KILL VERONA’s Chef Wes Lieberher Chops It Up About New “HUSH” Music Video & The Shipwreck EP

KILL VERONA pictured on the set of their “HUSH” music video shoot (CREDIT: Sirius Cinema, @siriuscinema)

Chef Wes Lieberher’s Instagram Bio describes him as "am “Executive Chef & Consultant, Menu Designer, Restaurant Brand Creator, and Vocals for @killveronamusic” accompanied by a display of clever Emojis that I will not even attempt to include here. Although, Lieberher could also be described as the 2024 Association for Healthcare Foodservice (A.H.F.) National Culinary Champion, THE BAD REVIEW REVIEW host, restaurant owner highlighted on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, proud father of rising talented young actor Jaeden Martell, and artist otherwise known as @art_breakers AKA Wes Lieberher Creative. Throughout their storied career, KILL VERONA has shared stages with iconic bands such as Brand New, Coheed & Cambria, Glassjaw, Good Charlotte, The Movielife, RIVAL SCHOOLS, Samiam, The Starting Line, Taking Back Sunday, Thursday, and The Wonder Years. KILL VERONA is set to break their silence once more in this June with the release of their new EP, The Shipwreck. It’s their first proper release in some eight years and features “HUSH” and “TIME IS GONE” and is said to encompass “the true sound of KILL VERONA that was developed through our 25 years of existence,” according to Lieberher.

Today sees the wide release of one-half of The Shipwreck EP with the digital single and music video release of “HUSH” directed, shot, and edited by Sirius Cinema with the song also, being produced by by long-time KILL VERONA supporter Nik Bruzzese (Man Overboard.) KILL VERONA’s The Shipwreck EP will see a wide physical and digital release on June 13, 2025 with limited edition vinyl available directly from the band’s Big Cartel page through a partnership with Six Feet Under Records. I’ve recently struck up a friendship with Chef Wes Lieberher and we’ve been emailing and texting back-and-forth for months about KILL VERONA/Little League past, present, and future; all the while, collectively brainstorming what we may be able to cook up for coverage when the then-firmly cloched “HUSH” video was released… and now, I’m proud to present to you The Witzard’s plentiful 15-course interview with Chef Wes Lieberher. Chef Wes & I talked about everything from Little League’s earliest aughts on the Warped Tour to reuniting now, for new music 25 years later complete with exclusive photos provided by Lieberher. It was a true pleasure to get to know Chef Wes and execute this collectively for all of you long-time—and some much newer—K.V./L.L. fans, like myself. Our interview below was conducted via email in recent weeks and has been lightly edited for general clarity.

I. Who are the current members of KILL VERONA and what is each member's role within the band?

Chef Wes Lieberher: Wes Lieberher – vocals
Paul Butterly – guitar
Jon Hunt – guitar/vocals
Rafael [“Raf”] Henin – bass
Chris Margarite – drums

II. When did KILL VERONA initially start up (first, as Little League), break up/part ways, and more recently, re-form back into existence?

Lieberher: KILL VERONA originally came together as Little League in late 1999. After graduating high school, I started a band called Akira with one of my best friends and a couple of guys—one of whom would become the original bass player of Little League. Akira was an early Screamo band; somewhere [in-between] Mineral, Hot Water Music, and BoySetsFire. It was never meant to be long-term, so my bassist and I were already planning our next band.

We came up with the idea of starting a Pop-punk band called “Little League” as a joke—we were going to wear baseball uniforms on stage. I even sketched us out in uniforms jumping in front of the band name; I still have that drawing in an old sketchbook. When it came time to actually start the band, we still loved the name, but didn’t lean into the baseball gimmick too hard. We met Paul Butterly and asked him to join us, along with our original drummer, Jesse Clark. So, Little League was born and we started writing songs in my basement at 2934 Poplar Street in Fairmount Park, [Pennsylvania.] The place was awful—the dog in the house used to p*ss through the floor onto our gear—but it was the only space we had.

Archival Photo #1: Little League uniforms/band name sketch (SOURCE: Chef Wes Lieberher)

Our first show was with [The] Bad Luck 13 [Riot Extravaganza] in Wilkes-Barre, [Pennsylvania]. We opened, they borrowed our drum kit, chaos broke out, and someone ended up getting hit with a fire extinguisher. The cops were called. Pretty great first show, if you ask us. We dove into writing and playing as many shows as possible and, eventually, signed with Too Damn Hype Records to record our first full-length, Through Our Ears, Through Our Hearts [2001]. We later added Rafael [Henin] on bass after meeting him while bike-messengering in Philly—what all of us were doing to make a living while chasing the music.

