OurSpace with Matt Vettese

Dustin Kensrue of Thrice joins OurSpace with Matt Vettese to talk about his new holiday album, That Spirit of Christmas, and why he decided to make another Christmas record nearly 20 years after his first.

We get into the vintage soul and mid-century influences behind the album, putting his own spin on Christmas classics, and why Christmas music is such an important part of his family's holiday traditions. Dustin also shares the story behind “Joy Lives Here,” a song originally written for Hallmark that they ended up rejecting, reveals the Christmas song he absolutely hates, and talks about the...

Amy and Kayla of Like Roses join OurSpace with Matt Vettese and this week we're breaking down every song on their debut album, After It Ends.

After spending years making music as a passion project, Like Roses suddenly found themselves connecting with a much bigger audience when “Easy” started taking off on TikTok. What followed was a record deal with Hopeless Records, tours with bands they grew up listening to, and now their first full-length album.

We start by talking about that unexpected success, Amy's distinctive raspy vocals, and what it feels like to hear from...

What makes a music scene worth being part of?

Nish of Chicago emo band tenmonthsummer joins OurSpace with Matt Vettese to talk about the band's latest EP midwestern haikus, what's next for their first full-length album, and why the DIY community is so much more than a collection of bands playing local shows.

After releasing two EPs in 2026, tenmonthsummer has been keeping busy. Nish shares the story behind those releases, what the band has learned after three years together, and why their upcoming album will be their next big focus.

We also dig...

Is being a talented musician enough to make a living in today's music industry? 

Kenny Feinstein joins OurSpace with Matt Vettese to talk about his new book More Than Talent and what independent musicians actually need to do to build successful, sustainable careers in 2026.

After more than 25 years working in music, Kenny has learned a few things about finding fans, marketing your songs, and making money as an artist. And he isn't afraid to challenge the way musicians have traditionally approached their careers.

We talk about why he believes musicians need to embrace b...

Tenlung joins OurSpace with Matt Vettese to talk about I Follow Birds, “The Shed Song,” blending emo and pop punk with hyperpop, and the years-long personal journey that unexpectedly became part of her art.

We get into the incredible story behind “The Shed Song,” which was written years before its release and accompanied by a music video that ended up documenting part of Tenlung's transition, despite that never being the original plan.

Tenlung opens up about growing up deeply religious in the American South, being closeted, leaving the evangelical church, and eventually coming to terms with her...

From First to Last are back and Matt Good joins OurSpace with Matt Vettese to take us inside the band's new era.

With We Were Bleeding Anyway arriving October 2, Matt talks about bringing Lil Lotus into From First to Last, why his perspective as a fan helped shape the band's new music, and how the goal was never to recreate the past but to respect what made records like Dear Diary, My Teen Angst Has a Bodycount connect in the first place and bring that into who they are today.

Then we talk about the...

Rody Walker of Protest the Hero returns to OurSpace with Matt Vettese to talk about the band's new album Within, their first completely independent release, and why he's feeling excited about the future of the band again.

We get into the challenges of leaving record labels behind, the financial realities of releasing an album independently, and why Protest the Hero want more control over their music and back catalogue. Rody also opens up about the overwhelmingly positive response to Within and why he almost convinced the band to change “Mouthpiece” just days before its release.

If y...

Talker joins OurSpace with Matt Vettese to dive deep into her new album Runaway Jane, why she completely changed her creative process to make it, and what happened when she stopped trying to make everything perfect.

After feeling disconnected from her debut album by the time it was finally released, Talker approached Runaway Jane differently. Instead of finishing the entire record and sitting on it for months, she started releasing music while parts of the album were still being finished, giving herself deadlines, embracing imperfections, and trusting the emotion of a performance instead of endlessly trying to...

Harrison Gordon returns to OurSpace to talk about the band's new sophomore album, Bliss, and everything that's changed since our first conversation two years ago.

After the viral success surrounding The Yuppies Are Winning, Harrison Gordon had a choice: keep chasing TikTok and the algorithm or try to build the kind of band they grew up loving. They chose the latter.

