Vigorously with Val Kleinhans

Halloween playlists might have a problem.

Every year, we get the same songs. “Monster Mash.” “Thriller.” Maybe some Rob Zombie if we're feeling particularly dangerous or adventurous…but we’re missing something.

If you're a person like Val who actually likes dark and heavy music, there's an entire universe of songs that sound like Halloween without ever mentioning Halloween. 

So, today, now that we’re deep enough into September that we feel we can all universally agree that spooky season is HERE, we're building the perfect spooky-season playlist—from goth to metal - with all the song...

(Originally aired 8/26/24)

Lindsay Schoolcraft chats with Val about cats, astrology, and the new music she'd been working on and the singles that formed Harrowing before it became the album we know today.

Lindsay Schoolcraft stream:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/6ZLcdPSxw1fTYJlz3DLrSZ

Follow Lindsay: https://www.instagram.com/lindzriot/

Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

The new Slipknot single "Arsenal" has raised many questions about longevity in metal. When should a band hang it up? Are they required to retire at a certain point?

Val examines the art of knowing when to walk away using Slipknot, Ministry and Mötley Crüe as case studies. 

Follow Val: https://www.instagram.com/valkleinhans/

Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

In this episode, Val welcomes Jay and Kevin from metalcore band The Moth Anatomy to discuss navigating the industry (with the delicate yin and yang of a moth) in a world that looks vastly different from when they started. Is putting your music on physical media still worth it? What do audiences want today?

They also discuss their latest single "Unfamiliar" , shooting the video for it, and what metalcore bands of today can take from the ones who started it all decades ago. Plus, they hint at more music on the way.

<...

Modern grunge that hasn't forgotten its roots can be found in Scarhaven. 

In this New Music Friday episode, meet the band introducing grunge to the younger masses - Scarhaven. 

Singer Michael Saint joins Val for a conversation on the live shows they have coming up, bts on the "Clouds" video, general thoughts on the music industry, and how the grunge of it all was just a happy accident.

Scarhaven stream: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7yYuEhmPsIxsYHTDou8lRg

Follow Scarhaven: https://www.instagram.com/scarhaven/

Ge...

Vigorous ones, I’m here to help solve a problem that I’m noticing lately - and that problem is there’s sooooooo much music to go through!

Don’t get me wrong, it’s a good problem to have, but I get why we’re a little overwhelmed by all of these new releases that (at this point) are year-round. 

We need more than a “here’s some bands you should listen to”. We need to have a conversation about how to find new music in today’s climate. In today’s conditions. As we're adjusting to a ne...

Whimsy is a buzzword at the moment, and it's because today, as a collective, it's easy to feel like we're losing ours. Folk metal duo Forgotten Shrine has the medicine you'll need to reclaim your whimsy!

Sofia and Josh join Val for a playful and candid conversation about their upcoming album Nox Aeterna, injecting whimsy into the music you're making, other artists they're loving right now, and how to balance the responsibilities that surround what it is to be an artist.

Nox Aeterna is out everywhere November 6th.

S...

Severing ties isn't always the worst thing in the world. If anyone knows that, it's alternative rockers cut the cord.

Val chats with singer Dylan about navigating mental health struggles, sobriety, and making moves in the music industry without having a handbook for any of it! Also discussed is new music on the way.

cut the cord STREAM: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3msEGnrGYjEsKUe1Z8cEhd?si=2cHXuZWfRvGDKwoAYhrjqQ

Follow cut the cord.: https://www.instagram.com/cutthecorddot/

Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

Whenever someone lives their life vigorously in public, they’re not immune to feedback or criticism - and that goes for everybody, even the angel that is Dolly Parton…and drummer Travis Barker. Two names we don’t throw in the same sentence a lot, but in this sense share a parallel. 

Let’s talk about both of these legends, because there’s a lot to learn from! These two do and have done things vigorously. 

Val's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valkleinhans/

Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

Val welcomes back Zahna for a very special occasion! Break or Breakthrough is out Friday.

Easily Zahna's most aggressive and vulnerable piece of work, Val and Zahna chat about navigating life's hardships, the music industry, and "make or break" points with humor, feist, and humility to celebrate the new album. They also chat about the icons she's shared the stage with while on tour this summer.

