In Defense of Ska Ep 202: Bandslam (Charlie Saxton, Todd Graff)

In Defense of Ska is taking a few weeks off for the holidays, but don’t worry, there still will be an episode every Wednesday! We’re re-running our favorite episodes from Season 1, and to start things off, we’re re-running our interview with Hepcat. Hepcat was one of the first US ska bands to take heavy influence from ’60s trad-ska. For this episode, which dropped back in 2021, we brought on drummer Greg Narvas and lead singer Greg Lee. They talked primarily about their experiences growing up in LA in the ’80s and the long journey to discovering the original style of ska. We tragically lost Greg Lee earlier this year. So, this episode is dedicated to his memory and everything he contributed to ska, this vibrant subculture, and all the smiles he brought to people’s faces. If you’d like to support us and listen to early access, ad-free episodes with bonus content, check out our Patreon! Listen to the conversation, and make sure to like, review, and follow the series wherever you get your podcast. Don't forget to check out all the Consequence Podcast Network series here.If you like our theme song, go download the EP Lives by Slow Gherkin. They wrote the opening and closing songs for our podcast. You can get both tunes from their Lives EP. Also, check out Dan P and the Bricks two LPs. They provided the mid-roll ad transition music. Support the In Defense host Aaron Carnes by purchasing a copy of his book, In Defense of Ska. The 2nd, expanded edition of In Defense of Ska will release in Oct 2024. Co-host Adam Davis has a band called Omnigone. Their latest record, Against The Rest released on March 31, 2023. The In Defense of Ska editor Chris Reeves runs a record label called Ska Punk International. They have new releases coming out all the time.Support In Defense of Ska by checking out StubHub: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/DLXVmMBAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Power-pop/new wave group BLAMMOS may not seem like a band that would be associated with ska on the surface, but the members actually site the genre as an important aspect of their identity. This week on In Defense of Ska, the podcast welcomes BLAMMOS' Arthur Leon Adams III and Jimmy Boom to talk about the band's newest album, Sometimes I Wish You Were Dead, their history with ska music, and more.Sometimes I Wish You Were Dead dropped on December 6th, and BLAMMOS have quite a bit to say about it. Specifically, Adams and Boom talk about why the album took over a decade and a half to make. Furthermore, the two also discuss BLAMMOS' history and how the band came to be. Along the way, they tell stories of their antics featuring folks like Vic Ruggiero and GNARBOOTS.In addition to BLAMMOS, Adams and Boom also have a history of playing with the new wave band The Phenomenauts. As they touch on the latter, the pair talks about how the band accidentally fell into the ska scene. That conversation includes talk of the multiple ska bands that Jimmy used to play with, such as Red Session and Kongo Shock. The two also go deep on their opinions of ska-style drumming.Listen to the conversation, and make sure to like, review, and follow the series wherever you get your podcast. Don't forget to check out all the Consequence Podcast Network series here.If you like our theme song, go download the EP Lives by Slow Gherkin. They wrote the opening and closing songs for our podcast. You can get both tunes from their Lives EP. Also, check out Dan P and the Bricks two LPs. They provided the mid-roll ad transition music. Support the In Defense host Aaron Carnes by purchasing a copy of his book, In Defense of Ska. The 2nd, expanded edition of In Defense of Ska will release in Oct 2024. Co-host Adam Davis has a band called Omnigone. Their latest record, Against The Rest released on March 31, 2023. The In Defense of Ska editor Chris Reeves runs a record label called Ska Punk International. They have new releases coming out all the time.Support In Defense of Ska by checking out StubHub: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/DLXVmMBAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Hey Ya'll, Aaron is midway through his book tour for the expanded 2nd edition of In Defense of Ska. As he prepares for the next leg, he wanted to share a recording of his recent Portland event, which was at Rose City Book Pub, hosted by the one and only Jeff Burk. If you’d like to listen to the entire episode, sign up to the IDOS Patreon. If you want to catch Aaron on one of his upcoming dates on the 2nd half of my tour, they are listed here: Dec 5: Barnes & Noble in Philadelphia w/ Sadie Dupuis and Jim McGuinn (6p)Dec 6: Broken Goblet Brewing in Bensalem, PA with Marc Wasserman and Hub City Stompers (7p)Dec 7: Scottish Dave’s Pub in Clinton, CT w/ PWRUP & Kmoy The Band (7p)Deb 8: St. Marks Comedy Club in New York City w/ Turner Sparks and Andrew Sacher of Brooklyn Vegan (3p)Dec 14: Hey Cafe in New Orleans. New Orleans ska panel discussionDec 19: Art Boutiki in San Jose w/ Mat Weir. Part of Drink & Draw. Music by ReggaedelicMake sure to like, review, and follow the series wherever you get your podcast. Don't forget to check out all the Consequence Podcast Network series here.If you’d like to support