And Now The Band

Sam Harman of Haunt joins Tom for a deep dive into touring life, the realities of the modern music industry, and what keeps underground metal alive in 2026.
From long drives and tight budgets to unforgettable shows and lifelong friendships, Sam shares what it really takes to survive — and thrive — on the road.
Inside this episode:
• the reality of touring in today’s music economy
• why merch sales are critical for bands (and how Haunt prices theirs to move)
• the role of community in underground metal scenes
• how touring builds real relationships across bands and cities
• balancing ego, teamwork, and clearly defined band roles
• managing stress and expectations while on the road
• why CDs and tapes are still selling (especially in Europe)
• the impact of venue closures and post-pandemic touring challenges
Sam also talks about touring alongside bands like Savage Master and War Cloud, and how the heavy metal scene continues to grow through shared experiences and mutual support.
The conversation explores how underground music creates a sense of belonging — something that extends far beyond just the music itself — and why younger fans are reconnecting with older styles, including a resurgence of 90s-inspired aesthetics.
They also discuss upcoming tour stops across the U.S., including cities like Chicago, Nashville, and Louisville, plus future plans for East Coast, Florida, and European runs.
If you’re into heavy metal, touring culture, or the behind-the-scenes reality of being in a working band, this episode delivers a raw and honest look at life on the road.
🎧 Listen now to hear how Haunt is building momentum through relentless touring, smart merch strategy, and a strong sense of community.

#Haunt
#HeavyMetal
#MetalTour
#UndergroundMetal
#DIYMusic
#BandLife
#MusicPodcast
#TourLife
#AndNowTheBand

Danny “Stills” Stillman from Drop Dead, Gorgeous joins Tom to talk about the band’s return after a 15-year hiatus and how their sound has evolved since their early post-hardcore days.
Instead of simply recreating their past, the band chose to move forward — blending alternative textures, electronic elements, and modern production with the spirit that originally defined Drop Dead, Gorgeous.
Inside this episode:
• why the band waited 15 years to release new music
• evolving beyond the original post-hardcore / screamo sound
• balancing nostalgia with artistic growth
• how modern recording technology changed the songwriting process
• the realities of touring and the myth of the “rockstar lifestyle”
• the massive recording budgets bands once spent on albums
• why streaming platforms changed the economics of music
• the importance of artists owning their masters and publishing
Danny also reflects on the band’s early days in the scene and how heavy music culture has changed over the past two decades. They compare the band’s evolution to groups like Deftones, who have successfully expanded their sound while keeping their core identity intact.
The conversation dives into the modern music industry as well — from the rise of Spotify and playlist culture to the challenges independent artists face competing with major label promotion.
If you grew up with mid-2000s post-hardcore, metalcore, and alternative heavy music, this episode explores how bands survive long breaks, evolve creatively, and reconnect with fans in a completely different industry landscape.
🎧 Listen now to hear how Drop Dead, Gorgeous is writing the next chapter of their story.
#DropDeadGorgeous
#PostHardcore
#Metalcore
#HeavyMusic
#MusicPodcast
#SceneMusic
#AlternativeMetal
#BandReunion
#AndNowTheBand

Braun and Josh join Tom to talk about organizing the growing underground music festival Legalize Lex — a three-day event showcasing 19 bands from across the Midwest and Southeast.
What started as a grassroots gathering has evolved into one of the most anticipated heavy music events in Lexington, bringing together regional bands, collectors, artists, and fans of doom, stoner, and underground heavy music.
Inside this episode:
• how Legalize Lex grew from a small show to a multi-day festival
• curating a lineup that balances local talent and touring acts
• the art and collectability of concert posters
• challenges of running a DIY festival while keeping tickets affordable
• why longer set times improve the live music experience
• working with local sponsors and record stores
• introducing younger fans to underground music culture
They also talk about their shared love for Spotlights, stories from past shows, and upcoming performances featuring bands like Conan, Howling Giant, and High Desert Queen.
Braun breaks down the logistics of running a festival — from poster printing and merch planning to scheduling bands and ensuring everyone gets paid fairly. They also discuss the community spirit behind the event, including record sales, giveaways, and even plans for a Sunday brunch gathering with fans and musicians.
If you’re into doom, stoner rock, underground metal, or DIY festivals, this episode is a behind-the-scenes look at how passionate fans turn an idea into a thriving music event.
🎧 Listen now to hear how Legalize Lex is helping grow the regional heavy music scene one show at a time.

