Load-In Through The Back

On Season 02, Episode 30 we have our first return guest: the incredible John Ondrasik of Five for Fighting!

Five for Fighting is the multi-platinum selling moniker of singer/songwriter John Ondrasik, who on the back of hits like “Superman,” “100 Years,” “Chances,” “The Riddle,” and “Easy Tonight,” has become one of the most renowned balladers of the past 25 years. 

John joins us to preview the upcoming String Quartet tour, a full-ban...

We’re getting a lesson in romantics on today’s episode with Derek Sanders from Mayday Parade.

Since their formation in 2005, Mayday Parade has become one of the best-selling and well-recognized emo bands of all-time. Their debut album “A Lesson in Romantics” is certified gold, and the lead single, “Jamie All Over,” has been named on the list of 100 Best Pop-Punk Songs of all time by Rock Sound. The band is celebrating their 20th ann...

Our guests on Season 02, Episode 28 are frivolous with their hearts. They watch them bend ‘til they break, then they pick up the parts… They are the Ballroom Thieves.

Frontman Martin Earley joins us to discuss the evolution of the Ballroom Thieves’ sound, the college circuit, being involved in a a 180 car pile-up on tour, DJ BoBo, the Backstreet Boys, and to defend his stance on the “Wolf in the Doorway” track “Archers”-- which Troy...

Our guest today is renowned blues-guitarist, singer/songwriter, and all around good-guy Seth Walker.

Seth joins us to discuss his latest record, “Why the Worry?” released April 4th, 2025, as well as his upbringing by musical parents, the Suzuki method, how place can fuel a song, and so much more.

Seth recently embarked on a summer-long tour in support of “Why the Worry?” which will take him across the United States through the summer...

Season 02, Episode 26 reaches cruisin’ altitude with Umphrey’s McGee!

Since their formation at the University of Notre Dame in 1997, Umphrey’s McGee has become one of the most prolific and well-respected jam bands of all time. Equal parts rock, prog, metal, and psychedelic, the band has played over 2,500 shows and amassed more than 300,000,000 streams on Spotify alone. 

Keyboardist Joel Cummins joins us to discuss the UMBowl at the R...

We are doing anything but settling for today’s guests: Robbie Wulphsohn and Sampson Hellerman of alternative pop rockers Ripe. 

Since forming in 2011, the Berklee School of Music graduates have made a name for themselves on the back of AAA radio hits such as 2023’s “Settling,” and chronic touring alongside esteemed acts such as DISPATCH, O.A.R., Jason Mraz, and Michael Franti.

Ripe recently released their new single “Try Not to Look”...

Cat Ridgeway is our new best friend… well, she was until she sassed us. Now we like her more.

Cutting her teeth on van tours with her band the Tourists, and at apres ski gigs across the United States, the Florida singer/songwriter is poised for national success with her upcoming record, “Sprinter,” out March 28th. 

Equal parts sensitive songwriter and ferocious punk rocker, Cat’s unique blend of the sentimental and the stentorian hav...

WE ARE HOSTING A LIVE SHOW!

Join us for a concert and conversation with Wheatus and Steve Poltz on May 2nd at the Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center in Stowe, VT!

Featuring a round-table conversation and interview, an opening set from Troy Millette & the Fire Below, plus an acoustic-busker style set from Washington, DC’s Brian K. & the Parkway.

Ticket Link: https://www.sprucepeakarts.org/events/load-in-through-the-back-podcast...

Our guest today is up-and-coming pop star McKenna Michels.

An operatically trained vocalist with modern sensibility, McKenna’s music grapples with the human condition and the complexities that accompany being an autistic, bisexual woman. 

McKenna joins Troy and Pauly to discuss her musical origin story, retaining genuineness while incorporating lore and fantasy elements into her music, and more.

McKenna recently wrapped a European tou...

Gabe Dixon is the virtuosic pianist behind Tedeschi Trucks Band and renowned frontman of the Gabe Dixon Band. He is also our guest on Season 02, Episode 22 of “Load-In Through the Back!”

