In this exclusive episode of The Sonic Road, Jay Buchanan (lead singer of Rival Sons) joins host Beau to discuss his deeply personal solo record, Weapons of Beauty. Jay details his three-month writing retreat in an underground Mojave Desert bunker, where he forced himself into a sparse, reductive sound centered on vocal melody.

Follow Jay Buchanan on Instagram: @jaythebirdthatsings

Listen & Purchase Weapons Of Beauty Here: weaponsofbeauty.com

Follow Rival Sons Here: rivalsons.com

Follow The Sonic Road Podcast HERE: https://linktr.ee/thesonicroad

On Instagram, Facebook, X & TikTok: @thesonicroad

Go behind the scenes of the recording sessions in Savannah with legendary producer Dave Cobb, featuring a powerhouse band including JD Simo and the Powell brothers. Jay also shares the story of collaborating with filmmaker Scott Cooper (director of Hostiles, Crazy Heart) on album sequencing and commissioning world-renowned painter Jeremy Lipking for the cover art.

We also get a major update on the future of Rival Sons, and their label Sacred Tongue Recordings, and the status of their next studio album. From vinyl snobbery and AI to the challenges of touring while balancing family health, this is a comprehensive look at one of rock's most authentic voices in 2026.

Video Chapters:

• 00:00 – Jay Buchanan: Releasing "Weapons of Beauty"
• 02:01 – Mojave Desert Solitude: Writing in a Bunker
• 09:13 – The Vulnerability of Solo Performance
• 13:49 – Recording with Dave Cobb in Savannah
• 18:10 – The Studio Band: JD Simo & The Powell Brothers
• 20:52 – Vinyl Sequencing with Director Scott Cooper
• 25:51 – Landing a Jeremy Lipking Painting for the Cover
• 29:57 – 17 Years of Rival Sons: The Next Record
• 34:22 – Sacred Tongue Recordings: Why Start a Label?
• 37:25 – 2026 Tour Dates and Family Health Update
• 43:32 – Record Recommendations: Daniel Norgren & Fela Kuti

#TheSonicRoad #JayBuchanan #RivalSons #DaveCobb #VinylCommunity #NewMusic2026

The new Handsome Jack album is finally here. Join host Beau on The Sonic Road as the band breaks down "Barnburners" track-by-track ahead of the February 6th release on Alive Naturalsounds.

✅ Find Handsome Jack HERE: http://www.handsomejackmusic.com/

       Order Barnburners HERE: https://www.bompstore.com/alive/

🎸Follow The Sonic Road Podcast: https://linktr.ee/thesonicroad?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=f29d7261-89c5-40c8-b1ab-705aa256faa5

In this exclusive episode, Handsome Jack dives deep into the making of their brand new album, Barnburners. The band discusses the creative process behind their signature blend of blues, rock, and soul, sharing the inspiration for every song and the art concepts that define the record. We cover their 2026 touring plans, recording challenges, and their reflections on the future of rock and roll.

The guys also share stories from the underground, including memorable interactions with Dan Auerbach and The Black Keys, and explain why simplicity was the key to naming their latest masterpiece. If you're a fan of analog recording, independent labels, or the Buffalo music scene, this deep dive into one of 2026's most anticipated rock release is for you.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Episode 27

00:31 Interview Kickoff with Handsome Jack

00:41 Discussing the New Album 'Barn Burners'

03:09 European Tour Recap

05:16 Songwriting Process and Influences

14:20 Album Artwork and Special Editions

17:01 Deep Dive into the Tracks

21:45 Exploring Tony Joe White's Legacy

23:20 Dan Auerbach's Influence and Encounters

24:53 The Story Behind Blue Falls Motel

26:17 Creating Catchy Tunes: Do It to It

26:50 Homage to John Lee Hooker: I'm Hooked

27:25 The Art of Sequencing an Album

28:56 Polly Molly: A Modern Dating Tale

30:29 Let's Go Downtown: High-Energy Tracks

31:19 Unreleased Tracks and Future Plans

33:17 Ghost Woman: A Haunting Melody

34:33 Upcoming Releases and Live Performances

37:31 Final Thoughts and Farewell

#TheSonicRoadPodcast #HandsomeJack #Barnburners #AliveNaturalsounds #RockAndRoll2026 #NewMusic #VinylCommunity #BluesRock #BuffaloNewYork 