Over the next few years, we built a strong following in the Tri-state Area. While bands that used to open for us started signing to major [labels], we always seemed to rub the industry the wrong way. We didn’t want to be too Poppy—we just stayed true to ourselves and our explosive live shows. Honestly, I think we were too tough and stubborn for our own good. We almost got kicked off [of the] Warped Tour after the Philly date because our fans—at our encouragement—tore the stage apart. [Founder] Kevin Lyman summoned us and chewed us out. We were only allowed to play the New York date afterwards.

We were young guys with a lot of issues and even more to prove. The only time we felt free and truly ourselves was on stage. We gave everything we had every single time we played. In late 2002, just as our popularity was beginning to build, we received a cease-and-desist order from Little League Baseball, which forced us to change our name. We chose “KILL VERONA” because it was already one of our song titles, and the meaning behind it held real weight for us. The name is a reference to Romeo & Juliet—Verona being the city where their story takes place and, also, the home of the people who stood against them being together. In our case, “KILL VERONA” became a mantra: “kill” anyone or anything that stands in the way of your dreams. We were constantly being told to “get real jobs” and “give up on music,” but that name was our way of saying we wouldn’t stop—no matter what.

Ironically, a few years later, we ended up breaking up around late 2005 and went our separate ways, but the truth is, the spirit of KILL VERONA never really died. Over the years, we reunited in 2009, 2012, and again in 2013. The love for the band never faded and people always showed up, so when the opportunity felt right, we took it. I was never able to pursue music full-time because in 2006, I was diagnosed with severe tinnitus and hyperacusis, which shattered that dream. In 2016, Paul & I started writing again and re-formed the band with Raf, added Chris Margarite on drums, and Jon Hunt on guitar. We wrote and recorded There’s Hope Behind The Ghost [Vol. 1 EP] in 2017 and played This Is Hardcore [Festival]. I was living in L.A. at the time, so touring wasn’t really an option.

Our last show was in 2019—two gigs in Philly with Breaking Pangaea. We had plans to do more, but then, [the COVID-19 Pandemic] hit and, as always, the band went back on the back-burner… but technically, we never “unformed”—we just weren’t active. In the meantime, Paul, Chris, & Jon started an incredible Shoegaze-ish band called TIME, which I absolutely love and encourage everyone to check out. In 2024, we started talking again and wanted to release new music. The guys sent me some tracks, I wrote and recorded scratch vocals, then, flew back East, and we recorded two new songs with Nik Bruzzese (Man Overboard, CASA LOMA) at [The] Gradwell House—25 years after we first started the band.

III. What can you tell us about the recording sessions behind your latest single, "HUSH," and upcoming EP, The Shipwreck?

Lieberher: We recorded at [The] Gradwell House—the same place we recorded our fan-favorite [THE] KILL VERONA EP (now called The Little League EP.) Back in 2001, Gradwell was, actually, Steve Poponi’s house on Gradwell Avenue, and the studio was in his basement. It was just us and Steve back then. Rest in peace to Steve—we loved him deeply and credit him with so much when it comes to our band. This time around, it was an honor to return to Gradwell and record with Nik Bruzzese, who’s an incredible producer. It had been a while since I’d been in a studio, but the sessions were an absolute blast. We collaborated closely with each other and with Nik and, honestly, I think these are two of the truest and best songs we’ve ever written.

IV. In addition to or aside from the members of the band, who else was involved in these sessions?

Lieberher: Nik produced, recorded, and mastered everything. We, also, brought in some friends to help out with gang vocals.

V. Who or what were some of your biggest sources of inspiration and influence (either musical and/or non-musical) during The Shipwreck EP recording sessions?

Lieberher: Honestly, I think we were most inspired by our own history. We’ve always drawn influence from bands like Lifetime, Hot Water Music, Quicksand, and Saves The Day. Over the years, we’ve tapped into those inspirations in different ways, but this time around, we just leaned fully into what KILL VERONA truly is: fast, melodic, [and] emotional—music shaped by everything we’ve lived through both individually and together.

VI. What can you tell us about the storyline/concept or premise behind your latest music video for "HUSH"?

Lieberher: Jon & I wrote the lyrics for "HUSH" together. He, also, takes a co-lead vocal role, which is a first for KILL VERONA and it was an incredible collaboration. I love his vocals on this track—we balance each other well. Lyrically, "HUSH" is about feeling stuck. When you're in your 20’s and in a band, you write about getting older and the future,  but when you actually get to the future—after life’s hardships, responsibilities, triumphs, and failures—the meaning hits differently.

"HUSH" is about that voice in your head that tells you you're not doing enough. The guilt, the shame, but, also, the realization that this voice exists to destroy you—and it’s up to you to shut it down. Every choice we’ve made (good or bad) brought us to where we are. It's the feeling of failure and success colliding; of being frozen, but, also, on the edge of a breakthrough. For the video, we just wanted to capture our raw energy—us playing the song with chaotic visuals that match the emotion. It’s a strong representation of who we are.

