The Rumors are True Podcast

On this episode of The Rumors Are True, Jeremy welcomes Bob Nanna from the influential bands Braid, Hey Mercedes, etc. for a conversation diving deep into the roots of emo, independent music culture, songwriting, and the lasting impact of the underground scene. Bob reflects on the early days of Braid, the creative energy that surrounded the Midwest punk and emo movement, and how those experiences shaped both his music and personal life over the years.

The discussion explores the transition from Braid into Hey Mercedes, the evolution of songwriting through different eras, and the challenges of balancing creativity with the realities of touring and adulthood. Jeremy and Bob also talk about the continued influence of these records on younger generations of musicians and fans, as well as the importance of authenticity in art and community. From DIY shows to landmark albums, this episode captures a unique perspective from one of the defining voices of the scene.

Filled with nostalgia, thoughtful reflection, and stories from decades of making music, this episode is a must-listen for fans of emotional punk, indie rock, and the bands that helped shape alternative music in the late ’90s and early 2000s.

Produced by Wesley Hill @thebigwes

Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to this song/music. All rights belong to the respective owners.

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On this episode of The Rumors Are True, Jeremy sits down with Christopher Lee Lewis from the post-hardcore band The Kinison for a deep conversation about music, chaos, creativity, and the journey that took the band from small-town Illinois to sharing stages with some of the biggest names in alternative rock. Known for their explosive energy, emotionally charged songwriting, and cult classic album What Are You Listening To?, The Kinison left a lasting mark on the early 2000s underground scene.

Christopher opens up about the band’s origins, the move to California, touring life, and the passion that fueled The Kinison during a wild era of post-hardcore and punk rock. The conversation also explores the band’s connection to Casey Chaos, who helped champion the group early on, as well as the lasting impact the music still has on fans today. Jeremy and Christopher reflect on the highs and lows of the music industry, creative burnout, and the complicated realities artists face behind the scenes.

This episode is filled with honest stories, nostalgia, and insight into one of the most underrated bands of the 2000s post-hardcore scene. Whether you discovered The Kinison through the Mortgage Is Bank EP, the LaSalle Records era, or years later through word of mouth, this conversation captures the heart behind the music and the legacy the band continues to carry.

Produced by Wesley Hill @thebigwes

Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to this song/music. All rights belong to the respective owners.

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On this episode of The Rumors Are True, Jeremy is joined by Stephen Laurenson from Copeland, along with discussions surrounding his work in States, Abloom, and Demure. Stephen reflects on his time with Copeland and the band’s lasting influence on the indie and alternative scene through their emotionally rich songwriting, ambient textures, and deeply personal live performances. The conversation explores the creative process behind the music, life on the road, and how Copeland built a dedicated fanbase through authenticity and artistic evolution over the years.

Jeremy and Stephen also dive into the experience of joining Copeland during an important season for the band, collaborating with Aaron Marsh and the rest of the group, and helping bring the band’s layered sound to life both in the studio and on stage. They discuss the balance between technical musicianship and emotional connection, the challenges of longevity in music, and how Copeland’s catalog continues to resonate with listeners who grew up with the band’s music soundtracking important moments in their lives.

The episode also highlights Stephen’s work with States, the indie-rock project featuring former members of Lydia and Copeland. Stephen shares stories about the formation of the band, the creation of Room to Run, and the passion behind crafting music that blended cinematic atmosphere with heartfelt indie-rock songwriting. The conversation touches on the creative freedom that States embraced, the connection fans still have with the project, and how those experiences shaped him as both a musician and songwriter.

With additional reflections on Abloom and Demure, this episode is filled with honest conversation, behind-the-scenes stories, and nostalgia for fans of indie, emo, and alternative music scenes from the 2000s and beyond.

Produced by Wesley Hill @thebigwes

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On this episode of The Rumors Are True, Jeremy sits down with Mark Rose from the legendary Spitalfield to talk about the rise of the early 2000s emo and post-hardcore scene, the band’s journey through the Chicago music community, and the lasting impact of albums like Remember Right Now. Mark reflects on the formative years of Spitalfield, touring life, songwriting, and what it was like navigating the changing landscape of alternative music during a pivotal era for independent bands.

