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On this episode of the You Make The Scene Podcast, I sat down with Tyler Levenson of Afterlife to talk about the band, their musical evolution, and the creative process behind their new album, The Pain That Shapes Us. We dug into the writing and recording process for the new record, exploring what went into bringing the songs together and how the band approached creating this next chapter of their music. We also discussed the importance of finding a sound that feels authentic, the challenges that come with pushing yourself creatively, and how those experiences can shape the music you make. Throughout the conversation, we touched on the journey Afterlife has taken as a band, the work that goes into creating and releasing new music, and what it means to continue growing as an artist while staying connected to the reasons you started making music in the first place. There's plenty more throughout the episode as we get to know Tyler, take a closer look at The Pain That Shapes Us, and talk about what's ahead for Afterlife.

On this episode of the You Make The Scene podcast, I'm joined by Jonathan Norris of Kingdom Collapse for a conversation about the band's evolving sound, the personal experiences behind their music, and their upcoming album, Survivor, arriving October 30th via Mascot Records. We spend a good portion of our conversation talking about how Kingdom Collapse found their sound and the process of developing an identity that feels authentic to who they are as musicians. Jonathan also opens up about the emotional weight behind some of their newer material, exploring how personal experiences and difficult moments can find their way into songwriting and give the music a deeper meaning. We also get into the band's collaboration with Thunder Rosa of AEW, bringing together the worlds of professional wrestling and heavy music. It's an interesting look at how artists can connect with audiences beyond their own scene and find opportunities in unexpected places. With Survivor just around the corner, we talk about this new chapter for Kingdom Collapse, the work that has gone into the record, and what listeners can look forward to hearing. It's a great conversation that goes beyond the music to explore the experiences, emotions, and creative choices behind the band's latest material.

On this episode of the You Make The Scene podcast, I'm joined by the guys from Glasswaves for a conversation about their new album, growing their fanbase, and the realities of building a career in heavy music. We dig into the writing and recording of the new record, how the songs came together, and the creative decisions involved in bringing the album to life. We also talk about the challenges of getting music heard in an increasingly crowded scene and the work that goes into turning casual listeners into dedicated fans. Along the way, we get into the experiences that have shaped the band, what they've learned throughout the process, and where they hope to take Glasswaves next. It's a great opportunity to get to know the band beyond the music and hear more about what goes into everything they're building.

On this episode of the You Make The Scene podcast, I'm excited to welcome back returning guest lolitslea for another great conversation about music, growth, and everything that's been happening since we last caught up. We spend some time looking back at what's changed, the experiences she's had along the way, and how those moments have played a part in her continued journey as an artist. A big part of our conversation focuses on her new album, RollerCoaster Tycoon, and the creative process behind bringing the project to life. We dive into the music, the direction she's been exploring, and what this release represents for her as she continues to develop her sound and identity as an artist. We also talk about the experience of performing alongside Secondhand Serenade, getting to share the stage with an artist who has made such a lasting impact on the alternative scene, and the opportunities that come with continuing to put yourself and your music out into the world. It's always great getting to reconnect with artists and hear how their stories have developed since our previous conversations. This episode is a fun mix of catching up, talking new music, and getting a closer look at the experiences shaping the next chapter for lolitslea.

On this episode of the You Make The Scene Podcast, I sat down with the guys in Scarhaven to talk about the band, their sound, and the creative process behind the music they’ve been putting out. We talked about how Scarhaven approaches songwriting and recording, the influences that have helped shape their sound, and how they’ve continued to develop their identity as a band. We also got into the process of taking an initial idea and building it into a finished song, along with some of the decisions that happen along the way. Throughout the conversation, we dug into what it’s like creating music together, how their individual perspectives contribute to Scarhaven as a whole, and some of the lessons they’ve learned as they continue moving forward. There’s plenty more throughout the episode as we get to know the guys behind Scarhaven, talk about where they are creatively right now, and look toward what’s next for the band.

