This Was The Scene Podcast

Park was an emo/indie rock band from Springfield, Illinois, active primarily in the late ’90s and 2000s. Known for their heartfelt lyrics, melodic guitar work, and driving rhythms, they gained a loyal underground following with albums like No Signal and It Won’t Snow Where You’re Going. Though they disbanded in 2007, their music remains a staple of the Midwest emo scene and continues to influence new bands today. His book Dirty Sara The No Knife and Jimmy Eat World show Almost ending the band before signing to Lobster Records Dynamite Boy Getting a better response on the West Coast Their album It Won’t Snow Where You’re Going Playing the Warped Tour Their Blink 182 cover for a tribute album What lead to releasing Jacob the Rabbit in 2014 And a ton more Keep an eye out for some upcoming news from them on their instagram Grab his book Theory Markspurn here  Support the podcast here

Hamilton St Cafe & Stage in Bound Brook, NJ was a beloved hybrid venue that blended a cozy café atmosphere with an intimate stage for live music. Throughout the early 2000s, it became a cultural hub for local and touring punk, indie, and alternative acts, fostering a tight-knit community. Though it closed in 2007 after severe flooding, it’s still remembered fondly as a cornerstone of the NJ music scene. I got Adam on the Zoom and this is what we chat about: The Melody Bar Picking Chris Ross’ brain How Hamilton St opened The random box story The Palace Opening night My Chem and Jack Antinoff The cocaine story Getting in a fight with the dude from LFO The World/Inferno Friendship Society Myths and Legends about the place Johanna Angel Was it haunted Closing down And a ton more Go check out Into the Void Printing run by Alf from Ex Number Five - https://www.intothevoidprintco.com/ and Autodidact Brewery

From Indian Lakes is an American indie rock band formed in 2009. The band's sound generally incorporates elements of pop, acoustic, emo, shoegaze, and rock creating a distinctive blend that has earned them a dedicated following. They recently released their album "HEAD VOID" and continue to tour, representing a mature evolution of Vannucchi's songwriting that began in California's mountain communities. I got Joe on the Zoom and this is what we chat about: His band Hard Chiller Loving the Deftones Copeland Tooth n Nail Records Triple Crown Records having stage freight What does he write about Absent Sounds Turning down a Thrice tour Recording an album with the dude who produced Gotye Putting out their own records Their latest record Head Void And a ton more Go check out their latest album Head Void on Spotify or Buy it Here  

Go follow my Instagram Support here White Kaps were a Southern California punk band known for their surf-punk energy, goofy humor, and rowdy live shows. They released several records through Fearless Records in the mid-’90s, standing out with songs that mixed skate culture, beach vibes, and tongue-in-cheek lyrics. While never a mainstream name, they earned a cult following in the punk scene for their fun, fast, and irreverent style. I never got to see these guys play cause they never came to Jersey but I remembered their name from the Fearles Flush sampler that I purchased in 98 so I reached out to KC, got him on the Zoom and this is what we chat about Bob Becker being their first front man Being the first Fearless Records release His thoughts on recording vocals for the records The weekend tour with Green Day Humorcore Getting some backlash for their name Why they didn’t want to tour so much And a ton more    

Hunter Gatherer carved out a niche in Athens between approximately 1997 and 2004, folding into the post‑hardcore and emocore wave that was surging at that time. Their music drew equally from punk’s intensity and emo’s emotive melodies—yet with a poppier, hook-oriented bent, making their sound more accessible than one might expect from that blend. Despite a relatively brief run and limited releases, they made their mark in a vital era for Athens music, resonating with scene contemporaries and contributing to the city’s enduring reputation for musical diversity and authenticity. I got Matt on the Zoom and this is what we chat about: Playing with them back in the day Finding their old angelfire website with 95 shows they played Growing up with Whippersnapper Chuck from Hot Water working at a Subway Getting compared to Hot Water Music The Athens scene The Frotus Refused show Almost signing to Cargo Their roadie almost dying on the Europe tour Playing a woman's prison What lead to them breaking up The recent passing of their bassist Jason Mcnew His Brother’s label Aqua lamb records And a ton more Check out their angelfire website And their Instagram  

