Braid was a highly influential emo/post-hardcore band from Illinois that helped define the genre in the mid to late 90s. After much demand, in April 2010 Polyvinyl re-issued their first two full lengths as well as the Movie Music volumes.  I got a chance to discuss with the band their history, DVD release, influences, vinyl collections, those re-issues and so much more.

Walter Schreifels started out his career in hardcore legends Youth of Today and Gorilla Biscuits deeply immersed in the DC/NYC hardcore scene.  Since then, he has rocked out in Quicksand and currently Rival Schools.  He has also released a few solo albums between projects.  Look out for a new Rival Schools record later this year.

The Black Widows are a new band the features Former By the Grace of God members Rob Pennington and Thommy Browne. They've teamed up with former National Acrobat Members, and siblings, Ryan and Evan Patterson, after the demise of the two bands and became Black Widows. Ryan tells us about working with engineer Brenden Gamble, their new record which will be out in spring 2003 on Equal Vision Records, and much more.

Formed from the remains of Long Island's famed Silent Majority and Inside, Tom Comerford has come back to the scene with his new band, Blood Red. Blood Red is the next chapter, and this new band couldn't be farther away from Silent Majority in terms of sound. The band sites such influences as U2. We talked to bassist Vincent, who also happens to be Tom's brother.

Jeff Davidson of Catch 22 recently sat down with me after their show and had a heart to heart talk about the band and other big issues in music today.  Their new album, Alone In The Crowd was just released.

Cougars have just released their debut album on Go Kart records entitled, Nice, Nice. The band is next set to release a EP on Thick Records entitled, Manhandler. The band formed from the ashes of Hot Stove Jimmy who rocked with two albums before their demise. The band has created a wall of technical sound that echoes the last Hot Stove Jimmy album, Theme For A Major Hit.

After leaving Further Seems Forever Chris Carabba went on to form Dashboard Confessional.  When The Swiss Army Romance was released, only months later Chris was signed to Vagrant Records.  Barley a month later, Chris is about to release his second full length, The Places You've Come To Fear The Most.  This interview was done by phone.

The Jazz June could be one of the most underrated bands I have come across. They have released great albums that all take the band into new territory on each release respectably. We caught up with Andrew Low to see whats the latest news with the band and also what makes the band tick.

Recently I got a chance to catch up with Gabe and Rob from Midtown before their show in Chicago at The Metro. The band is one of the many hot bands coming out of New Jersey. Their first release Save The Day, Loose The Girl is a rock and roll album not to be missed.  Subjects ranged from Napster to politics and third parties.

The Movielife's debut on Revelation Records, This Time Next Year has been very popular. The band was recently in a traffic accident which made them cancel a month of touring. The Movielife are coming back strong though and will begin to get back on the road shortly, so check them out if they come to your town, they are not to be missed.

New Found Glory have been a band for a while, but things really didn't take off until this past year when they released their S/T album on MCA Records.  Since then they have gotten only bigger and garnered radio air play, and spots on late shows like Conan Obrien.  I had a chance to sit down and have a chat with Ian from the band after their show at The Metro.

Ryan Durkin, candidate for President of the United States, recently took the time for questions at his head campaign offices in Chicago where he answered all my questions thoughtfully. What transpired was as series of well thought out questions that revolved around drugs, John Kerry, Durkin’s chat sessions with Ralph Nader, Mean Girls, Spy Kids 2, and much more. As such, we proudly endorse Ryan Durkin For President. When it comes down to all the candidates, Ryan Durkin is the only man who can lead our country to prosperity, peace, and morality. Not to much mention rock n’ roll.

Slowreader is the new band that features Rory and Gabe from the Impossibles. The band have just released their debut S/T album. Critics everywhere are raving about it, and rightfully so. We talked to Rory Philips about the new project.

Sig Transit Gloria called it quits at the height of success after a successful run on Johanns Face.  The band released an EP, LP, and various songs for compilations. STG called it quits in 2001 when this interview was done, in early 2009 the band played a reunion show.

Jamie Woolford recently chatted with me about upcoming plans for the Stereo’s official web site, the story behind the rest of the Stereo leaving, his days with Animal Chin, plans for a 12” cover disc, and many other things as you can see. This interview was done by phone.

You're Not Looking So Good was the band's last full length and it completely floored me when I first heard it. Suicide Note displays a lot of influences into their style of hardcore, jazz, and wicked time signatures. I got the chance to chat with Bob and Jason before their show about the band about their various influences, Ferret, their record label, and much more.

I had a chance to talk to singer Tim, who sings for Rise Against as well as The Killing Tree. Many things were discussed including Chicago music old and new. Tim also gave me some good insight into his old band Baxter which came before The Killing Tree and Rise Against were even conceived.

Vortis features Chicago Sun Times music critic Jim DeRogatis as well as Depaul professor, Mike W. God Won't Bless America is the group’s second album on Thick Records, and most of the songs were written in the period between 9/11 and America’s invasion of Iraq. The disc was recorded live before a crowd of fans at Überstudio Chicago and all of the performances were first takes—to better capture the energy of the vortex. I was able to chat with Mike W. (FT) and Jerry from Votis about their new album as well as the state of world affairs.