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Tess & The Details’ Standing on the Edge is a sharp examination of emotional contradiction, a song and video pairing that thrives on imbalance rather than resolution. At first glance or first listen, it lands like a sugar rush of pop punk joy. The song is immediate and infectious, designed to stick around after a single listen, and it barrels forward with an intoxicating sense of momentum. Everything about its surface suggests release, movement, and confidence. But that forward motion is a carefully constructed misdirection. Beneath the polish and speed, the song is quietly unraveling. The track leans heavily into its catchiness without ever letting it drift into emptiness. Instead, that brightness acts as camouflage for lyrics that are far darker and more internal than the sound implies. Standing on the Edge explores emotional precarity, the feeling of hovering at a breaking point without ever fully tipping over. There is a constant sense of emotional vertigo, an awareness that so...

Punk Rock Christmas was one of my most anticipated concerts of the year, and it didn't disappoint. Some fans showed up to the venue early, armed with Santa hats, patched jackets, festive mohawks, and enough energy to power a small city. The bill read like a love letter to West Coast punk and ska: Winterhaven, Jen Pop, Urethane, Slick Shoes, Voodoo Glow Skulls, Authority Zero, The Vandals, Face to Face, and finally MxPx closing out the night. What followed was a marathon of melody, mosh pits, and pure holiday chaos—each band bringing their own flavor to a show that delivered nostalgia and new energy in equal measure. Winterhaven: A Warm Opening for a Cool Night Local favorites Winterhaven kicked things off just as the sun dipped below the desert horizon. Their sound—clean, melodic, and full of youthful urgency—was the perfect ignition for the long night ahead. Despite going on early, they drew a solid crowd, many of whom had clearly come specifically to support the hometown scene. T...

When Public Enemy dropped Black Sky Over the Projects: Apartment 2025 in late June, it landed like a thunderclap, a reminder that Chuck D and Flavor Flav still make music that demands to be heard, felt, and confronted. The October 10th arrival of the CD and vinyl editions doesn’t just mark a reissue date; it feels like a full-circle moment, a chance to hold something solid from a group that’s always treated hip-hop as more than disposable noise. Even this deep into their career, Public Enemy still sounds urgent. The record kicks off with “SIICK,” a loud, muscular fusion of hip-hop and rap-rock grit that opens the album like a siren. The guitars slice through the mix while Chuck D’s voice booms like a town crier on the edge of chaos. The song feels like an announcement, not of nostalgia, but of persistence. “Confusion (Here Come the Drums)” is one of the album’s most dynamic tracks. Layers of percussion, noise, and distortion form a wall of rhythm that keeps threatening to topple over b...

There’s something about punk rock and the ocean that just makes sense, both restless, both unpredictable, both louder than they have any right to be. On October 4, Punk in the Park took over Berth 46 at the Port of Los Angeles, turning San Pedro’s waterfront into a two-day celebration of old-school fury, new blood, and everything in between. The smell of beer, sea salt, and sunscreen hung in the air, and from the first chords to the last feedback ring, it felt like Southern California punk had come home. The Briggs , a local favorite who came out swinging like they had something to prove. Opening with  Bored Teenager  and  Mad Men , the band played with the kind of scrappy intensity that defines L.A. punk at its best. Frontman Joey LaRocca worked the crowd like a veteran rabble-rouser, his voice cutting through the afternoon sun as circle pits started to spin.  One Shot Down  and  Back to Higher Ground  got the fists pumping, while their Cock Sparrer c...

The 2026 Innings Festival is set to return to Tempe Beach Park & Arts Park in Tempe, Arizona, from February 20–22, 2026. This year's festival expands to a three-day event, offering an impressive lineup of over 25 artists across three stages, with no overlapping sets inningsfestival.com Headliners Mumford & Sons – Kicking off the festival on Friday, February 20, the British folk-rock band is known for their energetic performances and chart-topping hits. Twenty One Pilots – On Saturday, February 21, the genre-blending duo will bring their unique mix of rock, rap, and electronic music to the stage. Blink-182 – Concluding the festival on Sunday, February 22, the iconic pop-punk band is expected to deliver a high-energy set filled with fan favorites. Additional Performers The festival's diverse lineup includes: Cage The Elephant – Known for their dynamic live shows and eclectic sound. Sublime – Bringing their signature blend of ska, reggae, and punk. Lord Huron – Offering...

