0:00 -- Introduction
3:20 -- Music updates + announcements from me
5:00 -- Why Jeffrey decided to go solo with the ETHNO project
8:20 -- Jeffrey's approach to production and instrument selection
11:10 -- How new Barefoot studio monitors have helped him get a fuller sound
13:10 -- How Jeff turns ideas into masterpieces
17:35 -- Jeff's first single: Leaf Water
22:45 -- The background and vision for Musicology Vol.1
25:15 -- How Jeffrey views music as a cultural sneak attack
31:45 -- The ETHNO live experience and setup
37:00 -- Jeff's introduction to music production
40:00 -- Why drummers make great producers
42:45 -- Awake Again feat. Celestine Manno, a song by ETHNO
46:50 -- The story behind Thievery Corporation
50:00 -- The evolution of the Thievery Corporation live sound
55:30 -- Jeffrey's perspective on the Denver music scene
1:02:55 -- Jeffrey's advice for aspiring musicians
1:06:30 -- Jeffrey's upcoming gigs
1:08:47 -- Long Look @ Lost Friend by D.J. POD

About Jeffrey & ETHNO:
ETHNO is the latest in sonic explorations from Denver based drummer/producer, Jeffrey James Franca.

Heavily influenced by his love for global rhythm, ETHNO embodies the spirit and soul of Jeffrey's musical diversity. Widely known as the drummer for electronic music pioneers Thievery Corporation, Jeff brings new life, and a modern sound to the timeless experience of terrestrial vibration. You will find a vast array of influence from Africa, Asia, Caribbean and South America in the rhythms and melodies, along with lush textures and thumping bass to massage all your chakras, head to toe.

Listeners will feel the time that he has spent traveling the globe with Thievery Corporation, within the ethereal worldly approach that leaps forth decades to create a genuine future world music sound. ETHNO shows feature a driving mix of danceable global-electro sounds, blended with live percussion to create a unique sonic exploration that has moved crowds across the country.

ETHNO on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0w4PhbSpCICF2NbXn8lOKv?si=rK2Y_r8BQBWFiVBaK7cASQ
Website: https://ethno-global.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ethnoglobal
Instagram: https://instagram.com/ethnoglobal
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ethnoglobal
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/ethnoglobal
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnECbu5G5slgpQElJ-ZhMiw
-------------------
Music by D.J. POD on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2zgT7VAzbiKDLZ9zrgsHAU?si=L3uFqn9dTJWw6MsLohPQpA
D.J. POD Cast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6piVvRIVqMREfus5vCOy4H?si=c7f4a037f027484b
D.J. POD Cast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dj-pod-cast/id1450083526

Jeffrey James Franca of ETHNO & Thievery Corporation - DJP160

Spotify playlist: https://spoti.fi/2EV1YfK
Can't Go Home - The Off Days
A Strange Little Party - 8-bit crEEps
Fish in Fives - V.V. Lightbody
How Much Is Enough? - Lime Forest
Primal Urges - Safespace

Intro music: Ready Fe Rock by Tomorrows Bad Seeds

013 - Chicago Artist Showcase

Josh Del is an musician who is from the Coachella Valley. His songs relate to life experiences growing up in a town where you have to spend the summers indoors, love and heartbreak. I'm not very good at bios. 
Rolling Stone: https://spoti.fi/2CY6Ctg
instagram.com/joshdel
www.joshdel.com/music

Dreams We’ve Had is the Minneapolis Dream Pop project from songwriter and producer Bennett Blumberg. Dreams We’ve Had is currently working on finishing its 2nd full length album which was written entirely in a cabin in the woods with no technology for 25 days. DWH takes inspiration from Beach House, Tame Impala, My Bloody Valentine and more to create music which feels genuine to Bennett and his emotions.

Perfectly Out Of Place: https://spoti.fi/2UnjBPW
instagram.com/dreamswevehad

Strath spent his first 18 years in Melbourne, Australia, always writing songs and playing in different bands. As he was about to finish high school, he applied on a whim to Harvard university. After being accepted, Strath spent the next 4 years in Boston, making movies and producing more tracks. And it was during that time he decided to commit to music full time. So, after he graduated he moved straight to LA, where he works on a ton of new releases for 2019.

