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
151
LIVE FROM LOS ANGELES!!! Ft. Vic Fuentes (Pier...
Episode 209 - LIVE FROM LOS ANGELES! Shane sits down with Vic, Aaron and Telle during Grammy weekend to talk about whack tour stories, lyric writing, using steroids to get through shows, and Grammy nominations (or lack thereof). Special thanks to Fearless Records for putting this all together!
79 min
152
Michael Starr (Steel Panther)
Episode 208 - Steel Panther's own Michael Starr joins the show! Fresh off their 5th full length album (!!) Michael talks about the early days of being a Las Vegas and LA resident cover band playing 5 nights a week to getting signed to a major label and focusing on their original music. Also covered is how many chicks Michael has slept with, getting tested for STD's - and on a serious note - his recent vocal surgery.
61 min
153
Stephen Brodsky (Cave In, Converge, Mutoid Man)
Episode 207 - One of the most influential bands in both metalcore and post-hardcore, Cave In has been making incredible records since the '90's. Stephen Brodsky, who got his start as the bass player in Converge, took over lead vocal duties for the band, who quickly made their name in the scene with their classic space-rock meets emo-core album "Jupiter". After signing to a major label, it looked like Cave In was bound to take over the rock world with tours with Foo Fighters and Muse. Although that never happened, Cave In still holds their place as one of the most important underground rock bands ever. Stephen discusses the early days of being a high schooler in Converge, becoming a lead singer overnight, and the tragic death of Cave In bass player Caleb Scofield.
70 min
154
CHRISTMAS SPECIAL w/ Travis Shettel (Piebald)
Episode 206 - Merry Christmas! Piebald is back after 12 years with .... a Christmas EP? That's right, it's a bit random but it's awesome. So, fittingly on Dec 25th, Travis Shettel joins the show to talk about what he's been up to, the old days of the Boston scene, living in New Orleans, and an ill fated local show in Shane's hometown in 2001. Shane also recounts an embarrassing moment meeting the band.
60 min
155
Bryce Savage (NEFFEX)
Episode 205 - NEFFEX frontman Bryce Savage joins the show! From playing college baseball to heading up a marketing company Bryce Savage (along with bandmate Cameron Wales) asked himself … when was I happiest? Turns out it was when Bryce and Cam were making songs in their bedroom as teenagers just finding their music footing. With that inspiration NEFFEX was born, along with a fresh attitude that includes putting out a lot of music … 1 song every week, for 100 weeks (!). Now a seasoned, signed band, what’s next for the duo? Have a listen to this eye opening episode and find out!
66 min
156
Jeremy DePoyster (The Devil Wears Prada)
Episode 204 - Shane's good friend Jeremy DePoyster of The Devil Wears Prada joins the show!! Shane and Jer reminisce about touring together (they've been on the same bill over 100 times), making up for lost time on the education front, TDWP's ridiculous song titles, and singing a lot more on the new TDWP album - "The Act" (out now!)
63 min
157
Greg Barnett (The Menzingers)
Episode 203 - Greg Barnett, co-frontman of Scranton turned Philly's finest punk rock band The Menzingers joins the program! We go deep in this one, talking about Greg's background and family life, his political science degree he's finally using (in his songs) and The Menzingers gaining sudden success after 10 years of touring. Greg also breaks down his lyrics about drinking and drugs(tores) from the new album - Hello Exile (out now!).
61 min
158
Judah Akers (Judah and the Lion)
Episode 202 - Judah Akers, frontman of indie/country/impossible to label band Judah and the Lion joins the show!! Judah talks about the beginnings of the band and advice from "Uncle Don" which has kept them an independent band yet still have had amazing success in the form of a #1 hit, appearances on late night television, and a song featuring Kacey Musgraves. Calling in from Calgary in the middle of a 60+ date tour (!!), Judah and Shane also discuss his unique success, NBA basketball, and being away from home and unable to help deal with family issues like divorce and addiction.
70 min
159
Josh Ramsay (Marianas Trench)
Episode 201 - Josh Ramsay of Marianas Trench joins the show! An incredible vocalist and accomplished songwriter (he co-wrote "Call Me Maybe") Shane and Josh discuss the dangers of music videos, songwriting techniques, playing 13 instruments, and Josh's interesting backstory growing up in Vancouver with professional musician parents.
62 min
160
William Duvall (Alice in Chains, Neon Christ, B...
Episode 200!!! We did it! What a milestone, and to celebrate I speak to Alice In Chains frontman William Duvall, who has been in the band since shortly after the passing of Layne Staley. Now, 14 years in the band and finally dropping his first solo album at age 52, William discusses his upbringing in the 1980's Atlanta Hardcore scene, run ins with cops and skinheads, his entry into AIC, and his take on what a true solo record should be.
78 min
161
Ice Nine Kills Halloween Special with Spencer C...
Episode 199.5 - Happy Halloween! Everyone's favorite horror obsessed act Ice Nine Kills is KILLING it these days! I thought of no better guest for this special episode than frontman Spencer Charnas, who considers Halloween "almost a religious holiday". Spencer and Shane talk about the crazy (and highly successful) year INK has had, what he dressed up as for Halloween almost every year as a child, and their new deluxe release - The Silver Scream: Final Cut.
29 min
162
Aaron Gillespie Pt. 3 (Underoath, The Almost)
Episode 199 - He's back again! Underoath drummer/singer and The Almost everything-man Aaron Gillespie returns for a third instalment! Just 3.5 years ago, Underoath had only just talked about reuniting for a tour, and since they've released a new album and toured extensively. Now taking a break, Aaron has revived his solo project The Almost with a terrific new album "Fear Caller". Shane and Aaron talk about the challenges in recording this album, the wild ride Underoath has had, and how expensive cymbals are these days.
