The Rumors are True Podcast

On this episode of The Rumors Are True, Jeremy sits down with JJ Miller and Rob Brown from the mysterious Australian band Sal Paradise for a conversation about one of the more intriguing and overlooked stories in the history of Tooth & Nail Records.

If you were digging through the Tooth & Nail catalog in the mid-'90s, Sal Paradise was a band that seemed to come out of nowhere. An Australian band surrounded by the very American world of Tooth & Nail, they didn't exactly fit the mold of what many people expected from the label. Their music was atmospheric, melodic, hazy, and beautifully rough around the edges — a strange and compelling combination of indie rock, alternative pop, lo-fi textures, and spiritual songwriting. Contemporary reviews of Further highlighted its Australian origins, gentle guitar-driven sound, and the record's recurring themes of driving, searching, faith, and discovery.

At the center of that story is Further, the mysterious Tooth & Nail record that became Sal Paradise's American introduction. Released by Tooth & Nail in 1996, the album featured songs like “Road Movie #57,” “Sideways,” “Celestial Railway,” “Lost Maps,” “Vicarious Speedster,” “Perfect Lead,” and “Solomon's Fix.” The record has become one of those fascinating pieces of the Tooth & Nail catalog that longtime fans remember, while many newer listeners may have never heard it.

And there is even more to the story. Sal Paradise's history goes back to the Australian band Crux, with sources documenting the band's evolution and the eventual move toward the Sal Paradise name. Further was their first U.S. release, but it wasn't the end of the story. Years later, JJ Miller returned with For You and Before You on Velvet Blue Music, revisiting songs from the band's earlier records in a much more stripped-down and acoustic setting.

So what actually happened behind the scenes? How did an Australian indie band end up on Tooth & Nail? What was it like being part of that strange and creative mid-'90s label roster alongside bands like Starflyer 59, Joe Christmas, Morella's Forest, Plankeye, Roadside Monument, Luxury, and so many others? What was the story behind Further, the recording of the album, the band's lineup changes, and the mysterious journey that brought Sal Paradise to American audiences?

Jeremy talks with JJ Miller and Rob Brown to dig into all of it — the history of Sal Paradise, the making of Further, the Tooth & Nail years, the Australian music scene, the songs, the stories behind the record, and what happened after the album disappeared into the vast and fascinating history of '90s alternative music.

For fans of Tooth & Nail's deeper catalog, forgotten '90s indie records, Australian alternative music, and anyone who ever wondered “Whatever happened to that band?”, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Sometimes the most interesting records aren't the biggest ones. Sometimes they're the records you stumble across years later and wonder how you ever missed them.

The rumors are true.

Produced by Wesley Hill (@thebigwes)
Artwork by Jared Chase Bowser (@jaredchasebowser)
Music by Brian Jerin (R.I.P.)

I don’t own rights to the music or songs used in this episode.

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The Prolific Kevin Robinson is back on The Rumors Are True! We’re excited to welcome back our returning guest for another conversation about music, creativity, and everything that comes along with being a lifelong part of the independent music scene.

Kevin has been involved with a number of incredible projects over the years, including Viva Voce, fraNcis, Electric Ill, Blue Giant, and more. Now he’s back with his latest project, GVTH DVDDY, the collaboration with Jake Endicott that brings together post-rock, shoegaze, goth, and experimental sounds into something that feels completely its own. GVTH DVDDY has released music through the legendary Velvet Blue Music, including their 2026 full-length GVDV.

In this episode, Kevin and Jeremy catch up on what has changed since his last appearance, the story behind GVTH DVDDY, working with Jake Endicott, songwriting, recording, the creative process, and the evolution of Kevin’s musical journey. We also dig into some of the bands and projects that helped shape his career and the experiences that continue to influence the music he’s making today.

It’s always great having a returning guest who has so many stories to tell, and Kevin has plenty! We talk about old bands, new music, the creative process, the independent music community, Velvet Blue Music, and what it means to keep making music after all these years.

Produced by Wesley Hill (@thebigwes)
Artwork by Jared Chase Bowser (@jaredchasebowser)
Music by Brian Jerin (R.I.P.)

I don’t own rights to the music.
I don’t own rights of this song.

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On this episode of The Rumors Are True Podcast, we welcome Cody Bonnette, best known as a founding member, guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter for As Cities Burn, as well as a member of Hawkboy. Cody takes us back to the early days of As Cities Burn, the band's rise through the post-hardcore scene, signing with Solid State Records, and the making of records that would become hugely influential to a generation of listeners. From Son, I Loved You at Your Darkest to Come Now Sleep and Hell or High Water, we dig into the music and the stories behind it.

We also talk about Cody stepping into the lead vocalist role, the evolution of his songwriting and sound, touring, friendships, and what it was like being part of As Cities Burn during such an important era of the scene. Cody shares his perspective on the band's different chapters, the challenges that came with being in a band, and the experiences that shaped him both creatively and personally.

