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
Oct 7, 2025 • 1h 9min
76: Avril Lavigne’s Impact Is Way Bigger Than You Think w/ Luna Shadows
On this episode of CD Burners, we're breaking down Let Go by Avril Lavigne with special guest Luna Shadows. We talk about how “Complicated,” “Sk8er Boi,” and “I’m With You” turned Avril into a global icon, why her songwriting hit harder than people gave her credit for, and how Let Go helped redefine what pop punk could sound like. Luna shares how this record shaped her as an artist, and why it still holds up over 20 years later. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
10 snips
Sep 30, 2025 • 52min
75: Everything in Transit Was Andrew McMahon's Goodbye Letter w/ Erin Gilfoy
Join Erin Gilfoy, a content creator and the host's wife, as she shares her deep connection to Jack's Mannequin's Everything in Transit. They explore Andrew McMahon's rise to fame, the album’s emotional depth, and the anecdotes surrounding its production. They reflect on themes of early adulthood and the impact of McMahon's cancer diagnosis. Erin discusses personal connections, the album's California vibe, and standout tracks like 'Dark Blue.' Tune in for nostalgia, heartfelt stories, and the enduring appeal of this iconic record.
Sep 23, 2025 • 1h 9min
74: Nobody Thought This Blink-182 Album Would Blow Up w/ Shane Told
Shane Told, lead vocalist of Silverstein, dives into the chaotic world of Blink-182's "Dude Ranch," sharing his insider perspective as a contemporaneous artist. He discusses the tensions that arose during recording, how the album's melodious punk approach broke barriers, and the significance of tracks like "Dammit." Shane reflects on the backlash from the punk scene regarding Blink's rising fame and the humor-versus-sincerity balance in songwriting. Get ready for nostalgic memories and insights into a transformative era for pop-punk!
Sep 16, 2025 • 1h 11min
73: This Album Destroyed The Format and Made Them Icons w/ Brian Logan Dales
Brian Logan Dales, frontman of The Summer Set, joins to discuss The Format's iconic album, Dog Problems. He reveals how the album shaped his musical identity and its dual themes of heartbreak and industry struggles. They explore its theatrical ambition and innovative sound, highlighting standout tracks and the album's impact on pop music. Brian shares his journey of crafting upbeat melodies for complex emotions and reflects on the cult fandom surrounding the band, showing why this album remains a beloved classic.
Sep 9, 2025 • 1h 1min
72: How Twenty One Pilots Got Weird and Took Over the World w/ Zak Dossi
Zak Dossi, member of the band People R Ugly, shares insights into the groundbreaking era of Twenty One Pilots' Blurryface. He discusses how the album's genre-defying sound, blending elements from screamo to ukulele pop, broke traditional music boundaries. Zak delves into the lore of Blurryface, the cult-like fan community it fostered, and the symbolic visuals that defined the band's style. He also reflects on his own musical journey and the upcoming projects for People R Ugly, emphasizing the power of DIY production in today's music scene.
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.
