OurSpace with Matt Vettese

This Band Is Reviving 2000s Alt Rock (But Doing It Right) | Footballhead Interview Mar 23, 2026

Footballhead joins OurSpace with Matt Vettese to talk about their new album Weight of the Truth, and how they’re bringing early 2000s alternative rock energy into a modern sound without becoming a nostalgia-core band.

We talk about the balance between inspiration and originality, the shift from a solo project into a fully collaborative band, and why this record feels like a true debut for Footballhead. The conversation also dives into songwriting maturity, coming-of-age themes, and what it means to make music that reflects real life in your 30s.

Plus: getting unexpected co-signs from artists like 311 and New Found Glory, touring with Ben Quad, and the hilarious (but possibly real) strategy of landing on a “divorce dad workout playlist.”

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If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the show!

Dan Marsala talks Story of the Year’s New Album A.R.S.O.N. Mar 16, 2026

Dan Marsala of Story of the Year stops by OurSpace with Matt Vettese to break down the band’s new album ARSON, including how the title came from a lyric and became the acronym All Rage, Still Only Numb.

We talk about why the new record hits heavier, how Dan protects his voice while still bringing the screams every night, and what it’s like writing music that grows with your audience (instead of staying stuck in high school forever). Dan also reflects on the staying power of “Until the Day I Die,” the love/hate push-and-pull that inspired it, and how fans made it their own over the years.

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the show, it’s the best way to support OurSpace!

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Sweet Pill’s Zayna on “Still There’s a Glow,” Warped Tour, and Touring Nonstop Mar 09, 2026

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Sweet Pill’s Zayna stops by OurSpace with Matt Vettese to talk all things “Still There’s a Glow” (out March 13), including how the album came together after years of nonstop touring, and why the band nearly left a whole batch of songs behind before finding the final version of the record.

We also get into what it was like playing Warped Tour as it returns for a new era, the Philly scene’s “high bar,” how music can be a lifeline during tough mental health seasons, and which new songs Zayna is most excited to bring to the stage (plus the one track that’s just too demanding to sing live).

Listen, follow, and share OurSpace with Matt Vettese for more conversations with the artists keeping emo, pop punk, and alternative music moving forward.

Chris DeMakes (Less Than Jake) talks Wake and Bake 2026 and 30 years of Losing Streak Mar 06, 2026

It's a BONUS EPISODE!

Chris DeMakes joins Matt Vettese for a quick chat to talk about Wake and Bake 2026, plus 30 years of Losing Streak and 25 years of Borders and Boundaries!

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Hawthorne Heights on The Importance of Emo & 20 Years of "If Only You Were Lonely" Mar 02, 2026

OurSpace with Matt Vettese is now powered by elderemo.com — shop emo and pop punk apparel for yourself, your kids, and even your pets. Use code OURSPACE for 15% off your next order.

In this episode of OurSpace, I sit down with JT Woodruff of Hawthorne Heights to celebrate 20 years of If Only You Were Lonely and talk about the lasting impact of 2000s emo.

JT opens up about:

-The 20-year anniversary tour for If Only You Were Lonely
-The real story behind Ohio Is for Lovers
-Why Hawthorne Heights proudly calls themselves an emo band
-The emo resurgence, When We Were Young, and Warped Tour nostalgia
-Multi-generational fans discovering emo through Spotify & Myspace-era roots
-The meaning behind deep cuts like “Decembers” and “Dead in the Water”

We dive deep into third-wave emo, the 2000s alternative scene, Myspace culture, DIY touring, and why emo has become one of the most resilient genres in modern music.

🎟️ Grab tickets to the 20 Years of If Only You Were Lonely tour
🎧 Subscribe for more interviews with emo, pop punk & alternative artists

#HawthorneHeights #EmoRevival #IfOnlyYouWereLonely #OhioIsForLovers #EmoMusic #PopPunk #WarpedTour #WhenWeWereYoung #2000sEmo

Good Sleepy on Growing Up, Constant Humming & Their Most Honest Record Yet Feb 20, 2026

Five years after their debut, Good Sleepy are back with their sophomore LP Constant Humming and it might be their most cohesive, mature, and emotionally honest record yet.

