Episodes

This week on The Rumors Are True, we're joined by Justin Jones, drummer and founding member of idle threat, the Nashville-based rock band signed to Tooth & Nail Records. Justin shares the story behind the band's formation, their DIY beginnings, and the journey that led them to one of the most respected labels in alternative and heavy music. We talk about the passion that drives idle threat, the band's message of hope through struggle, and the experiences that have shaped their music over the yea...

This week on The Rumors Are True, we welcome Erick Newbill from Fair and Subways on the Sun. Erick joins us for an in-depth conversation about his musical journey, from joining Aaron Sprinkle's acclaimed alternative rock band Fair to fronting the Seattle indie rock outfit Subways on the Sun. We dive into the creative process behind both bands, the evolution of his songwriting, balancing music with life, and the stories behind the records that have connected with fans over the years. We also dis...

This week on The Rumors Are True, we're joined by Dan Didier, drummer for The Promise Ring, Maritime, Vermont, and more. Dan has been an integral part of the independent music scene for decades, helping shape the sound of one of the most influential emo and indie rock bands of the late '90s before continuing his musical journey with Maritime and other projects. In this conversation, Dan reflects on the early days of The Promise Ring, the band's lasting legacy, life on the road, songwriting, rec...

On this episode of The Rumors Are True, we welcome Ryan Dominguez from the band Tokyo Rose. Ryan joins us for a conversation about the formation of Tokyo Rose, the New Jersey emo and pop-punk scene of the early 2000s, and the journey that led the band from local shows to national tours, the Vans Warped Tour, and the release of beloved albums including Reinventing a Lost Art, New American Saint, and The Promise in Compromise. We also dive into the stories behind the albums, discussing the produ...

On this episode of The Rumors Are True, Jeremy welcomes Chris Raines for an in-depth conversation about his remarkable journey through some of heavy music's most influential underground bands. Chris reflects on the early days of Spitfire, a pioneering Virginia Beach metalcore band that helped shape the sound of heavy music in the late 1990s and early 2000s. He shares stories from recording albums such as The Dead Next Door, navigating lineup changes, relentless touring, and the band's lasting im...

On this episode of The Rumors Are True, Jeremy sits down with brothers James Tuttle and Jon Tuttle of the influential North Carolina band Codeseven and the atmospheric post-Codeseven project Telescreen. The conversation traces the band's journey from their early hardcore and metal roots in the mid-1990s through their evolution into one of the most innovative and melodic acts in underground rock. James and Jon share stories from the creation of landmark releases such as A Sense of Coalition, The ...

The Rumors Are True Podcast welcomes Chris Daly, legendary drummer known for his work with Texas Is the Reason, Jets to Brazil, 108, Ressurection, and many other influential projects. Chris joins the show to look back on his incredible journey through the hardcore, post-hardcore, and indie rock scenes—from the raw intensity of early ’90s hardcore with Ressurection and 108, to helping shape the emotional and melodic sound of Texas Is the Reason, and later creating timeless records with Jets to Br...

In this special returning guest episode of The Rumors Are True, Jeremy welcomes back Johnathon Ford and Matthew Putman from the acclaimed instrumental post-rock band Unwed Sailor. As longtime collaborators and creative partners, Johnathon and Matthew dive deep into the band's remarkable journey, reflecting on the evolution of Unwed Sailor and the creative vision that has guided the band through multiple eras of independent music. A major focus of this conversation is a deep dive into Unwed Sail...

On this episode of The Rumors Are True, Jeremy welcomes Bob Nanna from the influential bands Braid, Hey Mercedes, etc. for a conversation diving deep into the roots of emo, independent music culture, songwriting, and the lasting impact of the underground scene. Bob reflects on the early days of Braid, the creative energy that surrounded the Midwest punk and emo movement, and how those experiences shaped both his music and personal life over the years. The discussion explores the transition from...

On this episode of The Rumors Are True, Jeremy sits down with Christopher Lee Lewis from the post-hardcore band The Kinison for a deep conversation about music, chaos, creativity, and the journey that took the band from small-town Illinois to sharing stages with some of the biggest names in alternative rock. Known for their explosive energy, emotionally charged songwriting, and cult classic album What Are You Listening To?, The Kinison left a lasting mark on the early 2000s underground scene. C...

On this episode of The Rumors Are True, Jeremy is joined by Stephen Laurenson from Copeland, along with discussions surrounding his work in States, Abloom, and Demure. Stephen reflects on his time with Copeland and the band’s lasting influence on the indie and alternative scene through their emotionally rich songwriting, ambient textures, and deeply personal live performances. The conversation explores the creative process behind the music, life on the road, and how Copeland built a dedicated fa...

On this episode of The Rumors Are True, Jeremy sits down with Mark Rose from the legendary Spitalfield to talk about the rise of the early 2000s emo and post-hardcore scene, the band’s journey through the Chicago music community, and the lasting impact of albums like Remember Right Now. Mark reflects on the formative years of Spitalfield, touring life, songwriting, and what it was like navigating the changing landscape of alternative music during a pivotal era for independent bands. The convers...