The conversation also dives into Mark’s creative life beyond Spitalfield, including his solo work and his passion for helping artists connect with fans through custom songwriting and community-driven projects. Jeremy and Mark discuss how nostalgia, personal growth, and staying inspired continue to shape the music they love and the scenes they came from. From stories about Victory Records and Chicago’s exploding punk and emo movement to reflections on friendship, creativity, and longevity, this episode is packed with honest insight and memorable moments for longtime fans and newcomers alike.

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

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In this episode of The Rumors Are True, Jeremy sits down with Bradley Swanson, known for his work in Pep Squad and The Company, for an honest and reflective conversation about his journey through music, creativity, and personal growth. Bradley shares stories from the early days of both bands, offering insight into the DIY spirit, the relationships that shaped the music, and the challenges of navigating a constantly evolving scene. Fans of underground and independent music will appreciate the behind-the-scenes look at what it really took to build something meaningful during that era.

The conversation also explores Bradley’s perspective on how music intersects with identity, faith, and life beyond the stage. He opens up about lessons learned over the years, the highs and lows of being in a band, and how those experiences continue to influence him today. Jeremy and Bradley keep things conversational and genuine, making this episode feel like a deep catch-up between old friends while still inviting listeners into the story.

Whether you followed Pep Squad, The Company, or are just discovering Bradley’s work, this episode captures the heart of what The Rumors Are True is all about—preserving stories, celebrating creativity, and finding truth in the journey.

Produced by Wesley Hill @thebigwes

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In this episode of The Rumors Are True, Jeremy sits down with Dave Elkins of Mae for a deep, reflective journey through the band’s entire catalog—tracing the evolution of both the music and the meaning behind it. From the early days of Destination: Beautiful through the fan-favorite The Everglow and into the more experimental and expansive later releases, the conversation highlights how each record represents a specific season of life, creativity, and intention. Mae’s identity as a “multisensory aesthetic experience” becomes a thread throughout, revealing how the band always aimed to create something bigger than just songs.

Dave opens up about the stories, emotions, and philosophies that shaped each era of the band—from youthful ambition and touring life to deeper themes of connection, purpose, and artistic growth. The episode explores how albums like Singularity and the (m)(a)(e) EP series pushed boundaries sonically and conceptually, ultimately leading to the band’s later work and renewed vision. Along the way, listeners get insight into Dave’s songwriting process, the band’s evolving dynamics, and how time and perspective have reshaped his relationship with these songs.

More than just a retrospective, this episode feels like a guided walkthrough of Mae’s legacy—offering longtime fans new context and inviting new listeners into the heart behind the music. It’s a conversation about art, memory, and the enduring impact of creating with intention.

Produced by Wesley Hill @thebigwes

Artwork by Jared Chase Bowser @jaredchastbowser

Music by Brian Jerin R.I.P.

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In this episode of The Rumors Are True, Jeremy sits down with Dale Thompson, the unmistakable voice behind the legendary Christian metal band Bride. Known for their bluesy, hard rock edge and fearless approach to faith and music, Dale reflects on the early days of Bride, sharing stories from the band’s rise in the late ’80s and ’90s and the challenges of carving out a unique space in both the Christian and mainstream rock scenes. His candid perspective offers a deeper look at the passion and conviction that fueled the band’s longevity.

The conversation also dives into Dale’s personal journey—his evolving faith, the highs and lows of life on the road, and how his perspective has shifted over the years. With honesty and humor, he opens up about the realities behind the music, from industry struggles to staying creatively inspired decades into his career.

Fans of Bride and newcomers alike will appreciate this engaging and heartfelt discussion, packed with behind-the-scenes stories, spiritual insight, and a reminder of why Dale Thompson remains such a compelling and influential voice in rock music.

