
Hosted by Michael Clark · EN

If you’ve been tapped into the reggae rock scene over the last few years, there’s a good chance The Elovaters have been on your radar—and if not, this is the episode to change that. On this episode of Caught on the Mike, I sit down with Jackson Wetherbee to talk about the journey from local Massachusetts shows to chart-topping success and sold-out crowds across the country. We get into the early days as The Cornerstone, the breakout moment with Defy Gravity, and how the band has continued to evolve their sound through projects like Castles and Endless Summer. Jackson opens up about the realities of life on the road, the pressure that comes with success, and the importance of staying grounded while everything around you scales up. We also dive into the creative process behind their upcoming album Shark Belly Motel, what makes this chapter different, and how collaborations with artists like Bryce Vine and Jared Watson helped shape the record. Plus—we talk about what it means to headline Red Rocks Amphitheatre, one of the most iconic venues in the world, and how moments like that redefine what “making it” really looks like. If you’re into real conversations about music, growth, and building something that lasts—this one’s for you. 🎙️

After five years away from releasing new music, Big D and the Kids Table return with renewed energy and a fresh perspective—and in this episode of Caught on the Mike, frontman David McWane breaks it all down. From their roots in the Boston ska scene to becoming one of the most consistent and independent voices in punk, Big D has spent decades doing things their own way. David joins the show to talk about the band’s upcoming album The Good Ole American Saturday Night, the meaning behind their new single “Whiplash,” and how they’ve managed to stay creatively inspired after more than 30 years. This conversation dives into the band’s evolution, the freedom that comes with carving your own path, and the mindset that fuels their legendary live shows. It’s a look at what it takes to last in music without chasing trends—and why Big D continues to connect with fans across generations. If you’re into ska, punk, high-energy live music, or stories about longevity and passion in the independent music world, this episode delivers.

Alt-pop disruptor tiLLie joins Caught On The Mike for a raw, unfiltered conversation about her explosive new EP i miss when monsters were only shadows. Known for blending glittery pop hooks with grungy guitars and emotional intensity, tiLLie opens up about the real-life experiences behind her music—touching on mental health, trauma, empowerment, and her ongoing creative evolution. We get into the meaning behind “earn a living,” the emotion and intention driving this latest project, and how she’s carved out a genre-bending sound that refuses to sit in one lane. tiLLie also breaks down her songwriting process, working with collaborators, and what it looks like to turn chaos into something both powerful and honest. The conversation also taps into her upcoming 2026 run, including Warped Tour stops in Washington D.C., Long Beach, and Orlando, and how her live shows have become a full-on cathartic experience for fans. If you’re into alt-pop, dark pop, and emotionally driven music, or artists pushing boundaries like mgk and Bishop Briggs, this episode dives deep into the mindset, music, and momentum behind one of the most compelling voices in the space right now. From mental health conversations to new music and what’s next, this is tiLLie at her most real.

In this episode of Caught on the Mike, I sit down with Shane Told—frontman of Silverstein and host of Lead Singer Syndrome. We dive into Shane’s journey from the early days of the post-hardcore scene to building one of the most consistent and enduring bands of the last two decades. He opens up about how his role as a frontman has evolved, what keeps the band creatively driven after 20+ years, and how their latest double album, Antibloom / Pink Moon, came together during a transformative stretch in Joshua Tree. We also get into the Camp Screamo Tour with Story of the Year—why it’s taken this long to happen, what fans can expect from the setlist, and how the band is balancing nostalgia with pushing forward. Plus, Shane breaks down what podcasting has given him through Lead Singer Syndrome that he doesn’t get from being on stage—and how those conversations have reshaped his perspective as an artist. If you’ve followed Silverstein from the beginning or you’re just discovering them now, this episode is a deep dive into longevity, evolution, and staying passionate about your craft. #Silverstein #ShaneTold #LeadSingerSyndrome #PostHardcore #Emo #CampScreamo #StoryOfTheYear #AlternativeMusic #MusicPodcast #CaughtOnTheMike

21-year-old composer Jeremy Abboud—aka The Rockyts—joins Caught on the Mike for a deep dive into independence, creativity, and building a sound entirely your own. From recording every instrument in his basement studio to surpassing 3.5 million streams without a label, Jeremy is proving what’s possible when you fully trust your vision. We get into his latest single Wonder, the second release from his upcoming third album, and unpack the wild reality of writing songs in dreams—on what he calls “dream pianos.” Jeremy also reflects on working with legendary producer Eddie Kramer at just 16, charting in Canadian rock by 18, and making the move from Ottawa to Los Angeles to take things to the next level. This episode is all about creative control, momentum, and what it means to build something real—completely on your own terms.

