What happens when conspiracy theories stop being fringe entertainment and start influencing the way people understand the world? In Episode 53 of B-Side Breakdown, Shayne Miel of Overton breaks down "High On Faith," a darkly humorous and surprisingly thoughtful song inspired by misinformation, conspiracy culture, and humanity's need to explain the unknown. What began with a single lyric evolved into a broader exploration of belief, uncertainty, and the stories people create to make sense of a complicated world. During our conversation, Shayne discusses the challenge of writing about conspiracy theories without turning the song into a lecture, the personal experiences that inspired the lyrics, and the strange moment we're living through where truth, opinion, and entertainment increasingly overlap. We talk about everything from ancient mythology to modern media, the role attention plays in shaping public discourse, and why people often gravitate toward simple explanations when reality is  It's a conversation about a song, but it's also a conversation about belief itself—how we form it, why we cling to it, and what happens when the search for certainty becomes more powerful than the pursuit of truth. Follow Overton: https://overtonnc.bandcamp.com https://www.instagram.com/overton.nc Thanks for supporting B-Side Breakdown — where the song is just the start of the story. Brett Johnson Host, B-Side Breakdown https://www.bsidebreakdown.com #BSideBreakdown #Overton #HighOnFaith #ShayneMiel #IndependentMusic #MusicPodcast #Songwriting #PunkRock #AlternativeRock #IndieMusic

In this episode of B-Side Breakdown, Brett Johnson sits down with David Jarnstrom of Minneapolis post-hardcore stalwarts Dead History to talk about “Through the Shadows,” a standout track from the band’s 2025 album Departures. Built around an initial guitar idea from Matt Rezac, the song took a long and winding path to completion—nearly left behind before emerging as one of the record’s most spacious, groove-driven moments. David walks through the tension between restraint and power in the song’s arrangement, the intentional use of space and feel, and why it occupies such a unique place on the album. The conversation also touches on the song’s impressionistic lyrics, personal interpretations shaped by life in post-George Floyd Minneapolis, and the sense of endurance and rebuilding that runs quietly beneath the surface. With Departures likely marking a closing chapter for Dead History, this episode reflects on creative maturity, community, and seeing something through—even when it’s hard. Follow Dead History: https://deadhistorymn.bandcamp.com/ https://www.instagram.com/deadhistoryband Thanks for supporting B-Side Breakdown — where the song is just the start of the story. Brett Johnson Host, B-Side Breakdown https://www.patreon.com/c/bsidebreakdown https://www.instagram.com/bsidebreakdown https://linktr.ee/bsidebreakdown #DavidJarnstrom #DeadHistory #ThroughTheShadows #Departures #MinneapolisMusic #PostHardcore #Shoegaze #CreativeProcess #BSideBreakdown #BrettJamesJohnson #MusicPodcast

In this episode of B-Side Breakdown, Brett Johnson sits down with Brad Gunnarson—better known around the Twin Cities as B-Gun—to unpack “Teenager,” a Deftones cover recorded under the project name Killing Stares. Originally appearing on White Pony, the song was reimagined for For the Song You Saved, a community-driven Deftones tribute benefiting Oasis for Youth. Brad talks through the long-held idea behind Killing Stares: assembling one-off lineups of musicians who don’t normally play together and letting instinct guide the process. With Zach Boyd (johnnyrook) on acoustic guitar, Nick Larsen (ExactlyNo) on drums, and Carly from Dadbod on vocals, the track came together quickly and intentionally—sparse, emotional, and respectful of the original while still feeling personal. The conversation also traces Brad’s decades in the Minneapolis–St. Paul music scene, his philosophy of “put out records with your friends,” and how this project reflects the power of community, timing, and doing things the right way. Follow Killing Stares: https://forthesongyousaved.bandcamp.com/ https://www.instagram.com/killingstares https://www.oasisforyouth.org/ Thanks for supporting B-Side Breakdown — where the song is just the start of the story. Brett Johnson Host, B-Side Breakdown https://www.patreon.com/c/bsidebreakdown https://www.instagram.com/bsidebreakdown https://linktr.ee/bsidebreakdown #BSideBreakdown #KillingStares #Teenager #Deftones #WhitePony #ForTheSongYouSaved #TwinCitiesMusic #CommunityOverCompetition #BenefitCompilation

