Lead Singer Syndrome with Shane Told

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.

Ben Kowalewicz, lead singer of the Canadian rock band Billy Talent, dives into exciting stories from his musical journey. He discusses the emotional challenges faced by their drummer, the band's surprising radio success, and the long gaps between album releases. Kowalewicz also reflects on iconic moments, like opening for Guns 'N Roses and the contrast of recognition between Canadian and U.S. bands. He shares insights on evolving his vocal style and the importance of camaraderie in music, emphasizing the joy of making authentic art.

Spencer Chamberlain, the charismatic frontman of Underoath, dives into the band's exciting new album, celebrating a powerful rebirth. He shares candid insights about overcoming addiction and leaving Christianity, opening up about the significance of their first explicit lyrics. The conversation also touches on the band's evolution, artistic integrity, and the journey behind the standout track 'I Hate It.' Spencer emphasizes the importance of authenticity in music while navigating the pressures of public personas, making for an engaging discussion that resonates on many levels.

Brent Walsh, the frontman of I The Mighty, shares his band's vibrant journey from their acoustic duo beginnings to post-hardcore success. He recounts the bittersweet experience of a label folding before their first album release and the significance of their new album. The conversation also dives into storytelling in music, the Flint Water Crisis, and the challenges faced by bands in San Francisco. Co-host Brendon Potter adds an engaging dynamic as they reflect on the band's evolving sound and creative process.

James LaBrie, the powerful lead vocalist of progressive metal legends Dream Theater, shares his remarkable journey from Canada to center stage. He recounts how he triumphed over 200 other singers to join the band and reflects on the unique challenges of performing in a group of virtuosos. LaBrie reveals intimate details about his experience during 9/11 in NYC and how it impacted his music. He also addresses the complexities of vocal health in lengthy performances and the often overlooked contributions of his role in an iconic band.

Whitney Peyton, a dynamic rapper from Philadelphia, shares her journey of blending hip hop, rock, and punk. She discusses the challenges of being a female artist in the male-dominated hip-hop scene, along with her recent van accident during a headlining tour. Whitney reflects on her massive Juggalo fanbase and her exhilarating performance at the Warped Tour in Phoenix. The conversation also touches on authenticity in music and culminates with her delivering a spontaneous freestyle that showcases her talent and passion.

Bradley Walden, lead singer of Emarosa, shares his inspiring journey from military service to the music scene. He discusses the challenges of stepping into a new role following a famous predecessor and how he carved out his own identity. The creative process for their upcoming album is explored, highlighting the balance between collaboration and authenticity. Bradley also reflects on the pressures of performing live and the emotional depth behind their lyrics, offering insight into the complexities of love and loss that inspire their songs.