The Struggle Is Real Buffalo Music Podcast

Being a musician is crazy. We interview local Buffalo, NY artists and get their craziest, funniest and most insane stories from the local music scene.

This podcast is nothing like that you have ever listened to. Each episode starts with a compelling intro from Ryan about what makes him tick in the local music scene or occasionally what is going well. He is accompanied by two co-hosts, Luis and Cassidy. Luis brings comedic relief with sound effects and witty banter. Cassidy interviews adjacent Ryan and Luis to bring forward interesting points and

thoughtful insights. Songs by local artists are played intermittently throughout the show. Towards the end of the show, games are played that include music facts and satirical humor which makes this show so unique. A prize is in store if you win the game and also that pain you get in your stomach from laughing too hard. Be sure to tune in, with new episodes every 1st and 15th of each month! Ryan Gurnett is the host of “The Struggle is Real Buffalo Music Podcast,” and “Side Quests During the Apocalypse.” He also is the owner of Struggling Productions, which has helped relaunch WNYMusic.com that he owns as well. His website is known for the largest list of local bands, with a total of 550+! His production company focuses on booking venues in the WNY area along with securing bands and artists to perform too. He received his B.S. in Music Industry from The College of Saint Rose. He is a curator of local music and an advocate for exposure of local talent. Cassidy Dwan is a co-host and WNY native, shaped by an awe of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Ani Difranco, and (@ least in rocking Buffalo spirit) The “Goos.” Some of Cassidy’s most memorable local music experiences came from years volunteering with Music is Art and The Buffalo Infringement Festival. Cassidy interned with Hallwalls, Righteous Babe Records, has orchestrated touring and promotion material as well as thrown a bunch of “wicked cool concerts”. She brings initiative to the podcast with thoughtful and thorough interview techniques along with her years of experience in the music industry. As a mother of two, this allows her to explore music through a new lens. John Galbo is an audio engineer and multi-instrumentalist who serves "The Struggle Is Real Buffalo Music Podcast" as an audio editor. He received his associate in science for audio engineering at Finger Lakes Community College and has a solo electronic alternative music project called "nuspeak." Check them out on this website! (www.nuspeakmusic.com)

31/01/2024

Who of my musician friends has XBox GamePass? There's currently a rhythm game on it called Headbangers: Rhythm Royale and I'd love to get a bunch of local musicians in a group to play it and see who truly has the best rhythm. Who is in?

24/10/2023

Just a reminder to everyone: I'm disabled. I shouldn't be working. I have been tapped out of both mental and physical energy for a few years now. I do what I do because a) I can't do nothing and I want to do something positive and b) I have to pay the bills. I've been waiting on disability for 10 1/2 years now.

If you're not prepared to work with someone who can't always get everything done, has memory problems, and has to deal with a bevy of other issues, please don't.

As a disabled person, the amount of s**t that is talked about my shortcomings is truly disturbing. If you want perfection, I'm not it. What I am is hardworking, loyal, and I make every effort to make myself easy to work with because I'm of my shortcomings. And if you have a problem with me, maybe you should address it with me instead of complaining to other people who can't do anything about it.

Thanks for coming to my RYAN Talk.

14/07/2023

I just want to let you know that Cassidy and I have not gone anywhere. We have decided to take a hiatus until the end of the year and we plan on having more episodes in January. We are currently both in the happy process of adding new family members (in different ways).

Trump’s 40-Minute Blab Fest with Tucker Carlson, Pence Saves Women’s Rights & Santos is Jewish!

13/04/2023

Sorry for the hiatus, friends, but we'll be back in just a few weeks.

In the meantime, enjoy this video from last night's Jimmy Kimmel Live. I hate Metallica, but watching the band try to actually master puppets is pretty hilarious.

Trump’s 40-Minute Blab Fest with Tucker Carlson, Pence Saves Women’s Rights & Santos is Jewish! According to the CDC cases of sexually transmitted disease are on the rise, Donald Trump sat down with Tucker Carlson last night for a forty-minute blab fest...

02/03/2023

New idea for a YouTube video, we get CHVRCHES and Alvvays together for a game of Chorvs and then we watch The VVitch.

Thoughts?