As Tall As Lions was an atmospheric indie rock band from Long Island, blending ethereal soundscapes with soulful vocals and intricate musicianship. Known for their emotionally rich lyrics and dynamic live performances, the band gained a devoted following with albums like You Can’t Take It With You. Though they disbanded in 2010, their music continues to resonate with fans who crave depth and beauty in rock.  I got Julio on Zoom and this is what we chat about: Knowing who Lanemeyer is Playing Madison Square Garden Wearing suits The Matt Pryor book Touring with Mute Math Playing Coachella Being on Triple Crown Records Waht did other bands think about them How the band ended And a ton more Keep an eye out for the project he’s working on with some of the dudes from As Tall As Lions and the band he plays in called Bob Moses. Click here to support the podcastClick here to follow the instagram Click here to listen to Arcade Academy's bandcamp Click here to listen to Arcade Academy's soundcloud

Houseboy was a Chicago-based pop‑punk/emo outfit that emerged in the mid‑1990s, co-founded by Brett Friesen (drums) and Ace Cowden (vocals/guitar) along with Daniel Garcia and Thom Lemke discogs.com +7 last.fm +7 skatepunkers.fandom.com +7 . Known for their high‑energy live shows—often opening for acts like Guttermouth, Samiam, and Face to Face—the band released a handful of catchy DIY recordings including the Last Friday’s Selfless Allstars 7″ and the full‑length Ya Right! before lineup changes and personal tragedy led them to disband in 1999 discogs.com +4 skatepunkmemories.blogspot.com +4 skatepunkers.fandom.com +4 . Despite a relatively short run, Houseboy became a staple of the Chicago punk scene and left behind a legacy of spirited melodic tunes celebrated by local fans and preserved on compilations like Achtung Chicago! Drei I got Brett and Ace on the ZOOM and this is what we chat about: Seeing Green Day for $5 Brett’s friend getting caught up with the mob Playing with Sublime at the Fireside Brett meeting his wife Punching a Mall Cop Stealing beer and getting chased by the cops Driver Eleven Stiffpole records Brian Granik Recording their last album Local H The reason the last album is greyed out on Spotify Reuniting recently And a ton more Keep an eye out for their next album when it drops. They’re still writing it so it might take some time but you can follow them on their IG @houseboyband_official Check out Brett’s discogs Check out Ace’s discogs

Support the podcast for $1 on Patreon Follow on Instagram Moving Mountains is an American indie rock band known for blending post-rock ambiance with emo and post-hardcore intensity. Emerging from New York in 2005, they gained a devoted following with emotionally driven albums like Pneuma and Waves, praised for their cinematic soundscapes and introspective lyrics. Their music captures both quiet vulnerability and explosive power, earning them a lasting place in the hearts of fans across the alternative scene. I got Greg and Nick on the Skype and this is what we chat about Recording their new record Deep Elm Waves Why it takes so long to put out a record Their song Alleviate Triple Crown Records The alley money story Prawn Taking forever to release records And a ton more Check out their first full-length album in 12 years—Pruning of the Lower Limbs, which is set for release on June 27 of this year—featuring ten tracks including the haunting lead single “Ghosts”.

Day at the Fair was a New Jersey-based pop punk band that gained attention in the early 2000s with their emotionally charged lyrics and catchy, melodic hooks. Best known for their 2005 album The Rocking Chair Years, the band blended heartfelt storytelling with energetic, anthemic soundscapes. Though their time was brief, they left a lasting impression on fans of the Drive-Thru Records era. I got Rob on the Skype and this is what we chat about. The weird show at Mt Arlington Elks in Jersey Joining Lanemeyer Joining Scratch Kid Joining Humble Beginnings The antics of Humble Beginnings The Forever Endeavor Almost getting killed by Casey Lee Morgan Him being the reason Brian Fallon joined Lanemeyer The origins of Day at the Fair The Pain Game Signing to Drive Thru / Rushmore Records The Bees artwork on the LP The Mile After trying to out drink them Having weed in the Humble van while it’s getting searched The time he slapped me across the face And a ton more Here are the links that I mention in the intro: Check out his company www.aimplfy.com Go see him play with Humble Beginnings Go see him play with Day at the Fair

