The Hang! As Seen On Almost Famous Magazine!

In this episode of 'The Hang!', Wonderland Rejects make their second appearance on The Hang! following a huge few months that included performing at Doll Fest and completing their sophomore album, Hello Rejects, arriving August 29.
This interview explores a band refusing to stay inside punk rock’s traditional boundaries.
Where Goodbye Wonderland embraced a raw, old-school punk sound, Hello Rejects goes deeper—mixing punk with blues, hip-hop, EDM, dance music, Tejano and grunge. The band even describes the evolving sound as “New Grunge.”
Alice, Dolly and Kitty break down the creative evolution behind the record, from more ambitious guitar work and unusual drum patterns to “Thank You Billie Holiday,” which recognizes the Black blues musicians whose influence runs through rock, punk, metal, rap and popular music.
They also discuss “El Rey Rojo,” bringing Spanish and Tejano influences into their music, and “Cardboard Me,” a slower and surprisingly complex song that pushed Kitty into new rhythmic territory.
But Hello Rejects goes beyond musical experimentation.
The band explains why their songwriting has shifted from primarily exploring their own experiences as queer and trans women toward confronting larger issues including racism, white supremacy, representation and supporting marginalized communities.
What You’ll Learn From The Band:
• Why Wonderland Rejects call their evolving sound “New Grunge”• How blues, rap, EDM and Tejano entered the band's punk sound• The stories behind “Thank You Billie Holiday,” “El Rey Rojo” and “Cardboard Me”• Why Artisan Octopus is trying to make live music more diverse and inclusive
The conversation also introduces Artisan Octopus, the band's new live-events and media collective built around a simple idea: different artists, communities, generations and musical styles can remain completely themselves while still working together.
As the band puts it:“Music is the greatest superpower that a human being has.”
Support your artists. Buy the record. Buy the merch. Go to the show. Support your local music community.
And subscribe to The Hang! from Almost Famous Magazine for more conversations with independent artists pushing music forward.
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The Hang! Podcast – Presented by Almost Famous Magazine
#WonderlandRejects #HelloRejects #punk #punkrock #grunge #newgrunge #thehang #podcast 
Chapters:
Wonderland Rejects discuss the evolution of their sound from the punk roots of Goodbye Wonderland to their latest release, Hello Rejects.
This conversation features the band members breaking down the creative shift between their earlier work and their current musical direction. If you follow indie punk music, this discussion provides insight into how the group approached their songwriting process and artistic growth.
Beyond the interview, you get a look at the energy behind their live performance style. We examine the contrast between their raw, old-school punk influences and the new textures present in Hello Rejects. Fans of the band can hear firsthand what inspired this transition and how they view their evolution as musicians.
Catch more artist interviews and band spotlights by subscribing to the channel. Which track from Hello Rejects do you connect with the most? Let us know in the comments.
00:00 Wonderland Rejects Return01:46 Life After Doll Fest03:41 Hello Rejects & the Birth of “New Grunge”07:25 “Thank You Billie Holiday”08:28 Punk, Blues & the Roots of Modern Music12:41 Punk Meets Tejano: “El Rey Rojo”15:22 The Challenge Behind “Cardboard Me”19:21 Artisan Octopus & the Power of Live Music21:20 Why Representation in Music Matters27:51 What’s Next for Wonderland Rejects
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In this episode of The Hang!, Elliot Lozier takes us from discovering The Offspring as a kid and teaching himself drums, guitar, bass and mandolin to the formation of Doom Scroll and the creation of Exhausted Dialogue.
This interview explores Doom Scroll’s unusual combination of punk aggression, folk instrumentation, metal influences and layered harmonies—as well as the almost unbelievable string of disasters that inspired “The Ravine.” Dead vans, flooded gear, shattered windows and an actual ravine rescue eventually became fuel for the music.
Lozier also explains the video-game concept behind Exhausted Dialogue, the surveillance themes of “Panopticon,” the endless grind behind “Sisyphus,” and the existential dread driving “Horsemen,” featuring Ian Cook.
What You’ll Learn:
* How Doom Scroll created its aggressive acoustic folk-punk sound* The insane true story behind “The Ravine”* Why video-game NPCs inspired Exhausted Dialogue* How Propagandhi, metal and punk shaped Elliot Lozier’s songwriting
Here’s what you’ll learn about the DIY philosophy behind Doom Scroll, the musicians who bring the songs alive onstage, and why Elliot dreams of one day recording with Rick Rubin.
🎸 Support independent music: stream or buy Exhausted Dialogue, see Doom Scroll live, grab merch, and subscribe to The Hang! for more artist interviews.
#DoomScroll #ElliotLozier #FolkPunk #PunkRock #punk 
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https://doomscrollband.bandcamp.com/album/immoral-compass
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DOOM SCROLL TOUR DATES
August 20 — Sioux Falls, SD — The DenAugust 21 — Minneapolis, MN — 56 BrewingAugust 22 — Evansville, WI — EUMAugust 23 — Detroit, MI — SanctuaryAugust 24 — Dayton, OH — Cosmo Joe’sAugust 25 — Lafayette, IN — People’s PubAugust 26 — Cleveland, OH — No ClassAugust 27 — Millersville, PA — Phantom PowerAugust 28 — Philadelphia, PA — Nikki LopezAugust 29 — Brattleboro, VT — Stone ChurchAugust 30 — Brooklyn, NY — Gold SoundsSeptember 1 — Richmond, VA — The CamelSeptember 3 — Lynchburg, VA — Super Rad Arcade BarSeptember 4 — Chapel Hill, NC — Local 506September 5 — Asheville, NC — Static AgeSeptember 6 — Charlotte, NC — The MilestoneSeptember 7 — Birmingham, AL — The FirehouseSeptember 8 — New Orleans, LA — Okay BarSeptember 9 — Houston, TX — Trip SixSeptember 10 — Austin, TX — Alienated Majesty BooksSeptember 11 — Denton, TX — Rubber Gloves*September 12 — Oklahoma City, OK — Grand Royale*
*Doom Scroll only; no Hans Gruber and the Die Hards.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Meet Elliot Lozier & Doom Scroll03:14 The Offspring, Drums & Musical Beginnings07:22 From We The Heathens to Doom Scroll10:26 Becoming a Self-Taught Multi-Instrumentalist13:29 Creating Doom Scroll’s Acoustic Punk Sound17:14 The Meaning Behind Exhausted Dialogue19:28 The Insane True Story Behind “The Ravine”25:06 Panopticon, Sisyphus & Modern Life34:29 “Horsemen,” Ian Cook & Doom Scroll’s Band Chemistry43:05 Propagandhi, Rick Rubin & Elliot’s Influences
The Hang! Podcast – Presented by Almost Famous Magazine
https://www.almostfamousmagazine.com

