B-Side Breakdown

Brett Johnson
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  • Music Interviews

Welcome to the B-Side Breakdown! A podcast where I, Brett Johnson your host, will chat with friends, heroes, and those who inspire, to learn about a song or piece of music they have written, new or old, released or previously unreleased that is particularly meaningful to them and ideally get deep into the “Why?” behind it. Not only will learn more about the artist’s selection, but you will hear the song or piece in its entirety, and you’ll get a sneak peek into what they are working on now, regardless of artform or medium. I look forward to having artists on the show covering a spectrum of genres, including independent rock, punk, Hip-Hop, post-hardcore, Americana, Country, progressive and beyond. Personally, I think this is going to be a lot of fun and I look forward to you joining us for the ride!

  1. E52 - "The Damned" by and with Marc-Alan Prince

    21 May

    E52 - "The Damned" by and with Marc-Alan Prince

    “This song was me finally going backwards and dealing with some demons.” For episode 52 of B-Side Breakdown, Marc-Alan Prince breaks down “The Damned,” a song about chasing perfection, surviving self-destruction, and coming to terms with the difference between romanticized youth and the reality of getting older. What starts as a conversation about touring and punk rock ambition turns into something much more personal — living out of vans and on couches, pushing himself past the limit, battling illness, and trying to rebuild a life after realizing the lifestyle he was chasing was no longer sustainable. Marc-Alan talks openly about the years he spent touring relentlessly, the bands that imploded under the pressure, and the complicated feeling of watching friends move on while still trying to hold onto the thing that once gave life meaning. The episode also dives into the making of his upcoming record Runaway, recorded live in a rented Austin house with full live-performance video sessions inspired by Bridge City Sessions, along with his decision to keep certain releases completely offline as a reaction against streaming culture and Spotify’s treatment of artists. Follow Marc-Alan Prince: https://www.instagram.com/marcalanprince/ https://marcalanprince.bandcamp.com/album/runaway https://www.youtube.com/@marcalanprince Thanks for supporting B-Side Breakdown — where the song is just the start of the story. Brett Johnson Host, B-Side Breakdown https://www.bsidebreakdown.com #BSideBreakdown #MarcAlanPrince #TheDamned #Runaway #PunkRock #FolkPunk #AcousticPunk #DIYMusic #IndependentMusic #Songwriter #AustinTexas #MilwaukeeMusic #BridgeCitySessions #TravelWellRecords #MusicPodcast #Punk #AltCountry #Americana #TourLife #MusicStories

    35 min
  2. E51 - "Magnetic Rock" by and with DPFKS

    21 May

    E51 - "Magnetic Rock" by and with DPFKS

    This song came from a real moment in the woods that stayed with them long after they got home. On episode 51 of B-Side Breakdown, DPFKS break down “Magnetic Rock,” a song rooted in emotional exhaustion, connection, and a surreal experience on Minnesota’s Gunflint Trail that became the emotional center of the track. The conversation moves through the band’s pandemic-era formation, their attempt to merge rock songwriting with electronic and experimental textures, and how this song became the clearest representation of what they wanted DPFKS to be. They also dig into building songs collaboratively through synths, modular electronics, and live instrumentation, the challenge of translating that process to the stage, and the intentionally immersive approach behind So Much Love to Give — including handmade screen-printed vinyl packaging, visuals, and even a DPFKS video game. Follow DPFKS: https://www.youtube.com/@DPFKS_MPLS https://dpfks.bandcamp.com/album/so-much-love-to-give https://www.instagram.com/dpfks_mpls Thanks for supporting B-Side Breakdown — where the song is just the start of the story. Brett Johnson Host, B-Side Breakdown https://www.bsidebreakdown.com   #BSideBreakdown #DPFKS #DeepFakes #MagneticRock #MinneapolisMusic #TwinCitiesMusic #IndieRock #SynthRock #MusicPodcast

    1hr 1min
  3. E50 - "Chaser" by Scarboro with Shi

    11 May

    E50 - "Chaser" by Scarboro with Shi

    For episode 50 of B-Side Breakdown, Shi from Scarboro breaks down “Chaser,” a song rooted in political exhaustion, fake empathy, and the disconnect between what people say they believe and what they’re willing to act on. Shi talks openly about working in politics and nonprofit advocacy, running for Congress from the left, and eventually walking away after years of watching corporate influence hollow out meaningful change. The conversation moves beyond the song itself into hot-take culture, online outrage, and the frustration of seeing powerful words rarely materialize into pressure where it could actually create change. But underneath all of it is something more personal — exhaustion, apathy, recovery, and trying to rebuild a sense of purpose after hitting a breaking point. The episode also digs into the making of Scarboro’s new record Hate Season, written after Shi left the New York State Senate and began working through a difficult period of mental health struggles and healing. What came out of that time became one of the band’s most collaborative and emotionally direct records yet. Follow Scarboro: scarboro.bandcamp.com instagram.com/scarboropunx Sell The Heart Records: https://www.selltheheartrecords.com/ WTF Records: https://wtfrecords.eu/ Thanks for supporting B-Side Breakdown — where the song is just the start of the story. Brett Johnson Host, B-Side Breakdown https://www.bsidebreakdown.com #Scarboro #Chaser #HardcorePunk #PunkRock #NYCHardcore #SellTheHeartRecords #DIYpunk #PunkPodcast #BSideBreakdown #MelodicHardcore #IndependentMusic #MusicPodcast #PunkCommunity #NewMusic

