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Roots Rock Rebel
Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008
10pm-12am
CKUT, 90.3FM, Montreal!

Hello!
Aaron here from Roots Rock Rebel on CKUT
radio in Montreal. We're going to start posting
our podcasts and playlists on Music is our
Occupation! Every week we bring
you the finest that the ska and reggae worlds
have to offer, with great interviews too,
so be sure to download our podcasts (link and rss feed below),
or check us out at www.myspace.com/ckutrootsrockrebel

Alex Giguere of One Night Band was our special guest for an interview this
week. ONB is burning it up, and their new CD, "Hit and Run", is in heavy
rotation on Roots Rock Rebel. Alex chatted with us about the band's recent
romp through Europe. To see their crazy antics, and hear some tunes,
visit: myspace.com/theonenightband

The end of the year is fast approaching, and as per usual, we will run
down our top 5 Ska/Reggae albums of the year on the show. But we'd love to
hear from you! If any ska or reggae cd's really caught your ear and shook
your booty in 2008, drop us a line at rebel@ckut.ca or send us a myspace
message.

Be sure to tune in next week for a special preview of Rude Boy's new CD!
Rude Boy are a classic 2-tone ska band from Ottawa. They released one
album on Stomp records back ina day, and they are getting ready to put out
their next album, their first release in 10 years! Hear some of their new
stuff at: myspace.com/rudeboycanada

Until next week,
stay rude, and stay rebel
RRR crew

To podcast or download the show, Click Here

Playlist - December 3rd, 2008

Jeunesse Apatride - Jadis
The Clash - Clampdown
Corrigan Fest - Je marche
Street Dogs - Two angry kids
Men o' Steel - Many rivers to cross
3 Minute Warning - TV is on
Dirty Revolution - I love reggae
One Night Band - Wait a minute
One Night Band - Sammy
Crazy Baldhead feat. Bucket Hingley - Victoria
The Kinky Coo Coo's - Heard it through the grapevine
Red Soul Community - Red soul
Intensified - Hot lead shuffle
The Gramaphone Allstars - A night in Tunisia
The Slackers - Sing your song
Firebug - Estranho
Ed Rome - Non relationship rant
Freddie McGregor - Bobby Babylon
Slim Smith - Rougher yet
Toots and the Maytals - In the dark
Dave Barker - Funky funky reggae
Root Diamoons - From Jamaica
Moon Hop - Mambo es ska
Mungo's Hi-Fi - Divorce a l'italienne
Take the Boys - Higher and higher
The Cougars - I wish it would rain
Los Calaveras - Hooligan calypso remix
The Specials - Monkey man
The Claredonians - You can't be happy
Denis Alcapone - Power version
Laurel Aitken - Crazy feeling


--
host, "Roots Rock Rebel"
Wednesdays, 10pm-midnight
CKUT, 90.3 FM, Montreal
Ska, punk, reggae got soul!
www.ckut.ca (for online streaming and archive downloads)
www.myspace.com/ckutrootsrockrebel

Bombtown - ?!INTERROBANG!? Review

2008 Stubborn Records - Review by Gabe Pressure

The Bombtown Crew is back and better than ever on this 14 track brain melter! Since the release of the band's debut release on Megalith they have really polished out their sound. If you liked Logical Reality you are going to love Interrobang, no question. This time around Bombtown entered the legendary Version City Studio under the guidance of King Django to record. Each tune is drenched in the that Version City sound like Django dipped them in his musical batter and served em' up with some throat scorching hot sauce.

Right from the start it's an onslaught of the musical mayhem that is Bombtown. If you have sensitive ears, too bad for you because the first tune, Undertaker, will blow out your precious ear drums with a vengeance. Giving you a full sample of the Bombtown sound with a furious punk, hardcore, and ska introduction. The thing I love about these guys is you never know what your gonna get next, and what you think is coming can change in an instant. They blend ska, dub, reggae, dancehall, punk, and hardcore in a way I never thought possible, it's mind blowing. The songs Acid Rain Dance and Fire Come Down prove it, and you can hear the attention to detail from the drum and bass to the sweet sax and blistering guitar making those rhythm and style changes so seamless. It's not just noise.