What were the best albums and books of 2025? Join host Beau and independent author Becky Franzel on The Sonic Road for a deep-dive review of the media that captured us over the last year. In an era dominated by AI and algorithms, we’re celebrating the human artistry, physical media, and DIY communities keeping the heavy music underground alive in 2026.

In this episode, Beau and Becky share their definitive 2025 countdown, from the crushing return of Pelican to the riffs of Howling Giant and Die Spitz. Becky Franzel (author of "I Don't Belong Here") brings her unique perspective on the intersection of literature and rock 'n' roll, discussing essential reads like Geezer Butler’s memoir and the evolution of the Milwaukee metal scene. We also explore the fascinating world of vintage van culture and why "Steven," Becky's 1979 Chevy, is a vital part of the rock lifestyle.

🔥 Key Takeaways from the 2025 Year in Review:

• The Best of 2025: The local Milwaukee band Sex Scenes, Die Spitz (Something to Consume), Howling Giant (Crucible & Ruin) Jesse Sykes & The Sweet Hereafter (Forever I’ve Been Being Born), and Pelican’s return with Flickering Resonance. 
• Literary Riffs: A look at essential rock literature, including Geezer Butler’s Into the Void and Cameron Crowe’s The Uncool.
• Building Community: How the underground music scene has evolved post-COVID and why DIY mentorship is the backbone of the Milwaukee metal scene.
• Van Culture & Music: The unique crossover between vintage vans and the rock lifestyle.

📖 Find Becky Franzel’s Work Here:

• Pre-order Becky’s New Book: I Don't Belong Here (Aw Shucks Publishing)
• Follow Becky Franzel: @becky_franzel & @awshucks_publishing

🔗 Connect with The Sonic Road:

• Listen & Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/thesonicroad?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=1ec922a6-c346-4f3e-ab64-81c68a598f62 
• On Instagram, Facebook & Tictok: @thesonicroad

⏱️ Episode Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Episode 26

 00:41 Becky Franzel: Author, Advocate, and Rock Enthusiast 

01:03 Concert Memories: The 2025 Live Experience

 06:54 Top Albums & Books of 2025

 12:44 The Resilience of the Independent Music Community

 24:27 Black Sabbath & Ozzy: The Eternal Impact of Rock Legends

 31:24 The Art of Writing & Rock and Roll Literature 

37:03 Van Culture: Life on the Road with ‘Steven'

 50:04 Final Thoughts: Why Human Art Wins in 2026

#TheSonicRoadPodcast #BeckyFranzel #HumanMadeMusic #StonerRock #Author 

High Desert Queen frontman Ryan Garney joins The Sonic Road Podcast to discuss the band's latest album "Palm Reader" and the massive growth of Ripple Fest Texas. 

In this deep dive, Ryan breaks down the creative process behind their latest release on Magnetic Eye Records, his shift toward analog recording, and the raw energy of tracking a rock band live on tape.

Find High Desert Queen Music & Tour Dates: https://highdesertqueen.bandcamp.com/ 

Follow Ripple Fest Texas: On Instagram & Tiktok: @gigging.with.garney

Follow The Sonic Road Podcast:

• Subscribe on YouTube: https://linktr.ee/thesonicroad
• Instagram: @thesonicroad

As the founder of Ripple Fest Texas and Lick of My Spoon Productions, Ryan provides a masterclass on organizing a successful independent festival. 

He teases exclusive details for the Ripple Fest 2026 lineup, shares the ethics of using AI in music, and discusses the challenges of booking underground bands in a post-COVID industry. We also dive into his "Gigging with Garney" series on Instagram and his mission to help independent artists navigate the modern music business.

