HardLore Podcast Summary

Episode: Anthony Green – Circa Survive’s Break Up, Leaving Saosin, L.S. Dunes & Addiction

Date Released: December 4, 2025
Hosts: Colin Young (Twitching Tongues, God’s Hate) & Bo Lueders (Harms Way)
Guest: Anthony Green (Circa Survive, Saosin, L.S. Dunes, The Sound of Animals Fighting, and more)
Location: Recorded aboard the SS Neverender cruise

Episode Overview

This episode of HardLore welcomes prolific vocalist Anthony Green for a profound, candid, and often humorous exploration of his journey through underground music, addiction, family, and the creative process. Anthony dives deep into leaving Saosin, the formation and end of Circa Survive, finding a new chapter in L.S. Dunes, and battling (and surviving) lifelong addiction. The conversation is threaded with self-reflection, insight into band dynamics, and a real sense of camaraderie between musicians who’ve lived and survived “the lore” of touring.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Life at Sea and Tour Stories (03:01–04:44)

• Being on a music cruise: Anthony shares how rare it is for him to see live music due to his hermit tendencies, making the cruise a special experience:

  "Getting to be in a situation where you can't avoid it...I gotta see Sweet Pill, you guys—really cool."
  (03:01)

• Cruise Lifestyle: They joke about the party-hard stereotype of cruises, and none of them would go on them recreationally.
  (04:04)

2. Early Musical Roots: From Grindcore to Philly Punk (13:59–16:50)

• Influences: Anthony started with screaming in bands, inspired by grindcore, Charles Bronson, Cripple Bastards, and later realized a “melodic” side after hearing Cave In inject melody into hardcore.
• Feeling like an outsider: Despite being recognized as a genre pioneer, Anthony says he never felt fully part of the Philly hardcore scene.
• Key musical mentors: His older brothers introduced him to Minor Threat and both DC and NY hardcore.

3. The Role of Mentorship and Vince Ratti (25:53–27:25)

• Vince Ratti (Zoloft the Rock & Roll Destroyer): Anthony credits Vince as the first person to really believe in his talent, songwriting, and ability to create.

  "He was the first person that made me feel like I had something to show up for...and he believed in me."
  (26:41)

4. Earliest Addiction, Family Dynamics, and Drugs in the Scene (28:02–33:32)

• Early exposure: He first found drugs at home after D.A.R.E. classes, feeling “hell bent” on being an addict before even starting.
• Family estrangement and reconciliation: After a long period of not talking, Anthony found peace with his parents through forgiveness, especially after having children himself.

  "Forgiving them...realizing it really isn't their fault...they didn't have any of the stuff, you know, they needed."
  (30:08)

5. Joining and Leaving Saosin (33:41–43:12)

• Turning point: Anthony was called to CA to join Saosin while in college, post-rehab, uncertain if he could handle it.
• Sudden departure: He left impulsively, in large part due to miscommunication and feeling disconnected, but admits he was a liability due to substance use.
• Reflective regret:

  "I was scared...One of the greatest moments of my life [was] to have them back in my life."
  (43:27)

6. Circa Survive: A New Creative Beginning (44:44–51:00)

• The magic of chemistry: Anthony describes finding, for the first time, a truly collaborative and creative space with Circa (“I got this guy playing guitar who I worship…”).
• Finding confidence on stage:

  "Wanting to seize the opportunity to...have that feeling...even if it's slightly embarrassing."
  (50:19)

7. Art, Social Media, and Making Music for Fun (83:02–84:37)

• Creating for passion: Anthony embraces projects for the sake of love, not product, including The Sound of Animals Fighting and his spontaneous social media songs.
• Advice:

  "You have your own TV, you know, music TV station, your own radio station right here—make it whatever you want..."
  (83:19)

8. Battling Addiction: Substance Use, Recovery, and Relapse (46:47, 69:33–73:10, 76:18, 95:48–97:19)

• Relapses and recovery: Anthony details cycles of addiction and recovery (heroin, fentanyl, Xanax, Vicodin), how fatherhood ultimately became his reason to pursue sobriety, and the role of medications like sublocade in his process.
• The importance of support systems: Both L.S. Dunes and, earlier, Circa Survive played pivotal roles—though eventually, Circa had to implement boundaries for their own self-preservation.
• On relapse and reconciliation:

  "You stop caring about yourself... [but] I might as well give it a shot for my kids."
  (70:27)

9. Circa Survive’s End (85:16–88:45)

• Breakup/hiatus: Candidly discusses the pandemic’s impact, his relapse before a major tour, and how it fractured relationships.
• Where things stand: There's healing, but no definite plans to reform.

