March Forth with Mike Bauman

Episode 126: Hani Abadi

On this episode of March Forth with Mike Bauman, Mike chats with Hani Abadi!
Born in the former Yugoslavia, Hani is a Bay Area-based alternative singer-songwriter, musician, and longtime bassist of the metal band Bilocate. On 11/30/23, he dropped his debut solo album Tiamat, which takes listeners on an acoustic trip that covers topics such as death, love, loss, and the emotions that come with the human experience.
Alongside the musical release for Tiamat, Hani has also released numerous lyric videos and music videos on YouTube from the album. Among those are a claymation music video for the song "My Story," which tackles the journey of a broken heart, as well as an AI-driven music video for the song "Dementia." The latter is Hani's tribute to his late grandfather, who suffered from the disease.
In this conversation, Hani speaks with Mike about his early interest in metal music and Metallica, the satanic labels and forbidden nature that came with being in a metal band in the Middle East at that time, relocating to the Bay Area in the states not long before the COVID pandemic, tackling death and paying homage to his lost loved ones on Tiamat, using his music to process pain, and more.
This episode of March Forth with Mike Bauman also features the song "Take It Away" from Hani Abadi off his debut album Tiamat, available where you get your music!
Follow Hani on Instagram @haniabadimusic. To stay up-to-date with Hani, visit https://www.haniabadi.com/.
Follow Mike on Instagram @marchforthpod. To stay up-to-date on the podcast and learn more about Mike, visit https://linktr.ee/marchforthpod.
If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please visit https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists.
Thanks for listening! If ya dug the show, like it, share it, tell a friend, subscribe, and above all, keep the faith and be kind to one another.

Episode 125: Ryan Wayton of Tropic Bombs

On this episode of March Forth with Mike Bauman, Mike chats with Ryan Wayton of Tropic Bombs!
Hailing from Mike's hometown of Toledo, Ohio, Ryan (vocals, drums, producer) and Tropic Bombs stormed onto the Toledo music scene back in 2011. They quickly built a dedicated fan base with their high-energy live shows and fusion of rock, reggae, hip-hop, and even elements of metalcore vocals. Tropic Bombs released their debut LP Nuclear Honeymoon in 2012, EP Return to Bomber Bay in 2014, and several singles in the years since.
In this 2024 kickoff episode of the podcast, Ryan gives Mike an exclusive conversation to discuss Tropic Bombs' forthcoming new music and accompanying Kickstarter project entitled: "Escape From Bomber Bay: New Album Vinyl LP & Board Game!" Ryan talks with Mike about the project's influence of 80's action movies, Kurt Russell, retro gaming, board games, and the desire to create an exclusive package for fans that goes beyond the typical pre-orders with new music releases. 
This episode of March Forth with Mike Bauman also features the song "Reignite" from Tropic Bombs, available where you get your music!
To stay up-to-date on Tropic Bombs, visit https://www.tropicbombs.com/.
To participate in the "Escape From Bomber Bay: New Album Vinyl LP & Board Game!" Kickstarter, visit https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tropicbombs/escape-from-bomber-bay-new-album-vinyl-lp-and-board-game.
Follow Mike on Instagram @marchforthpod. To stay up-to-date on the podcast and learn more about Mike, visit https://linktr.ee/marchforthpod.
Thanks for listening! If ya dug the show, like it, share it, tell a friend, subscribe, and above all, keep the faith and be kind to one another. Happy New Year!