High Desert Queen Fans: What are your early predictions for the Ripple Fest 2026 lineup? Let us know in the comments!

🕓 Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Ryan Garney and High Desert Queen
• 00:29 Social Media and Festival Promotions
• 00:59 Transitioning the Podcast to Analog
• 01:16 AI in Music: A Double-Edged Sword
• 02:20 The Ethics and Challenges of AI in Music
• 08:09 Recording Techniques and Band Dynamics
• 13:19 The Evolution of High Desert Queen's Sound
• 19:33 The Underground Music Scene and Community
• 32:29 Challenges in the Post-COVID Music Industry
• 35:25 The Challenges of Booking Bands for Festivals
• 37:22 Starting Ripple Fest: The Journey Begins
• 39:23 Scaling Up: From One Day to Four Days
• 41:04 Creating an Unforgettable Festival Experience
• 46:43 Exciting Announcements for Ripple Fest 2026
• 49:12 Supporting Independent Music and Touring Plans
• 52:31 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

#HighDesertQueen #RippleFestTexas #StonerRock #IndependentMusic #MusicBusiness

Watch the wildest and most insightful moments from our interview with Corrosion of Conformity bassist Bobby Landgraf, covering his incredible journey from the Austin club scene to touring with giants like Pantera, DOWN, and Judas Priest.

In this highlight reel, Bobby shares "pinch me" moments from his life as a premier guitar tech—including soundchecking for Tony Iommi—and discusses the transition to becoming a full-time band member for NOLA sludge legends DOWN and COC. He also opens up about the "Pantera Experience," life on the road with Alice Cooper, and drops the news on the upcoming COC and Clutch tour.

🔥 HIGHLIGHTS IN THIS VIDEO:

• 00:00 - Back from Tour: Teching for Judas Priest & Alice Cooper

• 00:35 - The 80s/90s Austin Music Scene & "The Deaf MFs"

• 00:50 - Earning his stripes & nicknames in the industry

• 02:26 - Wild European Gigs & Touring with Nashville Pussy

• 02:50 - Tony Iommi Stories: Adventures as a high-level Guitar Tech

• 05:20 - The Pantera Experience: Inside the Reunion

• 06:13 - Life on the Road: The reality of bus life

• 08:07 - The Future of Rock: COC, Clutch, and AI in Music

  
  

  #CorrosionOfConformity #BobbyLandgraf #Pantera #DownBand #HeavyMetal #RoadStories #GuitarTech #TonyIommi #AustinMusic #Clutch #MusicPodcast #Highlights

  
  

  
  

