JJO Discover New Music Podcast

Stanky, nasty AND gnarly...just how we like it! This week's guest on Discover New Music is Jack Underkofler of Dead Poet Society, who stopped by to talk about the band's brand new record "Monarch", coming October 2nd. Jack talks about why it takes the band so long to write an album, working with producer Paul Meany and mixer Adam Hawkins, and how they created that nasty, groove-heavy sound on tracks like "Cold". He also gets into directing the band's music videos, the creepy/unsettling visual style they've created for the album, and the interactive "house" website where fans can even leave the band voicemails. As always, a quick round of Rapid Fire...with Billy Corgan, Bigfoot and a couple of very confusing 80s songs!

Funny, talented AND handsome...this guy's the whole package!  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Andy Biersack of Black Veil Brides who stopped by to chat about the band's new record "Vindicate".  Biersack talks about everything from co-producing with Jake Pitts, to having his wife recording on a track, what 15 year old Andy would think about the record and everything in between.  Biersack also breaks down why having things like spoken word and instrumental tracks are an important part of experiencing this record.  As always a quick round of Rapid Fire...with your Billy Idol minute and a decomposing Chuck Norris!

It's not easy picking between 30 different songs!  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Bobby Amaru of Saliva talking to us about their latest album "Breaking Through".  Amaru discussed moving forward with the record after the unexpected passing of founding member Wayne Swinny and paying tribute to him through the music.  There's some awesome collabs on the record as well and Amaru breaks down working with Trevor McNevan, Austin John Winkler and Johnny Van Zant.  As always a quick round of Rapid Fire is played...and 2005 was PRIME Billy Idol!

Tim Horton's makes a damn good cup of coffee!  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Josh Mowery of Catch Your Breath.  The band's second studio album "Not Broken Enough" is exactly the direction the band wanted to go.  Mowery talks about getting dialed in on the CYB sound and making a more mature, and darker, record.  Plus, Mowery talks about working with Kami Kehoe and why music videos are such an important part of the band's creative process.  As always a quick round of Rapid Fire is played...it's a bummer they stopped making Choco Tacos!

He's rode the snake and found the doors of perception!  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Brann Dailor of Mastodon talking to us about the band's ninth studio album "Marrow Deep".  Dailor opens up about the struggles of making this album, especially after the death of former founding member Brent Hinds.  However, he feels the band is in a good place and hopes the fans will find some healing in this record like they did.  Dailor also talks about collabing with some old friends and some major names on this record and making some trippy music videos.  As always a quick round of Rapid Fire...Ginger Baker is on the naughty boy list!

He'll take payment in the form of hot bridesmaids!  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Ryan Perdz talking to us about his debut album "Can't Cry."  Putting his poetry to music and showcasing his influences from classic rock to grunge, Perdz put his soul into this first full length studio record.  Perdz also shares the story behind the album's artwork and his upcoming tour with Daughtry.  It's easy to see by this debut record he's got a hell of a career ahead of him.  As always a quick round of Rapid Fire...and can we PLEASE get some more reliable Bigfoot experts!

He's only ever heard his sister use the word "zhuzh"!  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Chris Motionless of Motionless In White!  The band's seventh studio album "Decades" was decades in the making because Chris says this is a culmination of everything the band is and has been over the last 20 years.  Plus, Chris talks about why this album was the perfect fit for their cover of "Sunglasses At Night."  Chris also breaks down working with producer and best friend Drew Fulk and why time being on their side was a crucial element for this latest project.  As always a quick round of Rapid Fire is played...sorry Vanilla Ice, you lost again.

Thank goodness it was laundry day and Rob needed a snack!  This week's guests on Discover New Music are Robert Mailhouse, Keanu Reeves and Bret Domrose of Dogstar.  Their new album "All In Now" is the band's second release since getting back together after an almost 20 year hiatus.  The three talk about getting back into the studio, touring, working with Nick Launay and just having a blast creating music together once again.  We also find out what song they'd play for an alien...no probing involved!  As always a quick round of Rapid Fire...and what the hell is a Choco Taco?