66 min
163
Scott Sellers (Rufio)
Episode 198 - Best known as the lead singer / shredder for SoCal emo-punkers Rufio, Scott Sellers is now a songwriting beast, putting out 4 solo albums in barely over a year. Self producing, self-recording and (sometimes) self-releasing, despite his prolific output the music quality never suffers. Scott and Shane reminisce about the old days of MP3.com, the demise of Rufio, Rufio's first tour ever (Shane was there!) and sort of/not really being labelled a Christian band.
56 min
164
Fred Mascherino (ex-Taking Back Sunday, The Col...
77 min
165
Donovan Melero (Hail The Sun, Nova Charisma, Si...
Episode 196 - Shane and his good pal Donovan sit in Shane's car shooting the shit while Hail The Sun is on tour in Toronto. The discussion includes how his new band Nova Charisma came about, co-writing with outside people, writing on a bass guitar (‽), juggling multiple projects - and still not loving police.
74 min
166
Matt McAndrew (SLAVES, "The Voice" finalist)
Episode 195 - Matt McAndrew, "The Voice" finalist and now the new lead singer of SLAVES joins the show! It's been a wild ride for Matt, who found himself auditioning and nearly winning Season 7 of "The Voice" before signing a record deal and releasing the hit single "Wasted Love". After meeting Kevin Thrasher of Escape The Fate just a few months prior, Kevin passed his number onto SLAVES, who cold called him FROM THE AIRPORT on their way to Europe after learning their singer Jonny Craig was bailing on the tour. On a whim, he took the gig not having any idea what he was getting himself into. Matt and Shane discuss his crazy entry into the band, his experience working with Adam Levine of Maroon 5, and a behind the scenes look of how shows like The Voice really work.
55 min
167
Anthony Raneri (Bayside) returns!
Episode 194 - SURPRISE! NEW BAYSIDE ALBUM! Anthony Raneri frontman of Bayside and Shane's good buddy joins the program to talk about the decision to drop a surprise album (on Oct 6!), his favorite and least favorite Bayside albums, baseball, living in Nashville, and a lot more!
78 min
168
Matthew "Murph" Murphy (The Wombats, Love Fame ...
Episode 193 - With multiple Platinum and Gold albums in the UK and Australia, and millions of records sold worldwide, The Wombats have become a household name in the Indie-pop world. Matthew Murphy joins the show and discusses moving to LA from Liverpool England, the "Dark Art" of songwriting, recent fatherhood, and his new solo project - Love Fame Tragedy.
53 min
169
Jake Luhrs (August Burns Red) Returns!!!
Episode 192 - Jake Luhrs, frontman of Grammy nominated metal heavyweights August Burns Red joins the show! While on tour with Silverstein supporting, Jake and Shane discuss the anniversary tour of their seminal album "Constellations", his faith and writing a book about it, playing bass on stage for the first time, and a lot more! Jake also ranks his favorite (and least favorite) ABR albums.
81 min
170
Casey Crescenzo (The Dear Hunter, The Receiving...
Episode 191 - You requested it and FINALLY here it is! Casey Crescenzo - the mega talented mastermind behind The Dear Hunter and former frontman of cinematic post-hardcore legends The Receiving End of Sirens joins the show! The discussion ranges from Casey's super musical upbringing, the demise of TREOS, his only ever music lesson, and Shane's confusion with the "other" band - Deer Hunter.
77 min
171
Dying in Designer
Episode 190 - Dying in Designer (Real name: Bobby O'Brien) joins the show fresh off his debut album! One of the hottest names in the "Emo Rap" genre, Bobby and Shane discuss his signing to punk label Hopeless Records, the importance of albums over singles, hitting rock bottom, and the meaning behind the title of his album "Nobody's Happy".
53 min
172
Ace Enders (The Early November, I Can Make A Mess)
Episode 189 - The talented and prolific Ace Enders joins the show! A long awaited guest, Shane and Ace talk about the upcoming The Early November album (out Sept 27th), how he was kicked out of one of his early bands, and the ill fated Early November Triple Album - which led to their break up in 2007.
72 min
173
Silent Planet (and Friends!)
Episode 188 - Fun episode! Recorded in August Burns Red's dressing room while they're on stage, Shane, Garrett and Thomas talk about worst podcast guests, Travis Barker, being a Christian band (or are they?), and a lot more! Also get ready for random cameos including members of August Burns Red and Silverstein.
78 min
174
Zech Pluister (Sleep On It, Bonfires)
Episode 187 - Sleep On It frontman Zech Pluister joins the show! About to release their (stunning) sophomore album on Sept 13, Zech discusses his wild upbringing with 5 brothers and sisters, his journey into the band, adapting to different song writing techniques, and the art of not just writing sad songs.
61 min
175
Daryl Taberski (Snapcase, Vault)
Episode 186 - Snapcase's Daryl Taberski, singer of one of Shane's favorite bands ever - and the band that got him into hardcore, joins the show! Snapcase burst out of the Buffalo, NY hardcore scene in the mid 90's and quickly became one of the biggest selling Hardcore bands ever. As Victory Records' flagship band, Snapcase was also one of the first underground hardcore bands to play Warped Tour. In 2002, they disbanded but left an incredible legacy. Shane and Daryl discuss his unique vocal style, playing shows again, the Buffalo music scene, and THAT snare drum.
54 min