    36 min
  4. E49 - "ASM KoP" by The Blackburns with Nick Palmer

    14 Apr

    E49 - "ASM KoP" by The Blackburns with Nick Palmer

    “ASM KoP” started as a phrase Nick Palmer couldn’t shake—something he said constantly in his day job as a retail recruiter: Assistant Store Manager, King of Prussia. What began as a hook turned into something more layered: a snapshot of aging punk lifers navigating retail jobs, suburban malls, and the space between who they were and who they are now. In this episode, Nick breaks down how the song almost didn’t make the record, how a shift in direction reshaped it, and how the final version was built to feel bigger than it actually is—less about recreating a live sound, and more about capturing what it feels like to stand in front of a loud band. Follow The Blackburns: theblackburns.bandcamp.com facebook.com/meettheblackburns instagram.com/meettheblackburns Follow Sell the Heart Records: selltheheartrecords.bandcamp.com facebook.com/selltheheart instagram.com/selltheheartrecords selltheheartrecords.com twitter.com/selltheheart Thanks for supporting B-Side Breakdown — where the song is just the start of the story. Brett Johnson Host, B-Side Breakdown #BSideBreakdown #BrettJamesJohnson #TheBlackburns #NickPalmer #PunkRock #IndieRock #BehindTheSong #DIYMusic

    30 min
  5. E48 - "Upside Down" by Battery Eyes with Johnny and Andrew

    2 Feb

    E48 - "Upside Down" by Battery Eyes with Johnny and Andrew

    In this episode of B-Side Breakdown, Brett Johnson talks with Johnny Laberda from Battery Eyes and Andrew Cahak of Unstable Shapes about “Upside Down,” a collaborative track that stretches beyond both bands’ usual comfort zones. Born from a casual conversation at Minneapolis mainstay Mortimer’s, the song evolved into one of the most anthemic and stylistically distinct moments on Battery Eyes’ upcoming album zero three. The discussion digs into the song’s “Frankenstein” creation process—written separately, then stitched together through trust rather than traditional co-writing—and how shared vocals were designed to blur identity and perspective. Johnny and Andrew unpack the song’s central idea of reframing situations, looking at problems from new angles, and embracing found interpretation over fixed meaning. The episode also highlights the importance of scene-level collaboration, thoughtful studio production, and why “Upside Down” feels just as much about creative process as it does about the lyrics themselves. Follow Battery Eyes: https://batteryeyes.bandcamp.com/ https://www.instagram.com/batteryeyes Follow Unstable Shapes: https://unstableshapes.bandcamp.com/ https://www.instagram.com/unstableshapes Follow Cloudland: https://www.instagram.com/cloudlandtheater https://www.cloudlandtheater.com/ Thanks for supporting B-Side Breakdown — where the song is just the start of the story. Brett Johnson Host, B-Side Breakdown https://www.patreon.com/c/bsidebreakdown https://www.instagram.com/bsidebreakdown https://linktr.ee/bsidebreakdown #JohnnyLaberda #BatteryEyes #AndrewCahak #UnstableShapes #UpsideDown #ZeroThree #MinneapolisMusic #Collaboration #CreativeProcess #CloudlandTheater #BSideBreakdown #BrettJamesJohnson #MusicPodcast

    44 min
  6. E47 - "Through The Shadows" by Dead History with David Jarnstrom

    2 Feb

    E47 - "Through The Shadows" by Dead History with David Jarnstrom

    In this episode of B-Side Breakdown, Brett Johnson sits down with David Jarnstrom of Minneapolis post-hardcore stalwarts Dead History to talk about “Through the Shadows,” a standout track from the band’s 2025 album Departures. Built around an initial guitar idea from Matt Rezac, the song took a long and winding path to completion—nearly left behind before emerging as one of the record’s most spacious, groove-driven moments. David walks through the tension between restraint and power in the song’s arrangement, the intentional use of space and feel, and why it occupies such a unique place on the album. The conversation also touches on the song’s impressionistic lyrics, personal interpretations shaped by life in post-George Floyd Minneapolis, and the sense of endurance and rebuilding that runs quietly beneath the surface. With Departures likely marking a closing chapter for Dead History, this episode reflects on creative maturity, community, and seeing something through—even when it’s hard. Follow Dead History: https://deadhistorymn.bandcamp.com/ https://www.instagram.com/deadhistoryband Thanks for supporting B-Side Breakdown — where the song is just the start of the story. Brett Johnson Host, B-Side Breakdown https://www.patreon.com/c/bsidebreakdown https://www.instagram.com/bsidebreakdown https://linktr.ee/bsidebreakdown #DavidJarnstrom #DeadHistory #ThroughTheShadows #Departures #MinneapolisMusic #PostHardcore #Shoegaze #CreativeProcess #BSideBreakdown #BrettJamesJohnson #MusicPodcast