Harrison talks about consciously stepping away from being a “content band,” how touring with Free Throw helped transform their audience, and the strange transition from playing DIY house shows to performing in front of a th...

After nearly two years without new music, Sam and Nick of Savings join OurSpace to talk about their return with their new single “Stressed Out” and why stepping away was exactly what the band needed.

Sam and Nick talk about rediscovering that creative spark, writing “Stressed Out” without any expectations, and realizing they were ready to move forward again.

We also dive into the pressure modern artists face to constantly “feed the machine,” why being in a band today often means becoming your own marketing department, and how building a stronger team has helped Savings find a bette...

What does Vans Warped Tour mean in 2026?

At Vans Warped Tour Montreal, OurSpace spoke with 11 bands from the emo, pop-punk, punk, post-hardcore and metalcore scenes to see why Warped Tour remains such an important part of alternative music culture.

Veterans including Taking Back Sunday, Atreyu, Hawthorne Heights, Cartel, Escape The Fate and The Devil Wears Prada look back on Warped Tour’s role in their careers and what it feels like to return years later as a new generation experiences it for the first time.

Meanwhile, Chase Petra, Suddenwaves, Origami Angel and Good Sl...

Brian of Good Terms returns to OurSpace with Matt Vettese to talk about what it meant to actually performing at Warped Tour, why Warped Tour still matters for up-and-coming emo, pop punk and alternative bands, and how the experience is already influencing Good Terms' live show.

We also dive deep into the band's new single “Hard Call,” why they made the bold decision to OPEN their Warped Tour set with a brand-new song, and how years of experimenting with their sound on Burnout helped Good Terms figure out what they want to double down on next.

If...

What happened to emo between the 2000s mainstream boom and the resurgence we're experiencing today?

Andrew Sacher joins Matt on OurSpace to discuss his new book, Emo Revival, which documents the fourth wave of emo and the underground community that helped keep the genre alive.

Having covered the scene for Brooklyn Vegan as it was unfolding, Andrew brings a unique perspective to the story of bands like Modern Baseball, Title Fight, Snowing, Algernon Cadwallader, Joyce Manor, Foxing, Citizen, The Menzingers, The Wonder Years and more.

Andrew and Matt discuss why fourth-wave emo has...

Recorded outside the Toronto stop of Slow Joy's I Love You So Much I Could Die Tour, David of Bike Routes joins OurSpace for a special on-location conversation about the band's breakout year.

We discuss the making of their debut album Prairie, how World Apart became the song that introduced so many listeners to the band, and what it's been like hearing fans sing along to songs that began as simple acoustic demos in New Jersey.

David also reflects on the musical influences that shaped Bike Routes (including Bruce Springsteen, The Gaslight Anthem, My Chemical...

What really happens after a song goes viral?

This week on OurSpace with Matt Vettese, Gavin and Ricky from INOHA share the story behind the band's breakout success with "Seventh Heaven," the surreal moment they watched the numbers climb in real time, and how they transformed one viral reel into international touring opportunities.

The conversation also explores the making of their new album, This Might Be Useful, why they completely changed their songwriting process, learning to balance creativity with the business side of being an independent band, touring alongside Good Kid, and the tracks they're...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Buddy Nielsen of Senses Fail joins OurSpace with Matt Vettese for a deep conversation about the past, present, and future of Senses Fail, including new music, the legacy of Still Searching, the current emo and hardcore scene, festival culture, and why live music still matters more than ever.

Buddy opens up about writing new Senses Fail songs, modernizing the band without losing what fans love, playing major festivals like Welcome to Rockville, the resurgence of emo nostalgia, and why younger fans are still connecting with records like Still Searching nearly 20 years later.

Subscribe for more...

Microwave frontman Nate Hardy joins OurSpace with Matt Vettese for a deep dive into the band’s evolution, the emo revival, mental health in music culture, and the future of Microwave.

