BEYOND THE BARRICADE

This week on Beyond the Barricade, Madi and Lor sit down with rising artist Ezra backstage before his Dallas show on the Braden Bales tour. With only minutes before taking the stage, Ezra opens up about his unconventional journey from Bronx freestyle rapper to alternative artist, the musical influences that shaped him, and why his debut album became the most personal project he has ever created.Ezra shares the stories behind some of his most emotional songs, how performing deeply personal music has evolved from healing himself to helping others, and why connecting with fans has become the most rewarding part of touring. The conversation also dives into his friendship and creative partnership with Braden Bales, their upcoming Afterthought project, and why he believes genres matter less than making people feel something. If you're discovering Ezra for the first time, this is the perfect introduction to one of alternative music's most exciting new talents.----------------------Follow All Things Backing The Barricade:https://www.backingthebarricade.com/https://www.instagram.com/backingthebarricade/https://www.tiktok.com/@backingthebarricade----------------------Follow Madi:https://www.instagram.com/earthtomadison/Follow Lor:https://www.instagram.com/lorealmichele/----------------------Follow EZRA:https://www.instagram.com/whereisezra/ https://www.instagram.com/afterthought.ca/

In part two of Madi and Lor’s conversation with James Coffman, the three dive even deeper into what it actually takes to build a career in the music industry as a creative and life on the road. James shares how genuine relationships opened doors for him to learn video, the story behind creating content for Slipknot and having his work turned into merch, and why saying “yes” to opportunities while preparing financially helped him finally make the leap into full time touring. The conversation unpacks everything from creative burnout and finding your visual style to why social media should be more about the artist than the person behind the camera. James also opens up about the realities of touring, the creatives currently inspiring him, and the mindset that has helped him go from local concert photographer to touring the world with some of the biggest names in alternative music. Packed with honest advice, behind the scenes stories, and the same no gatekeeping honesty from part one, this episode is a must listen for anyone dreaming of breaking into the touring world as a creative.----------------------Follow All Things Backing The Barricade:https://www.backingthebarricade.com/https://www.instagram.com/backingthebarricade/https://www.tiktok.com/@backingthebarricade----------------------Follow Madi:https://www.instagram.com/earthtomadison/Follow Lor:https://www.instagram.com/lorealmichele/----------------------Follow James Coffman:https://www.instagram.com/jamescoffmanmedia/ https://www.jamescoffmanmedia.com/ 

In this first part of a two episode conversation, Madi and Lor are sitting down with their good friend and fellow concert photographer James Coffman for a conversation that feels equal parts origin story, industry deep dive, and blueprint for breaking into touring. James opens up about growing up as the resident emo kid in a small Texas town, how his brother shaped his early music taste, and why he originally thought he would become a musician before a chance encounter at a So What?! Music Fest documentary screening unexpectedly led to his first real photo pass. The three dive into the reality of building a career in live music, unpacking why “networking” feels disingenuous and what it actually looks like to build genuine community in an industry fueled by relationships. James shares how years in fraternities and corporate America unexpectedly prepared him for touring, why transparency and helping others matters more than gatekeeping, and how he approaches his work with intentional storytelling, creative growth, and a cinematic mindset, especially through his recent documentary style work with Counterparts. Whether you are dreaming of touring as a creative or simply curious about what happens behind the scenes, this episode is packed with honest insight, practical advice, and stories from someone who has truly earned his place in the industry.----------------------Follow All Things Backing The Barricade:https://www.backingthebarricade.com/https://www.instagram.com/backingthebarricade/https://www.tiktok.com/@backingthebarricade----------------------Follow Madi:https://www.instagram.com/earthtomadison/Follow Lor:https://www.instagram.com/lorealmichele/----------------------Follow James Coffman:https://www.instagram.com/jamescoffmanmedia/ https://www.jamescoffmanmedia.com/ 

Kevin Lyman is on Beyond the Barricade! Yep, THAT Kevin Lyman, the founder of Warped Tour and one of the people responsible for shaping the music scene so many of us grew up in. Madi and Lor sit down with the “pop punk patriarch” himself to talk about the return of Warped Tour, why ticket prices and accessibility matter more than ever, and how the festival has evolved over the last 30 years. Kevin shares behind the scenes stories from iconic Warped memories, what it takes to build a lineup today, why community has always been at the heart of the festival, and how he is still championing the next generation of bands through projects like Summer School. Whether you grew up sweating in a parking lot at Warped or are discovering it for the first time, this episode is packed with nostalgia, insight, and a whole lot of love for live music.----------------------Follow All Things Backing The Barricade:https://www.backingthebarricade.com/https://www.instagram.com/backingthebarricade/https://www.tiktok.com/@backingthebarricade----------------------Follow Madi:https://www.instagram.com/earthtomadison/Follow Lor:https://www.instagram.com/lorealmichele/----------------------Follow Kevin Lyman:https://www.instagram.com/kevinlyman/ 

