The Heavy Desert Podcast

With Violet Rising gearing up to bring their heavy-psych sound to RippleFest Mexico in Mexico City on November 14, The Heavy Desert Podcast welcomes Christi, Ricardo, Chris, and Gabriel to the show for a deep dive into the band's origins, influences, creative process, and rapid rise within the underground heavy music community. The band traces their roots back to formative inspirations like Rage Against the Machine, Kyuss, Queens of the Stone Age, Deftones, Primus, Dead Kennedys, and Ozzy Osbourne, while sharing stories about learning their instruments, teaching music, and finding their creative voices. Christi opens up about overcoming self-doubt and the meaning behind the name Violet Rising, while Ricardo discusses his journey into stoner rock and his now-legendary stage performances behind the drum kit. The conversation dives into the collaborative songwriting process that fuels the band's increasingly heavy sound, Gabriel's seamless transition into the lineup, and their experience appearing on PBS's Bands of Enchantment. The band also reflects on unforgettable moments, including opening for Living Colour, earning a mention in Sunil Singh's Sonic Seducer, playing RippleFest and  HUFRFest, and experiencing the uniquely supportive stoner rock community that continues to propel them forward. With new songs in the works, an album on the horizon, and a growing reputation as one of New Mexico's most exciting heavy rock acts, Violet Rising is charging ahead with their heaviest material yet. Join us for a conversation filled with laughter, road stories, desert-rock devotion, and a reminder of why the underground remains one of music's most welcoming communities.

On this episode of The Heavy Desert Podcast, Kostia Newt and Michael Johansson of Berlin-based heavy rock trio Deadroads join the show to talk about their whirlwind rise, their debut album Songs From the Cave, and why capturing raw energy matters more than chasing perfection. The conversation begins with the musical influences that shaped the band members, from Kyuss, Nirvana, and 90s grunge to Metallica, Slayer, Iron Maiden, and even Phil Collins. Kostia shares the hilarious reason he first picked up a guitar, while Michael explains how watching Lars Ulrich behind the kit made him want to become a drummer. The two dive deep into how Deadroads came together in Berlin, forming from a shared love of heavy riffs, grunge, and spontaneous creativity. They discuss their songwriting process, building songs from demos and recorded rehearsal jams, and how tracks evolve organically through collaboration rather than rigid planning. Kostia and Michael also break down the recording of Songs from the Cave, revealing why the album was captured live in the studio with minimal takes, no click track, and plenty of room for happy accidents. The duo shares stories about mistakes that became permanent parts of songs, the beauty of imperfection, and why preserving a moment in time was more important than flawless performances. The discussion explores the realities of being a DIY band, balancing family life and full-time jobs while writing, recording, booking shows, and even hand-assembling limited cassette releases. They also reflect on the surprising international response to the album, its placement on the Doom Charts, and what it's like seeing listeners around the world connect with music created by a band that's only been together a short time. And Mark Richard of The Jam Yeti Music Blog returns with a review of the album for another Jam Yeti Music Minute. If you're a fan of fuzzed-out riffs, grunge-infused heavy rock, authentic DIY spirit, and stories from a band finding its voice in real time, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Tune in and subscribe!

Why are some incredible underground rock and metal shows packed while others struggle to draw a crowd? In this deep-dive episode of The Heavy Desert Podcast, concert correspondent Chris McGowan joins the show along with John Gist of Vegas Rock Revolution and Planet Desert Rock Weekend to tackle one of the biggest questions facing the heavy underground: what's really happening with the live music scene? John shares the story behind Vegas Rock Revolution, how he transitioned from fan to promoter, and the lessons he's learned booking shows, marketing events, and building Planet Desert Rock Weekend into one of the premier gatherings in the heavy underground community. Chris brings a boots-on-the-ground perspective from the Chicago scene, including recent concerts featuring Monolord, Khemmis, Earth Tongue, Down, Howling Giant, Greenleaf, Crystal Spiders, Shadow of Jupiter, and more. The conversation explores why great bands sometimes play to surprisingly small crowds, the importance of marketing, Facebook events, Spotify data, Bandsintown, Songkick, social media collaboration tools, tour promotion, ticket-buying habits, and what bands, venues, and promoters can do to get more people through the door. John also pulls back the curtain on how he evaluates bands, what catches a promoter's attention, the realities of tour economics, and the behind-the-scenes challenges of assembling the Planet Desert Rock Weekend lineup. Whether you're a fan, musician, promoter, venue owner, or simply passionate about supporting live music, this episode is packed with practical insights and hard-earned experience from two dedicated champions of the underground. So make sure to tune in and subscribe!

