Long Live the Music is a podcast made by music fans for music fans. Hosted by Kiel Hauck, Kyle Schultz, and Nadia Alves, Long Live the Music is a free-flowing conversation about the music that is impacting our lives, our hearts, and our communities. You'll hear conversations with some of your favorite bands and artists, writers and aficionados, and music lovers from all walks. Listen in - then come join the discussion at itsalldead.com.
The month of March brought a tidal wave of new metalcore albums from some of the genre's best bands. Kiel Hauck and Nadia Alves break it all down, diving into new albums from Architects, Spiritbox, and Underoath. They debate which album rose to the top and how each album fits into each respective band's discography. Take a listen as they do a deep dive on The Sky, The Earth & All Between, Tsunami Sea, and The Place After This One.
We're just a week away from Tsunami Sea, the new album from Canadian metalcore act Spiritbox. Kiel Hauck and Nadia Alves hop on the pod to share their early impressions of the new singles and the band's new aesthetic, as well as discuss their rise to stardom in the metal world. They also break down vocalist Courtney LaPlante's recent meme-worthy moment on the Grammy's red carpet and she has come to be an icon of sorts. Listen in!
Another year is in the books so Kiel Hauck and Nadia Alves hopped on the pod to break it all down, including their best albums and songs of the year and much more. They also took some time to discuss the music they discovered in 2024 that wasn't necessarily new, but still impacted them nonetheless. Take a listen!
You may have heard, but a new Taylor Swift album is coming - and fast! Swift announced her new album MIdnights at the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards last weekend. Before the album drops on October 21st, Kiel Hauck and Nadia Alves hopped on the podcast to break it all down. Kiel and Nadia discuss the surprise announcement, the fascinating album concept, and what we might expect from this very unexpected release. Take a listen!
We're back! And so are some of our favorite bands! Since we've been gone, Anberlin returned with a new EP titled Silverline, their first new music release in eight years. Nadia Alves joins Kiel Hauck to break down the release and why it feels so surreal to have Anberlin back in our lives. Then the two discuss the upcoming return of Paramore. We know there's a new album coming, but we don't know when. We actually don't know much, at all. But Kiel and Nadia read the tea leaves and speculate about what could be a monumental moment for Hayley Williams and company. Take a listen!
Friday marked the release of Rub Some Dirt On It, the 9th studio album from Emery. Vocalist and bassist Devin Shelton joined Kiel Hauck on the show to talk about the new album and explain how the band's creative process has evolved over the years. Shelton also discusses the band's unique history and trajectory, and how their experiences early in their career set them up for a second act that has involved much more than just making music. Devin also talks scene nostalgia, playing shows post-pandemic, and this summer's upcoming Labeled Fest. Take a listen!
Friday marks the release of Heal My Head, the new album from Massachusetts alt rock trio Valleyheart. Vocalist and guitarist Kevin Klein joined us on the show to chat with our own Nadia Alves about the band's sonic progression on this new record and what inspired them to explore new territory. Klein also shares about his songwriting process and how exploring past trauma allowed himself and the band to tap into new and powerful stories that serve as the heartbeat of Heal My Head. Take a listen, and then go snag the album on Friday!
There was a moment in time, not so long ago, when Katy Perry was not only the biggest pop star on the planet, but one of the biggest pop stars of all time. Kiel Hauck is joined by Nadia Alves as they look back on the illustrious and unexpected career of Katy Perry - from unknown Christian artist to everyone's favorite "bad" girl. The duo discuss the impact of Teenage Dream on pop music at large and debate whether the album is actually her best (spoiler alert: it's not). They also rank every Katy Perry studio album and list their top 10 Katy Perry songs. Listen in!
Remember that time where Scott Pilgrim wanted to date Ramona Flowers, but first he had to defeat her seven deadly exes? Wild stuff. Anyway, we decided to come up with the seven albums you would have to listen to in order to date us. Kiel Hauck is joined by Kyle Schultz and Nadia Alves as they list the seven albums that define their journey, showcase their taste, and tell their story. It's an admittedly weird exercise, but it sure was fun! Listen in. Special thanks to alissaaamay for the inspiration!
Ah yes. The sun is shining. The flowers are blooming. The birds are chirping. Time to roll down the windows and blast some of our favorite music to celebrate the season. On this episode of Long Live the Music, Kiel Hauck is joined by Kyle Schultz and Nadia Alves to discuss the traits that make for the perfect spring album. They then break down their favorite albums to celebrate springtime and talk about why those albums resonate so well this time of year. They also discuss some great new releases, including the new album from Dashboard Confessional. Listen in!
It's been 10 years since fun. released Some Nights, which vaulted the band into stardom when hit single "We Are Young" took over the charts in 2012. On this episode of Long Live the Music, Kiel Hauck is joined by MTV News writer Sam Manzella to look back on the album, the impact it made during a transitional moment in popular music, and the quasi-fallout of the band that resulted in very divergent paths for both Jack Antonoff and Nate Ruess. The two also discuss Antonoff's impact on pop music in the years since the album's release and the chances of a fun. reunion ever taking place. Take a listen! You can read Sam's MTV News retrospective feature on Some Nights here: https://www.mtv.com/news/3184017/fun-we-are-young-new-retro/
On this episode of Long Live the Music, Kiel Hauck is joined by fellow music journalist Evan Sawdey of PopMatters and Yardbarker to discuss a recent article titled, "The Definitive Ranking of Every Visual Album." Sawdey shares the genesis of the piece and the qualifications used to define what a visual album actually is. Evan also breaks down the key elements of a great visual album and what it looked like to consume and then rank each piece of work. Kiel and Evan also dive into several visual albums on the list, including those from Beyonce, Justin Bieber, Fall Out Boy, Kanye West, Halsey and much more. Take a listen!
