Episodes
Tuesday Oct 17, 2023
Episode 160 - Ryan Key of Yellowcard
Tuesday Oct 17, 2023
Tuesday Oct 17, 2023
This past summer, Yellowcard reunited and performed dozens of shows at large venues across the country. They also released their first new music since 2016.
The EP Childhood Eyes returns to the sound that made them popular, but the songwriting reflects their maturity and sense of nostalgia. It includes collaborations with Dashboard Confessional and Pierce The Veil, as well as the lead single "Childhood Eyes."
The reunion coincides with the recent pop punk renaissance as younger bands reach back for those Y2K power chords and hooks.
Will there be any more new music? Although there are no plans for a new album, a statement on the band's Instagram says, "The future is bright. We clearly have so much more to do."
Watch frontman Ryan Key talk to Jordan Edwards and Demi Ramos about the reunion, making the EP, and the story behind "Ocean Avenue."
Saturday Oct 07, 2023
Episode 159 - Chappell Roan
Saturday Oct 07, 2023
Saturday Oct 07, 2023
The last month has been one that Chappell Roan won't forget. She released her debut album, began a nearly sold out headlining tour, and announced that she will support Olivia Rodrigo in the spring. She even made an appearance on Elton John's Rocket Hour show, where the music legend expressed that he thinks her records are "amazing." It may seem like a quick rise, but there's a lot of hard work behind the success.
Raised in Willard, Missouri, the singer-songwriter spent time in Nashville before moving to Los Angeles. Since her debut EP in 2017, she's released a series of singles and music videos that showcase her creativity, infectious pop songwriting, and colorful, campy aesthetic.
The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess is the culmination of all that momentum. Collaborating with producer Dan Nigro (Olivia Rodrigo, Conan Gray), she's developed a sound that's both adventurous and ready for the radio.
Jordan and Demi talk to Roan about her success, growing up in the Ozarks, and her wild live shows.
Saturday Sep 30, 2023
Episode 158 - MxPx
Saturday Sep 30, 2023
Saturday Sep 30, 2023
After 30 years together, MxPx remains one of the best and hardest working bands out there. They recently released their 11th studio album Find A Way Home. Anchored by "Not Today," and "Stay Up All Night," it's full of the catchy rock songs that fans love.
Watch lead vocalist/bassist Mike Herrera and lead guitarist Tom Wisniewski talk about how they make music now, their favorite Warped Tour memories, and the story behind the "Pokinatcha Punk."
Monday Sep 25, 2023
Episode 157 - Echosmith Returns
Monday Sep 25, 2023
Monday Sep 25, 2023
Jordan and Demi welcome Echosmith back to the show!
The band has evolved since their breakout hit “Cool Kids” a decade ago. While they still produce atmospheric, catchy pop songs, they take more risks.
Their self titled new album is their most experimental release yet. It may also be the trio's best.
Sydney Sierota and Noah Sierota about recording the new album, their sibling bond, and upcoming European tour.
Thursday Sep 14, 2023
Episode 156 - Kota the Friend
Thursday Sep 14, 2023
Thursday Sep 14, 2023
In an era of trending sounds and singles, Kota the Friend makes albums. His latest, Protea, is a kaleidoscope of clever wordplay, smooth hooks, and beats you can dance to. Dedicated to his wife, the 16 tracks feel like a celebration. It features guest spots from Aloe Blacc, Braxton Cook, and Samm Henshaw.
Listen to Jordan Edwards and Demi Ramos interview Kota about the evolution of his sound, influences, and love for Brooklyn.
Sunday Sep 03, 2023
Episode 155 - Katelyn Tarver and Olivia Olson
Sunday Sep 03, 2023
Sunday Sep 03, 2023
On this episode of It's Real, Jordan and Demi interview two multitalented performers who first appeared on screen when they were young.
Katelyn Tarver was a contestant on American Juniors, where she made the final round. She then acted in shows like Big Time Rush, The Secret Life of the American Teenager, and HBO's Ballers.
Olivia Olson made her debut in Love Actually as Joanna, the aspiring pop singer who belts Mariah Carey and steals Sam's heart. These days, Olson is best known as a voiceover artist for hit shows like Phineas and Ferb and as the iconic Marceline the Vampire Queen on Adventure Time, a role which she reprises in the the new Max limited series Fionna and Cake.
