If you're new here, a few years ago, TJ and I co-hosted a podcast called The Top 8. Due to scheduling issues, The Top 8 went on hiatus. But good news if you missed it: TJ is popping in for a random episode of OurSpace to chat our Top 8 favourite releases of the year so far!  We're going to try to make this a more regular thing when schedules allow.  Now, go leave the show 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ And let us know what your favourite releases of 2026 are so far ⬇️ -- OurSpace with Matt Vettese is now powered by elderemo.com — shop emo and pop punk apparel for yourself, your kids, and even your pets. Use code OURSPACE for 15% off your next order. https://elderemo.com/OURSPACE    #Emo #PopPunk #Metalcore #PostHardcore #AlbumOfTheYear #StaticDress #Movements #Poppy #JordanFish #BringMeTheHorizon #MusicPodcast #OurSpace

Zach Goode joins OurSpace with Matt Vettese to discuss becoming the new voice of Smash Mouth, the band's first full-length album of original music in 14 years, Mercury Comet, and what it's really like stepping into one of the most recognizable bands of the '90s and 2000s. Zach shares how a simple audition turned into fronting Smash Mouth, what he learned from replacing Steve Harwell, and why he believes fans have embraced this new era of the band. We also talk about writing new Smash Mouth music, balancing nostalgia with creativity, the legacy of All Star, Shrek's lasting impact on the band's popularity, and why iconic bands changing singers has become more common than ever. Leave 5 stars if you enjoyed the chat! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ -- OurSpace with Matt Vettese is now powered by elderemo.com — shop emo and pop punk apparel for yourself, your kids, and even your pets. Use code OURSPACE for 15% off your next order. https://elderemo.com/OURSPACE -- #SmashMouth #ZachGoode #MercuryComet #AllStar #SteveHarwell #Shrek #AlternativeRock #90sMusic #OurSpace #MattVettese

Chief State joins OurSpace with Matt Vettese to discuss their new album Keep Your Friends Closer, why it took nearly two years to finally release, and how becoming a fully collaborative band changed everything. The Vancouver pop punk outfit talks about evolving creatively, balancing adulthood with being in a touring band, and why they've rediscovered the joy of making music without putting so much pressure on themselves. We also dive into the album's songwriting process, favorite tracks, playing the record live for the first time, upcoming touring plans, and why they're already deep into writing the next chapter of Chief State. Plus, the band shares a handful of underrated Canadian artists you should have on your radar. Remember to leave a 5 star rating if you enjoyed the chat! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 📸 William Langlais -- OurSpace with Matt Vettese is now powered by elderemo.com — shop emo and pop punk apparel for yourself, your kids, and even your pets. Use code OURSPACE for 15% off your next order. https://elderemo.com/OURSPACE -- #ChiefState #KeepYourFriendsCloser #PopPunk #MelodicPunk #CanadianMusic #Vancouver #OurSpace #MattVettese #AlternativeMusic #NewMusic #OurSpace

Russ Rankin of Good Riddance joins OurSpace with Matt Vettese for a chat about the band's new album Before the World Caves In, political songwriting in the Trump era, punk rock activism, and finding hope during turbulent times. Russ discusses how his approach to songwriting has evolved over the years, why he believes music can still inspire social change, and the importance of creating art that leaves room for listeners to find their own meaning. We also talk about recording with Bill Stevenson, working at The Blasting Room, and the lessons he's learned from decades in punk rock. Beyond the music, Russ shares thoughts on community organizing, political engagement, punk's role in shaping worldviews, and why he believes the next generation of hardcore bands is carrying the spirit of the scene forward. Plus, discover a few artists and bands Russ thinks deserve more attention right now. If you enjoyed the chat remember to leave 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ -- OurSpace with Matt Vettese is now powered by elderemo.com — shop emo and pop punk apparel for yourself, your kids, and even your pets. Use code OURSPACE for 15% off your next order. https://elderemo.com/OURSPACE

Jake and Alex of Subtitles join OurSpace with Matt Vettese to discuss their debut album Subtitles On, the challenges of running a band across two continents, and the emotional stories behind some of the record's most impactful songs. Living in the United States and France, the duo shares how they built the band through technology, late-night writing sessions, and a shared vision for what Subtitles. could become. They also discuss touring, Warped Tour's Battle of the Bands, the power of building genuine connections in music, and what it's like seeing fans tattoo their lyrics. Plus, we talk about social anxiety, networking, modern music promotion, and share a handful of up-and-coming bands you should be listening to right now. If you enjoy the show please leave 5 stars on your favourite podcast platform ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ -- OurSpace with Matt Vettese is now powered by elderemo.com — shop emo and pop punk apparel for yourself, your kids, and even your pets. Use code OURSPACE for 15% off your next order. https://elderemo.com/OURSPACE