Cool: http://smarturl.it/strathcool
instagram.com/strathofficial

Receiver is the connection between life and the ether; the frequencies we tune into and draw our inspiration from, the universal vibrations that flow through us all in which we accessing boundless and infinite energy, and transmit through human expression.

The Weight: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VSCKV1dKdI
instagram.com/receiverband
www.receiverband.com

Swamp Boys formed in 2017 are a psychedelic rock band from Portland,Oregon. Combining indie and garage song writing with rock n roll and roots instrumentals from the 50s 60s and 70s to create their groovy sound.

Love So Dear: swampboys.bandcamp.com
instagram.com/Swampboysgroovin
www.facebook.com/Swampboysgroovin/

Remember the good old days when you'd sit around your friend's living room, taking turns playing songs on your iPods? That's what 5 Songs with Friends recreates.

Hosted in the living room of DJ Podgorny, this podcast brings in cool people from the Chicago area and beyond and explores five of their favorite, on-the-radar artists and tracks.

Find new music, laugh a little, or just chill out with 5 Songs with Friends.

5 Songs with Friends is presented by The POD Agency LLC.

Listen to the full episode on any podcasting platform: 5swf.com/links
Listen on iTunes: 5swf.com/itunes
Listen on Spotify: 5swf.com/spotify
Listen on Google Podcasts: 5swf.com/google
Listen on Soundcloud: 5swf.com/soundcloud

020 - Josh Del, Dreams We've Had, Strath, Receiver, & Swamp Boys

Australian folk/rock outfit The Hunting Birds blend heartfelt songwriting with exhilarating rock energy. Their infectious ear wormed works and incredibly cohesive live performances have made them a must-see act for the last few years, joining shows alongside acts The Lumineers, Gavin James, Newton Faulkner and Hanson.
Featured Song Name: Naive Eyes
instagram.com/thehuntingbirds
www.thehuntingbirds.com

Intro music: Strain by The Off Days

027 - The Hunting Birds [Folk/Rock]

HEllo Joyce is a DIY psychedelic-rock / jangle-pop music based out of Tampa, FL 
Featured Song Name: Bits and Pieces 
Song Link: https://youtu.be/Qm9zJSX4YAI
Artist Instagram Handle: hellojoycemusic
Artist website or place I can find more info: https://www.facebook.com/hellojoyceband/

Intro music: Strain by The Off Days

032 - Hello Joyce [Psych Rock]

This rock-n-roll outfit from Denver, CO has built a unique sound that serves not only as a backdrop for their zany lives but as a soundtrack to the vibrant ever-growing robust city they live in. Hailing from Denver, Dallas, and Fort Lauderdale, the members of the band bring together sounds reminiscent of Heartland Rock, Nitty Gritty Blues, Southern Twang and Driving Alternative Rock. Striving to live only by the motto “shoot first, ask questions later,” Boot Gun’s diverse sound has managed to get them onto alternative rock bills to blues clubs to bluegrass festivals. 
Featured Song Name: Virginia
Song Link: https://open.spotify.com/track/2RPwgAEnMh6l4Pe2blUSXO?si=QPcAokW3RsemRmtQvNIhpg
Artist website or place I can find more info: www.bootgunmusic.com

Intro music: Strain by The Off Days

033 - Boot Gun [Rock]

blankxeros is an independent experimental industrial artist from australia.

Featured Song Name: Down The Rabbit Hole
Song Link: https://soundcloud.com/blankxeros/down-the-rabbit-hole
instagram.com/blankxeros
www.twitter.com/blankxeros

Intro music: Strain by The Off Days

034 - blankxeros [Industrial]

Zeta June is a psychedelic dance rock band formed in the cornfields of Iowa while members Ian Crawford, Porter Hand, Mitch Hruby and Cody Kuhens were attending college at the University of Iowa.  Throughout their college years the band formed a strong foundation in the Midwest while playing shows and festivals every weekend.  In 2014 the band relocated to Denver, CO to make their splash in one of the countries most talented music scenes.  Zeta June has played with national acts like the Floozies, Dopapod, Ripe, Con Brio and many more.

