This week, we're joined by Meredith Haines from the Chicago noise-rock duo Latter for a new episode of "Make Me a Fan." Meredith explains why the experimental post-hardcore band Pile is "your favorite band's favorite band" and how their music completely reshaped her approach to songwriting. Can she convert our host into a true believer?

Topics Discussed:

• How Pile's unconventional music inspired a generation of DIY artists.
• A deep dive into five essential Pile tracks, including "Baby Boy" from their breakthrough album Dripping and "Fingers" from A Hairshirt of Purpose.
• Meredith's journey from listening to "Hot Topic emo" to embracing experimental and noise rock.
• The host's first-time reaction to Pile's theatrical lyrics and "relentless wave of riffs."
• An unexpected debate on the lyrical genius (or lack thereof) of My Chemical Romance.
• News and updates on Meredith's band Latter and their upcoming music and tours.

This week on Emo Social Club, we caught up with Pete and Luke from Anamanaguchi. They share all about their exciting new album "Anyway," dropping August 8th, and the big leap into integrating vocals after 20 years as an instrumental band. Get ready for some wild stories, including their deep dive into what they're calling "Batman Rock" and their iconic work with the world of Scott Pilgrim vs. The World.

This week, the Emo Social Club charts the complete journey of Fil Thorpe. From his departure from pop-punk giants Neck Deep to forging a new cinematic sound with World's First Cinema, Fil discusses his past, present, and future in music. He shares insights on starting over, the creative process behind the new album "Something of Wonder," and his vision for what's to come.

Topics Discussed:

• The decision to leave Neck Deep at the end of their third album cycle to move into production.
• The evolution of World's First Cinema from a film/TV sync project to a full-fledged band.
• The creative philosophy behind the debut album "Something of Wonder" and the goal of encapsulating the band's diverse, genre-blending sound.
• Reflections on the Warped Tour legacy and the "emo nostalgia" trend in the current music scene.
• The challenges and benefits of shifting from a large band to a two-person creative team.
• The story behind the single "Broken" and the decision to feature rapper JD Cliffe.
• Fil's vision for the future: creating authentic music that excites him personally rather than chasing viral trends.

Thumbnail image from 1883 Magazine. Credit: @AnnaLeeMedia