Dan has a full house this week with Sexton Sideshow founders Paula and Jim Minacci. As the sextons (or caretakers) of Old Swedes' Church in Philadelphia since 2000, they started having events featuring Philadelphia artists like Deadfellow, Low Cut Connie, and EJ Simpson's long running one-man 'Jesus Christ Superstar' production. Paula and Jim talk with Dan about how they got into doing shows, being inspired by their son Dylan's journey into the music business, offering up their home to travelling artists from all over, and this month's big event: a musical tribute to 'O Brother Where Art Thou', now in it's 7th year. They even bring Philadelphia singer-songwriter (and past 25 O'Clock guest) Emily Drinker to talk about the show and all that goes into making it happen (the show features almost two dozen Philadelphia area performers and artists). Sexton Sideshow Presents: 'O Brother Where Art Thou' is December 13th and 14th at Old Swedes' Church at Christan St and Columbus Blvd in Philadelphia. Tickets are available at the church's website and on the the Sexton Sideshow Instagram. 

The last time Brendan Johnson of Stella Ruze was on the show, it was with his bandmate Katie O'Donnell, and it was less than a week before the world shutdown in March of 2020 (Dan didn't have another in-person guest for nearly a year and a half). It's been almost five years, but Brendan comes back to talk to Dan about the band, some line-up and life changes amidst them, and how embracing improvisation and extended instrumental sections gave them their latest LP, 'Origin'. Brendan and Dan get into their love of live improvisation, namely the band Phish, and the difference between proper "jamming" and just extended soloing. 'Origin' is available December 20th wherever you get your digital music, and on vinyl through the band's website. Stella Ruze will play an LP release show at Ardmore Music Hall on December 21st with Hezekiah Jones and Brittany Ann Tranbaugh. 

Dan was moved to reach out to a seemingly anonymous person, based solely on liking his concert photography. And through that, Dan talks to Jersey Wall (or Eric, as he's known to some) for one of his first podcast appearances ever. Eric talks about growing up moving a lot, his dad's record collection, going to shows as a rite of passage into growing up, and his lifelong love of technology and innovation. Eric made his way to Philadelphia in 2009 and immediately found the music community to be not only full of great bands and shows, but also a great place to start delving into photography. Dan and Eric talk about the importance of comminity, of having something to offer, and how to ride the line between fan and contributor. Eric posts his photos on his Jersey Wall Instagram regularly, and recently did the promo photos for Philly band Soft Idiot (there's even a track from them at the end). Check out his IG where you can see his photos and contact him for future projects. 

Dan traveled up to Newtown, PA to sit with Dirty Dollhouse front-woman Chelsea Mitchell in her shop, Newtown Book & Record Exchange, along with her bassist Josh Machiz. Chelsea talks about growing up in Newtown, being an anxious, book-obsessed kid, and how she found her way into music by playing in the church worship bands and choir (where, as a bonus, she received classical voice training). She also talks about the trajectory of Dirty Dollhouse, beginning as a trio of her, Amber Twait and Vanessa Winters singing country harmonies, and how it morphed into the full band that it is today with members like Josh, Eric Lawry and Pete Hall. Dan, Chelsea, and Josh reminisce about an era in the Philly folk and rock scene that they all inhabited around the same time, and give their kudos to people who have helped along the way.  Dirty Dollhouse's new LP, 'The End', is out now and available wherever you get digital music. The band will play a release show at Johnny Brenda's on November 22nd with Dominy and Bren.  Also: Dan is getting ready to send the $$ from 'Want To Play A Song?: Live On 25 O'Clock Vol. 1' to Philly Music Fest (they're getting ready to announce their donation numbers very soon), so get yourself the comp exclusively on Bandcamp if you haven't already. All proceeds go to the charitable giving of PMF to music education charites in Philadlephia. 

Dan and and Kat Rivers met over a Philly music Discord, and started doing Monday co-working sessions at an Olde City coffee shop with a rotating cast of musicians and creatives. Kat talks about growing up in Paduka, Kentucky, her many years in musical theater (including the Walnut Street Theater, which is what brought her to Philadelphia), and stepping away from theater to focus on performing music. She gets into the nuts and bolts of working the wedding and cover band gigs, as well as how she finally put together her own band for her songs, Kat Rivers and the Second Sight. To quote Kat's current mantra, "There are so many ways to be good." Kat Rivers and the Second Sight have shows coming up this fall, including November 23rd at Fat Lady Brewing in Manayunk with Maria Mirenzi, and December 12th at Tin Can Bar in Port Richmond. 