Artwork by Jared Chase Bowser @jaredchasebowser

Music by Brian Jerin R.I.P.

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In this episode of The Rumors Are True, Jeremy sits down with Jackson Mould of Slick Shoes to dig into the roots and evolution of one of the most beloved bands in the late ‘90s and early 2000s punk scene. As a founding member and guitarist, Jackson reflects on the early days of the band forming in Southern California, the DIY spirit that fueled their rise, and how their sound helped shape a generation of melodic skate punk fans. The conversation highlights the band’s journey through lineup changes, touring, and the unique space they occupied bridging punk rock and the underground Christian music scene.

Jeremy and Jackson also explore the band’s long periods of inactivity and eventual return, including what it meant to reunite years later with fresh perspective and renewed creativity. Jackson shares insight into the writing process, the band’s growth over time, and how projects like Rotation & Frequency reflect both nostalgia and maturity. The episode offers an honest look at balancing life, music, and legacy—while still holding onto the passion that made Slick Shoes resonate in the first place.

Throughout the conversation, listeners get a deeper sense of Jackson’s personal journey—his role in shaping the band’s identity, the challenges of staying creative over decades, and the enduring connection between the band and their fans. It’s a thoughtful and nostalgic episode that celebrates the past while pointing toward what still lies ahead for Slick Shoes.

Artwork by Jared Chase Bowser @jaredchasebowser

Music by Brian Jerin R.I.P.

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On this episode of The Rumors Are True, Jeremy sits down with Stephen Keech, best known as the longtime front man of Haste the Day, to unpack his journey through one of the most influential eras of metalcore. The conversation dives into Stephen stepping into the band during a pivotal transition and helping shape albums like Pressure the Hinges, as well as the intense touring years that built their passionate fanbase. Together, they reflect on the band’s early momentum, their eventual breakup, and what it meant to come back years later with renewed purpose and perspective.

Jeremy and Stephen also explore the deeper personal side of his story—life beyond the stage, including his evolution in faith, family life, and how his beliefs have shifted over time. Stephen shares how growing up in a faith-centered environment and later navigating the music industry challenged and reshaped his worldview, giving him a more nuanced and personal understanding of spirituality. That honesty brings a refreshing depth to the conversation, especially for listeners who have followed the Christian hardcore scene and its changing identity over the years.

The episode rounds out with a look at the present and future of Haste the Day, including their recent resurgence and new music on the horizon. Stephen talks about what it’s like revisiting the band’s legacy while still pushing forward creatively, and how the fire to create heavy music never really left. It’s a candid and insightful discussion that balances nostalgia with growth, giving listeners both a behind-the-scenes look at the band and a meaningful perspective on life, music, and staying true to your calling.

Artwork by Jared Chase Bowser @jaredchasebowser

Music by Brian Jerin R.I.P.

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On this episode of The Rumors Are True, Jeremy sits down with J. Robbins—a defining voice in post-hardcore and independent music. Known for his work with Jawbox, Burning Airlines, and Government Issue, Robbins shares stories from his decades-spanning career, from the early days of the D.C. punk scene to shaping the sound of countless influential records as a producer. The conversation dives into the evolution of underground music, the DIY ethos that defined an era, and how those roots still influence artists today.

Jeremy and J. explore the balance between artistry and longevity, reflecting on the challenges and rewards of staying creative over time. Robbins opens up about his approach to songwriting, recording, and collaboration, offering insight into what has kept him inspired through multiple projects and shifting musical landscapes. Whether discussing touring memories, studio philosophies, or the community that built the scene, this episode captures both the history and heart behind the music.

Fans of punk, indie, and alternative rock will find a lot to connect with here, as J. Robbins brings thoughtful perspective and authenticity to every topic. It’s a deep and engaging conversation that highlights not just a remarkable career, but a continued passion for music, creativity, and connection.

Produced by Wesley Hill @thebigwes

Artwork by Jared Chase Bowser @jaredchasebowser

Music by Brian Jerin R.I.P.

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