Florida Sound Archive Podcast

Jeff Kaiser
  • 5.0 (13)
  • 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. 2d ago

    #150 Bobby Baker (Baby Robots)

    The Story of Bobby Baker: South Florida's 90s Underground Music Scene, Baby Robots, Blanket, and More In this episode, we are joined by Bobby Baker to discuss his decades-long journey through South Florida's underground music scene. From his early days in Boca Raton and formative experiences seeing local bands, Bobby reflects on projects including Blanket, Death on a Stick, Baby Robots, Cactus Eye Relief, Mr. Entertainment and the Pookiesmackers, and more. Along the way, he shares memories of venues such as Churchill's, Respectable Street, Surf Cafe, Boca Pub, and other spaces that helped shape South Florida's DIY music community. Bobby also discusses the musicians, promoters, and friends who influenced his path, including members of Postface, Dan Hosker, Rat Bastard, and many others. The conversation explores DIY recording, house shows, underground venues, the evolution of Baby Robots, and how South Florida's unique music culture continued to influence him long after relocating to Austin, Texas.

    #150 Bobby Baker (Baby Robots)

  2. Sep 25

    #149 Jorge Cervera, Sam Gough, Charlies Pinion (Psychic Violents)

    The Story of 80s Gainesville Punks Psychic Violents: The History & Legacy With Jorge, Sam & Charles In this episode, we are joined by Jorge Cervera (bass), Sam Gough (guitar), and Charles Pinion (vocals) of Gainesville's Psychic Violents, bringing the three former bandmates together for the first time in nearly 40 years to talk about the group's history. They talk about how they each arrived in Gainesville, their early musical influences, and the local bands, venues, and friendships that helped shape the city's punk and underground music scene during the early and mid-1980s. The conversation covers the formation of Village Virus, the transition into Psychic Violents, and the band's place within Gainesville's growing DIY music community. Jorge, Sam, and Charles discuss influences ranging from Queen, Rush, Black Sabbath, Talking Heads, and the Minutemen, as well as the Gainesville punk scene, including earlier bands such as Roach Motel and contemporaries like Mutley Chix and The Doldrums. They also share stories about playing house parties, the Vatican, Churchill's, the Cameo Theater, and other venues throughout Florida. They talk about Psychic Violents' songwriting process, how quickly songs came together, and how little attention they paid to genre boundaries. They discuss their appreciation for the Minutemen and the enormous impact D. Boon's death had on them personally and on the punk community at the time. They also talk about recording their cassette releases, developing new material at a rapid pace, and the band's evolution over its relatively short lifespan. Charles discusses creating the band's visual identity through posters, flyers, shirts, and the iconic eyeball logo, along with the origins of the band's name. He also talks about his cult film Twisted Issues (1988), how it grew out of documenting the Gainesville scene, and the musicians and bands featured throughout the project. Jorge, Sam, and Charles share memories of the creative environment that existed before social media and their shared belief in making art simply because they wanted to make it. They talk about the friendships and creative connections that came out of Gainesville's music community, what happened after Psychic Violents, including Jorge and Sam's later band Big Soul and Charles' move to New York and filmmaking career, and why the music and Twisted Issues have found new audiences decades later. Nearly 40 years later, the three former bandmates sit down together and revisit the music, people, places, and experiences that shaped Psychic Violents and their lives in Gainesville.

    #149 Jorge Cervera, Sam Gough, Charlies Pinion (Psychic Violents)

  3. Sep 18

    #148 John Gardner (Faith In Physics / Barbarella)

    The Story of John Gardner: DJ an Owner of Orlando's Barbarella, Faith In Physics, Beach Club & More In this episode, we talk with longtime Orlando DJ and nightclub owner John Gardner about nearly five decades of involvement in Central Florida music and nightlife. John talks about growing up in Orlando, discovering music through his older brother's record collection, buying records, attending concerts, and visiting early record stores including Southern Music, Peaches, and East West Records. He recalls seeing bands such as Queen, KISS, America, and the Rolling Stones at the Lakeland Civic Center. John discusses getting into DJing after seeing a wedding DJ and realizing he could turn his love of records into a business. He talks about doing school dances, becoming involved with the Hague Lounge, and eventually opening Faith in Physics in 1985. He recalls working with promoter Jim Faherty and several of the touring ad local bands that performed at Faith in Physics, including Suicidal Tendencies, Circle Jerks, 10,000 Maniacs, Damage, Love Gods and Leisure Suits, Rose Shadows, and Craven A. John talks about opening Beach Club in downtown Orlando at the end of 1987, the emergence of Club Space Fish nights, and the role the venues played in Orlando's alternative music scene. He recalls performances by Smashing Pumpkins, Butthole Surfers, and the B-52s. The conversation also covers the transition from Beach Club to Barbarella and later Independent Bar, one of his favorite 1980s local bands It's All Over (IAO), changes in downtown Orlando nightlife scene, and more. He also talks about getting into pickleball and his plans to keep DJing as he approaches 50 years of DJing.

