Florida Sound Archive Podcast

Jeff Kaiser

Explore the vibrant music scene of Florida, past and present, through in-depth conversations with the artists, musicians, and industry insiders who shaped it. From the pioneers of Florida's punk and rock scenes to the contemporary sounds of today, our podcast delves into the stories, experiences, and memories that have made the state a hub for musical innovation and creativity. Tune in for insightful interviews, fascinating anecdotes, and a journey through the Sunshine State's rich musical heritage.

  1. #127 Rick Ambrose & Stephen "Wolfie" Johnson (Postface/Ex-Cretins)

    6D AGO

    #127 Rick Ambrose & Stephen "Wolfie" Johnson (Postface/Ex-Cretins)

    The Story of South Florida's Postface, Ex-Cretins with Rick Ambrose & Stephen "Wolfie" Johnson /////////////// In this episode, one of our most requested, we are joined by Rick Ambrose and Stephen “Wolfie” Johnson, founding members of South Florida bands Postface, Ex-Cretins, and later Tongues of the Heartworm. They discuss their earliest beginnings in Ford City, Pennsylvania, forming their first band Beyond Fear, before forming Postface and relocating to Deerfield Beach, Florida, in the summer of 1989. They share their journey from forming their first band in Ford City, Pennsylvania, to forming Postface and moving to Deerfield Beach, Florida, in 1989, where they became part of the South Florida alternative scene. Hear stories from early shows in Deerfield, Boca, and Miami, connections with bands like Freaks With Breaks, Load, Marilyn Manson, and Spooky Kids, and the formation of Ex-Cretins and Tongues of the Heartworm. They also recall working with Jeremy Staska of Studio 13 running sound at many shows (and later recording Ex-Cretins and Tongues of the Heartworm) and Frank “Rat Bastard” Falestra running sound at Churchill’s. Recordings at L7 Studios with Bob Wlos and their own Electric Lazy Land Studios are also discussed. While Postface didn’t tour extensively, they did play shows in Gainesville and Orlando. The conversation then moves to the origins of Ex-Cretins, changes in the alternative music scene, and performances at venues like Respectable’s, Surf Cafe, Chili Pepper, and the Poorhouse, along with tours to Atlanta, Athens, and Pittsburgh. Rick and Stephen explore the differences between Postface and Ex-Cretins, as well as reunions and their legacy. We explore the differences between Postface and Ex-Cretins, reunions, legacy, periods between bands and the formation of Tongues of the Heartworm, which included Fausto from Load on drums.

    1h 29m
  2. #119 Amboog-A-Lard

    11/19/2025

    #119 Amboog-A-Lard

    The Untold Story of Amboog-A-Lard and the Making of “A New Hope” with Chad Steinhart, Dan Fontana, & John Somerlade //////// One of our most anticipated episodes is finally here! For the first time, three-quarters of the “A New Hope” Amboog-A-Lard lineup, Chad Steinhart (keyboards), Dan Fontana (guitar/vocals), and John Somerlade (drums), join the podcast to share the full story of the band. From their late 1980s roots in Coral Springs, FL, and influences like KISS, Iron Maiden, Metallica, and Anthrax, to rehearsal spaces and local venues including Club Soda (Coral Springs), The Treehouse and The Button South (Hallandale), Reunion Room and The Edge (Ft. Lauderdale), and Washington Square and the Cameo Theater (Miami Beach), as well as guidance from TCA Management (John Tovar and Frank Callari), this episode covers it all. The band talks about the origins of their name, lineup changes, album artwork, the making of their 1993 album “A New Hope” (recorded at Studio 13 in Deerfield with Jeremy Staska, mastered at Criteria Studios in Miami, and recently remastered at TyFy Studios in Orlando by Dan Fontana), several close calls being signed by major labels like Atlantic, Capitol, and Island Records, and stories from opening for Overkill, Exodus, Anthrax, Corrosion of Conformity, and punk legends The Ramones, as well as sharing the stage with countless local bands of the era including Malevolent Creation, Raped Ape, Cynic, Saigon Kick, Marilyn Manson, and The Itch, and their relationship with Glenn Richards, South Florida radio DJ on 103.5 WSHE. The band also shares stories about Jeordie White, the band’s bassist who later joined Marilyn Manson (though he does not appear in this episode), along with untold anecdotes from their early days. For anyone who experienced the South Florida metal and alternative scene of the late 1980s and early 1990s, this episode is pure nostalgia. For those discovering it now, it is packed with rich history and behind-the-scenes stories never shared before.

    2h 11m
5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Explore the vibrant music scene of Florida, past and present, through in-depth conversations with the artists, musicians, and industry insiders who shaped it. From the pioneers of Florida's punk and rock scenes to the contemporary sounds of today, our podcast delves into the stories, experiences, and memories that have made the state a hub for musical innovation and creativity. Tune in for insightful interviews, fascinating anecdotes, and a journey through the Sunshine State's rich musical heritage.

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