Get Tickets for their show on May 4th at Martyr's: http://martyrslive.com/calendar

036 - Zeta June [Psych Dance Rock]: May 4th @ Martyr's

Nicotine Dolls formed in New York City (summer 2017) by singer Sam Cieri and guitarist John Hays, with John Merrit (Bass) and Abel Tabares (Drums) joining shortly after. Combining their diverse musical background and aesthetic to create the soundtrack for paranoid adults. Through DIY touring and consistent city shows, Nicotine dolls have used that music to develop the high-energy and passionate shows they have come to be known for.
Featured Song Name: Burning A Good Thing
Song Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUBt0_F7yd8
Artist Instagram Handle: https://www.instagram.com/nicotinedolls/

039 - Nicotine Dolls [Indie/Alternative]

Naxatras is a hard psychedelic rock band from Greece.
Featured Song Name: I Am the Beyonder
Song Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZymqpElep-Y

040 - Naxatras [Psychedelic Rock]

Kath Bloom was born to musical parents. Her father was famous oboe player: Robert Bloom. She loved and lived for music of all kinds, but by the late seventies , she had absorbed  much of the amazing folk and rock musicians who lived and died and changed the world during those times. She sang harmony with her friends ,and eventually picked up a guitar and wrote her own stuff. Teaming up with Loren Mazzacane and Tom Hanford in New Haven Ct, she became very prolific. But performing made her nervous and strangely withdrawn. She also painted and wrote poetry,  then had a child and a failed marriage. She later found Stan Bronski(second husband). They had two more boys. All the while, writing and singing. She also began doing music with small children, eventually teaching classes. Moving from New England to Florida, she created theater and music with kids and formed a woman"s band which was fun. All her playing to this point was local to the regions she lived. When the family moved back to New England in 2000, she had become a horse trainer also, working with many young or "difficult" animals and this also was medicine for her soul. .And always recording.
  In Ct she reunited music with Hanford again, playing  in that region, for kids and familes.,working with horses, raising the family
In 2007 Guy Blackman ( Chapter Music) and Caveh Zahedi (film maker) contacted her about doing a Tribute album. Her songs were recorded by Bill Callahan, Meg Baird, Mark Kozelek and  others.

Gradually invites came from England, Spain, and eventually Japan and Australia. She also began casual occasional touring in this country. In 2016 she made a video with Esther May Campbell in Bristol, England. She has many self-produced albums plus ones put out by  Guy Blackman and Mark Kozelek, 
Now she enjoys performing most of all , plays  with Flo Ness and David Shapiro and is grateful to all that have encouraged her!!

" Devastating songwriting" NPR Song of the Day
"A supremely intuitive singer and songwriter" Pitchfork Magazine
"One of the most beautiful singers ever. Heartbreaking" Devendra Banhart
"Urgent yet calming. A call of reckoning" Nat Hentoff Village Voice

Kath Bloom & Moon Bros. at the Hideout: https://www.facebook.com/events/264192674490117/

043 - Kath Bloom [Folk]: May 2nd @ Hideout

Old Time Relijun was born on January 1st, 1995 in a dark and moldy basement in Olympia, Washington. The band stole some popcorn bags, talked a friend out of his inheritance and self-released “Songbook Vol. I” in 1997. They then began their long association with Calvin Johnson’s K Records. 
Old Time Relijun maintained its singular identity through every musical landscape over the next dozen years. 
Between 1999 and 2007, Old Time Relijun toured like monsters, averaging 150 shows a year in the U.S. and Europe, releasing 6 albums along the way. 
There is no better time than this fucked up time in history to “get the band back together” and Old Time Relijun’s new EP “See Now and Know” finds the reunited group back with unprecedented vigor and a life-embracing madness.
Featured Song Name: Dragon Juice
Song Link: http://oldtimerelijun.bandcamp.com/track/dragon-juice

047 - Old Time Relijun [Experimental]: May 3rd @ The Hideout

What do you get when you combine soulful folk with Alternative rock and a dash of Shoegaze? One answer: Patrik Williams. Armed with his acoustic guitar ‘Django’ and smooth vocals, he delivers a truly one-of-a-kind performance unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.

