NostalgicEmoDads

We get to sit down with 3 of the 5 members of Crown Point's finest: Asteria! Brandon, Seth, and Terrence join us to talk about the founding of the band, having their own studio as a resource for songwriting, being incredibly DIY, the iconic intro to "The Taste, The Touch," writing second verses, and how they were able to blend so many styles together into their own sound. Seth still works out of the studio alwaysbegenius, so if you want to write and record with him definitely reach out! Or if you just want to see all the incredible bands he's worked with! Here are the links:Studio Website | Seth/Studio's Insta | Asteria InstaAsteria BandcampWe're also in instagram if you want to follow us there too! @NostalgicEmoDads

Wow wow wow, what an incredible conversation with Jason Maffucci, vocalist and bassist of Just Surrender (and vocalist of With Abandon)! Jason takes us through his childhood finding music and the scene (which mirrors mine in pretty wild ways), recording with John Naclerio, songwriting, developing as a vocalist, the emotional and physical demands of touring, and finding himself living as a character he felt was at odds with who he actually wanted to be.We also dive into the Just Surrender catalogue to talk about specific songs and what makes the Just Surrender DNA (is it really just Disney Songs + Story of the Year?), the sensation of "Your Life and Mine," and how Derek regrets skipping Phoenix. What a great album.They are playing some If These Streets Could Talk anniversary shows this summer, so check those out! And Warped Tour!Jason also fronts an incredible emo/pop-punk project called With Abandon, go follow them as well!Links:Just Surrender Tickets To Shows With Abandon With Abandon BandcampWe are also on Instagram if ya feel like it! @NostalgicEmoDads

For this episode, we are joined by an extremely cool newer, yet experienced, band called So Much Hope, Buried. I've been a fan for a while now, and with their new album Wither | Grow coming out in a couple months (June 12), we just had to get together for a chat!We talk about how SMH,B. is a sort-of super-group of the Wilkes-Barre scene, how their style transcends genre labeling (but we tried, with "cool" "gloomy" "theatrical" "dark" "melancholic" as some descriptors), fatherhood, professionalism, musicality, and what to look forward to with the new album! Go pre-order yourself something nice!Oh yeah, and favorite Pokemon. (shout out punchy-rock)Follow them on socials, and here:bandcamp | website | instaWe are also on instagram! @NostalgicEmoDads

For the latest episode in the Friends & Family Series, I get to chat with my incredibly talented cousin Karl! We talk about the age difference between us in our large family, growing up in Tacoma/Seattle, finding music at an early age, the constant search for new music and/or music to be challenged by, graphic design, growing as an artist, commercial art, skateboarding and Tony Hawk, packaging design, and his recent fine arts solo show Light Pilots (of which I am now a proud owner of one of the pieces! Thanks Mom and Pop!). Karl is just as thoughtful and purposeful in his exploration of music as he is with his art, which is why I knew I just HAD to talk with him. I'm stoked to share this conversation with you!Follow him at these locations:karlzurfluh.com@karlzurfluhWe are also on instagram should you choose to accept! @NostalgicEmoDads

This week's guest is hiking enthusiast, thru-hiker, and Derek's Wife's Cousin, Mr. Sean McCracken! It was such a treat to talk with Sean about his musical upbringing, what he was listening to growing up with his brother and parents, finding music through friends, piano lessons, and eventually finding his own "scene" later in college.But even more enjoyable was talking with him about his thru-hiking experiences! Sean has now hiked the Appalachian Trail and the Continental Divide Trail. We talk about his motivation (or lack thereof) for such a grueling adventure, learning as you go, how much it costs to do, slack-packing, calorie intake, and, of course, what you listen to to pass the time as you make those miles!Sean's a great dude. We're on instagram! @NostalgicEmoDads

