Behind the Vinyl

Sean Dunnevant of Glom has built a reputation as the guy with the riffs. From the very beginning, Glom has been a riff-driven band, and now Sean is fully embracing that identity by sharing riff videos online and having fun with the inevitable comments claiming he "stole that riff." In this episode, Sean explains why, after decades of music history, it's almost impossible to write something that doesn't remind someone of another song. Originality isn't as simple as it used to be, and we dive into what that means for modern songwriting. We also talk about how Glom has evolved from its earliest days, why Sean always seems to have an endless supply of riffs ready to go, and the realities of touring in today's economy. Rising costs, cancelled shows, and changing venue priorities have made life much more challenging for independent artists, with many bands focusing on major cities like New York and Philadelphia instead of smaller markets. Sean also shares his thoughts on whether social media is still the best way for bands to get discovered or if it's becoming oversaturated. He reflects on moving from Baltimore to New York City with his fiancée just before the COVID-19 pandemic, why he always felt NYC was where he belonged, and the opportunities that came from taking that leap despite the uncertainty. We also revisit Glom's first show, where a fashion event complained the band was playing too loud, and discuss the business side of music, including how an entertainment lawyer Sean met while working retail helped him navigate representation after Glom's first viral moment. Since then, Glom has continued to grow, signing with labels and landing bigger tours while Sean keeps doing what he does best—writing riffs. From songwriting and the music business to touring, social media, and the future of independent artists, this conversation covers it all. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment letting us know your favorite Glom riff!

I'm incredibly excited to bring you my conversation with Kelley Dugan and Mina Walker of Daisey the Great! Last year's album, The Rubber Teeth Talk, became one of the band's most successful releases to date. Rather than move on to the next chapter, they decided to keep celebrating the record in 2026 by giving the songs an entirely new life. The idea? Invite some of their favorite artists to reimagine the album track by track. The result is The Rubber Teeth Talk With Friends—11 fresh, imaginative reinterpretations featuring an incredible lineup of collaborators, including Frankie Cosmos, Harmony Tividad (Girlpool), Alexis Krauss (Sleigh Bells), Babehoven, and many more. Every collaboration was approached with care, with each song taking several days to complete in the studio. Beyond creating new versions of these tracks, the sessions gave the NYC duo a chance to spend time with friends in the music community, exchange ideas, and learn from one another. Kelley and Mina gave each collaborator the freedom to take the songs in their own direction, leading to unique and deeply personal reinterpretations. What began as a simple idea ultimately became a remarkable collection where every song offers something new while honoring the spirit of the original. The Rubber Teeth Talk With Friends arrives this Friday, July 17, so be sure to pre-save it now and get ready for some fantastic new takes on these songs. You can already hear two of the collaborations: Dog - Frankie Cosmos Version) and Dream Song - Harmony Tividad Version. If you enjoy the conversation, please subscribe to our channel and turn on notifications so you never miss a future episode!

🎉 EPISODE 200 🎉 We're celebrating a huge milestone with Sweet Pill 💥 Jayce & Zaina join the pod to talk about their upcoming album Still There's a Glow and the journey from DIY college band to fully realized artists. We get into songwriting, growth, the pandemic, protecting artistic integrity, and creating music that actually connects. Honest, emotional, and full of gratitude — this one means a lot. 🎧 Tune in now and celebrate 200 with us.

Step into another episode of Behind the Vinyl as we welcome Izzy and Toni of Glare into the interview room for an engaging and heartfelt conversation about their journey, their latest record, and everything in between. While some might say Glare "blew up overnight," the reality is far from effortless. The band has been putting in the work, grinding behind the scenes, and staying focused on their mission. Their latest album, Sunset Funeral, released in April via the legendary Deathwish Inc., is a testament to that dedication. If there's one word to describe the album, it's "closure." In this episode, Izzy and Toni reflect on what the record means to them, both personally and creatively. From the rainy, uncharacteristically gloomy weeks spent recording in Los Angeles, to the emotional depth behind tracks like Morning Haze and Guts, the album explores themes of grief, healing, and—ultimately—hope. The duo shares how their songwriting process is fluid and intuitive, often allowing songs to unfold naturally with layers of meaning open to interpretation. While much of Sunset Funeral channels pain and reflection, it also leaves space for light and resilience to break through. As the band finds their rhythm balancing tour life and creative cycles, this episode gives a deeper look into how they're staying grounded, inspired, and ready for what's next. If you haven't already, give Sunset Funeral a listen—or spin it again. It's a record built to stand the test of time. 🎧 Tune in now and get behind the vinyl with Glare.