In this episode of Ourspace, Matt sits down with Seth, Thomas, and Jack to talk about growing up between albums, moving beyond being a “high school band,” and what changed in their songwriting process this time around.

🎧 Constant Humming is out now! Let us know your favorite track in the comments.

Remember to like & subscribe for more emo, pop punk, and alternative interviews.

Good Night Moon on How Adulthood Has Re-Inspired Songs Written 20 Years Ago Feb 13, 2026

Goodnight Moon are back!

Nearly 20 years after emerging from the South Florida DIY emo and post-hardcore scene, the band has reunited to re-record their early 2000s material, revisiting the songs that they wrote as teenagers and reimagining them with the perspective of adulthood.

In this episode of OurSpace, we sit down with JB, Corey, and Rob of Goodnight Moon to talk about:

The Florida emo scene in the early 2000s
Playing shows with bands like Taking Back Sunday and Bayside
Why they chose to re-record their original material
Growing up in the Warped Tour era
Whether emo nostalgia is becoming the millennial version of 80s night
Losing music in the MySpace reset
Vocal surgery, second chances, and what “being back” really means

We also dive into the resurgence of guitar-driven music, the evolution of the scene, and how technology has changed what it means to be in a band in 2026.

If you grew up feeling like an outsider and found your community through emo, pop punk, and post-hardcore, this conversation is for you.

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$KIN UP on Emo Rap & Identity: “I Don’t Fit in One Scene” Feb 06, 2026

In this episode of Ourspace, Matt sits down with rising emo rap artist $KIN UP to talk about the intersection of rap, emo, and alternative music, and why the genre lines blend so well.

🎧 Listen & subscribe for more artist interviews

Why Emo Still Matters: Demi The Daredevil on Pain, Art & Loneliness Jan 30, 2026

In this episode of Ourspace, Matt Vettese sits down with Demi The Daredevil for a raw, vulnerable conversation about emo music, trauma, grief, authenticity, and building real connection in an algorithm-driven world.

Demi opens up about his journey as an independent artist, the pain that shaped his music, and why he believes much of today’s content feels like the “McDonald’s of music.” The conversation explores how honest, emotionally-driven art stands the test of time, while trend-chasing fades away.

We also dive deep into Demi’s latest EP Vanishing Point, including the emotional weight behind the song “Blackbird,” written about the loss of his best friend and bandmate. Demi shares how grief, mental health, and vulnerability fuel his songwriting and why emo music continues to be a lifeline for people who feel alone.

🎧 Listen & subscribe for more artist interviews, deep conversations, and scene-driven music discovery.

"Band's Need To Build A Community" Interview with Better Hell Jan 23, 2026

In this episode of OurSpace with Matt Vettese, I sit down with Better Hell for a wide-ranging conversation about building real community, modern emo culture, content creation, and the band’s upcoming music.

We talk about the state of the emo and alternative scene today, what feels oversaturated, what still feels exciting, and why genuine contribution matters more than chasing trends. Better Hell share their philosophy on creating meaningful content, supporting new bands, and keeping scenes alive instead of turning them into memes.

The conversation also dives deep into community-building. We break down why authenticity, real conversations, and “being a good hang” matter more than aggressive self-promotion, and how those values translate directly into building a fanbase for a band.

On the music side, Better Hell talk about:
• Their sound blending alternative rock, emo, post-hardcore, and melodic hardcore
• Collaborating with Aaron Gillespie (Underoath) on their first releases
• Drawing influence from bands like Movements, Title Fight, Citizen, Anxious, Thrice, and Commonwealth
• Writing without chasing a specific genre or trend
• Why collaboration matters more than protecting ego in songwriting
• What to expect from upcoming singles and a future EP
• Playing shows with Secrets and plans for 2026 festivals and touring

If you’re into emo revival, alternative rock, post-hardcore, DIY community-building, or learning how bands grow authentically in today’s music landscape, this is a must-watch/listen conversation.

