing DM from Avenged Sevenfold 3:40 – Collective tears & reaction 5:20 – Band side projects and artwork 7:30 – Most difficult songs revealed 11:20 – Keys, vocals, violin chaos 13:00 – Band dynamics and deep cuts 17:40 – Setlist strategy & fan reactions 19:40 – Favorite A7X albums & “Life Is But a Dream” story 25:30 – Future setlist ideas & M.I.A. plea 👇 Let me know in the comments: Would you rather hear deep cuts or the big hits live? Which A7X song should City of Evil tackle next?— Follow City of Evil: https://twitter.com/cityofevil_bandhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyGlQfBOLxhmj3TEr2n11Bw?sub_confirmation=1https://www.tiktok.com/@cityofevilchicago?lang=enhttps://www.facebook.com/cityofevilbandhttps://www.instagram.com/cityofevilband/Subscribe for more behind-the-scenes rock stories!

Ryan Perdz discusses the pivotal role TikTok played in launching his career, his musical influences, and the excitement surrounding his upcoming album. The conversation also touches on the current shift in the music industry towards singles, the resurgence of rock music, and the importance of authenticity in songwriting. In this engaging conversation, Ryan Perdz shares his journey through music, art, and personal hobbies, revealing his artistic background and family connections. The discussion takes a humorous turn as they delve into the quirky world of Bigfoot. As they navigate the music industry, Ryan reflects on his influences, including iconic artists like Michael Jackson, and the impact of cultural icons on their lives. The conversation wraps up with a light-hearted look at family dynamics in sports and music, highlighting the unique relationships that shape their experiences.Check out Ryans Pages:https://www.instagram.com/ryan_perdzhttps://www.tiktok.com/@ryanperdz https://www.facebook.com/ryanperdzhttps://www.youtube.com/@ryanperdz https://open.spotify.com/artist/5dv9Meti6b7DPc1bRy2LIc?si=pf0vs2sUTeCsxKd7vgpG_AListen to “Sultans of Slack” on:YouTubeApple PodcastsSpotifyFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/sultansofslack/https://www.facebook.com/sultansofslackhttps://www.tiktok.com/@sultansofslackhttps://discord.gg/sM7AKQUfhttps://x.com/SultansOfSlackUpcoming Events:Louder than Life, September 18-21Subscribe, leave a comment, and get slacking with the Sultans of Slack!

Lee Jennings of Funeral Portrait discusses the band's evolution, the impact of COVID-19 on their identity, and the challenges of navigating newfound fame. He shares insights on fan interactions, the importance of boundaries, and the excitement surrounding their upcoming music releases and tours. The discussion highlights the balance between personal connection with fans and the need for privacy, as well as the band's commitment to creating meaningful music.Chapters00:00 The Rise of Funeral Portrait12:59 Navigating Fame and Fan Interactions17:53 Future Plans and New MusicCheck out The Funeral Portrait here:https://www.thefuneralportrait.com/https://instagram.com/tfp_devotionhttps://www.facebook.com/TheFuneralPortraithttps://tiktok.com/@tfp_devotionhttps://x.com/tfp_devotionhttps://discord.gg/D3SwaGNN6bhttps://open.spotify.com/artist/4iGsihTcyZ80RQFZhC8bf8Listen to “Sultans of Slack” on:YouTubeApple PodcastsSpotifyFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/sultansofslack/https://www.facebook.com/sultansofslackhttps://www.tiktok.com/@sultansofslackhttps://discord.gg/sM7AKQUfhttps://x.com/SultansOfSlackUpcoming Events:Louder Than Life September 18-21 2025Subscribe, leave a comment, and get slacking!

Neil Sanderson of Three Days Grace reflects on the band's long journey since their inception, the excitement of live performances, and the dynamics of touring. He discusses the collaborative songwriting process, emphasizing the importance of emotional depth in their music. The conversation also touches on the accessibility of their songs and the evolving conversations around mental health in society.Chapters00:00 The Journey of Three Days Grace03:10 Live Performances and Touring Dynamics05:53 Songwriting Process and Collaboration12:01 Music Accessibility and Emotional Depth17:53 Mental Health Conversations and Societal ChangesListen to “Sultans of Slack” on:YouTubeApple PodcastsSpotifyFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/sultansofslack/https://www.facebook.com/sultansofslackhttps://www.tiktok.com/@sultansofslackhttps://discord.gg/sM7AKQUfhttps://x.com/SultansOfSlackUpcoming Events:Sonic Temple, May 8-11, Columbus OHSubscribe, leave a comment, and get slacking with the Sultans of Slack!#ThreeDaysGrace #NeilSanderson #rockinterviews #rockmusic #sonictemple #AftershockFestival #DannyWimmerPresents #MetalFest #festivalseason #adamgontier #behindthemusic #MentalHealthAwareness #IHateEverythingAboutYou #Mayday #MusicPodcast #PodcastInterview #ArtistInterview #RockPodcast #SultansOfSlack