Lead Singer Syndrome with Shane Told

What is it like to be the lead singer of a band? Shane Told, frontman of the critically-acclaimed rock band Silverstein, brings you candid interviews with all of your favorite singers on this podcast. Is it really all sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll? Find out for yourself on Lead Singer Syndrome.

Music
Music Interviews
Music Commentary
301
Sherri DuPree-Bemis (Eisley, Perma)
Episode 65 - Eisley's Sherri Dupree-Bemis joins the show for a super honest and thorough chat about motherhood while still being a full time musician, getting signed to a major label at such a young age, taking over all the lead vocal duties on their new record, and her marriage to Say Anything frontman Max Bemis.
75 min
302
Jack Grisham (T.S.O.L., The Joy Killer)
Episode 64 - Today we have a real Punk Rock LEGEND on the show. Mr. Jack Grisham of T.S.O.L. joins Shane to talk about the band being back together and on the Warped Tour after their debut record came out 36 years ago. Jack, notorious for his on stage antics, says he "never thought he'd live this long", and talks about the early days of the LA Punk scene, his practice as a hypnotherapist in California, and the song "Code Blue" which features the classic horror punk lyrics, "I want to fuck the dead". An awesome listen.
54 min
303
Vic Fuentes (Pierce The Veil)
Episode 63 - Pierce The Veil frontman, and Shane's old buddy Vic Fuentes joins the show (finally) to discuss growing up with punk rock and the importance of still incorporating it into his music, staying grounded and still striking the drums, and why it takes Vic so long to write. He also talks about his very long warm up ritual before shows, and how his Mom prefers when he sings in a lower register.
68 min
304
Max Kerman (Arkells)
Episode 62 - Arkells frontman Max Kerman joins the show to discuss the massive success they've had in Canada (Three top 5 albums, two number 1 singles, and multiple Juno awards including Group of the Year twice), his unique upbringing and high school life in Downtown Toronto, and their very last minute band name change that they are now forever stuck with. Check out Lootcrate! It's a rad subscription service that brings you 4-6 pop culture items every month for only $20 a month. It's the best surprise you know is coming. Go to lootcrate.com/leadsinger and use promo code leadsinger to get $3 off today!
76 min
305
Davey Muise (Vanna)
Episode 61 - At 8 months old, Davey Muise (of Vanna) was left abandoned in a dresser drawer as his drug lord parents were busted by the federal police in a massive raid in Boston, MA. The police found him hours later. He was adopted, but his adopted parents had a divorce. Later in his life, he had a child with a women he loved, and after raising the child for 2 months, he found out it wasn't his. Davey fell into darkness of depression and addiction, only to pull himself out using music. Now, he's not only the frontman of Boston's finest Vanna, but also traveling around America speaking at high schools about his story, inspiring kids to find their passion.
82 min
306
Mark Rose (Spitalfield)
Episode 60 - Happy New Year! Between Christmas and New Years I went on my first ever solo tour, and I brought along my old friend Mark Rose, who used to front the incredible (and criminally underrated) Spitalfield. Mark has been playing solo for years, so I thought he could show me the ropes. We talk about the transition from band to solo artist, the demise of Spitalfield, Victory Records, and his "custom song" company Down Write.
75 min
307
Sierra Kay (Neaux, Versa Emerge)
Episode 59 - Sierra Kay of Versa Emerge and Neaux joins the show!
72 min
308
Matty Arsenault (A Loss For Words, manager of P...
Episode 58 - A Loss For Words frontman Matty Arsenault joins the show and describes their long career where they made plenty of friends, but never quite turned into a huge band in the pop-punk world. Matty discusses how playing with tough Boston hardcore bands felt natural, his dream to open a pizza shop in Japan, and how he picked up his newest gig, being the manager of Pvris.
60 min
309
HUGE NEWS! ALL ACCESS CLUB NOW LAUNCHED
It's finally here! The Lead Singer Syndrome ALL …
6 min
310
Rody Walker (Protest The Hero)
Episode 57 - This week we have a unedited (well mostly) episode featuring Rody Walker of Protest The Hero. The self-deprecating and hilarious frontman (“Most of the time it sounds really bad to me to be quite honest”) talks to Shane about finding his unique voice, struggling on tour, their unorthodox business model, catering to non-English speaking audiences, and how many bands these days in the metal world are using backing tracks. We also discuss Margot Robbie and having to go #2 outside.
81 min
311
Lynn Gunn (Pvris)
Episode 56 - Pvris frontwomen Lynn Gunn took time out of her busy recording schedule to join Shane for one of the most action packed episodes yet. At 22 years old, Lynn and Pvris have already played multiple Warped Tours, toured the whole world, and even performed at Lollapalooza. But with so much hype from their critically acclaimed debut record, how much pressure does she feel working on the follow up album? Other topics discussed include: being openly gay and how that factors into "Trump's America", taking vocal lessons and how her voice has changed since the first album, and her approach to on-stage banter.
77 min
312
Frank Turner
Episode 55 - Frank Turner (one of Shane's favourite artists) joins the show during a stop on tour in Toronto. Shane and Frank discuss getting older and the "2 day hangover", pushing yourself too hard, not minding using a tour pass at a festival, his 2000th show, and a lot more.