From a young age, Patrik always loved entertaining, and was always surrounded by music within his family. He eventually developed a dual love for Magic tricks and music of all things. Later on in his life, he became familiar with classical and virtuosic music, which later became the foundation for his unique percussive playing style. Listening to bands such as Bastille and The Black Keys, He became a huge fan of fancy hooks and meaningful lyricism, However, It wasn't until He discovered Daniel Champagne that everything changed. Daniel's Extremely unique guitar style resonated with Patrik in a way no musician had ever done before. He started to imitate the style in a way he thought was correct, until finally discovering his own perspective on the percussive acoustic genre. To this day, Patrik owns the style and strives to constantly master his craft, and develop new complex, yet astounding melodies that are truly beautiful for the ear.
Featured Song Name: Try -  https://open.spotify.com/album/0NQ3zOhnLmDOd5jyxTINVX?si=b6iHtDOsTAWKkK9AIXH5ew

087 - Patrik Williams [Alternative Rock/Folk]

Jason Buice (pronounced “Bice”) is releasing a 5 song EP entitled Both Sides June 7, 2019, Produced by David George and recorded and mixed by Pat Tomek (The Rainmakers). Jason is
a singer-songwriter living in Lawrence, KS.
Both Sides contains five original songs written by Jason Buice and arranged by David George. Many local artists appear throughout the album including Kristin Hamilton (Under the Big Oak Tree), Mark Verbeck (Scotch Hollow) and touring bluegrass artist Caleb Ryan Martin. The album is best described as Indie Folk/Americana music.
Featured Song Name: Cuts Deep

120 - Jason Buice [Indie/Folk/Americana]

LIFES is a band made up of two dads that are over-stretched and exhausted, but can’t imagine a life without music.  Solely comprised of bassist/vocalist Dave Rudnik and drummer/vocalist Zak Holochwost, the idea of a guitar-less duo may prompt some to wonder if LIFES are a novelty of sorts, but there are no gimmicks here. There are no weightroom-ready breakdowns. There are no attempts at melodicism. Remove all the bullshit and you’re left with what many lack-great songs and great performances, delivered with complete honesty and and extreme force. Or as the Empty Bottle says it: LIFES is the sound of spit nails and scorched earth. 

Dawn Ray'd / LIFES / Ozzuario at The Empty Bottle: https://www.facebook.com/events/396978847752950/

106 - LIFES [Hardcore/Punk]: June 5th at The Empty Bottle

The TVC is Spencer Riley combining fresh and up and coming artists with his timeless, west coast inspired production. 

It’s funky, it’s rock, it’s powered by an undying love for music and money.

The TVC follows up his biggest release yet, Kiss (EP), with another dynamic collection of rhythmic, energetic, and addictive tracks titled, "A West Coast Vision"

113 - The TVC [Electronic/Funk]

Team Tremolo is a five piece heavy shoegaze band from Wichita, KS. 
Featured Song Name: Slipping the Noose

115 - Team Tremolo [Shoegaze]

The Styrofoam Turtles are a grungy trio out of Asheville, North Carolina. With DIY ethic and attitude blended with pop sensibilities, they offer a new direction on modern rock. 
Featured Song Name: Grunge Monkey

114 - The Styrofoam Turtles [Garage Rock/Grunge]

Skeme Music is Kenya's fastest rising all round hip-hop collective that is comprised of progressive creative individuals who are pushing boundaries in their crafts. The 6-year-old group is the epitome of diversity with its members coming from different backgrounds – Mathare and Kibera, endowed with different talents.

The duo; Jan Christian - Producer, rapper and actor & Chaleslim – Rapper, TV/Radio Host are some of the best performers in the current wave of fast rising Kenyan rappers evident from the impromptu freestyles, punchlines, clever lyricism and infectious energy exhibited in their tracks and on stage performances.