We're kicking off a new series called "Friends & Family" with an old friend Ryan DeNeff! And my younger brother joins as co-host for his first ever podcast!In this series I want to explore the connection people have with music, even if they are not directly participating in it. Usually we have guests on who are part of the "scene" in a tangible, discoverable way. For the next few weeks I am having conversations with people who may not have participated in it, but are connected to it in a meaningful way. I hope you enjoy it!We talk with Ryan about meeting in graphic arts class in high school, asking him to join my band, the impact of Anthony Green, deciding on photography as his career while still a teen, touring with the EDM scene as a photographer, the ups and downs of touring life, and finding himself back in the emo scene. Plus more!Ryan's work is on instagram @theryandeneffWe're also there as @NostalgicEmoDads

Hot off their incredible anniversary show for the album "Fluorescent Youth," we speak with Conditions drummer Ryan Tinsley about a whole gamut of things: the pipeline of Creed and Dave Matthews Band to Coheed and Alexisonfire; learning to hit drums really hard; getting recruited into Conditions from a VHS recording of a high school performance; pulling off the anniversary show; and of course, being a dad!Ryan is such a cool dude! Go listen to Conditions!@conditionsbandWe're also on instagram! @NostalgicEmoDads

It's that time of year again! The end of the year usually brings around "Best Of" lists, and it's no different for us here at the NED. This year we are joined by our friend Anthony DelPlato of Everything In Waves to recount our favorite releases of 2025: singles , EPs, and albums! (go listen to his music! and his conversation with us from earlier this year!)We also share some records from 2024 that didn't end up on our lists from last year but made an impact on us this year. This records deserve some love too.What were some of your favorite releases from 2025??!Happy New Year!See You Next Year! lolololz.We're on instagram! @NostalgicEmoDads

Let's Go!!!! Our first full-band conversation is here, and it's with the one and only Plead The Widow's Cause.This band has been one of Derek and Jake's favorite "newer" bands over the past couple of years, having gotten to see them a couple times at some tiny local hardcore shows in Richmond. We talk about how they have kind of taken the spirit-filled post-hardcore scene by storm, how they write songs, the crossover between emo and Christian music, their DIY approach, and, of course, Pokemon. Their latest album "Silver Glass Stare" is incredible, so go listen to it, buy it from them through Bandcamp, and/or get the limited edition emerald vinyl over at Resuscitation Records!Here are some of their links!BandcampVinylSocials: @pleadthewidowscauseWe are also on instagram if you desire to get in touch! @NostalgicEmoDads

Growing up in the Richmond music scene, we adored Conditions. They were such a special band, with special dudes, who really shared their heart and love for the city. So when I heard of the through-line that connected Conditions' guitarist Alex Howard to playing with country star Jelly Roll, I absolutely had to ask him to walk us through the story! Alex talks his of his upbringing in a musical family, starting on bass in school band before Blink-182 made him want to learn guitar, playing in his first band Motion Picture Demise, the formation of Conditions, joining Sleeping With Sirens, touring the world, and encountering a yet-unknown Jelly Roll in Nashville (under somewhat suspicious circumstances) to now playing bass in his band. And more!What a ride, and we're so happy for him and all he's gotten to experience! We can't wait to see Conditions in Richmond for their Fluorescent Youth anniversary show. Go listen to their latest single "Belong Forever" wherever you consume your music. Follow Alex and Conditions on socials: @alexmarkhoward@conditionsbandWe're also on instagram if you feel so inclined! @NostalgicEmoDads

What a cool story this one is! Adam Brazie sang and played guitar in Ever We Fall, a darling indie/emo band on Hopeless Records. They only released one full-length (We Are But Human), but it's a must listen! We talked to Adam about his finding the scene, learning guitar and out-of-tune pianos, getting signed to Rise Records while still in high school - that's right, Ever We Fall is a Rise band! - then transitioning to Hopeless Records and touring the country, being featured on the TMNT soundtrack, and more, all before he turned 20. The ride was short lived but left a lasting impact on listeners. Let us know your favorite Ever We Fall song!We are on Instagram as well, feel free to hit us up on there and/or give us a follow. @NostalgicEmoDads