🎧 Better Hell — new singles dropping regularly
📍 Follow Better Hell on Spotify, Apple Music & social media to stay updated
🎤 Emo karaoke, live shows, festivals & more coming soon

👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for weekly artist interviews and deep dives into the alternative music scene.

#BetterHell #EmoRevival #AlternativeRock #PostHardcore #DIYMusic #MusicCommunity #Underoath #OurSpacePodcast #NewBands

Ben Quad on Wisher, 2000s Emo Influence & Refusing One Sound Jan 15, 2026

In this episode of OurSpace, I sit down with Ben Quad to talk about their new album Wisher, the evolution of their sound, and why they refuse to stay boxed into one genre.

We get into the band’s journey from DIY emo roots to a more polished, post-hardcore–influenced sound, the discourse around their heavier Ephemera EP, and how early 2000s bands like Underoath, Taking Back Sunday, Motion City Soundtrack, and third-wave emo shaped Wisher. Ben Quad break down their songwriting process, working with producer John Markson, recording at a farm studio in New Jersey, and how leaning into honest, vulnerable lyrics led to some of their strongest songs yet.

🎧 Stream Wisher now
🎟️ Grab tickets for Ben Quad’s upcoming headline tour
👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for weekly interviews with bands shaping the alternative scene

Greywind Talk About Creating a World Where It’s Okay to Be Sad: "Severed Heart City" Jan 09, 2026

In this episode of OurSpace with Matt Vettese, I’m joined once again by Steph and Paul O’Sullivan of Greywind, marking their return to the show for a deeper, more reflective conversation about escapism, grief, mental health, and their upcoming record.

We dive into Greywind’s single “Make Believe (Love Me)”, the concept behind their upcoming album Severed Heart City, and why the band intentionally creates live shows as a place of escape and healing, rather than bringing the weight of the outside world onto the stage. Steph and Paul open up about the idea of performing as an alter ego, “fake it till you make it,” and how confidence on stage can inspire fans, especially young women, to feel powerful and seen.

This conversation also explores:
• Writing “sad songs that sound happy”
• Using music as therapy and processing grief through songwriting
• The meaning behind recurring themes of death and loss in Greywind’s music
• How their uncle’s passing shaped the band’s origin and emotional honesty
• Why Severed Heart City is a place where it’s okay to be sad, but not stuck
• The story behind tracks like “Coping the Coma,” “Moon,” and “I Kill All My Friends”
• Balancing dark subject matter with hope, catharsis, and connection
• Building a long-term artistic world and lore across records
• Staying true to their sound while evolving into pop-punk and emo night anthems

Steph and Paul also talk about being dropped by labels, learning resilience, developing thicker skin in the music industry, and why believing in yourself matters more than external validation. We close by discussing touring plans, fan connection, and where Greywind wants to play next, including a strong love for Canada!

If you’re into emo, alternative rock, pop punk, emotionally honest songwriting, or bands that turn pain into community, this is a must-watch conversation.

👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for weekly artist interviews and deep dives into the alternative music scene.

#Greywind #SeveredHeartCity #MakeBelieve #Emo #PopPunk #AlternativeRock #MentalHealthInMusic #ArtistInterview #OurSpacePodcast

Charlie Kerr (Hotel Mira) on Being the Villain in His Own Songs Dec 30, 2025

In this episode of OurSpace with Matt Vettese, I sit down with Charlie Kerr, frontman of Hotel Mira, actor, and playwright, for a deeply honest conversation about vulnerability, shame, success, and connection. We dive into Hotel Mira’s new EP The Afterparty, how it continues the themes introduced on Pity Party, and why emotional honesty has become the band’s defining strength.

