In Defense of Ska

Latest Episodes:

In Defense of Ska Ep 92: Kevin Lyman (Vans Warped Tour) Oct 19, 2022

Show notes

In 1995, promoter Kevin Lyman launched The Warped Tour. The first year's lineup was an eclectic mix of bands from the 90s (including No Doubt and Sublime). In subsequent years, it gained a reputation as a punk rock festival, though the lineups always remained diverse. And ska was always a component, even during the 2000s and 2010s. Some years, Lyman booked a bunch of ska bands. 1998 included The Specials, Hepcat, Pietasters, Skavoovie and the Epitones, and more.

On today's episode, we talk to Lyman about his ska roots and discuss how important ska was to The Warped Tour. We talk about the time in the 80s he toured with The Untouchables, and we discuss how he booked Fishbone in the early 80s at rented halls. We also talk about some of the lesser-known ska bands that played the festival in the 2000s, like Oreskaband, Go Jimmy Go, Westbound Train, Stacked Like Pancakes and Sonic Boom Six.

We also talk about Warped Tour's most attended year, 2005, when Fall Out Boy and My Chemical Romance played as they were exploding on MTV. He tells us about the BBQ bands, and he reveals whether he knowingly allowed Jeff Rosenstock's old band, ASOB, to sneak on to Warped Tour or if he was blissfully unaware.

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/DLXVmMB
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In Defense of Ska Ep 91: Obi Fernandez (Westbound Train, The Inevitables, Day 19) Oct 12, 2022

Show notes

In 2006, Boston ska band Westbound Train played the Summer of Ska tour, followed by the Fall of Ska tour. Between the two tours, they played with Suburban Legends, Big D & The Kids Table, Voodoo Glow Skulls, Reel Big Fish and Streetlight Manifesto--all ska-punk bands. Westbound Train plays traditional ska, rocksteady and early reggae, with a hint of soul.

The group, which formed in 2001 in Boston, has always been a ska band out of time. Not only did they form after the 90s ska boom, but they were often alone on an island, the only band on a bill playing overtly 60s-influenced ska. And somehow became one of the most popular US ska bands to form after the 90s. Now, the group just surprise-dropped their first record in 13 years, called Dedication. Lead singer Obi Fernandez sat down with us to talk about the new album and the band's history.

We talk about their formation at Berklee College of Music and learn that one of their classmates, comedian Eric André roadied for the band (when he wasn't putting on strange shows at All Asia Bar.) Obi also tells us the influential role that country music plays on all Westbound Train songs. And he tells us how Bucket let him use The Toasters touring van to move to college.

We also discuss their time on Warped tour 2009, how the Mighty Mighty Bosstones gave the group their first big shot, and how they rushed the recording of their sophomore album Five to Two in order to have something to show Tim Armstrong in hopes of getting signed to Hellcat (Which they did).

Obi also tells us why the band ended shortly after that Warped Tour run when they were seemingly at the height of their popularity. He also tells us what it took to get the band back together again.

If you’d like to support us and listen to early access, ad-free episodes with bonus content, check out our Patreon!

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/DLXVmMB
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In Defense of Ska Ep 90: Eugene Hütz (Gogol Bordello, Everything is Illuminated) Oct 05, 2022

Show notes

Gogol Bordello plays a mix of different genres (Punk, Romani folk, Latin rock, polka), though hints of ska can be found all over their songs. Frontman Eugene Hütz calls it "ska without doing ska" and says he almost doesn't think about the ska elements since he sees ska as so closely linked to punk music.

But on Gogol Bordello's latest album, Solidaritine, the ska elements are more overt than ever before. The reason: their new drummer Korey "Kingston" Horn has an impressive ska resume (Aggrolites, Tim Armstrong, See Spot, Western Standard Time Ska Orchestra, Rhythm Doctors) and we all know that the heart of ska is in those drum beats.

Today we talk to the legend, Eugene Hutz about Gogol Bordello's relationship with ska. We also talk a lot about Ukraine--Eugene is a Ukrainian political refugee and has done much to support them against Russia's attack, including playing a recent secret show for Ukrainian troops at an undisclosed location. We also talk about his childhood growing up in Kyiv and going to super DIY punk shows and trading tapes with other local punks. Some favorites include Dead Kennedys, Devo, The Selecter, P.I.L., Bad Manners, Murphy's Law, The Specials, G.B.H.

On this episode, we also talk about the immigrant experience that often comes up in Gogol Bordello's lyrics. It is often the product of necessity through displacement or economics. Eugene has talked at length about the idea of worldwide citizenship, so he squares this ideal with the global issue of anti-immigrant sentiments that have increased in recent years.

