Lead Singer Syndrome with Shane Told

Anthony Green, the talented singer-songwriter behind Circa Survive and Saosin, opens up about his tumultuous journey through addiction and mental health. He candidly shares the truth behind his departure from Saosin and reflects on insecurities and depression that have shaped his life. Green discusses the therapeutic power of music and the importance of staying creative. He also explores the impact of idolization and addiction in the industry, giving listeners a heartfelt glimpse into his struggles and triumphs.

Dustin Bates, frontman of the band Starset and a master’s graduate in electrical engineering, shares his fascinating journey from a self-proclaimed nerd to a successful musician. He discusses how the band’s conceptual approach merges storytelling with music, aiming to enlighten fans on complex themes. Dustin reflects on the challenges of balancing mainstream success while staying true to their artistic roots, and he dives into the innovative technology used in their live shows, including collaborations that push creative boundaries.

Ryan Zimmerman, frontman of Greeley Estates and now a therapist, shares his journey from screamo success to family life. He dives into the unlikely rise of their band and the shift towards heavier music. Ryan reflects on the challenges of the music industry, including navigating tumultuous record label changes. He also discusses the transformative experience of fatherhood and how it reshapes his creative outlook, revealing a fascinating blend of music and therapeutic themes.

Patrick Miranda, the frontman of Movements, shares his journey from choir kid to headliner as they discuss their recent rise to the Warped Tour Main stage. He opens up about the pressures of following up a successful debut album and his ongoing battles with anxiety and OCD. Miranda also highlights the importance of mental health in music and the journey toward authenticity. Listeners are treated to insights on the challenges of touring and the joy of rediscovering happiness and positivity amidst the chaos of life and music.

John O'Callaghan, lead singer of The Maine, shares his journey from a young sports fan to a music icon with a unique blend of pop punk. He recalls the band's early days in Phoenix and their clever marketing move of getting their music on every Blackberry in 2010. O'Callaghan discusses the importance of artistic independence, balancing fun with authenticity in their music, and the evolution of their sound in the digital age. With plenty of humorous anecdotes, he reveals how friendship and perseverance shaped their career.

Telle Smith, the dynamic lead singer of The Word Alive, returns to discuss his band's catchy new record and the emotional weight of losing Chester Bennington. He shares insights into their songwriting evolution, balancing personal grief with creativity. Telle reflects on navigating heartbreak, the pressures of the music industry, and potential future collaborations. Plus, there's a humorous take on tour mishaps and a look at how music consumption has shifted in recent years, emphasizing the power of live performances and fan connections.

Andrew Neufeld, the lead vocalist of Comeback Kid and former guitarist for Figure Four, shares his journey from a religious upbringing in Winnipeg to becoming a hardcore icon. He reveals the challenges of vocal health on tour and the adrenaline rush that helps him perform. Andrew also discusses his personal struggles with identity in music, the unpredictability of touring unconventional locations, and how the band's unique sound has evolved. His love for connecting with fans and the thrill of being on the road shines through in this candid conversation.

Briton Bond and Cody Quistad, the dynamic duo behind Wage War, dive into their relentless journey in the metalcore scene. They share anecdotes from their demanding tour schedule and the chaos of performing in Europe amidst unexpected challenges. The duo discusses their evolving sound, balancing heavy riffs with melodic elements, and the creative process behind their songwriting. They reflect on the influence of their hometown and collaborations with notable musicians, revealing how hard work and determination have shaped their identity.

Neil Fallon, the frontman of Clutch, joins the discussion with insights from his 25 years in rock music. He shares his excitement about their upcoming album 'Book of Bad Decisions' and the challenges of performing new material live. Fallon reveals his experience taking a vocal lesson for the first time and discusses the band's unique blend of influences, from blues to southern rock. The conversation also highlights their journey as an independent label and the significance of embracing imperfections in their creative process.

Dan Smith, the lead singer of the English punk band Darko, dives into his punk rock journey and musical influences from his upbringing in Australia. He shares stories about the challenges of balancing regular jobs with touring, and his exhilaration from high-energy performances like Punk Rock Holiday. The conversation touches on songwriting intricacies, particularly the social themes in their music, and provides a glimpse into their future touring goals in Japan and beyond. Plus, Dan offers insights on mindset and its importance in pursuing musical dreams.