100 Words Or Less: The Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Taylor McLam—guitarist of the influential post-hardcore band Orange 9mm and creative force behind Fountainhead—to trace a career that bridges underground grit and mainstream polish. Taylor shares vivid memories from the heyday of Warped Tour in the '90s, when Orange 9mm brought their explosive energy to a new generation of punk and hardcore kids. We dig into what it meant to be part of that scene, and how those formative years shaped his evolution as an artist.Now a seasoned composer for film, TV, and commercials, Taylor opens up about the transition from DIY venues to corporate clients—what he brought with him, what he had to leave behind, and how he’s navigated the balance between authenticity and adaptability. Along the way, we explore the enduring friendships and musical bonds that have kept him rooted, no matter how much the industry has changed.Weekly Recommendation PlaylistSubscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Get 10% off your Evil Greed order by using the code SUBURBS (for a limited time only) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we’re joined by Aaron Dalbec of Bane for a thoughtful conversation about growing up in the suburbs, staying true to yourself, and finding purpose beyond the band that defined so much of your life. Aaron opens up about carving out an identity outside of Bane, how the hardcore ethos still guides him, and why doing what you love—regardless of expectations—still matters. Whether you found Bane in the '90s or just stumbled across their music last week, this one’s about more than just the band—it’s about the people we become along the way.Weekly Recommendation PlaylistSubscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Get 10% off your Evil Greed order by using the code SUBURBS (for a limited time only) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we sit down with Mark Rose, frontman of beloved Chicago rock band Spitalfield, for a deep dive into the legacy of the band, the evolution of the scene, and his continued passion for making music. Rising out of the early 2000s emo and pop-punk surge, Spitalfield became a cornerstone of the Chicago music community—earning a loyal fanbase through honest songwriting, relentless touring, and their time on Victory Records.Mark reflects on those formative years, the tight-knit energy of the Chicago scene, and what it meant to come up through a label that helped define an era. We also talk about what drives him now—why creating new music still matters, and how staying connected to your roots doesn’t mean standing still.Weekly Recommendation PlaylistSubscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Evil Greed is a highly curated merchandise provider from Berlin, Germany with fast, worldwide shipping and features stores from bands like Power Trip, Deafheaven, Nails, Russian Circles and so much more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we sit down with Ken Susi—guitarist for metalcore pioneers Unearth and a key force behind the scenes at Fishman Music—for a conversation that pulls no punches. Ken talks about what it’s like to never quite fit the mold, how being a loud mouth has both helped and hurt him over the years, and why he wouldn’t have it any other way. From tour stories to gear talk, and moments of real self-reflection, Ken opens up about the things he’s most proud of after two decades in heavy music and beyond. Whether you know him from the stage or the tech world, this is Ken Susi. Weekly Recommendation PlaylistSubscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Evil Greed is a highly curated merchandise provider from Berlin, Germany with fast, worldwide shipping and features stores from bands like Power Trip, Deafheaven, Nails, Russian Circles and so much more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we’re joined by Jimmy Stadt, frontman of the beloved post-hardcore band Polar Bear Club, for a conversation that traces the band’s journey from the heart of Rochester, NY to stages around the world. Jimmy reflects on the band’s whirlwind early days—how they started fast, caught unexpected momentum, and found themselves navigating a rapidly changing landscape in the hardcore and punk scenes.We talk about the impact of coming up in a smaller city, what it meant to find a voice in an era before social media dominance, and how the band learned to adjust their expectations as reality set in. Jimmy shares candid thoughts on identity, burnout, and the challenge of staying grounded when things move too quickly. It’s a look back at a pivotal time in underground music, through the eyes of someone who lived it in real time.Weekly Recommendation PlaylistSubscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Evil Greed is a highly curated merchandise provider from Berlin, Germany with fast, worldwide shipping and features stores from bands like Power Trip, Deafheaven, Nails, Russian Circles and so much more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we’re joined by Troy Lusk, the founder and booking agent behind Tour Peachy, a boutique agency that’s redefining what it means to stay independent in the live music world. Troy walks us through his journey from fan to agent—breaking into the business the hard way, learning by doing, and eventually launching his own agency with a clear vision: keep it small, stay hands-on, and take the kind of risks that build real careers.Tour Peachy has grown steadily by focusing on meaningful relationships, artist-first decisions, and a roster that reflects not just