In this episode of The Hang!, David Myhr joins Scott Saldinger of Almost Famous Magazine to trace a musical journey that started at a piano in northern Sweden, exploded into Beatles obsession, led to The Merrymakers and eventually became a decades-long solo career built around melody, harmony and classic pop songwriting.
This interview explores David Myhr’s creative process, his collaboration with songwriter Bill DeMain, working with Jellyfish’s Andy Sturmer, finding success in Japan and the making of his third solo album, Everything Is All About You.
David also gets candid about today’s music industry — where releasing a great song is only the beginning. Artists now have to become their own promoters, content creators and community builders just to make sure people know their music exists.
What You’ll Learn from David:
• How The Beatles shaped his approach to songwriting• Why melody usually comes before lyrics in his creative process• What Andy Sturmer taught him about making records• Why promoting music may now be harder than creating it
Here’s what you’ll learn from an artist who never stopped chasing the feeling of hearing a melody come together: sometimes success isn't becoming a pop star — it's making something you’re proud of and discovering that someone halfway around the world connects with it.
🎧 Support independent music: buy the record, grab the vinyl or CD, see artists live, buy merch and share the music you love.
Subscribe to The Hang! from Almost Famous Magazine for more conversations with musicians, songwriters and artists.
#DavidMyhr #PowerPop #Songwriting #TheMerrymakers #TheHangPodcast #TheHang #podcast 
 
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CHAPTERS:
00:00 David Myhr and Everything Is All About You02:30 How The Beatles Changed Everything05:07 Learning to Write the Perfect Pop Song06:32 The Merrymakers and Going Solo11:28 Everything Is All About You15:05 Say Yes and David’s Songwriting Process22:27 Andy Sturmer, Jellyfish and April’s Fool25:15 Finding Success in Japan33:16 Surviving the Modern Music Industry38:28 Dream Collaborations and New Music
The Hang! Podcast – Presented by Almost Famous Magazine
https://www.almostfamousmagazine.com