This conversation was an absolute blast! Nick is such a kind dude with a wonderful perspective on the history of his band Vanna. We talk about how he was the lead vocalist on their debut EP, how much fun it is to riff, how similar our stories are, art school, favorite Vanna songs, being a fan of music, his work as a tattoo artist, and so much else!Thank you Nick for the great convo! He and the rest of Vanna will be on tour in December for a few dates, go check them out!Follow on socials!@nickadamtattoo @vannaband@sacredsuntattooWe're also on instagram! @NostalgicEmoDads

We've got another wild episode for you this week! Bobby Faithful is a sort of mythical human in the realm of 2000s emo/post-hardcore, especially regarding Bet On Black, "the supergroup that never was" (his words). There have been so many ties that lead back to Bobby and this band, including multiple grammy winning producers, amazing emo bands, and even a super successful emo cover band (Throwing Back Sunday). We talk about growing up in the hardcore scene in the DC/DMV/NOVA area, finding community as a person of color, meeting Andrew Goldstein in a technology class, and a bunch more. Lately Bobby has been crushing through some really intense health issues (as you will hear throughout our conversation), but what's amazing is how he is using it to his advantage in crafting music. Truly inspiring stuff!Follow him on socials for updates about his new band Dead Youth Club and his health related updates! @bobbyfaithfulWe are also on instagram! @NostalgicEmoDads

Our guest this week is Mr. Stevie Benz! His story is super entertaining and a bit of a rollercoaster ride through the 2000s, participating in many bands that were really good but never got the pop-off or blow-up they probably deserved. We talk a lot about guitars, home recording, touring, how amazing all the bands he played in are, and what he's up to now! Hint: it's music mastering. Hit him up at https://www.steviebenz.com/.** This was our very first episode recorded through Microsoft Teams, so Derek had a little but of audio trouble with his mic (forgive him!) but Stevie sounds great! **We're also on Instagram! @NostalgicEmoDads

OH YEAH! We got Jake back! (At least for this episode). Derek and Jake play the classic game Would You Rather, but with a little nostalgic emo twist. Join us! Play along! Let us know your answers!@NostalgicEmoDads on instagram.

For our first ever live AND in-person episode, Andrew and Derek sat on the floor and discussed their dream shows while on Instagram Live.There were two rules: one lineup must be of only ACTIVE bands, the other lineup could include disbanded bands or a mix of both. For each show we picked 5 bands. We also decided on some other fun details for our shows as they went along.Do ya think we had any overlaps?! Tune in to find out!Also, we're on Instagram. Sometimes we go live. @NostalgicEmoDads

Oh yeah! Today we turn the tables a little bit and ask questions of one of our hosts, Andrew, and his drummer, Josh, about their band Drifted!We talk a bit about their (seemingly polar opposite) musical upbringings, how they met, what it's like to start a band in your 30s, and their upcoming Southern Summer Stroll! Catch them on a date near you!June 26 - Another Round Bar VAJune 27 - 27 Club NCJune 28 - Paper Moon Studios SCJune 29 - Blackstrap GAAnd give them a follow! @driftedband_usWe're also on instagram while yer at it! @NostalgicEmoDads

For our 50th Episode, we're celebrating big by bringing you a conversation with the one and only Ben Jorgensen! A few weeks ago Andrew and Derek sat down to chat about the whole discography of Armor For Sleep, and jokingly mentioned how cool it would be to get Ben on the podcast to pick his brain on some production and songwriting stuff. And here we are!In this conversation we talk about Ben's strength in lyricism, how the emo resurgence is here to stay, the impact of What To Do When You Are Dead, what a beast Nash Breen is on the drums, and of course, their amazing new album The Rain Museum.Follow Ben and Armor For Sleep on your socials!We're also on Instagram: @NostalgicEmoDads

One word to describe Virginia-native band Mae: beloved. There is something beautiful and special about this emo/indie/rock band that fans and musicians alike are drawn to. The songs are majestic, the lyrics are poetic, the musicianship and conceptualizations are next level. But it is all done with taste and in a super approachable manner.Join us as we do a deep dive through the Mae discography, share our emotional memories with the band, discuss the highlights (and maybe lower lights) of the catalogue, and more!Go listen to Mae! Find them on tour!We're also on insta! @NostalgicEmoDads

