The Power/Less Podcast

Use these resources to assist Palestinians in Gaza:https://www.thecut.com/article/how-to-help-gaza-aid-starvation-crisis.htmlceasefiretoday.comFor this episode I speak with Ryan of Scary Hours, a hardcore band out of New Jersey. Ryan and I discuss Rise Against, his upbringing in music, where his political and social radicalization came from, and some of the projects most social charged tracks.Follow Scary Hours on all socials:instagram.com/scaryhoursnjtiktok.com/@scaryhoursnjhttps://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@scaryhours8827⁩  Follow and support the podcast:thepowerlesspod.comlinktr.ee/thepowerlesspod

Journalist Taylor Lorenz recently released a report detailing dark money groups funding liberal influencers. With a lot of debate online and public blowups between influencers and journalists on the "left," let's look at why this funding isn't useful for the left the way it is the right, and why it's ultimately more of the same failed strategies that got us to a second Trump term.Article:https://www.wired.com/story/dark-money-group-secret-funding-democrat-influencers/The Power/Less Podcast, hosted by Brandon Durden, explores the intersections of politics, culture, and music. Featuring journalists, musicians, activists, and authors, the podcast unpacks how power operates and how people push back.Support and follow the podcast:thepowerlesspod.comlinktr.ee/thepowerlesspod

Provide support to Palestinians in Gaza by going to the vetted links in this article:https://www.thecut.com/article/how-to-help-gaza-aid-starvation-crisis.htmlceasefiretoday.comVocalist Ashrita Kumar, guitarist Paul Vallejo and drummer Myron Houngbedji of Maryland based band pinkshift sit down with me for this episode to breakdown their brand new sophomore record, "Earthkeeper," out now on all platforms.They talk about the reason for the stark change in their sound from their first record, the impact nature, politics, personal growth, and introspection had on the record, and what's coming next for them in 2025.Follow and support pinkshift, and purchase their new record:pinkshiftmd.cominstagram.com/pinkshiftmdhttps://pinkshift.substack.com/Follow and support the podcast:thepowerlesspod.comlinktr.ee/thepowerlesspod

Use this link to find vetted organizations to support Palestinians in Gaza: https://www.thecut.com/article/how-to-help-gaza-aid-starvation-crisis.html?utm_source=insta&utm_medium=s1&utm_campaign=thecut&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaf1K9FXMR2uEI0w0EuBxTLAYtD1UI_vwzsppa1PQrv7ZgLcnmlTKmtRCNrz8w_aem_y8J_apN3feL6X96IUW96ZAIn this episode I speak with Kim Hunt, who is a political commentator and activist out of Arizona. Kim and I break down some recent stories out of North Dakota and Arizona concerning vulnerable youth within the system, the different ways that social services fail to protect and keep track of children in need, and the broader policy implications of cuts to safety net programs.Follow Kim on socials:instagram.com/slaythegoptiktok.com/@slaythegophttps://bsky.app/profile/slaythegop.bsky.socialArticles referenced:https://www.inforum.com/news/north-dakota/almost-a-dozen-north-dakota-children-teens-have-disappeared-in-17-dayshttps://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/surprise/2025/08/18/rebekah-baptiste-child-funeral-surprise/85709326007/https://www.americanprogress.org/article/congressional-republicans-are-planning-one-of-the-largest-ever-cuts-to-basic-supports-for-children/https://firstfocus.org/resource/an-assault-on-children-the-devastating-impact-of-proposed-budget-cuts-on-americas-kids/Follow and support the podcast:thepowerlesspod.comlinktr.ee/thepowerlesspod

In this episode of the Power/Less Podcast, I speak with James Matthewson, a former spokesperson for the Labour Party, organizer, tv broadcaster and author, about the intersection of metal music, working-class identity, and politics. James shares insights on the current state of left-wing politics in the UK, critiques the Labour Party under Jeremy Corbyn as well as his new left wing political party, and discusses the need for new movements that resonate with the working class. Follow and support James Mathewson: https://www.jamesmatthewson.com/https://www.instagram.com/jmatthewsonofficial/Follow and support the podcast:thepowerlesspod.comlinktr.ee/thepowerlesspodinstagram.com/thepowerlesspodhttps://bsky.app/profile/thepowerlesspod.comtiktok.com/@thepowerlesspod 0:00 Intro Music0:24 Introduction to James Matthewson and His Work3:12 The Impact of Metal Music on Working-Class Identity6:13 Political Dimensions of Music and Art9:01 Class Struggles and the Evolution of Metal11:45 The Shift in Political Messaging in Music14:25 The Role of Authenticity in Politics17:09 Partisanship and Its Effects on Political Discourse20:00 The Future of Left-Wing Politics in the UK23:10 Critique of the Labour Party and Corbyn's Leadership26:02 The Need for New Political Movements28:42 The Importance of Grassroots Activism31:25 Conclusion and Future Directions

