This week, I’m joined by Chris Crabb of The Strike to trace how they’ve carved out a sound that pulls from ’80s new wave, synth pop, and even a little yacht rock DNA — but still feels planted firmly in the now. We get into the band’s sonic identity, including the not-so-subtle return of the saxophone, and how that throwback element became part of their modern mix.

We also spend some time with “The Getaway,” a breakout track that’s taken on new life with multiple versions on the deluxe edition of A Dream Through Open Eyes — from a more stripped, intimate take that’s been used by many couples as a wedding first dance to a collaboration with Mitchell Tenpenny — and what those reinterpretations reveal about the song itself.

From there, we jump into 2026 with “Famous,” a track that pairs bright, euphoric energy with a deeper look at fame culture, social media pressure, and that bigger question of what it actually means to be known. It’s a conversation about perspective — how that idea evolves over time, especially as the band’s audience continues to grow.

And then there’s “No Time To Waste,” which hits from a completely different headspace, and rounds out the conversation in a way that feels both urgent and reflective.

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Heavy bands are known for distortion, volume, and power — but every so often, they make a screeching pivot, turning the amps down and letting something quieter speak louder.

This week, I dig into 10 moments where bands best known for crushing riffs, intense vocals, or sheer sonic force take a sharp left turn, stepping into mellow, stripped-down, or unexpectedly introspective territory.

These are the songs that catch you off guard — be it the introspective lyrics, emotional musical pivots, and varying instrumentation that reveal a different dimension of bands you might not expect to tread in these musical waters.

Because heaviness isn’t just about volume — sometimes it’s about the emotional core.

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Discover your next favorite band on this week’s episode as I’m joined by Patreon Mixtaper Chad Lamasa to shine a light on 10 underrated artists who deserve way more attention. We’re digging into the kind of bands you stumble across and immediately start telling friends about — the ones flying just under the mainstream radar but making music that resonates as much, if not more, than artists that are already household names.

Together, we discuss what makes these groups underrated, why they should already be on your radar, and how word of mouth still plays a huge role in discovering great new music.

If you’re searching for emerging artists and bandsbefore everyone else catches on, and don’t want to rely on a streaming algorithm, this episode is built for you.

🎙️ LEARN MORE

🎵 Hear the Playlists / Browse the Catalog:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com⁠

💬 Join the Mixtaper Community (Patreon):⁠ https://patreon.com/myweeklymixtape⁠

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📧 Email the Show / Contact:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/contact⁠