Go follow my IG @thiswasthescene Gob is a Canadian punk rock band formed in 1993 in Langley, British Columbia, known for their high-energy sound and catchy melodies. They gained mainstream success in the early 2000s with hits like “I Hear You Calling” and “Give Up the Grudge,” blending skate-punk vibes with alternative rock appeal. Gob's relentless touring and fun-loving attitude earned them a loyal fanbase and a lasting spot in Canada’s punk legacy. There’s a part at the end where I’m trying to think of the band Sunny Day Real Estate did a split with and it’s Circa Survive which I should have known since I love me some Circa.= Weezer’s bass player’s wife His first band By A Thread Bigwig Texas is the Reason Going from Goth to Punk The Singer playing in Sum 41 NHL 2002 Recording with Mark Trombino Playing the final SUM 41 shows Sunny Day Real Estate And a ton more Click here for my patreon Click here to donate

Click here for my patreonClick here to donate Useless ID is a punk rock band from Haifa, Israel, known for blending melodic hardcore with emotionally charged lyrics. Formed in 1994, they gained international attention after signing with Kung Fu Records and collaborating with bands like The Ataris and producing with Bill Stevenson of The Descendents. Over the years, Useless ID has built a loyal global fanbase through relentless touring and a discography that spans introspective punk anthems to politically driven tracks. I got Yotam on the Skype and this is what we chat about: Seeing Kid Dynamite in a New Brunswick Basement show Kris Roe Moving away from the Fat Wreck drum beat Being on Kung Fu Records Sugarcult Doing mushrooms at a festival Sharing a tour bus with The Used Bill Stevenson punching him in the stomach Did they like being on Fat even though the label sound changed A tip from Tony Sly that he still uses to this day Why they’re not currently playing The Pixies story And a ton more Check out his label California Sounds.         

Click here to support the podcast American Steel is an influential punk rock band from Oakland, California, formed in 1995 by Rory Henderson and Ryan Massey. Known for blending melodic punk with elements of hardcore and folk influences, the group released notable albums like "Rogue's March" and "Jagged Thoughts" on Lookout! Records before moving to Fat Wreck Chords for later releases. After a hiatus in the early 2000s, during which members formed the band Communiqué, American Steel reunited in 2007 and continued to be recognized for their thoughtful lyrics and distinctive vocal harmonies. Their music is characterized by catchy hooks, energetic performances, and a sound that evolved from raw punk to more polished rock while maintaining their emotional intensity and political consciousness. Quitting drinking Tony Sly The band’s mission statement Getting on Lookout! Rogue’s March Getting kicked out Communique Getting on Fat Touring with the Lawrence Arms Toby from Red Scare Records Tips for giving merch sales to clubs when you're a band And a ton more Lastly if you’re looking to advertise to a TON of New Jersey folk who love beer, tattoos, vinyl, and spending their hard earned cash then email me at thiswasthescene@gmail.com. I have pricing starting at $20 so just hit me up.

Support the podcast by buying me a beer at my favorite vinyl shop The Aquabats are an American rock band formed in 1994 in Orange County, California, known for their distinctive superhero personas and costumes. They blend elements of ska, punk, and new wave music with humorous lyrics and theatrical live performances featuring staged fights against costumed villains. Led by frontman MC Bat Commander (Christian Jacobs), the band gained wider recognition through their children's television series "The Aquabats! Super Show!" which aired from 2012 to 2014. Throughout their career spanning nearly three decades, The Aquabats have maintained a dedicated cult following while continuing to release albums and perform their energetic, family-friendly shows. I got Ricky on the Skype and this is what we chat about: Assorted Jelly Beans Getting heckled on stage Almost becoming the drummer for Blink What did he bring to the Aquabats creatively Touring with the Offspring Yo, Gabba Gabba Do they always call each other by their stage names Josh Freeze And a ton more Lastly if you’re looking to advertise on the podcast I have pricing starting at $20 so just hit me up at thiswasthescene@gmail.com or on my instagram thiswasthescene which you should also go and follow.