    #148 John Gardner (Faith In Physics / Barbarella)

  4. Sep 11

    #147 Joe Kiser (Slap Of Reality)

    The Story of Joe Kiser: Slap Of Reality, Tampa Scene, Touring and More In this episode of the Florida Sound Archive, we're joined by Joe Kiser to trace his musical journey from growing up in Tampa's Clair-Mel neighborhood to becoming a longtime fixture of Tampa, Florida's punk, hardcore, and alternative music scene. Joe talks about being raised in a musical family, discovering rock and metal through bands like AC/DC, KISS, Black Sabbath, and Iron Maiden, and later finding punk and hardcore through local radio, record stores, and bands such as DRI, Bad Brains, and Dead Kennedys. Joe discusses meeting Rob Sexton in high school and how their friendship led to the formation of Slap of Reality. He shares memories of learning to play together, recording early demos, and building the band into one of Tampa's notable melodic hardcore acts. He also reflects on Rob's recent passing and their decades-long friendship. The episode covers Tampa's music scene during the 1980s and 1990s, including venues such as the Sunset Club, Empty Keg, Generic Club, Masquerade, Tampa Armory, and many others. Joe recalls attending shows throughout Florida, traveling to places like Gainesville, Orlando, Melbourne, Miami, West Palm Beach, and Pensacola, and describes how interconnected Florida's punk and hardcore communities were during that era. Joe walks through the history of Slap of Reality, including the band's recordings, tours, record labels, and experiences on the road. He discusses the band's discography, along with stories about recording sessions, touring across the United States, and sharing stages with numerous bands. Beyond Slap of Reality, Joe talks about several other projects he has been involved with, including Balance, Paineater, Milk and Cookies, Murder-Suicide Pact, Closure, which became The Sophomore Effort, No Fraud, The Path, and Defrauded. He shares stories about touring Europe and Brazil, recording with different bands, and continuing to pursue new creative outlets rather than focusing solely on music from the past. Joe also discusses the musicians, labels, and bands that influenced him, including Dag Nasty, Government Issue, Moving Targets, Bob Mould, and Brian Baker. He explains how those influences shaped his guitar playing and songwriting while emphasizing that the DIY mindset of punk has remained a constant throughout his career.

    #147 Joe Kiser (Slap Of Reality)

  5. Sep 4

    #146 MIke Marsh (The Agency / Dashboard Confessional)

    The Story of Mike Marsh: The Agency, Dashboard Confessional, Touring & More In this episode of the Florida Sound Archive Podcast, we're joined by Mike Marsh, whose journey from the South Florida punk scene eventually led him to Dashboard Confessional, The Avett Brothers, and some of the biggest stages in music. This is one of the deepest dives Mike has taken into his story, covering more than three decades of music, touring, friendships, success, addiction, recovery, and everything in between. Mike looks back at growing up in Kendall, discovering punk rock and drumming, and finding his place in the South Florida music and skateboarding scene of the 1990s. From there, we get into The Agency, its origins, recordings, and more. The story then moves into Dashboard Confessional, with founder Chris Carrabba and bassist Dan Bonebrake, and Mike's role in helping take Dashboard from its South Florida roots to MTV, MTV Unplugged, Madison Square Garden, David Letterman, and beyond. Mike also talks openly about what came with that success, including addiction, touring, and the realities of life in a rapidly changing music industry. He also touches on his time in Denny's Unit and Seville, who would later tour with Dashboard Confessional. Later, Mike shares how a move to Nashville eventually led to recording with Scott and Seth Avett, meeting Rick Rubin, and becoming part of The Avett Brothers. He also talks about sobriety, recovery, rebuilding relationships, reconnecting with old friends and bandmates, and continuing to make music with both The Agency and The Avett Brothers. It's a conversation that covers a lot of ground, but at its heart, it's Mike telling his story in his own words. From South Florida clubs and skateparks to some of the biggest stages in the country, there are plenty of stories along the way.

    #146 MIke Marsh (The Agency / Dashboard Confessional)

  6. Aug 21

    #145 Chris Garbage & Michael Rizzo (Declared Ungovernable)

    The Story of Declared Ungovernable: Chris Garbage & Michael Rizzo on the History of the Winter Park Florida Punks, 80s Scene, and More In this episode, we're joined by Chris Garbage and Michael Rizzo, founding members of Winter Park hardcore punk band Declared Ungovernable, for a deep dive into the band's origins, Florida's 1980s punk scene, and eventual reunion decades later. Chris and Michael trace their friendship back to middle school, where they bonded as outsiders and discovered punk rock after seeing Minor Threat in Winter Park. What began as a teenage band called Florida's Unwanted Children eventually evolved into Declared Ungovernable, a name inspired by Chris's personal experiences and the rebellious spirit that fueled the group. The conversation explores the DIY world that shaped the band, from recording sessions, homemade merchandise, skate contests, house parties, and shows across Orlando, Tampa, Cocoa Beach, Miami, and beyond. Chris and Michael share memories of playing with bands including RKL and The Meatmen, along with stories about the musicians, promoters, artists, friends, and family who helped support them. Chris also discusses the difficult home life that influenced many of the band's songs, while both reflect on building a following without the internet, social media, or industry connections. Chris and Michael also discuss the musical differences that eventually led to Declared Ungovernable's breakup, the band's music continuing to resonate with fans over the decades, and the reunion performances that followed. They reflect on what they accomplished as teenagers, the surprising longevity of the band's legacy, and the friendships that have survived nearly forty years since those first rehearsals in Winter Park.