PRE-SAVE BREAK OR BREAKTHROUGH: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0HvsF5I55057H9hTIkn60F?si=cv67jQ5DShiSvGs5T1fM2A

Get...

Gåte is slowly introducing the world to their brand of Norwegian folk metal, and we couldn't be more excited!

In this episode, Val and vocalist Gunnhild Sundli chat about the upcoming album Sigil, how Gåte made the best of their Eurovision experience, and the stories and legends that make Norway unique.

Get more Gåte: https://www.xn--gte-ula.com/

Follow Gåte: https://www.instagram.com/gaate_official/

Gåte Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3YxkGgMvqCQA75aFpy6524?si=uY64vruATb6zvKkwc4eQhw&utm_sourc...

One day you're a fan, the next, you're sharing the studio! 

This is the true story of how the collaboration between SAGE and PINKNOISE came to be. 

On this New Music Friday, Val and SAGE also get into their lore, horror movie takes, and what the secret to a successful collaboration really is.

Follow SAGE: https://www.instagram.com/sagebandnj/

Stream SAGE: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0RmUSpbeOrKWpFtlTHtbLu?si=Zm6PqO9aQzmtOjS_zEIilA

Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

There's a lot happening in the rock and metal community these last few weeks. In this solo moment, Val briefly chats about the Madden Brothers controversy and finally examines the STATICA EP from Avenged Sevenfold - and BAY-BEEE, it's a ride!

Is genuine artistry about protecting a brand? Or is it about chasing an idea? …wherever it leads. 

Val's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valkleinhans/

Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

Artists sometimes refer to their songs or their albums as their babies. If In Between from Joyous Wolf (out Friday) had to be categorized, you'll find that this "youngest" baby has some eldest responsibilities! 

Val chats with guitarist Blake Allard on the new era of Joyous Wolf, what to expect from In Between, the inclusion of new vocalist Pedro Cordeiro, and how their definition of success (and survival) in the music industry has changed.

Get more Joyous Wolf: https://joyouswolfband.com/

Joyous Wolf Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/a...

In this edition of New Music Friday, Chas Huff introduces us to alt-metal project Get Out Alive - and its purpose. 

Simply put, the mission of Get Out Alive is to leave anyone who listens feeling better than they were before. You might also find that it's the perfect remedy for a mental health struggle, and your nostalgic 00s loving heart. Something Chas also touches on this episode.

Get ready to meet Get Out Alive and stay ahead of a new EP on the way.

STREAM G...

Identity Crisis are solidifying themselves as the grunge band you need to know - but how is Gen Z receiving them?

Val and lead vocalist Reece Gonzales deep dive into why Identity Crisis is resonating on all cylinders - globally and generationally. They also discuss the Starve EP and what's next musically. Hint: it might just be an album.

Val and Reece get into it all.

Get more Identity Crisis: 

https://www.identitycrisisofficial.com/

STREAM Starve:

https://ffm.to/i...

Our very first edition of New Music Friday features DARKSTXR. 

The boys chat with Val about the rollout process for their new project, their first single "EVERGREEN" their upcoming debut show in South Carolina, why more bands should glaze each other.

Get more DARKSTXR: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6EUsHqEocZmF9w0hjmEErM?si=4Cvmp9pUTomk6CiIt59VOQ

DARKSTXR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedarkstxr/

Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

Mastodon have been through the wringer lately with the passing of guitarist Brent Hinds. 

While addressing "The Mastodon in The Room" and discussing a new album and era for the band, Val dissects what we can learn from the group about processing tragedy and ponders what calls for a band to take on a new identity entirely. 

Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

Some of the best elements of Xandria include those famous cinematic and symphonic moments we know and love. 

In this episode, Val chats with Marco Heubaum about the sonic evolution of the band, why the album still matters, and what to expect from their brand new release Eclipse coming Friday.

STREAM Eclipse: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1jzIEzXVJ4p1kFDmio6LEL?si=Q_F7OjR6T16D6oT1SDLYqQ

Get more Xandria: https://www.xandria.de/

Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

40 years later, the legendary Prong is still fighting thanks to vocalist and guitarist Tommy Victor. 

In this episode, Val and Tommy celebrate the release of Prong's first self-titled album coming in November. Val and Tommy also dive into current trends in music, how Prong gave Rob Zombie his directorial debut, the importance of being willing to experiment in music, and what's next for the band.