We've got tips on how to work on your throat singing!  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Galbadrakh "Gala" Tsendbaatar of The Hu.  The band's third studio album "Hun" takes you on a journey into the deepest part of the human experience.  Gala explained that the goal of the band with this record was to show that you should always look for the good in any situation, no matter how difficult.  Plus Gala talks about working with Jonny Hawkins of Nothing More on the track "Lost Souls."  

Ya know...sometimes Billy Idol is just a better choice for a lead singer.  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Billy Morrison.  His new record "Hollow" features some of the biggest names in music, but make no mistake, it's still 100% Billy Morrison!  Morrison talks about how he decides if he'll sing on a song or he'll let another artist handle vocals...the most important part is doing justice to the actual song itself and for the listener.  And even though it was on his previous record, Morrison takes some time to reminisce about working with the late, great Ozzy Osbourne.  As always a quick round of Rapid Fire is played...sorry Vanilla, you lost another one!

Billy Gibbons sends him a lot of beard oil!  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Tim Montana.  His new record, which got its title from Charlie Sheen, "Entire State of Tim Montana" is 16 tracks of awesome storytelling.  With an opening skit featuring Charlie Sheen, Martin Sheen and Robert Patrick you are immediately off on a journey.  Also featured on the record is Jerry Cantrell, Bill Gibbons, Slash, Royale Lynn and a must-listen powerful collaboration with Crow Nation artists First Crazy Dog & Wolfbear.  Montana made a record that will make you tear off your skip button.  As always a quick round of Rapid Fire is played...and we think Bigfoot is interdimensional!

It's kind of like when Prince changed his name to the Artist formerly known as Prince.  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Amanda Lyberg of Eva Under Fire.  The band's second studio album "Villainous" is a deeply personal record and even heavier than the first.  Lyberg talked about being able to be more open and honest with her lyrics and how the maturity of the band compared to the first album helped make "Villainous" exactly what they wanted it to be.  She also shared the amazing experience of working with Maria Brink and how jaw-droppingly awesome it was to hear her vocals for the record's title track for the first time.  As always a quick round of Rapid Fire is played...with a whale penis.

It's like we get to read right from Taylor's diary!  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Taylor Momsen of The Pretty Reckless.  Their new album "Dear God" took longer than expected, but that's what happens when AC/DC asks you to go on tour!  The wait was worth it because, according to Momsen, this is the most honest, brutal, confident and personal record to date.  Plus, it really f**king rocks!  As always a quick round of Rapid Fire is played...there's a time and place for Vanilla Ice!

It's a Midnight Masquerade at Hotel California!  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Anthony Martinez of Dark Divine.  Their new album "Undead Melody" took longer than expected, but the wait was worth it.  Martinez takes us through what they learned from their first record and how that helped shape the direction and sound of their sophomore album in the best ways possible.  He also lets us in on the "ah ha!" moment where he and the band knew they had something special with "Undead Melody."  As always a quick round of Rapid Fire...atop a trusty steed!

I hope everyone is gonna like it!  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Nick Martin of Sleeping With Sirens.  Their eighth studio album "An Ending In Itself" goes deeper, according to Martin, than any previous album; both lyrically and sonically.  Martin breaks down taking more time on this record, almost twice as long as anything before.  Plus he talks working with Will Yip and how he really pushed the band to be at their very best each recording.  As always a quick round of Rapid Fire...and Bugs Bunny has got some hips!

A switchblade comb is essential for a perfect pompadour!  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Des Rocs.  His brand new album "To Hell And Back" is a culmination of everything he's been building too, starting all the way back at playing in basements at 13 years old.  From ballads to gut punches, nothing was off the table for Des on this record.  He also talks about his stoic approach to this album after it's release and how it took him a couple records to realize that's the best way.  Plus, a quick round of Rapid Fire...and Bugs is a 10 outta 10!

