And Now The Band

Heavy Music
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Music Interviews
  • Updated Daily

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. 4d ago

    EP371 Apostle on A Splinter in the Infinite Noumenon, Songwriting & the Atlanta Heavy Music Scene

    Tom welcomes Atlanta extreme metal trio Apostle for an emotional and insightful conversation about their latest EP, A Splinter in the Infinite Noumenon, the band's creative evolution, and how personal loss has shaped both their music and outlook on life. The members of Apostle discuss how transitioning from a four-piece to a three-piece lineup strengthened their chemistry, streamlined their songwriting, and created a more focused creative process. Working through daily rehearsals, collaborative vision boards, and open communication, the band has developed an approach that balances technical precision with emotional intensity. A major focus of the conversation centers on grief, healing, and finding purpose through music. Maurice shares the deeply personal experiences that inspired much of the EP following the loss of multiple family members in 2024, explaining how those experiences brought greater clarity to both his songwriting and his perspective on life. Tom also reflects on his own experiences with loss, leading to an honest discussion about the healing power of music and the connections it creates between people from all walks of life. Additional topics include: The making of A Splinter in the Infinite NoumenonWorking with Terminus Hate CityThe evolution from four members to threeVision boards and collaborative songwritingBuilding stronger band chemistryTouring throughout the SoutheastLong-term plans for the Northeast, Canada, Europe, and JapanVinyl color variants and physical releasesCreating artwork alongside Fabio using early demos and visual conceptsBalancing day jobs with independent touringAtlanta's thriving underground metal communityFavorite albums and artist recommendationsThe band also discusses the importance of maintaining friendships outside of rehearsal through regular non-music gatherings, demonstrating how strong personal relationships continue to fuel Apostle's creative growth. The result is an honest conversation about resilience, artistic purpose, and building meaningful heavy music through trust, collaboration, and shared experience.

  2. Jul 13

    EP370 Soft Curse Interview Liminal Ritual, Live-to-Tape Recording & Heavy Atmosphere

    Tom sits down with the members of Soft Curse—Jonny (vocals/guitar), Jef (bass), Michael "Mitch" (guitar), and Dan (drums)—to discuss their debut album Liminal Ritual, the band's origins following State Faults, and their unique blend of doom metal, post-rock, and atmospheric songwriting. The band reflects on how lifelong friendships and years of playing together naturally led to the formation of Soft Curse, allowing them to explore slower tempos, massive riffs, clean vocals, and cinematic textures while moving beyond the screamo and post-hardcore foundation of their previous band. The conversation explores the making of Liminal Ritual, including the decision to record the entire album live to two-inch analog tape in a single day. The band explains how the pressure of capturing complete performances created an organic energy that perfectly matched the emotional weight of the songs. Additional topics include: The creation of Liminal RitualRecording live to analog tapeVinyl collecting and rare pressingsFavorite records and musical influencesThe transition from State FaultsDIY artwork, music videos, and independenceSpotify music discoverySpotlights and modern "doomgaze"Chelsea Wolfe, Pallbearer, Electric Wizard, Acid King, and Mars Red SkyBuilding Dan's custom drum kitFavorite songs from the album"Weight of the Sky" and its deeply personal inspirationBringing melody and atmosphere into heavy musicTouring opportunities and future East Coast showsThe band also shares stories behind several of the album's standout tracks, discussing the collaborative songwriting process, the emotional experiences that shaped the record, and why maintaining complete creative independence remains central to Soft Curse's identity. The result is a thoughtful conversation about friendship, artistic growth, and creating emotionally powerful heavy music without compromise.

  3. Jul 10

    EP369 Ralph Torres Interview – Total Meltdown, EP2, New York Hardcore & Mental Health