Stream Prong: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6SER9tY2pDIDVWVf5Ql97B?si=OjhQOmP7SKml3rwMum35OA

Prong Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p...

It's never easy learning a loved one might be on the opposite end of the political spectrum. XBYRDX might just have the remedy for this dagger in his music - in his new album Anthems For The End Times.

Val and XBYRDX chat about the importance of using artistry to make a statement.

Get more XBYRDX: https://www.instagram.com/xbyrdxmusic/

STREAM Anthems For The End Times: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6YTaWI5Nk358TPiZAhkPWv?si=c5M8lskySG-M53FE77z7kw

Get more Val at...

Val and Joey Vesely of Trace Remains reminisce about their hometown (Pittsburgh), the new Zero Hour EP, and the importance of flexibility when adapting to the ever changing music industry.

Stream the Zero Hour EP: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5xnmynY7Zj625B0XAuwU2h?si=7-1F20HGTRKp4g1WwuFc9w

Get more Trace Remains: https://www.instagram.com/traceremains/?hl=en

Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

Yungblud and Bad Wolves have made the news in the rock and metal scene throughout the early part of this month for a variety of reasons. One is under fire for getting vulnerable. The other is getting mixed reviews as they announce a new era with a new single - something they’ve done a lot in their career. They’re each experiencing two different scenarios right now, but they have one thing in common - they’re both dealing with questions of legitimacy, continuity and audience expectations. 

Val thinks they’re caught between t...

Welcome to a new Tuesday and Thursday schedule for the pod!

In this first Tuesday guest episode, Val chats with Vicky Psarakis of Sicksense about whether or not the range actually helps with Call of Duty play, AI ethics, and the upcoming Funerals EP that mirrors all the thoughts that surround these moments.

PRE-ORDER the Funerals EP: https://ffm.to/sicksense-funerals

Get more Sicksense: https://sicksense.com/

Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

When the world seems to be working against you, Beautiful Skeletons have learned that those are the times to bond together that much tighter when accomplishing a goal. 

Val chats with Tina Firefly about music industry challenges, working with legend Ulrich Wild, and the haunted experiences shared while putting the upcoming album Pulse Line Scar together.

STREAM Beautiful Skeletons: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6dZD3pOhLSVUZCXLFRwwpd?si=CQV4_j-7Q7aVY7L4gHmEeA

Beautiful Skeletons Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/beautiful_sk...

We’re officially in festival season right now, and every year, somebody somewhere is disappointed when severe weather happens and a show has to either be cut short or is canceled altogether. But what exactly happens when this process unfolds? What does it actually take for a show to be cut short or canceled due to severe weather? Who makes that call? And why does it feel like they sometimes make that call too late? How do you make a decision in the middle of all this when you’ve got your own feelings in the way?

Val...

Is delulu the solulu? If you ask Døuble Identity, the answer just might be yes! In life, and creativity! 

Val chats with twins Arden and Courtney about their new single "Kiss Me Again" and how it came to be, why boys make for good subject matter as artists, show safety, and the frustrations that come with navigating the world as a young adult. 

Get more Døuble Identity: https://www.instagram.com/doubleidentityband/

STREAM "KISS ME AGAIN" : https://open.spotify.com/artist/6pdssHgpeHiTKzHlmGvGVW?si=S0QIZZDSRw6REbnCQb8gaA<...

In today's edition of the divorce no one saw coming, Val dissects the divorce announcement coming from Jelly Roll and Bunnie Xo. 

Does divorce impact public figures differently? Why do fans receive this news the way they do? Can we learn anything from their situation to help us navigate divorce better?

Let’s get into the subject of divorce, vigorously.

When anyone gets divorced, it’s a messy, uncomfortable moment that is filled with mixed emotions - and not just between the couple involved, but everyone else in their orbit...

Trash metal is kept alive in South Dakota by Exhausted.

What is the scene in Sioux Falls like? Best moments from Milwaukee Metal Fest? In a world where it seems core is taking over, is trash still viable? How are band members balancing family life, work life, and everything being in a band requires? 

Val, Doug, and Michael cover it all in celebration of the Down To The Wire EP out Friday, June 26th.

Get more Exhausted: https://open.spotify.com/artist/66dtZ1Ny9vDcoYwUg3wj96?s...

