And Now The Band

Heavy Music

And Now The Band is a podcast focused on music mainly in the Rock or Metal realm. With a love of music of all sorts, there is a heavy emphasis on the underground variety. Tom (the Host) spends his time going to shows all over, watching bands play in front of crowds from no one to 10s of thousands of people. Join the conversation and learn about some bands you may never have heard of without this show. Life is an experience, don't forget to enjoy it.

  1. 1d ago

    EP366 Rick Jimenez Talks Extinction A D , Monthly Singles, Touring & Hardcore

    Tom welcomes Rick Jimenez of Extinction A.D. for a wide-ranging conversation covering the band's ambitious new release strategy, the realities of touring in today's music industry, songwriting, hardcore culture, and why authentic human connection remains at the heart of heavy music. Rick explains Extinction A.D.'s decision to release one new single every month through the end of 2026, discussing how the approach allows the band to remain creatively flexible while responding to current emotions instead of waiting years between album releases. He also reflects on the financial challenges facing independent bands and why modern touring requires careful planning more than ever before. The conversation explores the growing overlap between thrash metal, death metal, and hardcore, along with the resurgence of younger audiences discovering heavy music through live shows. Rick also shares his frustrations with social media algorithms, discussing the difference between meaningful fan engagement and chasing online metrics. Additional topics include: Working with M-Theory Audio after Unique Leader RecordsTouring economics in today's music industryCreating meaningful content instead of chasing algorithmsPersonal training, sales, and staying authenticWhy live music creates irreplaceable human connectionsAI and the future of creativityBuilding stronger local music scenesThe importance of smaller, packed venuesSongwriting and demo productionWriting over 90 minutes of material before entering the studioEarly musical projects with Chris EnriquezFuture musical experiments inspired by Failure and Cro-MagsRick also discusses his philosophy on songwriting, collaboration, and artistic integrity, offering an honest perspective on balancing creativity, family, work, and life as an independent musician in today's evolving heavy music landscape.

    2h 13m
  2. 3d ago

    EP365 Dave Krusen Talks Loud Love A Tribute to Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, and Seattle's Grunge Legacy

    Tom sits down with Dave Krusen, the original drummer of Pearl Jam, for an engaging conversation about Loud Love: A Tribute to Soundgarden, Seattle's legendary grunge movement, and the evolution of the modern music industry. Dave discusses joining the Loud Love tribute project, explaining how the opportunity to honor Soundgarden's legacy and support a meaningful cause made the invitation impossible to refuse. He shares the challenges of learning Matt Cameron's intricate drum parts, ultimately finding his own interpretation while respecting the spirit of the original performances. The conversation explores Seattle's explosive music scene of the late 1980s and early 1990s, reflecting on the rise of Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, and Nirvana, and how the city's unique culture helped define an entire generation of rock music. Additional topics include: Relearning "Loud Love" on drumsMatt Cameron's drumming style and influenceTouring life and favorite memories on the roadSeattle landmarks and music historyThe Showbox and Seattle's legendary venuesDave's current band, The VasesRecording new music at Litho StudiosThe changing economics of the music industryArtist ownership and retaining music rightsNew music recommendations including Neurosis and VolcandraTom also shares personal stories about visiting Seattle on his honeymoon, exploring iconic Pearl Jam locations, and discussing how the grunge movement continues to inspire musicians around the world. This episode is packed with stories from one of rock's most influential eras while offering an insightful look at where independent music is headed next.

    30 min
  3. Jun 3

    EP361 Joseph Martinez (Junius) Interview | Solterra, Post. Festival & Modern Music Industry

    Tom welcomes Joseph E. Martinez of Junius for an in-depth conversation about the band's upcoming album Sotera, their appearance at Post. Festival, the challenges of songwriting, and maintaining artistic integrity in today's music industry. Joseph discusses how Sotera became the heaviest album in Junius' catalog, explaining how a clearly defined concept shaped the music and pushed the band into darker and heavier territory. He shares insights into his songwriting process, vocal development, and the constant revisions that occur before recording. The discussion explores Junius' deliberate approach to album creation, the importance of creative boundaries, and why some songs—no matter how much he loves them—must be left behind if they don't fit the larger vision. Joseph also explains why the band often takes longer between releases and how they balance artistic quality with the realities of modern music production. Additional topics include: Performing at Post. FestivalPlaying nearly the entire Sotera album liveThe resurgence of shoegaze and alternative musicTouring Europe and growing an international audienceRecording at Henson Recording StudiosMemorable encounters with Chris CornellTouring with EnslavedThe financial realities of modern musiciansArtistic integrity versus commercial pressuresDeftones, Mastodon, Spotlights, and influential modern bandsJoseph also reflects on some of the most meaningful moments of his career and offers a candid perspective on creativity, success, and what it means to build a sustainable artistic life in today's music landscape.

    1h 24m
  4. May 29

    EP360 Zack Simmons on Acid Bath Reunion, Goatwhore, and Extreme Metal Drumming

    Tom sits down with Zack Simmons of Acid Bath, Goatwhore, and Bringers of Disease for a deep discussion about the long-awaited Acid Bath reunion, preparing to perform iconic material, touring realities, drum influences, and life in extreme music. Zack talks about first discovering Acid Bath as a teenager in the early 2000s and the surreal experience of eventually joining a band he grew up admiring. He discusses working closely with Sammy Duet to revive the material, the pressure of honoring the original songs, and the intense rehearsal process leading up to the reunion shows. The conversation also explores Zack’s work with Goatwhore and Bringers of Disease, balancing multiple projects, and how touring schedules impact longevity for heavy bands. Zack shares stories about filling in for High on Fire, performing in Athens, Greece, and the physical demands of playing back-to-back drum sets in extreme metal environments. Tom and Zack also discuss: Black Sabbath and Motörhead influencesOzzy-era Sabbath and classic heavy music foundationsDave Lombardo, Tommy Aldridge, and Mickey DeeTour burnout and maintaining momentumBlast beats versus groove-oriented drummingThe evolution of modern touring cultureSouthern rock influences and underground metal historyIf you enjoy conversations about sludge metal, doom metal, death metal drumming, underground touring culture, and the legacy of Acid Bath, this episode delivers a detailed look into one of heavy music’s most respected modern drummers.

    41 min

About

And Now The Band is a podcast focused on music mainly in the Rock or Metal realm. With a love of music of all sorts, there is a heavy emphasis on the underground variety. Tom (the Host) spends his time going to shows all over, watching bands play in front of crowds from no one to 10s of thousands of people. Join the conversation and learn about some bands you may never have heard of without this show. Life is an experience, don't forget to enjoy it.