This Was The Scene Podcast

Go follow my new podcast 2 Dudes 1 Scene Podcast with Dana Bollen.
And follow my IG @thiswasthescene
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.

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This is part 2 from last week's episode which you can find wherever you podcast :)
And here are the rest of the things Chitty and I chat about:
How was it being on Drive Thru Records
Mark Hoppus wanting to produce their record
Touring with Day At The Fair
Mustachio
How the band ended
And a ton more
Go support his wife's business over at triangleschoolconsulting.com. She helps families navigate the often overwhelming process of choosing the right school for their child, offering personalized guidance for PreK through 12th grade placements across public, charter, magnet, and private schools in the Triangle area. The firm combines deep local knowledge with a child-centered approach to help parents make confident, informed educational decisions.

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Formed in New Jersey in the late 1990s, Houston Calls blended pop punk energy with catchy melodies and heartfelt songwriting. The band quickly built a loyal following through relentless touring and a string of well-received releases. 
Their sound balanced upbeat hooks with lyrics that captured the uncertainty and excitement of young adulthood. 
Albums like A Collection of Short Stories and The End of an Error helped establish them as a favorite within the mid-2000s pop punk scene. Known for their polished musicianship and memorable choruses, Houston Calls shared stages with many of the genre's biggest acts during their run. Though no longer active, their music remains a nostalgic touchstone for fans of that era's melodic punk and emo-influenced sound.
I got Chitty on the Zoom and this is what we chat about:
Where "Chitty" came from
Face First
As Tall As Lions
Changing the name to Houston Calls and then dropping some members
Being on the latest Drive Thru RSD release this year
Getting signed to Drive Thru but having the first release put out on Rushmore Records
Recording with Ed Rose
Having a hard time recording vocals for the first record
Who Bob and Bonnie is about
Pulling inspiration from Saves the Day
And a ton more
Check out his new songs under the name Throw thermal pod on Spotify and band camp. These are his personal songs that he now puts out to the world.