

The Power/Less Podcast
Brandon Durden
The Power/Less podcast is going to take a unique perspective in look at music, world issues, and how they intersect.
Join me as I speak to musicians, producers, political advocates, commentators, and much more as we talk about a variety of topics in all things both within music, politics, and how they may influence each other.
Join me as I speak to musicians, producers, political advocates, commentators, and much more as we talk about a variety of topics in all things both within music, politics, and how they may influence each other.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 7, 2025 • 1h 13min
Episode 88- Cruel Hope, "The End Of The Beginning Of The End"
In this episode I speak with Liam Horrigan from Cruel Hope about their brand new album, "The End of the Beginning of the End." We discuss the band’s evolving sound, their strategy of releasing multiple singles, and the album’s socio-political themes—environmentalism, workers' rights, and imperialism. Liam shares insights on their songwriting process, how Canadian politics influence their music, and art’s role in activism. We also talk about inspiring listeners to take action and the emotional weight behind the album’s themes.Follow Cruel Hope:cruelhope.cominstagram.com/cruel_hopeFollow and support the podcast:linktr.ee/thepowerlesspod

Mar 30, 2025 • 54min
Episode 87- The Fight To Organize, w/ Caroline Keroack
On this episode I talk with Caroline Keroack, a postdoc and union organizer at Brown. We get into the nitty-gritty of building the BPLO Union—why it’s about way more than just pay, how university politics screws over workers, and what it takes to fight back. Caroline shares her hard-won lessons from organizing, plus advice for anyone trying to unionize their own workplace.follow BPLO: instagram.com/bplounionhttps://bplounion.org/follow the podcast:linktr.ee/thepowerlesspod

Mar 7, 2025 • 1h 4min
Episode 86- Luca
For the next episode of the Power/Less Podcast I speak with Adrian, the vocalist of the band LUCA out of Chicago, Illinois. Adrian and I chat about his start in music, the influences that led to him becoming a songwriter and vocalist, the start of Luca, and the band's latest EP "The Window Room," which is out now on all platforms.Follow Luca on all platforms @wearelucailhttps://beacons.ai/wearelucailFollow and support the podcast:linktr.ee/thepowerlesspod

Feb 21, 2025 • 1h 32min
Episode 85- No Business, "Snitch: Deleted Scenes" Breakdown
Paul (vocals), Nick (guitar), and Hayden (bass) join me to discuss their latest EP, "Snitch: Deleted Scenes" which is out now on all platforms. We discuss the songwriting, recording, and producing aspects of the four track release along with the lyrical content, which spans from vitriolic anger, to a critique of organized religion, death, and love.Follow no Business on all socials: @nobusinessfm All pertinent links and ways to stream "Snitch: Deleted Scenes: linktr.ee/nobusinessfmFollow Paul: @ cqbwafflesFollow Hayden: @ hayden.nicholson, @ tinyvikingproductionsFollow Nick: @ down_with_the_thicness72Support and follow the podcast: linktr.ee/thepowerlesspod

Feb 14, 2025 • 1h 37min
Episode 84- Loss Becomes "SONDER" Breakdown
For this episode, I speak with Anthony Copozzi of Loss Becomes about their new album 'Sonder', exploring its production, lyrical themes, and the personal experiences that shaped the music. Anthony delves into the significance of collaborating with Jesse Leach from Killswitch Engage, the challenges of live performances, and the relatable nature of their lyrics.If you're a fan of metal of any variety, this record is definitely for you.Follow the band: https://linktr.ee/lossbecomesListen to the new record: Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/album/35PZXY2rzxP2cWUIQXe33I?si=R2tgoLYaSKaBVANwcHqpGAApple Music- https://music.apple.com/us/album/sonder/1770629120Support the podcast: linktr.ee/thepowerlesspod

Jan 21, 2025 • 60min
Episode 83- Inauguration Day and Billionaire Losers w/ Joshua P Hill
In this episode of the Power/Less Podcast, I speak with Joshua P. Hill, writer of the “New Means” substack. Joshua and I discuss the implications of Trump's inauguration, the political landscape shaped by centrist Democrats, and the rise of class consciousness among the working class. We explore the recent Laken Riley Act, the ceasefire in Gaza, and the influence of the billionaire class on politics.
Follow and support Joshua P. Hill’s Substack, New Means: https://www.jphilll.com/
Follow on bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/jphillll.bsky.social
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jphillll/
Support the podcast:linktr.ee/thepowerlesspod

Jan 19, 2025 • 1h 27min
Episode 82- The Outrage Machine w/ Cranfather
In this episode of the The Power/Less Podcast, I speak with Cran (aka Cranfather), co host of the Nu Metal Agenda Podcast and Niko and Chris Bears Post-Game Wrap-Up. Cran and I discuss how music, especially Nu Metal, shaped his political views and culture. We cover the impact of Rage Against the Machine, 9/11's influence on music, the role of comedy in social commentary, musicians' responsibility in politics, and more.
Follow Cran:
bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cranfath3r.bsky.social
Listen to The Nu Metal Agenda Podcast: https://numetalagenda.com/podcast/
Listen to Niko and Chris Bears Post-Game Wrap-Up: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/nandcbearscast
Follow and support the Podcast: linktr.ee/thepowerlesspod

Jan 1, 2025 • 1h 46min
Episode 81- 2024 Albums Of The Year
Alec and I break down the best releases of the year and why Rumpleminze is still the god tier beverage.support and follow the podcast:linktr.ee/thepowerlesspod

Dec 16, 2024 • 1h 33min
Episode 80- Alex Hood (Haus Of Decline), Anti-Spectacular
For this episode I speak with Alex Hood aka Haus of Decline, who is the vocalist and songwriter behind the project Anti-Spectacular. We discuss Alex's debut album 'Psychogeography', exploring its themes, musical influences, and the personal journey that led to its creation. The conversation delves into the role of contrarianism in shaping musical taste, and the significance of music as a coping mechanism. We also do an album track by track, highlighting the influences lyrically and instrumentally for Alex’s debut full length record. All that and more, so make sure to check the whole thing out!
Listen to Psychogeography by Anti Spectacular:
https://anti-spectacular.bandcamp.com/album/psychogeography
Follow Alex on all socials:
instagram.com/hauseofdecline
twitter.com/hausofdecline
https://bsky.app/profile/hausofdecline.bsky.social
Follow and support the podcast:
linktr.ee/thepowerlesspod

Dec 12, 2024 • 52min
Episode 79- Stathis Stathopoulos, Saisei
In this episode of the Power/less Podcast, I speak with Stathis from the metalcore band Saisei out of Athens, Greece. Stathis discusses the band's influences, the journey of creating music, and the writing process behind their self-titled debut album. The conversation delves into the themes of personal relationships, the lyrical depth of Saisei’s songs, and the political undertones present in their music. Stathis shares insights into the track-by-track breakdown of the album, highlighting the unique elements that define Saisei's sound. Follow Saisei on all platforms: https://saiseiband.com/
Follow the podcast:linktr.ee/thepowerlesspod