Tommi Infamous has also stepped up his game lyrically. Babylon Girl is a personal response to a relationship gone sour and the aftermath that ensued. Right here is where you start to hear that defined dancehall style and percussion they have developed. And if you wanna hear what I think is the peak of that musical development check the riddim on The Devil and the Lord of Hosts featuring Rocker T with his soothing vocals. This thing could be on a Version City Rockers album and I would have been fooled.

They touch on subjects like racism and police corruption on Nother Cop Done. Another guest vocalist Crusador Lion takes the helm chatting and singing over a wicked riddim. Midway through the tune listen for a narrative between two characters - a cop and an innocent man being harassed because of the color of his skin. Well done.

Bring in another deadly dancehall riddim with the lyrical assassin Dr. Ring Ding making an appearance on Lyrics By The Ton in a combination style with Tommi Infamous and you gotta be hooked by now! But if that ain't enough they rework Skinnerbox's tune with Next Finger and Tommi is in top form with King Django on trombone and backing.

These tunes are just some of the highlights for me. I must have listened to the album a couple of 20 times and still can't get enough. Definitely a standout album this year amongst so many traditionalist out there. It's great to have a band bending and blending genres the way these guys do. They use all the right elements with none of that irritating poppy stuff. Interrobang is true to the underground roots Bombtown draws from and you should definitely add this album to your library.

Buy it at www.stubbornrecords.com

Check www.myspace.com/bombtown

Read Mikey Tag's interview with Tommi Infamous

Listen to new tunes and an interview with Tommi on Pressure Drop Soundcast

Review: The Pinstripes - "The Decay"

2007 Stubborn Records
Drawing on a vast mixture of influences, a strong foundation, and tons of ambition, The Pinstripes have been making name for themselves. They recently won the Cincinnati Entertainment Award for Best World Music Act, and have shared the stage with many of today's top Ska acts.

This year they released their new album "The Decay". If non-stop energetic rhythms, and blistering horns are your thing, your gonna love this album.

The album opens with such a powerful punch of energy in the song "Find It", you'll be thirsty for more. They relax the tempo a bit with a little number called "50 Cardinal". The way the drum and bass swing are reminiscent of an old SkinnerBox tune. That's what I love about the album, it's diversity. I've always had a soft spot that way. It's really easy to find yourself moving to the sounds of ska, reggae, dub, funk, punk, and more. The Pinstripes capture these styles, and fuse them into finely crafted album for any music lover.

"Evening Dub" sets off with the great words "Sit back and listen keenly, well I play for you another musical biscuit" echoing into a heavy, heavy bass line. Melting horns dubbed over a tight neck breaking beat and hard crashing cymbals. This one easily shows how they are able to move in and out of styles seamlessly.

Another stand out tune is "Africa". A straight up dose of Ska with powerful horn lines, and gut wrenching sax solos, dueling over an infectious upbeat skank that will get you off your feet in no time.

After burning you up throughout the entire album, they cool you down with a stripped down acoustic tune called "Wanna Go Home". Real easy on the ears, and catchy like Chris Murray.

One listen through this album will have you shaking off the jitters like a roller coaster ride, and eager to get on again. And believe me you'll have to hear it again.

If you love music, you'll like this album.