In this episode of 'The Hang!', The Dirty Turkeys — Sam Baker, Ty Tullar, Brad Hansen and Russ Hansen — hang with Scott Saldinger to unpack how childhood friendships, basement jams and wildly different musical influences became one seriously unpredictable band.
This interview explores why The Dirty Turkeys would rather build a genuine community one live show at a time than change their music to chase algorithms. They also get into their explosive live performances, the strange origin of their band name, the creation of “Under Your Spell,” and why staying human matters as AI-generated music and content become more common.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
• How The Dirty Turkeys created their “Acid Cow Punk” sound• Why “Under Your Spell” feels like a breakthrough for the band• How live shows and word of mouth built their fan community• Why authenticity matters more to them than instant viral fame
You’ll also hear about Cowboy Caravan, their creative process, dream collaborators, favorite artists, their move toward San Francisco and the next chapter with Soul Sugar.
If you love psychedelic rock, garage rock, surf rock, punk, outlaw country or bands that refuse to stay inside genre lines, meet The Dirty Turkeys.
Subscribe to Almost Famous Magazine for more independent artist interviews on The Hang!
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#TheDirtyTurkeys #AcidCowPunk #PsychedelicRock #IndependentMusic #thehang
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Meet The Dirty Turkeys & Acid Cow Punk03:01 How The Dirty Turkeys Became a Band03:52 Psychedelic, Punk & Country Influences07:37 How Four Friends Write Songs Together09:09 The Crazy Story Behind “The Dirty Turkeys”13:01 Inside a Dirty Turkeys Live Show17:36 Building Fans Without Going Viral20:24 “Under Your Spell” & Finding Their Sound22:20 Where to Start With The Dirty Turkeys27:15 Family, Friendship & Musical Support31:28 Soul Sugar, San Francisco & What’s Next33:53 Being a Musician in the Content Era37:16 AI, Human Art & Staying Authentic41:44 Dream Producers & Collaborators47:04 Supporting Independent Artists48:04 What The Dirty Turkeys Listen To
The Hang! Podcast – Presented by Almost Famous Magazine

In this episode of The Hang!, V Torres joins Scott Saldinger to share the story behind "Woman", her seven-song sophomore album arriving independently September 1, 2026.
Raised in Southern California on her parents’ vinyl collection, V absorbed everything from Joni Mitchell and James Taylor to Pink Floyd, outlaw country, funk, grunge, and psychedelic rock. She started playing guitar around age 11, wrote songs inspired by the Arizona desert, and eventually found her voice at college open mics in Los Angeles.
This interview explores how divorce, grief, healing, desire, and learning to love herself became connected chapters in Woman. V also talks about co-producing the record, rebuilding songs in the studio, honoring her late friend Kevin Sousa, pressing vinyl for the first time, and experiencing the thrill of connecting with a festival audience.
V tells you about:
* How she developed her indie-rock and Americana sound* Why "Woman" took nearly nine years to become an album* How grief influenced “Winter Solstice” and the recording process* Why Beck is her dream producer and collaborator
Here’s what you’ll learn about the perseverance, community, and personal investment required to create independent music.
Watch the full conversation, subscribe to The Hang!, and support V Torres by streaming her music, purchasing the album or vinyl, and seeing her perform live.
#VTorres #WomanAlbum #IndieRock #SingerSongwriter #podcast #musicinterview 
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Album pre-order
 
