The Untold Story of Amboog-A-Lard and the Making of “A New Hope” with Chad Steinhart, Dan Fontana, & John Somerlade //////// One of our most anticipated episodes is finally here! For the first time, three-quarters of the “A New Hope” Amboog-A-Lard lineup, Chad Steinhart (keyboards), Dan Fontana (guitar/vocals), and John Somerlade (drums), join the podcast to share the full story of the band.

From their late 1980s roots in Coral Springs, FL, and influences like KISS, Iron Maiden, Metallica, and Anthrax, to rehearsal spaces and local venues including Club Soda (Coral Springs), The Treehouse and The Button South (Hallandale), Reunion Room and The Edge (Ft. Lauderdale), and Washington Square and the Cameo Theater (Miami Beach), as well as guidance from TCA Management (John Tovar and Frank Callari), this episode covers it all. The band talks about the origins of their name, lineup changes, album artwork, the making of their 1993 album “A New Hope” (recorded at Studio 13 in Deerfield with Jeremy Staska, mastered at Criteria Studios in Miami, and recently remastered at TyFy Studios in Orlando by Dan Fontana), several close calls being signed by major labels like Atlantic, Capitol, and Island Records, and stories from opening for Overkill, Exodus, Anthrax, Corrosion of Conformity, and punk legends The Ramones, as well as sharing the stage with countless local bands of the era including Malevolent Creation, Raped Ape, Cynic, Saigon Kick, Marilyn Manson, and The Itch, and their relationship with Glenn Richards, South Florida radio DJ on 103.5 WSHE.

The band also shares stories about Jeordie White, the band’s bassist who later joined Marilyn Manson (though he does not appear in this episode), along with untold anecdotes from their early days. For anyone who experienced the South Florida metal and alternative scene of the late 1980s and early 1990s, this episode is pure nostalgia. For those discovering it now, it is packed with rich history and behind-the-scenes stories never shared before.

From the Slammie Awards to La Fiesta de Punk Rock: Jim Hayward’s Untold Story //////////// In this episode, we are joined by Jim Hayward, the founder of Slammie Productions and a longtime journalist whose career at the Palm Beach Post spanned over 40 years. Jim shares his incredible journey through South Florida’s underground music scene and his parallel life in journalism.

He reflects on his early exposure to music through his concert-promoter father, the rise of South Florida’s punk, metal, and hardcore scenes in the 1980s and 1990s, founding the South Florida Slammie Awards where he promoted over 700 bands, and managing the band Raped Ape. Jim shares stories about shows with Marilyn Manson, Nonpoint, Against All Authority, New Found Glory, and others, performing at iconic venues like The Button South, The Plus Five, Respectable Street, and The Edge, which later became The Chili Pepper and eventually Revolution, as well as The Factory and many more. He also talks about his passion for the tiki scene, and more.

Nancy Goff of Gainesville's Atoms for Peace, Flesh Castanets, and More ////////////// In this episode we are joined by Nancy Goff, a drummer in Gainesville’s early 1980s underground music scene. Nancy shares her story as a member of Atoms for Peace and Flesh Castanets, from playing DIY shows around Gainesville at The Metro and the American Legion Hall, to recording at Mirror Image Studios with Bob McPeek, and navigating the evolving alternative music landscape of the early 80s.

Nancy also talks about her later years, moving to Hollywood, FL in 2005, reuniting with Atoms for Peace bandmate and friend Audrey Silverman for the cover band Shield The Apples, and later connecting with the School of Rock to continue playing and teaching music.

Dino’s Journey: Three Decades of Experimental Sounds and Visual Art /////////// In this episode, we sit down with Miami’s Dino Felipe to explore three decades of experimental music, creativity, and visual art. From his early days with FKTRN, home recordings, and domestic and international touring, Dino shares insights into his creative journey.

He reminisces about shows at Churchills, highlights some of his favorite local 90s bands like Kreamy 'Lectic Santa (KLS), Los Canadiens, and Load, talks about visiting Y&T Records, and reflects on the importance of Frank “Rat Bastard” Falestra in the local scene. Dino also dives into his music catalog, discusses making videos, and shares his sources of inspiration, among other topics.

Matt Sweeting: Tales from the Utility House, Hardback, and More //////////

In this episode, Matt Sweeting shares his story as a longtime part of Gainesville’s punk and hardcore scene since the early 1990s. He talks about growing up in Miami, seeing shows at The Junkyard, The Thrash Can, and other spots both big and small, and eventually moving to Gainesville for college in 1992.