Dan recovers from a week of Philly Music Fest with a playlist episode. Ten tracks of Philadlephia music goodness, including a couple from the 'Want To Play A Song?: Live On 25 O'Clock Vol. 1' compilation out now exclusivley via Bandcamp. Also, Dan shares some big news, so don't miss that! Clickable playlist is below, support that artists you love!   1. Aaron Parnell Brown- Always Everything 2. Kate Dressed Up- All the While Following Me 3. Needless Ghost- Berlin, 1982 4. Hermosa- Diamond 5. Barney Cortez- Totally Confused 6. Jodaki- Yr Memory 7. Maggie Mae- Ghost 8. Lito and the Shepherds- Last Call 9. Party Nerves- Toothpaste, NJ 10. The Tisburys- The Anniversaries 11. Eliza Hardy Jones- This Is the Year (demo)  

Dan talks with Josh Ostrander, aka Mondo Cozmo, from his basement studio in Los Angeles. After mutually admiring each other's set-ups through their computer screens, Josh talks to Dan about growing up outside Philadelphia, all the ups and downs with his previous groups La Guardia and Eastern Conference Champions, and the hard decision to shift to a solo project back in 2016. Since then Josh has toured constantly, put out multiple releases, and written more songs than he could ever know what to do with. Josh details how touring with Spoon just before their last album, 'Lucifer On the Sofa', was a master class in how a band reinvents itself, and those lessons would inform his own work going forward. His latest LP, 'It's PRINCIPLE', is out now and available wherever you get your digital music. Mondo Cozmo is playing 10/26 at Underground Arts as part of Philly Music Fest, sharing a bill with Devon Gilfillian, The Tisburys, and Emily Drinker.  'Want To Play A Song?: Live On 25 O'Clock Vol. 1' is out now exclusively on Bandcamp, and is a compilation of 10 unique performances from the podcast over the last ten years. All the proceeds from the compilation go to support Philly Music Fest's charitable giving. Every year, PMF donates all the profits from the festival to music non-profits all over Philadelphia. Since their inception, they've donated over $500K to music and education charities throughout the region.

Dan has admired Chiara D'Anzieri's music (under the Santa Chiara moniker) for a while now, and has wanted to have her on the show ever since. Chiara talks about coming to the US in her 20s after meeting Philly musician Ron Gallo on a beach in Italy while he was on tour, and how the adjustment to life over here was an up-and-down journey. Trained as classical cellist, Chiara spent most of her young life traveling to play with orchestras and ensembles, and made the decision to pursue rock and pop music as she got older. We talk travel, touring in the US, and her latest album, 'IMPORTED', which is available on Kill Rock Stars and everywhere you get your digital music. Santa Chiara is playing at Ardmore Music Hall on 10/21 as part of the first night of Philly Music Fest with Hurry and Slaughter Beach, Dog. This episode features an exclusive, unreleased song from Chiara that was recorded live at the First Unitarian Church in Philadelphia earlier this year.  'Want To Play A Song?: Live On 25 O'Clock Vol. 1' is out now exclusively on Bandcamp, and is a compilation of 10 unique performances from the podcast over the last ten years. All the proceeds from the compilation go to support Philly Music Fest's charitable giving. Every year, PMF donates all the profits from the festival to music non-profits all over Philadelphia. Since their inception, they've donated over $500K to music and education charities throughout the region.

Dan talks to Chris Pires, drummer for Philly ska-punks Catbite, in lieu of their Philly Music Fest appearance. Chris talks about convncing his parents to let him have a drum kit, all the different acts he's played with, and how Catbite formed out of nowhere as a "thing to do". Chris also gets into the dynamics of a band relationship, and the importance of having real, adult conversations amongst bandmembers about what you want out of a band and out of life. Catbite are headlining the 10/25 Friday Philly Music Fest show at Milkboy with Reef The Lost Cauze, Kuf Knotz and Christine, and Queasy. Go to Philly Music Fest's site for tix. Catbite are currently on tour in Europe with The Slackers, with West Coast dates planned for the rest of 2024. 'Want To Play A Song?: Live On 25 O'Clock Vol. 1' is out now exclusively on Bandcamp. It features 10 original performances from the podcast's archives, and all the proceeds go to support Philly Music Fest's charitable giving. 

Dan sits with Connor Byrne and Tim Fitzpatrick of Brackish to talk all things punk and emo. Connor and Tim have known each other since high school, and get into growing up in central New Jersey, each of their guitar playing dads, early days of the band, how they keep it challenging and fresh for themselves, and how it's not an "emo revival" lately because, to them, it never really went away. The guys even play TWO songs live in the studio. The newest Brackish EP, 'Rear View', is out now and available on all digital platforms.   'Want To Play A Song?: Love On 25 O'Clock Vol. 1' is out now! It's 10 unique performances from the show going back over the 10 years of 25 O'Clock. All the proceeds go to support the charitable giving of Philly Music Fest, who have donated over $500K since their inception to Philadlephia music charities and programs. Help PMF increase their giving to all the amazing organizations, and get a great compilation of performances by Philadlephia musicians as well. Available exclusively on Bandcamp. 

