Sappenin’ Podcast with Sean Smith

EP. 357 - Ken Vasoli (The Starting Line)

10 snips
Sep 25, 2025
Guest
Ken Vasoli
Ken Vasoli, the energetic vocalist and melodic bassist of The Starting Line, joins the conversation as the band celebrates the release of their first album in 18 years, 'Eternal Youth.' He shares behind-the-scenes stories about their independent label, Lineage Records, and the creative freedom it allows. Ken opens up about painful tour injuries, his unorthodox songwriting habits, and quirky merch ideas, like selling used bass strings. He also humorously recalls surreal experiences with UFOs and being referenced by Taylor Swift. It's a lively and heartfelt chat!
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ANECDOTE

Touring Feels Young Despite Injuries

  • Ken says touring now still feels like their youth despite physical wear and tear and injuries.
  • He still brings his old Hi8 camcorder on tour to capture moments and connect old and new eras.
INSIGHT

Rejecting Nostalgia As A Creative Crutch

  • Ken says avoiding nostalgia-gimmicks mattered when making the new record to ensure it felt like a real artistic statement.
  • Reclaiming a DIY approach removed external pressure and let the band control quality and creative choices.
ADVICE

Protect Songs From Label Meddling

  • Avoid letting non-musicians rewrite your songs or chase chart success at the expense of authenticity.
  • Do prioritize songs that feel true to you rather than chasing label-driven formulas.
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