On this episode of the You Make The Scene Podcast, I sat down with Chas Huff of Get Out Alive to talk about the creative process, finding his sound, and building a solo project that pulls from alternative metal with a healthy dose of dad rock influence. We talked about how Get Out Alive has developed creatively, what Chas looks for when defining the sound of the project, and the influences that have helped shape the music along the way. We also dug into his approach to songwriting and recording, from the initial ideas behind a song to figuring out how to translate those ideas into something that feels complete. Throughout the conversation, we also got into the realities of handling a project like this as a solo artist, balancing creativity with everything else life throws at you, and continuing to find ways to grow without losing sight of what made you want to create music in the first place. There’s plenty more throughout the episode as we get to know Chas beyond the music and dig into what makes Get Out Alive tick, where the project is right now, and what he hopes to build moving forward.

On this episode of the You Make The Scene Podcast, I sat down with the guys in SAGE for a conversation about the band’s beginnings, finding their identity, and the work that went into their EP, Heartwired. We talked about how SAGE came together and the process of defining a sound that feels distinctly their own. The conversation also dives into their experience working with PINKNOISE, how that collaboration has helped shape their music, and what they’ve learned as the band has continued to develop. A big part of our conversation centered around Heartwired, from the writing process to getting into the studio and bringing the songs to life. We talked about how the EP represents SAGE at this point in their journey, the ideas and experiences that influenced it, and what went into turning those ideas into a finished release. There’s plenty more throughout the episode as we get into the realities of building a band, developing creatively, and figuring out where SAGE fits within an ever-changing music landscape. It was a great opportunity to dig beyond the songs and learn more about who SAGE is, how they got here, and where they hope to take things next.

On this episode of the podcast, I welcome back Chris Kelly of Hillhaven for his first return appearance since our last conversation. It was great catching up and hearing everything that has happened in the Hillhaven camp over the past year, from new music and music videos to live shows and the continued growth of the band. A big part of our discussion centers around the band's latest single Dead Doesn't Hurt, diving into the creative process behind the track, its themes, and how it fits into the band's evolving sound. Chris shares insight into what inspired the song, how it came together, and why it feels like an important step forward for Hillhaven. Beyond the music, we spend time talking about life updates, the realities of balancing creativity with everything else that comes with being a working musician, and what the future holds for the band. It’s the kind of conversation that feels like catching up with an old friend while also getting a behind-the-scenes look at a band that continues to build momentum. If you've been following Hillhaven or are just discovering them, this is a great episode to jump into.

In this episode of You Make The Scene, we sit down with Gracie for a conversation that covers the journey that shaped her as both an artist and a person. From growing up with a deep love for music to discovering the influences that helped define her sound, Gracie shares the experiences that have guided her creative path. We also dive into some of the challenges she's faced along the way, how those moments have impacted her songwriting, and the process of turning personal experiences into music that connects with listeners. A major focus of the conversation is her upcoming album, set for release on June 26th, as we discuss the writing process, the themes explored throughout the record, and what this collection of songs means to her at this point in her career. It's an honest and insightful discussion about creativity, perseverance, self-expression, and the passion that drives artists to keep creating. Whether you're already familiar with Gracie's music or discovering her for the first time, this episode offers a great look into the person behind the songs and the story behind her upcoming release.

In this episode of You Make The Scene, we welcome David of Bike Routes back to the podcast for the first time in about a year and a half. It was great catching up and hearing everything that's happened since our last conversation, from life on the road to the continued growth of the band. We spend time talking about the touring they've done over the past year and a half, the experiences that come with bringing their music to new audiences, and how those experiences have influenced the band's perspective and songwriting. We also dive into the creative process behind their upcoming album, Prairie, which arrives June 26th, discussing how the songs came together and what listeners can expect from this new chapter of Bike Routes. As always, the conversation goes well beyond just the music. We reflect on the journey the band has been on, the lessons learned along the way, and everything that comes with building a project over time. It's a relaxed and genuine catch-up with an artist who's continued to evolve since the last time he joined the show. Check out the full conversation and be sure to keep an eye out for Prairie when it drops on June 26th.

