What makes a music scene worth being part of?
Nish of Chicago emo band tenmonthsummer joins OurSpace with Matt Vettese to talk about the band's latest EP midwestern haikus, what's next for their first full-length album, and why the DIY community is so much more than a collection of bands playing local shows.
After releasing two EPs in 2026, tenmonthsummer has been keeping busy. Nish shares the story behind those releases, what the band has learned after three years together, and why their upcoming album will be their next big focus.
We also dig into the inspiration behind “listening to kerosene heights makes me want to be a better person,” why The Wonder Years have been such an influence on Nish, and the importance of giving other bands their flowers while they're still around.
From there, things get into a much bigger conversation about emo and the scene surrounding it.
Is emo becoming an older genre, or is a new generation keeping it alive? How can the scene become more welcoming and representative? And what does being DIY actually mean when bands are dealing with real expenses, touring, social media, and trying to build a sustainable music career?
Nish offers some thoughtful perspectives on Chicago's DIY community, the people working behind the scenes, creating safer spaces at shows, and how supporting independent music can mean something as simple as telling a friend about a band you love.
We also get into whether a band can be Midwest emo without actually being from the Midwest, why everyone seems obsessed with inventing new emo subgenres, and whether the best emo music really does come from places with miserable winters.
Plus, Nish shares why musicians need to be the biggest fans of their own bands and recommends a few underrated artists from Chicago.
midwestern haikus and your name is my ocean by tenmonthsummer are available now.
Find the band: https://linktr.ee/tenmonthsummer
OurSpace with Matt Vettese is now powered by elderemo.com — shop emo and pop punk apparel for yourself, your kids, and even your pets. Use code OURSPACE for 15% off your next order. https://elderemo.com/OURSPACE.
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