The Breakdown:

A Means To An End is a metalcore band from Corpus Christi, Texas. The band has been together for about eight or nine years, but started taking their music seriously about five years ago. The band consists of Storm Galindo on guitar and vocals, Noah Delos Rios on vocals, Ralph on drums, and Kyler on bass. They describe their sound as metalcore with influences from various genres. They recently added Noah as their new vocalist, and their upcoming song, titled 'Oxidation,' explores the theme of personal growth and self-reflection. In this part of the conversation, the band discusses their collaboration with Esteban, their experiences during COVID-19, and their hobbies outside of music. They talk about how they initially had doubts about a song but decided to trust each other's judgment and release it. They also discuss the challenges they faced during the pandemic and how it brought them closer as a band. Noah shares his love for fishing, particularly shark fishing, while Storm talks about his passion for playing guitar and being a music teacher. The conversation ends on a lighthearted note with a discussion about beans in chili and their personal preferences. A Means To An End discusses their recent music video and upcoming projects. They talk about their experience shooting a live music video and their plans to release more cinematic videos in the future. They also mention their website and social media platforms where fans can support them. The conversation ends with a discussion about their musical influences and a shoutout to military veterans.

Quick Riffs:

• The band has been together for about eight or nine years, but started taking their music seriously about five years ago.
• Their sound is a blend of metalcore with influences from various genres.
• They recently added Noah as their new vocalist.
• Challenges and tragedies brought the band closer together.
• The band appreciates the support from local bands, family, and friends.
• Shoutout to military veterans and we express gratitude for their service.

Episode Info:

Website: AMTAE (amtaeband.com)

IG: AMTAE (@amtaeband)

TikTok: AMTAE (@amtaeband)

Intro track: "Numb” by Bridges Ablaze

Featured track: "Oxidation" by A Means To An End

ATXMP Website: ATX Metal Podcast (transistor.fm)

Sponsors / Affiliates

Come and Take It Productions: https://www.comeandtakeitproductions.com/

Come and Take It Live: https://www.comeandtakeitlive.com/

Titan Audio Productions: https://titanaudioproductions.com/

Texas Metal United: https://www.facebook.com/TexasMetalUnited

The Breakdown

In this conversation, I chat with members Dan and Tanner of the band Waterfront to discuss their background, education, and signing with Affiant Records. We talk about their musical influences and how they came together as a band. They also share their experiences in high school and university, particularly in relation to their music education. The guys highlight the benefits of working with Affiant Records and the opportunities it has provided for their music career. We also discuss their influences from the metal and rock scene, the evolution of their sound, and the balance between catchy melodies and heavier elements in their music. They also talk about their collaborative songwriting process and how they navigate tensions and creative differences within the band. We talk about the challenge of touring, hockey of course (go Carolina Hurricanes), what the Calgary Stampede is and the possibility of Waterfront playing at a Calgary Flames game. There is also a bet laid upon the feet of the Ryan's.

Quick Riffs

• The band aims to strike a balance between catchy melodies and heavier elements in their music, incorporating both pop sensibilities and raw, heavy sounds.
• Waterfront has a collaborative songwriting process, with each member contributing their ideas and feedback to create the best possible songs.
• The band navigates tensions and creative differences by holding each other accountable and prioritizing the quality of their music.
• Touring can be challenging for Canadian bands due to the logistical and financial considerations, such as obtaining work visas and covering expenses.
• Waterfront aspires to play at a Calgary Flames game.
• Devin has a secret talent for making unique sounds with his throat.

Episode Info
Website: Waterfront (waterfrontofficial.com)

YouTube: Waterfront Band - YouTube

IG: WATERFRONT (@waterfrontofficial)

TikTok: Waterfront (@waterfrontofficial)

Intro track: "Numb" by Bridges Ablaze

Featured track: "I Wanna Run" ft. Gutter King by Waterfront

ATXMP Website: ATX Metal Podcast (transistor.fm)

Sponsors / Affiliates

Come and Take It Productions: https://www.comeandtakeitproductions.com/

Come and Take It Live: https://www.comeandtakeitlive.com/

Titan Audio Productions: https://titanaudioproductions.com/

Texas Metal United: https://www.facebook.com/TexasMetalUnited

The Breakdown

In this episode of the ATX Metal Podcast, Ryan sits down with the band DSGNS to discuss their new record and their journey in creating it. They talk about the process of recording the album live and the challenges they faced. The band members also discuss their approach to playing chaotic music and their collaborative songwriting process. They reflect on the history of the band and the impact of COVID-19 on their music. The episode concludes with a discussion on the upcoming album release and their plans for the future. The conversation covers topics such as the importance of the car test in evaluating music, recording songs that feel good to play, childhood memories of broken CDs, the influence of different music genres, the challenges of the local metal scene, and the possibility of reviving it. The band also discusses their favorite songs to play from their new record and the process of choosing the track order. They express the need for a home base venue and the clickiness of the metal scene. The conversation concludes with shoutouts to local bands and a final farewell.

Quick Riffs

• DSGNS new record was recorded live, without the use of a click track, to capture the energy and spontaneity of their music.
• The band takes a collaborative approach to songwriting, with each member contributing to the process.
• The COVID-19 pandemic presented challenges for the band, but also provided them with the opportunity to fine-tune their music and artwork.
• Releasing music in singles allows the band to focus on each song individually and create unique artwork for each release.
• DSGNS is excited to release their new record and has plans to continue writing and recording new music in the future. The in car test is an important tool for evaluating music and ensuring that mixes sound good in different listening environments.
• Recording songs that feel good to play and evoke a positive response from the band members is crucial for capturing the right energy in the studio.
• Early exposure to different genres of music can shape one's musical preferences and influence their musical journey.
• The local metal scene can benefit from a home base venue that supports and promotes local bands, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.
• The challenges of getting involved in the music scene and the clickiness of certain circles can make it difficult for bands to connect and collaborate with others.
• Choosing the track order for a record involves considering the flow of the songs, the emotions they evoke, and the overall story they tell.

Episode Info:

Bandcamp: Music | DSGNS (bandcamp.com)

YouTube: DSGNSMUSIC - YouTube

IG: DSGNS (@dsgns) • Instagram photos and videos

Website: DSGNS (dsgnsmusic.com)

Intro track: "Numb" by Bridges Ablaze

Featured track: "Second Death" by DSGNS

ATXMP Website: ATX Metal Podcast (transistor.fm)

Sponsors / Affiliates

Come and Take It Productions: https://www.comeandtakeitproductions.com/

Come and Take It Live: https://www.comeandtakeitlive.com/

Titan Audio Productions: https://titanaudioproductions.com/

Texas Metal United: https://www.facebook.com/TexasMetalUnited