Jason from Toronto's Burning Out joins OurSpace with Matt Vettese to discuss the band's new single "Kill Me Maybe," their upcoming EP, heartbreak, songwriting, DIY culture, and the evolution of the Toronto punk scene. Jason shares how the band's latest songs chronicle the emotional stages of processing a difficult breakup, why songwriting has become a form of therapy, and how Burning Out blends influences from melodic hardcore, pop punk, emo, and post-hardcore into something uniquely their own. We also talk about the Toronto scene in the 2000s, Warped Tour, mixed-genre lineups, social media's impact on independent bands, and the challenges of balancing music with adult life. Plus, Jason recommends a stack of underrated Toronto-area bands that deserve more attention. Thumbnail photo by Ryan Brough -- OurSpace with Matt Vettese is now powered by elderemo.com — shop emo and pop punk apparel for yourself, your kids, and even your pets. Use code OURSPACE for 15% off your next order. https://elderemo.com/OURSPACE

Des Rocs joins OurSpace with Matt Vettese for a chat about his new album To Hell and Back, the future of rock music, surviving a devastating spinal injury, and what it really takes to build a career as a modern rock artist. Des shares the story behind the album title, discusses recording the record live as a full band, and explains why authenticity, risk, and emotional vulnerability remain at the core of great rock and roll. We also talk about opening for The Rolling Stones, why he believes rock still delivers the greatest live shows in music, the challenges of sustaining a rock career in today's industry, and why he has no interest in chasing trends. Plus, he shares the artists who inspired him, the DIY scene that shaped him, and a few modern bands he thinks deserve more attention. If you enjoy the chat remember to leave a 5 star review! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ -- OurSpace with Matt Vettese is now powered by elderemo.com — shop emo and pop punk apparel for yourself, your kids, and even your pets. Use code OURSPACE for 15% off your next order. https://elderemo.com/OURSPACE

Buddy Nielsen of Senses Fail joins OurSpace with Matt Vettese for a deep conversation about the past, present, and future of Senses Fail, including new music, the legacy of Still Searching, the current emo and hardcore scene, festival culture, and why live music still matters more than ever. Buddy opens up about writing new Senses Fail songs, modernizing the band without losing what fans love, playing major festivals like Welcome to Rockville, the resurgence of emo nostalgia, and why younger fans are still connecting with records like Still Searching nearly 20 years later. Subscribe for more conversations with the bands that shaped emo, pop punk, post-hardcore, alternative, and heavy music. -- OurSpace with Matt Vettese is now powered by elderemo.com — shop emo and pop punk apparel for yourself, your kids, and even your pets. Use code OURSPACE for 15% off your next order. https://elderemo.com/OURSPACE -- #SensesFail #BuddyNielsen #OurSpace #MattVettese #StillSearching #Emo #PopPunk #PostHardcore #WarpedTour #WhenWeWereYoung #AlternativeMusic

Microwave frontman Nate Hardy joins OurSpace with Matt Vettese for a deep dive into the band’s evolution, the emo revival, mental health in music culture, and the future of Microwave. Fresh off the 10 Years of Much Love anniversary tour with Anthony Green, Nate opens up about: Why Much Love exploded years after release Touring with Anthony Green The resurgence of emo and post-hardcore The “sad as fuck” era of emo culture How Microwave’s songwriting has changed The shift toward optimism on Let’s Start Degeneracy New Microwave music currently in the works Dream collaborations and future plans OurSpace with Matt Vettese is now powered by elderemo.com — shop emo and pop punk apparel for yourself, your kids, and even your pets. Use code OURSPACE for 15% off your next order. https://elderemo.com/OURSPACE -- Remember to leave a review + 5 stars if you enjoyed this chat! Follow Microwave on Spotify, Apple Music, and wherever you stream music to stay updated on new songs and upcoming tours.

Tokyo Rose is back. In this episode of OurSpace with Matt Vettese, Ryan of Tokyo Rose joins the show to talk about the band’s rise during the golden era of emo and pop punk, touring with bands like Taking Back Sunday and The Starting Line, and why the band quietly disappeared after their album leaked during the LimeWire era. Ryan also opens up about: The resurgence of emo and pop punk Warped Tour memories The transition from Myspace to Facebook Rediscovering the band after nearly 20 years Recording new music again Their upcoming EP Phoenician Fire The emotional connection fans still have with Tokyo Rose If you grew up in the Myspace era or still blast emo and pop punk in 2026, this conversation is going to hit home. Follow Tokyo Rose on Spotify and your favorite streaming platforms to stay updated on their new music and upcoming shows. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Remember to rate and review the show!! -- OurSpace with Matt Vettese is now powered by elderemo.com — shop emo and pop punk apparel for yourself, your kids, and even your pets. Use code OURSPACE for 15% off your next order. https://elderemo.com/OURSPACE