On The Upbeat

This week we are joined by Vinnie Fiorello, Obi Fernandez and Alex Stren from The Inevitables. First, Alex tells us how got into ska music, how he started playing the guitar and how he joined The Inevitables. Next we discuss the band’s latest EP, how the they worked to create the sound of The Inevitables and their song writing process. We get some cool insights into the issue of the comic book and...

This week’s episode is a supersized one. This week we are joined by Tara Hahn, lead singer of Half Past Two. First, we tell you about our new Patreon page and what extras you get for signing up. Tara tells us about the band’s new song, joining Pay Attention Records and her excitement for playing SuperNova Ska Festival in September. We spend much of the episode discussing, what does it mean to be a...

This week we are joined by Brandon and Heath from The Operators. They tell us about their ska history and how the band got together. We premiere their new song, New Place. Brandon and Heath also tell us about the writing process on their new album. We have a discussion about our favorite album covers. We also give you ska news and our ska picks of the week. On The Upbeat Social Media: www. Instagr...

This week we are joined by Rosey and Kurt from Hans Gruber and The Die Hards and Steve from Sgt. Scagnetti. They tell us about their ska history and how their bands got started. We also talk about their split 7” vinyl. Lots of stories and lots of laughs. We also give you ska news and our ska picks of the week. On The Upbeat Social Media: www. Instagram.com/ontheupbeatska www.facebook.com/ontheupbe...

This week we speak with writer, Aaron Carens. Aaron tells us about his new book, In Defense of Ska. We learn what lead to the books creation, why ska needed defending and why ska fans love ska memes. We also talk about the fourth wave and we get some stories not featured in the book. It’s a good discussion about the history and current state of the ska scene. We also give you ska news and our ska...

This week we are joined by the legendary Joey Altruda! You may know him from Jump with Joey, Cocktails with Joey, numerous soundtrack work or some of his recent collaboration with Ska Jazz Messengers. Joey’s here to let us know about his brand new collab with and other legendary musician Tom Zé! We also get to know Joey and his background, where he reveals himself as a master storyteller, because...

This week we are joined by Duck, lead singer of Joystick. Duck tells us about how he got into ska music, where he got his nickname, Joystick’s history and the meaning of their song 7675. Duck also tells us about the new album, I Can’t Take it Anymore. We have a group discussion about what bands we would like to see have action figures. Lastly, we give you ska news and our ska picks of the Week. On...

This week we are joined by Mike and Toni from The Abruptors. They each tell us how they got into ska, how the band got started and what it’s like being one of the only ska bands in Buffalo, New York. We also discussed the band’s song writing process. We have a group chat about bands we loved even more once we saw them live. Lastly, we also have ska news and our ska picks on the week. Follow On The...

This week we are joined by Tara Hanh from Half Past Two. Tara talks to us about the band's new song, Mean Green. Tara talks about how the music came together and she gives us some insight into the meaning of the lyrics. We spend much of the episode telingl you our thoughts on the true legacy of 90’s ska punk. We of course give you some ska news and our ska picks of the week. On The Upbeat: www. In...

This week we spend most of the episode giving you our thoughts on The Punk Rock MBA’s YouTube video, What Killed Ska-Punk? We also hear some ska news, ska around the world, ska history and we give you are ska picks of the week. On The Upbeat: www. Instagram.com/ontheupbeatska www.facebook.com/ontheupbeatska www.twitter.com/ontheupbeatska https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMeYQbN3J/ Support On The Upbeat: www....

This week we are joined by both Jack and Tara from Half Past Two. We learn how Jack got started in the band. Tara talks about making music videos during COVID. We also discuss their latest single All About You and how writing is going on the new album. We discuss ska collaborations, ska news and we give you our ska picks of the week. On The Upbeat: www. Instagram.com/ontheupbeatska www.facebook.co...

This Week we are joined by Jeremy from Courtesy of Tim and Shoe from Meskales. They tell us how they each got into ska and how their bands got started. They also talk about how their split EP came together. We discuss the question, how long can a ska band go, not releasing ska songs, before we stop calling them a ska band? And of course, we give you ska news and our ska picks. On The Upbeat: www....

This week we are joined by Chris and Josh from Coolidge. First, Matt breaks down some ska news. Next, Chris and Josh tell us how they each got into ska music and how Coolidge got it’s start. Next, we learn about the writing and producing of Coolidge’s latest record, Condition Transmission. Chris and Josh also talk about balancing music and adult responsibilities. We ask the question, How many memb...