King Buffalo's Sean Roa joins The Heavy Desert Podcast for an honest and engaging conversation that traces the band's journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the most respected names in the heavy underground. Sean reflects on the albums that shaped him as a musician, from Black Sabbath's Paranoid to Pink Floyd's Animals, and shares the story of how King Buffalo emerged from the remnants of previous projects, unexpected opportunities, and a relentless drive to create. Along the way, we dive into the band's DIY roots, the early days touring with All Them Witches, and the evolution that transformed King Buffalo into the powerhouse trio fans know today. Sean pulls back the curtain on the making of the upcoming album Doomsayer, revealing how the band sifted through dozens of hours of improvised jams, refined their songwriting process, and intentionally crafted a more direct, riff-driven record while settling into their newly built studio. The conversation also explores the realities of life on the road, the challenges of building a career without shortcuts, and the hard-earned lessons that come from years of touring, sleeping in vans, and grinding it out long before packed venues and sold-out records became part of the story. From guitar tones and recording techniques to memorable fan encounters and the band's unwavering commitment to doing things on their own terms, Sean offers a candid look at the passion, perseverance, and creativity that continue to drive King Buffalo forward. Whether you're a longtime fan, a musician looking for inspiration, or someone discovering King Buffalo for the first time, this is the kind of conversation that reminds you why great music is built through persistence, vision, and an obsession with creating something meaningful. Make sure to tune in and subscribe!

This episode of The Heavy Desert Podcast is all killer riffs, underground passion, and plenty of laughs as Greg, Tommy, and Rocky of Illinois heavy rock trio Erosions join the show. The guys trace their musical roots back to formative discoveries of KISS, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Metallica, Deep Purple, Melvins, Kyuss, Sleep, and more, sharing the records and artists that shaped their paths as musicians. Along the way, they discuss learning their instruments, their history in other local bands, and how a persistent invitation to jam eventually led to the formation of Erosions. The conversation dives deep into the band's organic songwriting process, the creation of their Harvest Session EP, and their upcoming split release with Psalm, which also marks the inaugural release from Space Goat Records. They also talk talk about what it means to be on of the first bands chosen for the label, the importance of independent labels in keeping the underground alive, and the community-driven spirit that fuels heavy music. The band also shares stories about recording on two-inch reel-to-reel tape, their upcoming appearances at Tampa Doom & Gloom Fest and HUFR Fest, the diverse music scene in Freeport, Illinois, and what's next for Erosions as they continue writing new material and taking their crushing sound on the road. Packed with humor, gratitude, and a genuine love for underground music, you won’t wanna miss this episode! Make sure to tune in & subscribe!

Vegas doom metal torchbearers Psalm join The Heavy Desert Podcast to talk about their journey from underground hopefuls to one of the first bands signed to the newly launched Space Goat Records. Jon, Ian, Juan, and Jeremy dive deep into their musical origins, sharing the bands, albums, and life experiences that shaped their sound, from Venom, Black Sabbath, and Trouble to classic rock legends like Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, and the Rolling Stones.   The conversation also explores Psalm's upcoming contribution to the inaugural Space Goat Records split release, how the opportunity came together during HUFR Fest, and what it means to be part of a label focused on community, passion, and the preservation of underground heavy music. The band reflects on touring with Sonolith, recording in Anaheim with producer Colin at Paradise Recordings, and the excitement surrounding their forthcoming self-titled LP arriving this December.   Plus: stories from the road, opening for Pentagram and Weed Eater, a 12-year-old guest bassist making her recording debut, the importance of independent labels, and why positivity and genuine community remain the lifeblood of the heavy underground.   It was a great chat with the guys, so make sure to tune in and subscribe so ya don’t miss it!