Did you know BOYS LIKE GIRLS had 4 albums? We didn't either. Join Andrew and Derek as they discuss first discovering the band through their music video for The Great Escape, the many twists and turns the band has taken musically, Andrew's "theory" on Martin's voice, Derek's apologetics for Crazy World, and, of course, how iconic that first self-titled record is.Oh, and Wawa. We're on Instagram! Give us a follow if ya wanna! @NostalgicEmoDads

For our final episode of our Richmond Series, we had the opportunity to chat with Aaron Stone of My Epic. Many people probably don't associate My Epic with Richmond, unless you were Jake and were there from the beginning. But My Epic played a lot of shows in the city, toured with some local favorites, and formed special bonds with people and venues in the city. Aaron is awesome and forthcoming with so many memories about the scene as it was then, what it was like finding music as a pastor's kid who went to public school, influential bands for his writing style, and who the greatest metal band out of Richmond is. Go listen to their latest record Loriella out on Tooth and Nail! Watch Loriella the Film on YouTube!Give My Epic a follow on socials! @myepicrock ..Sincerely, thank you to everyone who listens to this podcast, especially the ones about the local scene we hold near and dear to our (heavy) hearts. If you want to listen to more and you haven't (yet), there are ten other Richmond Episodes (like wildflowers) out there! You just may have to scroll (further up, further in) our podcast feed to find them. That's enough My Epic puns for now. We're on Insta as well! @NostalgicEmoDads

One of the more confessional, dynamic, piano-rock driven bands of the 2000s Richmond Emo scene was Colin Healy and the Jetskis. In this wonderful conversation with frontman Colin, we talk about writing pop songs, going mini-viral in Richmond, recording, success in simplicity, and falling in love playing music with your wife.Colin and Caroline still perform out at venues around Richmond, so give them a follow and go say hi sometime! @colinandcaroline colinandcaroline.comWe are also in instagram if ya feel like following along!@NostalgicEmoDads

Get ready for an absolute history lesson of Richmond Emo from the perspective of this week's guest, Jason Thompson! He walks us through his early years finding hardcore shows in Richmond, learning guitar, Straight Edge, the transition to "emo", learning Cubase during a medical study, being a Dad, and his new hobby that's even more niche than the hardcore scene: mopeds! It was an absolute joy to talk with Jason, he is such a positive dude with great stories to share. So when you're done listening to this episode, go listen to all the bands he's had a hand in! It's a lot. And check out his podcast! Moped Monday!https://www.mopedmonday.com/https://open.spotify.com/show/4atJDv1gJ0zoPLBliWZ9O2https://www.instagram.com/mopedmondaypodcast/https://stores.inksoft.com/mopedmondaypodcast/shop/home?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYVr3KRoLkgMmcnHhP7irGIoLvW4ai5caxo5Xx_oB5PhMXqXsuPsPE39QM_aem_RZIfAhifNCqQmaibw7xD9wWe are also on Instagram for pics of Wawa coffee and cottage cheese! @NostalgicEmoDads

Jim Ivins was, is, and always will be, the biggest fan and advocate for the Richmond Emo Scene. We chatted for several hours about what it was like playing punk rock, the MTV effect, his famous hair-metal uncle, why he thinks Richmond should have been the next Seattle, and oh yeah, how he fronted the first (and only) American rock band to play Sudan. Buckle up, this is a fun one! Jim's charisma is infectious. Welcome to RVA3.Go listen to all of Jim's music wherever you partake of music, and check him out on socials!https://www.jimivins.com/@thefanrvabandWe are also on instagram if you like seeing pictures of Jake, funny memes, and the like. @NostalgicEmoDads

Armor For Sleep is one of those really cool bands that seemed to have gone under the radar. Their debut album Dream To Make Believe introduced listeners to their emo lyricism and storytelling, as well as their knack for being able to write fantastic riffs.But then they released 2005's What To Do When You Are Dead. And the evolution was incredible. A concept record, complete with a reprise; dynamic musical selections and production choices; searing vocals; and one of the more iconic album covers of that era (with an instruction manual included).Unfortunately the follow up to that, Smile For Them, left more to be desired, which seemed to have led to their disbandment.BUT, they are BACK! A whole new record came out a couple years ago called The Rain Museum, and we are falling back in love with the "good guys" of emo. Go support their new music! And give us a follow on instagram if you want to see our faces digitally or whatev. @NostalgicEmoDads