Those are Slash's nuts!  This week's guest on Discover New Music is an all-time favorite on JJO...Lajon Witherspoon of Sevendust.  The band's 15th studio album "One" is out and Witherspoon says it was the most organic, easy-to-put-together record they've ever done.  Plus, he talks working with Michael "Elvis" Baskette for the 4th time and how he lets Sevendust be Sevendust, but also keeps things on track.  Witherspoon also breaks down how this record will bring old and new Sevendust fans together for a perfect Sevendust experience.  As always, a quick round of Rapid Fire...IS THAT BILLY IDOL?!

They put some nuts into it!  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Brandon Saller of Atreyu.  "The End Is Not The End" is album number 10 for that band...and they didn't even realize it at first!  Saller talks about putting all of Atreyu into this record, but also allowing it to stand on its own.  Plus, it's heavy...really heavy...and that's exactly what they were going for.  Saller also talks about how a joke turned into working with metal icon!  As always, a quick round of Rapid Fire is played...and Bugs in drag gets a high score!

There's at least one song that's not depressing!  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Joel Birch of The Amity Affliction.  Their new album "House Of Cards" is a fresh start and, according to Birch, the band's best work to date.  Deep, painful, personal lyrics are still at the root of the album, but there's also some hope intertwined.  After some major changes and a whole lotta heartbreak Birch says the band is back to having fun...in the studio, on the road and just being together.  20+ years in and it's still getting better!  Birch also helps out with some Brizzy slang and plays a quick round of Rapid Fire...what the f**k is a Choco Taco?!?!

If you're recording sad songs in your room your mom will probably come check on you.  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Johnny Franck of Bilmuri.  The new album "Kinda Hard" was...well...actually kinda hard to write, but Franck said that he loved the chaos of it all.  Franck talks about 12 hour writing sessions, 200 plus songs, and recording live in the studio.  In the end, according to Franck, it became his most favorite album making experience to date. Plus, a quick round of Rapid Fire is played, but first let's discuss the Ohio Corn Cob Deepthroat Competition.

They're embracing the messy!  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Danny Case of From Ashes To New.  Their new album "Reflections" started from scratch...twice!  Case talks about getting messy...with the sound, the emotions, the bandmates...but achieving growth that made that band stronger at the end of it all.  Case also shares some "ah ha!" moments the band, and fans, will experience with this new record.  As always a quick round of Rapid Fire is played...and we're blasting our pecs!

It's like an old truck...it's beat up and a little rusty, but still runs great!  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Rich Robinson of The Black Crowes.  The band has just released their 10th studio album "A Pound Of Feathers."  Robison breaks down making music with his brother Chris for over four decades now and how this new record fits into all those years.  Keeping it simple and direct is a key, Robison adds, to the longevity and success of the band.  Plus a quick round of Rapid Fire...with whistling?

You gotta have the cake first...but the icing is pretty damn good too!  This week's guest on Discover New Music is the legendary Zakk Wylde.  In between cracking jokes, Wylde broke down creating the latest Black Label Society album "Engines of Destruction" with a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants approach.  Make a pot of coffee and work on a riff.  Go on a food run and work out some lyrics.  Well it worked and now we have the first new BLS record since '21.  Wylde also shares a sweet story about Ozzy that you won't want to miss.  As always a quick round of Rapid Fire is played...in a very diplomatic fashion.

We gotta start a band so we can get out of Ohio!  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Jeremy DePoyster of The Devil Wears Prada.  The tone of the band's ninth studio album "Flowers" is immediately set by the open track "Where the Flowers Never Grow" and takes the listener on a "Dantes Inferno"-esque descent to the bottom and then climb back out.  We also get a look into the sound mindset the band was going for throughout the entire three year process of making the record.  Plus, DePoyster talks 20 years of DWP and what the milestone means to him and the band...and hopefully a ride that never ends!  As always, a quick round of Rapid Fire is played...and getting punched in the face sucks!

Even if no one is listening they're still gonna make music.  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Aaron Pauley of Of Mice & Men.  Though not on purpose, the band's upcoming ninth studio album "Another Miracle" is their heaviest to date.  Pauley talks about mixing and mastering the album himself and why they decided to keep the whole process in house and allow for even more creative freedom.  Plus he opens up about a very special song on the record that came to him in a dream after finding out he was going to be a dad to a new baby girl.  As always a quick round of Rapid Fire is played...with Bigfoot up north Wisconsin!

