This Was The Scene Podcast

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Mae is an American alternative rock and emo band formed in Norfolk, Virginia, in 2001. Known for their melodic songwriting, atmospheric sound, and uplifting lyrics, they became a standout act in the mid-2000s emo scene with albums like Destination: Beautiful and The Everglow. Rather than leaning into angst, Mae built a loyal following through themes of hope, self-reflection, and personal growth. Their energetic live shows and strong connection with fans helped them earn a lasting place alongside many of the era's most respected independent bands. More than two decades later, Mae continues to be celebrated as one of the most thoughtful and enduring bands to emerge from the 2000s alternative scene.
Sounding like Jimmy Eat World
His first band Unsung Zeros
Joining MAE
Seeing color when you hear music
Writing Everglow
The band's take on religion
Singularity
Helping charities while on tour
And a ton more
Follow whatismae to keep an eye out for their new album that's coming out on Equalvision Records.

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…And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead formed in Austin, Texas in the mid-'90s, led by longtime creative partners Conrad Keely and Jason Reece. The band quickly became known for explosive live shows, smashed gear, instrument swapping, and a sound that blended post-hardcore, noise rock, punk, and indie rock. Their early albums built a strong underground following before they signed with Interscope Records and released Source Tags & Codes in 2002. That album became the band's breakthrough, featuring songs like "Another Morning Stoner," "Relative Ways," and "How Near, How Far." Over the years, Trail of Dead continued experimenting with everything from sprawling concept albums to progressive and orchestral rock while keeping their raw energy intact. More than 25 years into their career, they remain one of the most unpredictable and ambitious bands to come out of the late-'90s indie and post-hardcore scene.
I got Conrad and Jason on the Zoom and this is what we chat about:
Growing up in Seattle scene
Sneaking into a studio to record their first album
Merge Records
Interscope Records
Recording Source Tags & Codes
Trashing their equipment during their sets
Will You Smile Again
The Jesus Lizard story
Their thoughts on Spotify and streaming
The Slipknot story (you don't want to miss this one)
And a ton more
Go give Conrad's Patreon a follow
Catch Jason's band on tour and give their instagram a follow.
Check out their show with Frank Turner on Sept 27 in Dallas, TX at Southside Ballroom.

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Senses Fail emerged from New Jersey in 2002 and became one of the defining bands of the 2000s post hardcore and emo scene. Known for blending melodic hooks with aggressive instrumentation, the band built a devoted following through emotionally raw lyrics and high energy live performances. Frontman Buddy Nielsen has remained the driving force behind the group, guiding its evolution through multiple lineup changes while continuing to release new music. Albums like Let It Enfold You, Still Searching, and Life Is Not a Waiting Room helped cement Senses Fail as a staple for fans of heartfelt, cathartic rock. More than two decades into their career, the band continues to tour and create music while influencing a new generation of artists in the alternative scene.
Shot out to Ryan Dominguez from Tokyo Rose for suggesting this convo and helping Mike and I connect. Which we did on the Zoom and this is what we chat about:
His thoughts on who's winning in the music industry
Tokyo Rose
Johnny KillBrand
Drive Thru and Vagrant
Is Dave Flores the inspiration for the artwork of Let It Enfold You
Leaving the band
Penfold
How he helped get Let It Enfold You certified
And a ton more
Please buy some merch if you'd like to help out.

Go follow my new podcast 2 Dudes 1 Scene Podcast with Dan Bollen.
And follow my IG @thiswasthescene
Small Towns Burn a Little Slower was a Minneapolis/St. Paul band that blended emo, indie rock, and pop punk into a sound that felt both melodic and emotionally raw. Formed in 2002, they quickly built a loyal following through relentless touring and releases on Rise Records, Triple Crown Records, and Dead Letter Records. Their 2005 full length, Mortality as Home Entertainment, earned them recognition from Alternative Press as one of its "100 Bands You Should Know About." Their music paired soaring hooks with introspective lyrics, making them a standout in the mid 2000s emo scene alongside many of the era's rising bands. Although they called it a day in 2008, their catalog has continued to find new listeners and remains a favorite among fans of heartfelt, guitar driven punk and emo.
Chitty from Houston Calls mentioned them on his interview so I gave them a listen, dug it, got them on the Zoom, and this is what we chat about:
The Minnesota scene
The bread theft
Getting on Rise Records
Their first tour being 3 months long
Triple Crown Records
Recording with Ed Rose
Auditioning for Drive Thru
Myspace
Kind of getting screwed by Immortal Records
And a ton more
Ryan has a new EP so go check it out.
Give Toilet Rats and We Are The Willows a listen wherever you do the streaming thing.

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If you live north of Boston, on the North Shore, in Southern New Hampshire, or Maine, meet Joyleaf Interiors.
Your home shouldn't look like a furniture showroom. It should look like you. Whether it's a vinyl collection you've spent years building, concert posters from unforgettable shows, or vintage treasures with a story to tell, Joyleaf Interiors helps turn the things you love into a space full of personality and character.
Shannon and Allison specialize in creating warm, authentic homes using what you already own, helping you avoid costly redesigns and trendy looks that quickly fade.
Website JoyLeafInteriors.com
IG - Joyleafinteriors
The Early November is an influential emo and alternative rock band from New Jersey that emerged in the early 2000s and became a staple of the scene alongside many of the era's defining acts. Known for frontman Ace Enders' heartfelt songwriting and dynamic vocals, the band blends introspective lyrics with a mix of acoustic melodies and energetic rock arrangements. Their breakthrough album, *The Room's Too Cold*, helped establish a loyal fanbase and remains a favorite among emo enthusiasts. More than two decades into their career, The Early November continues to tour, release new music, and connect with audiences through their honest, emotionally driven sound.
I got Jeff on the Zoom and this is what we chat about:
Their current merch designs
Chris Barker
Someone's girlfriend helping them get on Drive Thru
A ton about The Mother, the Mechanic, and the Path
What's the relationship Drive thru records
Internal fighting in the band
Getting back together after taking a break
Flipping their van
And a ton more
Check out footballhead which he gives a shot out to at the end.