10/01/2023

Seriously. I've seen so many tepid, awful openers for national acts. Let's let local artists get the exposure they deserve.

Preach 🗣🤘

28/12/2022

The Struggle is Real Buffalo Music Podcast – Episode #100 with Brandon Delmont – WNYMusic.com

22/12/2022

EPISODE #100 (!!!) IS LIVE!

On Episode #100 of The Struggle Is Real Buffalo Music Podcast, Ryan and Cassidy are joined by scene veteran Brandon Delmont (from Girlpope, The Stay Lows, A House Safe For Tigers, PastMasters: Celebrating the Music of The Beatles, and more!). We talk about Brandon’s lifetime in the Buffalo music scene, his many projects, working as a buyer for Record Theatre, and play music from his bands Girlpope and A House Safe For Tigers, as well as local hip-hop artist Son Scotty. We also discuss a shooting near Nietzsche's, WNYMusic.com Meeting Its Fundraising Goals, Art247, Corey Feldman, Ryan joining Bad Ronald, Ryan tries not to alienate our sponsors, and we play a game of “Girl or Pope”.

The Struggle is Real Buffalo Music Podcast – Episode #100 with Brandon Delmont – WNYMusic.com New Podcast Episode Podcast Episode The Struggle is Real Buffalo Music Podcast – Episode #100 with Brandon Delmont December 22, 2022December 22, 2022 Ryan Gurnett On Episode #100 of The Struggle is Real Buffalo Music Podcast, Ryan and Cassidy are joined by scene veteran Brandon Delmont (from Gi...

The Struggle is Real Buffalo Music Podcast – Episode #99, Part 2 with Goodbye Metro and Sasha McCoy and the Spoons – WNYMusic.com

21/12/2022

EPISODE #99 (Part 2) is LIVE!

On Part 2 of Episode 99 of the 5-Year Anniversary of The Struggle is Real Buffalo Music Podcast, Ryan and Cassidy are joined by special guests Sasha McCoy & The Spoons and Goodbye Metro. Both guests talk about what’s coming up in the future of their bands and perform live for a crowd at Milkie's. Ryan and Cassidy also talk about Me First and the Gimme Gimmes at Town Ballroom and Ryan seeing his first living Ramone. They also play a bunch of fun games with the crowd, including “1-Star Yelp Reviews of Local Venues”, “Over & Out Lyric or Emily Dickinson Poem”, “Married or Larry’d”, and more!

The Struggle is Real Buffalo Music Podcast – Episode #99, Part 2 with Goodbye Metro and Sasha McCoy and the Spoons – WNYMusic.com New Podcast Episode Podcast Episode The Struggle is Real Buffalo Music Podcast – Episode #99, Part 2 with Goodbye Metro and Sasha McCoy and the Spoons December 21, 2022December 21, 2022 Ryan Gurnett On Part 2 of Episode 99 of the 5-Year Anniversary of The Struggle is Real Buffalo Music Podcast,...

The Struggle is Real Buffalo Music Podcast – Episode #99, Part 1, LIVE with My Rap Name is Alex and Lonestar Sailing – WNYMusic.com

07/12/2022

EPISODE #99 (Part 1) is LIVE!

For Episode #99 (Part #1) of The Struggle Is Real Buffalo Music Podcast, LIVE from Milkie's, Ryan and Cassidy Dwan are joined by My Rap Name Is Alex, Lonestar Sailing, a live audience, and the most obnoxious podcast heckler ever. We talk with My Rap Name is Alex about his start, from beat poet to rapper, his work with The Bloodthirsty Vegans, working with Loopy Pro, the problem with our local government, and more. Then, they talk with Lonestar Sailing about their newest album Sad Bones, their time working together, and how they define their sound. We also play a handful of games, including “Canadian, Asian, or Tax Evasion” and “Anthony Keidis Lyric or Literal Gibberish” and have live performances by both guests!

The Struggle is Real Buffalo Music Podcast – Episode #99, Part 1, LIVE with My Rap Name is Alex and Lonestar Sailing – WNYMusic.com New Podcast Episode Podcast Episode The Struggle is Real Buffalo Music Podcast – Episode #99, Part 1, LIVE with My Rap Name is Alex and Lonestar Sailing November 30, 2022November 29, 2022 Ryan Gurnett For Episode #99 (Part #1) of The Struggle is Real Buffalo Music Podcast, LIVE from Milkie’s ...