For episode 50 of B-Side Breakdown, Shi from Scarboro breaks down “Chaser,” a song rooted in political exhaustion, fake empathy, and the disconnect between what people say they believe and what they’re willing to act on. Shi talks openly about working in politics and nonprofit advocacy, running for Congress from the left, and eventually walking away after years of watching corporate influence hollow out meaningful change. The conversation moves beyond the song itself into hot-take culture, online outrage, and the frustration of seeing powerful words rarely materialize into pressure where it could actually create change. But underneath all of it is something more personal — exhaustion, apathy, recovery, and trying to rebuild a sense of purpose after hitting a breaking point. The episode also digs into the making of Scarboro’s new record Hate Season, written after Shi left the New York State Senate and began working through a difficult period of mental health struggles and healing. What came out of that time became one of the band’s most collaborative and emotionally direct records yet. Follow Scarboro: scarboro.bandcamp.com instagram.com/scarboropunx Sell The Heart Records: https://www.selltheheartrecords.com/ WTF Records: https://wtfrecords.eu/ Thanks for supporting B-Side Breakdown — where the song is just the start of the story. Brett Johnson Host, B-Side Breakdown https://www.bsidebreakdown.com #Scarboro #Chaser #HardcorePunk #PunkRock #NYCHardcore #SellTheHeartRecords #DIYpunk #PunkPodcast #BSideBreakdown #MelodicHardcore #IndependentMusic #MusicPodcast #PunkCommunity #NewMusic

Grateful to catch up with an old fried, Carl Skildum.  Skjolden is the first solo project from Carl Skildum of Inexorum, Majesties, and Antiverse. Located in Minneapolis and entirely self-directed, Skjolden exists in the thrilling intersection of melodic black and death metal, with layered guitars and synth-laden crescendos. On this episode, we focus on “While Dying”, one of the standout tracks from Insouciant Metaphysical Grandeur (released June 20, 2025). Clocking in at 3:58, the song conjures fiery riffs, ethereal keys, and growled verses. We’ll unpack the lyrical weight and musical architecture of “While Dying”, talk about how synths color the black metal storm, and explore how Skildum marries existential dread with cathartic melody. If you’re fascinated by underground metal crafted with wit, grit, and atmospheric depth—this episode is your cathedral of sound.

In this episode of B-Side Breakdown, Brett Johnson talks with Johnny Laberda from Battery Eyes and Andrew Cahak of Unstable Shapes about “Upside Down,” a collaborative track that stretches beyond both bands’ usual comfort zones. Born from a casual conversation at Minneapolis mainstay Mortimer’s, the song evolved into one of the most anthemic and stylistically distinct moments on Battery Eyes’ upcoming album zero three. The discussion digs into the song’s “Frankenstein” creation process—written separately, then stitched together through trust rather than traditional co-writing—and how shared vocals were designed to blur identity and perspective. Johnny and Andrew unpack the song’s central idea of reframing situations, looking at problems from new angles, and embracing found interpretation over fixed meaning. The episode also highlights the importance of scene-level collaboration, thoughtful studio production, and why “Upside Down” feels just as much about creative process as it does about the lyrics themselves. Follow Battery Eyes: https://batteryeyes.bandcamp.com/ https://www.instagram.com/batteryeyes Follow Unstable Shapes: https://unstableshapes.bandcamp.com/ https://www.instagram.com/unstableshapes Follow Cloudland: https://www.instagram.com/cloudlandtheater https://www.cloudlandtheater.com/ Thanks for supporting B-Side Breakdown — where the song is just the start of the story. Brett Johnson Host, B-Side Breakdown https://www.patreon.com/c/bsidebreakdown https://www.instagram.com/bsidebreakdown https://linktr.ee/bsidebreakdown #JohnnyLaberda #BatteryEyes #AndrewCahak #UnstableShapes #UpsideDown #ZeroThree #MinneapolisMusic #Collaboration #CreativeProcess #CloudlandTheater #BSideBreakdown #BrettJamesJohnson #MusicPodcast

