Artist Interviews

LaureNicole is a rock project led by Lauren Nicole, blending 1990s alternative influences with a modern approach. On Hook & Bridge, Lauren discusses Preserve Love Here, songwriting, co-production, and the creative partnership behind songs including Here With You.

Lauren Presley is an artist whose EP Hanging in the Balance brings personal experiences into her songs. On Hook & Bridge, she explores the record track by track, discusses her journey as an artist, and joins a round of music trivia.

Like Ghosts is a pop-punk band whose music includes original songs and covers. Their Hook & Bridge appearances explore their career, songwriting, and childhood memories, with music games and a 1990s trivia challenge along the way.

Lives Lost is a band whose EP Home explores personal experiences through emotionally direct songs. Tanis joins Hook & Bridge to discuss the record’s lyrical themes, the creative process, and the stories behind the music, followed by a Name That Tune game.

Matt Newman is a music educator and band director at Beaver Local in Ohio. He joins the first episode of The Hook and Bridge Podcast to talk about music and his experience as an educator.

Mayday Parade joins Hook & Bridge to reflect on the band’s 20-year milestone and the Three Cheers to 20 Years tour. The conversation also explores Sweet, the opening chapter of the band’s three-part album project.

McKenna Michels is a singer-songwriter whose releases include Renaissance, Enlightenment, and Revolution. Her music explores personal growth and self-expression. On Hook & Bridge, she shares the experiences and creative ideas behind her songs.

Mike Finoia is a stand-up comedian whose work includes writing and producing for Impractical Jokers and co-hosting Comes a Time with Oteil Burbridge. On Hook & Bridge, he talks about music, comedy, and sales.

MIMS is a New York rapper best known for This Is Why I’m Hot, which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. His debut album is Music Is My Savior. On Hook & Bridge, he discusses his music and his journey in hip-hop.

Miss Pistachio, known on stream as MsPistachio, is a streamer and music ambassador working with Manic Kat Records. She joins Peter James on Hook & Bridge to explore the connection between gaming, music discovery, and online communities, along with collaboration and creator culture.

Nikkiesha McLeod is a Trinidad-born artist whose music connects personal experience and creative expression. On Hook & Bridge, they share the story behind Rush and discuss the experiences that shaped their work.

Peter James is the founder of Manic Kat Records, an independent punk label focused on artist development. His Hook & Bridge appearances explore independent labels, branding, and the relationship between music and online communities. He shares a practical perspective on building a career around good songs and strong relationships.

Pollyanna is a New Jersey band drawing on power pop, punk, loud rock, and grunge influences. The group grew from the childhood friendship of Jill Beckett and Daniel McCool. On Hook & Bridge, the band joins the conversation and a Try Not to Laugh challenge.

Ralph Sutton is a television and radio host whose career includes nearly two decades hosting the syndicated rock-radio show The Tour Bus. His Hook & Bridge appearances bring music-industry stories, games, and music trivia into the conversation.

Ryan Cabrera is a singer-songwriter known for On the Way Down, True, and 40 Kinds of Sadness. His career includes the album Take It All Away. His Hook & Bridge appearances cover his music, songwriting, and the joys of fatherhood.

Ryan McCombs is a rock and metal vocalist known for his work with SOiL and Drowning Pool. His recordings with Drowning Pool include Full Circle and the single 37 Stitches. On Hook & Bridge, he talks about his career and life in heavy music.

Ryan Woods is a singer-songwriter whose music explores love, doubt, faith, and personal agency. On Hook & Bridge, he discusses God Boy, Garden, and Gun in the Glove Box, sharing the songwriting and production choices behind his melodic pop sound.

Scott Blasey is a singer-songwriter with The Clarks. On Hook & Bridge, he shares stories behind songs including Broken Dove, Irene, and Hey You. The conversation explores Pittsburgh’s music scene, writing from lived experience, and arranging songs to serve their emotional story.

Sean Martin is a musician with The Quarantined. On Hook & Bridge, he shares his perspective on building an independent music career, from releases and marketing to the realities of touring. The conversation also explores personal growth and finding support through difficult experiences.

Showoff joins Hook & Bridge to discuss its career and its connection to the Digimon movie soundtrack. The conversation introduces the people behind the band and follows the interview with one of the show’s music games.

Slow Joy is the musical project of Esteban Flores. On Hook & Bridge, he discusses the EP Mi Amigo and songs including King Cowboy, exploring the personal experiences behind his music before joining the show’s Mixtape game.

Snacktime blends R&B and jazz into upbeat, danceable music. On Hook & Bridge, the band shares its journey, talks about the people behind the songs, and joins a conversation about food and a round of trivia.

Sonny Greenwich Jr. is a musician, producer, and YouTube creator whose work includes Bootsauce. On Hook & Bridge, he joins a conversation about music, creative work, and reunions.

Stay Out is an Oakland, California punk rock band rooted in the East Bay DIY scene. Grant Pack, Mason McGeorge, and Nate Reynoso combine driving riffs, melodic hooks, and honest songs about struggle and resilience. On Hook & Bridge, the band discusses Broken Homes, life on tour, and finding community through music.