August 2026 Playlist

Dan talks to Eric Slick, drummer for Dr. Dog, from his Nashville home. They go in depth into Eric's many, MANY bands in Philadelphia (including Lithuania, Norwegian Arms, DRGN King, etc.), learning to play and record with his sister Julie and their dad's tape machine, living in the prog-rock world but feeling its constraints (he drummed for Adrian Belew), and getting a phone call from the Dr. Dog guys at just the right time. Eric talks about finding the confidence and encouragement from friends like Dominic Angelella to write and finish his own songs, and through that motivaiton, Eric has also been putting out his own music since 2013. And Dan and Eric definitely go down some musical rabbit holes, including the works of David Byrne, Frank Zappa, and their mutual love of drummer Joe Russo. Eric Slick has a new LP coming out March 5th, 2027 called 'Bounce House'. You can pre-order it at his website, and also enjoy a couple pre-release singles wherever you get your digital music. 

Caroline Quinn has been a regular staple of our playlist episodes for a couple of years, and we're delighted to finally get her on the show. John goes deep into Caroline's basement (surrounded by all her props and ephemera) to talk to her about her love of horror films and thrillers, how she conceives of the all the visual elements to her music, videos, and live shows, her background in theater and dance, and working with producer Ross Bellenoit (who can occasionally "out-weird" even her). Caroline performs a gorgeous version of a new, yet-to-be-released song called "6 AM" with Ross, and we are beyond pleased that she chose to debut it here on the show.  Caroline has a new single out called "13th Floor", and her upcoming record will be out in early 2027. She'll be playing on  November 6th at Nostaliga Fishtown with Token Girl, Miss Olivia, and Saint Misty. Follow Caroline on her IG to stay up on it all! And now, the sad(ish) news: Dan announces on this episode that 25 O'Clock will go on an "indefinite hiatus" by the end of the year. This is not, however, a cause for sorrow. This show has been a part of the Philadelphia music community for over 12 years, the show will continue to exist in its archives, and we want to put it to rest (indefinitely) while it's still firing on all cylinders. We've had a blast putting this show out for all these years, and there will be an opportunity for fans and alumni guests of the show to contribute one last time (watch our IG for info). There are still a handful more of episodes to come before we say farewell, so do stick with us just a bit longer. Thank you for your support since 2014, it's not lost on us that we've made it this far because you were listening.

It's one of the best weeks of the year in Philadelphia. It is Philly Music Fest! The fest celebrates its 10th year this year, and the 2026 lineup is all killer, no filler.  But how does one prepare themselves for 7 nights of Philadelphia music? This playlist is an excellent start. Enjoy 11 tracks from 11 bands that are playing the fest this year, from punk to country to singer-songwriter to jazz to electronic to everything else. We hope this playlist gets you in a Philly Music Fest related mood, and that you discover some new artists that you may not have heard before.  Philly Music Fest is a non-profit music festival, and they give away all their proceeds to Philadelphia music charities like Beyond The Bars, Rock To The Future, Play On Philly, Settlement Music School, and more. For lineup information, available tickets, and to find out more about their mission, go to their website.  Mo Lowda and the Humble- Canary Clover Stieve- How Big Can I Dream Angelo Outlaw- Snowdrift Solar Circuit- Hold On Tight Sug Daniels *(featuring John Faye)- Are You With Me Roberta Faceplant- Old School Outlaw Sweet Pill- No Control Remember Sports- Across The Line Bleary Eyed- Wander Maty- Unilover Immanuel Wilkins (featuring Flying Lotus)- Compassion  

It's Philly Music Fest time again, and this year, Dan had one major interview on his wishlist: The Dillinger Escape Plan. Thankfully, Dan got his wish, and he and DEP bassist Liam Wilson have an indepth conversation about Liam's early days in the Philadelphia hardcore and metal scene, joining The Dillinger Escape Plan in 2000, and the wild ride that ensued. Liam is also the current bassist for melodic death metal pioneers In Flames, and is part of the "supergroup" Azusa, which features members of Extol.  The Dillinger Escape Plan are part of this year's Philly Music Fest lineup, and are playing October 15th at Underground Arts with Pyhrron and Caged. Tickets are currently still available, go to the festival's website for up to date information.  2026 marks Philly Music Fest's 10th year as a non-profit music festival. All the proceeds from the 7 nights of shows go to Philadelphia music charities that offer music instruction and experiences to the youth of Philadelphia.  