Dominic Angelella is someone Dan has described as a "known quantity". He's helmed bands like DRGN KING and Lithuania, and put out his own solo work for years in Philadelphia. But in an attempt to have no fixed address, he's found himself living in Ireland for the past year or so. Dan talks to Dom about his earlier days in the Philadelphia music community via University of the Arts (RIP), getting touring opportunities with bands like mewithoutyou and Foxing, touring with Lucy Daucus and Natalie Prass, and all the while working on his own songs amidst tour dates, bus rides, and stolen moments in stairwells. His latest album,  'God Loves A Scammer', is out now on all digital platforms, and also available on vinyl through his Bandcamp. ALSO: 'Want To Play A Song?: Live On 25 O'Clock Vol. 1' is now available for pre-order. The compilation features 10 original live performances from artists on the podcast. All the money from the compilation will go to Philly Music Fest's charity department. Philly Music Fest is a multi-day, non-profit music festival that has given over $500K to Philadelphia music charities. The pre-order gets you access to two tracks off the compilation, and will be fully available on 9/30. Let the pre-ordering begin!

Dan has wanted to have Brittany Ann Tranbaugh on the show for a couple of years, and it’s finally happening. Brittany talks about growing up in the Lehigh Valley, playing open mics and coffeehouse gigs as a teen, getting her songwriting to where she needed it to be, and her amazing band. Fresh off an outstanding show at Johnny Brenda’s at the time of this interview, Brittany talks about all the ups and downs of being an independent artists, life on the road, finding community away from home, and fielding unsolicited opinions from Internet trolls. Her latest self-titled EP is out now wherever you get your digital music, as well as on vinyl through her website. She will be playing at WXPN’s Xponential Music Fest on Sunday, September 22nd at 12pm.    

Dan met Justin Kerecz a little while ago, and the two hit it off immediately, sharing their love of the oft-debated-genre of power pop, as well as a general love of songwriting and home recording. Justin talks about growing up going to musicals in NYC with his grandparents, navigating his way through various bands, and realizing eventually that he'd rather just play everything and record it himself. From his early days using iPhones, tablets, GarageBand, and the evolution of his songs and records, Justin has been putting out songs since 2017. His latest EP, 'Nobody Man', is out now wherever you get your digital music. Follow him on IG, and YouTube (he makes very entertaining videos to go with his music). 

We're back from summer break! And we're getitng it all back on track the right way with Dylan Gallimore, frontman and songwriter of The Lower Aetna. Dan and Dylan get into Dylan's roots in Medford Lakes, NJ, his path into songwriting as a ficiton writer, the loneliness of a millennial queer kid growing up in the Pine Barrens, the kids you grew up with that you don't think about anymore, the bond between him and childhood best friend/band member Kayla Rae Molocznik, creating strong characters to drive a song, Craig Finn and Bruce Springsteen, and much more. 'Pine' is the newest LP from The Lower Aetna, and is out now and available wherever you get your digital music. 

Dan sits down with Ryan Wells, frontman and songwriter for Red Means Run (you betcha that's a Neil Young nod). Ryan talks about growing up in Manasas, getting turned onto music by bands like U2 and REM, both of whom were still proving themselves to the world as he was a teen. He recalls his first band Radio Ghost Town while he was living in NYC, moving to Philly and casting around for a new group of folk to play with, and putting together Red Means Run. Ryan also goes into how producer Derek Chafin (BarnSound) helped shape their newest LP, 'Things You Hold True', from Ryan's usual alt-country leanings into something broader and fuller, borrowing from as much Tom Petty as Uncle Tupelo. 'Things You Hold True' is out now and available wherever you get your digital music.  Just a reminder: we're taking off the month of August to do summer stuff, go down the shore, all that. See you back here in September for a fall season full of great bands, shows, records, conversations, and intimate performances. Check out the archives in the meantime, lots of great artists to discover! See you in September!

Dan first talked to Katie Feeney, aka Roberta Faceplant, back in April of 2020 as one of his first virtual guests at the start of the pandemic. It was a different time then. Katie came over to the studio in person this time, and the gab starts right off the bat (Dan and Katie are both self-admitted gabbers). Katie talks about the birth of the Roberta Faceplant project and persona, the forming of the current lineup, which features her former You Do You bandmates Drew Parker and Aaron Boczkowski, as well as Nick Anastasi (Honey Butter, Southwork, Fat City Reprise) and Mykk Hoffman (The Funky T, Emily Drinker). The band's newest EP, 'Yee Haw Stuff', is out July 26th wherever you get digitial music. A quick primer on names and places (lotta names come up in this one): John Faye- former frontman of The Caulfields, Ike, John and Brittany, singer-songwriter, author, and elder statesman of the Philadelphia music community Dave Kiss- Philadelphia promoter going way back, owner of Dave Kiss Presents Ang Bocca- powerhouse Philadelphia singer and songwriter Kara Koser- also powerhouse Philadelphia singer and songwriter, frontwoman of Koser Crystal Engel- co-owner of Moon Rose Vintage, founder of Mamamoon Vintage Brittany Ann Tranbaugh- Philadelphia singer songwriter, touring artist, community leader Todd Mecaughey- engineer and producer at Cambridge Sound Studios, member of Secret American, formerly of the New Connection MilkBoy South Street (formerly Lickety Split)- two-floor venue on South Street in Philadelphia, home of Katie's open mic Episode image photo by Shannon Nicole