On this episode of The Power/Less Podcast, I’m joined by Nathan Johnson, frontman of Denver heavy band Fox Lake, for a deep dive into their brand new album,New World Heat, which is out now. We talk about the record’s chaotic blend of nu-metal, hardcore, and hip-hop influence, the band’s goal of writing with urgency, and how the themes of burnout, systemic failure, and self-accountability shaped the album’s tone. Nathan also opens up about being a classically trained pianist, his unexpected love of ‘90s country, and what it’s like to write breakdowns about existential dread. New World Heat is out now wherever you listen to music. Physical copies and merch can be purchased at https://mnrkheavy.com/Follow and support Fox Lake: instagram.com/foxlakecofoxlakeband.comFollow and support the podcast: thepowerlesspod.com

In this episode, I talk with Tilly Middlehurst, a student and academic debater at Cambridge University. Tilly and I talk about political ideology, the role of debate, and how foreign policy shapes domestic issues. She shares her background, her viral debate with Charlie Kirk, and why engaging with opposing views matters; especially as the far right gains ground.Follow and support Tilly’s work:linktr.ee/blondepraxistiktok.com/@blondepraxisyoutube.com/@blondepraxis Follow and support the podcast:thepowerlesspod.com

On this episode of The Powerless Podcast, I sit down with rising indie artist and cellist Renee Christine to talk about her breakout single "Turtle Island," a track that’s blown up across platforms for its powerful blend of protest, poetry, and raw cello-driven intensity. We get into her path from orchestral beginnings to social media virality, how literature and political history influence her songwriting, and the delicate balance of honoring cultures without co-opting them. She also previews her next track "The Bomb" and what it means to write music with a shelf life longer than a headline.Follow Renee and support her work:instagram.com/reneechristineyoutube.com/@reneechristinetiktok.com/@reneechristineSupport the podcast:thepowerlesspod.com

For the 100th episode of The Power/Less Podcast, I sat down with Alizon Taho and Ben Parker of genre-bending alt-metal trio Calva Louise to talk all about their incredible new album Edge of the Abyss, out now on Mascot Records. We got into the DIY production process, the influence of sci-fi films on their cinematic sound, and how the band's expansive narrative universe ties into their music videos and lyrics.From Jess Allanic’s songwriting beginnings in Venezuela to their journey through France, New Zealand, and the UK, Calva Louise has built something truly original. We also dug into favorite tracks like “Tunnel Vision,” “Aimless,” and “Hate in Me,” what it was like working with Pendulum’s Gareth McGrillen, and their upcoming US tour with Mike’s Dead and SixSense.Stream Edge of the Abyss everywhere now.Follow and support Calva Louise: calvalouise.comFollow and support the podcast:thepowerlesspod.comlinktr.ee/thepowerlesspod

Activist and political commentator Joshua P. Hill of New Means discusses Zohran Mamdani's historic victory over Andrew Cuomo, the ongoing escalation of war perpetuated by Israel and the US against Iran, the diversion tactics of legacy media to distract from ongoing slaughters in Gaza, and the need to continue to mass organize during the current presidential administration.Subscribe and follow New Means:https://www.jphilll.com/Follow and support the podcast:thepowerlesspod.com

Kasey Karlsen is the vocalist of modern metal band Deadlands out of New York. Karlsen and I discuss her popularity growth via social media and the start of Deadlands as a legitimate and passionate project.Karlsen also breaks down their brand new EP, "SEVEN," and it's concept with the seven deadly sins.You can find everything going on with Deadlands: deadlandsband.comFollow Kasey, support her on Patreon, and follow her work:https://linktr.ee/kaseykarlsenFollow and support the podcast:thepowerlesspod.comlinktr.ee/thepowerlesspod