Check out Evan's article here: https://www.yardbarker.com/entertainment/articles/the_definitive_ranking_of_every_visual_album/s1__37140956
Last week, we were gifted with the festival lineup of every scene kid's dreams. When We Were Young Festival, taking place over two days in October at the Los Vegas Festival Grounds, features a lineup so stacked that it's hard to comprehend. Kyle Schultz and Nadia Alves join Kiel Hauck to breakdown the full lineup and talk through the logistics of what will undeniably be an insane weekend. They also share their short list of "must see bands," discuss some acts that got left off the bill, and debate the potential drawbacks of the weekend. Take a listen!
A new year is here, which means that another 12 months of new music is on its way. Kiel Hauck is joined by Kyle Schultz and Nadia Alves as they look forward to some of their most anticipated albums and events of 2022. But before diving into what's on their wish list, they look back on 2021, discussing some of their favorite albums and a few albums and artists that may have been overlooked. Listen in - and then tell us your most anticipated albums of 2022!
It's been a week since Taylor Swift blessed us with Red (Taylor's Version). And we have thoughts! Kiel Hauck is joined by fellow It's All Dead-ians Kyle Schultz and Nadia Alves to delve into the nooks and crannies of all 30 tracks of this new release. They share takes on the best and most interesting re-recorded songs and weigh in some of the best "From the Vault" tracks that round out the album. Is the 10-minute version of "All Too Well" better than the original? Are there still easter eggs within the album that have yet to be uncovered by Swiftie Sleuths? Who had the best guest appearance on the album? And what album is coming next? All of these questions (and more) are addressed - listen in!
Wildwood Flower: Stories of Women who Built Country Music is back for Season 2!
Intro episode will drop on October 1st! Available on all platforms.
To find out more about the podcast, listen to the introductory episode here. Subscribe and follow on Instagram at wildwoodflowerpod to stay updated on new episodes and special announcements.
Kacey Musgraves recently returned with a new album, Star-Crossed, which explores her divorce from Ruston Kelly. As it turns out, there's a long history of albums reckoning with the fallout of divorce and they all share some very common threads. Area Code Network's own Richard Clark joins Kiel Hauck on the podcast to discuss the anatomy of a great divorce album and how the concept has evolved over the decades. They also break down the highs and lows of Star-Crossed and how the album stacks up to other recently released albums that explore the concept of leaving (Olivia Rodrigo, Billie Eilish). Take a listen!
Woah! What a new music Friday we just had. Highlighting the release schedule were Halsey's If I Can't Have Love, I Want Power and CHVRCHES' Screen Violence. Kiel Hauck hops on the mic to break down his thoughts on both new albums, keying in on the artistic evolution of Halsey and their journey as one of the most important pop-adjacent artists of the past decade and how CHVRCHES rebounded from their major label debut to re-discover themselves in unexpected ways. Take a listen!
Have you heard? Live music is happening at a venue near you! Our very own Kyle Schultz recently found himself at such an event, and it was a big one. Kyle joins Kiel Hauck to talk about his experience at the recent Chicago stop of the Hella Mega Tour. Kyle shares the general vibe and experience of attending a concert again and gives his full breakdown of the mammoth-sized tour, including standout songs and performances. Who brought the house down the most: Weezer, Fall Out Boy, or Green Day? Take a listen and find out!
What songs do you listen to when you switch Spotify to private mode? We all do it. So let's talk about it! Kiel Hauck is joined by Nadia Alves and Kyle Schultz to share their deepest, darkest music secrets. The songs we love that we don't tell our friends about. The songs that move us that we don't share with the world. And why they mean so much to us. So what are some of our favorite "bad" songs? Take a listen and find out!
Music podcaster extraordinaire Cole Cuchna just wrapped up season 8 of the wildly successful Dissect Podcast and also recently launched Key Notes - an interactive music show that combines full songs with original musical and lyrical analysis. Cole joined Kiel Hauck on Long Live the Music to discuss the complexity of Yeezus and how he approached the album for Dissect. Cole also talks about why some music gives us chills and what it is about Olivia Rodrigo's smash hit "Driver's License" that checks all of the neurological boxes. They also discuss a new generation's fascination with the alternative, guitar-driven music of the 90s and what might come next in the evolution of popular music as a whole. Take a listen!
Welcome back to the Area Code neighborhood: Feel For the Game. Nick and Noah return with a series of (mainly basketball) conversations about nostalgic moments in NBA history, current issues plaguing the league, how coping and mental health play a role in sports, and more. Tune-in as they unprofessionally, but sincerely explore why sports are bigger than just the score of the game. Subscribe now, and follow along to find out how many times Noah makes an unwarranted Kansas Jayhawks basketball reference. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feelforthegamepod/
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The year is half over. How is it possible? Only scientists can explain. But we'll use the opportunity to break down some of the best music that's been released so far this year. Kiel Hauck kicks things off by sharing summertime Warped Tour memories and discussing the return of live music. With tours being announced left and right, we're all making big decisions about when, where, and how we return to concert settings. Then Kiel shares some words about some of the albums that have been impacting the Long Live the Music crew so far in 2021, from Architects to Olivia Rodrigo to J. Cole and more. Listen in!
