

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.

In the most recent episode on the show, Jepha Howard of The Used joins Teaser Talk to discuss the band’s 25-year journey, Sydney Opera House performance, touring, and new music. Watch interviews, highlights, and updates here.
In 2021, Jepha joined 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.
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.
In his latest appearance onTeaser Talk, Jepha Howard dives into:
What success looks like for The Used after 25 years
The band’s upcomingSydney Opera House performance with a full orchestra and choir
Touring highlights includingEmo's Not Dead Cruise
Sharing a stage withMy Chemical Romance
How The Used continues to evolve creatively
A teaser aboutnew music currently in the works
👉 Read the full episode breakdown
The Used are preparing for one of the biggest performances of their career at the Sydney Opera House
The band continues to evolve creatively without repeating past records
Their longevity comes from strong friendships and trust within the band
New music is currently being written, with early ideas already in progress
“This is the most incredible thing we’ve ever done as The Used.”
Jepha Howard is best known as the bassist forThe Used, one of the most influential bands to emerge from the early 2000s emo and alternative rock scene.
Formed in Utah, The Used quickly gained recognition for their raw emotion, genre-blending sound, and high-energy performances. Over the years, the band has built a dedicated global fanbase and continues to evolve musically while staying true to their roots.
Now over 25 years into their career, The Used remain a powerful presence in rock and alternative music, consistently touring, releasing new material, and pushing creative boundaries.
The Used helped define a generation of music that still resonates today.
From early Warped Tour days to international headline tours, their journey reflects both growth and consistency. The band has never relied on repeating the same formula, instead choosing to evolve with each release and live performance.
Their upcoming orchestral performance at the Sydney Opera House represents a new chapter - blending their catalog with a full symphony and choir for a completely reimagined experience.
Fans of the early emo era will recognize the long-standing connection betweenThe UsedandMy Chemical Romance.
What once felt like fan-driven rivalry has evolved into mutual respect, with the bands now sharing stages and moments that feel like full-circle experiences for longtime listeners.
During the latest Teaser Talk interview, Jepha confirmed:
👉 The Used are actively working on new music
20–30 ideas already in progress
Early writing phase underway
Potential release timeline in the near future
Fans can expect more updates as the band moves further into the creative process.
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 is an internationally charted rock podcast featuring candid interviews with rock, metal, and alternative artists. Hosted by Hollie Nicole, the show connects fans with the stories, music, and culture behind today’s artists.
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