Derek and Andrew take a few minutes on a Sunday afternoon to talk about 10 things EACH that they love about their best friend and co-host Jake.If you would like to see a touching montage we made for him, you have to find us on Instagram: @NostalgicEmoDads.Jake is doing just fine, we just wanted everyone to know how much we love him.

This week we take a break from our usual hard-hitting journalism to play a little game called First Time, Last Time.It's an episode that (we hope) will help you all get to know us a bit better, and helped us learn more about each other, too! Some highlights include:Lots of talk about cottage cheeseOur musical gear purchasesOur jobsDo we cry to music? (Yes)TattoosAnd maybe even talk of Jake's solo emo project.Enjoy!We're on instagram if you want to see our faces! @NostalgicEmoDads

Our final guest for our New Year, New Emo series is Mr. Anthony DelPlato of Everything In Waves! Anthony is the mastermind behind EIW, from writing, to tracking, mixing, mastering, etc, so it was fun to pick his brain about technical production things as well as songwriting choices. We also discuss his emo clout finding Deep Elm Records early on, then eventually living the dream of being on their label! And of course, The Appleseed Cast.Go find his music out there in the wild, listen to it, purchase it, cry with it, give him a follow, and tell him how much you love it too!@everythinginwaveshttps://orcd.co/eiw-limerence?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabm-GoSpcAFMmHHJEkUnF3T8zAH1a-YIOWoR4W5CdmSW_DM7iwtOgecq4w_aem_T4pg627oCBnlm7bm_7eq7gWe are also in Instagram! @NostalgicEmoDads

Let's go! This week we chat with a band that is bringing that polished emo sound, but doing so authentically, into the new generation - Another One Down! Exeter, Rhode Island's finest, we get to talk with Marcus (songwriter/frontman) and Ryan (drummer extraordinaire) about their favorite bands growing up, finding the scene, songwriting, what it means to be honest and vulnerable in your lyrics, performing live, and how they recorded their latest EP! Don't sleep on AOD!. Just don't. They're so good. https://linktr.ee/anotheronedown?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabRCgAYOqf31OvxsQvvpQCONV9hY_iStoRfxNMeiiYkL9PF-Y-eem-AaMs_aem_pdbPw5PTAbogbFr1z9zhnw https://anotheronedown.bandcamp.com/album/a-bitter-descent-deluxe-edition @anotheronedownri We are also on Instagram! @NostalgicEmoDads

Let's go! For our second installment of New Year, New Emo, we have a conversation with Zach Lardy of the band Empty Isles, who also just happened to release Derek's #2 Album of the Year for 2024! We do some deep dives into Zach's songs from both of his albums - For When You Need Me (Tooth & Nail) and Playing Pretend (Independent Release). We also discuss his upbringing, signing to a dream record label, working with musicians you idolize, fatherhood, what it's like to be an independent musician, integrity in music, and so much more. Seriously, this was such a great conversation! Zach is the man, so definitely go check out the beautiful music he puts out as Empty Isles! https://linktr.ee/emptyisles @emptyisles We are also on instagram! @NostalgicEmoDads

We are kicking off 2025 with a series called New Year, New Emo, where we talk with bands that we love and who have been carrying the "emo" torch into the next generation of listeners. The goal of this series is twofold: 1) help promote the band and their music, 2) geek out and tell them how much we love their music First up is Daniel from Rosemont! We talk about the circumstances that led Derek to finding Daniel's music, how melodies can speak louder than words, songwriting and producing with a best friend, a little about pedals, a little about drums, and a lot about how powerful Daniel's voice is. Go listen to Rosemont!! https://linktr.ee/rosemontofficial @rosemontofficial We are also on Instagram for your all your Wawa needs. @NostalgicEmoDads