Twisted Sister at a young age can turn you into a metal singer!  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Joakim Brodén of Sabaton.  The band's 11th studio album "Legends" is full of...you guess it...legends!  From Joan of Arc to Vlad the Impaler, Brodén talks about matching music to history and telling epics through metal...which isn't an easy task.  Plus, Brodén talks history the band tries to stay away from and one historical figure he wished would've made the album.  We also find out if competitive pinball is in his future.  And make sure you don't miss a Swedish themed Rapid Fire...with a Stolkholm vs. Gottenburge rivalry!

I cried at a Dayseeker show and all I got was this t-shirt!  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Rory Rodriguez of Dayseeker.  The band's sixth album "Creature In The Black Night" is, according to Rodriguez, their darkest work yet.  And even though it has a central "horror" theme, that wasn't the plan when they started working on it.  Rory talks about having a secret weapon in producer Daniel Braunstein who he says is "like having a fifth member of the band."  And, we get an answer on what he means when he says the band plays "sad rock."  As always, a quick round of Rapid Fire is played...with a Vanilla Ice thinker.

Is that Danny Trejo?!?!  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Wolfgang Van Halen of Mammoth WVH.  The band's third studio album "The End" drops on October 24th.  Wolf says this record felt so much more comfortable and confident in terms of who Mammoth WVH is and wants to be as a band.  Plus, Wolfgang talks about shaping and challenging himself as a songwriter, but still enjoying the playing side of things...bass, drums and guitar!  And, he breaks down the epic music video for the record's title track "The End."  As always, a quick round of Rapid Fire is played...he picked Bowie over Roth.

Negative music for positive people!  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Joe Cotela of DED.  The band's third album "Resent" has been three years in the making and Cotela talks about the ups and downs of the last three years, writing new music, taking chances and creating on their own terms.  Plus, fans(and the band itself) get a treat with collabs on the album with some heavy hitters in the rock world.  As always a quick round of Rapid Fire is played...with fond memories of Choco Tacos.

They're cultivating something bigger than themselves.  This week's guests on Discover New Music are Raul, Alec and Jeremy of Nevertel.  The guys are here to talk about their new album "Start Again."  Blending the rap/hip hop and rock worlds together; the guys wanted to show that they had a true passion, respect and love of each art form and not just be another band rapping over guitar chords.  Plus the guys talk favorite songs and also how their music videos play an intrical part of the Nevertel experience.  As always a quick round of Rapid Fire is played....and don't worry, that was just Alec swimming in Loch Ness.

A record with their heaviest song to date!  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Eric Vanlerberghe of I Prevail.  Their fourth studio record "Violent Nature" is a 10-track power house and one that brings in old and new elements of the band and their sound.  Vanlerberghealso notes how each song has it's own strong identity.  Long story short, the band is beyond excited to finally have this new piece of work out to the fans.  As always, a quick round of Rapid Fire is played...with a mutual love of Jethro Tull!  

Hey, how are ya bud!  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Brad Walst of Three Days Grace.  The band's eighth studio album "Alienation" is a special one for the band.  Not only did they find new ways to challenge themselves musically, but it also saw the return of original member Adam Gontier.  "Alienation" is new, exciting Three Days Grace with nostalgia sprinkled in....and no surprise...fans are loving it!  Plus, as always a quick round of Rapid Fire is played...Canada style!

They got new muscles and they're flexing them!  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Tim McIlrath of Rise Against. It's big number 10 for the band with their newest release "Ricochet."  With a new production team at the helm, Tim and the rest of the band wanted to make a Rise Against record that didn't sound like Rise Against, but people would still know that it's Rise Against...which can be a daunting task...however, the band was up for it and, according to Tim, made exactly that and it sounds AWESOME.  Plus Tim reflects on what his 2001 self would think about 2025 Tim and the new music he just put out.  As always Rapid Fire is played with fancy grilled cheese!

