CD Burners
Emo Nite
CD Burners is a podcast for the lore behind the albums that defined a generation hosted by Emo Nite’s T.J. Petracca and Morgan Freed Each week, we invite a guest to choose an album that influenced them and shaped their journey. Together, we break it down with deep research and real stories from behind the scenes. We explore the songs, the recording process, and the moments that made these records unforgettable. Whether you are a lifelong fan or hearing these albums for the first time, CD Burners brings you closer to the music that made an impact. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Sep 16, 2025 • 1h 11min
73: This Album Destroyed The Format and Made Them Icons
On this episode of CD Burners, we’re diving into Dog Problems by The Format with special guest Brian Logan Dales from The Summer Set. We get into how this cult classic became a breakup album with the music industry, why it still resonates with fans nearly 20 years later, and how it laid the groundwork for the rise of fun. We talk about the theatrical ambition behind every track and why this might be one of the greatest albums of the 2000s. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 9, 2025 • 1h 1min
72: How Twenty One Pilots Got Weird and Took Over the World w/ Zak Dossi
On this episode of CD Burners, we’re unpacking Blurryface by Twenty One Pilots, the breakout album that made them impossible to ignore. Special guest, Zak Dossi of People R Ugly joins us to dig into how this record broke every genre rule in the book, from screamo to ukulele pop, and still managed to top the charts. From the lore of Blurryface himself to the cult-like fanbase it built, we’re diving into what made this era so bizarre, unforgettable, and lowkey brilliant. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
14 snips
Sep 2, 2025 • 1h 17min
71: Before Emo Rap Was a Genre, Gym Class Heroes Did It First w/ Travie McCoy
Travie McCoy, the charismatic frontman of Gym Class Heroes, joins the discussion on how their debut album, The Papercut Chronicles, redefined the sound of the early 2000s by blending rap, emo, and pop. He shares behind-the-scenes stories of transitioning from local shows to MTV fame and reflects on the enduring impact of their hit "Cupid's Chokehold." Travie also dives into the band's quirky origins and how a group of misfits managed to resonate with a generation, making waves in the music scene.
10 snips
Aug 26, 2025 • 54min
70: The Weezer Album That Almost Ended Their Career w/ DE'WAYNE
Joining the discussion is DE'WAYNE, a talented musician with a deep personal connection to Weezer's 'Pinkerton.' They talk about the chaotic release of the album, its initial backlash, and how it later became a beacon of emo vulnerability. DE'WAYNE shares his thoughts on the importance of authenticity in music, the emotional toll of fame, and the album's cultural significance. Together, they explore how 'Pinkerton' transformed from a career-threatening release to a cherished classic, inspiring a new generation of artists.
10 snips
Aug 19, 2025 • 45min
69: The MySpace Emo Era Peaked with This Never Shout Never EP w/ Noelle Sucks
Noelle Sucks, a talented musician and MySpace personality, reminisces about the MySpace emo scene and the Yippee EP by Never Shout Never. She delves into Christopher Drew's rise to fame and the EP's impact on the softboy aesthetic of the 2010s. The conversation highlights emotional authenticity in music during the MySpace era, contrasting it with today's social media landscape. Through personal anecdotes, they explore the revival of underground music culture and the bittersweet nostalgia that accompanies growth and fame.
Aug 12, 2025 • 48min
68: Joyce Manor Gave Every Punk Kid a New Blueprint w/ Vinny Morales
Vinny Morales, a member of Grave Secrets, joins to discuss the monumental impact of Joyce Manor's self-titled debut on punk music. He shares how this 13-minute album shook the DIY scene and inspired countless bands. The conversation dives into the raw sound of the recording, the vibrant LA punk scene of the early 2010s, and the importance of community in music. They also reflect on the mix of nostalgia and humor in contemporary music, showcasing how the past influences the present.
Aug 5, 2025 • 1h 9min
67: Why Finch Confused Everyone in 2002 w/ Katie Maloney
Join Katie Maloney, a TV personality known for Vanderpump Rules, as she dives into the chaotic album "What It Is To Burn" by Finch. The discussion highlights how this genre-defying record continues to resonate two decades later. They explore the tumultuous journey of Finch and the unconventional nature of Drive-Thru Records. Katie also shares her insights on the cultural significance of reality TV, revealing its emotional depth and the connections it creates among fans. Plus, expect witty banter about bird facts that amusingly tie back to the themes of identity in music.
Jul 29, 2025 • 1h 2min
66: The Truth About The Room’s Too Cold Nobody Talks About w/ Ace Enders
Ace Enders, the lead vocalist of The Early November, shares insights into his journey in music and production. He discusses the raw, emotional impact of their iconic album, 'The Room’s Too Cold,' how it shaped New Jersey's music scene, and the nostalgic connection fans still have with it. Enders reveals his transition to co-producing and the importance of authenticity in the creative process. He also touches on the balance between human collaboration and technology in songwriting, along with the hilarious anecdotes tied to past band disputes.
Jul 22, 2025 • 52min
65: The Chaos Behind System of a Down’s Toxicity w/ Meredith Hurley
Meredith Hurley, from Millionaires and Emo Nite, joins to unpack the chaos behind System of a Down's iconic album, Toxicity. She shares how the album's unique blend of heavy music and catchy hooks drew her in and became a generational anthem with hits like Chop Suey. The discussion dives into the turbulent backdrop of its release, including the Hollywood-inspired album art and the riot at their release show. Meredith highlights the album's mix of political themes and cultural relevance, making it a timeless piece in metal history.
Jul 15, 2025 • 1h 10min
64: All Killer No Filler Made Sum 41 Legends w/ Kayzo
On this episode of CD Burners, the guys are breaking down one of the most iconic pop punk albums of the 2000s, All Killer No Filler by Sum 41, with DJ legend, Kayzo. We dive into the chaos behind “Fat Lip,” the metal riffs hiding in plain sight, and how this album helped turn pop punk into a global phenomenon. Kayzo shares how discovering Sum 41 as a kid shaped his sound, what made this era so explosive, and why this record still rips front to back. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