Click for sponsorship rates starting as low as $20 Support through paypal for $1/month Dana Bollen is a podcaster, tour manager, merch guy, cow beller, and a ton more. You may have seen him around the country when he was selling merch for Story so Far, Piebald, UnEarth,  This is a different format from a normal interview because it’s mostly us talking about the scene, the behind the scenes of our podcasts, and basically just 2 dudes being dudes. if you want a real behind the scenes of our podcasts then this is for you. If not, you still may enjoy it. I got Dana on the Skype and this is what we chat about: Showing up to Piebalds 2016 reunion with a cowbell Currently being on the road with Poppy Getting a ton of his episodes taken down Both of us interviewing Max Bemis Our thoughts on Furnace Fest Jeremy from A Day To Remember giving the real story about suing Victory His undying love for Piebald Being a cowbell aficionado His brakes going out while driving on tour And a ton more Make sure you check out his new 6 part mini series podcast called Live Free or DIY that will be hitting the streaming services this April or May.  It’s about the DIY punk/hardcore music scene. They have a panel that includes Norm from Texas is the Reason, Luke form Piebald, Chris from Bridge Nine Records, Ace from Early November, Joey from Koyo, Brandon from Vanna, and a ton more. Lastly if you’re looking to advertise on the podcast I have pricing starting at $20 so just hit me up at thiswasthescene@gmail.com or on my instagram thiswasthescene which you should also go and follow.    

AD: Zink Modern Tattooing in Butler, NJ, 503 Main St. M-F 11-7 Sat 11-5 (walkins are welcome) is a cutting-edge tattoo studio that blends professional artistry with a punk rock spirit, boasting over 91 years of combined artist experience. With a roster of talented artists who have worked with members of bands like My Chemical Romance, Penfold, The Escape Engine, Perfuma, We’re All Broken, Lanemeyer, etc, the shop offers custom designs that transform your artistic vision into stunning body art. Located in a clean, modern environment, Zink provides more than just tattoos - it offers a unique experience complete with snacks (Azarja reeah wanted me to really put an emphasis that they love snacks) and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're seeking intricate custom designs or permanent cosmetics, Zink Modern Tattooing is ready to turn your tattoo dreams into reality.  Visit their website here Formed in 2002, The Junior Varsity began as a local band that released their first EP that same year and their debut full-length album The Great Compromise in 2004. The band gained recognition through energetic live performances, touring with notable acts like Fall Out Boy and Good Charlotte, and signing with Victory Records in 2004, which led to their album Wide Eyed and appearances on the Warped Tour in 2005 and 2006. Their third album Cinematographic was released in 2007, featuring a stop-motion music video for "The Sky!" created by the Robot Chicken animation team. In October 2007, the band announced an indefinite hiatus after their farewell show in Springfield, Illinois, with Wildrick later touring with The Dear Hunter and David Cook. I got Nick on the Skype and this is what we chat about: Social media being awful and awesome the band Park What fans thought about their range in song topics Other bands with the same name Getting on Victory Getting robbed on tour The Houston Calls fools Bayside’s accident Touring with Panic at the Disco Rise Against The Robot Chicken Animators doing one of their music videos And a ton more Check out their latest song Guilt on the streaming apps and the re-release of Wide Eyed on Smartpunk Records on Vinyl this year. Lastly if you’re looking to advertise on the podcast I have pricing starting at $20 so just hit me up at thiswasthescene@gmail.com or on my instagram thiswasthescene which you should also go and follow.    

This is a REPOST of Episode 203 with Joe from Jejune. Below is a recap of what we chatted about:  Being roommates with the President of Geffin Records Dropping out of Berklee Rama from Big Wheel Staying in touch with Jim from Jimmy Eat World Will they ever have a reunion show The split with Jimmy Eat World His band I wish I The Actuality of Thought video comp Changing their sound on the second record almost being kidnapped by Germans And a ton more Lastly I do explainer animations so if your marketing department has said recently “Hey, noone understands what we do” then email me at mike@drive80.com ​Feel free to support  the podcast for as little as $1 a month through Patreon