us and listen to early access, ad-free episodes with bonus content, check out our Patreon! If you like our theme song, go download the EP Lives by Slow Gherkin. They wrote the opening and closing songs for our podcast. You can get both tunes from their Lives EP. Also, check out Dan P and the Bricks two LPs. They provided the mid-roll ad transition music. Support the In Defense host Aaron Carnes by purchasing a copy of his book, In Defense of Ska. The 2nd, expanded edition of In Defense of Ska will release in Oct 2024. Co-host Adam Davis has a band called Omnigone. Their latest record, Against The Rest released on March 31, 2023. The In Defense of Ska editor Chris Reeves runs a record label called Ska Punk International. They have new releases coming out all the time.Support In Defense of Ska by checking out StubHub: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/DLXVmMBAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Slits’ 1979 debut album Cut is considered to be one of the most important post-punk albums of all time thanks to its novel combination of reggae and punk. This week on In Defense of Ska, the podcast welcomes Siouxsie and the Banshees drummer Budgie, who also worked on Cut with The Slits, to talk about revolutionary record and more.Budgie discusses the recording of Cut, detailing the design of his beats for the record. He also talks about his relationship to singer Ari Up and how she had a love for pop music, as well as the experience of working with producer Dennis Bovell.Throughout the discussion, Budgie touches on his earliest drumming influences and his first few experiences working with ska-adjacent music, including how he learned to play reggae on the drums. He also talks about the two-tone Ska movement, which was popping up around the same time as Cut, and his feelings towards it. The gang then launches into a discussion about the best drummer of all time John Bonham, with Budgie sharing his thoughts about the legendary Led Zeppelin stickman.Listen to the conversation, and make sure to like, review, and follow the series wherever you get your podcast. Don't forget to check out all the Consequence Podcast Network series here.If you like our theme song, go download the EP Lives by Slow Gherkin. They wrote the opening and closing songs for our podcast. You can get both tunes from their Lives EP. Also, check out Dan P and the Bricks two LPs. They provided the mid-roll ad transition music. Support the In Defense host Aaron Carnes by purchasing a copy of his book, In Defense of Ska. The 2nd, expanded edition of In Defense of Ska will release in Oct 2024. Co-host Adam Davis has a band called Omnigone. Their latest record, Against The Rest released on March 31, 2023. The In Defense of Ska editor Chris Reeves runs a record label called Ska Punk International. They have new releases coming out all the time.Support In Defense of Ska by checking out StubHub: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/DLXVmMBAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Since the dawn of time, many have pondered an important question: What is the most ska film? There are many contenders, but one that is certainly in contention is Bandslam, a 2009 cult-comedy about a group of high school students who compete in a battle of the bands competition. This week on In Defense of Ska, Bandslam director Todd Graff and Charlie Saxton, who played Bug, talk about the movie's ska references, their appreciation for ska, and more.Graff and Saxton talk about the trials and tribulations they experienced while working on Bandslam. From the casting process to charting out the plot to the music selection, the two bring us behind the scenes. The explanation also includes details about rebuilding the famous punk club CBGB, as well as the David Bowie cameo, which marked the his last film appearance before his passing in 2016.The two then talk about their respective ska roots, touching on why the genre is so important to them. Plus, Saxton previews his newest movie, Art of a Hit, which includes an embarrassing story featuring Rick Johnson.Listen to the conversation, and make sure to like, review, and follow the series wherever you get your podcast. Don't forget to check out all the Consequence Podcast Network series here.If you like our theme song, go download the EP Lives by Slow Gherkin. They wrote the opening and closing songs for our podcast. You can get both tunes from their Lives EP. Also, check out Dan P and the Bricks two LPs. They provided the mid-roll ad transition music. Support the In Defense host Aaron Carnes by purchasing a copy of his book, In Defense of Ska. The 2nd, expanded edition of In Defense of Ska will release in Oct 2024. Co-host Adam Davis has a band called Omnigone. Their latest record, Against The Rest released on March 31, 2023. The In Defense of Ska editor Chris Reeves runs a record label called Ska Punk International. They have newSupport In Defense of Ska by checking out StubHub: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/DLXVmMBAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

