ABRAMS: Zach Amster on why mixed bills work better for the audience

"It’s nice to have some variety... I think that just helps keep the audience interested." In this clip from The Sonic Road, Zach Amster of the Denver band Abrams talks about the philosophy behind their live shows. Rather than sticking to lineups where every band has the same sound, Zach explains why he prefers a mixed bill. For a band like Abrams—who pull from a lot of different corners like post-hardcore and 90s rock—having that variety on stage keeps the energy in the room from getting stale. We also talk about their relationship with Blues Funeral Recordings. Zach shares his thoughts on the label’s diverse roster and why it’s a good fit for a band that doesn’t always fit into a single box. Their new record Loon is out now (released April 17, 2026), and it’s a great example of that "different" energy they bring to the heavy scene. Loon is available at bluesfuneral.com Follow The Sonic Road Podcast on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook & X: @thesonicroad Subscribe on Youtube, Spotify & Apple Podcasts: https://linktr.ee/thesonicroad