Brian McShea of Good Terms joins Caught on the Mike for a conversation that captures a band right in the middle of their breakout moment. From humble beginnings writing and recording in bedrooms to headlining their own national tour and landing a spot on the iconic Vans Warped Tour, Brian walks through the evolution of Good Terms in real time. We dive into the impact of Burnout Deluxe, the explosive growth of “Progress,” and the emotional weight behind the music—especially in a year shaped by both personal challenges and major wins. Brian also shares what it was like working with an outside producer for the first time on “All In,” how the road has influenced their sound, and why connection with fans has become such a driving force for the band. With momentum building and “the biggest years ahead,” this episode is all about resilience, growth, and what happens when preparation meets opportunity.

Nicole Alexis didn’t wait for a cosign—she built her sound, her audience, and her entire project from the ground up. In this episode, we dive into her journey from working behind the scenes as a writer and producer to becoming a fully self-made artist, handling everything from recording to engineering on her own. We talk about the grind of building a loyal online following through stripped-back covers, the moment she knew it was time to step into her own voice, and what it really means to stay independent in today’s music landscape. Nicole also opens up about her upcoming EP Mirrors and Smoke, the momentum behind songs like “Don’t Tell Me To Breathe,” and the story behind her latest single “Just A Friend”—a raw look at the emotional limbo between friendship and something more. If you’re into real conversations about music, independence, and chasing something on your own terms—this one hits. #NicoleAlexis #IndieArtist #AltAcoustic #MusicPodcast #NewMusic

Shane Weisman is stepping into his moment—and you can hear it all over Better Luck Tomorrow. 🎶 In this episode, the Nashville-based songwriter and producer breaks down the making of his deeply personal concept album, written and recorded in just six weeks. We get into the bold decision to start from scratch, the idea of “luck” as a driving theme, and the breakthrough moment where everything finally clicked. It’s an honest, wide-ranging conversation about chasing your sound, trusting your instincts, and creating something that actually feels like you. If you’re into real songwriting, raw storytelling, and records that hit from front to back—this one’s worth your time.

Chris and Jay from The Strike jump on the mic for a fun, honest conversation about how a group of California friends turned a college project in Utah into a globally touring band with one of the most loyal fanbases in indie pop. We get into the early days, the LA roommate era, and how that brotherhood shaped their sound, plus what life looks like now balancing music with teaching careers, family, and everything in between. They also open up about their evolving creative process—writing and recording across different cities, collaborating with top-tier producers, and building their next chapter piece by piece. Of course, we talk about their reputation for electric live shows and what fans can expect from the No Time To Waste Tour this summer. And we wrap with their latest single “Famous”—a smooth, nostalgic track with a message that cuts deeper than its feel-good vibe, asking what we really want to be known for.

On this episode of Caught on the Mike, Mike sits down with guitarist, songwriter, and producer Greg Bergdorf. Greg spent more than 15 years as the lead guitarist and songwriter for Zebrahead, helping shape the band’s signature blend of punk, rap, and rock while touring the world and performing on festivals like Warped Tour. Greg shares stories from the early Orange County music scene, the moment the band realized their music was reaching fans around the world, and what life was really like during the nonstop touring era of the late ‘90s and 2000s. He also reflects on the decision to step away from full-time touring and how he redefined his identity after nearly two decades in a globally successful band. Today, Greg continues to stay deeply involved in music as a producer, engineer, and collaborator, helping artists bring their creative visions to life while also performing with his current project, The Bourbon Brothers. This conversation dives into the evolution of the music industry, lessons learned from working with top producers, and what still fuels his passion for creating music today. If you’re a fan of punk rock, the Warped Tour era, songwriting, or the behind-the-scenes side of making records, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.