In this episode of PoPolitickin, we are joined the one and only Ras Kass.John Austin, Watts, California, USA. A keen student of African history, Austin took the name of a king from the ancient kingdom of Shoa. He made his debut in the mid-90s, appearing on a series of mix tapes and earning particular acclaim for 1994’s hard-hitting ‘Remain Anonymou…

For our latest guest show we welcome Sepultura and Pet Brick drummer Iggor Cavalera to fill an hour with exceptional sounds. Tracklisting Bobby Krlic - Prophesy Inigo Vontier - Bo Ni Ke Ye Gods - Gilded Eternity Laima Leyton - Home Alessandro Cortini & Daniel Avery - Illusion of Time Old Tower - Shadow Over Thy Kingdom Screen Shadow - Bodies Noor1 …

I sat down with my friend James Evans over video chat for a quarantine chat! We talked about a lot of stuff including (but not limited to) beer, songwriting, searching for truth in the chaos of modern media, finding yourself in the darkest places, and of course... more beer! Sit back, relax, and let's Start The Beat! https://www.therealsikes.com/st…

It’s easy to look at Counting Crows frontman Adam Duritz and not take him seriously. It seems like 1990-era MTV created him in a lab. But there's more to him, and "August and Everything After," than it seems. In this episode, we're highlighting the Counting Crows biggest hits, the time the mayor of Omaha offered Duritz the key to the city, and the …

Fabric Softener - A Moment in Music Check out the track list by clicking here Follow us on Instagram: @fabricsoftenerpod Follow us on SpotifyBy Fabric Softener by Claire and Isabella

Lots of phenomenal compilations have been released during the current crisis, and some of them are prominent on this week's podcast. Including the Isolation compilation on Shapes of Rhythm, the Trussel Trust-fundraiser of noisy punk on Human Worth, and the latest on France's Hard Fist label. Elsewhere we have Indonesian bossa nova, the debut from N…

In this episode of PoPolitickin, we are rejoined by Brooklyn Queen.Brooklyn Queen is an American rapper and social media personality. A Detroit native, she made her debut in 2017 with the viral hit "Keke Taught Me". Passionate about singing since childhood, she recorded her first song at the age of eight. Today, she has emerged as one of the most p…

I sat down yesterday with my friend Adam Valen of Drusky Entertainment for a discussion about the effects of our current situation on the entertainment industry, where we see things going in the future and some crucial steps we need to take moving forward. We also talk a bit about the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA), who is securing f…

https://loudandquiet.bigcartel.com/product/loud-and-quiet-year-s-subscription Last week Loud and Quiet published a statement illustrating the struggles they were having to survive due to the Coronavirus crisis and the impact on advertising. Loud and Quiet is a 15-year-old staple of the alternative, independent music scene in the UK, and to lose it …

Heroineburgh is a Superheroine live-action series based in Pittsburgh, PA with all-original characters and stories. This week I sit down with two of the actresses Stephanie and Kristin for a discussion about their roles in the series, new episodes, and plenty more. Sit back, relax, and let's Start The Beat! More Info: http://www.heroineburgh.com ht…

In this episode, we’re exploring why all the music we hear in the "James Bond" film franchise sounds so undeniably "Bond." Some of these songs were written nearly 40 years apart, yet musically, we immediately associate all of them with 007. I unpack the music theory behind the "Bond sound" and all the musical motifs and chord progressions that have…

A wonderful array of sounds this week, we have dystopian industrial electro-funk from Iceland, field recordings from Brazil, a couple of records from lockdown, the latest from Gnod and loads more. Tracklisting Group A - Inhuman Ecstasy (Mannequin Records, Germany) Kuldaboli - Milljón ára (FTP, Germany / Bunker Records, Netherlands) ADRA Hubble (Ali…

In this episode of PoPolitickin, we are joined by Ciana Pelekai.Ciana Pelekai is an American singer, born and raised in Hawaii who showed remarkable potential from a very early age. She has been on America’s Got Talent twice, which led her to the quarterfinals in New York City, where she got to perform on the Radio City Music Hall stage. That is ju…

My friend Justin Gizzi plays in a lot of heavy loud bands and is a very kind human to talk to. We recently linked up over video chat for a conversation about how we're both dealing with the quarantine, his current projects, new releases from his bands, and plenty more! https://www.therealsikes.com/startthebeat Also available on Spotify, Apple, Goog…

Featuring album in review 'Enter Shikari - Nothing Is True & Everything Is Possible'. New music from Elephant Tree, ... And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead, Werewolves & The Ghost Inside. Plus the usual news & chat from the alternative world. Audible - audibletrial.com/machogrande Spotify Playlists Big Cartel - https://machogrande.bigcartel.c…