In this episode I sit down with Ethan, Cameron, and Sean — the guitarist, drummer, and vocalist of South Florida metal band Chained Saint. Despite being a young band (one of them just graduated high school), they bring a sound rooted in classic thrash and old-school hardcore. We talk about working with William DuVall of Alice in Chains, who produced their debut album Blindside, and how they recorded it completely analog — no computers, no click track — in a bold move that reflects their raw, throwback approach to heavy music.We do a full track-by-track breakdown of Blindside, discussing the themes woven throughout, from political unrest and mental health to personal anger and frustration. The band shares what it was like playing the massive Welcome to Rockville festival at such a young age, and we end the episode with a listen to their latest single, “A Thousand Tons.” We also explore how Chained Saint stands apart in today’s metal scene by avoiding electronic and sample-heavy trends in favor of something more gritty and organic.Follow Chained Saint on all platforms @chainedsaintofficial (chainedsaint.com.)Follow and support the podcast: thepowerlesspod.com

For this episode I speak with Cliff Rigano, vocalist of metal band Dry Kill Logic. Cliff and I discuss his love for newer bands including Knocked Loose and Sleep Token, the band's resurgence from 2018 to now, their latest single, "No You Belong With The Dead," and what is going forward for the band for 2025.Follow Dry Kill Logic:instagram.com/drykilllogiclinktr.ee/drykilllogicSupport and follow the podcast: thepowerlesspod.com

Aric from the post-hardcore band Arcantica talks about their upcoming EP 'Vacancy'. Aric discusses the band's sound, musical influences, and the evolution of their music as well as the songwriting process, the importance of collaboration, and the themes explored in the EP. An underrated band and absolutely fantastic EP. Take some time out of your day to listen through 'Vacancy.'Follow Arcantica and support their work: https://www.instagram.com/arcanticarock/Follow and support the podcast:thepowerlesspod.com

Zaq Baker is a musician and author out of Minnesota. Zaq and I discuss his debut novel, Unspectacular which is out now. Zaq discusses the influences of the novel and how the different perspectives voiced throughout the story are influenced by various struggles and issues within the music industry. We also discuss some of Zaq's music and what touring for a book while being a performing musician looks like. Follow Zaq and purchase Unspectacular: zaqbaker.comFollow and support the podcast: linktr.ee/thepowerlesspod

fallfiftyfeet is a metal band out of West Virginia. James (guitar/vocals) and I break down their second LP "Counterfeit Recollections," the band's influences, the struggles of being from a remote area and the creativity it takes to break into the scene, and more.Counterfeit Recollections is out now on all platforms.Find the band's socials and where to stream their music:fallfiftyfeet.comSupport the podcast:linktr.ee/thepowerlesspod

Hayloft is an indie prog-rock band out of the Nashville area. Dav, Kaiser, Emilio, and Paul sit down with me to discuss and break down their brand new debut LP, “Tomato Tomato” that came out on April 25th. Stream the new record on all streaming platforms, it’s a ripper.Follow Hayloft on all platforms:https://hayloftband.com/instagram.com/hayloftbandtiktok.com/@hayloftband https://www.youtube.com/@hayloft-bandFollow and support the podcast:linktr.ee/thepowerlesspod

Taylor Bickett is a singer songwriter originally from Indiana. Taylor discusses her trajectory in music and her growth as a songwriter and musician that has led to her latest series of headlining shows all across the United States. We discuss and break down her latest single, “The Crime,” which focuses on gender based violence that originated from Taylor’s own personal experiences while holding a mirror to the world at large. Taylor is currently working with The Circle, a nonprofit grassroots organization that a global feminist organisation supporting women and girls confronting gender-based violence and economic inequality across the world.Support The Circle: https://www.thecircle.ngo/Follow Taylor Bickett on all socials:instagram.com/taylorbicketthttps://www.youtube.com/@TaylorBickettOfficialhttps://www.tiktok.com/@taylorbickettmusicFind Taylor on tour and get all updates through her website:https://www.taylorbickett.com/Follow and support the podcast:linktr.ee/thepowerlesspod

For this episode I speak with Will and Nico of Resider, a metal band out of San Diego, California. Will and Niko break down the start of the band, the lyrical and music inspirations for some of their most recent songs including, "Rat Race," "Recluse," "Gasfight," and "Pissing," their opinions on some music discourse topics, and more.Check out Resider on all socials:  @residerofficial  linktr.ee/resideordieSupport the podcast and follow on all socials:linktr.ee/thepowerlesspod

Adam Woodley is the vocalist and guitarist of the alternative rock band Allapartus out of New York. Adam discusses his start in music and activism, union organizing, the deterioration of the United States for the working class, and more. We break down Allapartus' latest song, "Choice," and its critique of the lie of what the American dream really is.Follow Allapartus on all socials: ⁨@Allapartus⁩  https://linktr.ee/allapartusFollow and support the podcast:linktr.ee/thepowerlesspod