Grace Gardner hails from Texas, but has come to love their home in Philadelphia, and how Philadelphians express themselves. John talks with Grace about their love of their home state, the "New Orleans shaped hole" that will always be in their heart, and how their West Philadelphia neighbors are far kinder than anyone back home would have led them to believe. Grace goes in depth into the making of both their recent albums, 'Recovery Mile' and 'After Knowing', and their collaborative relationship with their guitarist and producer Lonnie Davis. We're thrilled that Grace chose to perform an unreleased song, "My Mistake", on the show. Check out the full performance on our YouTube. Grace is playing this year's Xponential Music Festival on September 19 on the Marina Stage. The Xponential Music Fest is September 18-20 at Wiggins Park on the Camden waterfront. Tickets, schedule and all information is available on WXPN's website. 

During his trip home this summer, Dan knew he had to sit down with WXPN's Mike Vasilikos. Mike is the mid-day host at WXPN, as well as the host of Homegrown- The XPN Local Show, and a tireless champion of Philadelphia music. Dan and Mike get deep into Mike's upbringing on Long Island, his early love of Dave Matthews, and growing up with a cassette tape at the ready to record his favorite songs off the radio (a definitive elder millennial practice). A chance spotting of a flyer at Towson University for their college radio station got Mike on the air for the first time, and the rest was history. Mike extolls his love of Philadelphia bands like Cosmic Guilt, Te Vista, The Dawn Drapes, Ali Awan, and so many more.  WXPN's annual music festival, XPonential Fest, is September 18-20 at Wiggins Park on Camden Waterfront. Tickets are available as 3-day and single day passes, and this year features some great Philadelphia artists like Grace Gardener, Zoe Lemon, Te Vista, Daniel Villareal, The Flying Vees, and many more. 

Summer continues to perpetuate itself, and with comes a new playlist. 12 new tracks from Philadelphia artists are on display here for listening enjoyment. As always, check out the clickable playlist below and support the artists that you love.  Flight Of Mavis- Holding Me Back Quarry- You've Changed Lia Menaker- Feed Me Sovei- January Beatrix Thorn- Gambler's Fallacy Planette Automatic- Mrs. Blue Dude In The Pocket featuring John Faye- I'll Be There Moustapha Noumbissi- Adeline Radiator Hospital- A Fine Vintage Jodaki- TARGET CAPITALISM Barney Cortez- Kill Your Heroes Muscle Tough- Sucked Into The Phone  

We're back from our brief but rejuvenating break. Dan is back in Hong Kong. But while he was in the USA this summer, he and John did a handful of interviews with Philadlephia music community people that we know you'll love. Joe Makoviecki fronts the band Jackson Pines, a folk band originally from the Pine Barrens region of New Jersey. Joe has called Philadelphia home for the last decade, but he has always been deeply involved in the New Jersey music world. On top of their original music, Joe and the band have made multiple volumes of recordings of traditional New Jersey Pine Barrens folk music, going back to the 19th century. Dan and Joe go deep into the history and traditions of Pine Barrens folk music, as well Joe's journey as a musician who started out in punk and emo bands. Pay-to-play shows, touring, spending time in the Library of Congress, working with the Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music, working with the Felice Brothers, and so much more gets covered in this conversation.  Jackson Pines have a new LP out of their original tunes called 'Wheel', available wherever you get your digital music. And do check out 'Pine Barrens Vol. 1' and 'Pine Barrens Vol. 2', the band's collections of traditional New Jersey folk music. 

Here's the short version: Dan and John were supposed to do a live podcast event at The Grape in Manayunk, but due to circumstances out of everyone's control, the event had to be cancelled. So they looked around at what else was happening that day, and decided to head over to Clark Park Fest in West Philadelphia. They ended up recording interviews and performances with a handful of the bands at this year's fest, including folk like Erin Fox, Moustapha Noumbissi, Miss Olivia, Max Davey, and Kuf Knotz and Christine Elise. Dan brings festival organizer Ben Perkel on the show to chat a bit about the event and some of the behind the scenes action as well. In the end, they took a frown and turned it upside down with a great day hanging out in West Philly and seeing some outstanding Philly music.  We're taking the next few weeks off. Dan and John are busy getting the late summer and early fall episodes together, and Dan still has to fly back to Hong Kong at some point. So we'll be back very soon with some great interviews and music to share with you all. 

The June playlist is here, and it is (as always) outstanding. Do check out the clickable playlist below, it has links to every artist included in this episode.  Labrador- The Rosy Red World Hurry- Moving After You (feat. Gerard Love) Log Flume- Up By 9 O'Clock Caroline Quinn- Clanker Erin Fox- Orchard Lo Priestess- The Faker Brittany Ann Tranbaugh- When Our Timing's Right Nervous Nikki and the Chill Pills- That One Time Humbleman Band- No Kings Planette Automatic- Dance Around Jojo and the Grease- The Stage Night Windows feat. Love? Said The Commander- Josie