It's been 10 years since The Wonder Years staked their claim as the flagship band of the 2010's pop punk revival. Suburbia I've Given You All and Now I'm Nothing is officially a decade old but still just as powerful and impactful as the day it was released. Kiel Hauck is joined by Kyle Schultz to discuss their memories of the album's release and how it took the scene by storm. During the discussion, they break down some of the album's best tracks and a few of Dan "Soupy" Campbell's best lines. They also debate where the album stands among the best pop punk releases of all time. Take a listen!
We're back, baby! Brock Benefiel makes his triumphant return to the podcast to discuss everything that went down in the world of hip hop in 2011. Brock and Kiel break down the year's avalanche of debuts (Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, Childish Gambino, Mac Miller, etc.) and take a look at the albums that defined the year (Drake, Jay-Z and Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco, etc.). They also talk about the changing landscape of hip hop in 2011 and how the genre was about to evolve in more ways than we could have imagined. Finally, they hand out the 2011 Hip Hop Title Belt. Who won? Listen in to find out!
Welcome the newest resident to the Area Code neighborhood:Wildwood Flower: Stories of Women who Built Country Music. Season 1 premiering on June 4th! Available on all platforms. To find out more about the podcast, listen to the introductory episode here. Subscribe and follow on Instagram at wildwoodflowerpod to stay updated on new episodes and special announcements.
Thought we were done talking MxPx? Think again! Mike Herrera stopped by the podcast to talk with Kiel Hauck about the band's current livestream series, Between This World and the Next, and how the band has stayed innovative when it comes to connecting with their fans. Mike also reflects on the upcoming 30th anniversary of MxPx and shares about the experience of exploring the band's deep catalogue across their recent livestream setlists. Finally, he discusses the ebbs and flows of fan response to the band's music over the years and the prospect of a new MxPx album. Take a listen!
This one has been a long time coming, folks. We welcome Jason Tate, founder of Chorus.fm, to the podcast to talk all things MxPx. Jason and Kiel Hauck break down the band's history and legacy before diving into an extensive ranking of the band's 10 studio albums. They also discuss the biggest "What if?" in the band's career, their favorite MxPx concert memories, and why the band is still so vital and relevant almost three decades into their career. It's safe to say that It's All Dead and this podcast wouldn't exist without MxPx and the impact they've made on the scene. We had an absolute blast diving into the band's legacy and discography and we hope you enjoy this (rather long!) episode. Long Live Left Coast Punk Rawk.
People are mad about music again. And we kinda love it! Kiel Hauck is joined by Evan Sawdey of PopMatters to discuss the cultural outrage associated with Lil Nas X's new single "Montero (Call Me By Your Name)", Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion's Grammy performance of "WAP", along with a general movement back toward backlash. They discuss why outrage about music seemed diminished in recent years, why it appears to have returned, and what kind of conversation should ensue. They also reflect on a previous generation of music backlash, the evolving nature of protest music, and why it's so vital to elevate music and artists that have something important to say. Listen in!
Demi Lovato has returned with a reformative new album, Dancing with the Devil...the Art of Starting Over. Kiel Hauck and Nadia Alves examine Demi's return to the scene from battles with addiction and abuse and what this new album has to say about her journey and the power structures present in the music scene. They then dive into Taylor Swift's re-released version of Fearless and discuss what her current re-recording project means for not only her legacy, but the current state of the music industry. Finally, they chat about Julien Baker's new album Little Oblivions and their thoughts on the return of live music later this year. Take a listen!
We've got some exciting news! It's All Dead is joining the Area Code podcast network - and with it, we're changing our name. Welcome to Long Live the Music. If you've followed us for any length of time since we launched this thing back in 2013, you'll know that It's All Dead is a tongue-in-cheek reference to the claims that "punk is dead," "hip hop is dead," or "rock is dead." For the past 7+ years, our mission has been to show how ALIVE the music we love is and how it's impacting our lives, hearts, and communities. Teaming up with Area Code, we thought now was a great time to reimagine what we call this thing. Our original tagline of Long Live the Music captures the heart, energy, and passion behind what we do. We're excited for this new chapter of our show. We hope you'll follow along! https://www.itsalldead.com https://www.areacodenetwork.com
A new album from Architects has arrived and it is very, very good. For Those That Wish to Exist serves as the beginning of a new chapter for the band and a wake up call for those that wish to deny the effects of climate change. All told, there’s a lot to unpack, so we reached out to Drew Beringer to join the podcast and break down his thoughts on the new album, the legacy of Architects, and their impact on the heavy music scene. Drew shares a bit of his background in joining the AbsolutePunk.net staff and Chorus.fm community before diving into his track-by-track breakdown of For Those That Wish to Exist, including his interview with Architects drummer Dan Searle. Drew also gives his ranking of Architects’ Epitaph Records albums and shares his favorite songs from the new album. Take a listen!
In many ways, it's harder than ever before to know what to expect from the world of music in 2021. Did our favorite artists use quarantine downtime to create? Will there be live shows? Who knows! But we're here to speculate. Kiel Hauck is joined by Nadia Alves and Kyle Schultz to discuss the music they'd most like to hear in the new year, including new albums from the likes of Weezer, Kendrick Lamar, Julien Baker, AFI, Travis Scott, Lorde and more. They also discuss the difficult nuances around creativity in the midst of depression and why many artists may need more time to bounce back. And finally - what are the chances that we'll be able to safely attend a live music even in 2021? Take a listen!