Forbidden Seas is a heavy post-rock band whose members hail from Chicago, Twin Cities, and Los Angeles. I was able to connect with Bill Collins to talk about this new group, their single, "Wolves, Sheep", and lots of other bits. I've known BIll for a long time. This episode was a great opporunity for me to catch up with him on his music, family, and life overall. Please look them up, follow them where you can, and support their craft whenever possible: Forbidden Seas https://linktr.ee/forbiddenseas https://www.instagram.com/_forbiddenseas_/ https://www.tiktok.com/@_forbiddenseas_ Thank you for your continued support! Brett Johnson Host of B-Side Breakdown https://www.instagram.com/bsidebreakdown https://linktr.ee/bsidebreakdown #ForbiddenSeas #WolvesSheep #BillCollins #bsidebreakdown #threecrowsclub #brettjamesjohnson #musicpodcast 

“ASM KoP” started as a phrase Nick Palmer couldn’t shake—something he said constantly in his day job as a retail recruiter: Assistant Store Manager, King of Prussia. What began as a hook turned into something more layered: a snapshot of aging punk lifers navigating retail jobs, suburban malls, and the space between who they were and who they are now. In this episode, Nick breaks down how the song almost didn’t make the record, how a shift in direction reshaped it, and how the final version was built to feel bigger than it actually is—less about recreating a live sound, and more about capturing what it feels like to stand in front of a loud band. Follow The Blackburns: theblackburns.bandcamp.com facebook.com/meettheblackburns instagram.com/meettheblackburns Follow Sell the Heart Records: selltheheartrecords.bandcamp.com facebook.com/selltheheart instagram.com/selltheheartrecords selltheheartrecords.com twitter.com/selltheheart Thanks for supporting B-Side Breakdown — where the song is just the start of the story. Brett Johnson Host, B-Side Breakdown #BSideBreakdown #BrettJamesJohnson #TheBlackburns #NickPalmer #PunkRock #IndieRock #BehindTheSong #DIYMusic

Brett Johnson sits down with James and Terry of The Jukebox Romantics (Downstate NY) to talk about “The Walk to Heartwood” — a heartfelt standout from their 2025 full-length, This One Looks Cool. Equal parts punk gratitude and FEST devotion, the song is a self-described “love letter to Heartwood Soundstage” and the Gainesville DIY scene. Built around themes of chosen family, emotional return, and saying yes to the chaos, the track blends urgency and joy without a hint of sarcasm. James and Terry open up about writing from the heart, embracing vulnerability, and chasing authenticity over polish. From late-night singalongs to post-pandemic reconnections, this one’s for the lifers. Follow The Jukebox Romantics: https://thejukeboxromantics.bandcamp.com/ https://www.instagram.com/jukeboxromantics https://www.selltheheartrecords.com https://www.instagram.com/selltheheartrecords https://www.instagram.com/thefestfl/ https://linktr.ee/thefest Thanks for supporting B-Side Breakdown — where the song is just the start of the story. Brett Johnson Host, B-Side Breakdown https://www.patreon.com/c/bsidebreakdown https://www.instagram.com/bsidebreakdown https://linktr.ee/bsidebreakdown #TheWalkToHeartwood #ThisOneLooksCool #TheJukeboxRomantics #bsidebreakdown #threecrowsclub #brettjamesjohnson #musicpodcast #FEST #punkrockfamily #HeartwoodSoundstage

More than twenty-five years after releasing their last full-length record, Overthrow returned with *Setting the Price*—not as a nostalgia project, but as the continuation of a story that was never truly finished. In this episode, Chris and Anthony break down "Tribute," a song rooted in loss, gratitude, and the people who helped shape both the band and the New York hardcore community. They reflect on the friends, family members, and bandmates they've lost over the years and how those experiences became the emotional foundation of the song. The conversation also traces Overthrow's journey from forming as teenagers on Long Island in 1995, through their original run and breakup in 2001, to the reunion shows that eventually reignited their creative spark. They discuss rediscovering old riffs that had been sitting unfinished for over two decades, the collaborative songwriting process behind *Setting the Price*, the challenges of self-funding and recording the album, and the excitement of hearing "Tribute" receive heavy rotation on SiriusXM. More than a comeback story, this episode is about honoring the past while proving there's still something meaningful left to say. Follow Overthrow: https://overthrowlihc.com/ https://www.instagram.com/overthrow_lhc Thanks for supporting B-Side Breakdown — where the song is just the start of the story. Brett Johnson Host, B-Side Breakdown https://www.bsidebreakdown.com #BSideBreakdown #Overthrow #Tribute #SettingThePrice #NewYorkHardcore #Hardcore #NYHC #LongIslandHardcore #PunkRock #IndependentMusic #Songwriter #MusicPodcast #BehindTheSong #MusicStories #HardcoreMusic