Dan first heard of Brendan McGeehan back when he interviewed Aaron Parnell Brown about their band, The Right Fiction. Brendan talks about growing up on coastal Maryland, gravitating towards the bass at a young age, his journey as a record producer, and his first time solo-outing Peace Fortress. With the foundation of the tracks recorded largely in one long session, Brendan pieced together a stellar instrumental LP called 'New Moon', featuring players like Adrian Harpham, Logan Roth, and Will Brown, as well as countless guests. 'New Moon' is out July 18th wherever you get digital music (as well as a vinyl pre-order), and the band will play a record release show at The Fallser Club the same night in Philadelphia. 

As promised, here's another set of Philadelphia music for the summer! Use the clickable playlist below to link up with the artists you love, see them play, check out their records, all of it. There's so much great music coming out this summer, sometime we have to take a sec to take it in. Enjoy! Alek Barkats- Jewels Sixteen Jackies- One of the Boys The Lower Aetna- Carny Song Brother Of Monday- Every Circle Can Have Two Centers Solar Circuit- Good Time Reese Florence- Night Tea Brittany Ann Tranbaugh- Bushwick Roberta Faceplant- Yee Haw Stuff Jackson Pines- Julie Jane     10. Clover- I Cried At Costco

It's playlist time again! So many Philly artists are putitng out new music this summer, so here's just a small selection of what's on offer. See the clickable playlist below for direct links to all the artists you'll hear on this episode. And, as you can imagine, Vol. 1 implies another set coming next week. Dan was sent so much great music, he had to make two whole episodes to hold it all. This week features a set of music from Sweet Juice Fest artists, don't miss the fest this year at Awbury Arboretum in Germantown.   Jay Johnson and the OTC Collective- Apple Of My Eye Stella Ruze- Firework- Origin (forthcoming) Grandogs- Wither on the Vine Ridge Runners- The Rest Of Us Luke Simo- Time Gone Samantha Rise- Til They’re Free Noun w. Radiator Hospital- Lesson Learned Red Means Run- Things You Hold True Echo Kid- Immortal Jones     10. Ross Bellenoit- The Language Of Dreaming- Signals  

Dan has known of Quincy Stallworth for years, especially for Quincy's job running SoFar Sounds concerts in Philadelphia since around 2018. Quincy sits down to talk about his musical upbringing in the Baptist churches of Southwest and North Philadelphia, his early bands, and how he always excelled at the "business" side of being in a group as much as the musical side. Quincy and many others were all abruptly terminated from SoFar last winter, but Quincy already has his next thing going: Mill Street Music, an intimate listening room over the bridge in Mount Holly, NJ. Dan and Quincy get into a lot: Bowie, cocaine albums, how to keep something from getting too big, the ups and downs of his SoFar journey, and how you'll always find yourself drawn to driven, creative people no matter what. Check out Mill Street Music's calendar, as well as Quincy's photography, and his podcast, Quince Questions. 

James Haro came from Los Angeles (San Gabriel to be exact) over 15 years ago and made his home here in Philly. He talks with Dan about growing up in an old mission town, being a "secret songwriter" from age 6, early bands and projects (mostly lost to the depths of MySpace), coming to Drexel for college, and why he never wanted to leave. James began his current project, James Haro In Storage, during the early pandemic times, writing and recording out of (you guessed it) a storage unit. He's since released singles, put on a one-man show for Fringe/Canonball Fest in 2023, and continues to be active in the community with a quarterly open mic at Plays and Players' upstairs bar and music room. James' newest EP, 'Go Ahead', is out on June 20th and available wherever you get digital music.    Photo by Ashley E. Smith

Dan and Benjamin Hughes of Night Windows have been friends since about 2011 or so, when their bands played together in New York a few times. Dan holds Ben up as one of his favorite songwriters of all time, and Ben returns to the show for the first time in about six years. Ben talks about the recent Night Windows records, including the most recent 'In Memories' LP, and delves into how the songs came together, the difference with the writing process on the last couple of records, and how he didn't write or do anything musical for nearly half a year during the pandemic. Grief, sadness, small-town life, and how to come out of it are all themes that live large in the Night Windows song book, and Ben gets into all of it. 'In Memories' is out now and available wherever you get digital music, and also available on vinyl through the band's website.  Night Windows w. Graduation Speech, 6/12 at McLaughlin Norcross Memorial Dell Check out Ben's first 25 O'Clock appearance back in early 2015.

