On this episode of the You Make The Scene podcast, I caught up with Austin of Rex Tycoon for a laid-back but wide-ranging conversation about where the band is now and what’s coming next. We talked about signing with Smartpunk Records, the journey behind their upcoming album No Limit 2 Luv (dropping August 1st), and how they’ve grown as a band both sonically and creatively.

Austin shared insight into what it was like recording in a professional studio for the first time, stepping away from self-recording, and how that shift pushed the band into new territory. We also got into what it means to define your sound when you're not interested in staying in one lane. There’s plenty in this episode for fans of the band and for anyone who loves seeing artists figure out who they are and what they want to say.

Follow Rex Tycoon:

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/rextycoon

LinkTree - https://linktr.ee/rextycoon

On this episode of the You Make The Scene podcast, I had an awesome conversation with Kasey Karlsen of Deadlands, diving into everything from her early creative journey to the band’s latest wave of momentum. We talked about how she found her voice—not just musically, but as an artist—and how social media helped open doors and build a platform that’s now reaching a global audience.

Kasey also shared insight into what it was like collaborating with artists like The Pretty Wild, and how those creative connections continue to shape Deadlands’ sound and vision. We got into the heart of the band’s new EP Seven, discussing the writing process, themes, and what the release means to them as a project and as a team. This episode is packed with honesty, laughs, and a behind‑the‑scenes look at one of the scene’s most exciting up‑and‑coming bands.

Now streaming everywhere!

Follow Deadlands and Kasey on Social Media:

Deadlands Instagram: @deadlandsband

TikTok: @kaseykarlsen

Instagram: @kaseykarlsen
Deadlands Website - https://deadlandsband.com/

On this episode of the You Make The Scene podcast, I sat down with Dexter Greer (Dee), of dead7, for a deep and wide-ranging conversation that covered everything from the band’s evolving sound to the personal weight behind their upcoming album. We talked through the writing and recording process of LOVE WHAT YOU CAN WHILE YOU STILL GOT SOMETHING LEFT TO LOVE, which drops July 11th via SharpTone Records, and how this record marks a turning point not just in their discography, but in their identity as a band.

Dee opened up about the emotional core of the album, the challenges of being vulnerable in heavy music, and the importance of making art that says something real. We also touched on the band’s sonic direction, the creative tension that fuels their songwriting, and how they’re navigating the scene while staying true to their vision. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just getting introduced to dead7, this episode offers a raw, honest look behind the music and the mindset that shaped it.

Follow dead7 on Social Media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dead7sound/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dead7sound

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dead7sound

On this episode of the You Make The Scene podcast, I sat down with the incredibly driven and outspoken Nathan James. We got into a wide-ranging conversation covering everything from industry fakes and the toxic side of the music world, to what truly fuels his creativity and ambition. Nathan opened up about his commitment to crafting cinematic visuals, commanding stage presence, and staying authentic in a scene that doesn’t always make that easy. We also talked in depth about his new album Hollywood Mortician, the themes behind it, and the process that brought it all to life. This one’s raw, real, and full of passion—don’t miss it.

Follow Nathan James:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thatsnathanjames

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@thatsnathanjames

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ThatsNathanJames

Website - https://thatsnathanjames.com/

On this episode of You Make The Scene, we welcome back Steve Cobucci of Wolves at the Gate—his first time on the show since Episode 109 in March 2022—for a deep and thoughtful conversation centered around the band’s upcoming album Wasteland, dropping May 30th via Solid State Records.

This time around, the focus is on the heart of the record. Steve walks us through the powerful message behind Wasteland, diving into the album’s concept and the journey of the central character at its core. We talk about the emotional and spiritual weight woven into the lyrics, and how Steve puts himself in the right headspace to write with such clarity and conviction.

The conversation also touches on the process of building a soundscape that doesn’t just carry the songs, but enhances and reflects the themes at every turn. From cinematic moments to crushing heaviness, Wasteland is shaping up to be one of the band’s most immersive records yet.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the band, this episode offers a great look into the creative depth and intentional storytelling that Wolves at the Gate brings to the table. Tune in for a conversation that goes beyond the surface and into the heart of the music.

Follow Wolves At The Gate:

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/wolvesatthegate⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/wolvesatthegate⁠

Merch: ⁠https://wolvesatthegate.merchnow.com/

In this episode of You Make The Scene, we sit down with Zach and Drew of Old Neon for a laid-back but insightful chat covering all things past, present, and future for the band.

We dive into how Old Neon came together, where things currently stand with the project, and how their sound has been evolving. The guys open up about the creative process behind their upcoming EP Resolution, sharing what inspired the new music and how it came together.