taste, but trust. We talk about what it means to scale intentionally in an industry obsessed with numbers, how Troy navigates challenges with care and strategy, and why betting on the underdog often pays off. Whether you're in music or just chasing something on your own terms, this episode is packed with insight into how to build something real—and keep it that way.Weekly Recommendation PlaylistSubscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Evil Greed is a highly curated merchandise provider from Berlin, Germany with fast, worldwide shipping and features stores from bands like Power Trip, Deafheaven, Nails, Russian Circles and so much more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we talk with Jensen Ward, guitarist/vocalist of the legendary powerviolence duo Iron Lung, about the band’s uncompromising path through the underground music world. Since forming in the early 2000s, Iron Lung has built a reputation for their blistering sound, minimalist lineup, and relentless work ethic—carving out a space where intensity and intention go hand in hand.Jensen dives into the origins of Iron Lung Records, and how the label has become more than just an outlet for his own projects—it’s a carefully curated home for experimental, heavy, and often unclassifiable music. We discuss what guides his choices as a label head, the importance of platforming artists that challenge norms, and how to balance curation with chaos. From global tours to warehouse shows, from brutal riffs to thoughtful releases, this conversation peels back the layers of one of punk’s most enduring and deliberate forces.Weekly Recommendation PlaylistSubscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Evil Greed is a highly curated merchandise provider from Berlin, Germany with fast, worldwide shipping and features stores from bands like Power Trip, Deafheaven, Nails, Russian Circles and so much more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we’re joined by Aaron Marsh from the beloved indie/emo band Copeland for a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation. Aaron reflects on the band’s evolution, from their early days crafting sweeping, emotional records to becoming a mainstay in the scene known for their lush arrangements and deeply personal lyrics. He opens up about the whirlwind years when Copeland played nearly 600 shows in just two years, and how that pace shaped both the band’s identity and his own growth as an artist.The conversation also takes an unexpected but fascinating turn into the world of Swedish music, with Aaron sharing how Scandinavian artists have influenced his songwriting and production approach. Lastly, we talk about the unique experience of anniversary touring—what it means to revisit old songs, how fans connect to those moments in time, and the balance between nostalgia and evolution.Listen to the Official Outbreak Podcast here (executive produced by yours truly) Weekly Recommendation PlaylistSubscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Evil Greed is a highly curated merchandise provider from Berlin, Germany with fast, worldwide shipping and features stores from bands like Power Trip, Deafheaven, Nails, Russian Circles and so much more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we sit down with Maik Weichert, guitarist and founding member of the legendary German metal band Heaven Shall Burn, for a powerful conversation about longevity in extreme music, the stark contrasts between touring in the US and Europe, and the band's enduring commitment to veganism and activism.Maik shares insights from over two decades of pushing sonic and ideological boundaries—from maintaining creative passion after all these years, to navigating the physical and emotional demands of relentless touring. We dig into the unique challenges and rewards of playing for American audiences, the differences in tour culture and infrastructure, and how staying true to ethical principles like veganism fuels the band’s identity both on and off the stage.Listen to the Official Outbreak Podcast here (executive produced by yours truly) Weekly Recommendation PlaylistSubscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Evil Greed is a highly curated merchandise provider from Berlin, Germany with fast, worldwide shipping and features stores from bands like Power Trip, Deafheaven, Nails, Russian Circles and so much more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Dan Campbell from The Wonder Years joins for a thoughtful, laid-back conversation about the band’s evolution over the years. He reflects on the idea of “passing the torch” — supporting younger artists and recognizing how the scene has shifted since TWY first got started. Dan also dives into the emotional weight of playing live shows and why those moments still matter so much to him and the band. A big part of the chat centers on moving past the early perception of The Wonder Years as a “joke band” and how they’ve worked hard to build something more meaningful and lasting. It’s a conversation about growth, community, and holding onto what makes music powerful, even as everything around it changes.Listen to the Official Outbreak Podcast here (executive produced by yours truly) Weekly Recommendation PlaylistSubscribe to the podcast on YouTubeRockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order. Evil Greed is a highly curated merchandise provider from Berlin, Germany with fast, worldwide shipping and features stores from bands like Power Trip, Deafheaven, Nails, Russian Circles and so much more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.