Of course, we talk a lot about interesting music too including Sonic youth, Mano Negra, Russkaja, Cuatro Pesos de Propina and The Specials.

If you’d like to support us and listen to early access, ad-free episodes with bonus content, check out our Patreon!

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/DLXVmMB
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In Defense of Ska Ep 89: Shawn Harris (The Matches, The Locals) Sep 28, 2022

Show notes

The Matches played catchy pop-punk in the 2000s, a time when catchy pop-punk bands could be top 40 pop stars. They worked their asses off, were courted by major labels, but never reached pop stardom. Though the band did mean a lot to a ton of people. They built community around their music and made sincere connections with their fans. And they have ska roots.

The band formed in 1997 as The Locals. Inspired by Rancid, they originally played a blend of punk rock and ska-punk. They also looked up to fellow east bay band Link 80. And in fact, even went to high school with Link 80's original guitarist Matt Bettinelli-Olpin. The Locals even played Link 80s final show!

Today we talk to The Matches' lead singer/guitarist Shawn Harris about the bands roots and dig into several stories throughout the band's career. We discuss their years building a scene at East Bay venue iMusicast, where bands like My Chemical Romance, Zebrahead and RX Bandits would play on tour. We also talk about The Matches first major tour--which was with Reel Big Fish. Shawn tells us about two mind-blowing shows from that tour.

We also talk about why Gilman would never book the band, what is was like working with some famous producers (Tim Armstrong, John Feldmann), how The Locals ended up touring in Bosnia while they were still in high school, and Shawn talks a bit about his new life as a children's book cartoonist, book author and Dave Eggers collaborator. Shawn even tells us about the time he sneaked a peak into Dave's CD collection to see what kind of music he listened to. And it was exactly the bands you think it was!

If you’d like to support us and listen to early access, ad-free episodes with bonus content, check out our Patreon!

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/DLXVmMB
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In Defense of Ska Behind The Curtain: IDOS Tour Diary TEASER Sep 23, 2022

Show notes

The first official In Defense of Ska tour was a huge success. We traveled along the west coast with Mustard Plug, Buck-O-Nine and Omnigone. Aaron Carnes opened the show with a reading from his book, In Defense of Ska. We got to meet many of YOU wonderful people and dance to SKA music every night!

We also kept an audio diary of the tour. Listen now! But THIS is just a teaser. If you'd like to hear the entire episode, sign up to our Patreon. It is quite the JOURNEY!

If you’d like to support us and listen to early access, ad-free episodes with bonus content, check out our Patreon!

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/DLXVmMB
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In Defense of Ska Ep 88: Folly (Arben Colaku and Jon Tummillo) Sep 21, 2022

Show notes

After the '90s, skacore got a lot heavier. One of the reasons for this was Sussex, New Jersey band Folly, who took the heaviest elements of hardcore, metalcore and mixed it with ska. They also did so in a way that emphasized the genres similarities, as opposed to their differences. Though the band struggled to find a significant audience in the 2000s, they would find that years after they broke up, not only did they have an obvious impact on newer, younger bands, but they suddenly fit in with this scene in a way unlike when they were a heavy touring, active band.

This week, we talk to Folly members Arben Colaku and Jon Tummillo. We discuss the band's history, their unique philosophy to songwriting and talk about what it's been like for them years after their initial breakup in 2008. We also talk about what a big influence Converge was on them, and conclude that, therefore, Converge played an important role on the development of ska!

We also discuss Anthony Fantano name-dropping the group when he interviewed me, Folly signing to Triple Crown Records, local DIY shows at The Phone Booth, and how "Hey!" by The Suicide Machines was a life-changing song for the group.

We talk about how they turned disastrous shows into fun adventures. We also break down some of their songs, and we talk about a time they ate so many meatballs before a show in Connecticut that they had to play with the meat sweats.

If you’d like to support us and listen to early access, ad-free episodes with bonus content, check out our Patreon!

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/DLXVmMB
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In Defense of Ska Ep 87: Chris Cresswell (The Flatliners, Hot Water Music) Sep 14, 2022

Show notes

Toronto, Canada had a raging ska scene in the mid-2000s. It included ska bands like Hebrew School Dropouts, Suzy Jacuzzi and the Hottubs, and Five Across The Eye. It also included PUP singer Stefan Babcock's former ska band Stop Drop N Skank. But there was one band, The Flatliners, who would go on to sign to Fat Wreck Chords and make a name for themselves in the punk scene. But when they started, they played intense ska-punk. A brutal, aggressive mix of Suicide Machines, Kid Dynamite, Against All Authority and Voodoo Glow Skulls.