Dan has been a Chris Kasper fan since he first heard him on WXPN over 15 years ago. Chris sits down to talk about growing up a metalhead drummer, surrounded by a whole family of musicians. From loud drums and Led Zeppelin to discovering bluegrass and Appalachian folk while living in West Virginia, Chris reminisces on moving to Philadelphia almost 20 years ago, meeting peers like Amos Lee, Ben Arnold and Birdie Busch at Dawson Street Pub, playing shows at The Fire, and growing into the Americana singer-songwriter that we all know. Improvisation, uncertainty, working in the moment: these are all things that Chris loves to employ when making records, and his newest is no exception. Chris Kasper's latest LP, 'Sunlight In An Empty Room' is out now, available wherever you get digital music, and on vinyl at his website.    Photo by Kiley Ryan

Dan talks with Bret Tobias, formerly of The Bigger Lovers and Moped, now helming The Bret Tobias Set. From seeing the Replacements on MTV, discovering House of Love and Philly's own The Wishniaks, it was inevitable that Bret make his life about music. Bret talks about his aversion to being classified in any scene or community, the independent music feeding frenzy of the mid 90s that had Moped being wined and dined by A&R and execs, and the sudden, overnight disappearance of said attention. He takes us through the saga of The Bigger Lovers and the many records and tours alongside some of their heroes (Superchunk, Minus 5, Jonathan Richman, Alex Chilton, etc), and how he's always kept something going musically, no matter what. The Bret Tobias Set put out an absolutely stellar EP last year called 'Pleaser Vol. 1', and the band is a who's-who of Philadelphia indie rock, featuring members of A.M. Mills, Photon Band, and The War On Drugs. A new record is on the way this fall, and we're honored to offer a special sneak peak at their upcoming single, "Fait Accompli", due out on June 20th. 

Dan talks with James Everhart, a man who's been part of a lot of Philadelphia music over the years, about his long tenure amidst bands like Low Cut Connie, Scantron, and his current project, 10-member supergroup Cosmic Guilt. James talks about hitting the road with Low Cut Connie right out of college, and how he had to pull back from the touring life for his own mental health and stability. Dan and James talk about the careful balance that it takes to have a band with 10 members, British psych folk, James' designs for Philly brewery Human Robot, letting each member put their mark on a song, a close eye on visual aesthetics, and the inspiration for their newest album being a mansion made out of junk in Vineland, NJ. Cosmic Guilt's newest album, 'Palace Of Depression', is out May 31st on their Bandcamp and wherever you get digital music. 

Todd Mecaughey has been part of the Philadelphia music community for a good while, in bands like New Connection and Secret American. He's also an engineer and producer at Cambridge Sound Studios, and has been since its inception. Dan and Todd talk about their love of Phish and the Grateful Dead (and how both bands are pretty dang punk rock), learning the ropes under former Sigma Sound producer Jim Salamone as a young engineer, watching the upward swing of Secret American fall apart and turning to podcast production for a paycheck during the pandemic, the 'Workaholics' cast and touring as their live FOH tech for their podcast 'This Is Important', and balancing fatherhood and family life with the never ending demands of the music business.

Dan goes in deep with Judah Kim as he talks about growing up "lucky number 7" of 8 siblings, the influence of his older brothers' garage bands, the lack of any Asian American role models in alt rock, studying voice and production at Berkley, sobriety and gratitude, and the burnout that comes with always having to make "content". With a journey that's taken him from Philadelphia to Los Angeles and back again, Judah and Dan discuss the pitfalls of being an independent musician, Judah's interest in mental health as it applies to Koreans, and the weight of insurmountable expectation and ambition that can come from growing up as a  Korean American. Judah is part of Asian American Pie, a concert at World Cafe Live in Philadelphia on Friday, May 11th, featuring a lineup of Asian American/Pacific Islanders bands and artists, including Moonroof, Beau Freres, Alyssa Garcia, and longtime friend of the podcast, John Faye. 