Gabe joins us to discuss recording “Driving Rain” with Paul McCartney, traveling with TTB, releasing new music into a singles-driven listening culture, Ryan Reynolds, and much more.

His spring tour begins March 27th at Higher Ground in S. Burlington,...

On this episode of “Load-In Through the Back” we’re sailing away with Lawrence Gowan, frontman of the iconic rock group STYX.

Since joining the band in 1999, Lawrence has been tasked with writing and recording new music, as well as breathing new life into their legendary catalogue of tunes such as “Come Sail Away,” “Renegade,” “Lady,” and more. 

Lawrence joins us from the road to discuss his musical origin story, playing arenas armed...

Griffin William Sherry is the critically acclaimed singer/songwriter behind one of the 2010’s most popular stomp-and-holler bands: the Ghost of Paul Revere. He is also our guest on Season 02, Episode 20 of “Load-In Through the Back!” 

When Ghost disbanded in 2022, Griffin quickly got to work on his debut solo LP “Hundred Mile Wilderness,” a beautiful collection of songs that are equally haunting and anthemic. He is about to embark o...

Today’s guests are the pride and joy of Portland, Maine– a truly independent roots rock and roll group who has shared stages with Turnpike Troubadours, Blackberry Smoke, Robert Earl Keen, .38 Special, Molly Hatchet, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, and many more.

We are talking to the Mallett Brothers Band on Season 02, Episode 19. 

Luke and Will join us to discuss their brand-new record, writing songs beyond the footprint...

Our guest today is a virtuosic mandolin player and a renowned singer/songwriter who independently released her debut album at age 10 before signing to renowned Americana label Rounder Records at age 13, and garnering a Billboard Top 10 Bluegrass album, “Secrets”, at age 16.

We talk to Sierra Hull on Season 02, Episode 18. 

Hailing from Byrdstown, Tennessee by way of Berklee, backroads bluegrass jams, and iconic venues such as the Gra...

Our guest today is the Diamond-selling singer/songwriter behind one of America’s most beloved rock and roll bands: Kevin Cronin of REO Speedwagon.

After 52 years, Kevin is branching out on his own to bring the hits of REO Speedwagon, B-sides, deep cuts, and brand-new material to life as the Kevin Cronin Band.

The band’s inaugural jaunt will hit amphitheaters across the United States with STYX and Don Felder through the summer of 2025...

Our guest today is running from reality… well, he’s not, but his touring schedule might lead you to believe otherwise. He is one of the most prolific touring artists the jam scene has ever seen, frequenting hundreds of theaters and festivals across North America annually. We are of course talking about Keller Williams.

Keller has been writing, recording, and performing music under his own name as well as part of Keller & the Kee...

Well, well, well– It’s Season 02, Episode 15, and that means we’re celebrating 50 Episodes of “Load-In Through the Back!” 

On this episode we are joined by Speech, the groundbreaking MC behind one of the most iconic hip-hop groups of all-time: Arrested Development.

The group burst onto the national scene with their debut album “3 Years, 5 Months and 2 Days in the Life of…” which contained smash-hits such as “Tennessee,” “Mr. Wendall,...

Our guest on Season Two, Episode 14 is Austin, Texas-based singer/songwriter Bob Schneider. From humble beginnings as the frontman of rock outfit the Ugly Americans, Bob has released over 20 records as a solo artist and accumulated over 55 Austin Music Awards.

Bob joins us to discuss being a chronic creator, almost missing an opening slot for Counting Crows, the nearly 200 unreleased tracks of his Patreon Song Club, writing a rock o...

Our guest on Season Two, Episode 13 of “Load-In Through the Back”  is a folk songwriter in the purest form of the word. As self-described in her bio, she is “a preacher’s kid, a Black woman, a Butch lesbian, and a proud Southerner who sings social justice music right alongside ‘traditional’ Country and Americana music.”

What more could we say than that? Our guest is Crys Matthews.

Crys joins us from the road following a performance a...