Episode 12 with Brandon Watkins of Year of the Knife

On this episode What Are You Jamming? I'm joined by Brandon Watkins from Year of the Knife. Brandon is involved in multiple bands and has spent years immersed in the heavier corners of hardcore, metalcore, and death metal. In this conversation we talk about the music that shaped him, the bands and records that pushed him toward brutal hardcore, and how songwriting works in a band whose lineup and dynamics have changed over the years. Brandon also opens up about living with bipolar disorder and how mental health has shaped his relationship with music and performance. We talk about the catharsis of playing live, the collaborative process behind the band's songs, and the gear and production choices that help bring that sound to life. The conversation also touches on the life-altering accident involving his wife Maddie and how that experience shifted his perspective on life, creativity, and what it means to connect with people through music. It's a conversation about heavy music, real life, and why sometimes the loudest music comes from the most honest places. Intro song: "Mourning the Living" - Year of the Knife Outro song: "No Love Lost" - Year of the Knife Got a record you can't stop listening to? Tell me what you're jamming. DM the show or send an extremely retro email to: [email protected]