Garageland Radio

Re-Introduction Re-visited: This episode dates back to Summer 2022. It was a summer of some pretty significant life changes for myself and at the time I was going to try and come back by reintroducing the show. 
Rather than just having myself talk at the computer screen for an hour, I had my great friend and longtime supporter Matt Sturgis conduct the interview. Matt had been with the show since the beginning. He was one of the first interviews I had done for the show. 
At that time I did not know any of the bands from his locality of southern california. But since our first meeting Matt and I were great friends. I have a lot of gratitude for him introducing me to everyone and always being inclusive to me even though I was some nerd with a camera trying to get a history degree. 
To anyone that knows Matt none of this would come as a surprise. Matt is welcoming and inclusive to everyone at any environment he is participating in. 
The reasoning for this episode not being released until now is that the overall consenus from those who previewed was that I talked too much. I do agree; however, the intent was this was a reintroduction to the show and like a catchup episode. After that at some point Matt and I were going to finally get our episode together where we spoke about him and his projects but my schedule really was not allowing it at the time. And yes the stories are true: somewhere on someones harddrive there are 4 to 5 episodes of Matt and I trying to record. Every time when our faculties returned and we would listen back it was agreed upon that we could shelve it and try again. There were many many many a time where we would be at a show/party/gathering, we would be consuming our libations, then give eachother the look that meant grab more drinks and do another attempt at an episode. Good times. Please look up all of Matts stuff on bandcamp, spotify, ig, maybe tiktok?, kazzaa, limewire, playstation network, cartoon network, and hollywood video. 
Thank you Matt for everything. 
Take care of each other. 
-Steven
Matt Sturgis Bandcamp- Tension Tamer
Matt Sturgis Bandcamp Discography
Matt Sturgis on Spotify
Matt on Instagram
Matt Sturgis Linktree

In this return episode of GarageLand Radio, Steven sits down with poet and archivist Milo Santamaria to talk about their debut poetry collection, "This Is Why I Never Left". What starts as a quiet reflection on writing, memory, and place slowly opens into something more raw: anger, loss, betrayal, and the long process of reclaiming your voice after harm. Together, they discuss:

• How a high school poem turned into a full-length book
• Why softness and rage can coexist
• The role of visual art and cyanotype in building an emotional archive
• Why community matters more than ever

The conversation closes with Milo reading three poems from the collection: “Tired,” “Planting Guide,” and the title piece, “This Is Why I Never Left.” It’s vulnerable, reflective, and quietly powerful.

Follow us on IG and TikTok @garagelandradio and @garagelandmediafoundation

Check for updates on www.garagelandmedia.org

Follow Milo on IG at @milo_s64 and purchase a copy of "This is Why I Never Left" here

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In this remastered first episode of Garageland Radio, we dive into the raw and unpolished beginnings of the show, capturing the spirit of the local SoCal music community in Fall 2015. Featuring bands like The Red Pears, Beach Bums, and more, the episode reflects the DIY spirit of backyard shows, where proximity to the bands and the community made the experience unforgettable. From name-dropping local hotspots to spontaneous humor, this episode embodies the energy and excitement of starting something new.

Revisiting this episode reminded us of our early intentions to spotlight the rich culture of Southern California, from its music to its food and beyond. While some segments—like burrito spot shoutouts—didn’t stick, others, like our focus on local bands and geography, became a hallmark of Garageland. This remastered version offers a polished yet nostalgic glimpse into the heart of what made those early days special, with all their imperfections and charm.

Playlist:

Purple 7- Poison Ivy

Hillary Chillton- Sad Dad/Rad Dad

Horror Squad- Sonic Vampire?

The Groans- Effy Baby

The Red Pears- Run and Hide

Beach Bums

The Kyotees- Withering

Fother Muckers- Explorador

• We talk about how they came together to form The Queen Bats.
• The episode delves into the challenges they faced during the recording of their debut album semi-distanced.
• The band also sheds light on the creative process behind writing the lyrics for their songs. They reveal the themes and inspirations that drove their songwriting, including personal experiences, social commentary, and religious ideas.
• Finally we also discuss their plans for future releases, including an EP with a political theme. The band members express their excitement about exploring new musical directions and engaging with their audience by playing more shows.