By the mid-2000s, the ska scene was unfortunately slowing down, making it a difficult time to start a new ska band. And yet, that certainly didn't stop Stuck Lucky from trying -- and succeeding! This week on In Defense of Ska, the podcast welcomes Stuck Lucky members Will Carter, Lee Doss, and Jonzee to talk about the mid-2000s ska scene, their new album Counting Curses, and more.They also discuss touring with some of the similar bands in the area, which includes stories of performing at big events like Block Party in New Orleans and Ska Weekend in Knoxville, Texas. Speaking of concerts, the band also remembers some of the injuries they have sustained in the name of entertainment.They also explain why they do not like their second album, The Light of Day, even though it is one of their most popular releases. Plus, the band discusses the fact that they have not done interviews before, and why they decide to make an exception for In Defense of Ska and their new album Counting Curses.There’s lot of bonus content this week, including a story about a leg! If you’d like to listen to the entire interview, and get early access, ad-free episodes with bonus content every week, sign up to our Patreon! Listen to the conversation, and make sure to like, review, and follow the series wherever you get your podcast. Don't forget to check out all the Consequence Podcast Network series here.If you like our theme song, go download the EP Lives by Slow Gherkin. They wrote the opening and closing songs for our podcast. You can get both tunes from their Lives EP. Also, check out Dan P and the Bricks two LPs. They provided the mid-roll ad transition music. Support the In Defense host Aaron Carnes by purchasing a copy of his book, In Defense of Ska. The 2nd, expanded edition of In Defense of Ska will release in Oct 2024. Co-host Adam Davis has a band called Omnigone. Their latest record, Against The Rest released on March 31, 2023. The In Defense of Ska editor Chris Reeves runs a record label called Ska Punk International. They have new releases coming out all the time.Support In Defense of Ska by checking out StubHub: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/DLXVmMBAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Sure, the musicians themselves are important to a band, but when it comes to ska, a good hype man can make or break you. This week on In Defense of Ska, the podcast welcomes Kill Lincoln's hype man Drew Skibitsky to talk about what it takes to excel in such a role, his work with his other band Urban Crater, and more. Listen now.Skibistky shares his thoughts on what it means to be a hype man, even if some people disagree with his views on the position. He also discusses how he got involved with Kill Lincoln, what's like to go on tour with the band, and how he has mastered the art of stage diving.Along with being a hype man, Skibitsky also knows how to rock out in other ways. As proof, he goes into detail about playing in the band Urban Crater, as well as the many hats he wears behind the scenes.Listen to the conversation, and make sure to like, review, and follow the series wherever you get your podcast. Don't forget to check out all the Consequence Podcast Network series here.There’s also lot of bonus content with Drew this week. If you’d like to listen to the entire interview, and get early access, ad-free episodes with bonus content every week, sign up to our Patreon! If you like our theme song, go download the EP Lives by Slow Gherkin. They wrote the opening and closing songs for our podcast. You can get both tunes from their Lives EP. Also, check out Dan P and the Bricks two LPs. They provided the mid-roll ad transition music. Support the In Defense host Aaron Carnes by purchasing a copy of his book, In Defense of Ska. The 2nd, expanded edition of In Defense of Ska will release in Oct 2024. Co-host Adam Davis has a band called Omnigone. Their latest record, Against The Rest released on March 31, 2023. The In Defense of Ska editor Chris Reeves runs a record label called Ska Punk International. They have new releases coming out all the time.Support In Defense of Ska by checking out StubHub: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/DLXVmMBAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

While Dance Hall Crashers' founding members Tim Armstrong and Matt Freeman (both of Operation Ivy and Rancid) quickly left after the band's formation, the California ska act was still able to make a strong name for themselves thanks to their ear-grabbing debut album and their devoted cult following. This week on In Defense of Ska, the podcast welcomes Dance Hall Crashers' co-lead vocalist Karina Deniké to talk about the band's unexpected success, her recent work with NOFX, and more. Listen now.Deniké wastes no time getting into detail about the band's rocky history, discussing their frequent line-up changes, multiple breakups, and accusations of selling out.Along with talking about Dance Hall Crashers, Deniké discusses her personal music history. She touches on growing up in England before moving to California, exploring how different those two cultures were for her. In addition to discussing first meeting NOFX's Fat Mike, Deniké pays to tribute to the late Greg Lee and talks about what it was like to play his memorial show.Listen to Karina Deniké's conversation about Dance Hall Crashers and NOFX above, and make sure to like, review, and follow the series. Don't forget to check out all the Consequence Podcast Network