VINDICATION!  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Arejay Hale of Halestorm.  "Everest" is the band's 6th studio album and according to Arejay it's the most personal Halestorm record to date.  A new producer that let the band really spread their wings and very little outside input led to a exciting, and at times nerve wracking, recording process for Arejay and his bandmates and even became autobiographical in tone.  Plus, Arejay reflects on Halestorm being on the bill at the Black Sabbath farewell show and what it meant to the band.  As always, a quick round of Rapid Fire is played with a special drummer round that had Arejay sweating!

You have to create your own momentem each day.  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Gavin Rossdale of Bush.  The band's 10th studio album "I Beat Loneliness" tackles it's cental theme, mental health, head on.  Rossdale says this album "cooked slowly" which allowed for their most consitant record to date.  He's also shares about how proud he is of the riff he wrote for the album's title track.  Plus, Rossdale talks being a rock star at almost 60.  As always a quick round of Rapid Fire is played...with Midnight songs?

It's NU Nu-Metal!  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Nathan James.  His debut album "Hollywood Mortician" is dripping with nu-metal reminiscent of the genre's glory days in the early 2000's, but with James' own sound and style cutting through for something even better for the listener.  James also talks about working with Jay Gordon of Orgy, photography and the one track he's most proud of on the record.  If you love nu-metal you're gonna love this new record!  Plus, a quick round of Rapid Fire is played...and nobody wants to get hit in the face! 

I'M ELTON JOHN! I'M ELTON JOOOOHN!  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Johannes Eckerström.  The title and release date aren't available yet, but Eckerström says it's coming soon.  In the meantime, he and the band are very excited about this next big step for the band on album number 10.  Not only did they push themselves musically as well as adding new elements to the Avatar sound, Eckerström says vocally this, in his opinion, is the best he's ever sounded.  Long story short...we're in for a really metal treat!  Plus, a quick round of Swedish Rapid Fire is played and Chuck Norris gets the win!

That's a big ass cat!  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Royale Lynn and her new album "Black Magic" swings for the fence.  A concept album, this debut tackles Lynn's own mental health struggles while taking a journey through Pandora's Box.  Her first record in the rock world, Lynn says this is her most honest and true work yet and can't wait to share the most real version of herself with the listener.  Plus, a quick round of Rapid Fire is played...and maybe we wanna see bigfoot instead.

Maybe he doesn't want to make music anymore.  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Josh Katz of Badflower.  The band's third album "No Place Like Home" was tough...in all aspects.  However, a tough road can lead to a wonderful destination...a Josh hopes they got there.  His own biggest critic, Katz dives deep into Badflower's latest project, one that had him writing sober for the very first time.  Self doubt with hopefully disappear after fans get ahold of this new record.  Plus a quick round Rapid Fire is played....grab a vegan Choco Taco!

How much studio time can pocket change get you?  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Micheal Poulson of Volbeat.  The band's ninth studio album "God of Angels Trust" was fast, hectic and reminiscent of the band's early days...which is exactly what Poulson was going for.  It was like riding an old bike for Volbeat and you won't believe how quickly the band got the album recorded.  Plus, a quick round of Danish Rapid Fire is played...and always bet on Iron Mike Tyson!

Just put it in a push play!  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Cody Hanson of Hinder.  As the band celebrates 20 years since their debut release "Extreme Behavior" they are also taking time to celebrate a new record!   "Back To Life" has the band feeling back to life with their first new album in seven years.  And even with all the success, Cody believes that this new record's writing, producing, playing...all aspects...is the band's best yet.  Plus a quick round of Rapid Fire is played...Chuck Norris is gonna kick your head clean off!

"Belligerent" is an awesome way to describe a song!  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Emma Anzai of Sick Puppies.  The band(and obviously the fans) are beyond excited to have the new record "Wave the Bull" finally out...the first new work from the band since 2016.  It's heavy, it's exciting and it's even got some unexpected surprises!  Plus Emma breaks down how the last nine years shaped this new record and it's sound as well as how they came up with it's title "Wave the Bull."  As always, a quick round of Rapid Fire is played and we even sneak in some fun Aussie slang!

