Teaser Talk features exclusive interviews with rock, metal, and alternative artists from across the music scene. Hosted by Hollie Nicole, each episode offers candid conversations with musicians discussing their music, touring experiences, and stories from the road. Browse the full archive of Teaser Talk episodes to explore interviews with artists shaping today’s rock and alternative music culture.

Jepha Howard of The Used joins Teaser Talk for a wide-ranging conversation about the realities of being in a long-running band. In this interview, he reflects on navigating ego, handling conflict, and why trust and honesty matter when a band has been together for decades.
He also talks about Heartwork, releasing music during the pandemic, working with guest collaborators, staying true to The Used's identity, and what fans could expect next. The episode wraps with a fun game in classic Teaser Talk style.
Jepha Howard is a member of The Used, the long-running band known for blending post-hardcore, screamo, and emo influences. In this conversation, he speaks from the perspective of someone who has been with the band since its early days and has helped shape its sound over more than two decades.
Throughout the interview, Jepha comes across as thoughtful, funny, and direct about both the creative and personal sides of band life. He discusses recording, touring, collaboration, and the value of keeping the experience enjoyable both onstage and behind the scenes.
This Teaser Talk interview gives fans a closer look at how Jepha Howard sees The Used from the inside. He talks openly about how bands survive conflict, how The Used has held onto its identity over the years, and what it was like releasing Heartwork during an uncertain period.
Fans also get insight into the band's creative process, including collaborations on the record, unreleased material connected to Heartwork, and the way Jepha has been connecting with fans through Twitch. It is a conversation that mixes real perspective with lighter moments and personality.
Releasing Heartwork during the pandemic
Working with collaborators on the album
Managing ego and conflict in bands
Staying true to The Used's sound
Touring plans, new songs, and Twitch streams
One of the strongest themes in the interview is Jepha's view of band conflict. He does not pretend disagreements do not happen. Instead, he frames them as part of growing together, as long as people are willing to understand where problems come from.
He also gives a clear explanation for why The Used still sounds like The Used. In his view, Bert McCracken's distinct voice is a major part of that identity, while the band's mixed influences have always been part of the formula.
Another standout point is how much enjoyment still matters to the band. Jepha describes a live show environment built on humor, trust, and connection, both within the band and with the crew around them.
"We're brothers ultimately." - Jepha Howard
"You fight your battles in order to grow stronger together." - Jepha Howard
"We really enjoy being around each other as a band." - Jepha Howard
Jepha Howard offers an honest look at what keeps The Used moving forward after more than 20 years. From band chemistry and creative identity to Heartwork and fan connection, this interview captures both the serious and fun sides of the band's world.
He talks about Heartwork, band dynamics, ego in bands, staying true to The Used's sound, touring uncertainty, collaborations, and connecting with fans through Twitch.
He said disagreements are part of growing together and that bands can get stronger when they understand the root of those problems instead of letting them break everything apart.
He points to Bert McCracken's distinct voice as a major reason, along with the band's wide range of influences and the way their music tastes merge together.
Yes. He said the band had more than 10 songs connected to Heartwork that had not been released yet, including an acoustic version of "The Lighthouse."
He talks about streaming on Twitch, where he hangs out with fans, plays games, chats, and tries to create a comfortable and fun space.
Looking for more conversations with rock and metal artists? Explore more Teaser Talk interviews for firsthand stories about songwriting, touring, band life, and what happens behind the scenes.
Teaser Talk features interviews with rock, metal, and alternative artists from across the music scene. Browse our growing directory of artist interviews to explore conversations with musicians discussing their music, touring experiences, and stories from the road.