WSOU Interviews: Recent Episodes
Social Media
DJ Dramamine sits down with Tim "Ripper" Owens from KK's Priest to talk about their new album 'The Sinner Rides Again' and their current tour, stopping at Starland Ballroom on March 22nd!
In this episode of WSOU Off Air, Mika reviews the We Came as Romans DARKBLOOM Tour at Starland Ballroom!
James Labrie from Dream Theater sits down with WSOU to talk about the Dream Sonic Tour with Devin Townsend and Animals As Leaders. James discusses what went into this production, how he occupies his mind during a 20-minute long song, and a sneak peak of the tour's performances. Check it out!
Jamey Jasta sits down with WSOU to talk about Milwaukee Metal Fest, taking place May 26-28!
Jasta bought the rights to the festival last year, and after a 19 year hiatus, it will be back Memorial Day Weekend 2023.
The festival has many exciting acts, such as up and coming bands like Frozen Soul, thrash classics like Anthrax and Suicidal Tendencies, and the return of Biohazard!
Check out all this and more in this WSOU exclusive interview with Jamey Jasta!
Keep up with WSOU on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wsoufm Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/wsou Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wsou
Tim Charles from Ne Obliviscaris talks about their new album Exul in an exclusive interview with WSOU!This album is years in the making, with every second of every song being carefully perfected along the way. Charles says that "the beginnings of songwriting for this album started in May 2019...we were in Australia for an Australian tour and we kind of spent a week just kind of coming up with some initial ideas. The ones for these original songs, I mean some of them were even earlier than that."Listeners who crave long, epic storytelling will be incredibly satisfied by Exul. "I'm always looking for every sng to take the listener on a journey. That's what I enjoy about writing music for NeObliviscaris," Charles said.With epic violin lines, clean and guttural vocals, and multiple part songs, there is never a dull moment on the new Ne Obliviscaris album Exul. Check out all this and more in a WSOU 89.5 FM exclusive interview with Tim Charles from Ne Obliviscaris!
Check out all of this and more in Steve Vai's exclusive interview with WSOU 89.5 FM.Intro Graphics by: Audrey PenningtonIntro Music: Higher Octane by Vans In Japan Keep up with WSOU on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wsoufm Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/wsou Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wsou
Guitar legend Steve Vai talks about his latest album Vai/Gash in an exclusive WSOU interview!The album does not feature what many would expect from a Steve Vai record. It is a tribute to his fascination with motorcycle culture and the associated "classic rock" sound of the 70s. Vaisaid that he "was never really into cars or exotic old guitars or anything. But I was into studio gear and Harleys."The album features late friend of Vai Johnny "Gash" Sombrotto. "Gash didn't know how to do anything else but be entirely himself. No pretention, no placating a genre or a radio station or a record company...nothing!" Vai said. The two made the album so that Vai would have something to listen to when riding his motorcycle. However, the album ended up sitting on the shelf for almost 30 years...until 2023.Listeners can now explore the classic rock side of Vai on the album Vai/Gash and absorb the creative force of Johnny "Gash" Sombrotto. "This record transcends Steve Vai as a guitar player, artist, whatever," Vai remarks. "I'm a contributor...it's geared towards listening pleasure for people that love that old kind of 70s-80s straight ahead rock." Check out all of this and more in Steve Vai's exclusive interview with WSOU 89.5 FM.
Intro Graphics by: Audrey PenningtonIntro Music: Higher Octane by Vans In Japan Keep up with WSOU on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wsoufm Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/wsou Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wsou
Ben Gordon from Parkway Drive talks to WSOU about their latest album Darker Still! The album comes after a mental health break taken by the band after tensions rose during the making of the album. However, Ben assures WSOU and the fans that Parkway Drive is back and better than ever! While Glitch was the first single and song written off of the album, Gordon told WSOU that his favorite song to play is Soul Bleach. Even though he has learned to play drums in a more simple way during his career, Soul Bleach is where his talent gets to shine. Parkway Drive is on tour in the US and playing the Starland Ballroom on February 11th! Check out all of this and more in this WSOU exclusive interview with Ben Gordon from Parkway Drive!
