This Was The Scene Podcast

Grade were a key part of Victory Records' late-90s surge, blending hardcore intensity with emotional depth and forward-leaning songwriting. Their music felt restless and urgent, pushing beyond genre lines without losing the raw energy that defined the scene. Releases like Under the Radar and Headfirst Straight to Hell helped bridge hardcore, post-hardcore, and early emo influences at a pivotal moment. Though their time was brief, Grade left a lasting imprint on the Victory era by proving heaviness and vulnerability could coexist.
I got Greg on the Zoom and this is what we chat about
Almost being a pro BMX rider
Calling themselves Rebirth for a hot second
Not being as big as some people thought
Almost getting on Revelation Records
Victory Records
Under the Radar
Inner band turmoil
The A Year in the Past... Video
The story behind the album cover
Why Kyle won't talk about the band
Kyle's current voice issues
And a ton more
Lastly I'm opening my skills back up to graphic and video offerings to the following:
Design support includes:
• Branding and visual identity
• Marketing and campaign design
• Social, print, and digital assets 
 
Video work includes:
• Podcast video clips
• Short-form content for Reels, Shorts, TikTok, and ads
• Long-form edits for interviews, webinars, and YouTube
• Sizzle reels and brand videos
• Explainer and marketing video edits
• Captioning, on-screen text, and light motion graphics
If any of this lines up with something you need, email [email protected]

Avery is a pop-punk band that started in the NJ music scene in 1999. What started as just Nina on bass and Janet singing while playing drums, evolved over the years, with Jess coming on as guitarist, Janet moving up to vocals and keys, and Mike joining on drums. Over the next 10+ years, Avery played hundreds of shows including multiple festivals, toured nationally, and released two records. Avery songs were also featured on multiple television shows on Nickelodeon, Disney, and MTV. The band also wrote the theme song for a commercial for Rebelle Friendship Bags. After a 10 year hiatus, Avery reunited in the summer of 2019 for a series of reunion shows with fellow bands from the NJ pop punk music scene. Though the members are split between the east and west coast, Avery will continue playing occasional shows throughout the year (it was way too fun not to do it again).
I got Janet and Nina on the Zoom and this is what we chat about:
Growing up together
Pillow changing their minds about starting a band
How they felt at shows
The origins of the name Avery
Recording at Portrait Studios
Their connection to Black Flag and the Misfits
Breaking Marky Ramone's drumset
Nina's sparkle bass
Getting songs played on Nickelodeon and Disney
How did the band end
Playing the 2019 show after one practice the night before
And a ton more
Click here to hire my Sister who's a Realtor in Plymouth, MA
Click here for Piebald's upcoming shows
Click here to Check out Janet's DJ night Sun, Dec 14 at 2:30 PM at Wonderville on 1186 Broadway, Brooklyn, New York.

Chooch were a 5 piece power punk group from Pittsburgh. Debut ep recorded in 1997, group disbanded a couple years later with a brief reunion in 2002
Alice Cooper
Having 2 bass players
The Electric Banana
Pollen
The Rockin A Tard Place Compilation
My Pal Trigger
The Kevin Seconds show
Ryan Greene
Cleaning up the album that they still haven't put out
And a ton more
Click here for Ace Enders/Chris Barker's Dec 19 show
Click here to support the podcast

Rye Coalition came out of Jersey City in the early nineties and quickly built a reputation as one of the most fearless and inventive bands in the post-hardcore world. They toured with heavyweights like Queens of the Stone Age, Foo Fighters, and The (International) Noise Conspiracy, earned praise from outlets including Spin, Pitchfork, and The Village Voice, and worked with legendary producers Steve Albini and Dave Grohl. Their documentary "Rye Coalition: The Story of the Hard Luck 5" became a cult favorite, cementing their status as one of the most underrated but widely respected bands of their era. Loud, chaotic, swagger-filled, and always a little dangerous, they were the group other musicians whispered about as a secret influence. If you know, you know.
I got Ralph on the Zoom and this is what we chatted about:
John Hiltz
Gern Blandsten Records
What bands inspired their live show
Did their music stand for anything?
Recording with Steve Albini
recording with Dave Grohl
What did signing to Dreamworks do for the band
And a ton more
Be on the lookout for some old music of theirs to release in 2026 and follow their instagram.
Click here for Herbs GofundMe

Sleepytime Trio formed in 1995 in Harrisonburg, Virginia, originally as a side project of Maximillian Colby. Known for their volatile, emotional sound and chaotic live shows, they quickly became a defining force in the late 90s post-hardcore scene, sharing stages with bands like Hot Water Music, Frodus, and Shotmaker. After a hiatus in 1998, members went on to form acts like Engine Down, Rah Bras, and Milemarker before reuniting to tour again. Their definitive discography, remixed by J. Robbins and remastered by TJ Lipple, showcases all their studio recordings and captures the raw energy that made them legendary.
In 2024, Solid Brass Records partnered with Sleepytime Trio and their longtime label, Lovitt Records, to work on a vinyl discography to memorialize this important band. The definitive Sleepytime Trio discography to date is packaged in a single pocket gatefold LP sleeve with complete lyrics. It also includes an 8-page zine/booklet featuring an extensive show list, behind-the-scenes notes, photos, and memories from friends of the band. There is a BONUS insert also included in this pressing only!
I got Drew on the Zoom and this is what we chat about:
911
His thoughts on still touring
Fan tattoos
The meaning of 4 AM Friday
Their album artwork
Writing songs with no lyrics
Never having bad shows
Ink and Dagger
Why they chose to be on different labels with their releases
Butterscary Flies
re issuing Memory Minus Plus Minus
Drive Like Jehu
And a ton more
Go buy their vinyl here