On The Upbeat

This week Brian and Jacob from Ghost Tones join us. We discuss ska music videos, how Ghost Tones got started, the bands writing process, the Connecticut ska scene and we his to a song of their new EP, Plague/Curse. All this with Ska News and our Ska Picks of the Week. Ghost Tones: https://www.instagram.com/ghosttones?igsh=MWdwdmpiaXdoOWE2Mw== On The Upbeat: ontheupbeatska.com Ska News……. -Title Ho...

This week we caught up with the Bad Time Records Tour as it stops by in Orange County, California. We talk with Tara from Half Past Two, Dominic from Bad Operation and Mike and Drew from Kill Lincoln. We talk about life on the road, pre show routines, tour food, new music and tour planning. All this and Ska News! Bad Time Records: www.badtimerecords.com On The Upbeat: ontheupbeatska.com Ska News……...

This week Michi and Mike from Mega Infinity join us to discuss their new album, Harmonic Convergence. We also breakdown what cartoons are the most ska. We talk about the ever changing music industry and we listen to their song The World. We also give you Ska News and our Ska Picks of the Week!  Mega Infinity:  https://megainfinity.band/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_b...

This week Zach and Nate from Sorry Sweetheart join us. We discuss the band’s beginnings and their journey to their new album. We talk about song writing, recording, horn solos and song titles. We listen to their song 20 Million in 20’s and we share our thoughts on Punk In The Park. All this and Ska News and our Ska Picks of the Week.  Sorry Sweetheart:  https://linktr.ee/sorrysweetheart?utm_source...

This week Eric and Heather join us to discuss Pioneer Valley Ska  Festival 3. We learn the history behind the festival and what goes into making it happen. We also learn about Heather’s band , Futon Lasagna and we listen to their song How Many Times? All this and of course Ska News and our Ska Picks of the Week.  Pioneer Valley Ska Festival: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/413-ska-presents-pioneer-va...

This week James White (Jimmy Jam) from Left Alone joins us. First, we discuss nicknames and favorite baselines in ska/ska punk. James tells us about getting in to playing bass and joining Left Alone. We talk about the band’s latest record, True To  Form and we listen to their song Some Days.  We also discuss how being from Los Angeles impacts the band’s sound and James’ work as a tattoo artist. Al...

This week we talk to Dallas’ own Set The Tone! Nick and Dustin join Matt and Anthony to chat about our favorite closing songs on ska album, the Dallas ska scene, the push and pull of writing music with trained and untrained musicians. We also take a listen to Set The Tone’s song “Hope For Tomorrow” and discuss what the song means to the band. And of course it wouldn’t be On The Upbeat if we didn’t...

This week Nat and Becky from The Iron Roses join us. First we discuss problem solving in the ska scene. Next Becky and Nat tell us how their two person vocals came to be. They also discuss early days of the band and the importance of writing songs that mean something. We also breakdown why it’s important to speak your mind. All this and Ska News and our Ska Picks of the week!  The Iron Roses: http...

This week Heather and Tom from Pink Slip join us. First we discuss what kind of pizza is the most ska. We also learn Heather and Tom’s journey into music and how Pink Slip got started. We listen to the band’s latest single, Sick and Tired and they tell us what drives them to play music. All this and Ska News and our Ska Picks of the Week.  Pink Slip: pinkslipska.com   On The Upbeat: ontheubeatska....

This week Sean and Ben from The Taj Motel Trio join us. We discuss the ska records we know all the words to and we learn the band’s history. We also discover the story behind the bands name and we listen to their new song. We talk about Christmas music and the Atlanta, Georgia ska scene. All this and Ska News and our Ska Picks of the Week. The Taj Motel Trio:  https://ttmt.bandcamp.com On The Upbe...

This week Josue and Luis from Los Domingueros join us. First, we share what makes us happy. Josue and Luis talk about the band’s history and their musical influences. We discuss Latin Ska and the Albuquerque, New Mexico ska scene. We listen to the band’s new song and we talk writing and recording music. All this and of course Ska News and our Ska Picks of the week.  Los Domingueros: losdomingueros...

This week music reviewer and ska fan, Dane Jackson, joins us. We learn about Dane’s history with ska  music and what lead to him to doing music reviews. Dane tells us what he liked in 2025 and we talk about what we are looking forward to in 2026.  And of course Ska News and our Ska Picks of the Week.  Dane Jackson:  https://linktr.ee/danejackson?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=c80aa7e4...

