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Tom sits down with Patrick Brink of Volume to talk about launching the inaugural Mojave Experience Music Festival, a two-day desert rock and psych gathering set for March 20–21 in Joshua Tree, California. Rather than performing with his own band this year, Patrick made the deliberate decision to step back and focus entirely on producing the best possible experience for fans, artists, and volunteers. His goal isn’t just another concert — it’s a destination event that captures the spirit of the desert itself. Friday kicks off at Mojave Gold with a 16-band pre-party featuring acts like Rubber Snake Charmers, The Freeks, Arthur Seay and the Riff Killers, and more. Saturday moves outdoors into Joshua Tree with heavy hitters Earthless, Dead Meadow, John Garcia, Yawning Man, Ecstatic Vision, Howling Giant, Early Moods, plus vendors, art, and immersive experiences designed to make the weekend feel bigger than just music. Patrick breaks down what it really takes to build a festival from scratch: permits, county approvals, artist contracts, scheduling conflicts, and the logistical chess match of balancing band expectations with production realities. Drawing on decades of DIY booking experience dating back to the ’90s punk and stoner rock scenes, he’s applying old-school community values to a modern event. The conversation also dives into Patrick’s musical roots — discovering bands through mail order and SST Records, the thrill of pre-internet music discovery, and how that passion still fuels his drive to spotlight both legends and emerging acts. Long-term, Mojave Experience isn’t chasing massive corporate scale. Patrick envisions a 5,000-person boutique festival over the next 5–8 years — something intimate, curated, and uniquely tied to the landscape, blending desert rock, psych, and heavy underground artists while preserving the vibe that makes Joshua Tree special. It’s a labor of love built by fans, for fans. Mojave Experience debuts March 20–21 in Joshua Tree Friday pre-party at Mojave Gold with 6 bands Saturday outdoor event headlined by Earthless, Dead Meadow, and John Garcia 12+ vendors, art, and immersive desert activities included Patrick stepped away from performing with Volume to focus on production Extensive permits, contracts, and logistics behind the scenes Inspired by DIY booking roots and pre-internet music discovery culture Goal: grow thoughtfully to ~5,000 attendees without losing intimacy Designed as a destination festival, not just a show #MojaveExperience#PatrickBrink#VolumeBand#DesertRock#StonerRock#JoshuaTree#HeavyMusic#MusicFestival#AndNowTheBand

Tom sits down with Francesco Paoli of symphonic death metal powerhouse Fleshgod Apocalypse to talk about the band’s upcoming U.S. tour supporting Avatar and Frozen Soul, kicking off this spring.The conversation traces Francesco’s journey from his early days with Hour of Penance to Fleshgod’s rise as one of extreme metal’s most ambitious and cinematic acts. With festival appearances at Rockville and Sonic Temple on the horizon, the band is preparing to bring their dense, orchestral sound to bigger American stages than ever before.Francesco reflects on the realities behind the scenes — including a past incident where the band’s gear was stolen in Sweden and a blackmail attempt followed. Instead of crowdfunding or paying a ransom, they chose to handle it professionally through law enforcement, reinforcing their belief that bands should rely on resilience and hard work rather than desperation tactics.They also dig into the emotional side of touring. Francesco opens up about the adrenaline highs of performing, the powerful connection with fans, and the very real post-tour depression that hits when the momentum suddenly stops. The camaraderie of life on the road can feel like family, making the return to normal life unexpectedly heavy.Creatively, Francesco explains why Fleshgod Apocalypse remains an album-focused band. Their songwriting process is slow, deliberate, and perfectionist — often taking years to refine ideas into cohesive records. Rather than chasing singles, trends, or viral moments, the band prioritizes complete artistic statements, crafting immersive albums that reward front-to-back listening.The result is music built on passion and authenticity — not algorithms.Key TakeawaysFleshgod Apocalypse joins Avatar and Frozen Soul for a major U.S. tourFirst large-scale American festival experiences mirror European-style eventsProfessionalism and resilience matter more than online panic when setbacks happenTouring creates intense emotional highs — and equally tough comedownsPost-tour depression is a common but rarely discussed reality for musiciansTheir songwriting is meticulous, often spanning years per albumAlbums are treated as cohesive artistic works, not collections of singlesUnderground music thrives on authenticity over commercial pressure#FleshgodApocalypse#FrancescoPaoli#SymphonicDeathMetal#ExtremeMetal#MetalPodcast#UndergroundMetal#TourLife#AndNowTheBand