In this all-exclusive interview, Tate sits down with Chase Walsh, the creative force behind Worry Club, to dive deep into the band's evolving sound, creative journey, and latest releases—including the introspective single "Anything Else" and the newly dropped "Little Fucker." Chase opens up about the shift from recording music in his bedroom to working in professional studios, and how his surroundings continue to shape his sonic identity. Once dreaming of scoring films, Chase found his voice (literally) while singing in college bands—evolving from hushed vocals to full-on belting now that he's no longer confined to apartment walls. The conversation gets especially lively as Chase reminisces about performing at a packed Michigan festival alongside emo heavyweights like Free Throw, Origami Angel, Microwave, and Mom Jeans. The energy, he says, was unmatched—and the shared love for genre icons like Modern Baseball, Tigers Jaw, and Pity Sex continues to bond the band on and off stage. Since dropping their debut EP in 2020, Worry Club has been on a steady rise, gaining a loyal following with their emotionally raw lyrics and relatable themes. Chase shares how the band's music continues to be an outlet for him—blending vulnerability with catharsis—and how addressing mental health through songwriting helps connect with fans on a deeper level.

In this episode, Steve returns to the mic for an electrifying interview with Peter Pawlak, frontman of the relentless California hardcore outfit SPY. With their latest EP Seen Enough released in February and a non-stop touring schedule that's taken them from the U.S. with Superheaven to stages across Europe, SPY is proving that hardcore can break barriers and cross genres. Peter talks candidly about what it's like to front one of the most talked-about bands in the underground scene today. Growing up in California—a state with a deep-rooted punk and hardcore legacy—shaped his musical identity. From cutting his teeth at local shows to leading a band that's gaining global recognition, Peter shares how those formative years forged his artistic path. We dive deep into Seen Enough, a record built with intent. From raw, honest lyricism that touches on personal and societal unrest, to a live-style recording process that captures the band's unmatched energy, Peter breaks down how this EP came together—and why it feels like SPY's most locked-in project to date. Drawing influence from bands like Ceremony, Bad Brains, and Dead Kennedys, SPY doesn't mimic their sound, but they carry forward their fearless ideologies. Peter speaks to the importance of political and emotional honesty in songwriting, and how staying real with listeners is the ultimate accomplishment. Whether you're a diehard fan of hardcore or just discovering SPY, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at a band that's pushing boundaries, refusing to be boxed in by genre, and staying true to their roots.

In this episode, Tate chats with Marcus Nuccio and Evan Weiss, the driving forces behind the band, Pet Symmetry, about their latest album Big Symmetry, released on May 2. Since August 2023, the record label, Storm Chaser, has been releasing one album every month, but Big Symmetry stands out as the label's most significant release yet. Marcus and Evan discuss the power of self-releasing music, as owning their own label allows them to make all the decisions and maintain complete control over their music. They also reflect on the incredible freedom this gives them, from writing and recording to collaborating with friends in the industry, such as Mike from Asian Man Records, who contributed to this release. The duo opens up about the unique writing process for Big Symmetry, which took place in a cabin in Southern Illinois. Over the course of just seven days, the band wrote 17 songs and immediately tracked the drums, marking a departure from their usual, more spread-out approach to songwriting. Lyrically, the band challenged themselves to write 12 love songs, a task that proved difficult for some members, but ultimately resulted in a more refined, confident sound. Marcus and Evan also discuss the evolution of their music, explaining how the process and the music itself reflect their growth as musicians since they first started playing together in 2012. With Pet Symmetry marking their fourth LP, the band finds themselves at a point where they can confidently call themselves veterans in the indie music scene. Their newfound confidence, along with their years of experience, has led to a tight, like-minded group of musicians who know exactly what they want out of their music careers. The episode offers an inside look at the band's journey, their creative process, and how their decisions along the way has allowed them to achieve everything they ever wanted in music. Whether you're a fan of the band or new to their music, this conversation provides valuable insights into the world of independent music and the freedom that comes with owning your art.