After As Cities Burn, Cody continued making music with Hawkboy, teaming up with drummer Aaron Lunsford for a new project and a new musical direction. We talk about Hawkboy, the freedom of starting something different, revisiting the As Cities Burn catalog, and what happens when you move forward while still carrying the history of everything you've created along the way.

This is a conversation about music, songwriting, life, faith, change, friendships, and looking back at a career that has left a lasting mark on the underground music scene. If you've been listening to As Cities Burn for years or you're just discovering the band and Cody's work, there's plenty here to dig into.

Produced by Wesley Hill (@thebigwes)
Artwork by Jared Chase Bowser (@jaredchasebowser)
Music by Brian Jerin (R.I.P.)

Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to any music featured or played on this podcast. All rights belong to their respective owners.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of The Rumors Are True Podcast, we sit down with Kyle Setter, known for his time as the vocalist of Destroy the Runner and Sever Your Ties. We take a deep dive into Kyle’s musical journey, including his time with Destroy the Runner and the era surrounding their debut album Saints, as well as his work with Sever Your Ties and the different chapters that followed throughout his career.

Kyle shares stories from being part of the heavy music scene, the friendships, touring, recording, and experiences that came with being in bands during an exciting time for metalcore and post-hardcore music. We also talk about the highs and challenges of life in music, how those experiences shaped him, and what it was like looking back on the impact these bands had on the people who connected with their music.

Whether you know Kyle from Destroy the Runner, Sever Your Ties, or both, this episode is a chance to hear the stories behind the music directly from someone who lived it. Join us as we look back at the records, the memories, and the journey that continues to make the rumors true.

Produced by Wesley Hill (@thebigwes)
Artwork by Jared Chase Bowser (@jaredchasebowser)
Music by Brian Jerin (R.I.P.)

Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to any music featured or played on this podcast. All rights belong to their respective owners.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of The Rumors Are True Podcast, we welcome Tommy Walter, the creative force behind Abandoned Pools and a musician whose career has taken him through some truly influential corners of alternative and indie rock. Tommy joins us to talk about his musical journey, the formation and evolution of Abandoned Pools, the records that have connected with listeners over the years, and the stories behind the music.

We take a deeper dive into the history of Abandoned Pools, discussing the creative process behind the songs, the challenges and changes that come with a long career in music, and what has continued to inspire Tommy to create. From the early days of the band to the music that continues to carry the Abandoned Pools name forward, we explore the highs, lows, and everything in between.

We also discuss Tommy’s time with Eels and his experiences working alongside other talented musicians throughout his career. Tommy shares stories from being part of different musical projects, touring, recording, and navigating the ever-changing music industry. It’s a conversation about creativity, perseverance, and the passion that keeps musicians making music long after the first record is released.

Whether you've been following Abandoned Pools since the beginning, know Tommy's work through Eels, or are just discovering his music for the first time, this episode is packed with stories and insight into a career that has produced some truly memorable music. We hope you enjoy this conversation with Tommy Walter as much as we did.

Produced by Wesley Hill (@thebigwes)

Artwork by Jared Chase Bowser (@jaredchasebowser)

Music by Brian Jerin (R.I.P.)

Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to any music or songs featured or discussed on this podcast. All rights belong to their respective owners.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of The Rumors Are True Podcast, Jeremy sits down with Adam Morgan from the influential North Carolina band Hopesfall. We talk about Adam's time with the band, the early days of Hopesfall, and the experiences that helped shape their unique blend of hardcore, post-hardcore, and melodic metal.

We dig into the records, the evolution of Hopesfall's sound, touring, and the people and scenes that surrounded the band throughout their career. Adam shares stories from his time in Hopesfall and gives his perspective on the band's journey from the underground hardcore scene to becoming one of the most respected and influential bands of their era.

We also talk about the creative process behind the music, recording and touring, and what it was like watching Hopesfall grow and change from record to record. It's a conversation about the music, the friendships, the struggles, and the moments that made being part of Hopesfall such a memorable experience.

Adam takes us behind the scenes of a band whose influence continues to be felt today. From the early years to the records that introduced Hopesfall to a much larger audience, we talk about the stories behind the songs, the scene at the time, and what it meant to be part of that era of heavy music.

Produced by Wesley Hill (@thebigwes)
Artwork by Jared Chase Bowser (@jaredchasebowser)
Music by Brian Jerin (R.I.P.)

Disclaimer: The Rumors Are True Podcast does not own the rights to any music played in this episode. All music belongs to its respective artists, writers, publishers, and copyright holders. Music is used for commentary, discussion, and promotional purposes.

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On this episode of The Rumors Are True Podcast, Jeremy sits down with Chris Dudley, best known as the keyboardist for the influential metalcore band Underoath. Chris takes us through his journey with the band, the early days of Underoath, the evolution of their sound, and what it was like being part of a group that helped shape the heavy music scene of the 2000s.