Episode 124: Zhaklina Spencer

On this episode of March Forth with Mike Bauman, Mike chats with Zhaklina Spencer!
Originally from New York, Zhaklina is an independent, alternative pop artist based in Nashville. With a strong faith as her driving force, she uses her music to encourage others to live from a place of knowing they are loved and inspire messages of mental well-being.
Mental health is a central focus for Zhaklina's purpose and message as an artist. In addition to contributing to mental health organizations like NoStigmas, To Write Love On Her Arms, and Project Semicolon, Zhaklina also founded Mental Health Songwriter Nights in Nashville. Established in March, 2022, Mental Health Songwriter Nights gives back to both mental health organizations and local artists. To date, that community has raised more than $3,405 for mental health.
In this conversation, Zhaklina speaks with Mike about being into music for as long as she can remember, her mental health journey and processing childhood trauma, her strong faith in God, her personal connection to mental health awareness and suicide prevention, the impetus for founding Mental Health Songwriter Nights in Nashville, and more.
This episode of March Forth with Mike Bauman features the song "You Can't Have My Mind" from Zhaklina, available where you get your music!
Follow Zhaklina on Instagram @iamzhaklina. Follow Mental Health Songwriter Nights on Instagram @mentalhealthsongwriternights. To get more info on Zhaklina's 12/30 show at The Cobra in Nashville and stay up-to-date with Mental Health Songwriter Nights events, visit https://www.zhaklina.com/.
Follow Mike on Instagram @marchforthpod. To stay up-to-date on the podcast and learn more about Mike, visit https://linktr.ee/marchforthpod.
If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please visit https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists.
Thanks for listening! If ya dug the show, like it, share it, tell a friend, subscribe, and above all, keep the faith and be kind to one another.

Episode 123: Ali Slater

On this episode of March Forth with Mike Bauman, Mike chats with Ali Slater!
Based in LA via NYC, Ali is a singer-songwriter who has been into music since she was a child. Following the deaths of a coworker and her high school music teacher Joe Carbone during the pandemic, Ali has kickstarted her music dreams in a big way.
On 4/8/22, Ali released her debut EP entitled LUS!D. Fueled by catchy, well-written anthems like "Over It" (featuring Jacky Vincent) and the title track, the five-track EP showed off Ali's melodic and songwriting abilities, putting her on the radar of pop-punk and emo fans.
On September 29th, Ali dropped her cover of Hilary Duff's "Come Clean" as part of Ghost Killer Entertainment's Pop Goes Hardcore Volume 2 compilation. The cover is the first of more covers to come from Ali, in addition to a new EP.
In this conversation, Ali speaks with Mike about what she's been up to since the last time they spoke, including playing her first show ever at the Whisky A Go Go on November 9th, her cover of "Come Clean" and its accompanying music video, her mental health journey, using her music and social platforms to shed more light on mental health to help lift the stigma that often comes with it, her forthcoming new music, and more.
This episode of March Forth with Mike Bauman also features Ali Slater's cover of "Come Clean" from Hilary Duff, available where you get your music!
Follow Ali on Instagram @alislaterofficial. To stay up-to-date with Ali, visit https://linktr.ee/alislater.
Follow Mike on Instagram @marchforthpod. To stay up-to-date on the podcast and learn more about Mike, visit https://linktr.ee/marchforthpod.
To help support the post-tornado rebuild of Hendersonville Barbers, please visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-hendersonville-barbers.
If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please visit https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists.
Thanks for listening! If ya dug the show, like it, share it, tell a friend, subscribe, and above all, keep the faith and be kind to one another.

Episode 122: The Mixtape Queens

On this episode of March Forth with Mike Bauman, Mike chats with Amanda and Elise of The Mixtape Queens!
The Mixtape Queens are a dynamic duo and power couple that works with artists all over the world. From graphic design, to album art, artist development, branding, networking, video production, photography, playlist placement, and more, The Mixtape Queens' goal is to spread the word and elevate the platforms of talented musicians and artists across the globe.
Additionally, Amanda and Elise have their own podcast entitled The Mixtape Queens Podcast, where they have in-depth conversations with up-and-coming artists, entrepreneurs, and entertainers, discussing not only their projects, but also their personal experiences, real life issues, advice, and more.
In this episode, The Mixtape Queens talk with Mike about their shared love of music, how The Mixtape Queens got started, meeting and working with Mya, building their brand, falling in love, their mutual support for each other, rising above the negativity, and more.
This episode of March Forth with Mike Bauman also features the single "Third Eye Open" from The Mixtape Queens, available where you get your music!
Follow The Mixtape Queens on Instagram @themixtapequeens. To stay up-to-date with The Mixtape Queens, visit their website at https://www.mixtapequeens.com/.
Follow Mike on Instagram @marchforthpod. To stay up-to-date on the podcast and learn more about Mike, visit https://linktr.ee/marchforthpod.
Thanks for listening! If ya dug the show, like it, share it, tell a friend, subscribe, and above all, keep the faith and be kind to one another.