Let's Go! A lot of great music came out this year, and we recorded an episode to celebrate it. We touch on notable singles, standout EPs, and, of course, rank our top 7 albums of the year! (We do things a bit differently over here at NED HQ). Please go check out all the incredible bands we talk about and share their music, buy their merch, or at least just give them a follow. It goes a long way. Thanks for hanging out with us this year, and we'll see you in 2025! Instagram: @NostalgicEmoDads

We absolutely LOVE Relient K. We know what you're thinking. "Relient K? Aren't they, like, that Christian rock band? Are they EvEn EMOOO?>>??" Yes. Yes they are. As we discuss, though they started out much more faith-forward in their earlier releases, as time went on, the subject matter changed and grew into something more personal. The faith never left, but a more honest exploration of personal feelings (like depression and grief) through that lens was brought to the forefront. Jake couldn't join us for this one, so we called in a favor again. That's right. Get ready for the sweet doctorly voice of the definition of Emo Dad: Mikey Mathews! He's Back! Instagram handle here: @NostalgicEmoDads

Could we be an emo podcast without talking about Paramore? Their album Riot! is an absolute scene icon: from the artwork, to the catchy songwriting, to the orange hair, Paramore had nowhere to go but up. But they released an album before that! And many after. Is Riot! still their best? How have they changed since the emo/pop-punk days? Are they better now than ever? Who knows, but we try to dive into all of it. Follow us on instagram if you like instagrammy things. @NostalgicEmoDads

RICHMOND SERIES BONUS EPISODE! You've heard us talk about being in a metal band together for a while now, but we haven't talked in depth about it. We got together a couple years ago to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of our last show and record a little Skype call chronicling the rise and fall of the band, and released all our music in a single release on DSPs called "This Is Love". Here is that conversation! This was years before we started a podcast, had any idea what we were doing or recording with; we really just got together to hang out and record it for posterity's sake. But since we've talked so much about Richmond, and what led to our participation and admiration of the scene, we decided to share that convo as a bonus Richmond Series episode. It features the three of us (Andrew, Derek, and Jake) as well as our other bandmate and sometimes host Mikey. We hope you enjoy hearing us talk about the scene from our perspective! Also, our homie Chris Baldwin did a remix/remaster on a couple of our songs! Totally unexpected and amazing gift! So shout out to you, Chris. They are also out wherever you stream! Follow us on instagram if you like, idk, do instagram or whatever...totally fine if not tho @NostalgicEmoDads

Our final guest in our Richmond Series (Part 2) is Adam, the owner/founder of Open Your Ears Records! An indie label based out of Richmond, we get to ask all the questions we've ever wanted to ask an "industry professional," especially one who can help chart the course for a band's success. Some questions include: Do Spotify plays and listener numbers matter? Is playing live and touring a necessity? What role does a label have in a band's day-to-day operation? How does one get signed to a label? To Open Your Ears specifically? Does a label owner listen to their own bands for pleasure? Adam is awesome. The label is awesome. He is a new Dad. There are so many things to be stoked on. So go check out OYE and support! If there was a label that shared the NostalgicEmoDads DNA, it has to be this one. https://oyerecs.com/ @oyerecs We're also on instagram! @NostalgicEmoDads

We chat with Ollie from Broadside about his upbringing in Richmond, going to local shows as a teen with his cool Uncle, finding his voice in the enigmatic band Reasons (if anyone has recordings of this band, please, please, please send them to us or Gregg or Ollie or all of the above), and the wild ride to join Broadside and get signed to Victory! We are SO stoked on the latest Broadside album "Hotel Bleu" out on Sharptone, so please go listen to it and support the band! Even more, we're stoked the band is coming through RVA in just a couple weeks! We'll see you there! @broadsideofficial @oliverbaxxter We're on instagram too! @NostalgicEmoDads

