#alternativefacts

Ashley Monroe visits the Billboard office just before kicking off her 2015 tour in New York. Host Chris Payne interviews her about her new album "The Blade," working with Jack White, whether or not we'll get more Pistol Annies music, what the Nashville songwriting circuit is like, and much more.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

How come musicians in emo bands never want to be called "emo"? Could an artist in today's so-called "Emo Revival" break through to the mainstream? And are we ever getting another Brand New album? Alt In Our Stars host Chris Payne discusses all of this and more with Tom Mullen, the genre expert behind the website/DJ night/podcast, Washed Up Emo.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Butch Vig chats with Billboard's Chris Payne about drumming in Garbage and producing bands like the Foo Fighters, Nirvana, and Smashing Pumpkins. He gives a behind-the-scenes look at making the Foos' 2014 album/HBO series "Sonic Highways" and previews what lies ahead for them and Garbage in 2016.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Beach Slang's debut album "The Things We Do to Find People Like Us" is one of the year's best punk records. Frontman James Alex chats with Billboard's Chris Payne about influences (Jawbreaker, Repalcements, Goo Goo Dolls), his lyrics, and why he's kind of trying to be like John Hughes. He also reveals that he's already working on the next album.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Billboard's Chris Payne interviews Greek singer Monika about her American debut "Secret in the Dark," and what it's like to promote the album worldwide after earning a strong following in her homeland. She also chats about signing with Other Music, making her album with the Dap-Kings' Homer Steinweiss, and the Greek language album she's working on.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Host Chris Payne interviews Bully frontwoman Alicia Bognanno and drummer Stewart Copeland about their debut album "Feels Like," being a punk band on a major label (it's pretty cool!), living in Nashville, tips for touring in a van, and favorite Thanksgiving foods.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Majical Cloudz frontman Devon Welsh is interviewed by Billboard’s Chris Payne about new album “Are You Alone?,” opening for Lorde, guesting in a Grimes video, having his audience do a push-up competition, and his thoughts on Pope Francis’ new song.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Host Chris Payne and Billboard rock charts specialist Emily White discuss their most anticipated Fall 2015 indie and alternative releases, including Grimes, CHVRCHES, Deerhunter, Deafheaven, Beach Slang, Ought, Majical Cloudz, and more.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Why aren’t there more female stars in country? Could alt-country favorites like Jason Isbell and Caitlin Rose ever cross over? How is Sam Hunt kind of like country’s Drake? Why are fans new to country so into Kacey Musgraves? Chris Payne and two special guests — writers Caitlin White and Nick Murray — discuss where the genre’s at in 2015.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Silversun Pickups keyboardist Joe Lester and drummer Chris Guanlao stopped by Billboard for an interview with Chris Payne about their new album "Better Nature," starting their own label (New Machine Recordings), being interviewed by Nardwuar, recording with Jacknife Lee, and much more.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Candy Hearts frontwoman/social media maestro Mariel Loveland stopped by Billboard’s New York office for a chat with Chris Payne on the band's next album, Warped Tour, singing with Weezer at the APMAs, being friends with Paramore, malls in New Jersey, and much more.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Potty Mouth stops by the Billboard office just minutes after releasing "Cherry Picking," their first new song in two years. In an interview with Billboard's Chris Payne, they talk about shooting music videos, being a band in Massachusetts, self-releasing their music, and a lot more. They also prank call their friend, a definite first for the Alt In Our Stars podcast.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Billboard's Chris Payne interviews Speedy Ortiz (Sadie Dupuis, Devin McKnight, Darl Ferm, Mike Falcone) about their album "Foil Deer," wanting to meet Nicki Minaj, Justin Bieber, why MTV wants to censor their music video, Rap Genius, and more.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Vampire Weekend bassist Chris Baio discusses his debut LP “The Names.” Chatting with Billboard’s Chris Payne, Baio’s deadpan humor also touches on Vampire Weekend’s next album, living in London, getting lunch with randos, and why he loves wearing blazers.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In an interview with Billboard's Chris Payne, Robert DeLong discusses the sound of his new album "In the Cards" (out Sept. 18 via Glassnote), his upcoming tour with Bleachers and Charli XCX, and why drones are taking over the world.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Albert Hammond, Jr. is here for you. The Strokes guitarist is prepping an excellent new solo album (Momentary Masters, out July 31) and hopped on the Alt In Our Stars podcast ready to give advice. Topics included (but were not limited to) Snapchatting, scuba diving, men’s fashion, and how to get him to talk to talk to you on Twitter. For the record he now knows that being called “dad” is a good thing.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Old 97s frontman Rhett Miller is interviewed by Billboard’s Chris Payne about his new solo album “The Traveler.” He also shares stories about meeting Joan Jett and R.E.M., loving MLB’s Texas Rangers, collaborating with Bob Dylan, and why it was tough being on the same label with Third Eye Blind back in the 90s.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

What does it take for rock music to enter the mainstream discussion these days? Host Chris Payne discusses with fellow music journalists Jill Mapes and Maria Sherman, who also share their favorite songs and albums of 2015.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Dø’s Olivia Merilahti and Dan Levy are interviewed by Billboard’s Chris Payne about new 2015 album “Shake Shook Shaken,” as well as making music in France, playing Bonnaroo, and their music videos.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Meg Myers talks to Billboard’s Chris Payne about how she’s almost done with her debut album “Sorry” and what’s got her really excited about it. She also opened up about her childhood, musicians she admires, and L.A. hipsters versus New York hipsters.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.