Florida Sound Archive Podcast

Jeff Kaiser
  • 5.0 (12)
  • Music Interviews
  • Updated Biweekly

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. 6d ago

    #141 Strummer (Blank Expression)

    The Story of Orlando punks, Blank Expression, The Punk House, and More With Strummer In this episode, we're joined by Strummer, original member of Orlando punk band Blank Expression, co-founder of the Punk House, and co-founder of the fanzine *Ramblings of a Twisted Mind*. Strummer reflects on growing up in the Bay Area, discovering punk through college radio and early shows, and relocating to Orlando in 1987. He discusses becoming part of Central Florida's underground punk scene, launching Ramblings of a Twisted Mind fanzine, and documenting the people, bands, and venues he encountered in Orlando's late 1980s and early 1990s punk and alternative culture. The conversation explores the formation of Blank Expression, the band's DIY approach to recording, performing throughout Florida, and the Orlando punk community that surrounded them. Strummer shares memories of local bands including Adventures in Immortality, Solid Answer, The Spitvalves, and others, along with venues such as Electric Avenue, Vis, the Beach Club, Club Psychotronic, Club Nowhere, BT Grinders, and the Fairbanks Inn. We also discuss the Punk House, a DIY space created to give local and touring bands a place to perform, record, and build community. Strummer recalls its humble beginnings, building a makeshift stage, hosting shows, and the challenges of creating a space for underground music outside of traditional venues. Strummer shares stories behind Blank Expression's recordings, including the O-Town Punks demo, the lost full-length album, the Born to Skate 7-inch, and the Punkin Donuts compilation. He also reflects on leaving Florida, Blank Expression's legacy in the Orlando punk scene, and more.

    #141 Strummer (Blank Expression)

  2. Jul 10

    #6 Re-release: Lee Folmar (Insect Fear)

    Recut 2020 Episode: Lee Folmar of Tallahassee's Insect Fear, Squid Row, Starry Crowns & More  This episode, originally recorded in June 2020, features Lee Folmar of Insect Fear, Squid Row, Starry Crowns, and several other projects, reflecting on his decades-long journey through the Florida Panhandle's punk and alternative music scene. Remastered and re-edited for improved clarity, this re-release revisits an important era of Florida Panhandle music history. Lee shares stories about growing up in Tallahassee, discovering music through his parents' records, finding inspiration in artists ranging from Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin to Talking Heads and Brian Eno, and eventually discovering punk rock. He discusses the early days of his musical journey, from Squid Row, to the formation of Insect Fear, the DIY approach to recording, and the challenges of creating music as young musicians with limited resources but a passion for making something unique. Lee also shares memories of working at Vinyl Fever, the importance of local record stores, touring bands that passed through the Panhandle, and the connections that linked Tallahassee's underground scene to the larger independent music community. He reflects on recordings, reunions, later projects, and what it means to see people continue discovering and appreciating music created decades ago.

    #6 Re-release: Lee Folmar (Insect Fear)

  3. Jul 3

    #140 New Day (Michael Grover and Scott Hughes)

    The Story of New Day: Early-Mid 90s Palm Beach Hardcore Punk In this episode, we're joined by Michael Grover and Scott Hughes for a deep dive into the history of New Day, a band that emerged from South Florida’s punk and hardcore scene during the mid-1990s. Michael (vocals) and Scott (guitar) reflect on the band’s origins in Lantana and West Palm Beach following the breakup of their previous band, Switch, discussing early rehearsals, developing their sound, and becoming part of a vibrant underground music scene. The conversation explores the local bands, venues, and community that shaped New Day’s identity, along with the DIY approach that defined their work—from recording demos and self-releasing music to touring across the U.S. despite constant logistical challenges. They also share stories from their releases, including New Day ’94, Spring Cleaning, and the Hallway EP, as well as experiences on the road that included breakdowns, canceled shows, warehouse performances, and unexpected radio support outside of Florida. Throughout the conversation, Michael and Scott reflect on their influences, the friendships and creative energy that fueled the band, and life after New Day. Although Chris (bass) and Dominic (drums) were unable to participate, their contributions remain an important part of the band’s story.

    #140 New Day (Michael Grover and Scott Hughes)

  4. Jun 19

    #139 Mike Roberts and Keith Dalrymple (Adventures In Immortality)

    Mike Roberts & Keith Dalrymple on the Orlando 90s Scene, Adventures In Immortality and More In this episode, we’re joined by Mike Roberts and Keith Dalrymple for a deep dive into their journey through the Orlando music scene from the late 1980s through the 1990s. They reflect on meeting in high school, forming their first band for a 1989 Battle of the Bands, and launching Adventures In Immortality. From there, they explore the early Central Florida scene, its DIY spirit, and the record stores, zines, and venues that helped shape their sound. The conversation follows their musical evolution from Adventures In Immortality to Gray Before My Eyes and later Song of Kerman, tracing a path from early DIY beginnings to more dynamic, heavier, and politically driven material. Mike and Keith also share stories from iconic Orlando venues and DIY spaces, including Club Space Fish, the Beacham Theatre, Sapphire Supper Club, warehouses, VFW halls, and house shows. They reflect on touring, opening for national acts, and the chaos and community that defined the era. From basement shows to long road trips and connections beyond Florida, this episode captures what it meant to build a life in a working DIY band during that time, and the lasting friendships and creative impact that came with it.

