Interview: Saosin & Senses Fail

Saosin & Senses Fail Talk New Music, Touring & The Evolution of the Scene

Radio BurgerFuel sat down with Beau from Saosin and Buddy from Senses Fail to talk about their musical beginnings, the changing industry, and what’s next.

Let’s start at the beginning. Was music always the plan for you both?

Beau:

My mom loves telling this story about when I was six or seven, I had a broom and was pretending to play guitar with it. I told her I didn’t want to be a musician. I wanted to be a rock star. Which is funny, because now I feel the opposite. I just want to be a musician. But yeah, it’s been there as long as I can remember. I can’t picture doing anything else.

Buddy:

Once you get a taste of it, it’s hard to do anything else. I tried. I worked on the business side of music, managed bands, but it just didn’t stick. I picked up guitar in fifth grade after watching Woodstock '94. Seeing bands like Green Day and Nine Inch Nails was a turning point. I knew that’s what I wanted to do.

When did it go from passion to “this is what I’m doing”?

Buddy:

I was playing in garage bands at 15, and by 18 we were signed. I went all in. No college, no backup plan. Just full focus.

Beau:

Mine was a bit different. I was in a band touring early on, then got inspired by Jimmy Eat World and wanted to do something new. My parents were strict. They wanted me in college, but I was recording bands out of my garage and building it up slowly. Eventually I just committed fully.

Did your upbringing influence your creative path?

Buddy:

Both my parents were actors, so they were pretty open to me pursuing something creative. They didn’t push me either way. They just gave me the freedom to figure it out.

Beau:

I had a cousin who was the cool one. He was into metal, skating, wearing band tees. He showed me stuff like Metallica and it blew my mind. That was a huge influence.

What were those early days in the industry like?

Beau:

It felt like the Wild West. The internet was just becoming a thing. There was no GPS, we were printing directions from MapQuest and calling promoters from payphones. Total chaos.

Buddy:

And now we’ve lived through that shift. From physical music to streaming, from no internet to everything being online. That’s why current conversations around AI don’t feel as shocking. We’ve already seen a massive industry transformation.

Has that evolution changed how you approach music now?

Beau:

There’s definitely more pressure. Not musically, but around content. Social media, short-form video, all of that is part of the job now. But as long as you stay authentic, it’s manageable.

Buddy:

It’s harder now. When you’re young, you’re just creating. Now you’re balancing what you want with what fans expect. Nostalgia plays a huge role, and you can’t recreate how people felt hearing your old music for the first time. That’s the challenge.

Saosin has new music out. Why now?

Beau:

It just felt right. With Cove back in the band and everything clicking creatively, we started writing again and it naturally came together. We’re deep into a new record now and it’ll be out next year.

You’re touring New Zealand and Australia. How does it feel to be back?

Beau:

It’s amazing. New Zealand is so far from the US, so just being here is special. I’m excited, but also focused. I’ll probably be rehearsing right up until showtime.

Buddy:

I love touring internationally more as I get older. You actually take time to experience the place. Go to museums, explore. And playing shows on top of that is the best.

Why team up for this tour?

Beau:

We’ve been friends for years and share a lot of the same fans. It just made sense.

Do crowds differ around the world?

Beau:

One hundred percent. In Southeast Asia, we had crowds crying during ballads. It was intense.

Buddy:

Every country has its quirks. In Japan, crowds are super quiet between songs, which can throw you off. In the UK, they sing guitar riffs. In Australia, there is the whole shoey thing.

What’s next for both bands?

Beau:

We’ve got a full rollout planned. New music, tours, everything. We’re all in again as a full-time band.

Buddy:

We’ve got plans mapped out through 2027. New music coming soon, and we’re figuring out the best way to release it in today’s landscape.

Final question. Build your perfect burger

Beau:

Simple. Perfect bun, quality meat, cheese, maybe a sauce. That’s it.

Buddy:

Smash burger, buttered toasted bun, cheese, a bit of mustard. Done.

Quick Fire

Go-to car jam:

• Beau: “We Got The Moves” by Electric Callboy

• Buddy: Either Whitechapel to annoy the kids or Olivia Rodrigo to keep the peace

Dream collab:

• Beau: Cristiano Ronaldo, Keanu Reeves

• Buddy: Morrissey