

Talk Toomey with Joshua Toomey
Joshua Toomey
In the world of music podcasting, there are basically two categories - podcasts by fans, and podcasts by famed musicians that have reached the pinnacle of success. Somewhere in the middle of that is the Talk Toomey podcast. Hosted by Joshua Toomey, who previously was a member of national recording artists Primer 55, Talk Toomey avoids the pitfalls of fandom and the backslapping glad handing that comes from successful bands shamelessly talking to each other. Instead, you get focused, powerful and real looks into “the inner circle” of being a hard rock/heavy metal band, complete with questions most are too afraid to ask because their experience doesn’t meet or exceed the level needed to ask and relate. Talk Toomey has been regularly hailed as a top show since the onset, being highlighted on sites like Blabbermouth, Brave Words, etc. Talk Toomey is released for music fans free every Thursday!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 13, 2024 • 1h 37min
Greyhaven "Empty Black" with Brent Mills - Audio Autopsy
Greyhaven is an emerging band with a passionate fanbase, but they are yet to achieve widespread recognition. Their journey has been marked by lineup changes, pandemics, and recent breakthroughs, including working with Solid State Records and gaining attention from tours. Brent Mills recently sat down with Joshua Toomey for an Audio Autopsy of "Empty Black" The recording of Empty Black was an intense, collaborative process with producer Will Putney, reflecting both personal and political themes in the songwriting. Songs like "Sweet Machine" and "White Lighters" explore anxiety and personal struggles, while tracks like "Kappa (River Child)" show a more imaginative, creative side. Audio Autopsy: Bi-Monthly podcast dedicated to telling the full story of the genre's most impactful albums - follow + subscribe https://knot1.co/AAMissMayI Talk Toomey Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/talktoomey Joshua Toomey on Facebook/X @talktoomeytalk https://www.instagram.com/missmayiband/ https://www.instagram.com/levibenton https://www.instagram.com/joshua_toomey https://www.instagram.com/knotfest Visit https://Knotfest.com for premium heavy music content #audioautopsy #greyhaven #knotfest #brentmills

Aug 26, 2024 • 53min
Andy Biersack (Black Veil Brides)
Andy Biersack of Black Veil Brides joins Joshua Toomey to discuss the latest EP "Bleeders". The EP showcases their eclectic influences with a mix of an original track and covers, including U2's "Sunday Bloody Sunday." The conversation delves into their personal musical journey, touching on the impact of bands like KISS and W.A.S.P., and sharing stories from their early career. Andy also reflects on the powerful experiences from the Warped Tour and the challenges of being both loved and criticized by audiences. The interview explores the evolution of their live performances, the impact of online negativity, and the potential future of using technology like avatars in concerts, wrapping up with some fun sports banter. Toomey starts the show with a quick recap of PopCon and his experiences with the live podcast stage.Joshua Toomey on Facebook/Twitter @talktoomeytalk Support Toomey on Patreon www.patreon.com/talktoomey Concept Cafes Coffee https://www.conceptcafes.com Subscribe to Talk Toomey on YouTube for exclusive performances & in-depth interviews with the most exciting artists in aggressive music, deep dives into iconic artists' discography, and more. #talktoomey #bvb #andyblack #blackveilbrides #andybiersack #warpedtour

Aug 23, 2024 • 1h 33min
Miss May I "Apologies Are For The Weak" Audio Autopsy
This episode of Audio Autopsy reflects on the 15th anniversary of Miss May I's album "Apologies Are for the Weak". Levi Benton dives into the band's early days, highlighting their formation during high school in Ohio and how they gained recognition with the help of The Devil Wears Prada. They signed their first record deal with Rise Records while still teenagers, mixing raw demo tracks with new songs for their debut album. Levi discusses their early struggles with songwriting, personal challenges during recording, and the evolution of their music, influenced by artists like Parkway Drive and August Burns Red. Nostalgia and pride mark their reflection, with anecdotes about their onstage persona, the origins of Crabcore, and the impact of guest vocalists like Jake from August Burns Red for the rerecorded version of the album.