-Gabe


For more info on The Pinstripes visit:


http://pinstripes.rudeska.com/index.html


http://www.myspace.com/thepinstripes

Buy it at Stubborn Records Online Store

Tommi Infamous of Bomb Town

Bomb Town is a punk rock dancehall band hailing from New Jersey. Under the wings of Hub City Stompers, King Django, and other New Jersey ska and reggae stalwarts, Bomb Town has emerged with a unique and exciting sound in the past few years. In a time where most ska bands are typically judged by their level of authenticity and innovation, and “ska punk” can be easily be dismissed by traditionalists, Bomb Town rise above the norm by tastefully mixing their true roots in a wicked combination. With a punk attitude, hardcore mentality and a dancehall sensibility, Bomb Town is a force to be reckoned with in the scene. Singer Tommi Infamous took the time to answer our questions regarding these influences, their upcoming album and more…

How did Bomb Town form, and what are your main influences?
Well at the time I was playing drums in a punk band called the Insults. I grew tired of not having musical control and being a drummer. I decided to start a musical project using some old school NJ Ska crew and some fresh faces. The influences of the band range from classic reggae and ska to all forms of punk rock and hardcore. My biggest influence at the moment is dancehall and all dancehall DJs.

Where did the band name come from?
The name Bomb Town came from two sources mainly. The first being an adaptation of a Desmond Dekker lyric:
Dem rudeboys get a probation - A Shanty Town
And rudeboy bomb up the town - A Shanty Town
The other source is from the term "Bomb" in a graffiti sense. I love graffiti culture and love seeing towns covered in graffiti, hence "Bomb Town." I basically want the entire world covered in BTC stickers and stencils!

Who’s in the band these days? I think you’ve had some lineup changes? Who plays what?
It’s pretty much the usual suspects. Our original drummer CK joined the Air Force in the early stages of the band and was replaced with Scragg on drums. Other than that, saxophone is still Jen Plum, Matty Glock on guitar, Crash Maline on keys, myself on vocals, and our original bass player Krispy is leaving due to personal reasons and is soon to be replaced with Joey G on Bass.

You already have one album under your belt, Logical Reality on Megalith Records, and a second album in the works. What’s going on with that?
The new album is going to be called !?INTERROBANG! and is in the mixing process as of now. We ran into some budget issues... so once we overcome that it will be released, haha.

How has the recording been going? Are you doing anything different this time around?
Recording this record was awesome! It was a lot of fun and we had the opportunity to do it with my friend and mentor King Django. This album I feel is more reggae and punk rock and not as much ska. There will still be the traditional BTC ska-punk rocker tunes but it’s definitely more reggae than the last.

How has your sound progressed since the last album?
As I stated it’s way more reggae. We experimented a lot with DUB on this album along with other sounds that definitely separate it from old Bomb Town recordings. The band is tighter, my singing has improved (thanks to Django as the producer!) and I feel it’s just an overall improvement. We recorded a lot of our tunes in a reggae riddim style in order to allow for guests and additional dubs.

Logical Reality had a few guests. Can we expect the same on this one?
Yes there are NUFF guests on this one, including Dr. Ring Ding, Rocker-T, Crusader Lion and Weatherman.

How were those recording sessions?
Working with Ring-Ding is always a pleasure. He’s great to have in the studio. He did the recording at Version City when he was here visiting and it was great. Ring Ding appears on our song Lyrics by the Ton which he does in a combination style with myself. Rocker-T recorded his vocals in Cali where he currently resides, so sadly he hasn’t visited Version City recently. Hopefully that changes. Crusader Lion appears on a track called ‘Nother Cop Done which is a song about corrupt police officers. It is done in a very interesting storytelling fashion. New Brunswick’s own Weatherman was in the studio recording some tunes for Django and he was kind enough to chat on our song in a dub plate style where the chorus is "Bomb sound is the ruling sound!" It’s rather entertaining, haha.

Who’s going to release the album?
!?INTERROBANG?! will be a Stubborn Records release.

When is the album coming out?
The album will be released as soon as it’s done. There is no confirmed release date.

I haven’t been to one of your shows in a few years, but from the reviews I’ve read on the forums, they seem pretty crazy. I hear people bring air horns. That’s both hilarious and awesome! How did that start?
Well the air horn thing came from dancehall influence. I just started bringing them and it caught on. It is rather hilarious. At one show there was some heat from another band who thought we were telling our fans to bring air horns to blare during their set to "ruin it.” They didn’t really understand why I would want people using air horns during our set but I love it!