  "I don't know if the band is ever gonna do anything again. And if it did, it wouldn't be the same."
  (88:04)

10. L.S. Dunes: A Rebirth (95:13–101:00)

• A second chance: Dunes provided both the unconditional support and creative spark Anthony deeply needed after Circa Survive.
• Band of equals:

  “I was still the frontman but...there wasn't a frontman for that band...Everybody writes hooks...”
  (96:35)

11. Addiction, Recovery, and Hope (106:38–108:52)

• Fentanyl crisis: Anthony expresses dismay at the current state of addiction, noting how much more dangerous drugs have become since his youth.
• On recovery:

  "There is a different way of life. You don't have to look like that...For people who are sick and suffering, it's terribly lonely...but there's hope."
  (107:04)

12. Fatherhood, Art, and Legacy (78:54–81:15)

• Kids as inspiration and motivation: Having children reshaped his priorities, sharpened his time management, and gave deeper meaning to his music and daily choices.
• On honesty:

  "I want them to make the best decision, but...the best thing for you is to fuck up...We only learn from failure."
  (105:24)

13. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On authenticity:

  "I used to be really scared doing these things because I didn't want people to find out what an idiot I am. But oh yeah, they're gonna find out."
  (06:48–06:57)

• On quitting cigarettes for kids:

  "My kid was like, I want you to stop smoking. I want you to be alive for as long as you can."
  (11:01)

• On leaving Saosin:

  "I was a liability. I really think I was. It was a different...but they don't see you quitting the band coming."
  (40:47–41:11)

• On Circa Survive's break up/hiatus:

  "It wasn't just a band—we were a family. When that shit went down...I never imagined it going away the way it went."
  (85:44)

Important Segment Timestamps

• [03:01] — Anthony discusses rarely seeing live bands, making the cruise unique.
• [25:53] — The pivotal role of Vince Ratti as a musical mentor.
• [28:02] — Early introduction to drugs and desire for self-destruction.
• [33:41] — Decision process for joining Saosin.
• [46:47] — The story of leaving Saosin and feeling out of place.
• [69:33] — Addiction—the cycle of using, self-medicating, and the danger of fentanyl.
• [76:18] — Mental health struggles and institutionalization during Blue Sky Noise era.
• [85:16] — The emotional impact and “family” feeling of Circa Survive’s breakup.
• [95:13] — How L.S. Dunes represented a rebirth and support system.
• [106:38] — Anthony’s thoughts on addiction, fentanyl, and recovery.
• [118:11] — Anthony shares a music memo sent by his 8-year-old son—fatherhood in action.
• [121:42] — Ghost stories: shadow people, sleep paralysis, haunting childhood homes.
• [122:12] — Four favorite hardcore albums.

Additional Highlights

Band Dynamics & Creative Evolution

• Circa Survive was the first project where Anthony felt free to take creative risks and be truly collaborative.
• Saosin and Circa Survive weren’t mutually hostile—after years of estrangement, Anthony and his former bandmates made peace.

Artistic Philosophy & Mental Health

• Anthony emphasizes the importance of forgiveness (of self and others) and being open about struggles, both to grow as a person and to set a good example for his kids.

Humor & Lore

• The podcast is filled with classic HardLore “lore” — inside jokes, references to iconic gigs, and playful discussion (including a “little Tony” contest, Sonic app loyalty, and Michael Jackson anecdotes).
• Anthony’s attempt to quit smoking by getting hypnotized in his local town stands out as a memorable (and funny) story. (08:18–09:29)

Hardcore Cred & Influences (122:12–124:45)

• Notable hardcore albums for Anthony:
  • Coalesce – Functioning on Impatience
  • This Day Forward – In Response
  • Minor Threat – Discography
  • Bad Brains – Self-Titled (The yellow tape)
  • Honorable mentions: Cave In's Jupiter, Kid Kilowatt, and others.

On Recovery, Family, and Moving Forward

• Anthony now prioritizes his health, sobriety, and family, making peace with his past and striving to maintain strong relationships with former bandmates and his children.
• He credits his kids as being his biggest motivation to get clean and stay active in life and music.

Final Thoughts

Anthony Green’s journey, as explored in this episode, is an honest and unflinching look at the highs and lows of hardcore and alternative music stardom, the costs of addiction, and the transformative power of forgiveness—both for others and oneself. His reflections on creativity, parenthood, and recovery are laced with gratitude, humility, and hope, making this a standout episode for fans and newcomers alike.

Notable Quotes Summary:

• “My art reveals a non-idiot.”—Bo (07:01)
• “I want my contribution to be as cool as his thing.”—Anthony on collaborating with bandmates (44:11)
• “Circa was a family.”—Anthony (85:44)
• “There's a different way of life for people if they want it.”—Anthony (108:41)
• “You can't be true to love and acceptance with others if you aren't at one with your shadow.”—Anthony (116:07)

For Listeners

Get an in-depth glimpse into the life of one of alternative music’s most unique voices—his trials, triumphs, and the “lore” that binds artists, recovery, and creativity together.
From hardcore heads to music history junkies, this episode is a must-listen.