The Downbeat

My guest on the podcast this week is Chris Motionless of Motionless In White. We caught up before their set at Welcome To Rockville to talk everything about their new album Decades, as well as working with your heroes, and the toxic social media epidemic that is the inspiration for latest single Playing God, featuring said hero: Corey Taylor.

My guests on the podcast this week are Jonny Reeves and Joel Birch, both vocalists of Australian metalcore band The Amity Affliction. We talk about the events which led to the new addition of Jonny, and the unlikely separate but mutual upbringings that explain some of the meanings behind their new album ‘House Of Cards’

My guests on the podcast this week are Alex Taylor of Malevolence and Jay Valentine of Guilt Trip. We didn’t have enough time to do both bands, so given their history together as UK’s metal and hardcore siblings, I thought I’d grab them both at once. We talked about both bands’ efforts to bring their unique sounds to the USA and the culture shocks that come with it, as well as their similarities, differences, and respect (or lack thereof) for each other.

My guests on the podcast this week are Chris Davis and Andrew Tkaczyk of THE GHOST INSIDE. In 2015 The Ghost Inside suffered through a life changing bus crash which claimed lives, limbs and nearly the future of the band. 10 years later TGI is stronger than ever - thanks to the mental fortitude of the members and an ingenious device created by Andrew’s father ‘THE HAMMER’ that allows him to play the drums perfectly while missing most of his leg. A truly harrowing and inspirational story, this is a podcast that shouldn’t have as many laughs as it does.

My guests on the podcast this week are Jeff Moreira and Chris Hornbrook of Poison The Well. Poison The Well almost single handedly defined what Metalcore is today and they are BACK with their first album in 17 years. We talk about what led to the hiatus, what led to the reunion, the new album and much more.

No episode this week. The vibe does not match the collective grief of the heavy music community. Back next week.

My guest on the podcast this week is Devin Swank, vocalist of Ohio Death Metal band Sanguisugabogg. We talked about his approach to lyrics and songwriting, the early days of the band, taking inspiration from horror…and we talk a LOT about death metal.

My guest on the podcast this week is Cody Quistad, guitarist of Wage War. With 4.3 BILLION streams to his name, Cody is also an incredibly talented and sought-after songwriter. We caught up to talk about Wage War’s new EP ‘It Calls Me By Name’ as well as what he thinks of the modern scene and the term’ Octanecore’ - when heavy breakdowns meet active rock choruses, which is something that Cody pretty much single handedly brought into the mainstream. Big brain on this lad.

My guest on the podcast this week is Mark Morton, guitarist and founding member of Lamb Of God. We talk everything about their ripper of new album ‘Into Oblivion’ as well as his new signature Gibson guitar, sobriety, writing a book, AI in music and much more. I made a friend today.

My guests on The Downbeat podcast this week are Tūranga Morgan-Edmonds and Lewis de Jong of ALIEN WEAPONRY.Alien Weaponry are a groove metal band from New Zealand, and their music and lyrics heavily reflect all three members’ Māori ancestry. This episode digs into said ancestry with conversations about Tā moko (traditional Māori tattoos) as well as the Haka, a ceremonial Māori dance that the band performs on stage. We also discuss their new album Te Ra, meeting your idols, working with Randy Blythe, and touring with Gojira. A truly educational episode 2.5 hour episode… and I could have done 2.5 more.

My guest on the podcast this week is Matt Garstka, drummer, educator, amateur arm-wrestler and 1/3 of arguable the most progressive band on planet earth. We talk about his recent distal bicep tear and his recovery, as well as the use of AI in music, musical competition, and my recent drum lesson with him

My guests on the podcast this week are Flo and Kevin of LANDMVRKS. We talk About the struggles around making their new album ‘The Darkest Place I’ve Ever Been’, as well as Flo’s battle with anxiety, the importance of their role in France’s burgeoning metal scene, US ‘cuisine’…and graffiti

My guests on the Downbeat Podcast this week are Colter Cuthbertson and Mike Sugars - the dual vocalists of self proclaimed SPINKICK DEATHCORE band Psycho-Frame. In many ways an underground supergroup, Psycho-Frame make hilariously heavy music and their debut LP Salvation Laughs In The Face Of A Grieving Mother easily made it’s way into my top 5 of 2025. We talk about everything around the band- from its formation to the album itself, as well as their aesthetic, splitting lyric writing duties and the influence of anime, video games and politics on said lyrics. Many laughs were laughed

My guest on the podcast this week is Adam ‘Nolly’ Getgood. Acclaimed guitarist and producer whose credits include Animals as Leaders, Periphery and Sleep Token. Nolly is also the co-founder of GGD - a hugely successful plugin company that went from being two friends with a mutual love of capturing drum tones to a household name in the world of music production. We talk in depth about the origin and ethos of GGD, his career as musician and producer, and of course the development of MY new plugin on their platform: One Kit Wonder: The Downbeat. He’s a very nice and successful man

My guests on the podcast this week are Will Ramos and Austin Archey of symphonic deathhore band Lorna Shore. We catch up before their show in Nashville to talk about their new album ‘I Feel The Everblack Festering Within Me’. We also learn about the different types of blast beats and vocal techniques needed for their intense sound, and we talk about Will’s suitcase e-bike…a lot.

