Ska-punk lifer Chris DeMakes joins Caught On The Mike for a conversation about longevity, songwriting, and three decades of turning punk shows into full-blown celebrations. As guitarist and vocalist of Less Than Jake, Chris has helped define the sound and spirit of ska-punk since the 1990s — blending big hooks, horn-driven chaos, and an unmatched connection with fans.

In this episode, we talk about the upcoming Wake & Bake hometown celebration in Gainesville, the anniversaries of the classic albums Losing Streak and Borders & Boundaries, and why Less Than Jake has managed to keep the party going for over 30 years without ever slowing down. Chris also shares stories from the road, insights into the band’s songwriting process, and how projects like his podcast Chris DeMakes A Podcast have given him a deeper appreciation for the craft behind the songs we love.

From sweaty club shows to massive festivals, Less Than Jake has built a career on energy, consistency, and pure fun — and Chris breaks down how they’ve kept that momentum going for generations of fans.