What else can we expect from a Bomb Town show?
Well I have been fire breathing at shows which is also hilarious and dangerous. Other than that you can expect general craziness.

Aside from the band, I know you do some solo work deejaying bars and parties. Your skills have improved tremendously over the years. What would you attribute to your success? Did you have any coaching, or was it self-developed?
Well music is a constant growth. I am always striving to create a better product and improve myself along with the music itself. In music there is no "success" as far as I’m concerned. It’s a constant forward movement to figure out your next move and to top what you've already done. The only direction I’ve had has been from King Django. He has pushed me to work on my singing and to develop my lyrics and concepts. I feel that I have made monstrous leaps in my music just from working with Django and doing this last record with him.

What’s been your best experience yet as a musician? Any memorable shows, stories, etc?
Well I could go on about this for hours. Bomb Town is hilarious. At shows, outside shows, wherever we go, there is always something hilarious going on generally. The most amazing thing to me is having people actually enjoy our music. To have someone tell me they like our music is the biggest honor. Any show where the attendees have a good time is memorable. Doing shows with my friends for people that appreciate it is the best feeling in the world!

Are you planning on touring after the album drops? Will you hit Chicago? How about the west coast?
There is nothing in the works as of yet. But we plan on hitting the road as much as we can in 2008. And of course we will come back to Chicago! Chicago has always welcomed us with open arms and it’s a great city to play. Eventually we will make it west but as I stated nothing is in the works as of yet...

What else is going on in the Bomb Town world? Other projects, gigs, etc?
We are getting the new bassie up to speed and awaiting the release of the new record. We are reinventing our live shows a bit with different transitions etc. Outside of Bomb Town I've been doing sound system shows with my selector King Stout of Steady Sound System fame. We are planning a sound system tour called "DUB THE PUNX!" which is basically a dub dancehall set with me chatting. The tour is scheduled for launch on January 11th and we are heading south to Florida for a week. The logic being....well it’s friggin’ cold in New Jersey in January so why not go somewhere warm! And of course to spread Jah Love. Other then that I’m going to be doing some guest spots on a new FretWide tune and I’m going to be recording some dancehall tracks soon as well.

Anything else you want to talk about? Here’s your chance for rants, raves, shout-outs, etc.
I think I covered pretty much everything. I would like to shout out respect to all reggae ska punk rock and hardcore massive! Music is my weapon in this war against Babylon and I appreciate all the support I have received attempting to spread my message. Thank you for this opportunity. Bless!

For more Bomb Town visit www.myspace.com/bombtown , and for Tommi's solo work, www.myspace.com/tommiinfamous

Review - Various Artists "Ska Is Dead" compilation

“Ska Is Dead” is a compilation of North American ska music by Asian Man Records. Because I respect Mike Park for all that he has done for indie music as well as his stance on social issues, I really wanted to give “Ska Is Dead” a glowing review.

But I can’t. Having only liked 11 out of 23 tracks, an “E for Effort” is really the best I can muster.

So what did I like?

This album starts off promising with a Specials-esque track by Big D & The Kids Table called “Noise Complaint”. Other bands that I liked include: The Toasters, Deal’s Gone Bad, The Pietasters, King Django, Westbound Train, and Chris Murray. I was pleasantly surprised by The Planet Smasher’s track, “Raise Your Glass”. And the real treat on this album is the hard-to-find track, “Too Big For Your Boots” by The Porkers.

The biggest problem I have with this album is the same one I have with many American bands: taking a punk band, adding a horn section, and calling yourselves “ska”. The liner notes on the back are a stark contrast to many of the tracks within. “This album presents SKA – original and indigenous…” Well, maybe to Orange County, but certainly not Orange Street. This album is stuck in Third Wave, and it’s really high time for America to realize that it’s not 1997 anymore. I found myself skipping way too many tracks to find this album satisfying.