My guest on the podcast this week is Cody Ash. Cody is the drumming powerhouse behind the country megastar Jelly Roll. We tell the entire story of his career trajectory - from sleeping in a van in metalcore bands all the way to his current gig playing sold out arenas alongside the likes of Eminem and Post Malone.

My guest on the podcast this week is Vinny Mauro of Motionless In White. In this special Halloween SPOOK-TACULAR we talk about ALL the creepy stuff: ghosts, his investigations of the paranormal, and we also create his horror movie villain dream blunt rotation. Thanks to everyone on the patreon for providing the decorations and fog-machine for the most TERRIFYING episode of the podcast yet...

My guest this week is George Lesage Clarke IV (seriously). George is the vocalist of the pioneering black metal/shoegaze band Deafheaven. A deeply poetic and well read man, we do a deep dive on their latest album Lonely People With Power (my AOTY) his lyrics, the nature of hereditary vices…and Cradle Of Filth.

My guests this week are Emma, Pedro and Jeff of Dying Wish. We talk in depth about their new album Flesh Stays Together, Emma’s recent wedding, their hilarious band dynamic which dates back to meeting in high school… and we crack a lot of jokes. Madison is joined by guest producer (and Emma’s groom) Jeremy DePoyster of The Devil Wears Prada. It’s chaos and I’m visibly wet from the chaos of having 6 people in a small room.

My guests on the podcast this week are Alex Terrible and Jack Simmons of Slaughter To Prevail. In this no-holds-barred episode I talk to the Russian deathcore band about their meteoric success and Alex’s recent bareknuckle boxing injuries - as well as settling into life in the USA, wrestling with bears... and the full story on everything controversial surrounding the band.

My guest on the podcast this week is Jona Weinhofen. Jona is an Australian metalcore guitarist known for his work with I Killed The Prom Queen, Bleeding Through and Bring Me The Horizon. We talk about his history with all of these bands as well as Lego, reading fairy smut… and playing the guitar whilst on the toilet.

My guest on the podcast this week is Aaron Gillespie, a founding member of the band Underoath and a well established songwriter and producer. We talked the state of the music industry, work ethic, his 5 year stint in Paramore, drums, and much more. Aaron was originally on the audio podcast with an on-location episode that unfortunately had all sorts of technical issues so it was great to have him back.

My guest on the podcast this week is Adam Easterling, vocalist of Orthodox. One of my absolute favourite new modern heavy bands. We talk about their UNREAL new album: A Door Left Open as well as his love of nu metal, extreme weather, dreams (and how they influenced the album) and I mention ONE movie too many times...

My guests on the podcast this week are Matt Honeycutt and Eric English of KUBLAI KHAN. We caught up to talk about their latest album Exhibition of Prowess, Matt’s short stint working at Hot-Topic, tattooing, ghosts, scary movies, fast food and much more...

My guest on The Downbeat this week is David Gunn of KING810. An incredibly enigmatic and interesting man, we talk about magick (a lot), King's new album Rustbelt Nu Metal, his many brushes with the law and much much more.

My guest this week is Aric Improta, visionary drummer and artist. You might know Aric from his videos where he backflips on a drum kit, you might know him from his paintings and artwork released in many forms under the moniker Hexwave, you might know him from his drumming with bands like Fever 333, Night Verses, or might know him as 1/2 of his new blistering project HOUSE OF PROTECTION whose new record OUTRUN YOU ALL is out NOW...but if you dont't know Aric, you should.

My guest on the podcast this week is Isaac Hale, guitarist of KNOCKED LOOSE. We talk about how all good music has to be funny, his unrelenting need to create music, fashion, touring, our love for MESHUGGAH, GOJIRA AND METALLICA...and we form the most diverse side project the world has ever seen.

My guest on the podcast this week is Josh James, guitarist of Stick To Your Guns. A veteran of the hardcore scene, Josh has also played with bands like Eighteen Visions, Evergreen Terrace and Casey Jones. We talk STYG's new album 'Keep Planting Flowers' as well as nearly becoming paralyzed, pooping in boxes at Christmas, and an unorthodox way to teach kids about the birds and the bees...

My guest on the podcast this week is Tom Williams of Stray From The Path, we talk about our new single Kubrick Stare which is out now!

My guest this week is Travis Regnier. An exceptional young drummer who has played for bands like SPITE, SYLOSIS, and many more. He also has a ripping IG check it out: @travis.r.drummer

My guest on the podcast this week is the MASTER of EVIL and OG shock merchant Dani Filth of CRADLE OF FILTH. We talk about Cradle's immeasurable impact on heavy music, as well as their latest single Malignant Perfection, their numerous collaborations (including an upcoming song with ED SHEERAN) and we gush about horror movies and interior design. Bucket list guest for me, loved this one!

My guest on the podcast this week is Dave Baksh of Sum 41. We caught up on their FINAL UK tour to talk everything about the band, his brush with cancer, and nearly being on a certain flight that didn't end well...

