Florida Sound Archive Podcast

Jeff Kaiser
  • 5.0 (11)
  • 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. #129 Shottie

    MAR 6

    #129 Shottie

    Shottie on Miami Hip-Hop and His Journey In this episode of Florida Sound Archive, we’re joined by Miami rapper Shottie for a deep dive into his journey through hip-hop, from his earliest beginnings to what’s next. Born in the Dominican Republic and later moving to New York City, Shottie shares how the passing of his father ultimately brought him to Miami, where he grew up in the Kendall area. He reflects on first discovering hip-hop through DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince and the classic track Parents Just Don't Understand, before diving deeper into the culture with artists like Redman, Wu-Tang Clan, and Naughty by Nature. We also explore his discovery of Miami hip-hop pioneers including Trick Daddy, JT Money, 2 Live Crew, Mother Superior, Mr. Mic Rippa, and DJ Craze, and how learning about their work gave him a broader perspective on Miami hip-hop and its place within the larger culture. Shottie walks us through starting to rap in high school under his original stage name Deadshot, performing early shows at the Cameo Theater (Miami Beach) and the Chili Pepper (Coconut Grove), and forming the group IDEE4, which made the leap to Los Angeles before ultimately returning to South Florida six months later. We get into his creative process, including his approach to recording, collaborating with producers and rappers locally and internationally, developing album artwork, and the sonic and cinematic influences that shape his projects. Shottie also reflects on performances in Orlando, New York City, Fort Wayne, and Toronto, and what lies ahead in terms of touring and new music.

    1h 1m
  2. #128 Steve Kleisath (Further Seems Forever)

    FEB 27

    #128 Steve Kleisath (Further Seems Forever)

    From Strongarm to Further Seems Forever: Steve Kleisath on His Music Journey, Touring, and More In this episode, we are joined by drummer Steve Kleisath as he shares his journey from playing drums at age 4 to his early Tampa, Florida band Friend or Foe / Pull, recording at Morrisound Studios, and attending shows at The Ritz, Brass Mug, and more. Steve talks about his time in Strongarm, Shai Hulud, and the formation of Further Seems Forever, including early recordings, tours, and eras. He also discusses other projects like En Masse, Useless Things, and The Darling Fire, as well as ventures outside music, including holding a Guinness World Record for gaming and co-hosting fantasy football podcasts.

    1h 34m
  3. #5 Re-release: Russell Mofsky (Quit)

    FEB 20

    #5 Re-release: Russell Mofsky (Quit)

    Recut 2020 Episode: The Story of Russell Mofsky – Origins of Miami Punk Band Quit, Gold Dust Lounge, and More This is a recut and re-released version of Episode 5, originally recorded in 2020 during the first year of the podcast at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The audio has been polished for improved clarity, though it has a lower bit rate due to the original recording application. Russell Mofsky shares his journey from growing up in Miami Beach, discovering music as a child, and diving into South Florida’s punk, skateboarding, and metal scenes, to forming the influential band Quit. He reflects on live shows, DIY culture, and the friendships that shaped his creative path. The conversation also explores his later jazz studies and the creation of Gold Dust Lounge, a project blending vintage mood music, cinematic soundscapes, and eclectic influences. This re-release gives both longtime fans and new listeners a chance to revisit an early chapter in South Florida music history and the beginnings of the podcast.

    1 hr
  4. #127 Rick Ambrose & Stephen "Wolfie" Johnson (Postface/Ex-Cretins)

    FEB 13

    #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
  5. #126 Josh Dobbs (RunnAmucks)

    FEB 6

    #126 Josh Dobbs (RunnAmucks)

    The Story of Josh Dobbs: Orlando Punk, RunnAmucks, Touring and More //////////// Josh Dobbs of Orlando’s RunnAmucks joins the show to talk about growing up in Casselberry, discovering punk after Nirvana, and coming up through venues like Fern Park Station, Sapphire Supper Club, Firestone, and Suburbia, along with record stores like Wax Tree and DIY Records. He reflects on local bands such as Blackhead, Shyster, and Robots Make Mistakes, touring Florida and the U.S. with the RunnAmucks, and recording at places like Sun Studio in Memphis and Paradox in Sarasota. Josh also discusses his label Ripping Records, his studio Danger Room Recording Service, and the Orlando Punk Archive, where he documents overlooked bands and keeps Orlando’s punk history alive.

    1h 8m
  6. #125 JP Soars (Divine Empire)

    JAN 30

    #125 JP Soars (Divine Empire)

    From Florida Metal to the Blues: Raped Ape, Divine Empire, and More /////////////////// In this episode, we are joined by guitarist JP Soars to trace his journey from South Florida’s metal scene of the 1980s and 1990s to a decades-long career as a blues artist. JP shares stories from early bands like Raped Ape, Malevolent Creation, and Divine Empire, recording at Morrisound Studios and Studio 13, playing and seeing shows at venues like the Cameo Theater, The Treehouse, The Pit, Weekends, Metal Factory, and more, as well as radio, zines, and touring. He also talks about discovering blues, jazz, and roots music early on, inspired by artists like BB King, Muddy Waters, and Albert King, which eventually led to a full-circle career shift and collaborations with Jason Newsted of Metallica and Lee Oskar of War.

    1h 36m
  7. #123 Matt Fox (Shai Hulud)

    JAN 16

    #123 Matt Fox (Shai Hulud)

    Shai Hulud, Murrychesstoes, Bingo Mut & Metal, Hardcore, Punk – Touring, Recording & More /////////////// In this episode, we sit down with Matt Fox of Shai Hulud, Bingo Mut, and the Fabulous Murrychesstoes as he reflects on his early years in South Florida’s music scene. He shares stories of his first bands, including Evilalive, Unwilful Demise, Planet X, and more, plus memories of touring and seeing bands like Slayer, Cro-Mags, Destruction, and Testament. Matt dives into the early days of Shai Hulud - from demos with Damien Moyal and Jason Lederman to Chad Gilbert on the first 7”, LP, split 10”, and later LP - and their 2013 reunion for Reach Beyond the Sun. He also recalls working with Steve Keisalth, Spikey Goldbach, and recording with Jeremy Staska and Steve Heritage. From iconic Florida venues like the Cameo Theater, Treehouse, and the former State Theater in St. Pete, to touring the U.S., Canada, Europe, Japan, and Australia, Matt shares the people, bands, and places that shaped his journey.

    2h 35m
  8. #122 Raf Classic (The Crumbs)

    12/30/2025

    #122 Raf Classic (The Crumbs)

    The Story of Raf Classic: Miami's The Crumbs, Cavity, Punk Touring Stories, and More /////////// In this episode, Raf Classic shares his journey from growing up in Peru to immersing himself in Miami’s punk and skate scene in the mid-1980s. He recalls early concerts at the Hollywood Sportatorium and Cameo Theater, teaching himself guitar, and forming his first band, Social Decay. Raf talks about joining Cavity, then called Crawl, recording the Scalpel 7" and touring Florida and the East Coast. He then formed The Crumbs, sharing stories from rehearsals, recording, touring including Gilman Street in Berkeley, and signing with Lookout Records. He reflects on the band’s evolution, lineup changes, and memorable Florida shows. Now on the West Coast, Raf continues making music with projects like Marching Party and Tiger Tank, keeping the same passion that started his journey decades ago.

    1h 16m
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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.

Information

  • Creator
    Jeff Kaiser
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    81
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Jeff Kaiser/Florida Sound Archive 2024
  • Show Website
    Florida Sound Archive Podcast

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