Today we bring on Flatliners lead singer Chris Cresswell to talk about his early ska years, which includes the brilliant 2005 Stomp Records album Destroy To Create, a favorite among some of their fans that want The Flatliners to bring back the ska.

We discuss iconic Toronto venue, Big Bop which fostered this scene by hosting multiple all ages shows every week. We also talk about how Steve Foote from Big D and the Kids Table helped get the band signed, The many ska tours that The Flatliners did (Catch 22, Suicide Machines, Reel Big Fish, Less Than Jake), and how OG Flatliners ska fans always "Spill Your Guts" at shows.

We also find out if it was Fat Mike that asked the band to stop playing ska! You won't believe what Chris has to say about that!

If you’d like to support us and listen to early access, ad-free episodes with bonus content, check out our Patreon!

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/DLXVmMB
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In Defense of Ska Ep 86: Against All Authority (Danny Lore, Joe Koontz, Spikey Goldbach) Sep 07, 2022

Show notes

In 1992, Hurricane Andrew ravaged South Florida. Prior to the hurricane, bassist Danny Lore was playing in the punk band Grover Snatch. But the hurricane caused some members to move away. Rather than replace them, he decided to start a new ska influenced punk band: Against All Authority. For months they practiced acoustically--there was no power in South Miami for a while. And as the band got going, they booked their own shows at the Kitchen Club in Coconut Grove. No one else would. Besides, being punk meant being an active participant in the scene.

Today we talk to three members of South Florida political punk-ska band Against All Authority, whose records Destroy What Destroys You and All Fall Down are absolute classics. We walk through their entire entire career, get to the bottom of just what makes these guys tick, and find out why punk and ska are so important to them.

We talk about 80s punk venue Cameo Theater (Same club that Cannibal Corpse played in the Ace Ventura Pet Detective), early rejected band names, their 1968 school bus that broke down at least 10 times on tour, and their legal battles with American Automobile Association.

We also discuss issues with their labels, why they broke up in 2007 and what led to them reforming 15 years later. They also tell us a bizarre story that involves killer monkeys that escaped from a nearby laboratory!

If you’d like to support us and listen to early access, ad-free episodes with bonus content, check out our Patreon!

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/DLXVmMB
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In Defense of Ska Ep 85: Turner Sparks (Lost In America, Double Happiness) Aug 31, 2022

Show notes

Comedian Turner Sparks has a new comedy album out on September 30th. It's called Double Happiness. And yes, it's no coincidence that it is literally the same title as Slow Gherkin's debut album. Turner was a huge ska fan growing up. And he wanted his record's title to give a wink to the ska scene.

In fact, not only did he attend wild ska shows in Sacramento at Capitol Garage, BoJangles, El Dorado Saloon, and the Crest Theater, but he also had his own band: Fat Kids On Mopeds. Oh and one of the bands that he idolized was Link 80. He kind of thinks co-host Adam Davis is a big deal.

And we go deep into Sacramento lore on this episode, with copious discussion of comedians Keith Lowell Jensen and Johnny Taylor Jr, some love for local group Lesdystics, and Turner points out just how much ska was in the Sacramento-based film Lady Bird. How did I miss that?

We also discuss Turner's time running a Mr. Softee ice cream truck empire in China, his recent trip to El Salvador to find out if in fact the country really is run on bitcoin or not (For a potential "Lost In America" TV episode), how politically polarizing stand-up comedy has become, and his brief time running the Sacramento Anti-Racist Action chapter--at the age of 17! Oh, we also talk about how he became friends with SKAmedian Ian Fidance. It had something to do with the hardcore band H20.

If you’d like to support us and listen to early access, ad-free episodes with bonus content, check out our Patreon!

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/DLXVmMB
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In Defense of SKa Behind The Curtain: Ska in Comedy w/ Brandie Posey & Ian Fidance TEASER Aug 26, 2022

Show notes

Lots of comedians love to make fun of ska. And TV shows are now required to have at least ONE ska joke per season! But what do comedians that ACTUALLY LIKE ska think of all these ska jokes? We brought on the two MOST SKA comedians out there right now! And both have been on the podcast before: Brandie Posey and Ian Fidance. Now listen to them AT THE SAME TIME!

This is only a teaser. To hear the entire episode, sign up for our Patreon

Do it now! What are you waiting for? Don't you want to support SKA?

If you’d like to support us and listen to early access, ad-free episodes with bonus content, check out our Patreon!

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/DLXVmMB
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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