    Tom welcomes Ralph Torres of New York hardcore band Total Meltdown for a conversation covering the band's new EP2, the evolution of modern hardcore, vinyl releases, live performances, and the importance of mental health within the music community. Ralph discusses how Total Meltdown expanded beyond the traditional hardcore formula on EP2, introducing dynamic songwriting, noise textures, and greater emotional depth while maintaining the intensity and speed that define the genre. He also explains the band's decision to release shorter EPs, allowing listeners to experience focused collections of songs that encourage repeat listens while adapting to today's music consumption habits. The conversation explores the band's unique vinyl presentation, featuring a striking triptych artwork created by Chuck Barrett with creative direction from bassist Drew Castle. Ralph also reflects on overcoming imposter syndrome while starting the band alongside longtime friends and experienced musicians, including guitarist Chris, whose musical background helped shape the band's early direction. Additional topics include: The release of EP2 on vinyl and streaming platforms The evolution of New York hardcore Vinyl artwork and collectible releases Performing their first livestream during the pandemic First live shows and building confidence on stage Touring throughout the Northeast Supporting independent music scenes Spotlights, Mr. Bungle, Melvins, and Gorilla Biscuits Non-alcoholic beer and changing lifestyles Community, friendship, and hardcore culture Men's Mental Health Month Using music as an outlet for mental health awareness Ralph also shares how songwriting has become a powerful form of self-expression, allowing him to address personal struggles while creating meaningful connections with listeners. Together, Tom and Ralph discuss how hardcore music continues to build supportive communities where honesty, resilience, and shared experiences remain at the forefront.

  4. Jul 8

    EP368 Amos Rifkin on Insomniac's Fall Tour, DIY Booking & Independent Music

    Tom welcomes Amos Rifkin of Insomniac for a special episode announcing the band's upcoming Fall 2026 tour while discussing independent touring, festival culture, the evolving live music landscape, and what's next for the band. Amos shares details about Insomniac's newly announced fall tour, which follows directly after their summer run and features performances throughout the Midwest, Northeast, and East Coast. He discusses the importance of reaching new cities, returning to longtime supporters, and building sustainable touring opportunities through strong relationships with venues and promoters. The conversation also explores the realities of booking tours in today's music industry, the resurgence of smaller markets, and why intimate venues continue to be the backbone of underground heavy music. Amos reflects on the changing culture surrounding live events, including the growth of all-ages shows and the increasing popularity of alcohol-free social spaces. Additional topics include: The Summer and Fall 2026 Insomniac toursTouring with Slumbering SunBog Social's 12th Anniversary celebrationBooking shows across the United StatesBuilding audiences in smaller music marketsThe rise of all-ages venuesNon-alcoholic bars, THC beverages, and changing concert cultureIn the Key of Dune FestJoint Jam FestivalWisconsin Doomed & Stoned FestivalVisiting Acadia National Park while on tourWriting Insomniac's next albumExploring themes of grief, healing, and personal growth through music Amos also reflects on how the underground music community continues to thrive through collaboration, grassroots promotion, and meaningful relationships, offering an inside look at what it takes to keep independent heavy music alive while preparing for Insomniac's next creative chapter.

  5. Jul 3

    EP367 Dumb Waiter's Nick Crider Discusses New Album Change, Vinyl, and Creative Evolution

    Tom welcomes Nick Crider of Dumb Waiter for a conversation about the band's latest album Change, the evolution of their songwriting, the Louisville heavy music community, vinyl collecting, and balancing music with the visual arts. Nick reflects on Dumb Waiter's progression from an intensely technical, genre-bending style influenced by Mr. Bungle toward a more focused and emotionally driven approach on their sixth album, Change. He explains how simplifying arrangements and emphasizing a single emotional direction has strengthened the band's songwriting while allowing the music to connect more deeply with listeners. The discussion also explores the band's decision to handle vocals internally after experimenting with several vocalists, resulting in a more natural integration between the instrumentation and vocal melodies. Additional topics include: The Louisville underground music sceneConnections with Young Widows, Photo Crime, and ColiseumRunning Gallery5 in RichmondAn upcoming art exhibition with Evan PattersonVinyl, cassette, and physical music releasesModern vinyl production and pressing improvementsFavorite recent albums and underground bandsMusic videos for Deaf ClubGreg Puciato, Better Lovers, and Jerry CantrellLive music in intimate venues versus larger clubsSupporting independent artists and regional music communitiesNick also shares his passion for collecting records, creating visual art, and maintaining a healthy balance between multiple creative outlets while continuing to push Dumb Waiter's sound into exciting new territory.

  6. Jul 1

    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.

  7. Jun 29

    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.

  8. Jun 22

    EP364 Jordan of Sporelord

    Jordan Nalley of Louisville based Sporelord spent some time chatting with me about the band and his shop. A local TCG shop named Heavy Meta Gaming. Jordan helps explain how Sporelord puts together their unique sound. How they fit on to so many different bills. From playing with some super heavy bands to some not so heavy bands. We also talk about their unique approach to releasing music It really helps each single stand out on its own and makes each single a collectable.

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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.

Information

  • Creator
    Heavy Music
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    386
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Heavy Music
  • Show Website
    And Now The Band

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