Stay ConnectedRediscover new music.
Former radio host, Matt Vettese, interviews the hottest bands in the alternative music scene each week.
This is a place to connect with your favourite bands and discover new ones.
New episodes every Wednesday!
Find more: www.ourspacemedia.com
Copyright: © Copyright 2023 All rights reserved.
What does it really take to build a music career without a label or a viral moment doing the work for you?
lolitslea joins OurSpace to talk about her journey as an independent artist, embracing her "neon pop punk" sound, and bringing the colorful, electronic energy of the late-2000s alternative scene into a new generation.
lolitslea opens up about starting out making pop music before finding the confidence to make the music she'd always wanted to make, the reaction that convinced her to embrace pop punk, and how her collaboration with Sleeping With Sirens vocalist Kellin Quinn came together.
We also dive into the less glamorous reality of DIY music: funding a career yourself, working multiple jobs, booking your own shows through DMs, learning when to spend money versus investing your own time, and navigating an industry increasingly obsessed with social media numbers and viral moments.
Plus, we get into the stories behind "Rollercoaster Tycoon," "Burnout" and "Exit Plan," her love of video games, the artists currently in her rotation, and what's coming next.
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#lolitslea #PopPunk #NeonPopPunk #IndependentArtist #DIYMusician #Emo #AlternativeMusic #KellinQuinn #OurSpacePodcast
Nicole Alexis joins OurSpace to discuss her new EP, Mirrors and Smoke, growing up alternative, and why one of her biggest songs almost never existed.
The Nashville-based DIY artist opens up about living with ADHD, teaching herself multiple instruments, hearing fully formed songs in her head from a young age, and documenting life's biggest moments through music.
Nicole also shares how social media helped validate her artistic voice, why she intentionally kept Mirrors and Smoke stripped back, and how Find Another You went from being deleted off her computer to becoming the first song that truly connected with millions of listeners online.
We also discuss:
Growing up listening to Nirvana, Green Day, Paramore & Flyleaf
ADHD and creativity as an artist
Learning multiple instruments
Finding confidence in vulnerability
Creating music without chasing commercial expectations
The realities of being a DIY independent musician
Why music can feel like reading old diary entries years later
Plus, Nicole recommends an underrated Nashville artist that deserves to be on your playlist right now.
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.
#NicoleAlexis #AlternativeMusic #DIYArtist #ADHD #Emo #NashvilleMusic #IndependentArtist #MirrorsAndSmoke #MusicPodcast #OurSpace
What does touring actually do to your mental health?
Licensed mental health counselor Daniel Rinaldi joins OurSpace to discuss the hidden struggles that musicians, touring crew members and creatives face both on and off the road.
From burnout and sleep deprivation to loneliness, anxiety and the difficult transition back home after tour, Daniel shares practical advice for maintaining your mental health while working in the music industry. We also discuss why touring crew members are often overlooked, the importance of creating safer spaces at concerts, and the mental health resources available for artists and fans alike.
This episode isn't just for musicians, it's for anyone who has ever struggled with burnout, finding community, or feeling disconnected from the world around them.
We also discuss:
-Mental health for touring musicians and crew
-Artist burnout and creative wellness
-Staying connected with loved ones while on tour
-Finding the right therapist for you
-Practical grounding techniques for creatives
-Why mental health should never be treated as a luxury
-How fans can help create safer spaces within music communities
If music helped you through difficult moments in your life, this conversation is for you.
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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.
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#MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #Musicians #TouringMusicians #ArtistBurnout #MusicIndustry #Emo #AlternativeMusic #OurSpacePodcast #MentalHealthMatters
If you're new here, a few years ago, TJ and I co-hosted a podcast called The Top 8. Due to scheduling issues, The Top 8 went on hiatus. But good news if you missed it: TJ is popping in for a random episode of OurSpace to chat our Top 8 favourite releases of the year so far!
We're going to try to make this a more regular thing when schedules allow.
Now, go leave the show 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
And let us know what your favourite releases of 2026 are so far ⬇️
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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.
#Emo #PopPunk #Metalcore #PostHardcore #AlbumOfTheYear #StaticDress #Movements #Poppy #JordanFish #BringMeTheHorizon #MusicPodcast #OurSpace
Zach Goode joins OurSpace with Matt Vettese to discuss becoming the new voice of Smash Mouth, the band's first full-length album of original music in 14 years, Mercury Comet, and what it's really like stepping into one of the most recognizable bands of the '90s and 2000s.
