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. #135 The Funyons (Steve Funyon and Robert Price)

    5D AGO

    #135 The Funyons (Steve Funyon and Robert Price)

    Steve Funyon and Robert Price on Miami’s The Funyons, Street Performances, and More In this episode we welcome Steve Funyon and Robert Price of the experimental folk band The Funyons, a project that emerged in 1991 in Miami and operated largely outside traditional music venues. The conversation traces the band’s origins through friendships connected to the Churchill’s scene and explores how they rejected conventional club settings in favor of street performances across Miami Beach, Lincoln Road, and other public spaces. Robert Price also reflects on his work founding experimental bands The Prom Sluts and Kreamy 'Lectric Santa. The discussion covers the band’s unconventional setup, including junk percussion, found objects salvaged after Hurricane Andrew, minimal amplification, and spontaneous arrangements. They share stories of encounters with police, difficult crowds, and surreal performances in places like Metrorail cars, abandoned boats, and punk picnics in the Everglades and quarries, all of which became central to their identity and reinforced their focus on live, moment-driven music rather than recorded output. They also reflect on the broader DIY culture that surrounded the band, with brief mention of punk zines like Scam, created by Eric Dawn Lyle, known at the time as Iggy Scam, along with the tight-knit community that supported their work.

    1h 1m
  2. #134 Return of The Stick Figures (Maready Evergreen, Bill Carey, and Robert Dansby)

    APR 17

    #134 Return of The Stick Figures (Maready Evergreen, Bill Carey, and Robert Dansby)

    The Stick Figures Return: Late 70s–Early 80s Tampa Art Punks on Newly Released Recordings and More In this episode we welcome back Maready Evergreen, Bill Carey, and Robert Dansby of The Stick Figures, following their 2022 episode. The conversation revisits the band’s origins in the late 1970s and early 1980s Tampa and USF art scenes, and how they developed their creative approach within a DIY community. They discuss influences including punk, post-punk, 1960s rock, experimental film, and visual art, along with early recording sessions, studio experiments, and the challenges of making music outside major cultural centers. They also reflect on the recent release of early recordings that had remained unheard for decades. The episode explores legacy, collaboration, and reconnection, with reflections on friendship, artistic curiosity, and the lasting value of simply getting into a band and creating something meaningful.

    1h 1m
  3. #133 Jeff Howe (Reveral Of Man)

    APR 10

    #133 Jeff Howe (Reveral Of Man)

    The Story of Jeff Howe: Orlando Roots, Reversal of Man, Touring, and More In this episode, Jeff Howe traces his musical roots from growing up in Orlando and discovering punk, hardcore, and metal through skateboarding culture and DIY record stores, to becoming a deeply embedded figure in the underground scene. He discusses his earliest band, Adversary, before joining Reversal of Man at fifteen, which led to extensive touring across Florida, the U.S., and Europe. Howe reflects on the DIY ethos of the era, from basements and skate parks to squats and touring life. He also talks about other projects including Shroud of Turin, Combat Wounded Veteran, Horsewhip, Heaven’s Gate, and more, and how each reflects different stages of his musical evolution.

    56 min
  4. #132 Romulo Del Castillo (Phoenecia /Schematic Records)

    APR 3

    #132 Romulo Del Castillo (Phoenecia /Schematic Records)

    Romulo Del Castillo on Miami Music Culture, Soul Oddity/Phoenecia, Schematic, Touring, and More In this episode, we’re joined by Romulo Del Castillo for a deep dive into his journey through South Florida’s experimental electronic music scene. We trace his path from early encounters with sound and club culture to decades of creating, touring, and building community. Romulo reflects on growing up in Miami during the 1980s and 1990s, and how those experiences shaped his approach to experimental electronic music. He discusses early projects like Super Soul, Soul Oddity, and Phoenecia, along with the rise of rave culture in South Florida. He also talks about touring internationally, working with Astralwerks and Warp, and co-founding Schematic Records to support independent artists. Today, he remains active through DJing, live performances, and mentoring, sharing perspectives on longevity, community, and adapting to new technology.

    1h 11m
  5. #4 Re-release: Fritz Dorigo (Crease)

    MAR 27

    #4 Re-release: Fritz Dorigo (Crease)

    Recut 2020 Episode: The Story of Fritz Dorigo – Crease, Excessive, South Florida Rock Scene and More  This is a recut and re-released episode featuring Fritz Dorigo, originally recorded in 2020 during the early years of the podcast. The audio has been refined for improved clarity. This episode captures an in-depth conversation from a formative period of both the show and the South Florida music community it documents. Fritz Dorigo shares his story of growing up in South Florida, discovering music at a young age, and immersing himself in the region’s rock, punk, and metal scenes. He reflects on learning multiple instruments, committing to guitar, and the years of practice that shaped his playing. The discussion traces the formation and evolution of Excessive into Crease, the close bonds between longtime band members, and the DIY path of rehearsals, local shows, radio exposure, and building an audience. Fritz also talks about recording experiences, record label challenges, and the unpredictable rise and fall of momentum in the music industry. The conversation expands to the wider South Florida scene, recalling clubs, radio stations, influential bands, and moments that defined a unique era. Fritz also discusses later projects including Dirty DNA and other collaborations, as well as his continued role as a teacher, musician, and manager. This re-release offers both longtime listeners and new audiences a chance to revisit an important chapter in South Florida music history and a key early episode of the podcast.

    59 min
  6. #131 The Hate Bombs (Scott Sugiuchi, Ken Chiodini, and Dave Ewing)

    MAR 20

    #131 The Hate Bombs (Scott Sugiuchi, Ken Chiodini, and Dave Ewing)

    The Story of Orlando's The Hate Bombs In this episode we’re joined by Scott Sugiuchi, Ken Chiodini, and Dave Ewing to discuss the history of the Orlando garage rock band The Hate Bombs. The conversation covers their formation in the late 1980s and early 1990s Orlando music scene, recent reunions including their 30th anniversary show in 2023, and the backgrounds and roles of each member, along with the contributions and legacy of original guitarist Mick Crowley (1968-2022). They discuss their early influences in 1960s rock, punk, and garage revival, as well as the importance of record stores, zines, and local venues in building the scene. The episode also covers early shows, touring, networking with other bands, and the release of their first recordings, including the single “Pekinpah Man.” Additional topics include live performances, recordings and artwork, radio airplay, festival appearances, and limited major-label interest. They also share memories of recording at Hitmakers Studio in Tampa with the late Bill Mason (1951-2025), along with reflections on lineup changes, later recordings, the band’s breakup, reunions, and their lasting recognition among garage rock audiences overseas. The guests close with thoughts on friendship, creativity, and shared experiences.

    2h 9m

  7. 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
  8. #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
See All (87)

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
    87
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Jeff Kaiser/Florida Sound Archive 2024
  • Show Website
    Florida Sound Archive Podcast

You Might Also Like