Tarver and Olson have both grown up to singer-songwriters as well. Tarver will start a headlining tour on Sept. 6 (dates below) with a new album in the works. Her song “What Makes A Life Good?” recently played in the series finale of The Other Two, which costarred her brother Drew Tarver.
Olson is working on a new album while she helps write the Phineas and Ferb reboot for Disney.
Watch Jordan Edwards and Demi Ramos interview Tarver and Olson about growing up in the entertainment industry, their latest projects, and handling multiple careers.
Thursday Aug 17, 2023
Episode 154 - Madilyn Bailey and Rachel Grae
Thursday Aug 17, 2023
Thursday Aug 17, 2023
For the first time, an episode of It's Real with Jordan and Demi features two unrelated guests. Madilyn Bailey and Rachel Grae are both singer-songwriters, but that's where the similarities end.
Bailey's debut album Hollywood Dead drops on August 23, and she's expecting her first child after that. Although she's excited for motherhood, she doesn't plan to take much of a break from music.
The Wisconsin native gained fame on America's Got Talent with a song composed of negative comments from her YouTube channel. Since then, she's kept the momentum going with singles like "Doomsday in LA" and "Serious."
Grae, on the other hand, is about to go on tour. She'll headline a show at LA's Moroccan Lounge on September 20 before heading out in support of Dylan Matthew.
Since starting her recording career in 2021, Grae has released several singles including "Outsider," "Friend Like Me," and her latest "You Suck." Although she visits Los Angeles frequently, Grae calls the New York City area home.
Listen to Bailey and Grae discuss how they write songs, their approach to social media, and their favorite guilty pleasure TV shows.
Tuesday Aug 01, 2023
Episode 153 - Cannons
Tuesday Aug 01, 2023
Tuesday Aug 01, 2023
While Cannons been releasing music for nearly a decade, their popularity has exploded in the last couple of years thanks to the success of "Fire for You" and their last album, Fever Dream. That means their next album will be their most anticipated. The lead single, "Loving You," came out in April, but the band hasn't given up many details about the rest of the tracklist.
Listen to Jordan Edwards and Demi Ramos interview Michelle Joy, Paul Davis, and Ryan Clapham about their Craigslist beginnings, the bond they've created, and yes, the origin of Michelle's amazing wardrobe.
Monday Jul 24, 2023
Episode 152 - Gabi DeMartino
Monday Jul 24, 2023
Monday Jul 24, 2023
On June 30, Gabi DeMartino released her latest single "Heaven." More than a year in the the making, the track is perhaps her most confessional. Using lyrics from the 1957 film An Affair to Remember, the song reveals the truth behind her broken engagement to ex-fiancé Collin Vogt.
Along with her sister Niki, Gabi DeMartino has spent her entire adult life in the public eye. She's one of YouTube's most successful content creators with over 12 million combined subscribers. But the success has led to scrutiny. The 28-year-old no longer feels comfortable revealing everything on her channel, so music has become an important emotional outlet.
Listen to DeMartino talk to Jordan Edwards and Demi Ramos about her life as a YouTuber, her shift towards music, and what she does when she's not documenting her life.
Wednesday Jun 14, 2023
Episode 151 - Lauren Spencer Smith
Wednesday Jun 14, 2023
Wednesday Jun 14, 2023
On July 14, Lauren Spencer Smith will release her debut album, Mirror. It's the culmination of three years of hard work and growing as a songwriter and performer.
Appearing on American Idol in 2020, the 19-year-old used the momentum from the show to create a career that's earned her hit songs, a huge social media following, and an appearance on The Tonight Show. Many know the Vancouver native for "Fingers Crossed," but she's built a surprisingly deep catalog with tracks like "Flowers" and "Fantasy," a collaboration with friends GAYLE and Em Beihold.
The day the album drops, Spencer Smith will kick off a headlining tour. The North American leg starts in Chicago, and she'll head to Europe in early September. Several dates are already sold out.
Watch Spencer Smith talk to Jordan Edwards and Demi Ramos about her experience on Idol, developing her voice, and how she's handling all the success.