Join Matt and RJ as they explore some ska news and tell you about some of their favorite album openers. RJ tells us about The Valkyrians from Finland and Matt gives a ska history lesson about Prince Buster. Lastly, Matt and RJ give you their Ska Picks of the Week. On The Upbeat: www. Instagram.com/ontheupbeatska www.facebook.com/ontheupbeatska www.twitter.com/ontheupbeatska Donate to support On Th...

This week we are joined by Andrew and Kerley from Flying Raccoon Suit. We start off with a chat about bowling and ska music. We then get some ska news. Andrew and Kerley tell us how they each got into ska and we hear about the early days of Flying Raccoon Suit. We discuss the band’s Kickstarter for their new album, Afterglow. We also world premiere their new song, Driftwood. Andrew and Kerley tell...

This week we are joined by Mike Sosinski from Bad Time Records and Kill Lincoln. First, Matt gives you some ska news. Next we chat with Mike about how he got into ska music, the formation of Kill Lincoln, the bands early days and song writing. We also talk about why Mike started Bad Time Records, what he hopes to accomplish with the label, what he looks for in bands and what he wishes would change...

This week Matt and RJ start off by telling you about their holiday break. They also update you on some of ska music’s latest releases, in this week’s Ska News. Next Matt and JR discuss just what it means to be a gatekeeper. RJ tells you about a ska band from Thailand in this week’s Ska Around the World. Lastly, Matt and RJ give you their Ska Picks of the Week. On The Upbeat Social Media: www. Inst...

This week we are joined by Gary and Josh from the Backyard Superheroes. This episode is filled with a lot off the topic conversations about Batman, RJ’s old band and movies. However, we do learn the history of the Backyard Superheroes, their early days, the New Jersey ska scene and how the band writes songs. Gary and Josh also tell us about the charity ska compilation they help put together. We al...

This week we are joined by Chris DeMakes from Less Than Jake. Chris tells us how he got into ska music and how he learned to play the guitar. We also chat about the early days of Less Than Jake and their new record, Silver Linings. Chris tells us about his new book, Blast From The Past. We also talk about wrestling and fun stories from the road. Lastly, we give you our ska picks of the week. Chris...

This week we are joined by Chris Graue. Chris has directed music videos for ska bands and has started his own ska band, Lo(u)ser. Chris tells us how he came to love ska music, the creative process of making music videos and how he came to make his own ska band. Matt gives you some ska news and RJ tells you about a ska band from Luxembourg. We also have a discussion on our favorite ska music videos...

This Week we are joined by Tara Hahn from Half Past Two. Tara tells us about the bands latest song and being asked to be a part of the Ska Against Racism compilation. Tara also tells us about an up coming holiday cover the band is doing and the progress they have made on a new full length album. RJ tells us about a ska band from Peru. We then have a group discussion on the first five bands we woul...

This week we are joined by The Rough Customers. Andrea, Mike, Brad and Tim tell us about the band's history and how the developed their sound over time. They also talk about tweeting back and fourth with Full House star Dave Coulier. The band also despised how they decided release a more political song. We have a group discussion on "what makes for a good ska compilation?" Last, we tell you our sk...

This week we are joined by Obi Fernandez. Obi tells us about discovering ska music for the first time and how he became the lead singer of Westbound Train. Obi also tells us about his new project, The Inevitables. We learn about the creation of this music and art project. Lastly, we give you our ska picks of the week. On The Upbeat: www.instagram.com/ontheupbeatska www.facebook.com/ontheupbeatska...

This week's episode is jammed pack with fun. We are joined by Danny and Ali from Stop The Presses. We are also joined by Sammy Kay from Revolution Vintage. Stop The Presses tells us about how the band formed, how they got their name, writing songs and playing in the New York ska scene. Sammy talks about his record label and vintage clothing store. Sammy also talks about how his music has changed o...

This week we are joined by Harrison Nida from Victory Kid. Harrison tells us about his love for ska punk music, the history of the band, their growing line up and how the pandemic has affected the band. We also discuss the influence of the Tony Hawk Pro Skater soundtrack on the ska scene. Lastly, we tell you our ska picks of the week. On The Upbeat: www.instagram.com/ontheupbeatska www.facebook.co...