My guest on the podcast this week is Johnny from HEALTH. We caught up after becoming besties earlier in the year to talk fashion, music, and a bunch more unhinged stuff...

My guests on the podcast this week are most-hyped (and deservedly so) hardcore band SPEED. We talk about their dedication to the Australian Hardcore scene, how NOT to act at a show, their collaboration with Nike, and much more. Insane band. Check them tf out.

My guests on the podcast this week are Pat and Josean of Fit For An Autopsy.We talk the band's new album The Nothing That Is, Josean's double knee surgery which left him out of the game physically and mentally, and much more.

My guests on the podcast this week are ultra-mega-super group BETTER LOVERS. Better Lovers is what happens if Will Putney snorted the ashes of The Dillinger Escape and Every Time I Die. They're all very funny people. We also did a ludicrous collab vinyl for their new record HIGHLY IRRESPONSIBLE. Check out their tour dates and grab The Downbeat x Better Lovers here: www.highlyirresponsible.com

My guest on the podcast this week is WUNDERKIND drummer Tosh (the drummer). He's the go to session guy for people like MGK, Bad Bunny, The Kid Laroi, Troye Sivan, jxden, Fall Out Boy and much more...he's also disgustingly young for someone doing so much.

My guest on the podcast this week is Ihsahn of the legendary black metal band Emperor. We talk about how his music and opinions have evolved since starting Emperor as a teenager to his solo career as simply Ihsahn, as well as revealing some amazing stories from the golden era of black metal, and some great outlooks on life.

My guest on the podcast this week is Aaron Weaver of Wolves In The Throne Room. An interesting and wise man - we talk about the band and their impact on the black metal scene, as well as his unorthodox utilization of technology for producing that is modern but still seems on brand for the genre. We also talk about ghosts and Lars Ulrich... obviously.

My guest on the podcast this week is Ben Thatcher, one half of ROCK GODS Royal Blood. We talk about his band of course but also about the time he nearly blinded Taylor Swift and drew a portrait of Kanye West - on the same day.

My guest on the podcast this week is Michael Kroeger, bassit of Nickelback. We talk about growing up and the origins of starting the band with his brother Chad, his extensive surgeries, the new movie Hate to Love: Nickelback, Jiu Jistu, his reasons for moving to the USA from Canada, medicinal healing, and much more.

My guests on the podcast this week are Carson Pace and Matthew Hague of The Callous Daoboys. We talk about their absolutely mental band, how they write, touring, movies and a bunch more. Catch them on tour with See You Space Cowboy this summer!

My guests on the podcast this week are Olly Steele + Adam Benjamin. Olly just released his latest EP Imbalance featuring an all star line up of Olly and Adam plus bassist Jacob Umansky and drummer Anup Sastry...AND it's mixed by the GOAT Adam Nolly Getgood. We talk about all that, plus a bunch more funny stuff...check out the Imbalance EP on all streaming services now!

My guests this week are Lucas Woodland + Ashley Green of Holding Absence. We talk about our previous beef, their band, making music, touring, and we have both TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE and also A DREAM FESTIVAL.

My guest on the podcast this week is amazing tattoo artist and incredibly funny human, Will Thomson. He's responsible for a lot my tattoos (in record time) and we did a podcast about 3 hours after he finished tattooing my head, then got very drunk. We talk tattoos and how he became a tattoo artist, but also being a business owner, his insane ideas for horror movies... and the time he was in a real-life bi-curious Lord Of The Rings. Check out his unhinged IG and excellent tattoos @thomsontattoos

My guest on the podcast this week is Rory Rodriguez, vocalist of Dayseeker. We talk about the band's rise and their new acoustic EP 'Replica' as well as getting deep about the death of his father and his experience going to see a medium. We also we talk about why so many people are passing out at shows these days, and much more.

My guests on the podcast this week are Frank Carter and Dean Richardson of Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes. We talk about the history of the band and how they make music, plus the new album Dark Rainbow, mental health, touring, and much more. For more info and to catch the band on tour head to: www.andtherattlesnakes.com

My guest on the podcast this week is Bryan Garris, vocalist of KNOCKED LOOSE. They're just about to put out the album of the year 'You Won't Go Before You're Supposed To' on May 10th. You can check out the LIMITED EDITION Downbeat vinyl variant at www.thedownbe.at We talk ALL about that plus religion, playing coachella, and getting his eye ripped out by a beagle. Great lad. Great band.

My guests this week are Brian and Chris of Connecticut metalcore band CURRENTS. Chris is already Downbeat alumni with his other band SHADOW OF INTENT, so we talk about balancing two very successful bands, as well as touring, the history of the band, accidentally stealing riffs, nando's and much more.

My guest on the podcast this week is actor Leigh Gill. You may know him as Gary from the oscar winning movie Joker, as well as his roles on Game of Thrones, The Witcher, and his latest movie Blitz. We got terrifically drunk and talked what it's like to work with Joaquin Phoenix and hang out with Al Pacino. Mental.