Sappenin’ Podcast with Sean Smith

Awsten Knight, the vibrant vocalist of Waterparks, joins the conversation with his unique blend of humor and chaos. He shares quirky tales of haunted venues and bizarre fan gifts, like a star named after him. Awsten discusses the struggles behind songwriting, the absurdities of music announcements, and his creative process for the new album 'Intellectual Property'. Expect amusing anecdotes about UK cuisine and an unexpected interest in cloning himself. This entertaining chat is a delightful mix of whimsy, honesty, and pure fun!

Join Murray Macleod, the Scottish heartthrob and frontman of The Xcerts, as he unveils the band's exciting comeback with a fresh sound and aesthetic. He recounts his identity crisis and how it shaped their music's evolution, sharing hilarious tour stories and surprising insights about life on the road. From collaborating with artists like Sam Carter to dealing with online hate for the first time, Murray dives deep into the ups and downs of the music industry. Expect anecdotes on early missteps, meaningful connections, and the thrill of their new singles.

Join John O'Callaghan, Pat Kirch, and Garrett Nickelsen from The Maine as they share their journey from emo pop-punk roots to unexpected success. They dive into hilarious touring tales, including chaotic bus items and unforgettable Warped Tour moments. Discover their creative evolution and the balancing act of nostalgia with innovative music. They also reflect on their tight-knit fan community and the excitement surrounding their upcoming Loom Festival performance. It’s a heartfelt conversation filled with laughter and anecdotes from the road!

Frank Iero and Tucker Rule dive into the creation of their new supergroup, L.S. Dunes, sharing hilarious anecdotes and the significance of their musical journeys. They discuss the challenges of touring, the joy of performing live again, and the quirky dynamics of different venues. With laughter, they reminisce about their early days in music, the bonds formed through shared experiences, and even venture into playful debates about ridiculous song names. Along the way, they savor nostalgic moments and unexpected fast-food discoveries.

Ville Valo, the charismatic former frontman of HIM, reveals his journey into a solo career as VV. He shares insights about stepping back on stage after six years and how he balances new material with HIM classics. Valo discusses his emotional connection to music, the significance of the heartogram, and offers humorous behind-the-scenes stories from his time in the industry. Touching on themes of nostalgia, fan interactions, and advice from rock legends, Ville's candid reflections on love and artistry keep the conversation lively and engaging.

Chris #2, the dynamic bassist and vocalist for punk rock band Anti-Flag, shares his fervent journey of activism and music. He discusses the band's 30th anniversary, the challenges of balancing catchy tunes with political messages, and wild touring anecdotes, including a memorable gig at a sex club. Chris also reflects on advice from legends like Billy Bragg and Billie Joe Armstrong. Through laughter and tales of resilience, he emphasizes music's power to foster community and drive social change.

In this engaging conversation, YouTube cover star Alex Melton shares his journey as a genre-bending musician known for reinterpreting popular songs. He discusses the profound impact a Taylor Swift track had on his life and his bold decision to leave a professional job for music. Alex shares hilarious anecdotes, including turning TLC's 'No Scrubs' into a Blink-182 vibe. He also dives into his debut album, 'Southern Charm,' and his collaborations with notable artists. Expect witty commentary on the challenges of creative production and fan reactions!

Dave McPherson, the passionate vocalist of the UK alternative rock band InMe, joins the conversation. He shares his remarkable journey through the music industry, reflecting on mental health challenges and overcoming them. Dave discusses the legacy of InMe during the early 2000s rock scene and recounts signing a major label at just nineteen. He celebrates the 20th anniversary of their debut album, 'Overgrown Eden,' while revealing heartfelt anecdotes about touring with icons like Nickelback and Iron Maiden. Exciting new music and the importance of creativity are also on the table!

Chrissy Costanza and Will Ferri of Against The Current open up about their journey from YouTube fame to becoming independent artists. They share entertaining anecdotes about life on tour, including birthday celebrations on stage and their favorite British snacks. The trio dives into industry pet peeves, the balance of creative freedom, and their upcoming music. With a mix of humor and heartfelt reflections, they also touch on mental health and the quirky realities of touring life, making for a lively and engaging conversation.

Em Foster, the dynamic vocalist of Nervus and former member of Milk Teeth, spills the tea on her wild career experiences during a lively set at the 2000 Trees Festival. She shares personal anecdotes about bizarre backstage moments, the challenges of being an independent artist, and the chaos of live gigs. Em also opens up about her new album 'The Evil One,' and dishes on her time with Milk Teeth, quirky rider requests, and her thoughts on Dave Grohl. Expect laughter, candid stories, and a celebration of the unpredictable music world!