Aug 2, 2024 • 1h 29min
Zakk Wylde / Titans Idiot Nation
Zakk describes the Berzerkus Festival as a large-scale version of high school keg parties, bringing together friends and bands for a party. He emphasizes reaching out to friends in various bands, including Cody Jinks, to participate. The festival features diverse activities like beer tasting, food trucks, a car show, and a battle of the bands. Zakk reflects on celebrating the legacy of Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul through Pantera's music, noting the emotional impact on fans and the importance of honoring past musicians. He shares his personal connections and experiences, expressing excitement for the festival and the camaraderie within the Pantera camp. Zakk speaks on learning Pantera songs on YouTube and how most of the time if he learns by ear, he will learn them more difficule than they really are. Zakk expresses admiration for Dimebag Darrell’s unique writing style and chord choices, comparing him to other greats like Jimi Hendrix and Randy Rhoads. They note the interesting and unconventional aspects of Dime's compositions, highlighting how his choices made the music distinctive. Zakk enjoys discovering the deeper nuances in Dime’s work, which puts him in the same league as other legendary guitarists. Zakk recalled his appearance on Aqua Teen Hunger Force, describing it as hilarious and the most ridiculous thing he had ever seen. He was asked to do a reading for the show, which he found hilarious despite not being very familiar with it beforehand. When discussing the riff from "No More Tears," Wylde credited its inspiration to Tony Iommi and detailed how it came together during rehearsals with bandmates contributing different parts. Reflecting on playing "in the round" on tour with Metallica and Pantera, he described the challenges of performing without stage monitors and adapting to various settings. Despite technical issues and the enormity of the shows, Wylde enjoyed the experience and emphasized the importance of entertaining the entire audience.TI from Titans Idiot Nation also joins the podcast to speak on his recent trip to Titans training camp, the origins of Titans Idiot Nation and his newest venture, Sports Idiot Nation. TI talks about the easiest NFL fan bases to get riled up and even some that have come along for the TIN ride. His page is a great follow and also check out the just released Sports Idiot Nation Podcast.Joshua Toomey on Facebook/Twitter @talktoomeytalk Support Toomey on Patreon www.patreon.com/talktoomey Concept Cafes Coffee https://www.conceptcafes.com Subscribe to Knotfest on YouTube for exclusive performances & in-depth interviews with the most exciting artists in aggressive music, deep dives into iconic artists' discography, and more. #talktoomey #zakkwylde #ozzy #pantera #bls

Jul 19, 2024 • 43min
Brandon Saller (Atreyu) 20th Anniversary Audio Autopsy of "The Curse"
Brandon Saller of Atreyu sits down with Joshua Toomey and Talk Toomey for a 20th Anniversary Audio Autopsy of "The Curse". The Curse solidified Atreyu's place in the metalcore scene with its aggressive sound, melodic elements, and deeply personal lyrics. The album explores themes of heartbreak, personal struggles, and emotional turmoil, with standout tracks like "Bleeding Mascara" and "Right Side of the Bed" exemplifying the band's ability to blend intense riffs with memorable choruses. Alex Varkatzas' raw, emotional vocal delivery and Dan Jacobs' intricate guitar work are key highlights. The Curse also features contributions from producer Garth Richardson, who brought a polished yet powerful sound to the album. The music videos for "Right Side of the Bed" and "The Crimson" garnered significant attention, featuring cameos from the Bella Twins and adult film star Crystal Steele, adding to the band's visibility and appeal.Joshua Toomey on Facebook/Twitter @talktoomeytalkSupport Toomey on Patreon www.patreon.com/talktoomeyConcept Cafes Coffee https://www.conceptcafes.com Nu Forever Line https://shop.revolvermag.com/collections/forever-nu Use: GetNU25 for 25% off your orderSubscribe to KNOTFEST YouTube for exclusive performances & in-depth interviews with the most exciting artists in aggressive music, deep dives into iconic artists' discography, and more. Website: http://www.knotfest.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KNOTFEST Twitter: https://twitter.com/KNOTFEST Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knotfest #talktoomey #metalcore #knotfest #Atreyu #TheCurse #BrandonSaller

