Episode 287: …And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead w/ Conrad Keely & Jason Reece
…And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead formed in Austin, Texas in the mid-’90s, led by longtime creative partners Conrad Keely and Jason Reece. The band quickly became known for explosive live shows, smashed gear, instrument swapping, and a sound that blended post-hardcore, noise rock, punk, and indie rock. Their early albums built a strong underground following before they signed with Interscope Records and released Source Tags & Codes in 2002. That album became the band’s breakthrough, featuring songs like “Another Morning Stoner,” “Relative Ways,” and “How Near, How Far.” Over the years, Trail of Dead continued experimenting with everything from sprawling concept albums to progressive and orchestral rock while keeping their raw energy intact. More than 25 years into their career, they remain one of the most unpredictable and ambitious bands to come out of the late-’90s indie and post-hardcore scene.
I got Conrad and Jason on the Zoom and this is what we chat about:
- Growing up in Seattle scene
- Sneaking into a studio to record their first album
- Merge Records
- Interscope Records
- Recording Source Tags & Codes
- Trashing their equipment during their sets
- Will You Smile Again
- The Jesus Lizard story
- Their thoughts on Spotify and streaming
- The Slipknot story (you don’t want to miss this one)
- And a ton more
Go give Conrad’s Patreon a follow
Catch Jason’s band on tour and give their instagram a follow.
Check out their show with Frank Turner on Sept 27 in Dallas, TX at Southside Ballroom.
Click here to check out my new book.
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