Intro Graphics by: Audrey Pennington Intro Music: Higher Octane by Vans In Japan
Keep up with WSOU on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wsoufm Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/wsou Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wsou
WSOU caught up with Cory Brandan from Norma Jean to talk about their latest album Deathrattle Sing For Me.
This album explores some uncharted territory for the band. The lead single, "Call For the Blood," is a slower, more eclectic punk sound...a sharp contrast from the band's earlier metalcore sound. However, the track was well-received by critics and fans alike.
"Call For the Blood" leads into "Spearmint Revolt," which has a similar sound with several experimental elements.
Another aspect of this album that was new for Norma Jean was recording on a modular synthesizer, which was used to create many of the unorthodox sounds heard on the record.
Check out Cory talk about all this and more with WSOU 89.5 FM
Intro Graphics by: Audrey Pennington Intro Music: Higher Octane by Vans In Japan Keep up with WSOU on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wsoufm Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/wsou Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wsou
Show less
Max Portnoy from Tallah talks about the band's upcoming album The Generation of Danger!
Speaking on Tallah's unique "nu-core" sound, Max told us that "we all grew up listening to Slipknot, System [of a Down], those types of bands...nowadays we're listening to more hardcore...the influences are just there, [we're] just naturally, just taking from those types of heavy music."
Max has also said for The Generation of Danger, he wanted to take their first album and bring the intensity even harder.
"The last album was our debut...I obviously had like a sound in my head of what I wanted to be like but it didn't exist yet because I hadn't written it...it was a lot of figuring out kind of like how I wanted this heavy sound I had in my head to actually sound."
Check out Max Portnoy talk about all these things and more in his interview with WSOU 89.5 FM!
The Generation of Danger by Tallah is out November 18th, 2022
Intro Graphics by: Audrey Pennington Intro Music: Higher Octane by Vans In Japan Keep up with WSOU on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wsoufm Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/wsou Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wsou
WSOU interviews Jay Weinberg from Slipknot about their latest album The End, So Far.
"We've made three records together now, and each process has been wildly different than the one that preceded it."
The pandemic created an entirely new recording process for Slipknot. Jay learned how to record with the band during the making of The Gray Chapter, but for The End, So Far, he had to record demos on his electronic drum kit at home! However, he told us that "Aside from that, the dynamic is largely the same."
Many of these songs were also released while the band was on the road. With the return of touring and a new album, 2022 has been a big year for Slipknot. "It seems to feel like this whole resurgence and revitalized energy...we definitely feel that onstage," Jay said.
Watch Jay talk about all of these things and more in his interview with WSOU 89.5 FM!
Intro Graphics by: Audrey Pennington Intro Music: Higher Octane by Vans In Japan Keep up with WSOU on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wsoufm Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/wsou Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wsou
WSOU interviews James "Munky" Shaffer from Korn about their latest album Requiem, recording an album with two rhythm guitarists, and the nu-metal scene today.
WSOU last caught up with Korn in 2012 when we interviewed Fieldy. Since then, the band has released 4 studio albums. According to Munky, their most recent album Requiem had a unique recording process as well:
"This album we recorded on 2-inch tape...it captures something when you go live to tape...We've gone back to a lot of our analog gear because there's a warmth to it...there's just a spontaneity once you see that recording light turn red on a tape machine."
Brian "Head" Welch has also rejoined the band since our last interview with Korn. When asked how Korn records music with two non-lead guitar players, Munky said "We've discovered strengths that each of us have. He's very good at putting melody lines over the top of my weird chord voicings...and then I don't know how Jonathan does it, but he can sing over pretty much anything we write...which is incredible because we write some weird stuff!"
Check all this and more in our interview with James "Munky" Shaffer!
DJ Big Man sits down with dUg Pinnick from King's X. They discuss their latest album Three Sides of One, their lyrical inspiration, and their various musical influences.
Intro Graphics by: Audrey Pennington
Intro Music: Higher Octane by Vans In Japan
Keep up with WSOU on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wsoufm
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/wsou
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wsou
Patrick sits down with Chuck Billy to talk about the second leg of The Bay Strikes Back Tour, adjusting to a new drummer and familiar face, and the significance of Bay Area thrash.