Jul 5, 2024 • 1h 24min
Matty Mullins (Memphis May Fire) / Louisville Loves Nu Metal
In this episode of Talk Toomey, Matty Mullins delves into the creation of Memphis May Fire's new song "Chaotic," crafted in collaboration with John Lundin in LA. He shares an exciting update about a holographic performance with Kellin on the Oculus platform, offering fans a 3D acoustic experience at home. Reflecting on his journey from Spokane to Dallas to Nashville, Matty discusses the band's beginnings and his early musical influences. He emphasizes the pure joy of making music without business pressures, reminiscing about performing with friends. Matty also talks about the excitement and challenges of collaborating with other bands, navigating label restrictions, and balancing his solo projects with the band's commitments. He expresses a deep love for performing live with Memphis May Fire, highlighting the band's stability and dedication over the years. With anecdotes about touring with legends like Metallica and Linkin Park, Mullins recounts surreal moments and the journey from fans to peers with admired bands. Grateful for fan support, Memphis May Fire teases exciting new projects on the horizon.The episode starts with the curators of Louisville Loves Nu Metal, Zach and Brian. The guys join the show to discuss their upcoming LLNM show that takes place on July 20th at Headliners Music Hall in Louisville. Toomey speaks on taking part in the event, learning Fieldy's bass lines and the history of nu metal in Louisville. They all talk about the culture of Emo Nights and now Nu Metal nights, getting set lists together and spotlighting local musicians. Make sure to stick around to the end of the episode for a ticket promo. Joshua Toomey on Facebook/Twitter @talktoomeytalk Subscribe to KNOTFEST YouTube for exclusive performances & in-depth interviews with the most exciting artists in aggressive music, deep dives into iconic artists' discography, and more. Website: http://www.knotfest.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KNOTFEST Twitter: https://twitter.com/KNOTFEST Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knotfest #talktoomey #metalcore #knotfest #MattyMullins #Memphismayfire #anberlin

Jun 21, 2024 • 1h 30min
Cody Quistad (Wage War) / Luke Severeid (Comedian)
Joshua Toomey interviews Cody Quistad of Wage War, discussing Cody's work with Jelly Roll, Ronnie Radke, and The Ghost Inside. Cody shares insights into his musical journey, including early influences and his transition to country music songwriting. The new Wage War record "Stigma" is promoted, and the interview highlights Cody's evolution and collaborations. Songwriting and producing have always been Cody's favorite parts of music because of the creative rush when everything clicks. Growing up with musician parents who worked at Disney and toured with bands, Cody was surrounded by music, which inspired his passion from an early age. His first band experiences included local talent shows and playing at various small venues before forming Wage War in 2010. Their big break came with the Warped Tour in 2016, which significantly boosted Thier exposure and marked a pivotal moment in our journey. Cody talks about their excitement for their new music, emphasizing their passion for creating and performing. They discussed the inspiration behind their song "Tombstone," which includes heavy riffs and movie references, showcasing their creative process. The upcoming album, "Stigma," set for release on June 21st, features ten diverse tracks aimed at pushing the boundaries of their sound. Cody reflects on the band's journey, their evolving musical style, and the collaborative effort involved in their songwriting process. Luke Severeid, a comedian and metal enthusiast, discusses the challenges of people mispronouncing his name and his decision to correct them consistently. He shares his background, including playing in metal bands and his transition into comedy, highlighting the similarities between the two in terms of performance energy. Luke notes the importance of understanding and adapting to diverse audiences, even those unfamiliar with metal. Severeid emphasizes his love for metal music and his efforts to incorporate it into his comedy, despite the genre's niche appeal and the initial resistance he faced. Toomey discusses his lack of interest in moshing, sharing an early experience at a Cannibal Corpse concert that solidified this. Despite enjoying the community aspect of moshing, Toomey prefers to stay on the sidelines. Luke also touches on his career, the transition to Pittsburgh for better opportunities, and their efforts to balance metal-themed comedy with broader topics to reach a wider audience.Joshua Toomey on Facebook/Twitter @talktoomeytalk Subscribe to KNOTFEST YouTube for exclusive performances & in-depth interviews with the most exciting artists in aggressive music, deep dives into iconic artists' discography, and more. Website: http://www.knotfest.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KNOTFEST Twitter: https://twitter.com/KNOTFEST Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knotfest #talktoomey #metalcore #knotfest #codyquistad #wagewar #lukesevereid #comedy