The Hang! Podcast – Presented by Almost Famous Magazine
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In this episode of The Hang!, host Scott Saldinger talks with Dorian Bailis about a musical journey shaped by opera, heavy metal, grunge, classical music, Americana and raw emotional storytelling.
After studying vocal performance and building a professional opera career, Dorian realized that writing his own songs had become his most honest form of expression. He opens up about leaving New York, starting over in Nashville and creating what he calls “modern folk n’ roll.”
This interview explores the stories behind “Polka Rose,” “Beyond the River” and “Not So Lonely Valentine’s Day,” including the personal loss that inspired Dorian to stop waiting and take a chance on a different life. He also discusses why songs are never completely finished, how live audiences continue the creative conversation and why albums still matter in a singles-driven music industry.
Dorian Shares:
* How he transitioned from opera to modern folk songwriting* Why Nashville gave him new opportunities to perform original music* The personal stories behind “Polka Rose” and “Beyond the River”* How authenticity helps music survive algorithms, trends and AI
Subscribe to Almost Famous Magazine, share the episode and support independent artists by streaming their music, attending shows and purchasing vinyl and merchandise.
#DorianBailis #nashville #opera #singersongwriter #interview #musicianinterview 
https://www.dorianbalis.com/https://www.instagram.com/dorianbalishttps://music.apple.com/us/artist/dorian-balis/1683393900www.youtube.com/@UChXcae0PRDO3IOIahXV-FlA 
CHAPTERS:00:00 Meet Dorian Balis01:21 Music, Metal and Early Influences10:55 Leaving New York for Nashville14:14 The Story Behind “Polka Rose”19:10 Loss, Regret and “Beyond the River”22:41 Love and “Not So Lonely Valentine’s Day”25:18 Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and Live Music27:27 From Opera Singer to Songwriter30:10 Building an EP in a Singles-Driven Industry32:21 Can Good Music Beat Algorithms and AI?39:09 Authenticity and Connecting With Listeners41:28 Dorian’s Dream Collaboration With Bono46:26 Kendrick Lamar, Deafheaven and Brian Wilson49:40 What Comes Next for Dorian Balis
The Hang! Podcast – Presented by Almost Famous Magazine
https://www.almostfamousmagazine.com

In this episode of The Hang!, host Scott Saldinger talks with Colm Gavin about music origins, creative flow, collaboration, mentors, and building a life around songs.
Colm Gavin is a Dublin-based singer-songwriter whose music blends contemporary folk, soft jazz, parlor-song charm, and classic storytelling. His work has reached listeners across Ireland, Europe, the UK, and North America, with songs praised by major artists and industry voices and released through BEO Records. Public profiles note that his early solo releases reached No. 1 on the Irish iTunes charts and that his music has been playlisted on radio stations in the U.S. and Canada.
This interview explores Colm’s childhood connection to music, the Orlando trip that opened his ears to Roy Orbison, The Carpenters, Springsteen, and classic radio, and how taking over his brother’s guitar lessons changed everything. Colm also talks about his teacher and mentor Peter Stanton, why practice and creativity should live in different rooms, and how collaboration turns a simple idea into something that suddenly exists.
Here’s what you’ll learn from Colm:
* How he found his way into music and songwriting* Why folk, jazz, theater, and parlor songs shape his sound* How collaboration helps songs grow beyond the writer* Why mentors, discipline, and flow state still matter
In this episode, Colm also discusses Live at Whelan’s, touring Ireland and the UK, writing for other artists, and why sincerity, preparation, and community remain at the heart of real music.
Subscribe to Almost Famous Magazine for more artist interviews, music stories, and conversations from The Hang!
#ColmGavin #irishfolkmusic #SongwriterInterview #irishmusician 
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Chapters:
00:00 Welcome to The Hang!02:15 Meet Colm Gavin03:00 How Music First Found Him05:23 Taking Over His Brother’s Guitar Lessons07:24 Early Influences: Dylan, Clapton & Cat Stevens08:46 Defining his Sound13:34 Where New Listeners Should Start15:32 Songs, Editing & Creative Flow17:46 Knowing When a Song Is Finished20:29 Practice vs. Writing Time23:05 Collaboration and Creative Alchemy26:06 Why No Artist Succeeds Alone28:45 Moments of Recognition and Self-Doubt32:07 Remembering Mentor Peter Stanton38:37 Touring, Ireland Shows & What’s Next45:23 Dream Collaborations: Randy Newman & Elton John48:40 Road Music, Asia & 80s Rock
 
The Hang! Podcast – Presented by Almost Famous Magazine
https://www.almostfamousmagazine.com