Episode 121: King Shampz

On this episode of March Forth with Mike Bauman, Mike chats with King Shampz!
Hailing from West Philadelphia, King Shampz is a hip hop artist and CEO of Dead Wrong Records, a label which he started with his brother and producer Azzan.
Since dropping the LP Dawn of the Dead on the Dead Wrong Records imprint in December 2020, King Shampz has dropped numerous singles in preparation for his forthcoming record entitled Rise of Corleone. Those singles include "Like That," which just dropped on November 3rd, and "West Philly 187," which dropped on August 15th. The music video for "West Philly 187" has drummed up a lot of organic attention and anticipation from rap music fans.
In this episode, King Shampz talks with Mike about the success and meaning behind "West Philly 187," shooting the music video for it in West Philadelphia, the making of the Rise of Corleone, using his voice to shine a light on life in the Corleone neighborhood of Philadelphia, and more.
This episode of March Forth with Mike Bauman also features the aforementioned "Like That" from King Shampz, available where you get your music!
Follow King Shampz on Instagram @king_shampz. Watch the music video for "West Philly 187" here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vB23RpvnP9Q.
Follow Mike on Instagram @marchforthpod. To stay up-to-date on the podcast and learn more about Mike, visit https://linktr.ee/marchforthpod.
Thanks for listening! If ya dug the show, like it, share it, tell a friend, subscribe, and above all, keep the faith and be kind to one another.

Episode 120: The Static Wake

On this episode of March Forth with Mike Bauman, Mike chats with Radames Colon and JJ Jacobs of The Static Wake!
Hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, The Static Wake is a metalcore band that's building their fan base on the strength of solid releases and energetic live shows. Since the release of their EP One Last Breath in 2020, The Static Wake has continued to hone their craft and make their name in the modern metal and hard rock realm, playing shows with the likes of He Is Legend, Attila, Until I Wake, and Softspoken, among others.
On October 13th, The Static Wake released their album Sea of Fractured Dreams. The official visualizer for their single "Wraith" - the fourth song on the record - has already amassed more than 16,000 YouTube views.
On this addition of the podcast, Radames and JJ talk with Mike about how they got into metal music, the making of Sea of Fractured Dreams, working with the likes of Danny Cullman and Justin Deblieck, the long lineage of great Ohio bands, and more.
This episode of March Forth with Mike Bauman also features the song "Wraith" from The Static Wake, available where you get your music!
Follow The Static Wake on Instagram @thestaticwake. To stay up-to-date with The Static Wake, visit https://linktr.ee/thestaticwake. To get tickets to go see The Static Wake perform at the Night Rider album release show on 12/8 at The Roxy at Mahall's in Lakewood, Ohio, visit https://mahalls20lanes.com/event/night-rider/.
Follow Mike on Instagram @marchforthpod. To stay up-to-date on the podcast and learn more about Mike, visit https://linktr.ee/marchforthpod.
Thanks for listening! If ya dug the show, like it, share it, tell a friend, subscribe, and above all, keep the faith and be kind to one another.

Episode 119: Psycho Mantis & Split Image

On this episode of March Forth with Mike Bauman, Mike chats with Joey Marsh of Psycho Mantis and Josh Escobar of Split Image!
Both hailing from California, Split Image is a crossover hardcore band, while Psycho Mantis is a metal band. Each is part of a collective of California bands playing gigs together and supporting one another with energetic live shows. 
On September 27th, Split Image put out a split with Slingshot entitled Invaders From Uranus!, while Psycho Mantis dropped their latest EP entitled Cerebral Labyrinths on August 25th. 
On this addition of the podcast, Joey and Josh talk with Mike about the collective of California bands that they're a part of, the support each band shows each other, their new music releases, touring together, their friendship and respect for Dylan Baumgartner of Reelverse Productions, horror movies, the connection between Psycho Mantis and Metal Gear Solid, and more.
This episode of March Forth with Mike Bauman also features the songs "Sloth" from Split Image, and "Pavor Nocturnus" from Psycho Mantis, available where you get your music!
To stay up-to-date with Split Image and Psycho Mantis, follow them on Instagram @splitimageca and @psycho_mantis_metal. To stay up-to-date with Reelverse Productions, follow Reelverse on Instagram @reelverseproductions.
Follow Mike on Instagram @marchforthpod. To stay up-to-date on the podcast and learn more about Mike, visit https://linktr.ee/marchforthpod.
Thanks for listening! If ya dug the show, like it, share it, tell a friend, subscribe, and above all, keep the faith and be kind to one another.