Punk rock is getting festive this winter. The inaugural Punk Rock Christmas, presented by Punk In The Park, is set to hit Chandler, Arizona, on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at the Wild Horse Pass Festival Grounds—just outside of Phoenix. The one-day outdoor festival promises to deck the halls with power chords, circle pits, and a holiday twist on punk rock tradition. MxPx will headline the event, joined by an all-star lineup of scene veterans including Face to Face, The Vandals, Authority Zero, Voodoo Glow Skulls, Slick Shoes, Urethane, Jen Pop, WinterHaven, and more still to be announced. In true desert punk fashion, the event kicks off at noon and offers more than just music. For fans 21 and over, craft beer sampling will be available as a $15 add-on, featuring selections from some of the best local, regional, and national breweries, plus hard seltzers and ciders. Tasting runs from noon to 3:00 PM. Tickets & VIP Perks Tickets go on sale today!!! Starting at $49.99 + fees for Gener...

Durry’s sophomore album This Movie Sucks is anything but disappointing — despite the intentionally self-deprecating title. What began as a viral TikTok project has matured into a fully realized musical identity for sibling duo Austin and Taryn Durry. Their latest release is a bold, deeply personal collection of songs that blend pop-punk punch, indie introspection, and working-class wit. If their 2022 debut Suburban Legend was a coming-of-age snapshot, then This Movie Sucks is the awkward sequel that confronts adulthood head-on — clumsy, unfiltered, and full of heart. The album kicks off with “Bully,” a ferocious opening track that sets the tone with crunchy guitars, shout-along vocals, and pointed lyrics aimed at online toxicity. It’s a defiant anthem that balances sarcasm and sincerity, with Austin growling “greetings, people of the internet” like a battle cry. There’s a rawness to the track — not just in sound but in spirit — that mirrors the album’s larger themes of burnout, disillu...

Punk In The Park, North America’s premier outdoor punk rock and craft beer festival, returns to Southern California on Saturday, October 4, and Sunday, October 5, 2025—and now, single-day tickets are officially on sale. Whether you're ready for one explosive day of punk or aiming to experience the full weekend, this is your chance to secure a spot. Set along the scenic waterfront at Berth 46 in the Port of Los Angeles (San Pedro, CA), Punk In The Park will feature over 40 bands across three stages, along with a Craft Beer Festival, Punk Rock Swap Meet, and Vinyl Village—offering an immersive celebration of punk culture. Saturday, October 4: Bad Religion and Pennywise Headline Bad Religion and Pennywise lead Saturday’s lineup with powerhouse performances. Bad Religion, legends of melodic hardcore since 1980, bring razor-sharp lyrics and timeless energy to the stage. Pennywise, with their signature skate-punk sound and crowd-churning anthems, guarantees a high-energy set complete wit...

Punk In The Park, North America's premier outdoor punk rock and craft beer festival, returns to Southern California for a two-day spectacle on Saturday, October 4, and Sunday, October 5, 2025. Held at picturesque Berth 46 in the Port of Los Angeles, San Pedro, the festival will showcase more than 40 bands across three stages, alongside a vibrant Craft Beer Festival, Punk Rock Swap Meet, and Vinyl Village. Saturday’s headliners—Bad Religion and Pennywise—set the tone for a high-energy kickoff. Bad Religion delivers razor-sharp lyrical insight and melodic hardcore salvos, while Pennywise ignites the crowd with explosive, anthem-fueled punk intensity. Sunday brings another powerhouse lineup with Descendents, the pop-punk pioneers whose catchy tunes have defined a genre, and The Interrupters, injecting a ska-infused punch into the weekend finale. Bad Religion’s presence at the festival is a thrilling highlight for any punk fanatic. With over four decades of pioneering influence since f...