Soft Spot’s Gianni Carpanzano joins The Hang! to talk 1-800 Soft Spot, Temporary Bliss, heavy guitars, heartbreak, grunge, psychedelia, and the Stamford, Connecticut alternative rock scene.
In this episode, Gianni opens up about Soft Spot’s new EP, the band’s evolution, and how sad songs became something bigger, heavier, and more fully realized.
This interview explores how Soft Spot grew from a three-piece into a stronger four-piece with Will Vellek joining Gianni Carpanzano, Dave Eisermann, and Marc Marenco. Gianni talks about writing the songs for 1-800 Soft Spot in the same emotional window, why the EP feels more cohesive than This Will Make You Cry, and how the band is learning to capture its massive live sound in the studio.
The conversation also gets into heartbreak, emotional songwriting, voice memos turning into full songs, working with Trevor Aukenook, playing Toad’s Place, pushing into New York City, landing gigs, and why building real relationships still matters in the music industry.
Gianni discusses:
* How Soft Spot created the sound of 1-800 Soft Spot* Why Gianni writes from heartbreak, reflection, and emotional release* How Will Vellek changed the band’s live and studio chemistry* What it takes to book better shows and build momentum as an indie band
Subscribe to Almost Famous Magazine for more artist interviews, music stories, and deep dives with the bands you need to know.
#softspot #alternativerock #musicinterview #podcast #interview 
Band Camp: https://softspottheband.bandcamp.comYouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@UC5IymGottOizckxyxUgbbVA
Chapters:
00:00 Welcome to The Hang! with Soft Spot02:52 How Soft Spot Became a Four-Piece06:12 Building the 1-800 Soft Spot EP09:03 Heartbreak, Sad Songs, and Emotional Lyrics12:03 How Gianni Turns Voice Memos Into Songs14:58 The “Aha” Moment That Changed the Band18:08 Booking Better Gigs and Building Real Connections21:12 Hum, Catherine Wheel, Mastodon, and New Influences24:00 Shows, Covers, Vinyl, and What’s Next

In this episode, Texas-born, Nashville-based singer-songwriter Mary McGuinness joins Scott Saldinger on The Hang! to talk about the way music found her.
Mary didn’t grow up in a musical home, but she was always singing. Later, she discovered that music actually ran deep in her family, which helped make sense of the pull she had felt her whole life.
Her path has taken a lot of turns, from opera and Broadway to Americana, classic country, and Laurel Canyon-inspired songwriting. Through it all, Mary kept coming back to the music that felt the most honest to her.
We talk about her early life, her Korean and Irish-Scottish roots, the artists who shaped her like Johnny Cash, The Beatles, Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Jackson Browne, and Paul McCartney, and the stories behind songs like “Love Child,” “Cascadita,” “Bounded Beauty,” “Double Vision,” and “Springtime Thunder.”
What You’ll Learn from Mary:
• How she found her way into music• Why Americana and classic country feel like home to her• The story behind “Love Child” and her new songs• How creativity, mental health, healing, and staying true to yourself all connect
If you’re into Americana, singer-songwriters, Nashville artists, roots music, or just honest conversations about what it takes to keep going as an artist, this one is worth your time.
Subscribe to Almost Famous Magazine, like the video, drop a comment, and support Mary McGuinness by streaming her music, buying the records, grabbing the vinyl, and seeing her live.
#MaryMcGuinness #americanamusic #singersongwriter #musicinterview #musicpodcast 
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In this episode of The Hang!, Joomin Hwang talks about his journey from Seoul to New York City and eventually to Broadway.
Joomin grew up in South Korea and started breakdancing when he was 12. Years later, while performing in London, he saw Billy Elliot and something clicked. He saw dance, music, acting, emotion, and storytelling all happening at once, and it made him realize he wanted more than competition. He wanted a life on stage.
That decision eventually brought him to the U.S. at 29, without speaking English, to study vocal performance and chase a dream that probably sounded impossible to a lot of people.
We talk about his path to Broadway, including The Prom and the original Broadway cast of & Juliet, and what representation started to mean to him once Asian fans began thanking him at the stage door. Joomin also shares what it was like going through hundreds of auditions, dealing with rejection, staying grounded, and learning to think of dreams as something you do, not just something you reach.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
* How Billy Elliot changed the direction of Joomin’s life* Why representation on Broadway became personal for him* How he handled 500+ auditions and constant rejection* Why he created the Rule of Five Journal to help artists protect their mental health
If you’re into Broadway, musical theater, dance, acting, artist stories, or honest conversations about chasing something bigger than yourself, you’ll get a lot out of this one.
Subscribe to The Hang! for more conversations with artists from Almost Famous Magazine.
https://www.instagram.com/joominhwanghttps://www.joominhwang.com/https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7934697/
#JoominHwang #broadway #dancer #singer #seoul #musicaltheatre