Their  music weaves Hip Hop, Dancehall, Afro Music, Urban Progressive Sounds etc and widely addresses social issues. They are all about creating a lifestyle and movement because they believe everybody Skemes in their own way through their hustle. 
Featured Song Name: Kingdom

105 - Skeme Music [Hip Hop/Urban Afro]

Nomadic Orchestra is a five-piece instrumental dance band based in Cape Town. The primary goal of Nomadic Orchestra is to get people moving. The band makes an infectious kind of high-energy dance music - even the most prudish find themselves unconsciously tapping their feet. Nomadic Orchestra is strongly influenced by traditional music from the countries of South-Eastern Europe: Macedonia, Romania and Serbia. They are also influenced by Klezmer, gypsy and circus music as well as contemporary western party music. Their musical training brings a strong jazz aesthetic to the band, and thus an emphasis on improvisation. The music that the Nomads play is original and composed by members of the band.
Featured Song Name: Charles Mingus

122 - Nomadic Orchestra [Brass Dance/Balkan Fusion]

After moving to Chicago with a bunch of songs and 4-track recordings in 1999, Thomas Comerford founded and led the indie rock outfit Kaspar Hauser over a series of lineups and LP releases in the 2000s. By 2010, he was also playing “solo” shows with a number of backing musicians and releasing his own LPs, including Archive + Spiral in 2011 and II in 2014. The music, songs and singing on these LPs have been compared to the likes of Jeff Tweedy and Tom Waits (USA Today). Recently, he released his third solo LP, Blood Moon. Featuring Comerford’s baritone—and occasional falsetto—in the midst of largely acoustic or gently electric arrangements, 3-part backing vocals and duets, the music on Blood Moon recalls singing songwriters like Van Morrison, Kris Kristofferson and Leonard Cohen. On his June 2019 tour, Comerford will sing and play acoustic guitar, accompanied by Crystal Hartford (Hartford-Focht) on voice; Dan Ingenthron (Weepin’ Willows) on bass guitar; Kip Rainey (Golden Horse Ranch Band) on electric guitar, lap steel; and Erik Sowa on drum kit and percussion.
Featured Song Name: Lord of the Flies

133 - Thomas Comerford [Folk Rock]

Mom Jeans. is a loud sad band from California we like chilling and hanging out and weed and sleeping and fast food but like healthy fast food

137 - Mom Jeans. [Emo]: July 24th at The Aragon Ballroom

Werewolf On Holiday was born in the Spring of 2016.  Over its roughly three years of existence, the band has compiled a formidable collection of alternative rock for all to hear.  They went to work in the Fall of 2018 and emerged with the Plaid King LP.  They are my former band and good friends.

138 - Werewolf on Holiday [Alternative Rock]

Mike Pinto has crafted an exceptional style of songwriting, with a truly unique take on Roots, Vintage Rock, Reggae, Ska and Classic Surf, but it’s his distinct voice and seamless storytelling that has brought him success both in the United States and overseas. 

With the release of his debut album (Little District, 2005), Pinto began his attack on the Philadelphia music scene as a solo artist. By 2006, underground success and a fervent, exploding fan base empowered him to expand westward with two nationwide solo acoustic tours. After the second tour Pinto relocated to San Diego, where he immersed himself in the thriving Southern California music scene and quickly gained notoriety. His infectious sound garnered so much attention that Insomnia Radio included his single "One More Time" on a hard hitting compilation of the SoCal sound’s brightest groups, including DI and Slightly Stoopid. In very short order, Mike Pinto transitioned from a kid from Philly playing acoustic in coffee houses and tiny bars to a prominent fixture on the SoCal music scene.

It was precisely the sardonic, Philly-bred mentality, which distinguished Mike Pinto amongst his musical peers in sun-drenched Southern California indie music scene. Philadelphia is known as a tough city which churns out tough-minded, skeptical people; this influence is clear in Pinto’s lyrics. Pinto doesn’t just write about the bliss of new love or tired clichés found littered throughout the songs of many of his musical peers. His lyrics can spin dark tales populated with characters who have sold their souls (“Tricky Nicky”), or been left flailing and stripped by the terrible toll exacted by addiction (“Bad Luck”). Though he writes and performs mainly reggae and ska, the words “Babylon” and “Rastafari” are not invoked on a routine basis, nor does Mike employ an adopted Jamaican accent or sing in patois. Mike Pinto writes music that is true to his experience, never making room on his tracks for pretense or posturing. 