In this episode of And Now The Band, Tom Robbins talks with Ben Koller — drummer for Converge, High on Fire, Mutoid Man, and Killer Be Killed — about the realities of balancing a relentless touring schedule with family, business, and the changing music industry.The conversation opens with tour life memories and a shared love of live music, including Ben bringing his 11-year-old son to his first metal show — a rite of passage complete with moshing and earplugs.Outside of music, Ben discusses an unexpected second career: real estate. After frustrating personal experiences with agents, he got licensed to better serve friends and family. With multiple bands keeping him on the road, he currently operates as a referral agent — a practical way to stay involved without sacrificing touring. Tom, also a realtor, relates to the desire to guide people through one of life’s biggest transactions with integrity.From there, the discussion dives into:The realities of touring logistics and broken gear mid-setWhy traveling with backup equipment is non-negotiableScheduling tours a year out — and how life, health, and cancellations still disrupt plansBeing the main provider while chasing every opportunityProtecting family time and mental healthThey also explore modern challenges facing musicians, including technology burnout, social media overload, and the growing role of AI in music creation. Ben expresses concern about losing the human imperfections that make heavy music feel real.A major highlight is Ben’s deep dive into songwriter royalties and rights. After discovering unclaimed mechanical royalties through the Music Modernization Act and the Mechanical Licensing Collective, he began educating other musicians and launched the Heavy Music Collective to help artists understand how to properly collect what they’re owed.At its core, this episode is about sustainability — how to build a long-term life in heavy music without burning out, financially or personally.Key TakeawaysTouring demands preparation, redundancy, and adaptabilityReal estate can provide stability alongside creative careersFamily balance becomes more critical with age and responsibilityTech boundaries are essential for mental clarityAI threatens to dilute the human core of musicMany artists leave royalties unclaimed due to lack of educationUnderstanding publishing and mechanical rights is crucial for survivalCommunity knowledge-sharing strengthens the heavy music ecosystem#BenKoller#Converge#HighOnFire#MutoidMan#KillerBeKilled#HeavyMusic#MetalPodcast#DIYMusic#SongwriterRights#AndNowTheBand

In Episode 322 of And Now The Band, Tom Robbins sits down with Jon Davis of UK doom/sludge powerhouse Conan for a wide-ranging conversation about touring life, creative independence, and building a sustainable music career without sacrificing happiness. Jon opens up about recovering from illness and the realities of staying healthy on the road, recalling past strep throat scares while touring the U.S. The focus quickly shifts to Conan’s upcoming American run with Weedeater — their third tour together — a pairing Jon has loved since first discovering the band long before meeting them on their 2016 Australia/New Zealand dates. The two discuss the benefits of co-headline style tours, sharing audiences in smaller venues, and playing with bands at similar levels rather than traditional top-heavy bills. Jon also talks about recent lineup changes, with David stepping in, which has pushed Conan into noisier, more experimental territory. On the recording front, Jon breaks down the band’s DIY ethos, including plans for a new 10-inch release, writing riffs at home with a drum machine, and maintaining long-term continuity with their trusted producer Chris. The conversation highlights Conan’s balance between consistency and evolution — protecting their core sound while still allowing creative risk. Beyond music, the episode gets personal. Jon reflects on: Navigating U.S. immigration and touring logistics (CARN paperwork, airport checks, red tape) The realities of UK visa requirements for touring bands Aging in heavy music and staying passionate Leaving a stable HR job to pursue music full-time Choosing fulfillment over financial security Family also plays a central role. Jon shares stories about attending metal shows with his kids, including Cannibal Corpse and Cryptopsy, and how his career shapes their perception of music and life choices — from prideful moments to hilarious embarrassment, like a teacher playing his band in class. At its core, this episode is about longevity, authenticity, and betting on yourself — a candid look at what it takes to survive and thrive in underground heavy music. Touring with like-minded bands creates stronger, more engaged shows DIY formats like 10-inch vinyl keep releases creative and personal A stable production team helps preserve sonic identity Immigration and touring logistics remain a major hurdle for international bands Long-term happiness often requires risk over security Heavy music can strengthen family bonds across generations Aging doesn’t diminish passion — it deepens it #ConanBand#JonDavis#Weedeater#DoomMetal#SludgeMetal#AndNowTheBand#HeavyMusicPodcast#DIYMusic#Vinyl

