The Sound

Levels joins The Sound 228!
After catching Levels live at Rock Fest, we knew we had to get them on the show. The Arkansas-based heavy hitters sit down with Special K, Lisa and Matt for a wide-ranging conversation about how the band came together, growing up in a tight-knit DIY music scene, their journey through the heavy music world, new music, touring, life on the road and what comes next.
We dig into the realities of building a band, evolving musically, taking the next step in their career and the experiences that have shaped Levels along the way.
Also on this episode, Pretty Pity joins The Sound 228 ahead of their stop in Mobile, Alabama, with Royale Lynn and Love The Hate. We get into their music, touring, life as an independent band, music videos and plenty more.
Plus, we've got The Grudge Match, new rock talk, upcoming shows and the usual completely off-the-rails conversation you've come to expect from The Sound 228.
🎸 Featuring: Levels & Pretty Pity🔥 The Sound 228 — We Are New Rock
Follow The Sound 228 for more artist interviews, new music, rock news and conversations with the bands pushing rock forward.

Texas metalcore powerhouse The Dark Divide joins The Sound 228 for an in-depth conversation about the band's journey from the Dallas heavy music scene to finding their signature sound.
The band opens up about their beginnings, how years of lineup changes helped shape their identity, and why creating the heaviest music possible has always been part of the mission. They also dive deep into their latest single, "Hydra," revealing the intensely personal inspiration behind the song and music video, touching on childhood trauma, healing, and using music as an outlet for others who have experienced similar struggles.
We also discuss:
How the Dallas metal scene influenced The Dark Divide
Their blend of crushing riffs, electronics, and dual vocals
The band's songwriting process and creative evolution
Recommended tracks for new listeners, including "White Noise" and "Anathema"
What's next, including new singles, regional touring plans, and the road toward a full-length album and vinyl release.
If you're a fan of modern metalcore with massive hooks, crushing breakdowns, and honest storytelling, this is an episode you won't want to miss.
Listen now and discover why The Dark Divide is a band to keep on your radar.

Kingdom of Giants joins The Sound 228 to discuss their powerful new single "Respawn," the addition of new vocalist and bassist JT, and how the band's sound has evolved from their early metalcore roots into the signature atmospheric style fans know today.
JT shares how he became a member of the band, while the group reflects on writing music that stays authentic, the importance of evolving as artists, and what fans can expect from the next chapter of Kingdom of Giants. They also talk touring with Kittie, upcoming dates with Bury Tomorrow and Holding Absence, and why staying true to your creative vision matters more than following trends.
Plus, the hosts discuss the latest in the rock scene, highlight emerging artists, and celebrate the music community that continues to push heavy music forward.
If you're a fan of modern metalcore, behind-the-scenes stories, and conversations with the artists shaping the future of heavy music, this is an episode you won't want to miss.
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Atreyu frontman Brandon Saller joins The Sound 228 to talk about the band's new single “All For You,” the meaning behind The End Is Not the End, and the evolution of Atreyu after nearly three decades.
Brandon opens up about the powerful message behind “All For You,” moving from drummer to frontman, staying authentic in today's content-driven music industry, and why Atreyu still has plenty left to prove.
Plus, we talk about filming in Iceland, the upcoming tour with Underoath, Atreyu's legendary live shows, and what's next for the band.
🤘 We Are New Rock. This is The Sound 228.

VRSTY frontman Joey Varela joins The Sound 228 to discuss the band's powerful new single, "Face Down," and the creative journey behind their evolving sound.
In this episode, we dive into:
The inspiration and production behind "Face Down"
Working with Skyler Acord (Issues) and producer Sam Guiana
How taking time away helped redefine VRSTY's direction
Lineup changes and the band's next chapter
Joey's songwriting process and finding the band's identity
What's coming next from VRSTY, including new music and future plans
Before the interview, the crew also discusses:
The latest music they've been listening to
Upcoming interviews with Atreyu and Kingdom of Giants
The release of the newest The Sound 228 Magazine
Why smaller venues and local scenes still matter
This week's Grudge Match featuring Love The Hate vs. Silvertung
If you're a fan of modern rock, post-hardcore, metalcore, and discovering the stories behind today's rising artists, this episode is for you.
🎧 Subscribe to The Sound 228 Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Podbean, and your favorite podcast platform for exclusive interviews, new music premieres, and conversations with the artists shaping the future of rock.
#TheSound228 #VRSTY #FaceDown #NewMusic #RockPodcast #Metalcore #PostHardcore #ActiveRock #AlternativeMetal #Podcast #RockMusic
 
 
 