Many ska fans under the age of 21 will “no doubt” find this album to be the best thing since sliced bread. Those over 21 will likely be disappointed. But at the end of the day, having only paid $6.99 for the album, it’s not like I didn’t get my money’s worth. And so, on that point alone, I can recommend buying this album.

Still, if this compilation is a measure of the American ska scene, then maybe ska really is dead. And that’s a shame because the rest of the world is putting out some really great ska music.

To hear some, check out this podcast: Pop-Punk-With-Horns Is Dead!

http://ca_ska.podomatic.com/entry/2007-08-22T11_36_37-07_00

Discussions About Music In Differant Towns: Kevin Willingham

What's kind of impact has Ska and Reggae music had in your town?
Have you ever wondered what it's like in towns around the world?
Last weekend I had a IM discussion with Kevin Willingham.
This interview is the start of a whole new series of interviews planned in the month to come. The goal is to answer the very questions asked above.

Sunday July 1st 9:00 pm
me: So I'm gonna assume that much of our readers have not heard of you...where are you from?

kevinwska: Well basically I'm from the St. Louis area (Missouri if you do not know the state) and more specifically I'm living in this little rail road town called DeSoto.

me: wow, whats the music scene like there, particularly with ska?

kevinwska: Well St. Louis has an odd music scene in general. There are alot of house Reggae, Jazz and Blues bands around. St. Louis also use to have a buzzing Punk and Alternative scene. When it comes to Ska of course there is Mu330, Secret Cajun band and The Urge. The scene goes through phases. At any point in time it can be huge to no bands at all. It is in a middle phase right now, a rebuilding stage if you will. My small home town has had a lot of Punk bands and a few ska bands. Some of them would be Spatula Face, The Yellow Five, Dumb Luck and Shit.

me: With such a wide variety of music like this how did you come be a fan of ska music? Especially with it being so scarce.

kevinwska: Well when i was real young; I was huge rocker. I grew up on sounds of Kiss, Joan Jett, Rush and the like. When I reached Jr. High some of my older friends introduced me into Punk. After a while I found my self drummin in a band of my own. My first true exposure to Ska was with the Mighty Mighty Bosstones (my mom really liked them) and probably The Police. But it wasn't until this band I was in played a cover of Bob by NOFX that I really looked into this Ska thing. After some research I download two bands, Reel Big Fish and The Specials. RBF came first and I didn't like it much but when I got to The Specials I really dug the style and that started my love for Ska. When it came to my own scene the first Ska band I saw was The Yellow Five which made me wanna do my own Ska band down the road.

me: That's an interesting musical path...and now you perform solo acoustic ska is that right?

kevinwska: Yes it is. That kinda started out due to two different factors. I had been in a few bands playing guitar, singing, playing drums and bass. But none of them made it past house party status and we were never good. I couldn't find dedicated musicians! So I started writing my own stuff; which at first was like stripping Operation Ivy down to just guitar and vocals aka not any good. It was when I heard some Chris Murray that I put some more thought into it and maybe had more faith that I could do it for real.

me: So how would you describe your material now?

kevinwska: That has always been hard for me, for one because what I want it be changes daily almost and I hate to limit it. Once I called it FolkatronicSka! But its basically acoustic music that goes where I wanna it to; the only definite is the heavy Ska roots. The folk sounds just kinda happened. I really started getting heavy into Folk music, especially Celtic. I even decided to learn Mandolin and Tin Whistle. But even that description will fail soon as I've been writing electric stuff for a change of pace, drums, bass, guitar, horns all the works.

me: That's sounds cool...I certainly can hear those influences in some your music Ive heard...
Do have any music released for those who might be interested?

kevinwska: Oh yeah, I have two hard copy releases right now and there is music on my myspace (http://www.myspace.com/kevinwillinghamska) and scattered all over the net if you can find it. As for the hard copies I have an EP that is out of print now but still floating around to buy (Interpunk). I also have a Single with songs from my recently finished full length. The single is not available on the net right now but I'm working on that. The full length is kinda in limbo right now. I sadly can't find a label that wants to release it. I may release it DIY soon but I can't decide; wasn't my original intention.

me: That's great that you've been able to to all this on your own...

kevinwska: Its been rough but I try my best
me: I hear that your now performing in a band now...can you tell us about taht?

kevinwska: Well I was suppose to be playing Trombone in a band from around here. But I actually don't think that is going to happen, for what reason I have no idea; I'm not too thrilled about that. I am trying to put a band of my own together but no luck so far, I've already laid down some songs and have a myspace for them (to claim a name and get the ball rolling) I want it to go by the name Ultra Panic. I'd also really like to play drums in a band again. It has been so long and being a Percussion Major in college that seems odd; I miss doing it.

me: Well I hope it all works out for you, the project sounds pretty exciting...
So percussion major, I would never have thought....
What would you say are your major influences musically?
Which artist have really made an impression on you?

kevinwska: Yeah most people don't know I'm a percussionist; how would they? But I've played drums Since I was 4 years old. My influences are a tough thing for me too. One would be my dad who played drums in a hard rock band in St. Louis in the 80's and 90's. After that I'd have to say I really look up to Mike Park. I love every project he has been involved in and his solo stuff (I use to cover a song of his). On top of that I have a lot in common with some of his outlooks I think and some day I'd like to set up my own recording studio and label. I also really like Dan Potthast; I just like his style , talent, and voice. I connect with Jesse Michaels and Chris Murray..the list could probably go on.

me: Those musicians are great, have any of them ever come through St.Louis?

kevinwska: Only Dan Potthast. I played with him on the first St. Louis Ska revival back in December. It was nice having another Solo guy on the bill, I'm use to being the only one but it can be intimidating sometimes knowing all those kids are waiting to rock out as hard as they can. Dan was a nice guy we talked a little about small stuff; he always seemed like he had a lot on his mind.
me: That's awesome that got to perform on the same bill as on your musical influences. These kids who are ready to rock you speak of, which venues are they attending with these shows?

kevinwska: Most Ska shows around here are at The Creepy Crawl. It is an old independent venue (though just got a new place) that has heavy scene following. Recently ones have been booked at Off Broadway (I'm playing there with Magic Goat on the 7th) and Cicero's I've also seen them and played at The Red Sea and Midwest Music Pit.

me: Sounds like a pretty solid scene..
Are there any websites we can go to get a closer look

kevinwska: I use to have a small website but it hasn't been updated in ages; I need to fix that. Mostly you have my myspace and my blog (http://kevinwillingham.blogspot.com) which really is more about Ska reviews, interviews and other music in general more then my music (but read it anyway!). If you have facebook you can look up my name and add me if you like, just tell me who you are and why you added me. I have a small group on facebook too.

me:Nice!..I have noticed how active you are in various online communities...
It's always good to see musicians right out there with everyone

kevinwska: I'm internet junkie sometimes, and I like to be involved in stuff like that. I wanna give back if I can to the music, in whatever possible way. I also really love meeting new people. I'm not much of a people person really, but I find people interesting from a philosophical perspective. Also I just like to talk about different things learn different thing.

me: I can understand that...
Maybe some of our reader will run across you online some time...

kevinwska: I'd love that. But please if you talk to me on AIM or something, do so more then once; or if its been a long while remind me who you are. I'm terrible with names great with faces. So take away the faces I just have a bad memory!
me: Well Kev it's been nice chatting with you
It's been good to find out about your music and the St Louis ska scene too

kevinwska: I appreciate the time as well and I'm very glad to answer any questions.
me: Thanks for taking the time to do so!
any final words?

kevinwska: Just to remember that music is more then scenes, money and anything else. Its about passions; love, intelligence, individuality while unification; the entire world around us! The only way to keep it strong is to learn it, truly appreciate it, and have fun with it.
me: Right on...well, until next time Kevin, take care.

Another Introduction (a rather long one at that!)

Punk Rock is where it all began for me. Mainly I blame good punk bands like the Clash, the Pogues, Stiff Little fingers, Rancid, Black Flag, Minor Threat, Bad Brains, Sham 69, Cocksparrer, and so many more. It all begins in 8th grade my friend discovered this tape from some band that we had only read about before. It was the Sex Pistols and that summer we listened to that tape until it stopped playing. During high school I began to go to any punk show I knew about. There were 4 or 5 bands from my high school that played together one of those bands were the first ska band I ever saw live, Mobtown Beat. I think around that period I bought Operation Ivy’s Energy, but I do not think it sunk in until I saw Mobtown Beat. They did a mix of original songs and covers one being Dandy Livingstone’s “A Message To You Rudy.” As the ska band played I stood in the room amazed I had never heard this type of music before. I thought what the hell is this? It sounds like punk but it’s sorta more mellow. The horns?!? The very next day I had to find that song the Mobtown Beat had played and I found it (sort of). The only album I could find it on was this double CD called the Two Tone collection. So I bought it and I was sort of perplexed because besides at that show I had never heard this type of music ever. And even in middle school I loved music and everything I listened to I had to read about it. I always loved to study and read about music even from the beginning. The more I read the more I knew the more I wanted.

It took me a year I think before I actually decided I liked what was on this two tone cd. To me it didn’t sound like the punk rock I listened to and it sort of sounded like something my parents would listen to rather than me. As this began I stumbled upon bands like the Bosstones, the Toasters, Fishbone. The more I got into ska the more I found out about its history being related to this little island in the Bahamas called Jamaica. I think a friend of mine one day in my sophmore year brought in these cd’s he just ordered and he told me I had to borrow them. He heard about this label in NYC called Moon Records. I began to learn about all these ska bands from all over the US and eventually all over the world -- like the Scofflaws, Skavoovie and the Epitomes, the Skunks, the Pietasters, the Adjusters, Dr. Ring Ding, and many many more.

During my sophmore year of high school my friends and I also began looking for shows with these ska bands from all over the US and we found this wonderful club that booked ska shows every weekend. Ska really began to blow up right around than and all these bands had to play this small wonderful club in DC called Phantasmagoria. During this time I decided I had to help this small scene and I created a cut paste ska zine called Elevation. It was a big deal because all my friends and I really put our action into words. It was all about Jamaican music and modern ska. Looking back at the articles now I think we were truly ska snobs even as teenagers. Eventually my band got to open up for some of our favorite bands like the Scofflaws, the Skoidats, and King Django. Also when I joined the Ratchet Boys I met Michelle that ran dcska.com and she asked me to write for the site. And I spent years and years writing articles, interviewing bands, and reviewing albums.

Fast forward to a few years later I met this guy named Rudy at a show my band played and we both loved ska and reggae. At this time I had slowly begin to build up this huge collection of reggae and ska. My friend Rudy had a radio show at UMBC and we decided to do a ska/reggae show. This was the creation of Mobtown Ska Sounds. It lasted 3 years and we interviewed tons of bands, played tons of ska bands no one had ever heard of, and became the top rated radio show at our university. We had listeners from Japan, German, California, many places. At this time I also began djing a modern ska night at a local bar in DC. Eventually this led me down a road where I started delving into more original Jamaican ska and reggae. A year later I had suddenly joined one of the largest most popular reggae night in DC (dc soundclash). And now I still dj all over the place. I still play in a ska/reggae band (the Ready Steady Go!). Last year I began reading up on podcasts a friend of mine suggested we bring back the old radio show. So Mobtown Ska Sounds was reborn again via the internet. Before I started the Mobtown Ska Sounds podcast I could not find another podcast around that focused on reggae/ska music.

I wish I could explain what drew me into ska/reggae but I really can’t It is the sort of music that makes me feel alright. I come home from work – kick off my shoes, open a beer, and put on a rocksteady album on my stereo that’s what makes me a happy man. I really can’t see myself listening or being so interested in any other type of music as much as Jamaican music has sort of consumed me. Sorry if this seems rather long winded.