On this episode, Brent and Josh talk with the multi-talented artist Obi Fernandez of the exceptional ska band Westbound Train. Steeped heavily in traditional ska, reggae, and soul music, Westbound Train has carved out an impressive path amongst theirs peers in the genre, with instantly memorable melodies and poignant lyrics. Their new record, "Sing the Ghost Away," comes out on November 7, 2025. Listen on as Obi talks about the band's Boston beginnings, heroes of Ska, Wilco, the creative voice, and much more. Visit https://www.westboundtrainmusic.com for all the latest info on the new album and upcoming tour dates!Follow Westbound Train on Instagram: @westbound_train_skaBe sure to follow us on Instagram as well! @speaknowwhateverListen, Like, Subscribe, Share, and Enjoy!

On this episode, Brent & JD talk to singer-songwriter Dave Hause. Dave hails from the punk rock and hardcore scene, having played in such Fat Wreck Chords bands as Paint It Black and The Loved Ones. Since emerging as a solo artist, Dave has released numerous records and EPs and has toured with the likes of Frank Turner and The Gaslight Anthem. His newest album, "Dave Hause...and The Mermaid," is the first album recorded alongside his longtime backing band and comes out on September 26, 2025. Listen as Dave talks at length about songwriting, Taylor Swift, fatherhood, and much more.Check out https://www.davehause.com to preorder Dave's new record and find out where he's headed on tour!Instagram: @davehauseBe sure to follow us on Instagram as well! @speaknowwhateverListen, Like, Subscribe, Share, and Enjoy!

On this very special episode, Brent and Josh talk to none other than singer-songwriter Chris Staples. His former bands TwoThirtyEight and Discover America made an indelible mark on the indie-rock and underground Christian music scene. Since the early 2000s, Chris has enjoyed a lengthy solo career, crafting such timeless albums as "American Soft" and "Golden Age." His newest album "Don't Worry" comes out on August 5, and showcases Chris' signature minimalist recording style and knack for great storytelling. Listen as Chris talks (and laughs) in depth about recording, the Florida and Alabama DIY scenes, the movie Whiplash, and much more. Check out https://www.chrisstaplesmusic.com for the latest about Chris' new album and his upcoming tour!Follow Chris on Instagram! @chrisstaplesmusicBe sure to follow us on Instagram as well! @speaknowwhateverListen, Like, Subscribe, Share, and Enjoy!

On this episode, Brent and Josh talk to Jeremy Griffith and Jake Brown of the band Moments in Grace. The band is reuniting to play an exclusive late show during this year's Furnace Fest in October alongside Summer Rental. Jeremy and Jake talk at length about the band's history, the Ft Walton Beach and BHAM scenes, friendship, and much more. Follow Moments in Grace on Instagram for all the latest news!@momentsingrace@jeremy_sh_griffithBe sure to follow us on Instagram as well! @speaknowwhateverListen, Like, Subscribe, Share, and Enjoy!

On this episode, Brent and Josh speak with Art War who works with the Screaming Squeegees printing company. Screaming Squeegees is responsible for producing some of the coolest and most visually striking artwork for skateboards, and continues to create custom screen-printed decks for almost every major skate company. Art talks here about skateboarding and punk rock, the company's many artist collaborations, and creating Limited Edition skate decks to celebrate The Punk Rock Museum's 2nd Anniversary.Check out Screaming Squeegees' work here!www.screamdistribution.comThe Punk Rock Museum's 2nd Anniversary is on April 1st, 2025!www.thepunkrockmuseum.comInstagram: @screamingsqueegeesBe sure to follow us on Instagram as well! @speaknowwhateverListen, Like, Subscribe, Share, and Enjoy!

On this episode, Brent and Josh get hijacked by artist Dan Bailey and his longtime friend, Laura Jane Grace (Against Me!). Laura makes a surprise appearance (literally) to share her deep appreciation for Dan's former band, World Inferno Friendship Society, who was a major artistic and musical influence on both Laura and Against Me! Dan and Laura reminisce about fighting with Snapcase, fun times in Europe, and how World Inferno Friendship Society made their mark on culture and music with their singular style.Check out what Laura's up to at www.laurajanegrace.com!See what's happening at Dan's art gallery at https://theoldbaileygallery.com!Instagram: @laurajanegrace@theoldbaileyBe sure to follow us on Instagram as well! @speaknowwhateverListen, Like, Subscribe, Share, and Enjoy!