I recently linked up with Pittsburgh based Hip-Hop artist Labrynthine over video chat for an awesome conversation about his origins, inspirations, social stigmas with the horrorcore genre, and plenty more. Come hang out! https://www.therealsikes.com/startthebeat Also available on Spotify, Apple, Google, YouTube or wherever else you listen to podcas…

"Dummy" is one of the defining records of the trip-hop genre, and one of the most unique albums we've covered here. We'll talk about all the elements that defined their otherworldly sound, the film Portishead made to "introduce" the band, and how the band got creative before there was such a thing as ProTools. I also talk to The Syndicate's Jon Lan…

In this episode of PoPolitickin, we are joined by music producer The Audible Doctor.Bronx resident producer The Audible Doctor, the man behind the boards on various underground classics with Homeboy Sandman, Edo. G, Joell Ortiz, ONYX, Heltah Skeltah, and the immortal 50 Cent freestyle "This Is Murder, Not Music" already has his 2020 release schedul…

The one with the clarinets. Well, two tracks with prominent clarinet, but not like you've ever heard before - especially the skronk dance jazz goodness from Moscow's Jenya Kukoverov (it's better than that sounds, promise). We've got a fair chunk of low tempo, exquisite sounds this week, with a good dosage of acid and grime in there for good measure…

In this episode of PoPolitickin, we politick with Rochester, NY hip hop artist A Burris.A Burris discuss his clothing line Dirt or Die clothing, his new album "For My Listeners". and more..https://dirtordieclothing.com/

First things first, mark your calendars! I'm doing a Birthday Livestream on Instagram Tuesday April 28th 7-10pm EST Make sure to follow me (@dj_j_me) and tune in on Tuesday!It's February, and that means looking back with my lounge music recap from the past year. As usual, lots of range here in tempo and style, some new stuff, some reworks of old (a…

My friend and Pittsburgh based magician Jon Tai joins me on the show tomorrow for an awesome chat all about his journey into the world of magic! https://www.therealsikes.com/startthebeat Also available on Spotify, Apple, Google, YouTube or wherever else you listen to podcasts probably. Disclaimer / Update: This episode was recorded in early March a…

I recently sat down with my friend Jay from The Hawkeyes for a really cool talk about rock and roll, songwriting, music business and plenty more! https://www.therealsikes.com/startthebeat Also available on Spotify, Apple, Google, YouTube or wherever else you listen to podcasts probably. Disclaimer / Update: This episode was recorded in February and…

Some extraordinary sounds on this week's podcast, three of which push the boundaries of the music you can make with a piano. We've got an exclusive first play of the new release from Taiwanese producer Sabiwa, alongside an outlandish 8-minute opus from Nebraska's Moonworshipper Records, the first new material from legendary electronic producer Bern…

Skies of Terra join me for a super fun chat about songwriting, friendship, starting a band, how to eat ramen incorrectly and plenty more! https://www.therealsikes.com/startthebeat Also available on Spotify, Apple, Google, YouTube or wherever else you listen to podcasts probably. Disclaimer / Update: This episode was recorded in February and any eve…

The second in our series of guest shows. This time we have the exceptional producer pq putting together an hour or so of music that takes us from Southeast Asia to Uganda, touching down in Japan, Greece, and Rotherham, whilst giving us a taste of some unreleased sounds of his own. pq is one-sixth of Nihiloxica, whose debut LP lands on 12 June via C…

In this episode of PoPolitickin, we politick with Joc Scholar from Grand Opus.Hailing from West Coast, California, hip hop duo Grand Opus emerges in classic emcee/ producer group fashion with a nostalgic and yet futuristic style of their own, aiming to carve their names among the greats with their debut album entitled “Forever”. The group is made u…

The guys in The Redlines join me for a chat about Rock & Roll, finding your place in the scene, making music with your friends and everything in between. https://www.therealsikes.com/startthebeat Also available on Spotify, Apple, Google, YouTube or wherever else you listen to podcasts probably. Disclaimer / Update: This episode was recorded in Febr…

Leon Bridges' music reflects a vintage quietness; an articulation of raw feelings of love and heartbreak that we've all felt, but rarely find the words for. On "Good Thing," he breaks away from the golden age soul comparisons to Sam Cooke to find a voice that's all his own. We also discuss the Grammys, Fort Worth, beauty in simplicity, and how a pa…

In this episode of PoPolitickin, we politick with KiNg EmErY.Dallas Texas based rapper KiNg EmErY has been grinding since elementary school. He first picked up the mic when he was in the 3rd grade. Since then he has used music as a way to express himself and deal with obstacles in life.The prolific artist began releasing new music in 2018 and hasn’…

Our first podcast from lockdown. It means the quality of the chat is a bit off, but the quality of the music is second to none. From Brazilian funk to Lithuanian synthpop via modern classical, grime, dancehall, hip hop and a load more, this return of Anthony and Gareth to the podcast jams enough goodness into your ears to lighten the darkest of tim…