Assorted Jelly Beans was a high-energy ska-punk band from Riverside, California, known for their fast-paced, raw sound blending ska, punk, and hardcore influences. Formed in the mid-'90s, they gained recognition through their association with Kung Fu Records, co-founded by Joe Escalante of The Vandals, and their self-titled 1996 debut album became a cult favorite among ska-punk fans. Their music, characterized by infectious horn-free ska rhythms, political lyrics, and breakneck tempos, helped solidify their place in the underground punk scene. Starting the band in their senior year Meeting the Vandals with a broken jaw Messing with other bands on tour Touring with Guttermouth The video for No Time Being on Tony Hawk’s Underground The Aquabats the reunion show in 2015 even though he hates the word “reunion” And a ton more Check out his new project Shock Brace. Bandcamp | Instagram Lastly I do explainer animations so if your marketing department has said recently “Hey, we need to visually explain what we do in 60-90 seconds” then email me at mike@drive80.com ​Feel free to support  the podcast for as little as $1 a month through Patreon

Sparta is an American post-hardcore band from El Paso, Texas, formed in 2001 by former members of At the Drive-In, including Jim Ward. Known for their melodic yet aggressive sound, the band released influential albums like Wiretap Scars (2002) and Porcelain (2004), Threes (2006), Trust the River (2020), and their Self-Titled in 2020 blending intricate guitar work with emotionally charged lyrics. After multiple hiatuses and lineup changes, Sparta continues to create music, with Jim Ward remaining the core creative force.  I got Jim on the Skype and this is what we chat about: Recording in LA during the fires U2 changing his life Why they didn’t work with Ross Robinson again Porcelain Playing on talk shows Big Day Out Festival While Oceana Sleeps Taking Back Control Napolean Solo And a ton more Check out his Girls Sumer Camp called You Rock where During two weeks in July, campers will learn to play an instrument, form a band, write an original song, and perform live on stage. Along with music instruction, campers will participate in community-building workshops, enjoy live musical performances, and more! Lastly I do whiteboard animations so if your marketing department has said recently “Hey, we need a whiteboard animation” then email me at mike@drive80.com ​Feel free to support  the podcast for as little as $1 a month through Patreon

Polar Bear Club was a post-hardcore/melodic punk band from upstate New York. They were active mostly from the mid-2000s to around 2015. Their sound was a mix of gruff, emotional vocals with melodic yet aggressive instrumentals. They released albums on Triple Crown Records, Bridge Nine Records and Rise Records. And toured with such bands as The Gaslight Anthem, Set Your Goals, Four Year Strong, Every Time I Die, The Bouncing Souls, Bad Religion, The Story So Far, Citizen, New Found Glory and Taking Back Sunday. I got Jimmy on the Skype and this is what we chat about: His band The Disaster 2 things that kickstarted them to tour Red Leader Records and Matt Rosenberg As ’Twere the Mirror Member changes Clash Battle Guilt Pride Bad tours His voice changing on the last record Audiotree How the band ended Will there be a reunion And a ton more Check out his new band Shy Tooth on Spotify and all the platforms Lastly I do whiteboard animations so if your marketing department has said recently “Hey, we need a whiteboard animation” then email me at mike@drive80.com.

Codeseven was an influential post-hardcore band from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. They started in the mid-1990s and evolved their sound significantly over time. Early in their career, they leaned heavily into metalcore, but as they progressed, their style shifted towards a more melodic, atmospheric post-hardcore sound, blending elements of rock and ambient music. Their album The Rescue (2002) is a standout, showcasing this evolution with its lush, experimental soundscapes. Codeseven disbanded in 2005 but reunited briefly for some shows in the early 2010s. They're often fondly remembered for their genre-defying creativity and emotional depth. I got Jon on the Skype and this is what we chat about: What it was like to tour recently Starting off with 2 singers Howard Stern critiquing their Boys of Summer cover Dave leaving the band Not wanting to headline Changing their sound Getting compared to Cave-In Mewithoutyou All The Best Dreams The Circa Survive tour in 2010 What brought on the new album And a ton more ​Feel free to support  the podcast for as little as $1 a month through Patreon Lastly I started doing whiteboard animations so if your marketing department has said recently “Hey, we need a whiteboard animation” then email me at mike@drive80.com.​ Get your Realtor Instagram Stickers by clicking here.