Intro Graphics by: Audrey Pennington Intro Music: Higher Octane by Vans In Japan Keep up with WSOU on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wsoufm Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/wsou Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wsou
Patrick talks to Mark Morton from Lamb of God about their upcoming album Omens, their unique recording process, and getting back on the road
Intro Graphics by: Audrey Pennington Intro Music: Higher Octane by Vans In Japan Keep up with WSOU on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wsoufm Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/wsou Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wsou
Patrick talks to Scott Ian about 40 years of Anthrax, the band's underground beginnings, and the band's evolution following Fistful of Metal.
Patrick talks to metal YouTuber Nik Nocturnal about being a full-time music content creator, the latest trends in metal music, and his band Termina.
Intro Graphics by: Audrey Pennington
Intro Music: Higher Octane by Vans In Japan
Keep up with WSOU on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wsoufm
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/wsou
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wsou
John talks to Dave Haley from Psycroptic about the band's latest album Divine Council, their music-making process during recent years, and the band's return to touring.
Intro Graphics by: Audrey Pennington
Intro Music: Higher Octane by Vans In Japan
Keep up with WSOU on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wsoufm
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/wsou
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wsou
Patrick talks to Johan Soderberg from Amon Amarth about the band's latest album The Great Heathen Army, the band's loyal fanbase, and the unique subject matter of the band's lyrics.
Keep up with WSOU on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wsoufm
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/wsou
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wsou
Patrick talks to Dave Mustaine about Megadeth's upcoming album The Sick, the Dying... and the Dead!, Dave's battle with cancer, and the storyline that accompanies the album.
Sam sits down with Michael Monroe. They discuss his latest album, his wide range of musical influences, and his impact on glam metal.
Intro Graphics by: Audrey Pennington
Intro Music: Higher Octane by Vans In Japan
- Keep up with WSOU on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wsoufm * Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/wsou * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wsou
Patrick sits down with Blothar from Gwar. They discuss Gwar's latest concept album, writing music based on graphic novels, and what to expect from a Gwar show in 2022.
Keep up with WSOU on social media:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wsoufm
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/wsou
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wsou
Patrick sits down with Ryan Waste from Municipal Waste. They discuss Municipal Waste's latest release Electrified Brain, the process of making a Municipal Waste album, and staying true to their DIY roots.
Intro Graphics by: Audrey Pennington
Intro Music: Higher Octane by Vans In Japan
Keep up with WSOU on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wsoufm Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/wsou Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wsou
Patrick sits down with Cody from Wage War. They discuss Wage War's latest album Manic, the band's loyal fanbase, and what goes into a Wage War live show.
Intro Graphics by: Audrey Pennington
Intro Music: Higher Octane by Vans In Japan
Keep up with WSOU on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wsoufm Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/wsou Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wsou
Patrick sits down with James LaBrie to discuss his latest solo album, his classic rock roots, and Dream Theater's Images and Words' 30th anniversary.
Patrick talks to Dakota Alvarez from Hollow Front about their latest album The Price of Dreaming, their upcoming tour with August Burns Red, and Hollow Front's massive growth over the past two years.
Intro Graphics by: Audrey Pennington
Music: Higher Octane by Vans In Japan
Keep up with WSOU on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wsoufm
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/wsou
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wsou
Patrick talks to Wendy Dio about the release of the Super Deluxe edition of Holy Diver and the album's remarkable legacy.
Mika talks to Erik from Intoxicated about their latest studio album, touring with Andrew WK, and recording during the pandemic.
Ben sits down with Arch Enemy guitarist Michael Amott. They discuss their upcoming album Deceivers and the getting back on the road.
Patrick sits down with Stephen Brodsky from Cave In. They discuss Cave In's latest album Heavy Pendulum, the live aspects of Cave In's sound, recording and touring with Kurt Ballou, and more. Check it out!
Angelique sits down with Chuck from Simple Plan. They discuss Simple Plan's latest album Harder Than It Looks, the upcoming Blame Canada tour, the band's dedicated fan base, and much more. Enjoy!