Feat new music from Deathbreaker, Stay Inside, Teeth & Zealand The North. plus the usual news & chat from the alternative world. Audible - audibletrial.com/machogrande Spotify Playlists Big Cartel - https://machogrande.bigcartel.com Voicemail - 05603 689 842 contact us - info@machograndepodcast.co.uk Twitter - @machograndepod merch - http://www.mac…

In this episode of PoPolitickin, we politick with Javon Sparxx.Ja'Vaughn Smith aka Javon Sparxx is an American rapper, producer, actor, and songwriter representing Chicago and Oklahoma. Creating different volumes of musical, visual, and verbal expressions. His quick-witted, sporadic flow will keep you intrigued just as much as the message, metaphor…

The boyz in Lotus Kid join me for a chat about growing up through Myspace, the evolution of Pop Punk, friendship and everything in between. https://www.therealsikes.com/startthebeat Also available on Spotify, Apple, Google, YouTube or wherever else you listen to podcasts probably. Disclaimer / Update: This episode was recorded in February and any e…

Join me for an awesome conversation with Todd Porter of The Cheats, Eviction and Sinners & Saints Tattoo about growing up in the early days of the Pittsburgh Punk & Metal scene, playing in bands, starting a business, being a dad and everything in between. https://www.therealsikes.com/startthebeat Also available on Spotify, Apple, Google, YouTube or…

In Part II, we break down Side 2 of Black Sabbath's second studio album, with "Electric Funeral," "Hand of Doom," "Rat Salad" and "Fairies Wear Boots." We also get into some debaucherous tales of Sabbath on the road, Ozzy's solo career and subsequent Sabbath reunions, the invention of the devil horn hand gesture, and the embarrassing stage gaffe pa…

It's a rollercoaster on this week's podcast. We start hard with the acid-tinged punk of Гласность, we move swiftly through searing mahraganat from Cairo's ever-blistering 100copies label, on to abstract electronics, bass-heavy jazz and electro-cumbia. All rounded off through jazz-tinged hip-hop. It's a journey to savour. Tracklisting Гласность (Gla…

Songwriter and life of the party Bjordan is on the show today for a super fun chat about bringing your ideas to life. Sit back, relax and let's Start The Beat! https://www.therealsikes.com/startthebeat Also available on Spotify, Apple, Google, YouTube or wherever else you listen to podcasts probably.…

Johnny Mase recently came by the studio and we had a great talk about the underground Hip Hop / Rap scene, finding your voice, building a brand and plenty more. Sit back, relax and let's Start The Beat! https://www.therealsikes.com/startthebeat Also available on Spotify, Apple, Google, YouTube or wherever else you listen to podcasts probably.…

Spooky-J is one-sixth of the mesmerisingly excellent Nihiloxica, whose first LP is coming out in June on Crammed Discs. He is also one-third of the extraordinary fast beats label Spooky Shit and the unrelenting synth dualling trio Hot in da Club. For this special additional show to keep you occupied in these crazy times, he's pulled together some o…

My dude Jake Munson Nelson of Post Mortal Possession & Repulsive Creation is on the show for a rad talk about life, love, death metal and everything in between. Sit back, relax and let's Start The Beat! https://www.therealsikes.com/startthebeat Also available on Spotify, Apple, Google, YouTube or wherever else you listen to podcasts probably.…

Covid-19 lockdown was implemented in the UK this week, so Gareth has a solo show for you. A whole heap of favourites have been putting out music: obviously something from Uganda's Nihiloxica, whose first LP is forthcoming on Belgium's Crammed Discs. There are also two Coronavirus-related records, with a one-day write and record track from Gazelle T…

Lauren Rearick of The Grey Estates and Nylon Mag joins me for a super fun conversation about music journalism, the local scene, building a career and plenty more! Sit back, relax and let's Start The Beat! https://www.therealsikes.com/startthebeat

In this episode of PoPolitickin, we politick with L.I.F.E. Long.L.I.F.E. Long talks underground hip hop, new projects, and more.

The homie Sierra Sellers is in the house! We had an awesome conversation about her come up, inspirations, creative process, new music and PLENTY more. Sit back, relax and let's Start The Beat! https://www.therealsikes.com/startthebeat

Feat album in review 'Code Orange - Underneath' plus new music from Malevolence, Dens, Dyssidia, Ebonivory & Staghorn. Plus the usual news & chat from the alternative world. Audible - audibletrial.com/machogrande Spotify Playlists Big Cartel - https://machogrande.bigcartel.com Voicemail - 05603 689 842 contact us - info@machograndepodcast.co.uk Twi…

My friends and conductors of grindcore chaos E.F.6 are in the building! Sit back, relax and let's Start The Beat! Disclaimer / Update: This episode was recorded a few weeks ago and any events discussed in this conversation may have possibly been postponed or canceled. Our apologies for any confusion. Please be sure to follow E.F.6 for updates on th…