Lead Singer Syndrome with Shane Told

Bert McCracken, the charismatic lead singer of The Used, shares his journey from addiction to recovery, emphasizing the importance of humility and self-awareness. He discusses the band's real beginnings, revealing the challenges they faced before fame. Bert believes their new album is their best yet, highlighting the evolution of their sound. He reflects on the charm of imperfections in live performances and the ongoing impact of social media on personal growth, all while celebrating the power of music and community.

Olga Svetlana shares her experiences during the pandemic while quarantined in Italy, reflecting on the challenges facing musicians. She discusses the band’s political exile from Russia and their bold new album, 'Disco Sucks.' With fiery stage presence, she even flips off Shane from the stage! The conversation dives into the intersection of punk ideals and social justice, emphasizing the struggles against intolerance and the importance of artistic expression. They also highlight Russian bands making waves in the music scene.

Jimmy Wizard, the lead singer of Higher Power, shares his fascinating journey from hardcore roots to melodic singing. He opens up about signing with a major label and navigating the fan expectations that come with it. As a tattoo artist, he discusses the balancing act between his passions and the joys of touring. They dive into his unique name, 'Wizard,' and reminisce about nostalgia linked to classic Nintendo films. Tune in for insights on vocal expression and the emotional aspects of music production!

Lzzy Hale, the Grammy-winning powerhouse behind Halestorm, shares her riveting journey in rock music. She discusses her rise to fame and the monumental experience of jamming with legends like Slash. Lzzy opens up about the raw and provocative lyrics that define her band’s sound, revealing the intricacies of their songwriting process. She also reflects on the challenges faced as a female-fronted group, from grassroots gigs to securing a major label deal, highlighting the importance of authenticity and connection with fans.

Johnny 3 Tears, a pivotal member of Hollywood Undead, opens up about his journey through addiction and the challenges of balancing personal growth with band dynamics. He discusses the struggles of songwriting in a group with multiple lead singers and the impact of changing music industry trends. Insights into their latest album, 'New Empire Volume 1,' provide a backdrop for his reflections on creativity and authenticity. The conversation also touches on the complexities of touring life and the importance of sobriety amid success.

Milo Aukerman, the iconic lead singer of the punk band Descendents, joins the conversation. He reflects on his journey back to music after years in science, discussing the band's recent album and reminiscing about their rivalry with ALL. Milo reveals cringeworthy lyrics from the past and teases a potential solo ukulele project. The charm of punk culture shines through as they talk about collaboration, the evolution of their sound, and the emotional connections that define their music.

Eric Vanlerberghe, co-vocalist of I Prevail, joins the conversation live from Downtown Los Angeles, reflecting on their Grammy nominations and the unexpected hurdles faced during their headlining tour. He shares insights about their hit "Hurricane" and the pressures of releasing new music. The dialogue navigates the balance between authenticity and creativity in the fast-paced music scene, sprinkled with humorous anecdotes and discussions on sports integrity. Vanlerberghe's candidness about the challenges and triumphs of being in a band makes for an engaging listen!

Chuck Ragan, the lead singer of Hot Water Music, shares insights from his 25-year journey in punk rock. He reflects on his Florida upbringing, including his father's career as a PGA golfer, and the band's roots in the Gainesville scene. The conversation dives into the challenges and triumphs of their musical path, the dynamics of live performances, and the importance of community in shaping their legacy. Ragan's warmth shines through as he discusses the excitement of celebrating their milestone anniversary and the bonds formed through music.

Vic Fuentes from Pierce the Veil, Aaron Gillespie of Underoath, and Telle Smith from The Word Alive come together for a lively discussion during Grammy weekend. They share hilarious tour stories, including bizarre encounters and the ups and downs of life on the road. The trio dives into the pressures of vocal performance and the realities of songwriting, touching on steroid use for shows and their Grammy experiences. With heartfelt tributes and reflections on the emotional impact of music, the conversation offers an entertaining and authentic glimpse into rock star life.

Michael Starr, lead singer of Steel Panther, shares his journey from a Las Vegas cover band to major label fame. He discusses the band's outrageous lyrics, including humorous takes on romance, and reflects on the serious side of life as a touring musician, including his recent vocal surgery. Michael also recounts a wild experience performing during a volcanic eruption and hilariously dives into the dynamics of band life, making it clear that humor and authenticity are key to their heavy metal success.