series here.Additionally, you can support the In Defense host Aaron Carnes by purchasing a copy of his book, In Defense of Ska. The 2nd, expanded edition is available now. Co-host Adam Davis also has a band called Omnigone, whose latest record, Feral, was released earlier this year. Enter to win a signed copy of In Defense of Ska the book and a Feral vinyl, plus other ska-tastic merch, here or using the widget below*. You can also preview the book with our exclusive excerpt about the Christian ska scene.If you’d like to support us and listen to early access, ad-free episodes with bonus content, check out our Patreon! If you like our theme song, go download the EP Lives by Slow Gherkin. They wrote the opening and closing songs for our podcast. You can get both tunes from their Lives EP. Also, check out Dan P and the Bricks two LPs. They provided the mid-roll ad transition music. The In Defense of Ska editor Chris Reeves runs a record label called Ska Punk International. They have new releases coming out all the time.Support In Defense of Ska by checking out StubHub: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/DLXVmMBAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week on In Defense of Ska, the podcast gives the floor to host Aaron Carnes to chat about the newly released second edition of his book, In Defense of Ska: Ska Now More Than Ever Edition. Alongside co-host Adam Davis (Omnigone) and special guest host Tara Hahn of Half Past Two, Carnes dives into his history of the genre and more. Listen now.IDOS the book began in 2013, and Carnes goes through the whole history of planning and writing the tome. He also gives insight into the Ska Now More Than Ever Edition, from the writing process to the content. (Speaking of the content, Consequence debuted a preview of the new chapters earlier this week, with an excerpt focusing on the rise and return of Christian ska band Five Iron Frenzy.) Elsewhere, Carnes talks about his work in fiction writing, as well, including his actual first book, a collection of short stories called True Stories from a Wasteland Called Earth.So, listen to Aaron Carnes' conversation about ska and his new book, and make sure to like, review, and follow the series wherever you get your podcast. Don't forget to check out all the Consequence Podcast Network series here.You can also enter to win a signed copy of IDOS:SNMTEE, Omnigone's new album Feral on vinyl, an In Defense of SkaT-shirt, and a collection of stickers here. Also make sure to check out Carnes' list of 20 Artists You Didn't Know Were in Ska Bands Before They Got Famous.If you’d like to support us and listen to early access, ad-free episodes with bonus content, check out our Patreon! If you like our theme song, go download the EP Lives by Slow Gherkin. They wrote the opening and closing songs for our podcast. You can get both tunes from their Lives EP. Also, check out Dan P and the Bricks two LPs. They provided the mid-roll ad transition music. Support the In Defense host Aaron Carnes by purchasing a copy of his book, In Defense of Ska. The 2nd, expanded edition of In Defense of Ska will release in Oct 2024. Co-host Adam Davis has a band called Omnigone. Their latest record, Against The Rest released on March 31, 2023. The In Defense of Ska editor Chris Reeves runs a record label called Ska Punk International. They have new releases coming out all the time.Support In Defense of Ska by checking out StubHub: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/DLXVmMBAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Supernova was a lot of fun this year. It included a “Ska-ducation” author tent where many talented ska authors got to host interesting discussions at the festival. For mine, I brought on members of Five Iron Frenzy (Reese Roper, Andrew Verdecchio) and Catbite (Tim Hildebrand, Ben Parry). We talked about all-things ska. I read a snippet from my book, we discussed Five Iron Frenzy’s rocky relationship to the Christian music industry and Catbite told us what it was like to come up after ska left the mainstream. And much more!If you want to hear this entire conversation, sign up to the In Defense of Ska Patreon now!Make sure to like, review, and follow the series wherever you get your podcast. Don't forget to check out all the Consequence Podcast Network series here.If you’d like to support us and listen to early access, ad-free episodes with bonus content, check out our Patreon! If you like our theme song, go download the EP Lives by Slow Gherkin. They wrote the opening and closing songs for our podcast. You can get both tunes from their Lives EP. Also, check out Dan P and the Bricks two LPs. They provided the mid-roll ad transition music. Support the In Defense host Aaron Carnes by purchasing a copy of his book, In Defense of Ska. The 2nd, expanded edition of In Defense of Ska will release in Oct 2024. Co-host Adam Davis has a band called Omnigone. Their latest record, Against The Rest released on March 31, 2023. The In Defense of Ska editor Chris Reeves runs a record label called Ska Punk International. They have new releases coming out all the time.Support In Defense of Ska by checking out StubHub: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/DLXVmMBAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy