In Defense of Ska

Latest Episodes:

In Defense of Ska Ep 181: Songwriting with Joe Gittleman (Mighty Mighty Bosstones) & Sammy Kay (The Kilograms) Jul 03, 2024

Show notes

This week, In Defense of Ska becomes Song Exploder... or, rather, SKA Exploder. The Kilograms' Sammy Kay and Joe Gittleman (also of The Mighty Mighty Bosstones) join the hosts to dissect songs from their respective catalogues. Listen now.

Firstly, the gang breaks down Gittleman’s song "Chores," which is taken from his brand new solo album Hold Up. Then, the group launches into a discussion about Kay's "How Fast to Run," which comes from his upcoming album July 1960. Finally, the two give a peek into The Kilograms' "Can't Be Beat."

Elsewhere, Kay and Gittleman talk about the benefit compilation for Michelle Ska, the influence of the people of Maui, and their relation to Joan Jett & the Blackhearts. There's also discussion of what makes a perfect song, with Magnetic Fields’ “Papa Was a Rodeo” and Cher’s “Believe" being tossed up as examples.

Listen to Joe Gittleman (Mighty Mighty Bosstones) & Sammy Kay (The Kilograms) talk about all this In Defense of Ska podcast. Then, follow the series wherever you get your podcast. Fans can also get early and ad-free episodes by joining the IDOS Patreon, and don't forget to check out all the Consequence Podcast Network series here.

You can also support the In Defense host Aaron Carnes by purchasing a copy of his book, In Defense of Ska. The 2nd, expanded edition will be released in Oct 2024.

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.

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
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In Defense of Ska Ep 180: Frank Turner Jun 26, 2024

Show notes

This week on In Defense of Ska, Frank Turner joins in to discuss growing up with UK skacore, finding a balance between his punkier and folkier tendencies, and his new album Undefeated. Listen now.

The English artist joins the In Defense of Ska crew to chat about both his presence in punk circles and singer-songwriter circles. He also, of course, gives his take on ska -- and as it turns out, he has quite a lot of thoughts on the genre!

He then details what it was like going to skacore shows in the 2000s, his experience touring with Interrupters, and NOFX covering his song "Thatcher Fucks the Kids." Elsewhere, the artist and performer dives into his new album Undefeated, loving Converge, and the worst shows he's ever played.

Listen to Frank Turner talk about on the In Defense of Ska podcast. Then, follow the series wherever you get your podcast. Fans can also get early and ad-free episodes by joining the IDOS Patreon, and don't forget to check out all the Consequence Podcast Network series here.

You can also support the In Defense host Aaron Carnes by purchasing a copy of his book, In Defense of Ska. The 2nd, expanded edition will be released 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 179: Christian Ska (with Jordan Morris and Kevin T. Porter) Jun 19, 2024

Show notes

Believe it or not, back in the late '90s, Christian ska was all the rage. On this episode of In Defense of Ska, the hosts tap into their inner musicologists and explore the bands, sounds, and culture of such a movement. Listen now.

The gang takes a look at the 'big three' of Christian ska, examining the likes of Five Iron Frenzy, The Supertones, and The Insyderz. They also dial in on the Supertones' sophomore record, The Supertones Strike Back, which went on quite a commercial run at the time of its release.

Elsewhere, the hosts chat with two people who were there to witness the rise and fall of Christian ska: Jordan Morris (of Jordan, Jesse, Go) and Kevin T. Porter (of Good Christian Fun). The duo discuss the music, television shows, and legacy of the niche micro-genre, as well as anti-masturbation songs and Katy Perry’s Christian (and ska) roots.

Listen to Jordan Morris and Kevin T. Porter talk about Christian Ska on the In Defense of Ska podcast. Then, follow the series wherever you get your podcast. Fans can also get early and ad-free episodes by joining the IDOS Patreon, and don't forget to check out all the Consequence Podcast Network series here.

You can also support the In Defense host Aaron Carnes by purchasing a copy of his book, In Defense of Ska. The 2nd, expanded edition will be released 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 178: Lollypop Lorry Jun 12, 2024

Show notes

This week on In Defense of Ska, Russian trad ska band Lollypop Lorry discuss covering Keith & Ken, collaborating with Inspector, and the Russian ska scene. Listen to the full chat.

Formed in 2008, Lollypop Lorry are a Russian ska act that just played their biggest show ever... in Mexico. Suffice to say, it's been an interesting ride from their humble beginnings to finding international success. Luckily, guitarist Ivan Gogolin and drummer Simon Shiriaev are here to break the whole tale down.

The two band members also touch on their love for Jamaican ska, their viral cover of Keith & Ken's "I Won't Let You Go," and collaborating with the likes of Inspector and Out of Control Army. They also launch into the inner workings of the Russian ska scene, shouting out other bands that deserve their flowers.

Listen to Lollypop Lorry on the In Defense of Ska podcast. Then, follow the series wherever you get your podcast. Fans can also get early and ad-free episodes by joining the IDOS Patreon, and don't forget to check out all the Consequence Podcast Network series here.

You can also support the In Defense host Aaron Carnes by purchasing a copy of his book, In Defense of Ska. The 2nd, expanded edition will be released 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 177: Voodoo Glow Skulls (Eddie and Jorge Casillas) Jun 05, 2024

Show notes

On this episode of In Defense of Ska, '90s skacore legends Voodoo Glow Skulls chat about recording in Spanish, influencing Vampire Weekend, sampling Cheech & Chong, and more. Listen now.

Founding members Eddie and Jorge Casillas join In Defense of Ska to chat about their irreverent sample choices, the story behind albums like Who Is, This Is? and Firme, and taking influence from the likes of Fishbone and Skeletones. They two also discuss influencing Vampire Weekend, who they're opening for at the Hollywood Bowl on June 12th (get tickets here).

Listen to Voodoo Glows Skulls on the In Defense of Ska podcast. Then, follow the series wherever you get your podcast. Fans can also get early and ad-free episodes by joining the IDOS Patreon, and don't forget to check out all the Consequence Podcast Network series here.

You can also support the In Defense host Aaron Carnes by purchasing a copy of his book, In Defense of Ska. The 2nd, expanded edition will be released 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

Behind The Curtain: Foolish Relics: Project Purple Cancer Awareness (TEASER) May 30, 2024

Show notes

For this month's bonus episode, we aim the spotlight at Tampa ska band Foolish Relics. Lead singer Dino Rustin tells us about his father's battle with pancreatic cancer and how he's written about the experience on their new song, "Forget About Tomorrow (Is This Hell?)" We also talk about Foolish Relics partnership with Project Purple, a pancreatic cancer foundation.

After our conversation, there are a few other fun PATREON-EXCLUSIVE odds and ends to listen to.

This is the conversation you've waited for. Sign up to the In Defense of Ska Patreon to listen to it now.

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 176: Matamoska May 29, 2024

Show notes

It's no secret that Los Angeles has a thriving, vibrant Latino ska scene. Frankly, it's one of the best pockets of ska music in the country. This week on In Defense of Ska, the hosts chat with one of the bands that helped set the standard for what the community would become -- Matamoska. Listen now.

Matamoska's Jose Padilla and Richard Sanchez sit down to discuss the origins of the band, their return after a long hiatus, and the recent release of their self-titled fourth album, which is out on Bad Times Records. The band then goes on to give their take on the current landscape of the scene before explaining the intricate dance style that is backwards the circle skank.

The crew also tells stories of their early days, explaining how a surprising amount of metal bands to a liking to the Matamoska sound, and Padilla divulges a particularly embarrassing story (no spoilers here!).

Listen to Matamoska on the In Defense of Ska podcast. Then, follow the series wherever you get your podcast. Fans can also get early and ad-free episodes by joining the IDOS Patreon, and don't forget to check out all the Consequence Podcast Network series here.

You can also support the In Defense host Aaron Carnes by purchasing a copy of his book, In Defense of Ska. The 2nd, expanded edition will be released 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 175: Dr. Ring Ding May 22, 2024

Show notes

Dr. Ring Ding joins In Defense of Ska to chat about the origins of the European ska scene, his own journey of falling in love with the genre, and the German ska bands he looks up to. Listen now.

Initially popularized by two-tone bands like Madness, The Specials, and The Selecter, ska eventually made its way into different pockets of Europe. One of these pockets was Germany, where a young Dr. Ring Ding fell in love with the genre's unique stylings.

Dr. Ring Ding tells the story of how he discovered ska -- shouting out bands like The Busters, The Butlers, Skaos, Blechreiz, No Sports, and The Braces along the way -- as well as how he got into the scene himself. He touches on his first group, Dr Ring Ding and the Senior Allstars, and runs through his now massive discography.

Listen to Dr. Ring Ding on the In Defense of Ska podcast. Then, follow the series wherever you get your podcast. Fans can also get early and ad-free episodes by joining the IDOS Patreon, and don't forget to check out all the Consequence Podcast Network series here.

You can also support the In Defense host Aaron Carnes by purchasing a copy of his book, In Defense of Ska. The 2nd, expanded edition will be released 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 174: Nate Albert (Mighty Mighty Bosstones) May 15, 2024

Show notes

So, there's this pretty cool ska band called The Mighty Mighty Bosstones. Perhaps you've heard of them? On this episode of In Defense of Ska, original Mighty Mighty Bosstones guitarist Nate Albert chats about the band's early years, the artists who inspired him, and how other scenes treated ska in the 1990s. Listen now.

Albert runs through some of his early memories with the legendary ska act, like scoring No. 1 hit single with "The Impression That I Get."

Reflecting on the success of The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Albert makes sure to take time to appreciate the bands that inspired him and his style. He shouts out bands like The Clash, Pixies, Dinosaur Jr., and more before recounting the band's less-than-warm welcome at the 1995 Lollapalooza festival.

Listen to Nate Albert on the In Defense of Ska podcast. Then, follow the series wherever you get your podcast. Fans can also get early and ad-free episodes by joining the IDOS Patreon, and don't forget to check out all the Consequence Podcast Network series here.

You can also support the In Defense host Aaron Carnes by purchasing a copy of his book, In Defense of Ska. The 2nd, expanded edition will be released 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 173: Ceci Bastida (Tijuana No, Julieta Venegas, Mexrrissey) May 08, 2024

Show notes

On this episode of In Defense of Ska, Ceci Bastida chats about Tijuana No, the world of international ska in the '90s, and her new solo record Everything Taken Away.

Bastida takes listeners through the history of Tijuana No, one of the most important bands to come out of the Mexican ska movement. The vocalist and keyboardist runs through the act's early days, their attempts to break into the American market, and how one of her band members eventually became a pop superstar.

The artist also touches on her solo work, from her new album Everything Taken Away to her incredible cover of Suicidal Tendencies’ classic cut “Institutionalized,” which features original Suicidal Tendencies members. She then reflects on the political topics that make their way into her music, as well as musical influences like The Clash.

Listen to Ceci Bastida on the In Defense of Ska podcast. Then, follow the series wherever you get your podcast. Fans can also get early and ad-free episodes by joining the IDOS Patreon, and don't forget to check out all the Consequence Podcast Network series here.

You can also support the In Defense host Aaron Carnes by purchasing a copy of his book, In Defense of Ska. The 2nd, expanded edition will be released 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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