Pitchfork's Rawiya Kameir recently joined Kiel Hauck to share some thoughts on how music journalists can take steps toward elevating a more diverse range of voices and have better conversations about the music they’re covering. She also shares her experience as a music critic during a rapidly evolving digital age, as well as the challenge facing music journalists and music fans when it comes to maintaining objectivity and responsibility when examining the work created by problematic artists. Take a listen
Recently, Rolling Stone updated their list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. And guess what? There's plenty to discuss. The It's All Dead crew (Kiel Hauck, Kyle Schultz, and Nadia Alves) hopped on the podcast to make sense of it all. The trio each share their thoughts on some of their favorite (and least favorite) rankings on the list, discuss the list's welcomed and overdue shift toward diversity, and talk about a few albums that deserved to make the cut but didn't. They also ponder how one might separate art from artist while making a list of this nature and how we can accurately and fairly look back on music and events from previous decades. Take a listen!
Hanif Abdurraqib is a poet, essayist, and cultural critic from Columbus, Ohio, who has recently launched a new project called 68to05 in which he pinpoints the arc of years that made him the music listener and lover he is today. Hanif joined Kiel Hauck on the latest episode of It's All Dead to discuss the project and how he is tracing his musical influence and lineage forward and backwards. He also discusses the ways in which music education in America is flawed and what we lose when black artistic influence is erased or forgotten. Listen in!
It's summer and we've got nowhere to go, so why not go ahead and rank the albums from Taylor Swift? Kiel Hauck is joined by Kyle Schultz as they share their personal journey with one of this generation's musical icons and discuss how her fascinating transition from country to pop. The duo break down all seven studio albums from Taylor Swift and rank their top 10 songs from her discography. They also share their thoughts on Taylor's legacy as a musician and one of our largest pop culture figures. Listen in!
Unfortunately, we won't be celebrating in the sun this summer while attending our favorite music festivals, so we decided to dream big. What if we could create the perfect lineup for our own summer music festival? Kiel Hauck is joined by Kyle Schultz and Nadia Paiva on the latest podcast as they take turns selecting bands to fill out their lineup card. The catch? Each band must be selected from a specific year and no two bands can appear on the same lineup. Fun and chaos ensue. Listen in!
Last month, a surprise new album from Childish Gambino hit the web with little promotion and few details. A month later, we're still trying to figure out 3.15.20. On this episode of the podcast, Kiel Hauck is joined by Richard Clark to discuss the twists and turns of the new album and debate 3.15.20's place in Childish Gambino's discography. They also take a look back at the artistic growth of Donald Glover, one of the most fascinating pop culture figures and artists of our time. Take a listen!
A new album from Dua Lipa is here - and it is good. Future Nostalgia sees the U.K. singer rising to pop stardom amidst an array of disco hits. Kiel Hauck welcomes Evan Sawdey of PopMatters onto the podcast to discuss Future Nostalgia and how Dua Lipa's new music arrives at the perfect time. The two break down the album's highlights, discuss what could be the strangest summer for music in history, and share their way too early album of the year candidates. Listen in!
It's been a strange few weeks, to say the least. As the country takes measures to combat the spread of the coronavirus, we take some time on our podcast to discuss how we're handling a new reality. Kiel Hauck, Kyle Schultz and Nadia Paiva discuss how music is providing comfort during this time, debate the best band discographies to binge, and share some of the new music released in 2020 that has left its mark. Take a listen.
It's been over 10 years since Phoenix metalcore act The Word Alive dropped their debut album, Deceiver. Since that time, the band has evolved into something completely new, as best captured on their latest release, Monomania. Lead vocalist Tyler "Telle" Smith joins Kiel Hauck to discuss the band's sixth album and how The Word Alive has continued to push themselves to create something that not only impacts their fans but stands the test of time. Listen in!
Believe it or not, Canadian post-hardcore act Silverstein are celebrating their 20th anniversary this year. Lead vocalist Shane Told joined the It's All Dead Podcast to discuss the band's longevity and growing legacy. He also shares details about Silverstein's upcoming album A Beautiful Place to Drown, the band's 20th anniversary tour with Four Year Strong, and his highly successful Lead Singer Syndrome podcast. Listen in!
This week, a new EP from Paramore vocalist Hayley Williams titled Petals for Armor is expected to drop. After having time to sit with the first two official solo tracks of her career, Kiel Hauck and Nadia Paiva hop on the podcast to break down their thoughts on "Simmer" and "Leave it Alone". They also discuss their expectations for the new release, what sonic direction they anticipate Williams taking, and how her growth as an artist over the past 15 years have led us to this moment. Listen in!
With the 2010s about to come to a close, we recently took on the task of ranking what we believe to be the Best 30 Albums of Decade. But of course, the written word can only convey so much about how we feel about these albums, so Kiel, Nadia and Kyle hopped on a podcast to break down their choices and discuss the sounds that defined the decade. The trio discuss their parameters for making the list and share the albums that just missed the cut. Take a listen!
Ten years have passed since post-hardcore act Saosin released In Search of Solid Ground, the final album to feature lead vocalist Cove Reber. On the latest episode of It's All Dead, Reber joins Kiel Hauck to reflect on the events leading up to and during the recording of the album and discuss why its legacy has changed so dramatically over the past decade. Reber shares stories from the studio and explains how tensions within the band impacted his experience in creating the record. Listen in!
It's been three weeks since the release of Blink-182's new album Nine, so Kiel Hauck and Kyle Schultz hop on the podcast to break down the release. The two discuss their opinions on the new album, break down their favorite tracks, and attempt to rank it within the rest of Blink-182's discography. They also share their opinions about the band's music since their 2009 reunion and discuss the band's legacy after two solid outings in Nine and California. Listen in!
This year's song of the summer is undeniable, but what does it tell us about the future of music? Evan Sawdey of PopMatters joins Kiel Hauck to break down the success of "Old Town Road", the rise of Billie Eilish, and the odd absence of some of pop music's biggest stars on the charts this summer. They also discuss Taylor Swift's new album, Lover, break down their "deserted island discographies," and share their most anticipated albums set to release in the back half of 2019. Listen in!
As summer winds down, Kiel Hauck and Nadia Paiva pull open the Spotify app to walk through their playlists. A few years ago, the streaming service began utilizing machine learning to curate a variety of endless playlists based on your listening habits. Kiel and Nadia discuss how this technology has changed the way they listen to music and helped them discover new artists before debating whether these advances are inherently good in terms of our overall experience with art. Take a listen!
On the latest It’s All Dead podcast episode, Kiel Hauck is joined by Taylor Markarian, author of From the Basement: A History of Emo Music and How it Changed Society. Taylor has written for publications like Alternative Press, Kerrang, and Revolver. Her new book explores the cultural, social, and psychological factors surrounding emo and indie music. On the podcast, Taylor shares about her years growing up in the New Jersey punk and emo scene and the importance of music in mental health. Take a listen!
Over the past decade and a half, Tyler, Texas, band Eisley have made a habit of releasing delightful, poignant, purposeful indie pop. On this episode of It's All Dead, Kiel Hauck and Nadia Paiva break down the band's discography, ranking all five full-length albums and sharing their top 10 songs. They also discuss the band's wild ride from their early major label breakthrough to their return to their indie roots. Listen in!
Summer is in full swing, and with it comes an avalanche of summer music festivals. In its inaugural run, the Rockstar Disrupt Festival hosts a stacked lineup, including Newcastle, Australia, rock act Trophy Eyes. Vocalist John Floreani took some time out after one of the band's recent sets to chat with Kiel Hauck about his new solo album Sin, the sonic evolution of Trophy Eyes, and how festival life compares to a typical tour. Listen in!
Last month, Emery released a new 4-song EP as part of Emeryland, an interactive online community that promises exclusive new music leading up to the band’s eighth full-length album. Nadia Paiva joined Kiel Hauck on the pod to break down the band’s discography and discuss how their unique evolution has helped sustain their career and make them one of the most interesting bands to come from the modern post-hardcore genre. Listen in!
Recently, Buzzfeed asked Carly Rae Jepsen to fill out a bracket to choose her best song. We thought this was funny, cool and interesting, so Kiel invited Carly Rae superfan Richard Clark to join the podcast and break down every matchup on the bracket. While dissecting some of Carly Rae's best tracks, the two discuss what has made her such a compelling pop artist, how her music has rapidly evolved since her breakout, and how her recent album, Dedicated, holds up against some of her best work.
Crossover episode! Kiel Hauck and Brock Benefiel recently launched a new show called Decade Rewind, and in the latest episode, the two discuss which rapper took home the hip hop title belt in 2009. We look back on the year that gave us Drake, Kid Cudi and Gucci Mane's breakout albums, a flurry of mixtapes, comeback attempts by Jay-Z and Eminem, and much, much more!
Follow the podcast on Twitter @DecadeRewind and email us at decaderewindpod@gmail.com
There is new music from Taylor Swift and it is in the form of a song called "Me". Kiel Hauck and Kyle Schultz dive in to unpack the new single and talk about the career trajectories of Swift and Brendon Urie. They also break down the gorgeous music video for the track and speculate wildly on what Swift's upcoming album might bring. Listen in!
Recently, heralded indie rock act Copeland released their sixth full-length album, Blushing. On our latest podcast episode, Kiel Hauck is joined by Kyle Schultz and Nadia Paiva to discuss the band's fantastic new record and the 16-year journey that brought them here. The trio also rank each Copeland album, break down their favorite songs from the band's discography, and discuss the legacy of a band that has clearly carved out its own place in indie music history. Listen in!
With another year in the books, Brock Benefiel drops by the It's All Dead podcast studio to chat with Kiel Hauck about which rapper took the Hip Hop Title Belt in 2018. The two discuss some of hip hop's hottest storylines of the year, break down 2018's best hip hop tracks, and look ahead to what might come in 2019. So who won the belt? The conversation includes candidates such as Cardi B, Drake, Travis Scott, Vince Staples, Pusha T, and many more. Listen in!
Renowned music journalist Evan Sawdey joins Kiel Hauck to discuss a recent feature for Yardbarker in which he named the best debut albums of the past 50 years, by year. During the conversation, Kiel and Evan debate the merits of Britney Spears' ...Baby One More Time, Arcade Fire's Funeral, Kanye West's The College Dropout and many more. Evan also discusses the power of a debut album and how it can set the stage for what's to come in an artistic career. Listen in!
But wait, there's more! On this podcast, Kiel Hauck is joined by It's All Dead senior editor Kyle Schultz to talk further about the year in music. The two discuss the merits of Fall Out Boy's return with MANIA and how Brendon Urie of Panic! at the Disco ascended to new heights with Pray for the Wicked. They also break down releases from Architects, Justin Courney Pierre, Pusha T, and As It Is. Listen in!
As 2018 comes to a close, the team at It's All Dead have crunched the numbers and compiled their lists of the best albums and best songs of the year. On this podcast, Kiel Hauck is joined by Nadia Paiva to break down some of the year's best music, including releases from Pianos Become the Teeth, The 1975, The Wonder Years, mewithoutYou, and much more. They also discuss what made music great in 2018 - both in terms of commentary and in terms of escape. Listen in!
On October 12, Canberra, Australia, rock band Hands Like Houses released their fourth full length album, Anon. As the band hits the road for their headlining U.S. tour, Kiel Hauck caught up with lead singer Trenton Woodley to discuss the new album and the band's sonic journey. Woodley also shares details about the band's songwriting progression over the years and how to evolve as an artist while bringing your fanbase along for the ride. Listen in!
As The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill turns 20, Cole Cuchna has launched a new mini-series on the classic album for his massively successful Dissect podcast. Cuchna joins Kiel Hauck to reflect on the album and its influence before delving into the work of Frank Ocean, as covered in season 3 of Dissect. Cuchna also shares details about his process when examining music and discusses how empathy continues to play a key role in his work. Listen in!
On our latest podcast, Kiel Hauck talks with Lindsay Zoladz, music and pop culture critic with The Ringer. During the conversation, Zoladz talks about the evolution she's seen take place in music journalism during her time with The Ringer, Pitchfork, and more. Zoladz also shares about the obstacles still facing women in the music industry and what changes are long overdue. Listen in!
Five years ago, we had a crazy idea to launch a website and podcast called It's All Dead. On our latest podcast, Kiel and Kyle reflect on the past five years, sharing their favorite stories, reflecting on the albums that defined the half-decade, and determining which bands made the biggest impact. Thanks to all of our listeners and followers! Please leave us a review :)
Later this month, New Surrender turns 10 years old. Kiel Hauck and Nadia Paiva took the anniversary as an opportunity to discuss Anberlin's legacy and the impact of their major label debut. They break down Anberlin's discography, rank their favorite songs, and share some of their favorite memories of one of the most influential and underrated bands in the history of the scene. Listen in!
Last month, pop punk legends MxPx returned with a surprise self-titled album that quickly became lauded as one of the band's best. On our latest podcast, Kiel Hauck is joined by Richard Clark of Christianity Today to discuss what makes the new album so much fun and how the band's reflections on growing up have resonated with their longtime fanbase. Listen in!
Summer is almost over! What better way to hold onto the season than to reminisce on our favorite summer soundtracks. Kyle Schultz and Nadia Paiva join Kiel Hauck to break down some of their favorite albums to spin during summer and discuss what makes for great summer music. The trio chat about great releases from bands like Paramore, Green Day, Underoath, and much more. Listen in!
On our latest podcast episode, Kiel Hauck catches up with Patty and Benjamin of As It Is at Warped Tour to discuss their upcoming album, The Great Depression. During the conversation, the two share their approach to discussing mental health and depression and how the subjectivity of art prevents it from offering firm answers. Instead, As It Is aims to have a more honest and open dialogue about the challenges of mental health and much more. Listen in!
With Warped Tour making its final run, perhaps no band epitomizes the opportunity the tour has provided to up-and-coming bands as Mayday Parade. Kiel Hauck sat down backstage with lead vocalist Derek Sanders to discuss the band's start on the tour in 2006 and what it means to play on Warped's final run. Sanders also discusses the creation of the band's latest release, Sunnyland, and what he's learned in over 10 years of being on the road in Mayday Parade. Listen in!
Drake is back with another mammoth collection of songs, just in time for Summer 2018. On our latest podcast, Kiel Hauck talks with Drake fans Lowell Bieber and Chris Waflart about Drake's triumphs and misfires on list latest album, Scorpion. They also break down Drake's massive catalogue of songs, ranking some of the best (and worst) and dissect Drake's continuing cultural cache. Listen in!
Resident hip hop aficionado Brock Benefiel stops by It's All Dead to chat with Kiel Hauck about "Ye", the latest release from Kanye West. The two discuss their problems with the uneven album, the frustration that comes with Kanye fandom, and what to expect going forward. They also reflect on the five year anniversary of "Yeezus" and how the album has both held up and proven to be problematic. Listen in!
Underoath is back on the road in support of their first album in eight years, Erase Me. Kiel Hauck caught up with Chris Dudley, master of keyboards, electronics, and synthesizers for the band, to discuss Underoath's return. During the conversation, Dudley shares how the band rebounded from their break-up, rekindled their friendships, and the peace they've found in creating the music they want to make. Listen in!
On our latest podcast, Kiel Hauck and Kyle Schultz are joined by It's All Dead writer Nadia Paiva to discuss the latest release from The Wonder Years. During the discussion, the trio debate the merits of "Sister Cities" and dialogue about where the album lands among the band's best releases. They share their favorite songs from the album and talk about the band's knack for human stories and connecting with listeners. Listen in!
In 2017, Shea Serrano released his second New York Times Bestseller in "Basketball and Other Things", following up the smashing success of "The Rap Year Book". In our latest podcast, Shea joins Kiel Hauck to discuss rap rivalries and how competition impacts the genre. Serrano talks Kendrick Lamar, Nas, the political power of hip hop, and much more. Listen in!
March Madness is here, which means lots of buzzer beaters, upsets, and, of course, endless arguments about the best Kanye West songs. Wait, what? After Kanye Madness goes viral, Kiel Hauck and Brock Benefiel sit down to parse through the Kanye West bracket and break down the various match-ups in hopes of finding Kanye's best song. The two also share their thoughts on why the bracket blew up the internet and what it means about Kanye's cultural relevancy in 2018. Listen in!
Nearly a decade after Dashboard Confessional took a break, Chris Carrabba has returned with a new album, "Crooked Shadows". Kiel Hauck and Kyle Schultz discuss the legacy of Dashboard Confessional, why the music still matters, and how the music of Dashboard has evolved through the years. Listen in!
With another year in the books, Brock Benefiel joins Kiel Hauck to discuss who won the hip hop title belt in 2017 (surprise, it's Kendrick). The duo also discuss other movers and shakers in the genre and predict what might come to pass in 2018, including new albums from Kanye West, Childish Gambino, A$AP Rocky and more. Listen in!
"MANIA", the seventh full-length album from Fall Out Boy is here, and it is divisive. Kiel Hauck and Kyle Schultz record an emergency podcast to break down the band's latest release, discussing the tracklisting fiasco, how the album stacks up against a growing Fall Out Boy catalogue, and where the band goes from here. Listen in!
With 2017 nearing completion, Kiel Hauck and Kyle Schultz take a look back at the year in music. During the discussion, the two share some of their favorite albums from 2017, including Kendrick Lamar, AFI, Lucky Boys Confusion, Paramore and much more. They also talk about what could have been and reflect on recent music news that shaped the year. Listen in!
In between his duties as co-founder of Bad Christian Media and hosting multiple successful podcasts, Matt Carter still finds time to shred as guitarist of post-hardcore band Emery. Matt recently talked with Kiel Hauck about what's involved in the making of one of this year's hit podcasts, "Labeled", how Emery reimagined some of their favorite songs for their recent release, Revival, and much more. Listen in!
Jason Tate joins Kiel Hauck on our latest podcast to share what he's learned in the year since moving AbsolutePunk.net to Chorus.fm. Jason shares insight on how he built a built a successful online music community and the changes he's seen over the past two decades. Jason also discusses some of the best music of 2017 and his approach to creating end of the year lists. Listen in!
On our latest episode of It’s All Dead, Kiel Hauck is joined by PopMatters Interviews Editor Evan Sawdey to discuss the art of the album review and the role of pop music in 2017’s social conversations. Evan also shares stories of some of his best (and worst) interviews at PopMatters, how the site has retained its cultural relevance and impactful voice through the years, and tells us about his podcast, The Chartographers. Listen in!
It's that special time of year! On our latest podcast, Kiel Hauck and Kyle Schultz discuss the best albums of 2007. As another collection of great records turns 10, the duo reflects on classic albums from Paramore, Mayday Parade, Saves the Day, Motion City Soundtrack, Kanye West and more. Listen in!
On this episode of the It's All Dead podcast, Kiel Hauck and Kyle Schultz chat about the favorite albums to spin when autumn rolls around. The two also discuss what makes for a great fall album and why they're so nostalgic throughout the season. Listen in!
On this It's All Dead podcast episode, Kiel Hauck chats with Cole Cuchna, host of Dissect, a serialized music podcast. During the discussion, Cuchna explains his process for creating the podcast and his surprise in its unexpected growth in audience. He also shares his thoughts about empathy, Kanye West, and why hip hop is such a powerful art form. Listen in!
On our latest episode, Kiel Hauck is joined by Nuvo Magazine editor Kat Coplen to discuss the evolving local music and festival scene in Indianapolis. Coplen shares her insight into how local artists are finding their audience and how the city can improve in attracting outside artists and bands. Listen in!
With the release of 4:44, Jay-Z has added to a now impressive second act of his career. Kiel Hauck and Brock Benefiel discuss the best of Jay-Z since The Black Album and how the rapper has maintained such extreme cultural relevancy. Listen in!
Summer is here! On this episode of the official It's All Dead Podcast, Richard Clark joins Kiel Hauck to discuss their favorite songs of summer and try to dissect where the phrase came from and what makes for a truly great Song of the Summer. Listen in!
Just last month, Paramore may have released the best album of their career in After Laughter, which is saying a lot for a band that already has a few classics under their belt. Kiel Hauck and Kyle Schultz reflect on the band's impact on the scene and their rapid rise to stardom while breaking down each of their albums and ranking their top 10 songs. Listen in!
The new Kendrick Lamar album is officially here! Brock Benefiel joins Kiel Hauck to discuss DAMN. and how it fits within Kendrick Lamar's discography. The duo discuss Kendrick's growing legacy, the absence of a true rival and the variety of sonic and thematic ground covered on the new album. Listen in!
Last month, indie pop act Eisley released their new album, I'm Only Dreaming. We caught up with Eisley bassist Garron DuPree to talk about the band's evolution, including how recent lineup changes impacted the creation of their latest record. We also talked about the future of the band and the freedom they feel in their current form. Listen in!
As A Day To Remember's breakthrough album For Those Who Have Heart turns 10 years old, Kiel Hauck and Kyle Schultz break down the band's discography and share their favorite songs from the band. The discussion includes the band's evolution and how A Day to Remember won over legions of fans by being unrelentingly themselves. Listen in!
Another year is in the books and 2016 was filled with a variety of great music. But who stole the show in the world of hip hop? Kiel Hauck and Brock Benefiel discuss the theory of the hip hop title belt and which rapper dominated 2016 the most, including Chance the Rapper, A Tribe Called Quest, Kanye West and more. Listen in!
It's hard to believe, but The Black Parade is officially 10 years old. Kyle Schultz and Kiel Hauck look back on a classic from My Chemical Romance and discuss it's impact on the scene, why the album was such a success, how it holds up a decade later, and the toll the album took on the band itself. Listen in!
On this episode of the official It's All Dead podcast, Kiel Hauck and Kyle Schultz lament the parting of pop punk legends Yellowcard. During the discussion, the duo discuss the band's recent farewell self-titled record and break down the band's expansive discography. Take a listen!
It's summer and Warped Tour is here! On this episode of the official It's All Dead podcast, Kiel Hauck chats with bands backstage at this year's Warped Tour, including The Word Alive, State Champs and Against the Current. Get the inside details about the country's longest running music festival - listen in!
It's that time of year! Kiel Hauck and Kyle Schultz reflect on their favorite albums that were released in 2006. Included in the discussion are classic releases from Underoath, My Chemical Romance, Saosin, The Early November, Taking Back Sunday, Saves the Day and many more albums that are turning 10. Listen in!
