The Downbeat
Craig Reynolds
The Downbeat Podcast is an award-winning heavy music podcast featuring in-depth interviews with the biggest names in metal, hardcore, and alternative music.
Hosted by Craig Reynolds, The Downbeat explores metal, death metal, black metal, hardcore, and metalcore through long-form, unfiltered conversations with legendary musicians and rising artists. Hear behind-the-scenes stories, songwriting insights, touring life, and honest discussions from across the global heavy music scene.
New episodes feature iconic bands, underground favorites, and the voices shaping modern heavy music.
Hosted by Craig Reynolds, The Downbeat explores metal, death metal, black metal, hardcore, and metalcore through long-form, unfiltered conversations with legendary musicians and rising artists. Hear behind-the-scenes stories, songwriting insights, touring life, and honest discussions from across the global heavy music scene.
New episodes feature iconic bands, underground favorites, and the voices shaping modern heavy music.
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 2, 2024 • 1h 42min
Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes
Frank Carter, the charismatic frontman and tattoo artist known for his hardcore roots, teams up with Dean Richardson, the skilled guitarist and producer for their band. They dive into the evolution of their live shows, transforming performances into theatrical experiences. Frank shares heartfelt insights on sobriety and how it enhances his stage presence, while also discussing his lyrical process influenced by daily journaling. With a sprinkle of wild tour stories, they highlight their latest album 'Dark Rainbow' and the unique bond that fuels their creative journey.
Apr 18, 2024 • 1h 30min
Bryan Garris (Knocked Loose)
My guest on the podcast this week is Bryan Garris, vocalist of KNOCKED LOOSE. They're just about to put out the album of the year 'You Won't Go Before You're Supposed To' on May 10th. You can check out the LIMITED EDITION Downbeat vinyl variant at www.thedownbe.at
We talk ALL about that plus religion, playing coachella, and getting his eye ripped out by a beagle. Great lad. Great band.
Apr 4, 2024 • 1h 30min
Currents (Brian Wille and Chris Wiseman)
My guests this week are Brian and Chris of Connecticut metalcore band CURRENTS. Chris is already Downbeat alumni with his other band SHADOW OF INTENT, so we talk about balancing two very successful bands, as well as touring, the history of the band, accidentally stealing riffs, nando's and much more.
Mar 21, 2024 • 1h 53min
Leigh Gill (Joker, Game Of Thrones)
My guest on the podcast this week is actor Leigh Gill. You may know him as Gary from the oscar winning movie Joker, as well as his roles on Game of Thrones, The Witcher, and his latest movie Blitz. We got terrifically drunk and talked what it's like to work with Joaquin Phoenix and hang out with Al Pacino. Mental.
Mar 7, 2024 • 1h 52min
John Famiglietti (HEALTH)
My guest this week is John Famiglietti AKA JOHNNY HEALTH from industrial/noise rock band HEALTH. With a career involving collaborations with NINE INCH NAILS and their chart-topping song 'Crimewave' with CRYSTAL CASTLES we had a lot to talk about as well getting into stuff like scoring numerous video games, Warhammer 40k...and letting fans sleep at his house (respectfully).
Great dude great band great chat.
Feb 22, 2024 • 1h 49min
SPIRITBOX: Courtney LaPlante + Mike Stringer
My guests this week are the wonderful Courtney LaPlante and Mike Stringer of the band Spiritbox. We caught up in LA to talk about their Grammy nomination, working with Megan Thee Stallion, the creation their latest EP 'The Fear Of Fear' , and Courtney does a wonderful Mike Tyson impression. I love these people and I love this band.
Feb 8, 2024 • 1h 40min
Bad Omens (Nick Folio ft. Tour Manager Matt Dierkes)
My guest this week is Bad Omens Drummer Nick Folio and for the first time on The Downbeat, their soundguy and tour manager Matt Dierkes. Me and Nick catch up and talk about their new single V.A.N (with Poppy) while Matt provides a bit of insight on the many hats he has donned for the band.
Jan 31, 2024 • 2h 11min
Chris Turner (Oceans Ate Alaska)
My guest this week is Chris Turner - one of the best metal drummers in the world, both with Oceans Ate Alaska and with his solo stuff. We met for the first time to talk drums, practice, regretable early touring practices, and more. Check out Oceans Ate Alaska's new single and his lesson packs, merch, and solo stuff on spotify. He's an absolute freak.
Dec 28, 2023 • 1h 51min
Holiday Special (Brendan Murphy, Emma Boster, Jeremy DePoyster, Imani Givertz)
My festive guests this week on Jesus' birthday are BRENDAN MURPHY of Counterparts, EMMA BOSTER of Dying Wish, JEREMY DEPOYSTER of The Devil Wears Prada and acclaimed photographer/videographer IMANI GIVERTZ. We got absolutely hammered in July and pretended it was Christmas. Enjoy. Thank you for the support over the most successful year of the podcast ever. Wishing you all the best (unless I hate you) in 2024, let's make it a good one.
Dec 21, 2023 • 2h 3min
Jake Smelley (Gideon, Zero 9:36)
My guest this week has the best, most calming voice of all time. Jake Smelley is the drummer for metalcore band Gideon and more recently he backs the singer/rapper/musician Zero 9:36. We talked about his love (and my hate) of country music, black magick, auditioning for one of the biggest music artists in the world...and much more.