Tate is on a roll as we edge closer to the big 2-0-0, and this week's episode brings a breezy, story-filled conversation with Andrew from the band The Wisconaut. Fresh off a surf trip with his buddies, Andrew joins the show in peak post-sesh energy to chat about everything from catching waves to catching ears with his music. The convo kicks off with Andrew's roots in Milwaukee and his unexpected journey into surfing. He shares some of his favorite trips — including a formative stint in Rockaway, New York, where he feels he truly honed his skills on the board. But it's not long before the tides turn toward music. Andrew dives into his time at Syracuse University, playing in the band Super Defense before launching his own project. He gives props to the college town for its vibrant music scene, saying it played a huge role in building his confidence and shaping his sound. From basement shows to Snapchat-style video diaries, Andrew's got stories for days. The episode also touches on early recordings, inspiration from punk legends like Henry Rollins, and the wild ride of going viral overnight thanks to a TikTok post. From dorm room dreams to real-life gigs, The Wisconaut's journey is part mystery, part manifesto, and all heart. So who are The Wisconaut, really? You'll just have to tune in to find out.

This week, Tate sits down with Jake Beital of Prize Horse for an unforgettable convo that kicks off with an instant Minnesota connection. From the Twin Cities to deep dives into the local music scene, Jake paints a vivid picture of home — and yes, he comes prepared with a stacked list of his favorite hometown restaurants. After a quick warm-up, the two dive into the heart of it: music. Jake opens up about Under Sound, the record Prize Horse dropped last year that's taken on a timeless life of its own. Even two years after recording, he's still proud of what they created — and listeners clearly agree. They also look back on their recent tour with Gleemer, calling it a huge honor, and preview what's next: dates with Superheaven, Glare, Spy, and a just-about-to-kick-off run with Soul Blind. Prize Horse is not slowing down anytime soon. Jake also shares what it's been like coming up in a close-knit local scene, the friendships that helped build the band, and what keeps that community thriving. From lyric writing and album artwork to the very first time he picked up an instrument — nothing's off the table in this wide-ranging, heartfelt interview. Whether you're a fan of the band, the scene, or just love a good story — this one's a must-listen.

n this episode, we sit down with Anthony, the creative force behind the music project "Rosevile Sucks." The name originated during his time living in Roseville, and even today, driving through the area serves as a humorous reminder of those experiences. Anthony is also part of the popular YouTube channel "Hivemind," which has broadened his horizons and introduced him to the world of football, despite his primary passion for music. Anthony shares how joining "Hivemind" was more than just a job; it was a chance to connect with like-minded musicians. The instant chemistry he found with the team has been a rewarding part of his journey, as they share a love for similar music. "Rosevile Sucks" has been making waves with new releases, including the track "If We Never Met," which dropped in January. Initially intimidated by lyric writing, Anthony has pushed himself out of his comfort zone, allowing his skills to grow. He finds inspiration in the most unexpected places—one line in his latest song even came from TikTok! Over the past two years, the project has garnered a significant following, amassing a large number of monthly listeners. Anthony is determined not to let the pressures of the music industry hold him back; instead, he wants to keep sharing his work with the world. Despite being his own harshest critic, he assures listeners that more music is on the way. At one point, Anthony considered stepping away from the project, grappling with self-doubt about whether he truly belonged in the music scene. However, he's committed to collaboration moving forward, indicating that his solo work could take a backseat as he explores new creative partnerships. Join us for an inspiring conversation about music, creativity, and the journey of self-discovery!