In Episode 321 of And Now The Band, host Tom Robbins is joined by Nico (Nikolaos) of Aphea for a thoughtful conversation centered on post-rock, artistic evolution, and the importance of albums as complete narratives. Despite early audio technical difficulties, the conversation quickly settles into a deep discussion of Aphea’s origins and creative direction. Nico explains how Aphea emerged after the dissolution of his previous punk rock band during COVID, marking a shift away from extroverted, party-driven music toward introspective, atmospheric post-rock. Their debut album, “Ego and Archetype,” released in December 2024, reflects this transition—favoring mood, patience, and emotional weight over immediacy. Tom and Nico explore the value of album-focused storytelling, pushing back against playlist culture and single-driven consumption. Nico shares how moving from drummer to guitar-focused composer reshaped his creative mindset, and how Aphea’s writing process begins with rehearsal-space demos before being refined in his home studio. Both agree that albums with intention and flow create deeper listener connections than isolated tracks. The episode also examines artistic evolution, referencing bands like Metallica, Deftones, and Anathema as examples of artists who changed dramatically without losing their identity. Nico discusses early ideas for Aphea’s second album, which may feature fewer guitar layers, analog synthesizers, and influences drawn from 1970s and 1980s experimental electronic music. A broader discussion unfolds around post-rock authenticity, where Nico emphasizes that Aphea aims to create a personal and honest musical statement rather than replicate genre templates. Influences such as Mogwai, Explosions in the Sky, Mono, and Caspian are acknowledged, while maintaining that Aphea’s music is shaped by lived experience rather than imitation. Tom and Nico also reflect on the post-rock live experience, highlighting its lack of rigid audience expectations compared to metal and hardcore shows. They celebrate the genre’s openness—where interpretation, movement, and emotional response are entirely personal. The episode closes with a candid look at the state of underground music, including declining physical sales, aging concert demographics in Europe, and the importance of supporting artists through Bandcamp, vinyl purchases, and live attendance. Nico discusses Aphea’s self-released 180-gram vinyl, noting that fewer than 20 copies remain, and reiterates the band’s philosophy of prioritizing music quality over excessive merchandising. This episode is essential listening for fans of post-rock, album-driven artists, and musicians navigating creative reinvention. Key Takeaways Post-rock allows for deeply personal, unstructured expression Albums remain the strongest medium for storytelling and connection Artistic evolution is necessary for longevity Authenticity matters more than genre imitation Underground scenes depend on direct listener support Vinyl and Bandcamp remain vital tools for independent artists #Aphea#PostRock#AndNowTheBand#PostRockPodcast#UndergroundMusic#AlbumFocused#IndependentArtists#AtmosphericMusic

In Episode 320 of And Now The Band, host Tom Robbins is joined by Ben and Stan of UK-based death metal band Unburier for an in-depth conversation about the band’s evolution, creative discipline, and long-term vision. Formed in 2018 and releasing their first music in 2022, Unburier’s momentum truly accelerated once the right lineup and shared mindset locked into place. Ben and Stan break down how lineup changes shaped the band’s identity, why collaboration over ego is central to their process, and how each member contributes to songwriting with the goal of serving the song—not individual technique. The discussion dives deep into Unburier’s collaborative writing workflow, from Ben and Blake’s initial instrumental foundations to full-band refinement, consensus-based decision making, and Stan’s unconventional bass-first-late approach. They also explore the balance between technical death metal precision and memorable songwriting, emphasizing hooks, live impact, and emotional weight over empty virtuosity. Ben and Stan discuss the creation of their latest EP “As Time Awaits,” the lessons learned from remote writing and production, and how EPs function as modern-day demo statements rather than final destinations. While the band initially planned a full-length album, they explain why EPs have allowed them to experiment, sharpen their sound, and build momentum ahead of a proper debut LP. The conversation also touches on live performance goals, standout shows with bands like Crypta, Evile, Psychoptic, and Mithras, upcoming UK dates including a London release show, and long-term ambitions of eventually touring the United States. Throughout the episode, Unburier makes one thing clear: patience, cohesion, and shared vision matter more than rushing releases. This episode is essential listening for fans of modern death metal, underground band development, and artists focused on longevity over hype.

