You Make The Scene

On this episode of the podcast, I welcome back Chris Kelly of Hillhaven for his first return appearance since our last conversation. It was great catching up and hearing everything that has happened in the Hillhaven camp over the past year, from new music and music videos to live shows and the continued growth of the band.A big part of our discussion centers around the band's latest single Dead Doesn't Hurt, diving into the creative process behind the track, its themes, and how it fits into the band's evolving sound. Chris shares insight into what inspired the song, how it came together, and why it feels like an important step forward for Hillhaven.Beyond the music, we spend time talking about life updates, the realities of balancing creativity with everything else that comes with being a working musician, and what the future holds for the band. It’s the kind of conversation that feels like catching up with an old friend while also getting a behind-the-scenes look at a band that continues to build momentum. If you've been following Hillhaven or are just discovering them, this is a great episode to jump into.

In this episode of You Make The Scene, we welcome David of Bike Routes back to the podcast for the first time in about a year and a half. It was great catching up and hearing everything that's happened since our last conversation, from life on the road to the continued growth of the band.We spend time talking about the touring they've done over the past year and a half, the experiences that come with bringing their music to new audiences, and how those experiences have influenced the band's perspective and songwriting. We also dive into the creative process behind their upcoming album, Prairie, which arrives June 26th, discussing how the songs came together and what listeners can expect from this new chapter of Bike Routes.As always, the conversation goes well beyond just the music. We reflect on the journey the band has been on, the lessons learned along the way, and everything that comes with building a project over time. It's a relaxed and genuine catch-up with an artist who's continued to evolve since the last time he joined the show.Check out the full conversation and be sure to keep an eye out for Prairie when it drops on June 26th.

On this episode of the podcast, I’m joined by Crispin Earl of The Veer Union for an open and honest conversation about where the band is right now and what it takes to keep pushing forward. We dive into their upcoming album Reinvention, dropping February 20th via Arising Empire, and talk about how this release represents a real creative reset for the band.Crispin shares what it is really like touring when you are not based in the United States, the rising costs that come with it, and how those challenges impact everything from routing to sustainability. We also talk about writing as a form of mental relief, using music to work through personal struggles, and why staying honest in songwriting still matters. It is a grounded conversation that touches on the business, the creativity, and the mental side of life in a touring band.

In this episode of You Make The Scene, we sit down with Derrick Ryan of Minute After Midnight for a conversation that covers everything from fresh starts to big milestones. Derrick opens up about the grind of launching a new project, what it’s been like transitioning from past bands, and finding his footing with something that feels genuinely personal.We dive into the story behind his new single Machocist, how it came together, and the mindset behind the track. Derrick also talks about what it means to be signed to Fearless Records, the journey to get there, and what fans can expect moving forward.This episode is all about growth, finding your voice, and putting in the work when no one’s watching. Whether you’re new to Minute After Midnight or have followed Derrick’s journey for a while, this one gives a real look into the passion and persistence behind the music.

On this episode of the You Make The Scene podcast, I sat down with the guys from Downswing for a powerful and honest conversation about growth, perseverance, and finding their footing again in a post-pandemic world. We talked about how the band has evolved since their early days, shaping a sound that hits harder and feels more refined without losing the emotion that’s always driven their music.The guys opened up about how COVID derailed the momentum of their first record, forcing them to take a step back and rethink their creative process. That break, while frustrating, ultimately gave them a new perspective on what they wanted to say and how they wanted to say it.We also dove deep into their new album And Everything Was Dark, talking about the writing process, recording sessions, and the themes that came out of those long stretches of uncertainty and reflection. It’s a record that feels cathartic, personal, and powerful—a perfect reflection of a band that’s still pushing forward with something to prove.

On this episode of the You Make The Scene podcast, I sat down with the guys from Fight From Within for an honest and wide-ranging conversation. We dug into how the band has worked to define their sound, carving out a space that feels authentic to who they are while still connecting with fans on a deeper level.We also talked about their journey to becoming hometown heroes, the grind it took to get there, and the satisfaction of proving doubters wrong along the way. The band’s story is one of persistence, resilience, and the kind of passion that only comes from giving everything you’ve got to the music.Of course, we dove into their brand new album Talk Is Cheap, discussing the writing process, the themes behind the songs, and what this record means to them as a milestone in their career. Packed with energy, heart, and plenty of insight, this conversation shows exactly why Fight From Within is a band worth paying attention to.

On this episode of the You Make The Scene podcast, I caught up with Austin of Rex Tycoon for a laid-back but wide-ranging conversation about where the band is now and what’s coming next. We talked about signing with Smartpunk Records, the journey behind their upcoming album No Limit 2 Luv (dropping August 1st), and how they’ve grown as a band both sonically and creatively.Austin shared insight into what it was like recording in a professional studio for the first time, stepping away from self-recording, and how that shift pushed the band into new territory. We also got into what it means to define your sound when you're not interested in staying in one lane. There’s plenty in this episode for fans of the band and for anyone who loves seeing artists figure out who they are and what they want to say.Follow Rex Tycoon:Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/rextycoonLinkTree - https://linktr.ee/rextycoon