Peach Jam Podcast: "New Junk City – Punk Geeks and DIY Dreamers"
**Episode Summary:**
In this final episode of Season 1, host Jeremy Powell welcomes the punk band New Junk City to the Peach Jam Podcast. Join us as we dive into their unique journey through the punk scene, their approach to songwriting, and how they balance their musical passions with everyday life. The band—comprising Dakota Floyd, Jeff Claxton, Mason Turner, and John Vournakis—shares their experiences of navigating the punk world as self-proclaimed "geezers" and discusses the vibrant Atlanta music scene, their European tour, and the personal connections that fuel their creativity.
**Show Highlights:**
- **Introduction to New Junk City** (00:45)
- Meet Dakota, Jeff, Mason, and John, the members of New Junk City.
- Discussion on their classification as a punk band and their DIY ethos.
- **The Nature of Punk and Subgenres** (04:00)
- John Vournakis explains their take on punk music and the challenges of genre classification.
- The band's approach to avoiding "silly" punk tropes in their songwriting.
- **Balancing Music with Life** (09:00)
- Insights into how the band members juggle their musical careers with personal responsibilities.
- The reality of being "older" in the punk scene and how they manage their time.
- **Atlanta's Music Scene** (15:30)
- The band's perspective on the vibrant and diverse punk scene in Atlanta.
- Recommendations for other notable bands and the supportive community within the scene.
- **Experiences and Challenges of Touring** (23:00)
- Stories from their European tour and the impact of social media on their international presence.
- The challenges of balancing tours with work and personal commitments.
- **Social Media and Public Perception** (30:00)
- Discussion on how social media has both helped and complicated their music journey.
- Reflections on fan interactions and media coverage.
- **Personal Stories and Connections** (35:00)
- Dakota Floyd shares how his early experiences with booking shows in Blairsville shaped his career.
- The band's view on the importance of personal connections in their music and touring life.
- **Final Thoughts and Future Plans** (40:00)
- The band's outlook on their future in punk music and what drives them to continue.
- How they view their role in the punk scene as they age and what keeps them motivated.
**Music Featured in This Episode:**
- Performances by New Junk City recorded live in GPB studios.
**Episode Credits:**
- **Host:** Jeremy Powell
- **Executive Producer:** Sandy Malcolm
- **Director of Photography:** Chris Howell
- **Production Coordinator:** Michael Harris
- **Lighting Director:** Rick Smith
- **Sound Engineering:** Sounds Good
**Listen and Support:**
- Find New Junk City's complete performances on the GPB YouTube page.
- Support live local music and independent record stores in your area.
**Contact Us:**
- **Suggestions for Season 2:** Email Jeremy at [email protected].