Our third guest for the Richmond Series (Part 2) is Zack Reichert! Zack played guitar in the beautiful and ethereal rock band Love & Reverie. We chat with him about how he learned guitar, songwriting, signing to a label, recording at a studio with legendary players, and possibly using delay pedals as a crutch. We touch on the camaraderie of the Richmond emo scene, what made L&R so special, and how those relationships came together to form the band Mayfair. We talked with lead vocalist Daniel Long about Mayfair in a previous episode, but it was fun to hear another perspective from a key songwriter. Then Zack sold his soul and started a wedding cover band. Womp womp. Just kidding! If you need live music for a wedding or corporate event you gotta reach out to the Silver Bullets! (https://silverbulletsofficial.com/) https://www.instagram.com/silverbulletsrva/ We are also on instagram for all your emo needs. @NostalgicEmoDads

Our second episode of the Richmond Series Part 2! We sit down and talk with Franklin (aka Frankie Half-J) of the darling band The Half Jeffersons. His origin story is one for the books, so buckle up! We talk songwriting, recording, channeling emotions through music, regrettable moments on stage, and so much more besides. We really felt like Franklin was a kindred spirit and fan of the RVA Emo scene, so it was such a joy to get to have this chat with him. AND GO BLOW UP THEIR MUSIC VIDEO FOR "THE FIRE"! Let's at LEAST get it to 1000 plays. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87Sik7A5xXQ We are on instagram posting all sorts of rad stuff. @NostalgicEmoDads

Welcome to our Richmond Series Part 2! Our first guest in the series is Michael Yearout of the band Ready The Way. RTW was a metalcore band, so we talk about what it was like to be a heavy band playing alongside the more melodic, emo acts of this time in Richmond. Of course, we talk about formation of the band, what made Mike pick up the guitar, what it was to be an openly Christian band, and what Mike is up to now; but we also talk about recording and songwriting in that time, the camaraderie that made Richmond such a special scene in those years, and how Jake is Ready The Way's number one fan. Forever. What Mike is up to now! https://www.mapsglobal.org/ We are on Instagram! @NostalgicEmoDads for all your Wawa themed content.

Could we call ourselves an emo podcast if we didn't talk about MCR/My Chem/My Chemical Romance? Gerard Way's comments aside, we didn't think so. However, none of us have strong ties to the band or their discography, so we had to call in some favors. Our friend and bandmate Michael joins us as a special guest because he DOES have history! He may or may not have been in the MCRmy! He's also a dad! So join us as we chat about a polarizing and scene-defining emo band, their history and discography, whether The Black Parade is a successful concept album, and whether any of us wore guyliner for this episode! Jk about that last part, none of us did. Follow us on instagram for more behind the scenes and emo content! @NostalgicEmoDads

When we previously spoke with Brandon Davis, we felt like we didn't give enough time to his brainchild Lions Lions, so we invited him back! And we NEEDED to have frontman Joshua Herzer join us, because before he joined Lions Lions, he was a huge fan of the band. We talk songwriting, singing and screaming vocals, record collections, and how Lions Lions is the Forrest Gump of post-hardcore.This conversation was an absolute blast. If you are a fan of the Boston scene, post-hardcore, record production, or just looking for a fun talk with some great laughs long the way, look no further.Go listen to Lions Lions and Dayzer music!https://open.spotify.com/artist/6bAYbpoxlUtxM2F1h4FFYW?si=1gmVtCqlRoSHHfecAU8cEAhttps://open.spotify.com/artist/6WWo0cYhqm7q0qytghKqHi?si=sYPWI5TzQUG1pZYDgjfZywAnd follow us on instagram! @NostalgicEmoDads

In this week’s episode, we talk with the legendary musician Brandon Davis! We discuss his start in music and the Boston scene, finding love for playing guitar and starting the band Therefore I Am, then getting the call to play drums in Vanna, starting the melodic post-hardcore act Lions Lions, and all the projects that have followed. The impact Brandon has had on the scene specifically in Boston, but outside of it as well, is awe-inspiring. He is truly a fan of the scene he is a part of. He’s an extremely talented player and songwriter, and we could not be more stoked to share this episode with you! Go check out all his projects! @fever333 @lionslions @ngulu.hc @inspiritboston @lighthouseskatepark And as I mention in the podcast, his account on Instagram is a great follow.We are also on instagram! @NostalgicEmoDads