It's like Britney Spears and Black Sabbath combined!  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Justin Benlolo of BRKN LOVE.  Their new album "The Program" came about serendipitously when an unplanned weekend trip to South Carolina turned into a multi-week song writing flood of creativity and inspiration.  From forming lifelong friendships to recording in the legendary Foo Fighters 606 studio...this is a record of a lifetime for Justin and the band.  Plus, Justin plays a quick round of Rapid Fire...and that Billy Ocean question is a thinker! 

You can’t scroll through your music feed without seeing Sleep Theory’s name—and frontman Cullen Moore is here to tell us why! In this episode of Discover New Music, Cullen shares the band’s whirlwind journey from its formation in 2019 through pandemic-era challenges, unexpected lineup changes, and a rocket ride of viral success. He opens up about convincing bandmate Paolo to join the project, the behind-the-scenes build-up to their breakout single "Paper Hearts," and how streaming momentum led to their highly anticipated debut Afterglow. Cullen also reflects on his time in the Army, the musical legacy passed down from his father, and the self-belief that fueled it all.  Plus, as always, a quick round of Rapid Fire is played...who the hell are David Bowie and David Lee Roth?!?!

This record is intense...and that was on purpose!  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Spencer Chamberlain of Underoath.  The band's latest album "The Place After This One" is a heavy, in-your-face piece of work cause that's exactly what the band wanted.  Spencer talks about how making what you love and want to hear as a musician will keep your art honest and that's what truly resonates with the fans.  The Underoath frontman also talks about how touring with Papa Roach has gotten him excited about the future as well as feeling all the emotions while listening to Tool.  As always a quick round of Rapid Fire is played...with fancy grilled cheese!

Bigger and better is what's in store for this new record!  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Tobias Forge of Ghost.  With their sixth studio album "Skeleta" complete Tobias is ready to unleash the latest from Ghost to the fans...not only on the stereo but live as well!  Plus he talks about not being a techy kind of guy who had fun doing a techy-style music video for "Satanized."  And, of course, Rapid Fire was played but with a Swedish twist!

We can thank Ace Ventura for growling inspiration!  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Courtney Laplante of Spiritbox.  Their new album "Tsunami Sea" is the culmination of hard work, passion and excitement.  After a roller coaster of events surrounding Spiritbox's first album, Courtney and the rest of the band can't wait to officially get out on tour in support of this latest work.  Courtney also teases an "eyebrow raiser" track on this new record.  Plus, growling at the age of 5, All Dressed Chips, Chuck Norris and more are discussed in Rapid Fire!

When art becomes therapy...that's when something great happens!  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Leigh Kakaty of Pop Evil.  Leigh reflects on the deeply personal nature of this new album's songwriting.  "What Remains" became a cathartic release, capturing themes of resilience, survival, and the struggle against those who doubted them. Despite Kakaty's tendency to keep personal matters private, he acknowledged that embracing vulnerability in this record could not only heal himself but also help others facing similar battles.  Plus, stay tuned for a quick round of Rapid Fire...and Mike Tyson is a sweetheart?

Those damn ceramic mugs are hard to break!  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Dorothy.  For her fourth album, "The Way," Dorothy credits her faith for helping her through the creative process. The album was crafted with top-tier collaborators in both Nashville and L.A., has a special collaboration with Slash and fans are sure to enjoy the diverse influences on the sound of this latest work.  Plus a quick round of Rapid Fire is played and there's no love for Creamy Tomato Bisque.

Even after 25 years they aren't slowing down!  This week's guest on Discover New Music is Jesse Leach of Killswitch Engage.  Their latest album "This Consequence"Consequence, comes at what the band considers the perfect time.  Jesse reflected on the challenges of creating music during the pandemic, admitting that it was a difficult and uncreative period. The creative process for Consequence became a means of processing emotions, filtering out frustration, and rediscovering their voice. Now, 25 years into their career, Killswitch Engage has returned with a renewed sense of purpose, delivering an album that embodies the raw, therapeutic power of metal music.  Plus, a quick round of Rapid Fire is played where Jesse gets serious about bigfoot!