Archival Photo #2: Little League/KILL VERONA’s first tour van complete with pirate flag and band name (SOURCE: Chef Wes Lieberher)

VII. What can you tell us about the story and meaning behind the lyrics for Track 2 on Side B of The Shipwreck EP, "TIME IS GONE"?

Lieberher: "TIME IS GONE" is a love letter to our 25 years as a band. It’s filled with KILL VERONA history—callbacks to lyrics from our song “Lucky” [from Through Our Ears, Through Our Hearts,] a reference to our first tour van (which had a pirate flag with our band name on it,) and even a shout-out to New Found Glory for wearing a Little League shirt on [Late Night with] Conan O’Brien after we heckled them in Philly (shout-out to Chad [Gilbert]—he’s the best). There’s, also, a nod to The Wonder Years for their shout-out to us in “You’re Not Salinger. Get Over It.” The theme is simple: we weren’t a “typical” band, but our love for this has always been deep. Playing music gave us purpose, community, and unforgettable moments. "TIME IS GONE" says that no matter where life takes us, KILL VERONA will always fill a part of our hearts. The entire Shipwreck EP is about the band. Each of us—individually and collectively—has felt like a shipwreck at some point.

VIII. I'm a music nerd (and especially a physical media nerd!) So, what can you tell us about the vinyl release, packaging, artwork, vinyl variant colors, etc. for The Shipwreck EP?

Lieberher: The artwork was done by our guitarist, Jon Hunt, who’s a talented graphic designer. We’re pressing 150 limited-edition 7-inch vinyl records—half on translucent orange and half on Coke bottle clear.

IX. When and where will The Shipwreck EP vinyl records become available? Also, will there be any “super-duper” limited edition/special variants?

Lieberher: All 150 copies are limited edition—once they’re gone, they’re gone. Pre-orders start on May [15], 2025, alongside the digital release and video for “HUSH.” The full vinyl release will be [released] on [streaming services on] June 13, 2025. You’ll be able to order it on our website with links, also, available on our Instagram.

The Shipwreck EP on Coke bottle clear and orange vinyl variants, left, and EP cover artwork, right (SOURCE / CREDIT: Jon Hunt)

X. How would you personally say KILL VERONA's overall sound, style, musical approach, etc. has changed and evolved since your last release, 2017's There's Hope Behind The Ghost: Vol. 1 EP?

Lieberher: I think this 7-inch is the fully realized version of KILL VERONA. It’s the sound we were always meant to have—fast, melodic, heavy, [and] emotional. It just feels like us.

XI. As its title seemingly suggests, will there ever be an actual There's Hope Behind The Ghost: Vol. 2 EP release?

Lieberher: We had plans, but life got in the way—some heavy stuff for a few of us—and I was living across the country, which didn’t make it easy. So, maybe, someday…

XII. For fans of Punk & Hardcore in the style of KILL VERONA/Little League, what other similarly-minded bands or artists would you suggest they check out and give a spin?

Lieberher: From our era, I always recommend checking out our friends in I Am The Avalanche. I’m, also, in love with the new Hot Water Music [album, VOWS]—they’ve always been one of my favorite bands and it’s wild how they keep getting better. As for newer bands, I’ll shout-out my bandmates’ other projects: TIME, Ritual Crush, and SUNSTROKE—Paul & Jon have been involved with them. I can’t tour anymore due to my ear issues, but it makes me incredibly happy that my talented friends are still making great music and playing live all the time. I am really truly proud when they release new music.

XIII. What are the odds of Little League getting back together for a proper "reunion" tour... or at least a proper Through Our Ears, Through Our Hearts (2001) reissue?

Lieberher: A reunion show is very possible. A tour? Not likely—unless someone invents robot ears I can swap mine out with. We’ve talked about re-recording some songs from Through Our Ears, Through Our Hearts and I’d really love to do that. We’ve never felt great about the original recording circumstances and don’t even own the master tapes; so, a digital re-release would be a fresh start.

XIV. I know in addition to your work with KILL VERONA, you're an esteemed executive chef, consultant, menu designer, and restaurant brand creator as well. So, after KILL VERONA practice, what's your go-to chef-style late-night snack?

Lieberher: It’s funny—people always expect some grandiose answer, but honestly, I just make nachos. I f**k with nachos.

XV. What's planned next for KILL VERONA?

Lieberher: Just making music when the time and feeling are right. We’ve been a family for the last 25 years and we always will be.

Archival Photo #3: New Found Glory’s Chad Gilbert, left, wearing a Little League T-shirt, right, on Late Night with Conan O’Brien (SOURCE: Chef Wes Lieberher)