If anyone is having an interesting Pride Month, it's certainly Caleb Shomo of Beartooth.

Val dissects the recent interview Caleb gave on Disrespectfully with Katie Maloney and Dayna Kathan, and quickly discerns that there's a bigger conversation to be had in response to Caleb's news.

Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

Depression and anxiety are not things to play with, but sometimes, finding humor in the absurd just might be the cure.

This episode with Jonah from Milk St. examines how to turn those tough moments into seriously funny lyrics that carry us through when nothing else will. 

WATCH THE "JUST SO" VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m44iFJ6hI0A&list=RDm44iFJ6hI0A&start_radio=1

Get more Milk St.: https://www.instagram.com/milkstband/

Get more Val at ht...

It's Florida, but this episode doesn't get weird. It gets historical... with a side of pirates, and a little bit of Hollywood. Welcome to the world of Blood Of Angels. 

They chat their world travels, what lessons they've learned while diving into the history of where they've been, and the new album Les Agnst ov Thanatou out June 21st.

Get more Blood Of Angels: https://www.instagram.com/bloodofangels

Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

What actually is an industry plant? Why are Castle Rat and Angine de Poitrine facing accusations of being ones? Are we throwing around these labels too quickly?

Val gets into he industry plant of it all this episode. 

Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

If you're a band trying to blow up, this is the episode you need to listen to. 

Is there a reason that there's such a focus on lead singers? Or, is that strategic branding? What is the best way to market and book your band?

Mikey Dunn of Who They Fear chats about balancing booking as a booking agent, the current climate of the music industry, doing the work when you don't feel like doing it, and Maryland metalcore. 

Get more Who They Fear: https://linktr.ee/whotheyfear?ut...

Who knew AI was so controversial? Kidding... we all did... except for Butcher Babies.

Heidi Shepherd's AI video post had fans seriously disappointed last week, and Val does a deep dive into the backlash and weighs whether we're missing important and valid concerns surrounding the use of AI.

We also chat about the news from Beartooth singer Caleb Shomo that broke the internet over the weekend. It really shouldn't have been such a topic of discussion, but it was. Do you think divorce impacts more than just the couple involved? Val...

There's a few secrets to a successful breakdown in deathcore, and if anyone has figured them out, it just might be Gouged. 

Take a listen to their journey, find out why breakdowns are hitting right now, and learn how The Bee Movie influenced their newest single "Unholy Perversion of Nature" which is out now.

Get more Gouged: https://www.instagram.com/gougedpnw/

Stream Gouged: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5YBdymBwFJxlqr0l23Dusl?si=yhJW63o1Saiqtn3NlpAi9g

Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.c...

We’re going to talk about another layer that I think is missed by fans sometimes, and that’s the layer that involves promotion and social media: content creation. It’s a whole other animal we’re diving into today. 

You've heard "bands can't just be bands anymore" before, and Val has some pushback to those annoyed with those venting sessions. 

Can bands "just be bands" today? Can we give artists the space to vent when they need it? Should we change the way we think about and use social media? All of this is explored.<...

In a very instant, digital heavy world, it can be difficult to build true bonds and community. It's not so difficult for Seaside Massacre thanks to their "boots on the ground" method.

Val chats with vocalist Don about why showing up is already a great head start toward to building a fanbase, how to incorporate nostalgia into your promotion, and staying mentally healthy through it all.

Get more Seaside Massacre: https://www.instagram.com/seasidemassacre/

Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

Somewhere between post-Mother's Day weekend and the next star frontwoman, we're celebrating women while watching an evolution when it comes to what the roles of women in music look like - and that's a good thing.

Val shares her thoughts on why the Alissa White-Gluz joining Dragonforce news was on absolutely no one's bingo card for 2026 - but should've been. We also dive deeper into why this was a shock at all while citing the history of female evolution in heavy music. 

Get more Val at https://valkleinhans.com/

It's not unheard of for band members and artists to have side hustles. We talk to the king of side hustles this week: Greg Molina of A Moments Notice. 

What does it really take for a band to land a national tour? Is the key to "success" landing at least 10,000 followers monthly? How do we find the time for it all? Is there such a thing a criticism that's too harsh?

Greg answers all of those questions, while sharing what it's like while juggling A Moments Notice and multiple side hustles. 

...