#197 - SPY (Peter Pawlak

In this episode, Steve returns to the mic for an electrifying interview with Peter Pawlak, frontman of the relentless California hardcore outfit SPY. With their latest EP Seen Enough released in February and a non-stop touring schedule that's taken them from the U.S. with Superheaven to stages across Europe, SPY is proving that hardcore can break barriers and cross genres.

Peter talks candidly about what it's like to front one of the most talked-about bands in the underground scene today. Growing up in California—a state with a deep-rooted punk and hardcore legacy—shaped his musical identity. From cutting his teeth at local shows to leading a band that's gaining global recognition, Peter shares how those formative years forged his artistic path.

We dive deep into Seen Enough, a record built with intent. From raw, honest lyricism that touches on personal and societal unrest, to a live-style recording process that captures the band's unmatched energy, Peter breaks down how this EP came together—and why it feels like SPY's most locked-in project to date.

Drawing influence from bands like Ceremony, Bad Brains, and Dead Kennedys, SPY doesn't mimic their sound, but they carry forward their fearless ideologies. Peter speaks to the importance of political and emotional honesty in songwriting, and how staying real with listeners is the ultimate accomplishment.

Whether you're a diehard fan of hardcore or just discovering SPY, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at a band that's pushing boundaries, refusing to be boxed in by genre, and staying true to their roots.