Charlie opens up about writing songs where he often positions himself as the villain, the importance of feeling seen and heard, and how shame, when explored openly, can actually bring people together. We also talk about how his background in acting influences his performances, why playing live feels like theater, and how the band’s onstage energy gives fans permission to fully express themselves.

🎧 Hotel Mira’s EP The Afterparty is out now
📍 Touring + growing audiences across Canada and beyond

👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for weekly artist interviews and deep dives into the alternative music scene.

#HotelMira #CharlieKerr #TheAfterparty #AlternativeRock #CanadianMusic #IndieRock #ArtistInterview #EmotionalHonesty #OurSpacePodcast

From Acoustic Demos to Emo Anthems: Dylan Espeseth’s Breakout Story Dec 17, 2025

In this episode of OurSpace with Matt Vettese, I sit down with Dylan Espeseth, an up-and-coming alternative/emo artist with over 500,000 monthly Spotify listeners, to talk about his upcoming debut album, his creative journey, and the emotional weight behind his music.

We dive into Dylan’s influences, from Dashboard Confessional, Motion City Soundtrack, and Saves the Day, to folk, Midwest emo, and even emo rap, and how those sounds came together to shape his evolving style. Dylan opens up about writing his breakout song “Circles,” dealing with burnout and isolation during the pandemic, and how learning production completely changed his songwriting process.

We also talk about:
• Opening for The Rocket Summer and what he learned from watching a veteran emo act
• Going from acoustic GarageBand demos to a full-band album
• Writing deeply personal songs, including love songs, and the vulnerability behind them
• The pressure of releasing a debut full-length record
• Finding authenticity instead of chasing “hits”
• Why emo music is about honesty, not negativity
• The artists he’s listening to right now

If you’re into emo revival, alternative rock, Midwest emo, or heartfelt songwriting, this is a must-watch conversation.

🎧 Dylan Espeseth’s debut album drops this February
🎥 New music videos coming soon, including visuals for “Circles”

👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for weekly artist interviews and deep dives into the alternative music scene.

#DylanEspeseth #EmoRevival #AlternativeRock #MidwestEmo #TheRocketSummer #EmoInterview #NewMusic2025 #OurSpacePodcast

HUDDY on The Story Behind "Burn The Ballroom Down" + The Dark Side Of The Music Industry Dec 10, 2025

HUDDY joins me for an honest and unfiltered conversation about his new era, the story behind “Burn The Ballroom Down,” and what it was like collaborating with Vic Fuentes of Pierce the Veil. We dive deep into his creative process, the emotional weight behind his upcoming music, and the real struggles artists face behind the scenes.

Huddy opens up about the darker side of the music industry, the pressure to constantly evolve, mental health, and why this next chapter of his career is the most authentic he’s ever felt. We also talk about transitioning from social media fame into becoming a serious alternative artist, how he’s pushing his sound forward, and what fans can expect from him in 2025.

If you love Pierce the Veil, alt-rock, emo-pop, or Huddy’s new direction, you’ll want to catch the full interview.

🔥 Topics We Cover:
• The making of “Burn The Ballroom Down”
• How Vic Fuentes ended up on the track
• The reality of being an artist in today’s industry
• Huddy’s evolution from TikTok fame to rock artist
• His darkest songs yet — and what inspired them
• Handling burnout, pressure, and personal growth
• Teases about his new album and 2026 direction

👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more artist interviews every week.
🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts — OurSpace with Matt Vettese.

#Huddy #VicFuentes #PierceTheVeil #BurnTheBallroomDown #AltRock #EmoPop #NewMusic2025 #ArtistInterview #OurSpacePodcast

Bailey Spinn Breaks Down Her Darker Era, Vocal Glow-Up & 2026 Plans Dec 03, 2025

Bailey Spinn has taken over TikTok with 15M followers but her pivot into music is where things get REALLY interesting.