On this episode, Brent and Josh speak with none other than Milo Aukerman - singer of one of the most influential punk rock bands of all time, DESCENDENTS. Descendents have inspired generations of folks to start bands, and continue to inspire artists to play with the same energy and urgency that they play with every time they're on stage. While prepping for the band's U.K and European tour with Circle Jerks, Milo took time out to talk about Descendents' history, their songwriting process, live shows, and the possibility of new music in the future. Catch Milo and Descendents on tour with Circle Jerks and Negative Approach now! https://descendents.tumblr.com/LIVEFollow Descendents on Instagram: @descendentsBe sure to follow us on Instagram as well! @speaknowwhateverListen, Like, Subscribe, Share, and Enjoy!

On this episode, Brent and Josh sit down with Jim Suptic and Rob Pope of The Get Up Kids. The band is currently celebrating the 25th anniversary of their classic album "Something to Write Home About" with a tour of both the US and Europe, performing the album in its entirety each night.  During their stop in Birmingham, Alabama, Jim and Rob were gracious enough to come by and chat about the recording process and legacy of "Something to Write Home About," as well as Kansas City BBQ, touring with Braid, halfpipes in mansions, and much more. Catch The Get Up Kids on tour and grab the 25th anniversary reissue of "Something to Write Home About":www.thegetupkids.comInstagram: @thegetupkidsBe sure to follow us on Instagram as well! @speaknowwhateverListen, Like, Subscribe, Share, and Enjoy!

On this episode, Brent and Josh talk to the multi-talented Karina Deniké of legendary ska band Dance Hall Crashers. Karina also spent the last several years touring the world (and saying goodbye) as a member of NOFX. Whether she is crafting solo work or collaborating with other terrific artists, Karina is continually putting her creativity out into the world, and her voice is unmistakable in any project she's involved with. She talks at length about everything ska and punk, growing up in London, the return of Dance Hall Crashers, Warped Tour, and much more.See what Karina is up to here:www.karinadenike.comInstagram: @karinadenike@dancehallcrashersofficialBe sure to follow us on Instagram as well! @speaknowwhateverListen, Like, Subscribe, Share, and Enjoy!

On this episode, Brent and Josh speak with artist Vinnie Fiorello: the co-founder and former drummer/lyricist of legendary ska-punk band Less Than Jake, as well as one of the co-founders of The Punk Rock Museum in Las Vegas. Vinnie talks in depth about his full-time job in The Punk Rock Museum, his many other business endeavors, LTJ's classic album "Hello Rockview," and how he manages to stay tuned into the creative process in everyday life.  Check out what Vinnie's up to on Instagram at:@thepunkrockmuseum@wunderland_custom_tattooingAnd visit www.thepunkrockmuseum.com to schedule your visit!Be sure to follow us on Instagram as well! @speaknowwhateverListen, Like, Subscribe, Share, and Enjoy!

On this episode, Brent and Josh speak with both Johnathon Ford and David Swatzell of the exceptional instrumental band Unwed Sailor. In this conversation, Johnathon and David discuss the band's creative process, their influences, how Seattle set the stage for the band's beginnings, what's in store for 2025, and how Phil Collins and the Grateful Dead factor into the magic of Unwed Sailor. Follow Unwed Sailor on Instagram to find out all the latest band news:@unwedsailor@currenttasteAnd check out www.unwedsailor.net for more!Be sure to follow us on Instagram as well! @speaknowwhateverListen, Like, Subscribe, Share, and Enjoy!

On this episode, Brent and Josh catch up with (Dr.) Daniel Otto Jack Petersen - singer and one of the founding members of the excellent sci-fi-horror punk band Blaster the Rocket Man. Dr. Otto talks about Blaster's beginnings in Indianapolis, Indiana, the band's legendary live performances, the band's plans for 2025, and  how Robert Pattinson may or may not be a real Blaster fan.Follow Blaster the Rocket Man on Instagram to find out all the latest Blaster news:@blaster_the_rocket_manBe sure to follow us on Instagram as well! @speaknowwhateverListen, Like, Subscribe, Share, and Enjoy!

On this episode, Brent and Josh talk with Jeff Bettger, singer of the legendary punk band Ninety Pound Wuss. Jeff goes into great detail about the history of the Seattle music scene, his recent musical projects, his fondness for Birmingham AL, and so much more. Check out what Jeff's up to lately on Instagram:@bettgerjeff@ninety_pound_wussBe sure to follow us on Instagram as well! @speaknowwhateverListen, Like, Subscribe, Share, and Enjoy!

In the inaugural episode of Speak Now or Whatever, Brent and Josh talk to Chad Johnson - the founder of Furnace Fest, Takehold Records, Slacker 66 and more. This year's Furnace Fest is being billed as "The End of an Era," and Chad talks here about the festivals's origin and future, as well as his rich history in the underground music scene in Birmingham, Alabama.Be sure to follow us on Instagram as well! @speaknowwhateverListen, Like, Subscribe, Share, and Enjoy!