On The Upbeat

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...

This week we are joined by members of Simple Minded Symphony. Kevin, Jason and Kaine tell us about the early days of the band, the bands writing process, their latest single and the Seattle ska scene. We also have a group discussion about the crossover between nerd culture and ska fans. Lastly, we give you our ska picks of the week. On The Upbeat: www.instagram.com/ontheupbeatska www.facebook.com/...

This week we are joined by Tahlena Chikami, lead singer of Bite Me Bambi. Tahlena tells us about learning to love ska music from her parents, how Bite Me Bambi started, their new single, song writing, playing ska in Orange County and unity in the ska scene. We also discuss what our perfect ska festival would be like and we give you our ska picks of the week. On The Upbeat: www.instagram.com/ontheu...

This week Matt and RJ are joined Leanor Ortega Till, saxophone player for Five Iron Frenzy. Leanor talks about how playing in a ska band got her into ska music. She also tells us about the new Kickstarter the band is doing for their new album. Leanor also discuss ska against racism, faith and working on Pick It Up: Ska in the 90's. Lastly, we give you our ska picks of the week. On The Upbeat: www....

This week Matt and RJ talk about some ska songs done by bands/artists that don't normally play ska music. RJ tells you about a ska band from Poland named Koniec Swiata. Matt and RJ also discuss some of their favorite tracks off the new Ska Against Racism compilation. Lastly, they give you their ska picks of the week. On The Upbeat: www.instagram.com/ontheupbeatska www.facebook.com/ontheupbeatska h...

This Matt and RJ are joined by original On The Upbeat cohost, Aaron Bertram. On this episode we celebrate the one year anniversary of the podcast. Aaron tells us what he has been up to since stepping away 5 months ago. We also make Aaron answer, as fast as he can, all the group discussions he has missed. RJ gives us his thoughts on clothes in the ska scene and Aaron tells us his favorite ska punk...

This week Matt and RJ discuss what they did with their two week break and they discuss the new drinking game that goes along with the podcast. Most of the episode they break down their favorite ska covers. Also, Matt tells you about a ska band from Mexico. Lastly, Matt and RJ give you their ska picks of the week. On The Upbeat: www.instagram.com/ontheupbeatska www.facebook.com/ontheupbeatska Ska A...

This week we are joined by Vinnie Fiorello. Many will know Vinnie from his time in Less Than Jake. Vinnie joins us this week to chat about his new adventure, The Inevitables. He talks about how this comic book/ska music project came to be, collaborating with other artist, writing songs, crowdfunding and his love of comic books. We also discuss his time in Less Than Jake and his advice to those sta...

This week we are joined by Ethan Luck. Many of our listeners will know Ethan from his time in The O.C. Supertones and The Dingess. Ethan talks about his time in two different ska punk bands, what it was like making music in the Christian music industry, tour life and song writing. We also talk with Ethan about his latest solo album, Let it Burn. Lastly, we give you our song picks of the week. On T...

This week Matt and RJ are joined by James Shaw. James tells us about his new EP, Go Rude Boy Go, song writing, going to Vans Warped Tour and the ska scene in Canada. We also discuss whether or kids are into ska music. RJ teaches us about a ska band from Hong Kong, The Red Stripes. Lastly, Matt, RJ and James give you their ska picks of the week. On The Upbeat: www.instagram.com/ontheupbeatska www.f...

This week RJ shares some interesting info about his name and Matt discusses going to the drive-in. Matt and RJ tell you how you can support the podcast. RJ gets us up on the history of 2Tone Records. Also, Matt and RJ share their thoughts on Pick It Up: Ska in the 90's. Matt talks about a ska/reggae artist from Jamaica, Jimmy Cliff. Lastly, they give you their ska picks of the week. On The Upbeat:...

This week we are joined by Adam Davis, lead singer of Omnigone. Adam talks about his time in Link 80, the new Omnigone record, his writing process and we discuss what has change in the ska scene in 20 years. Adam also tells us some stories from being in a touring ska punk band. RJ tells us about a ska band from Switzerland. Lastly, we give you our ska picks of the week. On The Upbeat: www.instagra...

This week we are joined by Andy and Joe from The Players Band. First we chat about our experiences with fireworks gone wrong. Next we hear a song from The Players Band latest album, Skamorgasbord. Andy and Joe tells us how the band got their start and how it has changed other the years. We also discuss why ska bands love going covers. We learn about a ska band from Australia, The Resignators. Last...

This week we are joined by Tara Hahn, lead singer of Half Past Two. Tara talks about how the bands 2020 plans changed with Covid-19. Tara talks about recording Half Past Two's new EP, Something Blue. We listen to their cover of I Will by The Beatles off the new EP. Tara also gives some tips to other band on how to make the most of their social media. We discuss possible reasons for the gender gap...