What happened to emo between the 2000s mainstream boom and the resurgence we're experiencing today? Andrew Sacher joins Matt on OurSpace to discuss his new book, Emo Revival, which documents the fourth wave of emo and the underground community that helped keep the genre alive. Having covered the scene for Brooklyn Vegan as it was unfolding, Andrew brings a unique perspective to the story of bands like Modern Baseball, Title Fight, Snowing, Algernon Cadwallader, Joyce Manor, Foxing, Citizen, The Menzingers, The Wonder Years and more. Andrew and Matt discuss why fourth-wave emo has sometimes felt like the genre's "forgotten wave," how bands that once played constantly for a few dollars have become holy grails for younger fans, and whether the success of today's emo scene is finally giving these bands their flowers. They also dive into the DIY community that made the emo revival possible, why the suburbs seem to be fertile ground for emo bands, whether bands lose something when they graduate from basements to arenas, the changing idea of "selling out," and why Andrew believes this movement was about community as much as it was about a particular style of music. Plus, they look back at the role MySpace, Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr played in building the fourth wave, how the internet has changed regional music scenes, and why today's fifth wave of emo might actually be an extension of what the fourth wave started. 📖 Order Andrew Sacher's Emo Revival:https://bookshop.org/p/books/emo-revival-community-diy-and-rebirth-in-post-hardcore-and-emo-2008-2018-andrew-sacher/aedad98efa9919b2 📝 Read Andrew's Substack:https://andrewsacher.substack.com/ 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. #EmoRevival #Emo #ModernBaseball #TitleFight #MidwestEmo

Recorded outside the Toronto stop of Slow Joy's I Love You So Much I Could Die Tour, David of Bike Routes joins OurSpace for a special on-location conversation about the band's breakout year. We discuss the making of their debut album Prairie, how World Apart became the song that introduced so many listeners to the band, and what it's been like hearing fans sing along to songs that began as simple acoustic demos in New Jersey. David also reflects on the musical influences that shaped Bike Routes (including Bruce Springsteen, The Gaslight Anthem, My Chemical Romance and Spanish Love Songs), why Prairie became a surprisingly conceptual record, and how the band is already writing the next chapter. Plus, we talk about touring with Slow Joy, the surreal experience of hearing your music on the radio, and the importance of building a local music scene. If you enjoyed this 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 -- #BikeRoutes #Prairie #SlowJoy #Emo #IndieRock #AlternativeMusic #GaslightAnthem #BruceSpringsteen #SpanishLoveSongs #MusicPodcast #OurSpace

What really happens after a song goes viral? This week on OurSpace with Matt Vettese, Gavin and Ricky from INOHA share the story behind the band's breakout success with "Seventh Heaven," the surreal moment they watched the numbers climb in real time, and how they transformed one viral reel into international touring opportunities. The conversation also explores the making of their new album, This Might Be Useful, why they completely changed their songwriting process, learning to balance creativity with the business side of being an independent band, touring alongside Good Kid, and the tracks they're most excited for fans to experience live. Follow the show for more interviews from the Pop Punk, Emo, and Alternative scenes. If you enjoyed this conversation leave ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ -- #INOHA #PopPunk #Emo #AlternativeRock #IndieRock #NewMusic #GoodKid #MusicPodcast #OurSpace #MattVettese #ThisMightBeUseful #SeventhHeaven

What does it really take to build a music career without a label or a viral moment doing the work for you? lolitslea joins OurSpace to talk about her journey as an independent artist, embracing her "neon pop punk" sound, and bringing the colorful, electronic energy of the late-2000s alternative scene into a new generation. lolitslea opens up about starting out making pop music before finding the confidence to make the music she'd always wanted to make, the reaction that convinced her to embrace pop punk, and how her collaboration with Sleeping With Sirens vocalist Kellin Quinn came together. We also dive into the less glamorous reality of DIY music: funding a career yourself, working multiple jobs, booking your own shows through DMs, learning when to spend money versus investing your own time, and navigating an industry increasingly obsessed with social media numbers and viral moments. Plus, we get into the stories behind "Rollercoaster Tycoon," "Burnout" and "Exit Plan," her love of video games, the artists currently in her rotation, and what's coming next. -- 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 -- #lolitslea #PopPunk #NeonPopPunk #IndependentArtist #DIYMusician #Emo #AlternativeMusic #KellinQuinn #OurSpacePodcast

Nicole Alexis joins OurSpace to discuss her new EP, Mirrors and Smoke, growing up alternative, and why one of her biggest songs almost never existed. The Nashville-based DIY artist opens up about living with ADHD, teaching herself multiple instruments, hearing fully formed songs in her head from a young age, and documenting life's biggest moments through music. Nicole also shares how social media helped validate her artistic voice, why she intentionally kept Mirrors and Smoke stripped back, and how Find Another You went from being deleted off her computer to becoming the first song that truly connected with millions of listeners online. We also discuss: Growing up listening to Nirvana, Green Day, Paramore & Flyleaf ADHD and creativity as an artist Learning multiple instruments Finding confidence in vulnerability Creating music without chasing commercial expectations The realities of being a DIY independent musician Why music can feel like reading old diary entries years later Plus, Nicole recommends an underrated Nashville artist that deserves to be on your playlist right now. 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   #NicoleAlexis #AlternativeMusic #DIYArtist #ADHD #Emo #NashvilleMusic #IndependentArtist #MirrorsAndSmoke #MusicPodcast #OurSpace

What does touring actually do to your mental health? Licensed mental health counselor Daniel Rinaldi joins OurSpace to discuss the hidden struggles that musicians, touring crew members and creatives face both on and off the road. From burnout and sleep deprivation to loneliness, anxiety and the difficult transition back home after tour, Daniel shares practical advice for maintaining your mental health while working in the music industry. We also discuss why touring crew members are often overlooked, the importance of creating safer spaces at concerts, and the mental health resources available for artists and fans alike. This episode isn't just for musicians, it's for anyone who has ever struggled with burnout, finding community, or feeling disconnected from the world around them. We also discuss: -Mental health for touring musicians and crew-Artist burnout and creative wellness-Staying connected with loved ones while on tour-Finding the right therapist for you-Practical grounding techniques for creatives-Why mental health should never be treated as a luxury-How fans can help create safer spaces within music communities If music helped you through difficult moments in your life, this conversation is for you. -- 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 -- #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #Musicians #TouringMusicians #ArtistBurnout #MusicIndustry #Emo #AlternativeMusic #OurSpacePodcast #MentalHealthMatters

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