Ep. 279: Jason Vena discusses Acceptance’s “Take Cover”

Chris DeMakes A Podcast

Chris DeMakes

Music History, Music Commentary, Music, Music Interviews

4.9 • 923 Ratings

🗓️ 13 October 2025

⏱️ 58 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Former MTV VJ and A&R rep Matt Pinfield signed Acceptance to Columbia Records after hearing a demo the band recorded with producer Aaron Sprinkle, paving the way for their 2005 debut album Phantoms. On this episode, vocalist Jason Vena sits in to discuss the writing and recording of its opening track “Take Cover,” sharing how the song took shape lyrically and musically while reflecting on the energy of that pivotal time in the band’s career. Nearly twenty years later, “Take Cover” continues to resonate with fans who connected with its honesty and urgency. Tune in to hear the story behind a song that has truly stood the test of time. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at ⁠http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at ⁠http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/⁠ Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	Hey, hey, have you heard?
0:02.0	I'm going back to Las Vegas and the Punk Rock Museum to give guided tours.
0:06.0	This happens to coincide with the When We Were Young Festival.
0:09.0	I'll be there over the course of four days, October 16th, 17th, 18th, and 19th.
0:15.0	Two tours a day, one at 1.30 p.m. and 1 at 4.30 p.m.
0:19.0	These tours will sell out. Space is limited, so grab your
0:23.3	tickets now at the punkrockmuseum.com. I got stories for days, and I can't wait to share them with you.
0:30.1	So don't miss your chance to walk the halls of the museum and share punk rock memories with me.
0:35.4	Head over to the punkrockmuseum.com and get your tickets now.
0:38.8	See you soon.
0:40.4	This episode is brought to you by Distro Kid.
0:48.1	Hey gang, today's guest is Jason Vina, lead vocalist for the Seattle Washington rock band, Acceptance. Together we break
0:56.2	down the writing, recording, and inspiration behind the fan favorite single, take cover, taken from their
1:02.1	2005 debut full-length album, Phantoms. I truly feel that acceptance as a band, and this song in
1:09.1	particular, were way ahead of their time.
1:11.7	This arrangement isn't necessarily complex, but the dynamics within the song are.
1:16.8	There's more twists and turns in the verses, free choruses, and choruses to keep you engaged.
1:21.6	And combined with these super relatable lyrics and melodies, all together adds up to a home run.
1:27.5	We've talked about producer Aaron Spr Sprinkle before here on the show.
1:30.8	This was one of Aaron's earlier productions, and it's easy to see why he's such an in-demand
1:35.5	producer some 20 years later.
1:37.8	Oh, and make sure to check out the reimagined version of the Phantom's album, titled
	...

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