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
326
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
327
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
328
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
329
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
330
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
331
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
332
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
333
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
334
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
335
Chris Motionless (Motionless in White)
Episode 41 - Shane sits down with Chris Motionless of Motionless In White to discuss some things he doesn't usually talk about. Everything from being a huge sports fan, to how he got started NOT as a lead singer, to his love for early 2000's screamo, and finally addressing the role makeup and image plays in Motionless In White.
66 min
336
Keith Buckley (Every Time I Die)
Episode 40 - Shane sits down with Keith Buckley of Every Time I Die in the back of their tour bus on their 8th stint on the Vans Warped Tour. Topics include: Keith doing Warped Tour completely sober, the Canadian scene versus the Buffalo scene, Keith's new love for Dr. Phil, His novel "Scale", and the scary near loss of his wife and unborn child. A must listen.
69 min
337
Derek DiScanio (State Champs)
Episode 39 - Shane and Derek from State Champs crush a few Budweisers in the back of his bus on Warped Tour in San Diego. Among the topics discussed are the amazing rise of State Champs, being a local band that "gets it", the term "pop-punk", touring with 5 Seconds of Summer, and not taking Joel from Good Charlotte's advice in the studio. Thanks for the beers Derek!
68 min
338
Mike Herrera (MxPx)
Episode 38 - Mike Herrera, lead singer of the seminal pop-punk band MxPx (and host of the Mike Herrera Hour) joins the show for a super honest and hilarious conversation. Shane and Mike discuss everything from piggybacking on the 90's punk explosion, losing his faith and becoming an agnostic, adapting to ever changing trends in the scene, and even his recent vasectomy. Bonus: Shane admits to Mike how he really used to feel about MxPx.
78 min
339
Kevin Jordan (This Wild Life)
Episode 37 - Shane sits down with acoustic frontman and pokemon master Kevin Jordan of This Wild Life. The conversation discusses the unconventional move transitioning from a full on 4 piece Pop-punk band to a stripped down acoustic duo, the pitfalls of having only 2 band members, and the somewhat crushing realization that Kevin will never be Chris Carrabba of Dashboard Confessional.
58 min
340
Garrett Russell (Silent Planet)
Episode 36 - Garrett Russell of Silent Planet is NOT your typical frontman. He holds a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology and has also been diagnosed with Bi-Polar Disorder. He's also one of the most cutting edge lyricists in music right now. A self-proclaimed non-musician, Garrett discusses everything form touring China, to the magic of Underoath, how to make a conceptual video not miss the mark, to what we are all going to do if Trump gets elected.
74 min
341
Joel Quartuccio (Being As An Ocean)
Episode 35 - Shane sits down with Joel Quartuccio of Being as an Ocean for a heartfelt discussion while on tour together in Europe. Topics include: The irony of winning an Alternative Press award for Best Underground Band, Spending a lot of time in the crowd and being banned from venues, Getting bigger versus selling out, Money and fame "changing" people, and of course his technique when it comes to writing such great lyrics. Bonus: Shane fights a spider
75 min
342
Happy 4th Of July From Shane!!!
Happy 4th of July to all of our American listeners! Enjoy a 4th of July Message from Shane + Shane plays a 4th of July themed solo song! DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE!!!! Sign up for Uber with Promo code "shanet253" and get your first ride free up to $15 !
5 min
343
Garret Rapp (The Color Morale)
Episode 34 - Garret Rapp is as close as you get to a scene social worker. Always accessible to his fans, he is there have them discuss their problems with him, every show, and he even sells his bands own merch. But does that wear down the 34 year old who has his own issues with depression? Listen and find out how Garret got to where he is, as the front man of the Illinois metal-core-pop-rock-punk etc band The Color Morale.
81 min
344
Jon Mess And Tilian Pearson (Dance Gavin Dance)
Episode 32 - Today we have a 3 way! Jon Mess and Tilian Pearson of Dance Gavin Dance join Shane for a very honest discussion. Topics discussed include: Filling Jonny Craig's big shoes, bringing ex-members back for tours, being a "party band", vocal technique, and the story of how Jonny Craig left the band in 2007 while DGD was on tour with Silverstein. Also big shout out to Tillian's girlfriend Britney for being an avid listener of the show and getting the dudes on the show.
76 min
345
William Control (Aiden, William Control)
Episode 33 - Wil Francis (of Aiden and William Control) comes cleans about his crazy youth as a drug addicted teenager in Seattle, and how he was able to pull himself out of complete oblivion to now own and operate his own empire. A must listen.
79 min
346
Craig Mabbitt (Escape The Fate, Ex - Blessthefa...
Episode 31 - Craig Mabbitt joins the show this week and sets the record straight about his departures from Blessthefall and The Word Alive. Also discussed is what it felt like to fill Ex-Escape The Fate singer Ronnie Radke's shoes, their current tour with ex-Pantera and Mudvayne band Hell Yeah, and the REAL story about why Escape The Fate had to cancel a Warped Tour set last year. Also - For concert and sports tickets get the Seatgeek App, use promo code SHANE and get a $20 rebate off your first order! Seatgeek.com
60 min
347
Mariel Loveland (Candy Hearts)
Episode 30 - Mariel Loveland of Candy Hearts talks to Shane about the recent news of her abuse on Warped Tour last year. Also, information about Candy Hearts' new album, her upcoming acoustic tour, and getting to record with Chad Gilbert of New Found Glory - the band who made her want to play music.
65 min
348
Trenton Woodley (Hands Like Houses)
Episode 29 - Shane sits down with his good buddy Trenton from Hands Like Houses to discuss all kinds of nerdy singer stuff! Trenton, self described as "not a people person", talks about how his personality reflects his role in the band, dealing with meeting fans, and his very intricate vocal technique. Also, Shane sells his Bieber tickets and Trenton describes as a teacher what most aspiring singers are doing wrong.
69 min
349
Shane Gets Interviewed By Paul Marc Rousseau (S...
Episode 28 - You asked for it so here it is! This time Shane is on the other side of the microphone, being interviewed and asked the tough questions by his good friend and bandmate Paul Marc Rousseau of Silverstein. The conversation runs everywhere from Shane's love of sports, knowing nerdy facts, how he approaches songwriting and singing, to dealing with fans at show, and a lot more. Also, Shane recounts 2 very scary situations that happened on tour and ranks his favorite Silverstein albums.
88 min
350
Anthony Raneri (Bayside)
Episode 27 - Shane sits down with one of his best friends in the music scene, Anthony Raneri of Bayside to discuss Bayside's cult fan base, deciding not to be a radio band, being satisfied where he is in terms of success, and the dark times writing their upcoming album "Vacancy". Anthony and Shane discuss recent break ups, and Anthony nails the answer to the question of "What is Lead Singer Syndrome"?
89 min