In this episode, Bailey opens up about:
• Getting humbled by early hate & using it to level up her vocals
• Breaking out of the “TikToker” box and proving herself as a real artist
• Her love for Paramore, Evanescence, Poppy, and nu-metal
• Her new darker era, her heaviest music yet, and what fans can expect in 2026
& more.

If you're into the new wave of heavy female-fronted rock, this is a must-listen.

Customer Service (Halifax Emo) Talk New EP & Evolving Sound Nov 26, 2025

In this episode of OurSpace with Matt Vettese, I sit down with Halifax emo band Customer Service to talk all about their new EP If You’re Here, You Must Be Fine. We dig into their place in the growing Halifax music scene, and how 90s emo influences shaped their sound.

We also dive into the meaning behind the new EP, the band’s evolution beyond breakup songs, and why the East Coast might secretly have the strongest scene in Canada right now. If you’re into emo, indie rock, Canadian punk, or Halifax bands, this one’s for you.

🎧 Stream the new EP and check out the full conversation now.

👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for weekly artist interviews, album deep-dives, and scene spotlights.

#CustomerServiceBand #EmoRevival #HalifaxMusicScene #CanadianEmo #NewMusic2025

House & Home Talk About "I Won't Look For You" Their Most Honest Album Yet Nov 19, 2025

House & Home talk their new album I Won’t Look For You, writing on the road, and levelling up their sound in this interview with OurSpace.
Pat breaks down how the band approached their sophomore record, what changed in their writing process, and why this album feels louder, heavier, and more honest than anything they’ve done before. We also get into touring life, balancing relationships, and finding confidence as a band in your late 20s.

If you’re a fan of modern emo, alt-rock, post-hardcore, or bands like Hot Mulligan, Movements, or Citizen, you’ll love this conversation.

Topics Covered:
• The making of I Won’t Look For You
• Writing vocals and finding the album’s identity
• Creating on tour for the first time
• Working with producer Will Beasley
• Growing up, balancing life and music
• What makes House & Home different on this record

Bearings Talk “Comfort Company”, Turning 30, and Finding Their Sound Again Nov 13, 2025

Collin Hanes from Bearings joins OurSpace to talk all about the band’s brand-new album Comfort Company (out November 7). We dig into what makes this record their most natural-sounding yet, how the songwriting process has evolved, and why embracing imperfection gave the album its character.

We also chat about getting older in the scene, the Menzingers’ influence, and how Derrick from State Champs ended up on the track “Float Away.”

If you’re into emo, alt rock, or pop punk that grows up without losing its heart, you’ll love this conversation.

⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro
01:15 – Writing Comfort Company across Canada and LA
06:40 – The meaning behind the album title
10:25 – Why this record feels more raw and natural
15:55 – Turning 30 and the nostalgia that comes with it
21:10 – How “Float Away” came together with Derrick from State Champs
27:45 – The Menzingers influence and embracing realism
33:20 – Room 21 Studios and the making of the record
38:00 – What’s next for Bearings

Keywords: Bearings interview, Bearings Comfort Company, Bearings 2025, pop punk 2025, Canadian pop punk, emo rock, OurSpace Media, Bearings band, Bearings Float Away, State Champs feature, alternative music interview.

Rody Walker (Protest The Hero) on the Fun Side of Metal and Why Some Songs Disappeared From Spotify Nov 06, 2025

Rody Walker from Protest the Hero joins OurSpace to chat all things nostalgia, new music, and why some classic Protest songs are missing from streaming platforms. We also talk about Rody’s vocal challenges, the band’s unique approach to humor, and how they’ve managed to stay fresh and fearless after 20+ years in the game.

Boys Like Girls Reflect on 20 Years of Hits and Live Presence | When We Were Young 2025 Oct 30, 2025

Boys Like Girls talk When We Were Young, perfecting their live show, and the nostalgia of playing songs that defined a generation. Plus, stories from the stage, lessons learned from touring with the Jonas Brothers, and how they keep their energy high 20 years later.