Patrick sits down with Sam Loeffler from Chevelle. They discuss Chevelle's latest album Niratias, the evolution of Chevelle's unique sound, getting back on the road, and more. Check it out!
Valentino from WSOU interviews Spencer Charnas, the frontman for Ice Nine Kills. They discuss the band's new live acoustic EP, managing a clothing company while fronting a band, a live DVD coming soon, and deep cuts from the band's discography. This is a huge and exciting interview for anyone who enjoys hard rock and heavy metal. Ice Nine Kills' new EP Undead and Unplugged is available across all streaming platforms.
January 14, 2020 DJ Valentino talks with bassist Jeph Howard of The Used about what to expect on their much anticipated new studio album.
April 23, 2020 DJ Valentino interviewed Schmizz from The Wrecks to discuss the band's most recent album, Infinitely Ordinary.
February 12, 2020 DJ Valentino sits down with Teppei and Dustin from Thrice to talk about their record Vheissu during their 15th anniversary show in Jersey.
October 29, 2019 DJ Valentino interviews Tobi, lead vocalist of Trash Boat, about their most recent tour with The Wonder Years and their newest album.
May 14, 2020 DJ Valentino talks with Paolo of Trivium about their new album What The Dead Men Say and what it's like releasing an album during quarantine.
DJ Valentino talks with Chuck from Testament about their new album, which is set to be released in early 2020. Chuck said the album has many new musical aspects throughout his disccusion with Val, and he noted the tone of this upcoming album differs from previous albums. Any Testament fan anxiously awaiting to hear the new album definitely wants to check this interview out!discussion
DJ Valentino Interviews Taylor Markarian, author of From The Basement: A History of Emo Music and How It Changed Society. They go through every decade and wave of emo, dissecting the genre all the way until the present day. This is a perfect Under The Stars interview for everyone, from the classics to now. Stay Sad!
Valentino sits down with Nick Martin from Sleeping With Sirens and discusses their new album, How It Feels To Be Lost. They talk about how the album was made, choosing artwork, potential B-sides, and much more. For a band that has been around as long as them, they still have so much enthusiasm and passion. We at WSOU thoroughly enjoyed this interview and cannot wait to share it with the world.
WSOU's own Valentino Petrarca travels up to Boston to sit down with Shane Told, lead vocalist of the Post-Hardcore band Silverstein. They discusses their brand new album A Beautiful Place to Drownavailable on all streaming platforms now. Told talks about the album roll-out discuss process, purple aesthetic, guest features, and much more.
Valentino Petrarca talks to Set It Off about their new album, tour, record label switch, and the 25th Anniversary of Warped Tour.
DJ Valentino talks to Buddy from Senses Fail about their new Re-recorded EP From the Depths of Dreams and their most recent shows. They talk about all his unique microphone tricks, a support tour in 2020, and the new record expected to be released in 2021. You don't want to miss this one!
Val and DJ Chewie went to Sonic Temple Festival in Colombus, Ohio, and got to see and interview some of WSOU's favorite bands!
Val and DJ Chewie went to Sonic Temple Festival in Colombus, Ohio, and got to see and interview some of WSOU's favorite bands!
October 17, 2019
Under The Stars sent Valentino to talk with Nathan from Microwave about their brand new album; Death is a Warm Blanket.
November 12, 2019
DJ Valentino talks to Derek from Mayday Parade about their Anywhere But Here ten year anniversary shows, headlining the first Sad Summer Festival, and what Emo means to them.
February 19, 2020
Kirk Windstien talks to WSOU's own Isabella about his new album, writing process, and future efforts.
May 15, 2020
DJ Valentino talks to Ian Wheeler, a co-founder of Partisan Records and Talkhouse.
October 15, 2019
DJ Valentino talks to Dallon from I Don't Know How But They Found Me about their new EP, upcoming album, and influences.
April 4, 2020
Under The Stars host Valentino Petrarca interviews Alex from First and Forever. They discuss their upcoming EP and what it will sound like.
September 20,2019
DJ Valentino talks with Herman Li from Dragonforce about their brand new album, Extreme Power Metal