Zach shares how a simple audition turned into fronting Smash Mouth, what he learned from replacing Steve Harwell, and why he believes fans have embraced this new era of the band.
We also talk about writing new Smash Mouth music, balancing nostalgia with creativity, the legacy of All Star, Shrek's lasting impact on the band's popularity, and why iconic bands changing singers has become more common than ever.
Leave 5 stars if you enjoyed the chat! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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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.
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#SmashMouth #ZachGoode #MercuryComet #AllStar #SteveHarwell #Shrek #AlternativeRock #90sMusic #OurSpace #MattVettese
Chief State joins OurSpace with Matt Vettese to discuss their new album Keep Your Friends Closer, why it took nearly two years to finally release, and how becoming a fully collaborative band changed everything.
The Vancouver pop punk outfit talks about evolving creatively, balancing adulthood with being in a touring band, and why they've rediscovered the joy of making music without putting so much pressure on themselves.
We also dive into the album's songwriting process, favorite tracks, playing the record live for the first time, upcoming touring plans, and why they're already deep into writing the next chapter of Chief State.
Plus, the band shares a handful of underrated Canadian artists you should have on your radar.
Remember to leave a 5 star rating if you enjoyed the chat! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
📸 William Langlais
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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.
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#ChiefState #KeepYourFriendsCloser #PopPunk #MelodicPunk #CanadianMusic #Vancouver #OurSpace #MattVettese #AlternativeMusic #NewMusic #OurSpace
Russ Rankin of Good Riddance joins OurSpace with Matt Vettese for a chat about the band's new album Before the World Caves In, political songwriting in the Trump era, punk rock activism, and finding hope during turbulent times.
Russ discusses how his approach to songwriting has evolved over the years, why he believes music can still inspire social change, and the importance of creating art that leaves room for listeners to find their own meaning. We also talk about recording with Bill Stevenson, working at The Blasting Room, and the lessons he's learned from decades in punk rock.
Beyond the music, Russ shares thoughts on community organizing, political engagement, punk's role in shaping worldviews, and why he believes the next generation of hardcore bands is carrying the spirit of the scene forward.
Plus, discover a few artists and bands Russ thinks deserve more attention right now.
If you enjoyed the chat remember to leave 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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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. https://elderemo.com/OURSPACE
Jake and Alex of Subtitles join OurSpace with Matt Vettese to discuss their debut album Subtitles On, the challenges of running a band across two continents, and the emotional stories behind some of the record's most impactful songs.
Living in the United States and France, the duo shares how they built the band through technology, late-night writing sessions, and a shared vision for what Subtitles. could become. They also discuss touring, Warped Tour's Battle of the Bands, the power of building genuine connections in music, and what it's like seeing fans tattoo their lyrics.
Plus, we talk about social anxiety, networking, modern music promotion, and share a handful of up-and-coming bands you should be listening to right now.
If you enjoy the show please leave 5 stars on your favourite podcast platform ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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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. https://elderemo.com/OURSPACE
Jason from Toronto's Burning Out joins OurSpace with Matt Vettese to discuss the band's new single "Kill Me Maybe," their upcoming EP, heartbreak, songwriting, DIY culture, and the evolution of the Toronto punk scene.
Jason shares how the band's latest songs chronicle the emotional stages of processing a difficult breakup, why songwriting has become a form of therapy, and how Burning Out blends influences from melodic hardcore, pop punk, emo, and post-hardcore into something uniquely their own.
We also talk about the Toronto scene in the 2000s, Warped Tour, mixed-genre lineups, social media's impact on independent bands, and the challenges of balancing music with adult life.
Plus, Jason recommends a stack of underrated Toronto-area bands that deserve more attention.
Thumbnail photo by Ryan Brough
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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. https://elderemo.com/OURSPACE
Des Rocs joins OurSpace with Matt Vettese for a chat about his new album To Hell and Back, the future of rock music, surviving a devastating spinal injury, and what it really takes to build a career as a modern rock artist.
Des shares the story behind the album title, discusses recording the record live as a full band, and explains why authenticity, risk, and emotional vulnerability remain at the core of great rock and roll.
We also talk about opening for The Rolling Stones, why he believes rock still delivers the greatest live shows in music, the challenges of sustaining a rock career in today's industry, and why he has no interest in chasing trends.
Plus, he shares the artists who inspired him, the DIY scene that shaped him, and a few modern bands he thinks deserve more attention.
If you enjoy the chat remember to leave a 5 star review! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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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. https://elderemo.com/OURSPACE
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