    #145 Chris Garbage & Michael Rizzo (Declared Ungovernable)

  7. Aug 7

    #144 Jesse Alvare (FWA)

    The Story of Jesse Alvare: History of FWA, South Florida's 80s Hardcore Punk Scene, and More In this episode, we're joined by Jesse Alvare, founder and longtime driving force behind South Florida hardcore punk band FWA, to explore the band's history and its place in the South Florida punk and hardcore scene. Jesse reflects on growing up in Pasadena, California, moving to South Florida in 1979, discovering punk rock through bands like the Ramones, and becoming part of a growing underground community built through DIY shows, warehouse events, backyard parties, and more. The conversation explores the early South Florida punk and hardcore scene, including important spaces such as Pops, a warehouse near Tamiami Airport, Churchill's, Ocean 71/Flynn's, and the Cameo Theater. Jesse discusses the brotherhood with other South Florida bands from the era, including Indecision, Cultural Brain Rot, The Believers, Powerhouse, Meat Locker, The Roidz, Genitorturers, and others. Jesse shares memories of opening for touring bands like Youth Of Today, 7 Seconds, Agnostic Front, Scream, and The Exploited, along with unforgettable shows featuring Dead Kennedys, SS Decontrol, Kraut, Circle Jerks, Motörhead, Slayer, Overkill, the Ramones, Fishbone, and Wall Of Voodoo. He also reflects on the venues, record stores, flyers, and word of mouth that connected bands and fans before the internet era. The discussion also covers the formation of FWA in the mid-1980s, recording early demos at Third Eye Studios in Miami, releasing vinyl, creating flyers and merchandise, and preserving the band's history through posters, photographs, and memorabilia. Jesse talks about keeping a DIY band active through decades of lineup changes and why FWA continues to perform more than four decades later. Jesse also discusses how punk and hardcore culture has changed over the years, from the DIY flyer era to social media, the rising costs of live music, and the differences between the scene of the 1980s and today. He reflects on the lasting impact of the South Florida punk and hardcore community and the people, venues, and bands that helped build it.

    #144 Jesse Alvare (FWA)

  8. Jul 31

    #143 Joe Keit (Tension)

    The Story of Joe Keit: History of Tension, Unwillful Demise, Samkoma, and More In this episode, we're joined by Joe Keit, guitarist and founding member of South Florida hardcore band Tension, as well as an early member of Unwillful Demise. Joe reflects on growing up in a musical family, discovering artists like Kiss, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, and Metallica, and developing a lifelong passion for music alongside longtime friend Matt Fox, who would later form Shai Hulud. He shares stories of learning guitar, writing songs, and becoming immersed in South Florida's underground music scene during the late 1980s and early 1990s. The conversation explores the formation of Unwillful Demise, recording demos, playing venues including the Treehouse and Kitchen Club, and sharing stages with members of South Florida's growing metal and hardcore communities. Joe also discusses other local bands from the era, including Cynic, Malevolent Creation, Fatal Sin, Raped Ape, and Eternal Damage, along with memories of record stores including Uncle Sam's and Specs, local concerts, and discovering new music throughout Broward County and beyond. Joe recounts the formation of Tension with vocalist Mike Hurley, the band's releases In Our Time, The Sickness of Our Age, and Agent of the People, recording at Studio 13 with Jeremy Staska, winning a Slammy Award, interest from Century Media Records, and the band's evolving sound. He also shares memories of performances at Coral Springs City Center, Blue Chair, Plus Five Lounge, Club Q, and The Edge, along with touring and sharing bills with Strongarm, Shelter, Strife, Earth Crisis, Integrity, Endure, Timescape Zero, Bloodlet, and Load. The discussion also focuses on Mike Hurley's impact on Tension. Joe shares memories of their friendship, reflects on Hurley's songwriting and stage presence, discusses the challenges that followed after the band's breakup, and speaks candidly about mental health, addiction, suicide, and the importance of checking in on friends and loved ones. Joe also discusses life after Tension, including his career as a firefighter, his involvement in martial arts, breakdancing, and electronic music, as well as his current projects Ronin Taiko and Samkoma.

    #143 Joe Keit (Tension)
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5
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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
    101
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Jeff Kaiser/Florida Sound Archive 2024
  • Show Website
    Florida Sound Archive Podcast

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