Lead Singer Syndrome with Shane Told

Judah Akers, the frontman of Judah and the Lion, shares insights from his band’s unique journey through the music industry. He discusses the challenges of maintaining independence while achieving a #1 hit and notable collaborations, like one with Kacey Musgraves. Judah opens up about balancing a demanding tour schedule with family issues, including divorce and addiction. The conversation also touches on the emotional process of songwriting and how live performances can transform personal struggles into relatable art.

Josh Ramsay, the dynamic lead singer of Marianas Trench, dives into the wild world of music creation and performance. He shares his experiences growing up in a musically rich environment, influenced by his professional musician parents. The conversation touches on the trials and triumphs of navigating the music industry, the intricacies of songwriting, and the joy of playing 13 instruments. With a humorous twist, Josh reflects on the unexpected challenges of filming music videos and the delightful chaos that comes with it.

William Duvall, the lead singer of Alice in Chains since 2006, shares his rich musical journey and his recent solo album, "One Alone." He reflects on his upbringing in Atlanta's 1980s hardcore scene and shares wild stories of run-ins with cops and skinheads. Duvall discusses the challenges and emotional weight of stepping into the legacy of Alice in Chains, balancing excitement with pressure. He emphasizes the authenticity in his solo work, revealing insights into his creative process and the joy of intimate live performances.

Spencer Charnas, the lead singer of Ice Nine Kills, joins to chat about his band's eerie obsession with Halloween, which he describes as 'almost a religious holiday.' They delve into the band's recent successes, nostalgic costumes from childhood, and their horror-infused music influenced by legends like John Carpenter. Spencer shares insights into their ambitious new album version and the growing support from horror fans. The conversation is lively, with anecdotes from horror conventions and a sneak peek at future projects, making it perfect for fans of chills and thrills!

Aaron Gillespie, drummer and singer for Underoath and frontman of The Almost, returns to share his musical journey. He discusses the challenges faced while recording his new album, 'Fear Caller,' and reflects on the whirlwind of Underoath's reunion and subsequent tours. The conversation humorously touches on the costs of cymbals and the chaotic process of recording in California. Aaron also dives into the emotional struggles musicians endure and the importance of authenticity in their craft.

Scott Sellers, lead singer and guitarist of the iconic emo-punk band Rufio, shares his journey as a prolific solo artist, releasing four albums in just over a year. He reminisces about the early days of MP3.com and discusses the band's rise, challenges, and misconceptions around their music's themes. The conversation dives into the evolution of music, spontaneous songwriting, and the balance between personal expression and external pressures. Scott also reflects on the nostalgia of the past while celebrating new creative beginnings.

Fred Mascherino, the former guitarist and vocalist of Taking Back Sunday, dives into his rich musical journey. He shares insights on his departure from the band and the creative process behind his solo work with The Color Fred. Passionate about gear and tones, Fred also discusses his YouTube series, 'In The Shed With Fred.' They explore nostalgic festival experiences, humorous mishaps, and the balance between personal life and musical aspirations, all while teasing his exciting new single!

Donovan Melero, the talented lead singer of Hail The Sun and new project Nova Charisma, shares insights from his musical journeys. He discusses the formation of Nova Charisma and the unique songwriting process, emphasizing the role of the bass guitar. Donovan also opens up about his decade-long sobriety journey and how it fuels his creativity. With humor, he touches on navigating multiple projects, personal struggles, and the importance of positive connections in overcoming adversity.

Matt McAndrew, a Season 7 finalist on "The Voice" and the new lead singer of Slaves, shares his incredible journey in music. He candidly discusses the whirlwind experience of transitioning from a talent show contestant to fronting a band, including the chaos of joining Slaves just before a tour. Matt opens up about his challenging yet rewarding time on "The Voice," his behind-the-scenes experience with Adam Levine, and the realities of navigating the music industry, including contract intricacies and the emotional toll of competition.

Anthony Raneri, the charismatic frontman of Bayside, drops in to chat about their surprise album, Interrobang. He shares insights into the creative process that led to the album and his thoughts on his favorite and least favorite records. The conversation veers into baseball, touching on toxic masculinity through personal anecdotes, and their excitement for the upcoming tour, promising a blend of music and local talent. Raneri reflects on living in Nashville and embraces the evolving landscape of music promotion.