Pinto’s music quickly caught the tradewinds from the mainland to Hawaii, getting regular airplay by top radio personality Shaggy Jenkins. Pinto also consistently tops the charts in Guam, where his music is an island favorite, and has placed songs on several Japanese compilations. and Japan. Following suit, Pinto has sold out shows in Guam, Big Island, Maui and Oahu, which left countless, frenzied new fans sprouted by the thousands in his wake. 

In late 2007, Pinto teamed up with professional skateboarder and legendary Drummer/Producer Chuck Treece (Pearl Jam, G Love, Bad Brains, McRad) and released his most accomplished album to that point. With Treece lending his knack for producing and playing a number of the instruments on the album, Pinto's self-titled album has sold tens of thousands of copies worldwide. The album gained so much attention that Pinto was urged to follow it up with an entirely acoustic version of it, which was released in 2008.

Pinto’s live shows draw fans from a diverse cross section of genres, thanks to his ability to play anything from horn-infused ska to punk-tinged rock and beyond, or his own unique brand of reggae classic covers delivered with near perfection.

In 2011, Pinto released The West is Still Wild, a six track EP that served to satiate his now-global following until Pinto felt a full-length effort was feasible. Pinto toured in support of The West is Still Wild, and was received by noticeably larger crowds as those on previous tours. His music and name started spreading noticeably via word-of-mouth and social networking as well, the public started taking notice of who Mike Pinto is and why his music is worth discovering.

Pinto’s new album, Truthful Lies, has received high praise in early reviews. It features a deep lineup of special guests, including: Chuck Treece, George Laks , Max O’Leary, Eric Hirschhorn , John Browne, Todd Elrod, Lew Richards, Jesse Wagner , Roger Rivas, Junior Marvin, Don Carter and Jon Cestero.

143 - Mike Pinto [Reggae]: August 3rd at Beat Kitchen

What do you get when you take 90s indie rock and temper it through Chicago’s harsh winters? Wildcat, that’s what. Tom Reeder, Alex Kisiel, Steve Watson, Conor Hibler, Mike Musto, and Stevan Vasich make up the Chicago-based sextet, delivering their powerful brand of 90s-influenced indie rock with reckless abandon.

Formed in 2016, Wildcat has steadily grown from a two-man outfit playing one-off shows to a six-piece staple of the Chicago scene performing regularly. Known for their energetic and exciting live performances, their horn section sets them apart from the pack, creating rich harmonies that soar over the rest of the band.

Wildcat is currently recording their debut EP Western, and will be releasing it in 2019. You can listen to their first single “Avalon” now.
Featured Song Name: Avalon

144 - Wildcat [Indie Rock]

"These guys can make music and elevate a scene."
- Music City Roots 

Waker was founded by childhood friends and songwriting duo Chase Bader (Vocals, Acoustic) and Conor Kelly (Electric Guitar). The group hails from Nashville, mashing soul, rock & roll, and jam into an eclectic, danceable sound, focusing on songs that aim for the heart, head... and feet. 

From the East Coast to the West Coast, each member moved to Nashville to join Bader and Kelly one by one. The band originally began under the name Koa with bassist Ryan Ladd and saxophonist Alex Matthews. Percussionist Ryan McClanahan quickly joined adding a unique sound to the music. Finally, the band found drummer Dave Czuba to fuse Koa into Waker. Two years later, Waker welcomed Bobby Steinfeld to join to the band on keyboards as the 7th member of Waker. 

The intention has always been clear, to “wake people” with their music. In a short amount of time, the band has already conquered festival stages at Bonnaroo, ACL, Hangout, SXSW, Firefly, and Wakarusa. They’ve toured with Blues Traveler, JJ Grey & Mofro, Moon Taxi, Galactic, the Wailers, recorded a session for Audiotree Live, and headlined shows across the country. 

Since the release of their 2015 EP, the band has continued their nonstop regiment of touring & writing. Before the summer of 2017, Waker released two singles, "Wake Me Up" & "Pike", both of which will be featured on their debut album due early in 2019. 

Waker is an experience meant to be shared with others.