Jun 7, 2024 • 1h 15min
Max Cavalera / Mike Tonsetic (Concept Cafes)
Max Cavalera reminisces about an unforgettable experience at the Sonic Temple festival, highlighting the electrifying performances and crowd reactions that made it one of Soulfly's best shows ever. He recounts the intense energy of the crowd demanding an encore. Cavalera also shares the unique excitement of balancing small club gigs with massive festival stages, and the joy of re-recording classic Sepultura tracks with improved sound quality. Throughout, he emphasizes the raw, unfiltered passion that drives his performances and projects. Max Cavalera discusses the process of translating lyrics from Portuguese to English for his early music and its impact on the songwriting. He recalls learning English by translating Black Sabbath albums with a dictionary. Max mentions his experiences rerecording old albums like "Schizophrenia" and how these rerecordings retain some imperfections from the original. Additionally, Max talks about his ventures into the coffee business with products like Blood Brothers coffee and Soulfly Healer coffee that are produced by Concept Cafes. Mike Tonsetic from Concept Cafes discusses his unique approach to combining metal music and coffee. He emphasizes the immersive experience they aim to create, drawing inspiration from the metal scene and ensuring high-quality, specialty coffee with engaging packaging. Mike explains the collaborative process with bands to match their preferences, resulting in a product both artists and fans can enjoy. The company prioritizes ethical sourcing, working with indigenous women farmers and ensuring fair working conditions. He also highlights the health benefits of coffee, contrasting it with energy drinks and other caffeinated products. He emphasized that premium coffees like Kona and Jamaican Blue Mountain are priced high due to their rarity, not necessarily superior quality compared to Brazilian or Colombian beans. Highlighting innovation, he praised new fermentation techniques from regions like Tanzania and Colombia, which enhance coffee flavors significantly. Mike also described their unique approach of collaborating with metal bands like Cannibal Corpse, blending subcultural elements with high-quality coffee to create artist-supportive products. This strategy extends to various subcultures, aiming to offer genuine experiences and foster cross-cultural appreciation.Get your Blood Brothers and Healer Coffees at https://www.conceptcafes.com Joshua Toomey on Facebook/Twitter @talktoomeytalk Subscribe to KNOTFEST YouTube for exclusive performances & in-depth interviews with the most exciting artists in aggressive music, deep dives into iconic artists' discography, and more. Website: http://www.knotfest.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KNOTFEST Twitter: https://twitter.com/KNOTFEST Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knotfest #talktoomey #numetal #knotfest #soulfly #cavalera #conceptcafes

May 24, 2024 • 47min
Jonathan Vigil & Andrew Tkaczyk (The Ghost Inside)
In this episode of Talk Toomey, Andrew and Vigil from The Ghost Inside share insights from their recent performance at Rockville, including their excitement about Slipknot and the unique surprise of seeing a plane with their album banner, arranged by their record label. The conversation delves into the creative process behind their new album, highlighting their collaboration with outside artists and the positive reception of their new songs. Andrew opens up about the challenges of drumming after losing part of his leg and how it has influenced their music. Lastly, the band reflects on the impact of their 2015 bus accident and how it continues to shape and inspire both them and their fans. Searching For Solace is out now. Toomey starts the show with news on the Nu Pod change, what happened and the why. He also talks about the debacle that was the podcast studio and he and The Ghost Inside getting ghosted. Thankfully they rescheduled the interview and it is being brought to you today. Toomey discusses seeing Deicide live and meeting Glen Benton for the first time in real life. He also gives a rant on opening bands having too much gear (that never works). Follow Joshua Toomey on Facebook/Twitter @talktoomeytalk and Instagram @joshua.toomey Subscribe to KNOTFEST YouTube for exclusive performances & in-depth interviews with the most exciting artists in aggressive music, deep dives into iconic artists' discography, and more. Website: http://www.knotfest.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KNOTFEST Twitter: https://twitter.com/KNOTFEST Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knotfest #talktoomey #numetal #knotfest #theghostinside

May 19, 2024 • 1h 17min
Jon Wysocki from 2023
Jon Wysocki was a drum hero and friend to so many. Jon passed away on May 18, 2024 at age 56.In this episode of Nu Pod, we delve into the making of Staind's iconic album "Break the Cycle" with drummer Jon Wysocki. Jon takes us on a journey through the writing process, making videos, and touring with Limp Bizkit. Join us as we explore the stories behind each track on this transformative album. We explore the themes and emotions that influenced the album's lyrical content. Jon Wysocki provides behind-the-scenes stories from the studio sessions and the band's approach to recording the album. We go through "Break the Cycle" and how it solidified Staind's place in the rock music scene. Jon provides insights into the writing process and personal connections to each song.