Warning: Strong Opinions Contained In This Episode After bursting onto the scene with their platinum-selling record "Page Avenue," Story of the Year has continued to be a rock band that carves out its own space to exist in. Are they metal? Emo? Hardcore? Post-hardcore? Radio rock? All of the above? This was Andrew's choice and his favorite discography we've covered (so far). Derek also had a great time listening to this discography (which he was completely unfamiliar with). Jake...well... Go listen to their latest record "Tear Me To Pieces" on Sharptone Records...it's fantastic! Follow us on Instagram for weekly Wawa coffee updates (please sponsor us) and emo stuff. @NostalgicEmoDads

Name a more polarizing band in the mid-00's than Chiodos. They had a wild, unrestrained sound that pitted classical and screamo music against each other. It not only worked, but was massively successful and endearing. We dive through their discography, talk about their equally polarizing frontman, geek out on musical parts and production choices, and, of course, get the hottest of takes from our resident tastemaker Jake. Speaking of Jake, follow us on Instagram for weekly pics of his Wawa coffee cup as we record each episode! @NostalgicEmoDads

Say-OH-sin? SAY-o-sin? SAOW-sen? Say-ocean? However you pronounce the name, the band Saosin has left an indelible mark in the emo community. Definitely leaning more into the post-hardcore realm, but remaining very melodic amongst the hard hitting drums and riffy guitars, we talk about the band's splash into the scene with Translating the Name, their iconic follow-up (lovingly referred to as "The Beetle Album"), and the seemingly revolving door between their two singers. Follow us on Instagram! We try to only share the utmost of emo content. @NostalgicEmoDads

We are joined by our first Midwestern Emo guest! Colin Cross grew up in the musical hotbed of Muncie, Indiana, and chats with us about his growth as a musician in the synth-forward pop-punk band Dreams of University. We talk about the influence of bands like Fall Out Boy and Motion City Soundtrack, what it was like writing and recording songs in the 2000s, the importance of MySpace for networking, and what led to the success and ultimate demise of DOU. Let's go! If you've never had a chance to listen to Dreams of University, you absolutely should go do that now. They're on all streaming platforms! And go check out Colin's current project Broke Royals! www.brokeroyals.com Follow along with us on Instagram if you like dad humor, emo content, music memes, etc etc. Or for weekly pics of Jake's Wawa coffee. @NostalgicEmoDads

Have you ever played that game in your head, the one where you curate your own rock band comprised of your favorite musicians? Well, we sat down and did just that. We picked some absolute legends of the scene, some obscure niche ones (looking at you, Jake), and, of course, we had to name our bands and make logos for them. It's an All-American episode. Happy 4th. If you want to see the band logos and awesome collages of all the members, ya gotta find us on insta! @NostalgicEmoDads

Heralding in the newer wave of emo, one that returns to its grunge roots, is Balance and Composure. Raw, aggressive, and drone-y are just some of the words we use to describe this band and their discography. Let's go! We're on instagram! @NostalgicEmoDads

Brandon Hambright was a staple in the Richmond emo scene since its earliest inception. He also had a camera. Growing up as a fan of music, he caught the bug for live performances in the DIY/emo/underground scene and decided he should start documenting it. What followed were several years attending shows big and small and capturing the growth and vibrant energy of the Richmond scene. We talk about how he intersected with the Richmond music scene, what it was like being a self-taught visual artist, the digital media landscape of the time, some technical talk about camera gear, and some of his favorite bands from the time. If you've been following along on Instagram, you will see we've tagged Brandon on every promotional post for this series, because he captured some of the best images from that time. You can find some of those old pictures at his Flickr account (which we reference throughout this conversation) through the link below. Maybe you can spot yourself in some pics! Or one of us NostalgicEmoDads! https://www.flickr.com/photos/brandonhambright/ Thanks for your timeless contribution to the scene, Brandon! You're the best! As mentioned before, we're on Instagram! @NostalgicEmoDads