I had the chance to sit down with Harley Flanagan — punk pioneer, founding member of the Cro-Mags, and the subject of the new feature-length documentary, HARLEY FLANAGAN: WIRED FOR CHAOS. Directed by Emmy and Peabody Award-winner Rex Miller, this no-holds-barred film dives into Harley’s life — from the violent streets of ‘70s New York to the hardcore scene that defined a generation. This isn’t just about music — it’s about survival. Abuse, addiction, squats, street fights, punk gigs, Jiu-Jitsu, fatherhood — Harley’s lived through it all. And the film, which features interviews with Flea, Henry Rollins, Ice T, Michael Imperioli, and the late Anthony Bourdain, shows a side of him many haven’t seen before. Now, quick heads up — there’s a slight audio issue on my end during this episode. I didn’t realize my mic wasn’t plugged in, so you’ll hear me through my laptop’s onboard mic. It’s definitely listenable, just a bit rougher than usual — but honestly, it kind of fits the vibe of this epis...

Richie Ramone’s memoir, I Know Better Now: My Life Before, During, and After the Ramones (Backbeat Books, 2018), is a punchy, heartfelt chronicle of a life lived onstage, backstage, and far from the spotlight. Known offstage as Richard Reinhardt, Richie is best remembered for his stint as the drummer who helped pull the Ramones out of a creative nosedive in the early 1980s. But what sets this memoir apart from many rock autobiographies is its deep affection for—and vivid recounting of—the years before fame. Far from just a build-up to punk glory, Richie’s childhood and teenage years are rendered with warmth, humor, and sincerity, offering a rare glimpse into the makings of a musician long before the leather jacket and fast beats. The book opens with Richie’s early life in New Jersey, and these sections are among the most compelling. Whether he’s describing his Catholic school upbringing, his early obsessions with drumming, or the highs and lows of playing funk and pop covers in Jerse...

In today’s episode, we’re joined by the dynamic indie rock duo Durry to talk about their explosive new single, “THIS MOVIE SUCKS.” This track is an anthem for anyone who’s ever felt trapped in a storyline they didn’t choose — a metaphor for navigating life like a movie you didn’t write. We unpack the song’s message, its raw energy, and the nostalgia-packed music video that pays homage to VHS-era classics like The Matrix, Jurassic Park, Die Hard, and more. From clever film parodies to existential themes, Durry delivers a cinematic experience in both sound and vision. Whether you're a fan of retro movies, 90s aesthetics, or just searching for your own rewrite in life’s script, you won’t want to miss this one. Hit play and step behind the scenes of THIS MOVIE SUCKS with Durry — only on The Following Films Podcast.

Few songs capture the raw energy of the 1980s quite like Maniac, the electrifying hit made famous by Michael Sembello in the classic film Flashdance. Now, decades later, the punk-infused power of Tess and The Details is giving this beloved track a fresh, high-voltage revival. In this episode of The Following Films, we sit down with the band to dive into their bold reimagining of Maniac—exploring what drew them to the song, how they infused their signature sound into the arrangement, and what it means to bring new life to an ‘80s anthem. From studio insights to the personal connections they have with the track, this conversation peels back the layers of their creative process and the thrill of covering a song that still gets hearts racing today.

Tess & The Details have taken the 1983 Flashdance anthem "Maniac" and transformed it into a full-throttle punk rock frenzy—proving that some songs are just waiting for a high-energy, distorted rebirth. The San Francisco-based punk outfit, known for their raw intensity and infectious live performances, stumbled upon the idea in a moment of spontaneous inspiration outside Toot’s Tavern. What started as a joke quickly turned into a staple of their live set, and now, thanks to their collaboration with Wiretap Records and producer Jacob Light, it’s officially out for the world to hear. From the very first note, "Maniac" trades its original synth-heavy sheen for gritty guitars, relentless drums, and Tess Stevens’ dynamic vocals. The band injects an urgency that transforms the song from a cinematic dance track into a rebellious, sweat-drenched punk anthem. But more than just a sonic upgrade, their version gives the lyrics a whole new weight. Lines like “It can cut you ...

After more than four decades of thrashing stages, offending everyone, and somehow never selling out, NOFX’s farewell finally hit the West Coast in the form of a near-perfect storm: Punk in Drublic on October 6, 2024. Set on a concrete pier jutting out into the Pacific Ocean, the San Pedro stop wasn’t just another punk festival — it was the band’s second-to-last show ever. And somehow, impossibly, it managed to feel both ridiculous and profound. A floating circus of noise, nostalgia, and sea breeze, this show proved that NOFX is exiting the stage the same way they entered it — loud, laughing, and giving zero apologies. Only NOFX would throw a sendoff show in a place that felt one broken mosh pit away from slipping into the ocean. The San Pedro Pier, with its backdrop of cranes, cargo ships, and open sky, was transformed into a punk haven.  As the sun dipped below the horizon and salty wind swept across the crowd, it was clear this would be no ordinary goodbye. They opened with a ton...