64 min
313
Craig Owens (Chiodos, BadXChannels, D.R.U.G.S.,...
Episode 54 - Craig Owens joins Shane this week to talk about his "roller coaster" career as the singer of Chiodos, supergroup D.R.U.G.S, and now his new project BadXChannels. Craig openly discusses his role as the "heel" of the scene, his departure and rejoining of Chiodos, the collapse of D.R.U.G.S, his polarizing personality, and what is was like to collaborate with Dr. Dre. Go Blue!
71 min
314
Caleb Shomo Pt.2 (Beartooth, Attack Attack, Sil...
Episode 53 - Happy One Year Anniversary Everyone! The very first guest to ever join Shane on this podcast for the inaugural episode is back..... Mr Caleb Shomo of Beartooth. It's been almost a year and a half since Shane and Caleb talked, they discuss: the hype machine that doesn't stop for Beartooth, feeling more and more comfortable in Caleb's own skin, but not 100%, the pressure of following up a hit debut album, and of course, Silvertooth! Silvertooth Lives.
69 min
315
Mike Hranica (The Devil Wears Prada, God Alone)
Episode 52 - The Devil Wears Prada frontman Mike Hranica joins Shane on the back of the Silverstein bus for a casual chat over some beers. Mike talks about the embarrassing beginnings of the band, his disdain for Donald Trump, feeling rejuvenated with new band members, and how he feels conflicted writing down "musician" as his occupation.
84 min
316
Chris Roetter (Like Moths To Flames, ex-Emarosa)
Episode 51 - Chris Roetter of Like Moths To Flames joins Shane on the Rise Records "Rise Up Tour" for a super honest discussion. Topics range from How To Get Signed to a label then versus now, being a secular band touring with Christian bands, and how to deal when the initial hype surrounding your band fades away. Bonus: Chris announces their re-signing back to Rise Records!
68 min
317
Jonny Craig (Dance Gavin Dance, Slaves, Emarosa)
Episode 50 - There isn't a much more polarizing figure in music than Jonny Craig. His fans love him, and credit him with bringing soul inspired vocals into heavy music. But he is also known for controversy, scandals, and a long running battle with drug addiction. Now a month sober, Jonny sits down with Shane to discuss moving forward, but also his troubled past, which has led to his horrible reputation in the scene.
60 min
318
Fat Mike (NOFX)
Episode 49 - This is a BIG episode. Shane talks to the singer of his all time favourite band - Fat Mike of NOFX. The conversation ranges from Mike's recent detox after a bout with an addiction to pills, his unique take on songwriting, the new NOFX album and tell-all book, his hatred of religion, and of course Donald Trump.
60 min
319
Joel Birch (The Amity Affliction)
Episode 48 - The Amity Affliction frontman Joel Birch joins the show this week while on tour in Toronto. Recently sober, Joel discusses life as an alcoholic on tour and in the studio, the moral issues of changing their lyrics for a radio edit, having 3 number 1 albums in a row in Australia, and him having no qualms about calling out other musicians.
62 min
320
Ben Barlow (Neck Deep)
Episode 47 - Ben Barlow of self described "Generic Pop Punk" band Neck Deep joins the show this week discussing everything from his deep love for Manchester United to being violently kissed on stage by girls during a show. The band is good, so why are they so self-deprecating? Great talk with a newer band that gets it.
67 min
321
Aaron Gillespie Pt. 2 (Underoath, The Almost)
Episode 46 - Aaron Gillespie returns to the show to talk about his crazy year with Underoath reforming, and also putting out a new solo album. But what's next for Underoath? Does Aaron spill the beans on what's going on in the near future? Listen to the always entertaining singer/drummer and find out!
63 min
322
Ray Harkins (Taken, 100 Words or Less Podcast)
Episode 45 - Ray Harkins, frontman of the influential band Taken, as well as host of the podcast 100 Words or Less joins Shane for an in-depth chat. Ray discusses still being straight edge vegan at age 36, the balance between nostalgia and moving forward, his parents divorce shaping his upbringing, and the time he "spiked" the punch.
77 min
323
Brendan Murphy (Counterparts)
Episode 44 - Lead singer and Twitter funny-man Brendan Murphy of Counterparts sits down with Shane to chat about the beginnings of Counterparts, the future without their founding guitar player and main songwriter, being the "underdogs" of the scene, and a lot more.
90 min
324
Cory Brandan (Norma Jean, Hundred Suns)
Episode 43 - Norma Jean and Hundred Suns frontman Cory Brandan joins the show to discuss the juggling act of having 2 bands and a family, turning 40, how having kids can affect a band, the morality of crowdfunding, the feeling of joining a band as the second lead singer, and a lot more. Shane recalls the first time he ever got a text message.
75 min
325
Dennis Lyxzen (Refused, The (International) Noi...
Episode 42 - Shane sits down on the back of a tour bus with one of his biggest influences -Dennis Lyxzen of Refused. Shane picks his brain for over an hour, getting him to explain why Refused broke up in the first place, why they decided to get back together after 14 years apart, how it felt to be named the sexiest man in Sweden, how he became the "Mick Jagger of punk rock", and a lot more. Candid and honest, Dennis holds back nothing in this must listen episode.
74 min