In Episode 25 of The Sonic Road Podcast, we are joined by a true veteran of the road: Bobby Landgraf. Currently holding down the low end for Corrosion of Conformity (COC), Bobby has a unique resume that spans playing in cult favorites like DOWN and Honky, to working as a guitar tech for giants like Pantera.🔗 FOLLOW BOBBY: Crew From Hell 2.0 on YouTube: ⁨@BobbyLandgraf⁩ Follow Bobby Landgraf on Instagram: @bobbylandgraf Corrosion of Conformity: www.coc.comFollow The Sonic Road Podcast on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook & X: @thesonicroad Subscribe on Youtube, Spotify & Apple Podcasts: https://linktr.ee/thesonicroadWe dive deep into the reality of the music industry, discussing the transition from being a stage tech to a full-time band member, and what it was really like behind the scenes of the massive Pantera Reunion Tour. Bobby also gives us a detailed look at the recording process for COC’s massive upcoming double album, his history in the gritty 90s Austin music scene, and the success of his YouTube channel, Crew From Hell 2.0.Plus, we touch briefly on the band's upcoming plans, including a run with Clutch in April of 2026 and much more!🎸 IN THIS EPISODE:The Austin Scene: Growing up in the "Live Music Capital" during the 80s and 90s.Tech vs. Musician: The mental shift required to go from fixing guitars for Pantera to playing them in Down. Writing with Phil Anselmo and the emotional weight of the Pantera reunion.New COC Music: Why the new record is a double album and the return of the "Riffissippi" vibe.Crew From Hell: Documenting the unglamorous (and hilarious) side of tour life.CHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro: Bobby Landgraf of COC & Crew From Hell00:54 - The Resume: From Honky to Down to Pantera01:12 - The Reality of "One-Off" Fly Dates02:01 - 80s & 90s Austin: The Golden Era of Live Music09:43 - Honky: From Industrial Metal to Southern Boogie14:00 - Career Pivot: Switching from Musician to Professional Road Tech19:53 - Joining DOWN: Writing Songs with Phil Anselmo & Pepper Keenan29:46 - Pantera Reunion: An Insider’s View from the Crew33:40 - Why He Started the "Crew from Hell 2.0" YouTube Channel36:55 - Working for Metallica & Working for Pantera40:59 - Joining Corrosion of Conformity (COC)44:14 - Studio Update: Recording the New COC Double Album57:23 - Future Plans: Touring with Clutch in April 2026 & More#thesonicroadpodcast #rockmusic #metalmusic #rockpodcast #metalpodcast #rocknroll #alternativemusic #podcast2025 #podcastlife #newepisodes #CorrosionOfConformity #BobbyLandgraf #Pantera #DownBand #MusicIndustry #RoadCrew #GuitarTech #AustinMusic #HeavyMetal #StonerRock #CrewFromHell #Metallica #MusicPodcast #LifeOnTheRoad

In this exclusive episode of The Sonic Road Podcast, drummer Zach Wheeler from the Nashville rock/metal band Howling Giant dives deep into their sound, process, and new album! Their highly anticipated new record, 'Crucible and Ruin,' releases on October 31, 2025, via Magnetic Eye Records, making this essential listening for fans of modern stoner metal.

Zach details the band's evolution and their unique recording process, including how they integrated new member Adrian and the journey of improving their group vocals. Hear candid discussion about his specific drum gear, the concept behind the new album, the creation of their animated music videos, and their future touring plans. This interview provides crucial studio insights and everything you need to know about one of modern heavy rock's most exciting bands.

Watch our full interview with Arvid Hällagård, the incredible frontman for the Swedish stoner rock band Greenleaf and the creative force behind POOLS. We take a deep dive into the songwriting and creation of Greenleaf's latest masterpiece, "The Head & The Habit," discussing his dual role as both the lyricist and the album's graphic artist.

In this full-length interview, we sit down with Arvid Hällagård, the voice of the legendary Swedish stoner rock band Greenleaf. Arvid gives a raw and honest look into the songwriting for their new album "The Head and the Habit,"exploring the powerful themes of mental health that shape his lyrics and creative vision.

Follow The Sonic Road Podcast on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook & X: @thesonicroad 

Subscribe on Youtube, Spotify & Apple Podcasts: 

https://linktr.ee/thesonicroad

Find all things GREENLEAF HERE: https://greenleaf-music.com

On Instagram: @greenleafband

Magnetic Eye Records: https://en.merhq.net

On Instagram: @magneticeyerecords 

This wide-ranging conversation goes far beyond the music. Arvid provides a fascinating look into the unique Swedish rock scene, the challenges of touring while balancing family life, and his perspective on the music industry's future. We also discuss his incredible work as a graphic artist, leading to a crucial debate on the controversial role of AI in art and design. From stories about festivals like Ripple Fest to the creative freedom of his side project POOLS, this is an essential deep dive into the mind of one of modern rock's most passionate and thoughtful artists.

In this highlight from our full-length interview, Nick DiSalvo (and/or Jack Donovan) of the progressive rock band Elder shares his insight on the creative process and the realities of the modern music industry.

The full conversation covers everything from Elder's songwriting process and the evolution of their psychedelic sound to their incredible experience touring with the band Tool and Nick's work at Stickman Records. If you enjoy this clip, you will love the entire deep dive into one of modern rock's most innovative bands.