25 O'Clock

Savan DePaul has been making beats and rapping since high school, but they've really come into their own over the last few years with a slew of out-there, challenging hip-hop and electronic records. Dan talks with Savan about growing up in Royersford, PA, moving to West Philly, the influence of artists like Bjork and Sun Ra, the black autism community, being non-binary, and using their newest project, Ishtar Sr., to continue to challenge themselves and make new kinds of music.

Marcelyn (Marcelyn, the band) and Juliet Eve (Bad Sleeper) had an idea: they'd write a song and have their bands team up and collaborate on it. Then, we all went inside for a very long time. But amidst lockdown and distancing, both Marcelyn and Bad Sleeper managed to each make their own version, and that's what Dan talks to them about, along with what they're doing to keep working amidst the pandemic.

Dan talks with Michael Stanzo and Daniel Rice of The Dawn Drapes about their unique sound, getting started in Northern VA, the differences between recording in LA with brother Johnathan Rice, and here at home at The Headroom, and how to keep a lasting friendship while also being in a band together.

Dan has been meaning to talk to producer/engineer Michael Cumming (Rittenhouse Soundworks/Treacle Mine Recording) for quite some time now, and it's finally happening. Dan and Michael talk about his journey from London for Philadelphia in his early 20s, their shared experiences working in kitchens and the music world simultaneously, Trap Rabbit and Sophie Coran (obviously), and the importance of "the hang" in the studio. 

Lia comes from a background of musical theater and acting, but found that songwriting gave her the chance to be whatever she wanted to be. Dan and Lia talk about her life on stage from a young age, her transition into a singer-songwriter, her new EP 'I Am Kyros', and how she learned to stop letting the "journey of success' define her. The two discuss not taking every gig that pops up, acknowledging what about being a musician you don't like, and a love of gigs that end before 11pm.

Dan and Kirby get right down to it: their isolation, the crushing blow all their 2020 plans took, and Kirby's first solo album, 'Happy People Make Happy Things'. Kirby talks about making a record by hitting up against his own limitations, and how years of collaborating on other people's music gave him a big crowd to choose from when it came to finishing his own.

Rockabilly dynamo/graphic artist/avid reader Joe Castro talks to Dan about working with Brian McTear on his newest LP, 'Come On Angels' (with most of legendary Philly punk band Thorazine) and the many epiphanies that transpired. They also talk Love, Ted Hawkins, making music videos at home, Philly auteur Bob Sweeney, and how to play old-time rock n' roll without making it a museum piece.

Photo by Fear The Skull

Add Jefferson Berry to the list of people Dan has "met" but not really met, y'know? Great conversation about his new record, 'Double Deadbolt Logic', his California upbringing, working in radio in the 80s and 90s, and teaching government and economics to the students that the Philly school system has cast aside.

Dan talks to Avé, a Philly native and currently residing in London, about growing up in Mount Airy, their involvement and touring with the Philadelphia Boy's Choir, their upcoming novel and album (they go together), and navigating the world and family as both gay and non-binary. Avé's new singles are out on The Giving Groove, a Philly-centered non-profit record label. 

Nik was on back in 2016 (Ep#36), and quite a bit has changed for him. Dan talks to Nik about his band, The Operators, working for Ardmore Music Hall, using this time to himself to improve his mental health, and coming up with some great ideas of how to do shows during the pandemic while still keeping everyone safe (spoiler: they're outside).