Dan gets Jonathan Miller and Ed Olson of Fire In The Radio on the line to talk about how the band came together, took a break, came back together even stronger, and their upcoming return home to a Philadelphia stage at Sing Us Home Fest in Manayunk. Jon and Ed talked about growing up in the Philly punk and hardcore scene, being influenced by Dave Hause both as a musician and as a friend, growing your songwriting over the years, the trials that come with keeping a band of adults with lives and families together across the country, and how the punk spirit of youth ends up defining how you see the world going forward. Photo by Jessica Flynn

Dan talks with lifelong Philadlephia musician Eliza Hardy Jones about everything: early days in Buried Beds with Brandon Beaver, touring and playing with mewithoutyou, Grace Potter, Iron and Wine, and her newest gig as a touring member of The War On Drugs. Eliza tells great stories about DIY touring life, vocal coaching the Philadelphia Eagles, quilting, and how she channeled her grief from a lost pregnancy into her latest LP, 'Pickpocket'. 'Pickpocket' is available wherever you get your digital music, and also as a limited edition vinyl LP from her website. The War on Drugs return to play in Philadelphia on 9/17 at The Mann with The National and Lucius.

Dan talks with Nicole Bauza, songwriter and frontwoman of Nervous Nikki and the Chill Pills. Nicole talks about growing up as a BMX biker, getting drums at an early age, the quiet joys of farming and gardening, herbs as medicine, her tea farm in Schwenksville, and the ups and downs of keeping a band going amidst family life and general day to day shenanigans. The newest Nervous Nikki LP, 'St Anthony's Fire', is available at their Bandcamp and wherever you get digital music. 

Dan just met Alex Wash of Granddogs a month or so ago, and he's already got him on the mic telling his life story. Alex talks about growing up in Lititz, PA (home of Rock Lititz), learning piano via the Suzuki method, living in Nashville and San Antonio in pursuit of the musician life, finding a job at Howl At the Moon as a piano player, and turning that into his steady day gig. Alex created Granddogs as a way to share his original songwriting, and the band has a new single dropping on 4/14 called "When You Call", available on all digital platforms.  Don't miss Inside Hustle, a Philadelphia music industry and networking event this Saturday, 4/13 at REC Philly, brought to you by the Philly Music Fest and WXPN FM. The event features a panel moderated by World Cafe's Raina Douris, and an open house with folk from radio, studios, booking, artist management, record labels and more. The event is free, sign up for a ticket in advance. 

Dan talks with Joel Tannenbaum (Plow United, Snow Fairies, Skywriters) and Nick Palmer (WAX WAV, The Danger O's) about their new project The Blackburns. Nick tells the story of how he thought he was out of the music game until he got a message from Joel (Plow United was a huge band for Nick as a teen) that he was looking for a songwriting partner. Needless to say, Nick was back in, and the two of them quickly wrote a full length record. Joel and Nick talk about the process, what they did and didn't want to do, their mutual Twin Peaks obsessions, and the record as a love letter to their youth and young adult lives spent in small, regional punk scenes. The Blackburns' debut LP is out on April 12th, available on independent label Sell The Heart Records, the group's Bandcamp, and wherever you get your digital music. 

Dan talks with Zoe Lemon, a trained and seasoned violinist who is fairly new to the singer-songwriter game. Zoe talks about growing up in the rural parts of Chester County, the ups and downs of music school at Temple University, graduating right into the pandemic, van life, and learning to write songs by herself out on the road. Her latest EP, 'Tailspin', is the result of those road-trip songs, which she made with Packie Cronin (Rally Point/Attic Posture) and Rob Bolz (Tribe Sound Records). She was featured late in 2023 on WXPN's The Key Studio Sessions. From her childhood pet goat bullying her and her siblings, to finding her way as a performer, Zoe brings a brightness and eager spirit to her live show and records, and we're looking forward to what she does in 2024.

Dan goes in deep with Scott Radway about his early musical tastes (all Beatles), going to music school despite his parents advice to the contrary (they had both attended music school), composition, touring with bands, and becoming both an accomplished producer and songwriter on his own (he's currently a member of lo priestess with wife Gina LC of Dear Forbidden). Song cycles, Rush, Beck, the many flavours of psychdelia, begging, becoming a new father, and more. 'Poppies' is the new LP from Scott, it's out March 22nd wherever you get digital music, and available to preorder on vinyl at his Bandcamp. Also, Dan offers up a few words about The Grape Room, a long standing independent music venue in Manayunk, which just announced its closing this last weekend.

Dan talks with Dave Perry about his band Athensville, growing to like the weird music your older brother plays when you're young, the many missed connections between him and frontman Matt Taglang (who was on the show back on #203) and their eventual meeting as adults, and choosing a side in the lesser debated "Echo and the Bunnymen vs The Smiths" argument. Dave also talks about their new single, "Desiderata (Free Tyree Wallace)", how it came to be, and how he came to be involved in the movement to help get an innocent man out of prison and back home. The new single is available wherever you get digital music, and you can learn more about the story of Tyree Wallace, sign the petition, find out how to donate and more at freetyreewallace.com.

