The Underknown Podcast

Some artists spend years convincing themselves they won’t make music — until they realize they can’t live without it. That’s Meg Elsier.

In this episode, Meg opens up about the vulnerable process of sharing bare-bones demos with producer Ryan McFadden, the magic of her Hello Kitty fuzz pedal (nope, not a joke), and why she spent years writing songs alone on her bedroom floor before she ever stepped onstage.

We talk about growing up...

UK indie artist Lizzie Esau joins The Underknown to talk about her latest track "A Day in the Life"—a departure from her usual intensity, but a song that captures the frustrations of daily life with lyrical honesty. We dig into her creative process, which often starts alone in her room, looping melodies and stitching together lyrics collected from everyday inspiration.

Lizzie opens up about growing up in a creatively rich household...

Award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter Dan Mangan discusses his new album Natural Light, recorded in a cabin with longtime bandmates. He opens up about the creative process, vulnerability in songwriting, the ups and downs of a long indie music career, and why connection—not fame—is the true measure of success. Topics include: Dan Mangan interview, Canadian indie music, Natural Light album, songwriting, folk rock, music industry b...

In this episode of The Underknown, I sit down with the four members of the UK-based rock band Florentenes — a group that feels like your favorite new discovery and your favorite old record at the same time.

We talk about writing lyrics that roll off the tongue, finding your sound, and how to use guitar solos and drum breaks to write fewer lyrics. They’re thoughtful, self-aware, and talented as hell — the kind of band you can’t help...

Jackie and Andrew from Newcastle’s Pit Pony join The Underknown to talk about songwriting, sonic identity, and the evolution behind their latest album. They dive into the story behind some of their songs, balancing day jobs with touring, and how a spreadsheet—and a little chaos—helps the band choose what makes the cut. From stripped-down BBC sessions to big stage energy, this episode unpacks how Pit Pony crafts their sound, humor, ...

Victoria Bigelow: Songs That Saved Her

Victoria Bigelow joins The Underknown for a raw, vulnerable conversation about the music that helped her survive. From a chaotic childhood and early addiction to becoming a young mother, she shares how songwriting—starting at age 12—became her lifeline.

We explore the stories behind “Oblivion,” “Under the Tree,” “Low,” and “The Age of the Internet,” touching on everything from trauma and heali...

After nearly quitting music in 2023, singer-songwriter David Ramirez found his way back—through heartbreak, living-room shows, and a pop-up performance in Nashville that reminded him why he ever picked up a guitar. In this deeply personal conversation, David opens up about losing his identity during the pandemic, rediscovering joy in songwriting, and creating his latest album, All the Not So Gentle Reminders, purely for the love of...

In this special origin episode of The Underknown, host Yon Perullo reunites with his former bandmates from Toad House—a hard-touring, grunge-leaning rock band that tore through venues in the 1990s. Together with Jeff Soderbergh, Kurt Friel, and Troy Williams, Yon shares the untold story of the band’s formation, evolution, and relentless pursuit of a dream.

From playing college parties to hauling Aerosmith’s old sound system up fire...