Sappenin’ Podcast with Sean Smith

Michael Shuman, the charismatic bass player for Queens of the Stone Age and Mini Mansions, charms with tales of rock royalty and creative chaos. He opens up about his transition from hired gun to right-hand man of Josh Homme and shares insights into the hilarious and sometimes absurd aspects of touring, from UFO conspiracies to death metal lingerie parties. Unpacking his diverse musical journey, he explores the joys of collaboration and the trials of songwriting, while keeping the humor alive with stories about internet rumors and festival mishaps.

Peej Edwards and Ryan Steadman, guitarists of the viral TikTok sensation Punk Rock Factory, dive into their unique journey transforming pop anthems into energetic punk rock tracks. They discuss their creative formula, navigating industry challenges, and the community they've built through music. The duo shares hilarious stories of live performances, nostalgic encounters with iconic artists, and their unexpected rise from local roots to national fame. Plus, hear about their Disney-themed punk album that captured hearts across generations!

Tucker Rule, the drumming legend behind Thursday and L.S. Dunes, shares anecdotes from a vibrant music career. He dives into the dynamics of balancing two bands and how a Thursday reunion almost didn’t happen. The conversation touches on his time with My Chemical Romance during 'The Black Parade' era, fatherhood, and the importance of community and gratitude. Expect laughter as he shares challenges on the road, memorable culinary delights, and a sneak peek into his new album, Violet.

Joining the conversation is Susanna Alexandra, the powerful vocalist of Finnish rock band Cyan Kicks, renowned for her empowering lyrics and unique fashion designs. She shares her creative journey, discussing their latest single 'Echo' and an exciting upcoming European tour. Susanna reveals hilarious tour mishaps, the challenges of transforming recycled materials into stage outfits, and the importance of DIY artistry. From karaoke beginnings to future festival plans, her vibrant stories highlight the band's camaraderie and the freedom of independent music.

Kellin Quinn, the powerhouse vocalist of Sleeping With Sirens and solo artist behind Haunted Mouths, shares insights into his creative journey. He discusses the evolution of his new project, challenging himself lyrically, and the importance of collaboration. With humor, he touches on tour fatigue, UFO conspiracies, and his high-kick mishaps. Kellin also highlights the value of supporting unsigned artists and reflects on the quest for inspiration, showcasing a blend of personal anecdotes and deeper artistic explorations.

Martin Johnson, lead singer of Boys Like Girls, dives into the chaos of the music industry and his journey through addiction and sobriety. He shares the band's resurrection after a break, the joy of creating new music, and humorous tour tattoo regrets. Martin reflects on personal identity and the impact of fashion on performance, all while navigating the expectations of fans. Plus, he dishes on collaborations, the Taylor Swift rumor, and the thrilling experience of reconnecting with his younger self aboard the Emo's Not Dead Cruise.

Join legendary artists Bert McCracken from The Used and J.T. Woodruff from Hawthorne Heights on a hilarious cruise adventure! They share wild stories of belly flop competitions and even a UFO sighting in the Bermuda Triangle. Taylor Acorn showcases her unexpected judging skills while Derek DiScanio of State Champs reveals what makes emo music a cherished experience. Plus, the group discusses the evolution of emo and their picks for an ultimate emo anthem. There's laughter, nostalgia, and a boatload of emo vibes throughout!

Patty Walters, the vocalist of the pop-punk band As It Is, and Benjamin Langford-Biss, the bassist, discuss their exciting reunion and the re-recording of their debut album, 'Never Happy, Ever After'. They share hilarious anecdotes, including a gig involving a hearse-delivered merchandise. The duo opens up about their personal journeys, the bittersweet nostalgia of their music, and the emotional challenges they've faced. With a nod to potential collaborations and their upcoming performance at the 2025 Slam Dunk Festival, their laughter and reflections make for a captivating listen.

In this lively chat, Matt Tuck, the frontman of Bullet for My Valentine, reminisces about the transformative summer of 2005 and the whirlwind journey since. He delves into the legacy of their debut album, 'The Poison,' and the emotional anthem 'Tears Don't Fall.' Tuck shares wild anecdotes from tours, reveals band near-breakups, and hints at new music brewing. The conversation humorously spirals into debates on alien sightings and vocal techniques, blending personal challenges with their thrilling metal journey.

This week’s guests include Grace Davies, a singer-songwriter who gained fame as an X Factor runner-up, and sibling actors George and Ruby Sear, known for their roles in Netflix hits. They discuss Grace's shift from major labels to an independent solo career, the Sear siblings’ unique journeys in acting, and their shared love for the classic show 'The Mighty Boosh.' The Molotovs, a dynamic punk band, also share stories of performing with icons and the vibrant atmosphere at You Festival 2025, emphasizing community engagement and musical influences.