In this episode of You Make The Scene, we sit down with Emmyn, better known as Games We Play, for a conversation that covers the highs, lows, and lessons learned throughout his career so far. We talk about what it was like signing to what many artists would consider a dream label, while also recognizing that success doesn't always arrive when you're fully prepared for it. Emmyn opens up about navigating those opportunities, learning from the experience, and figuring out who he wanted to be as an artist along the way. The conversation also dives into touring with some major names, the realities of life on the road, and how those experiences helped shape both his perspective and his music. One of the most interesting parts of the discussion centers around getting back to his roots and rediscovering the artist he wanted to be. Rather than chasing trends or expectations, Emmyn shares how he's focused on creating music that his 14-year-old self would be proud of, both sonically and lyrically. We also talk about the upcoming Summer School Tour, what fans can expect from the experience, and how Games We Play continues to evolve while staying true to the spirit that got him into music in the first place. It's an honest, funny, and insightful conversation about growth, self-discovery, and finding your way back to what made you fall in love with music from the start.

Podcast Summary: John of VCTMS In this episode of You Make The Scene, we sit down with John of VCTMS for a conversation that covers life on the road, the evolution of the band, and everything they’ve got going on right now. We dive into the band's latest music, discussing how their sound continues to develop while staying true to the raw emotion and intensity that fans have come to expect. John shares insight into the creative process behind the new material and what excites him most about this current chapter of VCTMS. The conversation also explores the realities of touring, including what it's been like sharing stages with artists from different corners of heavy music, including kei-metal acts like JILUKA. We talk about the unique experiences that come from those tours and how different audiences continue to embrace the band's music. John also opens up about lineup changes over the years, the challenges that come with keeping a band moving forward, and how those experiences have helped shape the identity of VCTMS today. From new music and touring stories to the highs and lows of building a career in heavy music, this episode offers an honest look at a band that continues to push forward while staying true to themselves. Tune in for a great conversation with one of the driving forces behind VCTMS.

In this episode of You Make The Scene, we sit down with John and Max of CODE:WORDS for a conversation that dives into what it looks like to be a newer band already starting to make noise in the scene. We talk about how quickly things have been moving for them and the mindset it takes to keep up that momentum. A big part of the conversation centers around surrounding yourself with the right people, whether that’s collaborators, team members, or industry partners, and how those relationships have helped shape the direction of the band. John and Max also share what it’s been like signing with The Artery Foundation and what that step means for them moving forward. On the creative side, we get into the importance of vulnerability in their music and how being open and honest has helped them connect with listeners early on. It’s a laid-back, honest conversation with a band that’s clearly building something meaningful, and doing it with intention every step of the way.

In this episode of You Make The Scene, we sit down with Jager of LEVELS for a conversation that covers a little bit of everything behind the band and their sound. From early influences to where they’re at today, Jager gives a real look into what’s shaped LEVELS both musically and personally. We spend time digging into the band’s commitment to authenticity, and how that mindset plays into the way they write and create. Jager talks about finding a sound that feels true to who they are, while still pushing themselves to grow and evolve. The conversation also touches on working with SharpTone Records and what that partnership has meant for the band as they continue to build momentum. Of course, we get into their new album This Will Make You Feel Again, breaking down the creative process behind it and what fans can expect from this next chapter. It’s a laid-back but insightful chat that gives a deeper look at a band that’s focused on doing things their way, while continuing to connect with listeners on a real level.

On this episode of the podcast, I’m joined by Logan Burns of Scarlett O'Hara for a conversation about the band’s new era and the changing landscape of heavy music. We talk about the resurgence of alternative metal and why the genre feels like it is having a real moment again, with heavier sounds starting to break further into the mainstream. Logan also shares insight into what this new chapter of Scarlett O’Hara looks like creatively, including the energy and direction behind their new single Redrum. We dig into the writing process, how the band approached this release, and what fans can expect as they continue building momentum. Along the way, we also talk about the evolution of the scene, how bands are navigating the modern music landscape, and why authenticity still matters when carving out your sound. It’s a great conversation about heavy music, creative reinvention, and where Scarlett O’Hara fits into the current wave of alternative metal.