He reflects on several of the bands he’s played in, from Utility, Tired From Now On, Strikeforce Diablo, Assholeparade, True North, and more, and promoting shows at his first house in Gainesville, the Utility House, to purchasing the Hardback Cafe in 1998, and then starting Wayward Council in 1999. He also talks about his time at No Idea Records, touring the U.S., Europe, and Japan, and so much more!

The Story of Orlando's Damage with Mike Brown /////// Mike Brown of Orlando synth hardcore band Damage shares the story of the band’s journey through Central Florida’s underground music scene.

The band started out as Brain Damage, but shortened the name to Damage for a gig at a Chuck E. Cheese, of all places. From there, things took off. One of their most iconic shows was opening for the Dead Kennedys at the Syrian Lebanese Hall in Orlando.

Mike talks about the band’s lineup over the years, venues, and various shows and scenes across Florida. He also shares what it was like to bring Damage back after nearly 35 years.

We dig into the origins of Space Fish Records, Splash Zine, and Club Space Fish. The club hosted countless shows, but is most remembered for the infamous GG Allin performance that ultimately led to its closure.

Mike also touches on his 90s band Disco Biscuit and gives us a look at what Damage is doing today.

The Story of Gainesville's Spoke with Jon, Scott, & Chuck ///////// Have you ever wondered what it would sound like if 90s Gainesville, FL band Spoke, with Jon Resh, Scott Huegel, and Chuck Horne, reunited to tell their story?

From their early days growing up in the suburbs of Orlando, moving north to Gainesville, and the band's three-year run, this episode takes you through their journey.

The story of Spoke is here.

Drive Choir: Inside the South Florida Scene | Bill Munoz on the Band’s History, Recordings & Stories ////////////////////////

In this episode, we talk with Bill Munoz from Drive Choir about the band’s history and the vibrant South Florida music scene of the ’80s and ’90s. Bill shares stories from early recordings, lineup changes, and releases like Tilt, Close Your Eyes, King of the World, and 11 on Seven. We also hear about the first band, Us, whose members would later go on to form Drive Choir, offering a glimpse into the group’s beginnings. Bill shared both positive and negative memories of the various venues Drive Choir played to wild “Alter Ego” nights.

Bill reflects on the supportive network of musicians, the band’s legacy, and even the far-fetched possibility of a reunion. This episode is a must-listen for fans of Drive Choir, South Florida music history, and anyone curious about the underground alternative scene of the era.

The Return of Oba Frank Lords: Secret Society Reunion & Fallout, Chaos In The Veil & More | Part II ////////

Join us as we welcome back Oba Frank Lords of Secret Society / Latin Express! Frank first appeared on the podcast in February 2021, and he’s back to share what’s been happening in his world since then.

In Part II, Frank opens up about the reunion of Miami freestyle pioneers Secret Society with founding member Rudy Gil. After reconnecting at Criteria Studios in Miami, FL, they began writing new music and performing live, though the reunion lasted just under a year.

Frank never slowed down, though. He talks about his ongoing musical projects, including collaborations with Carlos Torre (Torre and Lords) and Diego Sanchez (DMS12), and stories from remixing music for iconic artists like Gloria Estefan (Miami Sound Machine), Stevie B, Pitbull, and the “Princess of Salsa” India.

He also dives into his current band, Chaos In The Veil, featuring members of fellow 80s Miami band Erotic Exotic. Highlights include the backstory behind their cover of Bauhaus’ 1979 goth classic, “Bela Lugosi’s Dead”, performing at Propaganda in Palm Beach County, and their unique fusion of Goth and Tropicalia.

The Untold Ruby Cadilac Story: From NY to South Florida, The Spanish Dogs, and a Life in Music /////////////////

Ruby Cadilac shares her untold journey from Staten Island, New York to the heart of South Florida’s punk and rock scene. Picking up a guitar at just five years old, she started with lessons and a kiddie girl group before moving to Miami, diving into the disco nightlife and discovering heavier sounds from AC/DC to Van Halen.

Ruby tells how she joined The Spanish Dogs, where she was given the name “Cynthia Pin,” an experimental rock band blending punk, reggae, and new wave. She also shares the story of forming her all-girl hard rock band Ruby Cadilac, influenced by Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Joan Jett, Lita Ford, Eric Clapton, and Heart.

Hear about her recordings with both bands, the creation of “10 Seconds to Hell” and “Your Daughter,” the highs and lows of the 1980s party scene, the influence of her parents, and her current surf rock and rockabilly project Six Foot Swell. This is a story of music, resilience, and South Florida rock history. This episode is dedicated to the members of The Spanish Dogs and Ruby Cadilac (band) who have passed away.