Episode 118: Sean Fitzpatrick

On this episode of March Forth with Mike Bauman, Mike chats with Sean Fitzpatrick!
Based in Phoenix, Arizona, Sean is a musician and singer with Midwest roots who has been active in the rock and metal genres for nearly a decade. He currently plays bass in hard rock mainstays Otherwise, in addition to releasing his own solo music under Sean Fitz.
On October 6th, Sean just dropped his latest single entitled "HALO," an alternative rock anthem that's an earworm for pop punk and emo music fans. The single was mixed and co-written by Ricky Armellino of Ice Nine Kills, who Sean has been writing solo material with since 2020. 
In this episode, Sean speaks with Mike about how he got into heavy music, their shared Midwest roots, getting the opportunity to play gigs with the likes of the aforementioned Ice Nine Kills, Atreyu, Memphis May Fire, and Hellyeah in his former band Sleep Signals, writing music with Armellino and his friends in City Of The Weak, getting the opportunity with Otherwise, and more.
This episode of March Forth with Mike Bauman also features "HALO" from Sean Fitzpatrick, available where you get your music!
Follow Sean on Instagram @fakefitz. Follow Otherwise on Instagram @weareotherwise. To stay up-to-date with Sean, visit https://linktr.ee/seanfitz. To watch the music video for "HALO," visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=_7Z40G0zw0_yWJUE&v=TTv6FsFMWj4&feature=youtu.be. 
Follow Mike on Instagram @marchforthpod. To stay up-to-date on the podcast and learn more about Mike, visit https://linktr.ee/marchforthpod.
Thanks for listening! If ya dug the show, like it, share it, tell a friend, subscribe, and above all, keep the faith and be kind to one another.

Episode 117: Forever May Fall

On this episode of March Forth with Mike Bauman, Mike chats with Forever May Fall!
Hailing from Charlotte, North Carolina, Forever May Fall is a four-piece rock band that's on the rise. Founded in 2017 by vocalist and songwriter Jillyan "Fox" Brennan, Forever May Fall is rounded out by Colt Crevar (guitar), Patrick "Sweez" Swesey (bass), and Adam "Crabby" Crabtree (drums).
After releasing their self-titled, debut LP in 2019, Forever May Fall had their momentum halted from the COVID-19 pandemic and a lineup change. Since that time, the band has honed their craft and polished their sound with the new lineup. 
With influences that include the likes of Evanescence, Bad Omens, Halestorm, Underoath, and Spiritbox, Forever May Fall has put their songwriting and musical chops on full display since the pandemic. Their 2022 single "Aftermath" has garnered over 221,000 streams on Spotify alone, while the music video for their latest single "Who You Are" has over 35,000 YouTube views since its August 2023 release.
Having worked with producers like Joshua Landry (Motionless in White, LØ Spirit, Funeral Portrait), Kile Odell, (Fozzy, Motionless in White, Nita Strauss) and Wes Lauterbach (Lowborn), Forever May Fall is just scratching the surface of their potential in the modern rock charts. That potential has even been recognized locally in Charlotte by the Queen City Nerve, who listed the band in the "Best Potential Breakout Artist" category for their "Best in the Nest 2023" nominations.
In this episode, Jill, Colt, Patrick, and Adam talk with Mike about how they got into rock music, the thought and creativity they put into their releases, the meaning behind both the music video symbolism and lyrics of their latest single "Who You Are," persevering through negativity, and more.
This episode of March Forth with Mike Bauman also features "Who You Are" from Forever May Fall, available where you get your music!
Follow Forever May Fall on Instagram @forevermayfall. To stay up-to-date with the band, visit https://forevermayfall.com/. To vote for Forever May Fall in the Queen City Nerve "Best in the Nest 2023" nominations, visit https://qcnerve.com/best-in-the-nest-2023-final-voting-round/.
Follow Mike on Instagram @marchforthpod. To stay up-to-date on the podcast and learn more about Mike, visit https://linktr.ee/marchforthpod.
Thanks for listening! If ya dug the show, like it, share it, tell a friend, subscribe, and above all, keep the faith and be kind to one another.