When NOFX announces that they’re calling it quits after more than four decades, and that their final Southern California shows are happening at the Punk in Drublic festival on the San Pedro Pier, there’s no decision to make — I’m going. Not just for NOFX, but for the celebration of punk itself. This is a lineup stacked with legends, lifers, and new blood, and it’s set on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, where ships roll by and punk history gets made. So I pack up. Take time off work. Hit the road for 500 miles because this isn’t just a show — it’s a sendoff, a pilgrimage, and a party decades in the making. Friday, October 4 – The Fuse Is Lit The festival kicks off hard with Dropkick Murphys bringing their bagpipe-powered street-punk anthems to a crowd ready to scream every chorus. MxPx follows with their polished yet punchy Washington-state energy, while The Bouncing Souls hit the stage with the kind of anthems that define growing up and staying punk forever. Songs like “True Believers” ...

On the second night of Punk in Drublic’s closing weekend at San Pedro Pier, punk legends The Descendents proved that aging doesn’t have to mean slowing down — at least not when Milo’s behind the mic and the rest of the band is blasting through 25 songs in just under an hour. The crowd, sunburned and beer-soaked from the previous day’s chaos, somehow found the energy to throw down again, and The Descendents gave them every reason to. With the Pacific breeze whipping across the pier and freighters crawling along the horizon, the stage setup felt more backyard party than corporate fest — a perfect fit for a band that still plays like they’re in someone's garage. As they walked out with minimal fanfare, Milo simply nodded to the crowd and kicked straight into “Feel This.” No build-up, no intro, just instant punch to the gut. It was everything you want from a Descendents opener: fast, clean, and screaming with purpose. They tore into “Hope” and “Silly Girl” right after, both met with de...

Today I’m joined by Mario Rivera director and co-subject of NEVER ENDING, ITS BETTER THIS WAY, The film explores DIY punk band Left Unsaid's rise from Albuquerque's thriving music scene in the early 2000s. Despite adversity, they became hometown heroes with a devoted following and mainstream radio airplay. Their journey embodies the resilience of blue-collar bands striving for recognition and success, showcasing the passion it takes to chase dreams in the music industry. NEVER ENDING ITS BETTER THIS WAY is currently on Amazon Prime in the US.

Today we are joined by Art Alexakis from the band Everclear. We're going to discuss their latest release, "Live At The Whisky A Go Go".  Have you already followed the Following Films Podcast on Spotify? If you have, we appreciate your support! If you haven't, just go to Spotify and search for Following Films, then click the follow button. It would mean a lot to us and help the show grow.  As a bonus, we have a giveaway for the new Christopher Nolan hit film, Oppenheimer. Two lucky winners will receive digital codes from Universal Pictures. To join the contest, all you have to do is follow the FOLLOWING FILMS podcast on Spotify, take a screenshot, and send it to chris@followingfilms.com. So, don't miss the chance and follow us now! Live At The Whisky A Go Go is available where you buy or stream music! Enjoy the show.

  Today I'm joined by Moby to discuss his film ‘Punk Rock Vegan Movie! The new documentary will have its world premiere and be the Opening Night film for the 2023 Slamdance Film Festival on January 20 in Park City, Utah. The film, which is Moby’s directorial debut, is a passionate and stylistically idiosyncratic look at the ongoing relationship between the worlds of punk rock and animal rights. It includes interviews with some of the biggest names in punk and rock history, like Ian Mackaye, HR, Dave Navarro, Ray Cappo, Andrew Hurley, Tony Kanal, Tim McIlrath, Water Schreifels, Dave Dictor, Derrick Green, Steve Ignorant, Theo Kogan, Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein, Amy Lee, and Captain Sensible. Moby tells the story of how punk rock became such a fertile and surprising breeding ground for vegan activism. It’s also a call to action, unapologetically reminding people that in a deeply broken world it’s incumbent upon each of us to stand up and fight intelligently, passionately, and lou...