This Week Michi DiGiulio from Mega Infinity and Tara Hahn from Half Past Two join us. We are breaking down this year’s ska highlights. We discuss Spotify and streaming music. We tell you our favorite ska moments of the year. We also discuss the possibility of a legacy band reuniting. We also talk about what ska music we have loved this year! All this and of course Ska News and our Ska Picks of the...

This week Jamie and Dex from Lone Raspberry join us. We discuss favorite 90’s ska records and the history of Lone Raspberry. Jamie and Dex breakdown the start and end of the band. We also learn what lead to their album, Children of the Horn finally getting released. Also this and of course Ska News and our Ska Picks of the Week.  Lone Raspberry:  https://loneraspberry.bandcamp.com/album/children-o...

This week Seb and  Kyria from So Many Dangers join us. First we discuss what Thanksgiving food is the most ska. Seb and Kyria give us their ska origin stories and the history of the band. We also talk about their three song EP, Break The System. We listen to their song, Come Dance With Me and learn about their musical influences. All this and of course Ska News and Ska Picks of the week.  So Many...

This is a special crossover episode between The Ska Mailman Podcast, On The Upbeat, Offbeat Attitude, Every Song Sucks : A Reel Big Fish Podcast and 23 Minutes of Ska. Adam, Matt, Anthony and RJ Phoenix hang out and play some ska games.

This Week Obi Fernandez from Westbound Train joins us. We discuss what ska album we would recommend to non ska fan. Obi gives a breakdown of the writing, recording and themes of Sing The Ghost Away. We also talk about the East and West Coast ska scene. All this and of course Ska News and our Ska Picks of the week.  Westbound Train: www.westboundtrainmusic.com On The Upbeat: ontheubeatska.com   Ska...

This week Chris Malone from The Pandemics joins us. Chris breaks down the bands new record, Youthful Exuberance. We discuss the writing, recording and the band changes that happen during this record. Chris also talks about playing the new songs live and what he loves about playing ska music. All this and of course Ska News and Ska Picks of the Week.  The Pandemics:  https://thepandemics.bandcamp.c...

This Week Mike Berault from Bite Me Bambi joins us. First, we talk about the bands we wish got to see live. Mike also discusses touring with Less Than Jake and life on the road. Mike gives us his thoughts on releasing music in 2025 on streaming and vinyl. We listen to Bite Me Bambi’s song Gaslighter’s Anthem. Mike also talks about the work that goes into being a show promoter. All this and of cour...

Join Matt and Anthony for A Skalloween Special. First, they discuss their favorite Halloween candy, movies and memories. They also give you some Ska News and breakdown the official On The Upbeat Skalloween playlist. Lastly, Matt and Anthony are visited by an evil spirit and they must Escape The Gatekeeper!! Join them for this very spooky adventure.  On The Upbeat: ontheubeatska.com   On The Upbeat...

This week Austen, Billy and Pat from Joker’s Republic join us. We first discuss how our music listening habits have changed and we talk ska news. Next the band breaks down their new album, The Hand You’ve Been Dealt. We learn about their song writing process, how singles were picked and what impact working with Roger from Less Than Jake had on the record. All this and our ska picks of the week.  J...

This week Eitan Avineri from Western Standard Time Ska Orchestra joins us. First, we discuss what advice we would give to bands just starting and we give you ska news. Eitan then breaks down the new WSTSO album, Fire and Water. We hear a track off the record and we talk about AI in music. All this and we give our Ska Picks of the Week.  Western Standard Time Ska Orchestra: wstska.com On The Upbeat...

This week Joe and Dante from Space Monkey Mafia join us. First, we discuss adding a horn section to a non-ska band. Next, Joe and Dante breakout the band’s new record, Death of the Party. They talk about song writing and working in the studio. We also listen to their song Cult of Idiocracy and they tell us what the love about playing ska in 2025. All this and of course Ska News and Ska Picks of th...

Karen Roberts of Chase Long Beach hosts a round table discussion of women in ska with Tami of The Goodwin Club  and Erin of The Step Daughters. This episode is in connection with Rude Girl Riot Festival on Saturday, October 18th. Tickets available now through Eventbrite.  Rude Girl Riot Tickets:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-rude-girl-riot-ska-festival-tickets-1553056928079?aff=ebdssbdestsearc...

This week Jake and Julia from The New Limits join us. First, we discuss strange things we’ve seen at shows and we give you Ska News. Next, Jake and Julia tell us their ska origin stories, how The New Limits started and what it was like for Julia to replace an original singer. We hear about the band’s new record and we listen to their song Tell The Truth( Do It Again). They also breakdown signing w...