Fresh off the 10 Years of Much Love anniversary tour with Anthony Green, Nate opens up about:

Tokyo Rose is back.

In this episode of OurSpace with Matt Vettese, Ryan of Tokyo Rose joins the show to talk about the band’s rise during the golden era of emo and pop punk, touring with bands like Taking Back Sunday and The Starting Line, and why the band quietly disappeared after their album leaked during the LimeWire era.

Ryan also opens up about:

Tyler of Youth Fountain joins OurSpace with Matt Vettese for an open conversation about the past, present, and future of the project.

We talk about Youth Fountain starting as a solo project, the years as a duo, Cody leaving to join Real Friends, and how Tyler returned to doing everything on his own. Tyler also discusses writing and recording songs himself, touring as a solo artist, leaving Pure Noise Records, fighting burnout, and preparing for a new independent era of Youth Fountain.

Plus, we get into Slam Dunk Festival, social media, fan messages, and what...

Jake Luhrs of August Burns Red joins OurSpace to talk about mental health, community, and turning music into something bigger than just songs.

We explore the origins of HeartSupport, how fan interactions shaped its mission, and why the alternative scene has always been rooted in connection and healing. Jake also breaks down his collaboration with Chatter on “Voiceless,” a song centered around finding your voice in a world that tries to silence you.

This episode is about growth, vulnerability, and the reminder that you’re not alone even when it feels like it.

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In this episode of OurSpace with Matt Vettese, I’m joined by Kory from Prince Daddy & The Hyena to break down their brand new album Hotwire Trip Switch and why it’s their most different (and maybe most confident) record yet.

We dive deep into:

-Why they made a “singles album” instead of a concept record
-The pressure of writing songs that stand on their own
-The evolution of Prince Daddy from their earliest demos to now

Kory also opens up about how this being their first-ever band has influenced everything, from son...

In this episode of OurSpace with Matt Vettese, I’m joined by Nico and Kevin from Electric Callboy to talk about how they turned heavy music into something you can actually dance to, why their shows feel like a full-on festival experience, and how they went from playing small clubs to massive arenas around the world.

Have you seen Electric Callboy live? What was your experience like?

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LOLO is DONE apologizing for her feelings.

In this episode of OurSpace with Matt Vettese, we sit down with one of pop punk’s fastest-rising voices to talk about her brand new album God Forbid a Girl Spits Out Her Feelings, the transition from opener to headliner, and why she’s embracing being a “chronic oversharer” for the sake of the art.

Subscribe for more chats with your favourite artists and discover awesome new artists!

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Matt Donnelly of Don Broco joins OurSpace to talk about their latest album Nightmare Tripping and the evolution of the band’s sound.

We dive into how their heaviest record yet came together, including their unexpected collaboration with Chad Kroeger of Nickelback, working with Sam Carter, and why modern rock is embracing features more than ever.

Matt also shares insights into the songwriting process, recording vocals on unconventional gear, and the reality of balancing touring, burnout, and creativity.

If you enjoyed this episode please follow for more.

To support the show, le...

After nearly two decades, The Academy Is... are back with new music! William Beckett joins OurSpace with Matt Vettese to talk about their new album "Almost There."

We dive into what it means to return after 18 years, how the band reconnected through live shows and festivals, and why this record focuses on being present rather than leaning too heavily on nostalgia.

William opens up about the emotional themes behind the album, the evolution from Almost Here to Almost There, and how the band approached writing this new chapter completely fresh.

If you enjoyed...

Free Throw’s Cory Castro and Larry Warner join OurSpace with Matt Vettese to talk about the band’s sixth album, Moments Before the Wind, out March 27.

We talk about how Free Throw changed their writing process on this record, why they stopped trying to recreate past successes like “Two Beers In,” and how the album still feels like Free Throw while pushing into new sonic territory. Cory also opens up about the album’s themes of feeling stuck in a liminal space, and how finding out he was going to be a dad during the recording process ch...

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 li...

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 ins...

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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...

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! 

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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