“This song was me finally going backwards and dealing with some demons.” For episode 52 of B-Side Breakdown, Marc-Alan Prince breaks down “The Damned,” a song about chasing perfection, surviving self-destruction, and coming to terms with the difference between romanticized youth and the reality of getting older. What starts as a conversation about touring and punk rock ambition turns into something much more personal — living out of vans and on couches, pushing himself past the limit, battling illness, and trying to rebuild a life after realizing the lifestyle he was chasing was no longer sustainable. Marc-Alan talks openly about the years he spent touring relentlessly, the bands that imploded under the pressure, and the complicated feeling of watching friends move on while still trying to hold onto the thing that once gave life meaning. The episode also dives into the making of his upcoming record Runaway, recorded live in a rented Austin house with full live-performance video sessions inspired by Bridge City Sessions, along with his decision to keep certain releases completely offline as a reaction against streaming culture and Spotify’s treatment of artists. Follow Marc-Alan Prince: https://www.instagram.com/marcalanprince/ https://marcalanprince.bandcamp.com/album/runaway https://www.youtube.com/@marcalanprince Thanks for supporting B-Side Breakdown — where the song is just the start of the story. Brett Johnson Host, B-Side Breakdown https://www.bsidebreakdown.com #BSideBreakdown #MarcAlanPrince #TheDamned #Runaway #PunkRock #FolkPunk #AcousticPunk #DIYMusic #IndependentMusic #Songwriter #AustinTexas #MilwaukeeMusic #BridgeCitySessions #TravelWellRecords #MusicPodcast #Punk #AltCountry #Americana #TourLife #MusicStories

This song came from a real moment in the woods that stayed with them long after they got home. On episode 51 of B-Side Breakdown, DPFKS break down “Magnetic Rock,” a song rooted in emotional exhaustion, connection, and a surreal experience on Minnesota’s Gunflint Trail that became the emotional center of the track. The conversation moves through the band’s pandemic-era formation, their attempt to merge rock songwriting with electronic and experimental textures, and how this song became the clearest representation of what they wanted DPFKS to be. They also dig into building songs collaboratively through synths, modular electronics, and live instrumentation, the challenge of translating that process to the stage, and the intentionally immersive approach behind So Much Love to Give — including handmade screen-printed vinyl packaging, visuals, and even a DPFKS video game. Follow DPFKS: https://www.youtube.com/@DPFKS_MPLS https://dpfks.bandcamp.com/album/so-much-love-to-give https://www.instagram.com/dpfks_mpls Thanks for supporting B-Side Breakdown — where the song is just the start of the story. Brett Johnson Host, B-Side Breakdown https://www.bsidebreakdown.com   #BSideBreakdown #DPFKS #DeepFakes #MagneticRock #MinneapolisMusic #TwinCitiesMusic #IndieRock #SynthRock #MusicPodcast

Brett Johnson sits down with Minneapolis post-hardcore outfit Too Late, But Still to talk about “Feedback City” — a swirling, slow-burn track from their emotionally layered debut LP, Night Songs. Born from a rehearsal room riff that nearly vanished into noise, the song emerged through collective trust and sonic experimentation. With echo-laced leads, a vocal performance that escalates from restraint to rawness, and a chorus that hits like a wall of feeling, “Feedback City” captures the spirit of a band willing to follow the moment wherever it leads. The band reflects on writing without ego, trusting live takes over perfection, and finding magic in the unresolved. Follow Too Late, But Still: https://toolatebutstill.bandcamp.com/ https://instagram.com/toolatebutstill Thanks for supporting B-Side Breakdown — where the song is just the start of the story. Brett Johnson Host, B-Side Breakdown https://www.patreon.com/c/bsidebreakdown https://www.instagram.com/bsidebreakdown https://linktr.ee/bsidebreakdown #FeedbackCity #TooLateButStill #bsidebreakdown #threecrowsclub #brettjamesjohnson #NightSongs #minneapolismusic #posthardcore #musicpodcast

