On (100) Podcasts
Or; Ecstatic Ephemera: The Centennial Special
Well, we did it, folks. We published our 100th episode of The Pitch pod, and we— my lovely co-host/wife Paige and I—did it all in one year. It’s been a crazy run, and we’ve definitely pushed through some shit to get here, but it feels good.
To celebrate, we strolled down memory lane to recap our Top 10 Most Listened episodes. We goof, we gaff; we play some tracks, and we’re probably too harsh on our audio quality. But whatever you do, don’t call it nostalgia; it’s pure, uncut reverence.
#10: Thomas Busby (Luca Brasi/follow)
The Tasmanian Devil himself. I loved having Busby on the show to chat about his new follow project; listen to that if you’re looking for lush arrangements and dazzling post-rock textures. We didn’t talk much about Luca Brasi, but they’ve since dropped a new record—The World Don’t Owe You Anything—it’s sick, and it might be one of my favourites in their entire catalogue. It’s a huge effort for a “Hot Water Music ripoff” act, as he puts it (jokingly, of course).
#09: Andrew Sacher (BrooklynVegan)
BrooklynVegan editor Andrew Sacher is one of my favourite music writers and people to work with. He’s also a super knowledgeable guy for all forms of alternative music and an undeniable blink-182 superfan. We went long on their classic 2003 untitled record, a prescient conversation given the band’s reunion with Tom in 2022 and the release of their latest record, One More Time…. Andrew also reveals his secret tinfoil hat playlist of what the group’s non-hiatus, sixth LP that-never-was might have sounded like (hint: not 2011’s Neighborhoods).
#08: Andrew Herman (Johnny Booth)
Longtime readers will know that I’ve been a Johnny Booth evangelist for years now. They’re still one of the best and most underrated bands in heavy music, and with the release of their phenomenal new record—Moments Elsewhere—I’m stoked that they’re finally starting to get their due. Getting Andrew on the show was super cool, and he was very generous with his time. His Hit List provides an insightful look at his musical progression, personal/family life, and how these elements collide and fuse into the group’s genre-agnostic sound.
#07: Johnny Needham (The Break Down/PADRE)
We managed to snag some Aussie YouTube reaction royalty this year and give Johnny the space he deserves to sweat on Thrice for two hours. It’s a great conversation about the importance of The Artist in the Ambulance (2003), how COVID ideas turn into creative projects (*cough* starting a podcast *cough*), Johnny’s passion for music, kicking off PADRE in his 40s, and his love for those punk rock glory days.
#06: Andy Marsh (Thy Art Is Murder)
Marshy had the illustrious privilege of being our first guest for the show, so a big shout out to him for letting us kick the tyres with his presence. We talk about Thy Art’s legacy in Aussie metal, and Marshy discusses the idea of “picking things up on the go” and embracing “fluidity”: playing music, managing bands, touring, running a record label and merch store, and being part of an “integrated organization.” Ensure you listen to their new record—it’s an absolute monster.
#05: Schuylar Croom (He Is Legend)
If pushed, I think this might be my favourite episode of the show. I've loved He Is Legend since my late teens, and Schuylar is such an affable guy and effortlessly cool frontman. And talk about nailing the brief: his sprawling 90-minute-plus “Kmart Parking Lot” Hit List is so sick and a personal whirlwind through the depths of alternative music and beyond.
#04: Lewy Glass (Honest Crooks/Volatile Ways)
This was a fun episode with Lewy Glass from Honest Crooks. Lewy is hands-down one of the nicest dudes in Australian heavy music, and I can’t wait to see his other band, Volatile Ways, play with The Acacia Strain and Dying Wish next year. (Mosh City incoming.)
#03: Kamtin Mohager (Heavenward/Chain Gang of 1974)
Chatting with Kamtin about his time with Teenage Wrist and how his “solo” project Heavenward developed was fascinating. We talk about getting older, embracing your musical loves and pluralistic tendencies, and breaking down gatekeeping boundaries for creative expression. Kamtin’s Hit List is another show highlight, too: an incredible selection of alternative 90s deep cuts and, of course, our shared love for the mighty Motor Ace.
#02: Jem (SPEED)
It’s a Gang Called SPEED! Huge shout out to Jem (aka ambassador of Australia). Such an infectious, warm personality and super fun to chat about hardcore or any music-related topic. I have a big love for the band and everything they’ve accomplished this year; it’s been exciting to witness from afar. This was our first episode of the show to get a massive response from listeners, so shout out to the Asian hardcore community who came through for Jem’s absolute heater Hit List.
#01: Jon Simmons (Balance & Composure/Creeks)
It’s our most popular episode! A big thank you to Jon for coming on the show and taking time away from his own podcast, the always excellent Your Morning Breakfast (share, like, subscribe, etc.). I’ve been a huge Balance & Composure fan for years, and I’m very stoked to have them back. I love the new songs and can’t wait to hear/see what they do next.
If you’ve listened to the episodes above or any other episode of the show, you have my eternal thanks and gratitude. We’ll keep cranking these out regardless, so get ready for Phase 2: 2024.
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