In Episode 319 of And Now The Band, host Tom Robbins is joined by Matt McCray of Idlestar Productions for the first official announcement of the Preface Pre-Show for Post Fest—a new event designed to expand the festival experience while staying rooted in the values that made Post Fest special from the start. Matt and Tom dive into the power of music as a unifying force, discussing how festivals like Post Fest create shared experiences that transcend generations, genres, and backgrounds. The conversation explores the origins of the Preface pre-show, why it matters, and how it adds depth and narrative to the broader Post Fest weekend. They also discuss the challenges of growth versus preservation, emphasizing the importance of maintaining authenticity, affordability, and community as festivals evolve. Matt highlights the intentional curation behind the lineup, focusing on emerging and underground bands, thematic storytelling, and the role local venues play in sustaining healthy music ecosystems. This episode underscores why supporting local artists, promoters, and venues is essential, and how festivals can remain inclusive while still growing in scale and ambition. At its core, the conversation centers on friendship, shared passion, and the anticipation that drives live music culture forward. Whether you’re a Post Fest regular, a festival organizer, or a fan of underground and post-heavy music, this episode offers valuable insight into how community-driven festivals are built—and protected. #PostFest#PrefacePreShow#IdlestarProductions#MattMcCray#MusicCommunity#UndergroundMusic#MusicFestival#AndNowTheBand#LiveMusicCulture

In Episode 318 of And Now The Band, host Tom sits down with Matt Harvey, guitarist and vocalist of Exhumed, to discuss the band’s upcoming album Red Asphalt, out February 20th via Relapse Records.Matt dives deep into the concept behind Red Asphalt, a record built around road-related horror, mechanical violence, and the deadly realities of life on the highway. The album features ten tracks including “Unsafe at Any Speed,” “Red Asphalt,” “Shovelhead,” “Iron Graveyard,” “Crawling from the Wreckage,” “Signal 30,” and “Symphorophilia,” forming one of Exhumed’s most focused and cinematic releases to date.The conversation explores Matt’s creative philosophy, including the importance of chasing ideas even if they don’t always work, and how working across multiple projects helps keep his songwriting sharp and avoids burnout. Matt explains how the initial spark for Red Asphalt came during a long drive home from Australia, and why the album’s concept justified its place in Exhumed’s extensive discography.Tom and Matt also discuss the band’s upcoming tour, where Exhumed plans to play over half of the new album live, while still honoring fan-favorite tracks. Matt shares his thoughts on modern music production, expressing a preference for raw, authentic, unpolished recordings over overly processed or AI-generated music, and why live shows remain irreplaceable in extreme metal.This episode is essential listening for fans of death metal, grindcore, Relapse Records artists, and anyone interested in album concepts, touring realities, and creative longevity in heavy music.#MattHarvey#Exhumed#RedAsphalt#DeathMetal#ExtremeMetal#RelapseRecords#MetalPodcast#AndNowTheBand#Grindcore#heavymusic Matt Harvey Exhumed, Exhumed Red Asphalt, death metal podcast, Relapse Records interview, extreme metal album discussion, Exhumed interview, grindcore death metal, metal touring podcast, concept albums metal

In Episode 317 of And Now The Band, host Tom sits down with Kyle Thomas, legendary vocalist of Exhorder, for a wide-ranging conversation on songwriting integrity, vocal longevity, and the evolution of heavy music culture. Kyle breaks down his songwriting philosophy, emphasizing brutal self-critique, honesty, and cutting anything that doesn’t genuinely excite him. He discusses how this mindset applies not only to music, but also to parenting, creativity, and personal growth—focusing on doing your best without unhealthy comparison. The conversation dives deep into Kyle’s musical background, including his early choral training and how it shaped his vocal control, endurance, and technique. Kyle also shares practical insights on vocal care, avoiding damage, maintaining health on the road, and sustaining a long career in extreme music. Tom and Kyle also discuss Exhorder’s upcoming tour, the excitement of returning to familiar cities while exploring new territories, and the importance of diverse mixed-genre bills featuring bands like Ringworm, Phobia, and others. Kyle reflects on his early acceptance within the punk and hardcore scenes, and how today’s metal audience is more open than ever to genre crossover. The episode closes with a thoughtful discussion on how metal culture has evolved, Kyle’s journey from strict metal purist to embracing a wider range of music, and why staying authentic ultimately attracts the right audience. If you’re interested in thrash metal history, vocal technique, touring life, songwriting discipline, or the legacy of Exhorder, this episode delivers insight straight from one of heavy music’s most respected voices. #KyleThomas#Exhorder#ThrashMetal#HeavyMetalPodcast#MetalPodcast#ExtremeMetal#VocalTechnique#Songwriting#MetalHistory#HardcorePunk#AndNowTheBand

