Lead Singer Syndrome with Shane Told

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.

Matthew "Murph" Murphy, lead singer of The Wombats and Love Fame Tragedy, shares his journey from Liverpool to LA. He dives into the dark art of songwriting and how recent fatherhood has shaped his music. The conversation touches on fame, including a surprise nod from Mick Jagger, and the balance between humor and darkness in lyrics. Murph also discusses the evolving indie rock scene and the impact of streaming on music distribution, while emphasizing the importance of vocal care during touring.

Jake Luhrs, the dynamic frontman of August Burns Red, joins the conversation to celebrate the anniversary of their iconic album 'Constellations.' He shares insights on his faith, writing a book, and the unique experience of playing bass live for the first time. Jake also ranks his favorite and least favorite ABR albums, while discussing the emotional complexities of touring and personal growth. Plus, he opens up about his work with Heart Support, emphasizing the power of community and authenticity in music.

Casey Crescenzo, the brilliant mind behind The Dear Hunter and former frontman of The Receiving End of Sirens, shares his musical journey from a supportive childhood in Southern California to his artistic evolution in New England. He discusses the unique vision behind his concept-driven music and the challenges of maintaining identity amidst comedic mix-ups with the band Deer Hunter. Listeners will enjoy anecdotes about his only music lesson and thoughts on the significance of band names, all while reflecting on the power of music in navigating personal identity.

Bobby O'Brien, known as Dying In Designer, is a rising solo artist and emo rapper celebrated for his debut album 'Nobody's Happy.' In an engaging conversation, he shares his journey of overcoming personal struggles and the deeper meanings behind his work. They discuss the significance of albums over singles and his unique blend of emo rap with punk influences after signing to Hopeless Records. Bobby reflects on the pursuit of happiness and how music serves as a transformative tool for connection, while also teasing exciting future projects.

Ace Enders, a versatile musician known for his work with The Early November and I Can Make A Mess, shares his journey through music and personal growth. He discusses the challenges of being kicked out of an early band and the concept behind the ill-fated triple album that led to The Early November's breakup. Excitement builds around the upcoming album 'Lilac,' which explores themes of addiction and resilience. Ace reflects on his evolution as a songwriter and the importance of authenticity in creating emotional connections through music.