This week’s Under Exposed feature is limited edition.
Not too long ago I had the pleasure of getting to know Toni Conrad (no relation), a fellow grown up emo kid with a passion for music and deep nostalgic connection to the temporal phenomenon that was the Myspace era. Toni and his friend Jonathan came up together in the heyday of scene culture, each with their own musical passion project. Toni played with letters to you(2008-2014), a primarily acoustic band which produced four acclaimed EP’s in their six year tenure. A Rose’s Diary (2006-2009) was Jonathan’s take on a similar acoustic style, created in partnership with his brother Tobias and producing six records in total. Then, as it does, life happened. The two grew up and grew apart, but never allowed themselves to lose touch entirely. Fast forward to 2024, as the beginnings of a scene revival were emerging, Toni and Jonathan found themselves sitting together, reminiscing about the past and listening to their nostalgic soundtrack. The pair found themselves feeling inspired, and decided to return to their musical roots once more to produce a split-EP representing their lifelong friendship and celebrating the culture that connected them. The resulting record “When Emo Meant Friendship on Myspace Era” is a delightful demonstration of the power and persistence of emo music. This one-time project is the product of every DIY musician’s dream; it’s honest, intentional, and tells a meaningful story.
Keep scrolling to find my lightning round interview with Toni of letters to you. Interested fans can find the EP on all their favorite streaming services. Don’t forget to save the Under Exposed playlist on Spotify to hear my favorites from the record, and the rest of the Under Exposed lineup!
Interview
Cameron Conrad sits down with Toni Conrad
If you had to credit one band or artist with being your biggest influence, who would it be?
When it comes to my guitar playing, definitely Fink. Also Emirsian and, of course, City And Colour. Otherwise, The Used is and remains my absolute favorite band of all time. And all the Myspace era stuff.
What’s your dream venue, the place that will feel like you’ve “made it” once you've played there?
We never performed live :-) We just recorded music. That's it.
If you could pick any band or artist, past or present, to tour with, who would it be?
Too many. The Used, Dashboard Confessional, Dustin Kensrue, Elliott Smith, Iron And Wine, Nick Drake, Jackson C. Frank, Attack In Black, Alexi Murdoch, Quentin Sauvé, Say Anything, Death Cab For Cutie, Jimmy Eat World, Iron and Wine, Murder By Death, Owen, Hayley Williams, Taking Back Sunday, William Fitzsimmons and of course A Rose´s Diary.
If you were a Disney character, who would you be?
One of the seven dwarfs.
What’s the craziest, cringiest thing you’ve done for the sake of your music?
In 2002, I tried out as a singer at an audition for a band called “The Rudes,” which was started by a friend of mine. I had to perform “Last Resort” by Papa Roach. I failed miserably. It was very unpleasant for me. However, my best friend Adrian, who is still my best friend today, got the job back then.
If we gave out high-school superlatives today, what would each of you win?
[Most likely to be] a teenager again.
Any new music or upcoming tours we should know about? Anything brewing behind the scenes you can give a hint about?
letters to you was an important part of my life for a while. I would miss that. But nothing will happen anymore. At most, it will be under a different name and with a different sound.