After a several month break, Beyond the Barricade is back for its first episode of 2026, and Madi and Lor are catching everyone up on where life has taken them since the last time they hit record. Starting off, the two begin the conversation by sharing how they first met through concert photography, how a coffee meetup turned into the idea for Backing the Barricade, and why telling stories from fans and people working behind the scenes in music still means so much to them. Their conversation dives into everything that has happened over the past six months, from Loreal leaving her full time job to tour, to Madison traveling more for weddings, and how busy schedules led to a temporary pause for the podcast. They also share what is coming next for Beyond the Barricade, from upcoming interviews and spring/summer shows to more behind the scenes stories, concert chaos, and plenty of moments for listeners to follow along as they jump back into podcast life.----------------------Follow All Things Backing The Barricade:https://www.backingthebarricade.com/https://www.instagram.com/backingthebarricade/https://www.tiktok.com/@backingthebarricade----------------------Follow Madi:https://www.instagram.com/earthtomadison/Follow Lor:https://www.instagram.com/lorealmichele/----------------------

This week we had the chance to talk to Walker Robinson of Your Neighbors during the Dallas date of their ‘The American Hedonism Tour’.This episode in particular is thanks to Nate Sirotta with Impulse Artists who first introduced us to Your Neighbors back in September of last year. The introductory email also included the very bold claim/direct quote - “who is going to put out one of the best records of 2025”. It didn’t take us long to realize just how true that statement would turn out to be, instantly turning us into fans and eager to set up an interview with Walker asap.During our conversation with Walker we cover everything from early music taste, first concerts, musical influences, his insane album artwork, and so much more! Check out the conversation and give his album, American Hedonism, a listen to let us know if you think Nate’s prediction of being one of the best albums of 2025 is true or not… (it is).Your Neighbors: https://www.instagram.com/yourneighborsusa/

IT’S A GREAT YEAR TO BE A MAYDAY PARADE FAN! This week we had the chance to sit down with Derek Sander of Mayday Parade ahead of their ‘Three Cheers for 20 Years’ Tour and the release of the first album off of their new three-part album ‘Sweet’! Our conversation starts with a little stroll down memory lane where we talk about the early days of Mayday Parade and look back on their monumental 20 year career. Derek shares with us stories of how the band was formed, the early days of following around Warped Tour, and memorable fan interactions they encountered along the way. Now here we are, 20 years later with a new album out this week and a 20 year anniversary tour kicking off next week! Derek explains the decision behind the new album being split into three-parts as well as how prepping for this tour over the last few months has differed from tours in the past. Listen and join in on our conversation with Derek on this week’s episode of Beyond the Barricade! Derek Sanders: https://www.instagram.com/longdaysandpleasantnights/Mayday Parade: https://www.instagram.com/maydayparade/

This week we are sitting down and chatting with Ari Abdul! We ask Ari about her entry into the music scene, how she has developed her own style, and what life is like on tour supporting Nessa Barrett. She shows off her incredible fashion throughout the episode, this is definitely one to watch on YouTube, and Lor and Ari connect on the creativity that seems to flow through those who grew up on the east coast. Ari talks about the process of releasing music today, including her latest single: “Dreams”, which came out March 7th, and the time it takes to get everything set up for a proper release. Listen and join in on our conversation with Ari on this week’s episode of Beyond the Barricade! ----------------------Follow Ari:https://www.instagram.com/arianna.abdul/ ----------------------Follow All Things Backing The Barricade:https://www.backingthebarricade.com/https://www.instagram.com/backingthebarricade/https://www.tiktok.com/@backingthebarricade----------------------Follow Madi:https://www.instagram.com/earthtomadison/Follow Lor:https://www.instagram.com/lorealmichele/----------------------

This week on Beyond the Barricade we sit down for the final time in 2024 and take a look back at the past year. We share some of our favorite memories, mistakes (or learning moments), and fan encounters that we have had throughout 2024. Listen in on our conversation this week to hear all about our favorite podcast episodes, our resolutions for 2025, and so much more on this episode of the Beyond the Barricade Podcast! ----------------------Follow All Things Backing The Barricade:https://www.backingthebarricade.com/https://www.instagram.com/backingthebarricade/https://www.tiktok.com/@backingthebarricade----------------------Follow Madi:https://www.instagram.com/earthtomadison/Follow Lor:https://www.instagram.com/lorealmichele/----------------------

This week we are sitting down with Gabe Pietrafesa and Alex Magnan of Young Culture! We dive right into how Alex and Gabe have been playing music together since they were young teenagers who connected in high school, and how pop punk was a huge early music taste for them. Gabe talks about Alex showed him live performances for the first time and unlocked a desire to play live music, and how they booked shows at venues while being 14 year olds who had to have their parents take them to the shows. Lor asks about their life during the early “on the road” days, who their live performance idols are, and Madi has them share some of their favorite fan interactions. As the chaotic and lively conversation continues we all get into a spirited talk about our favorite Christmas songs, what they boys are currently listening to, and so much more on this episode of the Beyond the Barricade Podcast. ----------------------Follow Gabe, Alex and Young Culture:Gabe: https://www.instagram.com/gabepietrafesa/ Alex: https://www.instagram.com/alexandermagnan/ Young Culture: https://www.instagram.com/youngcultureny/ ----------------------Follow All Things Backing The Barricade:https://www.backingthebarricade.com/https://www.instagram.com/backingthebarricade/https://www.tiktok.com/@backingthebarricade----------------------Follow Madi:https://www.instagram.com/earthtomadison/Follow Lor:https://www.instagram.com/lorealmichele/----------------------