    57 min
  7. E46 - "Teenager" by Killing Stares with Brad Gunnarson

    2 Feb

    E46 - "Teenager" by Killing Stares with Brad Gunnarson

    In this episode of B-Side Breakdown, Brett Johnson sits down with Brad Gunnarson—better known around the Twin Cities as B-Gun—to unpack “Teenager,” a Deftones cover recorded under the project name Killing Stares. Originally appearing on White Pony, the song was reimagined for For the Song You Saved, a community-driven Deftones tribute benefiting Oasis for Youth. Brad talks through the long-held idea behind Killing Stares: assembling one-off lineups of musicians who don’t normally play together and letting instinct guide the process. With Zac Boyd (johnnyrook) on acoustic guitar, Nick Larsen (ExactlyNo) on drums, and Callie from Dadbod on vocals, the track came together quickly and intentionally—sparse, emotional, and respectful of the original while still feeling personal.  The conversation also traces Brad’s decades in the Minneapolis–St. Paul music scene, his philosophy of “put out records with your friends,” and how this project reflects the power of community, timing, and doing things the right way. Follow Killing Stares: https://forthesongyousaved.bandcamp.com/ https://www.instagram.com/killingstares https://www.oasisforyouth.org/ https://www.instagram.com/cardinalsunrecords Thanks for supporting B-Side Breakdown — where the song is just the start of the story. Brett Johnson Host, B-Side Breakdown https://www.patreon.com/c/bsidebreakdown https://www.instagram.com/bsidebreakdown https://linktr.ee/bsidebreakdown #KillingStares #Teenager #BradGunnarson #BGun #Deftones #WhitePony #ForTheSongYouSaved  #OasisForYouth #TwinCitiesMusic #CommunityOverCompetition #BenefitCompilation #BSideBreakdown #BrettJamesJohnson #MusicPodcast

    1hr 11min
  8. E45 - "The Walk To Heartwood" by The Jukebox Romantics with James and Terry

    2 Feb

    E45 - "The Walk To Heartwood" by The Jukebox Romantics with James and Terry

    Brett Johnson sits down with James and Terry of The Jukebox Romantics (Downstate NY) to talk about “The Walk to Heartwood” — a heartfelt standout from their 2025 full-length, This One Looks Cool. Equal parts punk gratitude and FEST devotion, the song is a self-described “love letter to Heartwood Soundstage” and the Gainesville DIY scene. Built around themes of chosen family, emotional return, and saying yes to the chaos, the track blends urgency and joy without a hint of sarcasm. James and Terry open up about writing from the heart, embracing vulnerability, and chasing authenticity over polish. From late-night singalongs to post-pandemic reconnections, this one’s for the lifers. Follow The Jukebox Romantics: https://thejukeboxromantics.bandcamp.com/ https://www.instagram.com/jukeboxromantics https://www.selltheheartrecords.com https://www.instagram.com/selltheheartrecords https://www.instagram.com/thefestfl/ https://linktr.ee/thefest Thanks for supporting B-Side Breakdown — where the song is just the start of the story. Brett Johnson Host, B-Side Breakdown https://www.patreon.com/c/bsidebreakdown https://www.instagram.com/bsidebreakdown https://linktr.ee/bsidebreakdown #TheWalkToHeartwood #ThisOneLooksCool #TheJukeboxRomantics #bsidebreakdown #threecrowsclub #brettjamesjohnson #musicpodcast #FEST #punkrockfamily #HeartwoodSoundstage

    1hr 7min
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Trailer

About

Welcome to the B-Side Breakdown! A podcast where I, Brett Johnson your host, will chat with friends, heroes, and those who inspire, to learn about a song or piece of music they have written, new or old, released or previously unreleased that is particularly meaningful to them and ideally get deep into the “Why?” behind it. Not only will learn more about the artist’s selection, but you will hear the song or piece in its entirety, and you’ll get a sneak peek into what they are working on now, regardless of artform or medium. I look forward to having artists on the show covering a spectrum of genres, including independent rock, punk, Hip-Hop, post-hardcore, Americana, Country, progressive and beyond. Personally, I think this is going to be a lot of fun and I look forward to you joining us for the ride!

Information

  • Creator
    Brett Johnson
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    53
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    B-Side Breakdown