Brett Johnson sits down with Travis Omilian of Banquets (Jersey City, NJ) to talk about “Goodbye Before You Go” — a stirring track from the band’s first album in over a decade, Petty Relics. What started in 2010 as a group of friends making melodic punk with a wink (a band named after a beer, a debut 7" titled This Is Our Concern, Dude) has grown into something far deeper. Across Top Button, Bottom Shelf and their self-titled follow-up, Banquets built a reputation for tight arrangements, anthemic energy, and lyrical introspection that lingered longer than the last chord. Now, after ten years of silence, Petty Relics marks not just a return, but a reckoning. “Goodbye Before You Go” is a standout — a meditation on love, loss, and letting go that captures the band’s matured voice. Travis opens up about writing from a place of deep personal meaning, about what it takes to reconnect with your sound after a decade, and why this particular goodbye needed a melody. With lines like “Say I am better to have known” and “We won’t catch lightning like you again,” the song delivers both a farewell and a benediction — a moment of gratitude wrapped in grit. There’s a quiet ache beneath the melodic lift, a layered balance of hope, hurt, and reflection that few bands in this genre ever touch. Be sure to show your support on Bancamp Friday and connect with them on IG to stay connected.  Keep up with Banquets at: https://banquetshq.com https://www.instagram.com/banquetshq https://banquets.bandcamp.com/ Thank you for your continued support! Brett Johnson Host, B-Side Breakdown https://www.instagram.com/bsidebreakdown https://linktr.ee/bsidebreakdown https://www.patreon.com/c/bsidebreakdown #GoodbyeBeforeYouGo #Banquets #TravisOmilian #bsidebreakdown #threecrowsclub #brettjamesjohnson #musicpodcast

Kind Skies is a great band from Lexington, KY. They do things their way, authentically and organically, and allow things to unfold as they do. I caught up with Chris on the first segment of the episode then the rest of the band showed up for the second. It was great to chat with them and deep dive into their track "Unrest" that comes off their August 2025 release, "Echo". Be sure to show your support on Bancamp Friday and connect with them on IG to stay connected.  Keep up with Kind Skies at: https://kindskies.bandcamp.com/ https://www.instagram.com/kindskiesband #Unrest #KindSkies #ChrisBoss #MitchSnyder #bsidebreakdown #threecrowsclub #brettjamesjohnson #musicpodcast

Finally got a chance to talk with ExactlyNo, noe of my favorite bands from Minneapolis, MN about their single, “All I Need”. Known for their big, dynamic sound—explosive drums, guitars that double as riffs and atmosphere, and vocals that carry both raw edge and melodic intention—ExactlyNo push their sonic boundaries on this track. “All I Need” was produced by Jeremy Tappero and mastered by Bruce Templeton at MicroPhonic Mastering. In our conversation, we’ll explore how the song came together—from writing and arrangement choices to emotional themes. What drove the lyrics? How did the production serve the message? And where does “All I Need” sit in ExactlyNo’s evolving identity, especially as they edge toward their next full-length? Whether you’re into songwriting craft, rock production choices, or the stories behind new independent records, this one’s for you. Be sure to show your support on Bancamp Friday and connect with them on IG to stay connected.  Keep up with ExactlyNo at: https://exactlyno.bandcamp.com/ https://exactlyno.com/ https://www.instagram.com/exactlynoband Thank you for your continued support! Brett Johnson Host of B-Side Breakdown https://www.patreon.com/c/bsidebreakdown https://www.instagram.com/bsidebreakdown https://linktr.ee/bsidebreakdown #AllINeed #ExactlyNo #NickLarsen #TedAnderson #CardinalSunRecords #bsidebreakdown #threecrowsclub #brettjamesjohnson #musicpodcast