145 - Waker [Rock}: October 1st at Schubas

James Burke is a Boston based solo artist and producer that has released 4 albums and 3 EPs over the past five years. His latest album, “Future Eye” is his most ambitious effort to date, marking James’ newfound commitment to bringing something new to the table with his music and taking his production and songwriting more seriously than ever before. The album aims to bring fresh sounds and new ideas to the indie genre via a smooth and cohesive listening journey that feels united, rather than a mere compilation of songs.
Featured Song Name: 2u

146 - James Burke [Indie]

Ripe is seven musical soulmates who refuse to believe in a single definition of dance music. They are an unstoppable groove, an extended moment of ecstatic release, the catalyst for taking “just another night” and elevating it into something else entirely. They are the swagger of funk filtered through a rock anthem, a musical journey that somehow gets as stuck in your head as your favorite pop banger. They are the anchors of a rapidly growing community, a series of new friends becoming good friends becoming part of the extended family as their sound spreads and their world deepens. They are here to look at joy with the same depth as most people look at sadness, to find a happiness that is heavier and more meaningful than simply a distraction from the negative. Born all over, formed in Boston, Ripe is ready to bring the whole world to its feet.

146 - Ripe [Dance/Pop-Funk/Party Rock]

Bumpin Uglies spawned from an Annapolis, MD scene awash in musical history over a decade ago. They are rooted in East Coast ska, punk, and reggae, making their mark up and down the Eastern Seaboard. In the past ten years, Bumpin Uglies have worked to carve out their path by relentlessly touring, and releasing one album after another. With each release came more focus, more creativity and more desire to always experiment and try new things with their music. The band is psyched for their latest EP, Buzz, which released on March 22 via Ineffable Music Group based in Oakland, CA. Ineffable is a name synonymous with the likes of Collie Buddz, Stick Figure, The Movement, and many other prominent artists.

Their last album, Beast From The East, is proof positive that Brandon, Wolfie, Chad and T.J. have meshed into a dynamic quartet as the album topped reggae charts, drawing interest from Billboard’s editorial team for their debut in the pole position. With fellow Maryland rocker Howi Spangler of Ballyhoo! working on the production, the alchemy was right for their breakthrough release, so naturally they are keeping that intact with their current album, Buzz, while continuing the trend of evolving their sound, always experimenting in bold ways that keeps everything fresh from beginning to end. 

Their climb hasn’t always been easy and as Bumpin Uglies have grinded their way to their current place in the music scene, they’ve shown that hard work pays off and by putting your heart and soul into it and by taking risks, you can achieve great things. It’s why they’ve springboarded from The Whiskey in Annapolis (RIP) to slots at major festivals like Firefly, Peachfest, and Reggae Rise Up, and are selling out several markets around the nation. Bumpin Uglies are also proud to have announced their own Headlining Festival, Weekend at Wolfie’s, set for June 13-15, 2019 in Bedford, PA.  

As a band they are clearly intent on doing things their own way, it’s how it’s always been done.  This philosophy has grown Bumpin Uglies into a prolific music-making beast, has devoted fans tattooing Brandon Hardesty’s poignant lyrics on their bodies and has them growing into a nationally recognized touring headliner. Bumpin Uglies is on fire with no end in site. 

Who is Bumpin Uglies?
Brandon Hardesty – Vocals, Guitar
Dave Wolf – Vocals, Bass
TJ Haslett – Drums
Chad Wright – Vocals, Keys, Guitar

147 - Bumpin' Uglies [Reggae/Ska/Punk]

The Dopamines are a punk band from Cincinnati Ohio that have been playing for 10 years and counting. They will fight you

148 - The Dopamines [Punk]

The internationally renowned NYC producer Tony Simon, aka BLOCKHEAD, has released 10 albums over the past 15 years, including four acclaimed records for Ninja Tune and numerous production jobs including notable works with Aesop Rock. He is regarded as one of the modern masters of instrumental hip-hop, and the forthcoming new album sees him return to record-label-released music with the bold and exciting roster at Future Archive Recordings (co-founded by artists Arms and Sleepers, Sun Glitters, Little People and CNJR, and also co-run by Mark McGlinchey).

The D.J. POD Cast

Popular tracks