In the aspirationally titled 'Early Spring Playlist' (Dan is anxiously awaiting the change of seasons), here are 12 new tracks from Philadelphia area artists for your listening pleasure. As always, check out the clickable playlist below for links to all the music and ways to support the artists.    1. Autumn Luz- Bone Marrow 2. Humilitarian- Midnight (acoustic) 3. Somebody Like You- Acquaintances 4. Nervous Nikki and the Chill Pills- Limits 5.  Longfriend Timefriend- A Praise Chorus- Are You Listening?: A Tribute To Jimmy Eat World’s Bleed American 6. Booze Radley- Sweetness- Are You Listening?: A Tribute To Jimmy Eat World’s Bleed American 7. Dave Cope and the Sass- Hidden From The World- Hidden From The World 8. Ron and the Hip Tones- Tear On my Chin 9. Granddogs- When You Call 10. James Haro In Storage- Verses 11. Party Nerves- Going To Hell On A Technicality 12. Clover- Beach In the Rain

Jeremy Garber is the co-founder of Grind Select, an independent record label based in Philadelphia that is celebrating it's 10th year this year. Dan and Jeremy talk about how Jeremy found his way into the music world via punk and hardcore on Long Island, being part of the first music business major at Syracuse University, and what it takes to keep a label going for ten years amidst all the tumult and uncertainty in the music industry. Current Philadelphia bands on Grind Select include Pine Barons, Son Step, and Grocer. You can keep up with all things Grind Select over at their site, including new releases, tour dates for artists, merch, and more.

Dan and Kara Koser bond immediately over being fellow loudmouths, and their love of the Norristown Zoo, of all things. Kara talks about growing up and trying to find her place as a singer and performer, getting sober and figuring out how to be a musician again, singing contests, skipping an entire line of the National Anthem during a performance once, and how moving to Manayunk (not her first choice, initially) changed everything. She met the guys who would end up being her band, Koser, at the Grape Street Pub open mic, and has finally been able to create the music she's had in her head. Their newest EP, appropriately titled 'loudmouth soup', is out wherever you get digital music. Follow the band on their mailing list to keep up on all their comings and goings. Photo by Runamok Images

Dan sits down with Grammy winning engineer/producer/songwriter Sam Rosen to talk about her work in the studio with folk like Jazmine Sullivan, John Legend, Khemist, and Dan's longtime friend Alec Stewart's Lucky Rabbit project. Sam recounts how she got into the engineering chair at MilkBoy The Studio, working with a ton of hip hop and r&b projects, her persistence in still making her own music, and the importance of great vocal production. Sam releases her original music as Samryebread, and her latest single "R U OK?" is out now wherever you get digital music.  

Dan is pleased to bring Brian Walker back for his 3rd full length episode (sort of like the SNL "5 Timers Club"). Despite a recent move to the Boston area, Brian is and will always be part of the Philadelphia community. He's been making music as A Day Without Love for over a decade, as well as being a sharp commentator on DIY, the state of touring acts, and all things community related. Dan and Brian have a lively conversation about the similarities and differences between the Boston and Philadelphia music worlds, touring, venues, sandwiches, etc. Brian has a new ADWL LP out now, 'A Stranger That You Met Before', available on Ur Mom Records and wherever you get your digital music.    Photo by Bill Streicher

Dan talks to Lily Enos (Winding Way Records) about growing up in Wildwood, NJ, the loneliness of being a weird, arty kid, watching her dad play in bands, and how she ended up picking up a guitar and writing her own songs (she would sing rather than talk to herself). Lily talks about making the music she’s making now through various online collaborations, working with people who are good at what they do, navigating the music business, and always learning how to do it better. “Retaliation”, the newest single by Lily Enos, is available wherever you get digital music and via Winding Way Records.

Dan finally sits down with his podcast brother-from-another-mother Nate Runkel, creator, host and producer of Yo That's My Jawn! Nate tells Dan the story of how the show started, notable guests like Taylor Goldsmth from Dawes, and Ken Marino and David Wain (MTV's The State), but even before that, all his various involvements in the Philadelphia music scene playing shows and hosting open mics. Nate goes into his love of music, but also of making movies and filming skits, and his love of table top RPGs, which led him to his role as producer of the D&D podcast Oops, All Bards. Dan and Nate talk about their shared experiences working amdist the Philadlephia music community, and some of the collaborations they've done over the years. Yo That's My Jawn! is available streaming and for download wherever you get your podcasts.