Take Two... You'll hear us joke about it in the episode but this was my 2nd attempt at getting Aaron Stoquert from The Snorts on an episode. We pulled up this time around to talk about the song “Butterflies,” off of their 2024 release, "pitter patter", which I can't recommend enough from beginning to end. If you’re into songs that sprint, sting, and stay with you after they’re over, this one’s a ride. Tune in to hear the full story behind “Butterflies.” Keep up with The Snorts at: https://thesnorts.bandcamp.com/ https://www.instagram.com/thesnorts/ Thank you for your continued support! Brett Johnson Host of B-Side Breakdown https://www.patreon.com/c/bsidebreakdown https://www.instagram.com/bsidebreakdown https://linktr.ee/bsidebreakdown #Butterflies #TheSnorts #AaronStoquert #DCxPCLive #bsidebreakdown #threecrowsclub #brettjamesjohnson #musicpodcast

I was happy to get the chance to sit down with Zac from Minneapolis, MN based johnnyrook to talk about their song, "Missing You For Days". johnnyrook has been a staple in the Minneapolis rock scene for decades now, and after a hiatus have come back strong with their new record, "The More Things Change" released this past July. Be sure to show your support on Bancamp Friday and connect with them on IG to stay connected.  Keep up with johnnyrook at: https://johnnyrook.bandcamp.com/ https://www.instagram.com/johnnyrookmusic/ Thank you for your continued support! Brett Johnson Host of B-Side Breakdown https://www.patreon.com/c/bsidebreakdown https://www.instagram.com/bsidebreakdown https://linktr.ee/bsidebreakdown #MissingYouForDays #jonhnyrook #ZacBoyd #CardinalSunRecords #bsidebreakdown #threecrowsclub #brettjamesjohnson #musicpodcast

Adios Fatso is a Massachusetts-based DIY punk project that harnesses dark humor and razor-sharp commentary to dissect modern life — especially during the turbulence of the pandemic. WTF, released in 2025, delivers punchy intensity wrapped in under two minutes — a spotlight on crab mentality shaped by real events. Though forged in punk ethos, WTF benefits from top-tier finishing: mixed by Andrew Berlin and mastered by Jason Livermore at the iconic Blasting Room in Fort Collins — blending raw energy with sonic clarity. In this episode, we unpack how WTF distills punchy observations into visceral art, explore the impact of that Blasting Room sheen on otherwise gritty vocals and guitars, and get into how Adios Fatso channels real frustration into an irresistible, compact anthem. Join us as we dig into how minimal time equals maximum message.

504 Plan is a neurodivergent high school punk band from Washington, D.C., whose music is as urgent as it is unfiltered. Their debut vinyl, DCxPC Live & Dead Vol. 6, features the explosive single Call to Action and captures both their sweat-soaked live energy (recorded at DC9) and their studio polish (tracked at the legendary Inner Ear with Don Zientara). In this episode, we sit down not with the band, but with Scott Pasch, founder of DCxPC Live Records, to talk about what drew him to 504 Plan, the ethos behind the label, and the importance of documenting live punk in the streaming age. Scott walks us through the recording process, and what it means to press something real for a new generation of angry, brilliant kids. If you care about punk as a movement and not just a sound, this one’s for you. 504 Plan: https://www.instagram.com/504plan.band/ DCxPC Live: https://dcxpclive.bandcamp.com/ https://www.instagram.com/dcxpc_live https://dcxpclive.com/ Thank you for your continued support! Brett Johnson Host of B-Side Breakdown https://www.instagram.com/bsidebreakdown https://linktr.ee/bsidebreakdown #504Plan #CallToAction #DCxPCLive #bsidebreakdown #threecrowsclub #brettjamesjohnson #musicpodcast 

Indoor Friends (Boston, MA) fuse confessional punk and melodic power-pop into something entirely their own, and nowhere is that more clear than in their latest single, psyayayduck What starts as a lyrical spiral of emotional wreckage becomes a full-blown cathartic release—chaotic, catchy, and unexpectedly fun. In this episode, the band breaks down the writing process behind psyayayduck and how they balance humor, heartbreak, and harmony in everything they do. Indoor Friends: https://indoorfriendsma.bandcamp.com/ https://www.instagram.com/indoorfriendsma Thank you for your continued support! Brett Johnson Host of B-Side Breakdown https://www.instagram.com/bsidebreakdown https://linktr.ee/bsidebreakdown #IndoorFriends #Psyayayduck #bsidebreakdown #threecrowsclub #brettjamesjohnson #musicpodcast