In this episode, host Tom sits down with Gary and Matt of Weaving Spiders to unpack the band’s unconventional origin story, creative process, and evolving sonic identity. Born out of isolation during the COVID lockdowns, Weaving Spiders began as a solo GarageBand project after Gary’s departure from Bad Wizard. What started as remote experimentation slowly transformed into a fully realized band once Matt—initially reluctant to step into the role—became the group’s vocalist. The conversation explores how solitude, restraint, and trust shaped the band’s sound. Gary and Matt dive deep into the realities of remote collaboration vs. writing in the same room, the limitations of Dropbox songwriting, and why their next chapter will likely sound very different once everyone is physically together. They discuss influences ranging from Refused to Spotlights, the importance of presence while writing, and the decision to avoid unnecessary banter in live performances. The episode also touches on: Writing outside traditional verse-chorus structures Balancing simplicity with heaviness Loud drummers, bigger amps, and basement practice spaces The philosophy of letting songs exist without over-explaining them Why lockdown solitude was creatively freeing This is an honest, grounded conversation about modern underground music, creative trust, and allowing a band to become what it needs to be—naturally.

Dirty Dave and Andy “Lil Bucky” of The Glasspack join Tom for a deep dive into punk ethics, underground survival, and the realities of making heavy music across multiple decades. From early tours disrupted by 9/11 to vinyl pressing delays, label collapses, and the shift from analog to digital creation, this episode captures what it actually means to stay active in the underground. The conversation covers punk roots, rock history, artist compensation, Louisville’s influence, and why DIY still matters more than ever. Essential listening for fans of punk, stoner rock, heavy underground music, and real-world band history. #TheGlasspack#PunkRock#UndergroundMusic#DIY#StonerRock#HeavyRockThe Glasspack podcast, Dirty Dave interview, punk rock history podcast, underground rock bands, stoner rock musicians, vinyl punk records, DIY rock ethics

Tom sits down with Sonia of Velkhanos to explore the discipline, technique, and personal drive behind modern extreme metal vocals. From joining Velkhanos in 2020 to touring Europe and teaching vocals professionally, Sonia shares how anatomy, control, and mindset are critical to sustaining aggressive vocal styles. The conversation touches on theatrical live performances, the influence of bands like GWAR, the rise of modern deathcore, and the pressure young bands face as they gain rapid attention. This episode is a must-listen for fans of extreme metal, death metal, vocal performance, and the technical side of heavy music. #Velkhanos#ExtremeMetal#MetalVocals#DeathMetal#MetalCommunity#HeavyMusicVelkhanos podcast, Sonia metal vocalist, extreme vocal techniques, death metal singer interview, metal voice teacher, modern metal vocals, Spanish metal scene

Tom sits down with John Gist to preview Planet Desert Rock Weekend VI, happening January 29th–February 1st in Las Vegas. John breaks down how the festival lineup comes together, the importance of diversity in heavy music, and why Planet Desert Rock focuses on community, fairness, and artistic integrity over trends. The conversation covers standout bands on the bill, the Ripple Showcase, the realities of rock promotion in the U.S., and the challenge of bringing younger audiences into the scene. They also dive into genre evolution — from hair metal to grunge to modern stoner and desert rock — and why live music remains the most powerful way to sustain underground scenes. This episode is essential listening for fans of stoner rock, heavy psych, doom, and independent festivals. #PlanetDesertRock #StonerRock #HeavyPsych #UndergroundRock #MusicFestival #RippleMusic Planet Desert Rock interview, John Gist podcast, stoner rock festival, desert rock weekend, underground rock festivals, heavy psych podcast, Ripple Music bands, Las Vegas rock scene

Revisiting Tony and ISD because they both rock!

Hiroe holds one of my favorite albums this year with Wield. I am going to revisit chatting with them at Post Fest this year. Watching these folks perform and chatting with them was like seeing long lost friends. The conversation was great on and off camera and as a group, they are some of the nicest folks out there.