It's our 300th episode! And Dan sits down with Philly music legend David Uosikkinen, drummer for The Hooters, founder of In the Pocket, and countless other projects. Dave talks about growing up in Levittown, seeing Buddy Rich as a kid, his first drum sets, South Street and the scene in the late 70s and early 80s, and how a one-time session with Eric Bazillian and Rob Hyman in 1980 turned into a 40+ year career (and still going) as The Hooters. Dan and David discuss some of the great Philadelphia musicians that Dave has worked with (In the Pocket is a huge "who's-who"), folk like Pete Donnely, Charlie Ingui and his late brother Richie of Soul Survivors, Patty Smyth, and more. It's a non-stop ride, and David's enthusiasm and energy for playing music seems in no way to have slowed with age. Thanks to all the listeners and supporters for helping us get to 300 episodes!

Dan turns again to the always vibrant Philadelphia music community for messages about their year, what wowed them in 2023, and some of their favorite tracks from Philadelphia artists. Featuring dispatches from Helen Leicht, John Vettese, Julia Pratt, Andrea Quinn, Cosmo Baker, Brian Seymour, Jenn Coulter, and Nate Runkel, as wel as their picks of favorite songs that came ouf of Philadelphia this year. And dan even makes his own year end message and one of his picks as well. Use the clickable playlist below to support the artists featured on 2023's year end wrap up. Happy Holidays, Happy New Year, and here's to a great 2024. 1) Dear Forbidden- Freaks 2) Night Windows- Something Simple 3) Amos Lee- Greenville. (Helen Leicht) 4) Slaughter Beach, Dog- Float Away. (John Vettese) 5) Daphne Ellen- Old Money  (Julia Pratt) 6) Sweet Pill- Chewed Up. (Andrea Quinn) 7) Reef The Lost Cause- Umar’s Revenge. (Cosmo Baker) 8) Jamie and the Guarded Heart- Shake. (Brian Seymour) 9) The Hirs Collective- Unicorn Tapestry Woven In Fire. (Jenn Coulter) 10) Speedy Ortiz- You S02  (Nate Runkel) 11) Tubey Frank- Some Beat Revival  

Emily Drinker is one of the hardest working singer-songwriters in Philadelphia, and Dan was delighted to finally get a chance to talk to her. Emily talks about growing up surrounded by music, singing and musical theater, feeling out of her league at Barnard as an undergrad, discovering a capella, taking jazz theory as a vocalist, and how a job as a cruise ship performer made her hone her skills very, very quickly. Dan and Emily dive into how she hit the ground runing when she moved back to the Philadelphia area, writing with a deadline, and how you have  to let the rest of your life take priority for a bit. You can find Emily's catalog wherever you get your digital music, including her latest single, "5th Ave". Follow her on the socials at @emilydrinker, and on her YouTube. Photo by Will Drinker

Dan sits down with Paddy McCann and Eric Cooper (remember Coop from #183?) to talk about their band, Muskrat Flats. Paddy talks about the band forming as a recording project with his brother Matt, and the new lineup of the group, including Eric joining just a year ago. Jams, improv, touring, pedal nerdery, an amount of Phish talk (obviously), and the importance of hitting those smaller markets as a gorwing regional band, it's all in there. Go to Muskrat Flat's Bandcamp for a vareity of live recordings, the band is currently finishing up an LP coming out in January 2024. 

Dan and Ang Bocca have been meaning to make this conversation happen since 2021, and now it has arrived. Ang sits down in the studio, just a few blocks from where she grew up, and talks about coming up as a South Philly native, forays into music, ice skating, Broadway, dance, and being drawn to sing and write songs from a young age. Ang has been part of the Philly music community for over 15 years, put together multiple bands and projects, and gets the badge of a true lifer. Her newest material with producer Michael Anticoli is some of the strongest yet. Her newest single, "Klown", is availale wherever you get digital music, as will be her upcoming holiday-themed single, "Drunk In New Jersey", available everywhere December 11th. 

Dan talks to Dina Layzis and Artem Tenkeli (Dina and Artem when they're playing together) about their duo, and how they came together. Dina is from the Ukraine, and came here as a young child. Artem studied classical piano in Russia and just got to the US a couple of years ago. The two found each other on Instagram, and struck up a friendship and eventual musical partnership. Dina and Artem talk about how they write together, their performances, meeting people in the Philadelphia music community, and their plans for the future. Their music is streaming wherever you get digital music, follow them on IG to keep up with all things Dina and Artem. 

Dan last talked to Rob Tait back in 2018, when he was drumming for the jam-organ-combo Hambone Relay. It's been almost 5 years, and things have changed. Hambone Relay is no more, Rob has drummed for countless Philadelphia artists, and when the pandemic hit, he pivoted to writing and performing his own music. Rob has been releasing singles since the summer, and we talk about the transition, the change in how he works on music, recording the tunes at Retro City, and how you have to just not look at the numbers most of the time. Rob's two latest singles, "Matilda" and "Space Fire", are out now and available wherever you get digital music. Rob also hosts his own podcast, 'Let's Take A Spin', which features music picks and conversations with Philadelphia artists and musicians, and is available wherever you get your podcasts.