In this episode of The Rumors Are True, Jeremy sits down with Bradley Swanson, known for his work in Pep Squad and The Company, for an honest and reflective conversation about his journey through music, creativity, and personal growth. Bradley shares stories from the early days of both bands, offering insight into the DIY spirit, the relationships that shaped the music, and the challenges of navigating a constantly evolving scene. Fans of underground and independent music will appreciate the beh...

In this episode of The Rumors Are True, Jeremy sits down with Dave Elkins of Mae for a deep, reflective journey through the band’s entire catalog—tracing the evolution of both the music and the meaning behind it. From the early days of Destination: Beautiful through the fan-favorite The Everglow and into the more experimental and expansive later releases, the conversation highlights how each record represents a specific season of life, creativity, and intention. Mae’s identity as a “multisensory...

In this episode of The Rumors Are True, Jeremy sits down with Dale Thompson, the unmistakable voice behind the legendary Christian metal band Bride. Known for their bluesy, hard rock edge and fearless approach to faith and music, Dale reflects on the early days of Bride, sharing stories from the band’s rise in the late ’80s and ’90s and the challenges of carving out a unique space in both the Christian and mainstream rock scenes. His candid perspective offers a deeper look at the passion and con...

In this episode of The Rumors Are True, Jeremy sits down with Jackson Mould of Slick Shoes to dig into the roots and evolution of one of the most beloved bands in the late ‘90s and early 2000s punk scene. As a founding member and guitarist, Jackson reflects on the early days of the band forming in Southern California, the DIY spirit that fueled their rise, and how their sound helped shape a generation of melodic skate punk fans. The conversation highlights the band’s journey through lineup chang...

On this episode of The Rumors Are True, Jeremy sits down with Stephen Keech, best known as the longtime front man of Haste the Day, to unpack his journey through one of the most influential eras of metalcore. The conversation dives into Stephen stepping into the band during a pivotal transition and helping shape albums like Pressure the Hinges, as well as the intense touring years that built their passionate fanbase. Together, they reflect on the band’s early momentum, their eventual breakup, an...

On this episode of The Rumors Are True, Jeremy sits down with J. Robbins—a defining voice in post-hardcore and independent music. Known for his work with Jawbox, Burning Airlines, and Government Issue, Robbins shares stories from his decades-spanning career, from the early days of the D.C. punk scene to shaping the sound of countless influential records as a producer. The conversation dives into the evolution of underground music, the DIY ethos that defined an era, and how those roots still infl...

In this episode of The Rumors Are True, Jeremy sits down with Michael Abrams of Valley of Doves, a standout artist from the influential indie label Fever Ltd., for a thoughtful and engaging conversation about music, creativity, and the stories behind the songs. Michael reflects on the origins of Valley of Doves, the band’s sonic direction, and how their connection with Fever Ltd. helped shape their artistic identity. The discussion dives into the challenges and rewards of creating music in a nic...

In this episode of The Rumors Are True podcast, Jeremy sits down with Matt Greiner from the influential metalcore band August Burns Red. Matt shares the story of how the band formed in Pennsylvania and how their passion for heavy music, faith, and relentless touring helped shape them into one of the most respected bands in modern metalcore. He reflects on the early days of playing local shows, the grind of life on the road, and how the band steadily built a loyal global fanbase through their tec...

In this episode of The Rumors Are True podcast, Jeremy sits down with Jon Berndtson of The Beautiful Mistake for an honest and reflective conversation about music, faith, and the band’s enduring legacy in the independent and alternative scene. Jon shares the story of how the band formed in Southern California and how their sound evolved as they began writing emotional, melodic music that connected deeply with listeners in the early 2000s underground scene. Throughout the discussion, Jon looks ba...

In this special episode of The Rumors Are True, host Jeremy welcomes Leanor Ortega Till of Five Iron Frenzy and Matt Johnson, whose work spans influential bands like Roadside Monument and Blenderhead, for a rich conversation about their personal musical journeys and the wider culture that shaped them. The discussion begins with Leanor’s memories of breaking into the lively 90s ska and punk scene and how her experiences in Five Iron Frenzy helped define the sound and community that resonated with...

On this episode of The Rumors Are True, we welcome Nick Radovanovic — known for his time with Acceptance and the punk outfit Hangnail. Nick reflects on his early introduction to punk and hardcore, the DIY spirit that shaped his musical foundation, and the relentless touring years that helped forge both his sound and his character. From basement shows to bigger stages, he shares stories about the relationships, challenges, and defining moments that came with being part of a tight-knit scene. Bey...

In this episode of The Rumors Are True, Jeremy Alan Gould sits down with Jeremy Chatelain for an in-depth conversation about his journey through some of the most influential corners of hardcore, alternative rock, and indie music. Jeremy reflects on his early days in Utah’s hardcore scene playing in Insight and Iceburn, where the DIY ethos and tight-knit community helped shape his musical foundation and work ethic. The conversation moves into his time fronting Handsome, the New York–based superg...