The Crooked Skulls return to The Heavy Desert Podcast following the breakout success of Midnight Sun, the album that landed on the Doom Charts and introduced the band's heavy groove-driven sound to listeners around the world. Pete and Dave reflect on the overwhelming response to the record, the opportunities that followed, and the evolution of the band after founding drummer Chuck Snyder's departure. Joining the conversation is new drummer Bryan Heaney, who discusses stepping into the lineup, finding his place in the band, and preparing for his first live shows with The Crooked Skulls. The band also dives into their upcoming 7-inch single, Pain Dealer / Ride Free, the songwriting stories behind both tracks, collaborations with Bob Balch, artwork from Matt Pike, a packed run of upcoming shows, and early plans for the next chapter of The Crooked Skulls. And after my chat with the fellas, The Heavy Desert Podcast will premiere the track Pain Dealer that you’ll hear first, exclusively on the episode! Whether you've been following The Crooked Skulls since day one or you're just discovering them now, this episode offers a front-row seat to a band that's clearly building serious momentum. Don't miss this conversation with one of the underground's hardest-working heavy rock bands. Tune in and subscribe!

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, Dutch heavy psych powerhouse The Machine joins the show to discuss their brand-new album, Another Sun (Awe Records & Blues Funeral Recordings), and the nearly 20-year journey behind one of underground rock's most enduring bands. Guitarist and vocalist David Eering and drummer Klaas Dijkstra dive into their earliest musical influences, the evolution of The Machine from a high school band into a respected force in the heavy psych scene, and the creative process behind Another Sun. The conversation explores songwriting, improvisation, recording at their own Evolver Studio, unforgettable performances at Roadburn and SonicBlast, and the unique chemistry that keeps the band pushing forward after almost two decades. We also discuss the delicate balance between structure and exploration, how songs grow and change over time, and why live performances remain such a powerful and unpredictable experience. If you're a fan of heavy riffs, psychedelic journeys, and the stories behind the music, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Make sure to tune in and subscribe!

Fresh off the release of their crushing debut album, Materializer joins The Heavy Desert Podcast to tell the story behind the band's creation and the brotherhood that drives it. Connor and Chris Poole discuss growing up surrounded by music, learning from their father, discovering bands like Led Zeppelin, The Doors, Nirvana, and Alice In Chains, and how years of playing together shaped their creative chemistry. We dive into the transition from Swell Fellas to Materializer, the challenge of becoming a two-piece, and how one song, "Falling Out the Fold," convinced them they were onto something special. The brothers also share stories from the road touring with All Them Witches, King Buffalo, YOB, and ASG.  They also share about working with longtime collaborator, Ben McLeod (All Them Witches). Connor and Chris speak glowingly about Ben's impact on their music, emphasizing how years of working together have built a level of trust where he instinctively understands what they're trying to achieve. More than just a mixer, they describe Ben as someone who helps "finish the sentence," bringing clarity, depth, and cohesion to their recordings. By their own admission, the album became stronger because of his involvement, and they couldn't be more thrilled with how the record sounds. If you love heavy rock, creative deep-dives, and hearing how underground bands evolve into something entirely new, this episode is for you. Make sure to tune in and subscribe!

Today on The Heavy Desert Podcast, I welcome Rob Edwards and Wigg Grant of the band Risperidrone to discuss the journey behind their crushing new, debut full-length album, Black Shuck. The band dives into their influences, songwriting process, surviving the COVID era, building songs from years-old riff ideas, and the thriving Welsh doom and stoner scene. They also reflect on their album release show, which raised money for the mental health charity Mind, a recent festival appearance at the inaugural Origins Festival, and what's next for one of Wales' heaviest underground acts. Make sure to tune in & subscribe!