    #139 Mike Roberts and Keith Dalrymple (Adventures In Immortality)

  5. Jun 12

    #138 Chris G. Simmons (Lick City)

    The Story of Chris G. Simmons: Lick City, The Vagues, The Niki Taylors and More In this episode, we’re joined by Chris G. Simmons for a deep dive into his journey through the South Florida music scene of the 1980s and early 1990s. Chris reflects on growing up in Hollywood, Florida, and how discovering bands like KISS inspired him to pick up a guitar, write songs, and begin performing at a young age. He discusses the formation of bands such as Nasty which morphed into Lick City, the DIY realities of the local scene, and performing at venues including the Cameo Theatre, Treehouse, Button South, and more. The conversation also explores Chris's creative partnership with Les Wan, better known in the South Florida scene as Lex Looks, the profound impact of Les's passing, and how the band moved forward through lineup changes and an evolving musical direction. Chris shares stories from later projects including The Vague and The Niki Taylors, as well as performances at venues such as Squeeze, Plus Five, The Edge, and Summers. He also discusses the changing South Florida music landscape and recalls the unexpected attention the band received after a cease-and-desist letter connected to its name. Chris is also candid about his struggles with substance use, his eventual decision to leave that lifestyle behind, and the lasting impact those experiences have had on both his life and his music.

    #138 Chris G. Simmons (Lick City)

  6. Jun 5

    #137 Amabssador Club (Bobby "RJ" Boyle")

    Bobby “RJ” Boyle on Deerfield Beach’s Ambassador Club In this episode, we’re joined by Bobby “RJ” Boyle for a deep dive into his experience building and running the Ambassador Club in Deerfield Beach during the early 1990s. RJ shares the origins of the venue, which grew from a small DJ night into a full live music club that became a key part of the South Florida scene. He reflects on growing up in South Florida surrounded by a wide range of musical influences and walks through how the club evolved in a fully DIY environment, hosting everything from hardcore, punk, and industrial acts to reggae shows that helped define its identity. He also shares stories of local bands, touring acts, and the unpredictable energy that shaped nights at the venue, along with the challenges of running the club and the shifting local music landscape that eventually led to its closure. Today, RJ remains active in music and is also widely recognized in the fishing community, where many people know him outside of his earlier work in the South Florida music scene. This conversation captures one of the first in-depth oral histories of a venue that largely lived on through word of mouth.

    #137 Amabssador Club (Bobby "RJ" Boyle")

  7. May 22

    #44 Re-release: Mike Alén (Nobuhjest)

    Recut 2022 Episode: The Story of Mike Alén - Nobuhjest, Brown Study, Secret Service, Beings, and More This episode, originally recorded in November 2022, features Mike Alén of Nobuhjest, Brown Study, Secret Service, Beings, and more reflecting on his upbringing in the Miami area and his path into South Florida’s punk and independent music scenes. Remastered and reedited for improved clarity, this re-release revisits an important era of South Florida underground music and the community that surrounded it. Mike discusses growing up in Hialeah and Kendall in a Cuban household, discovering music through family influences and bands like KISS, and later finding Florida punk through Quit. He reflects on local record stores, early live shows, and the experiences that drew him deeper into the South Florida scene. The conversation traces Mike’s progression from music fan to active participant through early bands such as Lift and Nobuhjest, along with memories of local venues, DIY culture, recording demos, touring, and building lasting friendships within the scene. Mike also reflects on his involvement in numerous bands and creative projects over the years, the evolution of different groups and collaborations, later touring experiences including with Torche, and the importance of continuing to create and stay connected to music.

    #44 Re-release: Mike Alén (Nobuhjest)

  8. May 15

    #136 The Cravens (John and Bill Storch, Bill Meredith, and David Simone)

    The Story of The Cravens: From Black Box Approach to Ata-tat and Beyond In this episode we explore the history and evolution of The Cravens, a Lake Worth, Florida–based rock band rooted in the long-running creative partnership of brothers John and Bill Storch. Joining the conversation are drummer and percussionist Bill Meredith and guitarist David Simone. We trace John and Bill Storch’s musical beginnings in the early 1980s with Black Box Approach, a synth-driven new wave band formed during their high school years. Active from roughly 1980 to 1983, the band reflected the era’s shift from arena rock into punk, new wave, and electronic influences, earning regional attention and college radio airplay. During this time, they were also part of the broader South Florida music landscape, engaging with local venues, record stores, and a growing network of musicians shaping the scene. From there, the story follows the transition into Ata-tat, marking a move into alternative rock as the Storch brothers relocated to Boston and became part of the mid-1980s underground music scene. The group found radio success and continued strong college airplay while further developing the collaborative songwriting approach established in their earlier work. After this period, John and Bill Storch continued writing and collaborating in a variety of creative settings, including composing music for modern dance companies in Palm Beach County. Their work gradually shifted away from traditional band structures toward more experimental and instrumental compositions before reconnecting with the local music community. The episode captures the formation and evolution of The Cravens, which emerged around 2014 as an acoustic trio before expanding into a full band by 2016 alongside additional longtime collaborators from the local music scene. Note: Bassist and guitarist Dennis Ambrose was unfortunately unable to participate in the interview.

    #136 The Cravens (John and Bill Storch, Bill Meredith, and David Simone)
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5
out of 5
12 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.

Information

  • Creator
    Jeff Kaiser
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    96
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Jeff Kaiser/Florida Sound Archive 2024
  • Show Website
    Florida Sound Archive Podcast

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