The Struggle is Real Buffalo Music Podcast – Episode #98 at the West Falls Center for the Arts – WNYMusic.com

05/12/2022

EPISODE #98 IS LIVE!

On episode #98 of The Struggle is Real Buffalo Music Podcast, Ryan and Cassidy are joined by Carolyn and Bill Panzica from West Falls Center for the Arts. They discuss the Center’s mission and diverse events, The Musical Memory Cafe, Kids Jam, and much more. They also talk about the Borderland Music + Arts Festival, Ryan finally getting to Sportsmens Tavern, and their newest sponsor, Buffalo Iron Works. They also play music from Urge Surfer, Real Movement, and Daze Ago and play a game of The Weird Things Musicians Have Sold for Charity.

The Struggle is Real Buffalo Music Podcast – Episode #98 at the West Falls Center for the Arts – WNYMusic.com New Podcast Episode Podcast Episode The Struggle is Real Buffalo Music Podcast – Episode #98 at the West Falls Center for the Arts November 29, 2022November 29, 2022 Ryan Gurnett On episode #98 of The Struggle is Real Buffalo Music Podcast, Ryan and Cassidy are joined by Carolyn and Bill Panzic...

Jay Aquarious - Dream Reality (Live at The Mohawk Place) (2022)

22/11/2022

Shout out to friend of the podcast Jay Aquarious! This looks like a really freaking awesome great time

Jay Aquarious - Dream Reality (Live at The Mohawk Place) (2022) Jay Aquarious performing live at The Glam Vamps Celebration of Local Indie Music located at The Mohawk Place. A piece of the video can also be seen in Jay Aq...

22/11/2022

🙌🏻

It's true 🖤

The Struggle is Real Buffalo Music Podcast – Episode #97 with Gimme Gimme – WNYMusic.com

17/10/2022

Episode #97 is LIVE!

On Episode #97 of The Struggle is Real Buffalo Music Podcast, Ryan and Cassidy are joined by Nick, Frank, and Mike from Gimme Gimme, a Buffalo-based Me First and the Gimme Gimmes tribute band. They talk to them about who picks the bands’ outfits, a literal s**tstorm, words of wisdom from Eddie Van Halen, and other funny stories from their long tenures in the Buffalo Music Scene. They discuss the 2022 Music Is Art Festival, 2022 Buffalo Infringement Festival, Ryan almost getting evicted, and more! They also play a game of Real / Not Real: Buffalo Infringement Festival 2022 Edition and play music from Marina Laurendi, Spud, and west ferry.

The Struggle is Real Buffalo Music Podcast – Episode #97 with Gimme Gimme – WNYMusic.com New Podcast Episode Podcast Episode The Struggle is Real Buffalo Music Podcast – Episode #97 with Gimme Gimme October 17, 2022October 17, 2022 Ryan Gurnett On Episode #97 of The Struggle is Real Buffalo Music Podcast, Ryan and Cassidy are joined by Nick, Frank, and Mike from Gimme Gimme, a Buff...

14/10/2022

The Struggle Is Real Episiode #97 (with Gimme Gimme) On Episode #97 of The Struggle is Real Buffalo Music Podcast, Ryan and Cassidy are joined by members of Buffalo's Me First and the Gimme Gimmes tribute band ...

The Struggle is Real Buffalo Music Podcast Games Supercut!

26/09/2022

We love playing games on The Struggle is Real. Check out this great supercut of some recent games made by Struggling Productions intern Alex Giles.

Featuring: 45 Gov't, Grosh, Neetchy, Jay Aquarious, and more!

The Struggle is Real Buffalo Music Podcast Games Supercut! At the Struggle is Real Buffalo Music Podcast, we love playing games with our guests. Check out this great supercut of from our last year's worth of episodes...

Claim ownership or report listing

Exploring the weird, true and utterly insane stories of what happens on the Buffalo music scene

What we do

Join us on our podcast every two weeks as discuss the trials and tribulations of being a musician, interview local musicians, play fun games and play some local music.