We dig into the stories behind the records, touring, the friendships and experiences that came along with being in Underoath, and the moments that helped define the band's career. Chris also shares his perspective on the music, the scene, and everything that happened along the way.

Chris talks about joining Underoath and finding his place within a band that was constantly evolving. We get into the role keyboards and electronics played in Underoath's sound and how those elements helped add another dimension to the band's heavy and atmospheric approach. We also talk about the creative process, recording, and what it was like watching the band grow from the underground scene into one of the defining acts of the era.

This conversation also looks beyond the records and into the people and experiences behind them—life on the road, the friendships made through music, the highs and challenges of being in a touring band, and the lasting impact Underoath has had on fans and musicians. Chris reflects on the band's history while sharing plenty of stories from his time behind the keyboards and inside one of the most important bands to come out of the Christian hardcore and metalcore scenes.

Produced by Wesley Hill (@thebigwes)
Artwork by Jared Chase Bowser (@jaredchasebowser)
Music by Brian Jerin (R.I.P.)

Disclaimer: The Rumors Are True Podcast does not own the rights to any music played in this episode. All music belongs to its respective artists, writers, publishers, and copyright holders. Music is used for commentary, discussion, and promotional purposes.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Rumors Are True Podcast, Jeremy sits down with Ryan Rado, host of Make It Perfect, visual artist, and musician best known for his work with the Nashville hardcore band Colson. Ryan has been involved in the Nashville music and hardcore scene for years, while also building a career as an artist and creating the Make It Perfect show, a unique platform where he talks with artists, musicians, and other creatives about their lives, work, and the ideas behind what they create.

Jeremy and Ryan dig into Ryan's history in music, the story of Colson, the Nashville scene, his transition into visual art, and the creation of Make It Perfect. They also talk about creativity, authenticity, the people and experiences that have shaped Ryan's journey, and what happens when music, art, and honest conversation all collide. It's a conversation about the past, the present, and what it means to keep creating even when the path doesn't look anything like you originally imagined.

Produced by Wesley Hill (@thebigwes)
Artwork by Jared Chase Bowser (@jaredchasebowser)
Music by Brian Jerin (R.I.P.)

DISCLAIMER: The Rumors Are True Podcast does not own the rights to any music used in this episode. All music belongs to its respective artists, writers, labels, and copyright holders. Music is used for commentary, discussion, and promotional purposes. No copyright infringement is intended.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Rumors Are True Podcast

This week on The Rumors Are True, we're joined by Orion Walsh, vocalist and guitarist of the influential post-hardcore band Slow Coming Day. Orion reflects on the band's beginnings, signing with Tooth & Nail Records, and the impact Slow Coming Day had during the early 2000s melodic hardcore and emo movement. We discuss the writing and recording of their albums, life on the road, and what it was like to be part of a generation of bands that helped shape an era of independent music.

We also talk about Orion's journey beyond Slow Coming Day, how his perspective on music and creativity has evolved over the years, and what he's working on today. From stories behind the songs to lessons learned through decades of making music, this conversation is full of nostalgia, insight, and encouragement for longtime fans and those discovering Slow Coming Day for the first time.

Whether you grew up with Farewell to the Familiar and Zion or are just now exploring the band's catalog, this episode is a celebration of the music, memories, and lasting legacy of Slow Coming Day.

Produced by Wesley Hill (@thebigwes)
Artwork by Jared Chase Bowser (@jaredchasebowser)
Music by Brian Jerin (R.I.P.)

Copyright Disclaimer:
I do not own the rights to any music played in this episode. All music is the property of their respective copyright owners and is used for commentary, discussion, and promotional purposes only. No copyright infringement is intended.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on The Rumors Are True, we're joined by Justin Jones, drummer and founding member of idle threat, the Nashville-based rock band signed to Tooth & Nail Records. Justin shares the story behind the band's formation, their DIY beginnings, and the journey that led them to one of the most respected labels in alternative and heavy music. We talk about the passion that drives idle threat, the band's message of hope through struggle, and the experiences that have shaped their music over the years.

We also dive into the making of blurred visions, the impact of touring and connecting with fans, and the band's latest chapter with you'll forget the sun. Justin opens up about songwriting, faith, perseverance, and how idle threat continues to create music that speaks honestly about life's hardships while pointing listeners toward hope. Whether you've been following the band since their early EPs or are just discovering their music, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of Tooth & Nail's standout modern artists.

Be sure to listen, subscribe, and share this episode with your friends!

Produced by Wesley Hill (@thebigwes)
Artwork by Jared Chase Bowser (@jaredchasebowser)
Music by Brian Jerin (R.I.P.)

Copyright Disclaimer:
I do not own the rights to any music played in this episode. All music is the property of its respective copyright owners and is used for commentary, discussion, and promotional purposes only. No copyright infringement is intended.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices