Stay ConnectedWith multiple new episodes every week, Emo Kids Anonymous is your home for emo and everything else. Previous guests include Gabe Saporta, Saturdays At Your Place, Kerosene Heights, Tom Denney, Origami Angel, Dear Maryanne, Riley!, Ben Quad, sports. and so many others.
EKA is co-hosted, co-produced and co-created by Amanda Valdivieso and Robb Laffoon, with Catherine Jones (CZB) serving as showrunner and executive producer.
In this episode, Amanda and Robb interview Ben Mench, a booking agent known for his work with various emo bands and the creation of the Emo Orchestra. Ben shares his journey from being a musician to becoming a successful booking agent, emphasizing the importance of passion, relationships, and innovative strategies in the music industry. He discusses the challenges and rewards of booking shows, the significance of understanding the economic impact of live music, and his vision for the future of the Emo Orchestra. In this conversation, Ben discusses the evolution and revival of emo music, emphasizing its relevance to today's youth. He highlights the importance of family-friendly shows and the emotional connections formed through music. The discussion also touches on the challenges of the ticketing industry, the impact of social media on music trends, and the future of live music events, including the Warped Tour's new approach. Ben shares insights on upcoming tours and the significance of community in the music scene.
*Keep Things Emo*
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Emo Kids Anonymous is produced by Amanda Valdivieso and Robb Laffoon
In this episode of Emo Kids Anonymous, hosts Amanda and Robb dive into the world of emo music, discussing the significance of classic albums like The Used's self-titled debut and Pierce the Veil's first album. They also review new singles and albums, including Benson Boone's latest release, critiquing its originality and impact on the genre. The conversation reflects on the evolution of emo music, the nostalgia of live performances, and the importance of lyrical depth, all while sharing personal anecdotes and insights into the music scene. In this episode, Robb and Amanda delve into the world of music criticism, exploring the reactions to Benson Boone's latest album and the broader implications of public opinion in the music industry. They discuss new music releases, including singles from emerging artists and legacy bands, while reflecting on the nostalgia that shapes listener experiences. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by new artists in a saturated market and the evolving landscape of music consumption. As they wrap up, they share their thoughts on the current state of music and what to expect in the future.
*Keep Things Emo*
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Emo Kids Anonymous is produced by Amanda Valdivieso and Robb Laffoon
In this episode of Emo Kids Anonymous, Amanda and Robb sit down with Daniel Rinaldi, a former musician turned mental health counselor. They explore Daniel's journey from the emo music scene to his current role in mental health, discussing the challenges musicians face regarding mental health resources and the stigma surrounding it. The conversation delves into the impact of social media on mental health, the importance of community and connection, and the personal responsibility individuals have in their healing journeys. In this conversation, Daniel Rinaldi, a licensed mental health counselor and former musician, discusses the intersection of music and mental health. He emphasizes the importance of personal agency in healing, the various therapeutic approaches he employs, and the accessibility of therapy in today's digital age. The discussion also touches on the pressures artists face in the social media landscape, the significance of finding the right therapist, and the need for community support in navigating mental health challenges. Rinaldi encourages artists to prioritize quality over quantity in their work and to reach out for help when needed.
to learn more about Daniel's practice visit his site or check out his Instagram.
*Keep Things Emo*
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Emo Kids Anonymous is produced by Amanda Valdivieso and Robb Laffoon
In this conversation, the band Socialghosts talk about their current focus on releasing singles rather than a full album, the challenges of building a local audience in the competitive LA music scene, and their experiences during the pandemic. They reflect on the importance of social media in promoting their music and the excitement of performing live after a long hiatus. The band members also explore their diverse backgrounds and the evolution of their sound within the pop punk genre. In this conversation, the band members discuss their approach to music production, live performances, and the evolution of the music scene in LA. They delve into the collaborative songwriting process, the influence of industry veterans like John Feldman, and the importance of creating music that resonates with audiences. The discussion highlights the balance between technical proficiency and artistic expression, as well as the challenges and rewards of navigating the modern music landscape.
*Keep Things Emo*
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Emo Kids Anonymous is produced by Amanda Valdivieso and Robb Laffoon
In this episode of Emo Kids Anonymous, Amanda and Robb dive into a nostalgic review of legacy albums, focusing on Blink-182's 'Dude Ranch' and 'Take Off Your Pants and Jacket', as well as Under Oath's 'They're Only Chasing Safety'. In this episode, Amanda Valdivieso and Robb Laffoon dive into the latest music trends, focusing on the Under Earth album and its themes. They discuss the evolution of emo and pop punk, review new singles in a fun 'Tinder-style' format, and highlight the emerging band Kerosene Heights. The conversation also touches on Sabrina Carpenter's impact as a pop star and the discourse surrounding her music.
*Keep Things Emo*
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Emo Kids Anonymous is produced by Amanda Valdivieso and Robb Laffoon
Summary
In this episode of the Emo Kids Anonymous podcast, Amanda and Rob discuss the intersection of politics and music, reflecting on how the political climate during their formative years shaped their musical tastes. They pay tribute to Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys, highlighting their lasting impact on pop music. The conversation also touches on the recent passing of Ananda Lewis, the changes in Grammy categories for country music, and the relevance of award shows today. They share insights on concert etiquette, the evolution of the Warped Tour, and the revival of pop punk through artists like MGK, all while exploring the broader implications of political and economic factors on music trends. This conversation explores the intricate relationship between music and politics, particularly focusing on the cultural and economic shifts from the Bush administration through the pandemic. The speakers discuss how events like 9/11 and the economic recession influenced protest music and the evolution of genres, leading to a resurgence of nostalgia in contemporary music. They highlight the importance of authenticity in music and the role of social media in shaping musical trends, ultimately reflecting on how societal changes impact artistic expression.
*Keep Things Emo*
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Emo Kids Anonymous is produced by Amanda Valdivieso and Robb Laffoon
In this episode of Emo Kids Anonymous, Amanda and Robb introduce a new segment focused on music reviews, diving into both classic and contemporary albums. They discuss the significance of albums like AFI's 'December Underground', Motion City Soundtrack's 'Commit This to Memory', and My Chemical Romance's 'Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge', while also exploring new releases from Turnstile and MGK. The conversation touches on the evolution of emo music, the impact of nostalgia, and the return of bands like The Starting Line. They also review Lil Wayne's 'Carter 6', providing insights into the current state of hip-hop and its connection to the emo scene.
*Keep Things Emo*
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Emo Kids Anonymous is produced by Amanda Valdivieso and Robb Laffoon
Summary
In this episode of the Emo Kids Anonymous podcast, Amanda and Robb discuss the highly anticipated return of the Warped Tour after a six-year hiatus. They delve into the excitement surrounding the lineup, the challenges of social media promotion, and the emergence of new bands that are set to perform. The hosts share their concert experiences, emphasizing the importance of fan engagement and the evolving nature of live music events. They also touch on the often high prices of band merchandise and the financial realities of the music industry. As they prepare for the festival, they provide essential information for attendees, including transportation options and event logistics, while reflecting on the nostalgia of past Warped Tours and the future of emo music festivals. The conversation wraps up with reflections on the music scene and a call to action for listeners to engage with the festival experience.
*Keep Things Emo*
Watch us on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@EmoKidsAnonymousPodcast
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Emo Kids Anonymous is produced by Amanda Valdivieso and Robb Laffoon
Summary
In this engaging conversation, Amanda Valdivieso and Robb Laffoon explore the journey of Mike from the band The Honesty. They discuss his experiences at Hershey Park, his transition from tech to music, and the therapeutic nature of songwriting. The conversation delves into the influences of pop punk, the dynamics of band collaboration, and the challenges of finding new members. Mike shares insights on recording with notable artists and reflects on the differences between the East and West Coast music scenes. In this conversation, Mike and his guests delve into the complexities of navigating the modern music scene, discussing the challenges of songwriting as adults, the evolution of music promotion in the digital age, and the future of their band, The Honesty. They explore how social media has transformed the way musicians connect with audiences and the pressures of maintaining authenticity in a world driven by virality.
*Keep Things Emo*
Watch us on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@EmoKidsAnonymousPodcast
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Emo Kids Anonymous is produced by Amanda Valdivieso and Robb Laffoon
In this episode, Amanda and Robb welcome Adam 'The Ska Mailman' Wallace to discuss the vibrant world of ska music and its connections to emo and pop punk. They explore the historical roots of ska music from Jamaica to its evolution in the UK. The conversation highlights the influence of ska on pop punk and emo. They also explore the resurgence of ska music among a new generation of fans who grew up with it, emphasizing the blending of genres and the unique music scene that emerged from local shows.
**Visit The Ska Mailman Linktree ***Keep Things Emo* and Keep on Skanking!
Watch us on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@EmoKidsAnonymousPodcast
Follow us for more great content on our social media:
X: @emokidsanonpod
IG: @emokidsanonymouspodcast
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For media inquiries, please contact emokidsanonymous@gmail.com
Emo Kids Anonymous is produced by Amanda Valdivieso and Robb Laffoon
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