Last month, Kendrick Lamar dropped a surprise collection of eight songs titled Untitled Unmastered. Brock Benefiel and Kiel Hauck break down the release and discuss Kendrick's career arc, his impact on hip hop, and who will own the genre's title belt in 2016. Listen in!
With The Death of a Bachelor, Panic! at the Disco has scored their first number one album on the Billboard charts. Kiel Hauck and Kyle Schultz look back on the band's career and rank their best albums and dissect the band's top 10 songs. The duo also reflect on Brendan Urie's growth as a songwriter and status as one of pop/rock's best vocalists. Listen in!
Kanye West's new album, The Life of Pablo, is here - kinda. With all of the controversy surrounding the album's rollout, Kiel Hauck and Brock Benefiel discuss if the music is worth the cost. The two break down the music, but also discuss the problematic misogyny and the implications of Kanye's words. Listen in!
On this episode of the official It's All Dead Podcast, Kiel Hauck his joined by the person who helped him fall in love with music - his mom. The two discuss the 2016 Grammy Awards, breaking down various performances and events that took place during the event. During the discussion, they chat about moments involving Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, Kendrick Lamar, The Eagles, Lionel Richie and much more. Listen in!
Yeezy season approaches once again. With only a few weeks until the alleged release of Swish, the new album from Kanye West, Kiel Hauck and Brock Benefiel break down the events that have led up to this moment. A year full of random tracks, album name changes, and odd announcements and collaborations have left us anxiously anticipating Kanye's seventh full length solo album. Listen in!
It's that special time of year! Time to count down the best albums and songs of 2015! Kiel and Kyle have a spirited conversation about great music from likes of Kendrick Lamar, The Wonder Years, Carly Rae Jepsen, The Early November, The Weeknd and much, much more. Listen in!
On this episode of the official It's All Dead Podcast, Kiel Hauck and Kyle Schultz examine Ryan Adams' re-imagined "1989" and discuss the pros and cons of remixes and cover albums. They also speculate on the upcoming Fall Out Boy remix album and the "Punk Goes..." series. Listen in!
Riot Fest is right around the corner! Kiel Hauck and Kyle Schultz break down their most anticipated sets for each day of the festival and share their mutual love for one of the best music experiences in the country. They also discuss "No Closer to Heaven" - the latest release from The Wonder Years. Listen in!
On this episode of the official It's All Dead Podcast, Kiel Hauck and Kyle Schultz reflect on some of the best albums released in 2005, including classics from Paramore, Jack's Mannequin, The Academy Is..., Panic! at the Disco, Acceptance, Daphne Loves Derby and more - Listen in!
Fresh off of their highest charting release to date in Futute Hearts, pop punk kings All Time Low are flying high. Kyle Schultz and Kiel Hauck break down the band's best songs and rank each of their albums. During the discussion, they also speculate on the band's future and legacy. Listen in!
There's something about a great opening track that can set the tone for an entire album. Likewise, a killer closer brings things full circle and can leave you wanting more. On this episode of the official It's All Dead Podcast, Kiel and Kyle break down the best album openers and closers. Listen in!
On this episode of the official It's All Dead podcast, Kiel and Kyle rank Fall Out Boy's albums and share their top 10 favorite songs from the band. They also discuss the band's legacy and contemplate what the future may hold. Listen in!
On this episode of the official It's All Dead Podcast, Kiel Hauck and Kyle Schultz break down the recent blink-182 news and talk about what the future might hold for the band. They also discuss their favorite blink albums and songs and talk about why the band means so much to the scene. Listen in!
What were the best albums, songs, tours, and moments of 2014? Kiel Hauck and Kiel Schultz break down the year in music and share some of their favorite memories and moments that helped make 2014 special. The conversation includes reflections on Architects, Anberlin, Weezer, Yellowcard, Taylor Swift and much more!
Kiel Hauck chats with Richard Clark and Brock Benefiel about the cultural relevancy of Drake and his place in hip hop. They also dissect the similarities and differences between Drake and Kendrick Lamar and talk about who will have the greater legacy. Listen in!
On this episode of the official It's All Dead Podcast, Kiel and Kyle break down some of their favorite albums that turn 10 years old in 2014. The discussion includes classic releases from My Chemical Romance, Underoath, Taking Back Sunday, Relient K, Green Day and more!
On the latest episode of the official It's All Dead podcast, Kiel Hauck sits down with fellow Kanye West fans Brock Benefiel and Jared Hay to break down the top 20 Kanye West songs and rank each of Kanye's solo albums. Listen in!
Kiel and Kyle talk about the sudden rise of 5 Seconds of Summer and what their success means for the pop punk community at large. They also break down the finalized lineup of this summer's Warped Tour.
On this episode of the official It's All Dead podcast, Kiel interviews Los Angeles rapper Pigeon John about his new album "Encino Man", how being a father impacts his music and what he imagines for the future of hip hop.
The guys talk about the Saosin and Midtown reunions taking place at this year's Skate and Surf Festival and discuss the problem of fan entitlement. They also chat about recent releases from We Are the In Crowd, Issues and Bayside.
Kiel and Kyle chat about Paramore and Fall Out Boy's Monumentour, the early announcements for the 2014 Warped Tour, and their most anticipated releases of 2014.
On the second episode of the offical It's All Dead Podcast, Kiel and Kyle chat about their favorite albums of 2013.
On the first episode of the official It's All Dead podcast, Kiel and Kyle reminisce about numerous albums turning 10 years old in 2013.