We also talk about the collaborative side of the studio process—specifically working with engineers, mixers, and mastering pros who aren’t just behind the scenes, but actively part of the scene themselves as musicians. That connection brought a whole new layer of energy to the project.

Whether you’ve been following Old Neon since day one or you’re just getting introduced, this episode is a great look at a band that’s building something special, with a clear vision and a whole lot of heart. Tune in to hear what they’ve got coming next.

Follow Old Neon:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/oldneonmusic/

Website: https://www.oldneonmusic.com/

In this episode of the You Make The Scene Podcast, we catch up with Brian and Ivan of Good Terms for a fun and wide-ranging conversation that covers everything the band has going on right now—and there’s a lot.

We dig into their latest single Progress, talking about the meaning behind the track and how it fits into the band’s evolving sound. Brian and Ivan also break down their upcoming Hike-A-Thon fundraiser, a unique and personal way they’re connecting with fans while supporting a good cause.

The band’s schedule is packed, with two separate tours lined up—one with Youth Fountain and another with Emery—and we talk about what they’re most excited for as they hit the road. From behind-the-scenes stories to real talk about staying grounded while chasing big goals, this episode is full of insight and personality.

Whether you're a longtime fan or just discovering Good Terms, this conversation is a great look at a band doing things their own way and having a blast doing it.

Good Terms on Social Media

Official Store: https://goodterms.store

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoodTerms69

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodtermsband

In this episode of the You Make The Scene podcast, we catch up with Wounded Touch for a conversation that covers a little bit of everything—from the grind of flying under the radar to the high points of playing standout festivals like Fest and Furnace Fest.

The band opens up about what it’s like being a bit of a hidden gem in the scene right now, pushing forward with purpose and passion even when the spotlight isn’t always on them. We also dive into their upcoming second full-length album, A Vivid Depiction of Collapse, which drops May 16th via Smartpunk Records. They share insight into the themes behind the record, the creative process, and what makes this release different from anything they’ve done before.

This chat is a great look into the heart of a band that’s carving their own path, playing killer shows, and dropping music that hits hard in all the right ways. Tune in for stories, reflections, and a closer look at what drives Wounded Touch to keep pushing forward.

Follow Wounded Touch:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/woundedtouch/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/woundedtouchnoise
Website: https://woundedtouch.bigcartel.com/

In this episode of You Make The Scene, we sit down with Eric Egan, the frontman of Heart Attack Man, for a wide-ranging and engaging conversation. Eric brings his unique perspective and humor, diving into a multitude of topics that paint a vivid picture of life in a band.

We start with a casual chat about Midwest bands and the local music scenes, exploring the vibrancy and occasional struggles bands face to gain recognition. Eric shares anecdotes and insights from his experiences, shedding light on what it's like to navigate the ups and downs of the music industry in this region.

The conversation shifts to Heart Attack Man’s latest endeavors, particularly their new music and the eagerly anticipated album, Joyride The Pale Horse, set to release on April 25th. Eric discusses the creative process behind the album, the themes they explore, and what fans can expect from this new chapter in the band’s discography.

Throughout the episode, Eric's storytelling captivates, providing listeners with both laughter and deeper understanding of the band’s journey and the broader music landscape. This episode is a treasure trove for fans of Heart Attack Man and anyone interested in the realities of making music that resonates with a growing audience.

Tune in to this episode of You Make The Scene for an unfiltered and fascinating look at the world of Heart Attack Man through the eyes of Eric Egan.

Follow Heart Attack Man:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heartattackmane/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartattackmanofficial/
Website: https://heartattackman.com/

In this latest episode of the You Make The Scene podcast, Chad Jensen offers an intimate look into the long journey and resurgence of his band, Bridge The Gap. Starting from their early days in the 90s to their recent reunion, Chad outlines the narrative that led to their comeback and their decision to revive the band's legacy under the new name.

The episode delves deep into the making of their upcoming album, Gainsayer, set to release on April 11th via Double Helix Records. Chad discusses the recording process in detail, highlighting their collaboration with punk rock veterans Bill Stevenson and JasonLivermore at The Blasting Room. These sessions not only enriched their sound but also infused the album with the expertise and spirit of punk's finest.

Chad's recount of the technical aspects of recording, paired with personal anecdotes and industry insights, paints a vivid picture of what listeners can expect from Gainsayer. This conversation is a treasure trove for fans and music enthusiasts eager to understand the dynamics of a band making a significant return to the music scene after years apart.

Tune in to explore Bridge The Gap’s history, their present endeavors, and what propels them forward in the ever-evolving landscape of rock music.

Follow Bridge The Gap:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BridgeTheGapPunk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bridgethegapband
Website:bridgethegapband.com