Canadian hard rock band Sierra Pilot joins The Sound 228 to celebrate the world premiere of their explosive new single, "Dead To Me."
In this episode, the band discusses:
The evolution of their sound into a heavier, more modern direction
Collaborating with members of Pop Evil, Devour The Day, and Egypt Central
Landing airplay on SiriusXM Octane
The realities of staying independent in today's music industry
Why singles have become more important than albums
Touring with Pop Evil and plans for future U.S. dates
The songwriting process behind "Dead To Me" and the emotional inspiration behind the track
The episode also features the latest Grudge Match, where Transient battles Outlier for a coveted Hall of Fame spot.
If you're a fan of modern hard rock, active rock, and discovering tomorrow's breakout bands before everyone else, this is an episode you won't want to miss.
🎧 Follow The Sound 228 for exclusive artist interviews, world premieres, new music discovery, and everything happening in the world of rock.
#TheSound228 #SierraPilot #DeadToMe #NewMusic #HardRock #ActiveRock #Octane #RockPodcast #IndependentMusic #WorldPremiere #RockInterview

Former Ventruss frontman Ben Jewell joins The Sound 228 for an honest and in-depth conversation about his musical journey, personal growth, and exciting new chapter as a solo artist.
Ben shares the story behind his debut solo single "Let Me See," featuring Jared Gomes of Head PE and former Ventress guitarist Sean Seizaw. He opens up about the challenges he faced after Ventress, the struggles that nearly pushed him away from music, and how collaborations with Butcher Babies, Escalate, and Midst of War helped reignite his passion.
We also dive into:• The creative process behind "Let Me See"• Working with Butcher Babies on their Open Verse Challenge• His move from Louisiana to Kansas City• Vocal training and expanding his songwriting abilities• The emotional meaning behind his new music• Collaborations with Midst of War and other artists• Building a new band and what the future holds
This episode is packed with inspiration, behind-the-scenes stories, and a look at the next chapter of one of the Gulf Coast rock scene's most recognizable voices.
Follow Ben Jewell on all streaming platforms and social media to stay up to date on new music and upcoming announcements.
🎙️ The Sound 228🌐 thesound228.com📱 Download The Sound 228 App🎵 We Are New Rock
#TheSound228 #BenJewell #Ventress #HeadPE #ButcherBabies #RockPodcast #NewRock #IndependentMusic #KansasCityMusic #GulfCoastMusic

This week on The Sound 228, Kevin Harris and Lisa Wills sit down with one of the most talked-about young bands in rock today, Garbage Girlfriend from Katy, Texas. At just 15 to 19 years old, these rising stars are already turning heads with their powerful sound, relentless work ethic, and big dreams of landing a record deal.
The band dives into their journey from School of Rock students to a nationally emerging act, balancing high school, college, jobs, and life while building a serious music career. They discuss working with manager Paul Crosby, writing music through marathon songwriting sessions, the story behind their unforgettable band name, and the creation of their latest single and video, "Twist of Fate."
Plus, Garbage Girlfriend shares details about their upcoming shows, their highly anticipated July 31 release, future touring plans, and why they believe being an all-female rock band gives them a unique voice in today's music scene.
🔥 Topics Include:
The origin of the name "Garbage Girlfriend"
Writing and recording with Malcolm Springer
Working with Paul Crosby
The making of "Twist of Fate"
Their upcoming release
Texas rock scene talk
Future touring plans
Life as young women in rock music
The future of rock isn't waiting for permission... and Garbage Girlfriend is proving exactly why.

Denver-based hard rock powerhouse Wake Me joins The Sound 228 for an in-depth conversation about their musical evolution, the creative process behind their latest single “Bury It All,” and what it's like working with acclaimed producer Chris Dawson and video director JT Ibanez.
During the interview, the band discusses their journey since rebooting in 2017, finding their identity as songwriters, embracing a more aggressive music release strategy, and the challenges independent artists face in today's music industry. They also share insights into their upcoming album, balancing family life with music, and why creating great songs matters more than ever.
Plus, hear the story behind “Bury It All,” the band's commitment to releasing new music every 4-6 weeks, and their plans for the future as they continue building momentum in the modern rock scene.
🎸 Topics include:
The making of "Bury It All"
Working with Chris Dawson & JT Ibanez
Songwriting and band growth
Independent artist challenges
Social media and modern music promotion
Touring plans and future releases
Wake Me's upcoming full-length album
If you're a fan of modern hard rock, behind-the-scenes music industry conversations, and discovering the next wave of rock bands, this is an episode you won't want to miss.
#WakeMe #TheSound228 #NewRock #HardRock #ChrisDawson #JTIbanez #BuryItAll #ModernRock #RockPodcast #IndependentMusic #DenverRock #TheSound228Podcast
 

The Sound 228 is bringing the heat as Framing Hanley joins us LIVE for a killer conversation about new music, what’s next for the band, life on the road, and everything happening behind the curtain. 🎤🔥
 
We’ll be diving into:
⚡ New music and upcoming plans
⚡ Touring stories and fan moments
⚡ The evolution of Framing Hanley
⚡ What the future looks like for the band
⚡ Fan questions LIVE in the chat If you grew up blasting “Lollipop” at irresponsible volume levels in a parking lot somewhere… this one’s for you. 🚗💥