#LegalizeLex
#DoomMetal
#StonerRock
#UndergroundMusic
#MetalFestival
#DIYMusic
#LexingtonKY
#HeavyMusic
#AndNowTheBand

Chris Mullins of Kentucky based Acromancer and Goose Hydra joins Tom to talk about building bands from the ground up, creating unique merch, and navigating the challenges of the underground music scene.
They kick things off with the story behind a hand-painted meditating figure designed by Steven that fans are already demanding more of. The conversation expands into DIY merchandise ideas, including Goose Hydra keychains and LED collectibles — proving that creativity offstage can be just as important as creativity onstage.
Inside this episode:
• Chris’s unexpected journey into playing bass and joining multiple bands
• recording progress on the upcoming Acromancer album
• Goose Hydra’s plans to record a new EP with 6 songs from a growing catalog
• the reality of gaining traction in a crowded local music scene
• balancing day jobs, family life, and heavy music
• why consistency with releases and live shows matters for underground bands
• the importance of playing music for passion rather than validation
They also discuss upcoming shows including Legalize Lex at Al's Bar, where Acromancer will perform alongside several regional bands. Chris also talks about planning a Goose Hydra birthday show at Spinelli's Pizzeria.
Along the way, the conversation dives into the grind of modern band life — writing songs, recording on a budget, building a fanbase locally, and staying motivated when recognition doesn’t come immediately.
If you’re into DIY metal bands, underground scenes, and the real stories behind independent musicians, this episode delivers a raw and honest look at how bands grow from the ground up.
🎧 Listen now and discover the drive behind Acromancer, Goose Hydra, and the next wave of heavy music in the Midwest.

#Acromancer
#GooseHydra
#UndergroundMetal
#DIYBands
#MetalPodcast
#LouisvilleMetal
#IndependentMusic
#MetalScene
#AndNowTheBand

Paul and Gusmo from Restless Spirit join Tom to talk about their no-filters, high-energy approach to songwriting, the grind of a decade in the underground scene, and how their new album Restless Spirit became their most focused and authentic release yet.
Written mostly between May–August 2025, the record captures the band at their most spontaneous — less overthinking, more instinct. The guys break down their creative philosophy: serve the song first, ditch trends, and let emotion drive everything.
Inside this episode:
• their fast, energy-driven writing process
• sequencing an album for flow (acoustic interlude + 9-minute closer)
• why progressive elements should support songwriting — not ego
• early DIY tours in a van surviving on free meals
• the evolution from DMP (“Death Metal Pope”) to Restless Spirit
• building chemistry through 10+ years of friendship and collaboration
• preparing for a 36-day tour announcement
• why live shows should feel raw, loud, and FUN
They also swap concert stories and influences — from Tool, Static-X, and Dream Theater to the songwriting mindset of John Frusciante and the progressive spirit of Rush.
Tom even floats the idea of a future run with Howling Giant, hinting at what could be a killer tour pairing.
If you’re into heavy rock, doom, stoner metal, or bands that prioritize authenticity over algorithms, this conversation hits deep.
🎧 Listen now and hear how Restless Spirit turned 10 years of hustle into their strongest record yet.
#RestlessSpirit
#HeavyRock
#DoomMetal
#StonerRock
#UndergroundMusic
#MetalPodcast
#Songwriting
#IndieBands
#AndNowTheBand