Describe a concert that changed your perspective on music or life. Pick a song from that artist or band.

We saw Motionless In White for the first time ~6 years ago, but we didn't go to the show for them; we were only there because We Came As Romans was opening.

I knew of Motionless before that show, but had never really given them a fair shake. Their whole horror shtick seemed kind of cringey to me, and that impression prevented me from appreciating their music.

That perspective was completely changed within moments of them taking the jack-o'-lantern-covered stage. It quickly became clear that behind the makeup, costumes, props, stageplay, and dark-and-grisly lyrics lurked a group of talented, passionate musicians who invited us to join in on their fun. Every gory gimmick was delivered with a knowing wink, and the pageantry just sucked us in. Despite the macabre stage dressing, it was one of the most uplifting and engaging shows we had seen by that point.

Motionless In White taught me to not dismiss an artist based on a first shallow impression. We've since been to a few more of their concerts, and they've become one of my favorite bands. They also opened me up to other great performers like Ice Nine Kills and Dark Divine, bands I never would have considered before.

What's a song you associate with your hometown?

I grew up in a city overseen by a giant cast-iron statue of the Roman god Vulcan, and the local rock radio station loved to riff on that whenever they played Iron Man.

Seems like a good day to reflect on that.

What's a pop-punk song by a new band that magically transports you back to 2005?

Oddly-specific totally-random prompt, but I'd have to say it's Do Me Like That by brand-new band The Paradox. This is the most legit pop-punk sound I've heard in over a decade, and I am obsessed with it.

🎵 You hit me with your Subaru, what the fuck is wrong with you?

What song makes you want to take a midnight drive?

Share a song that perfectly captures anticipation.

This track has one of the most memorable breakdowns, immediately preceded by a powerful pause and rebuild that really gets me ready to bang my head.

What song makes you feel like you're in a dream?

Share a song that captures the feeling of being homesick.

I've never driven on I-5 (southbound or otherwise), but this track always makes me feel a bit like coming home.

What's your go-to song for getting ready in the morning?

📣 It's just one of those days...

What song makes you feel like you're floating?

Too on-the-nose? Don't care, this one always lifts my spirits and has me floating through adversity.

What's your favorite opening line from any song?

There are a lot of great opening lines to choose from, but I couldn't think of any which had quite the same wtf impact as this:

I woke up this morning with a bad hangover, and my penis was missing again. This happens all the time; it's detachable.