Podcast
On The Upbeat
A podcast all about ska music, talking about ska, interviewing bands, and keeping you up to date on new music & events in the ska community!
- Episodes
- 317
- Releases
- Weekly
- Typical length
- 1 hr 13 min
- On air since
- 2019
- Latest episode
- 1 week ago
Episodes
317 episodes, newest first
-
1 hr 10 min
Something To Do (EP.313)
Show notes
This week Nate from Something To Do joins us. We start by discussing if singers should sing at their shows. We also breakdown Something To Do’s new album, A Little Misdirection. We learn about the album’s writing, recording and the artwork. Nate also talks about what it takes to have a successful show. All of this and of course Ska News and our Ska Picks of the Week.
Something To Do:
https://somethingtodo.bandcamp.com
On The Upbeat:
ontheupbeatska.com
Ska News
-The Boy Detective
On October 16th The Boy Detective released a new song called Dude Illigence.
-Half Past Two
On October 16th Half Past Two droped a new song called Nightmares of You.
-Too Much Fun Club
On October 16th Too Much Fun Club released a new song called 91007.
Ska Picks….
-Nate: I Made A Post by Devon Kay and The Solutions
-Matt: Rockers Way by Big D and The Kids Table
Ska News Theme by Lab Brats:
Main Theme by Millington
-
1 hr 8 min
Devon Kay and The Solutions (Ep.312)
Show notes
This week Devon Kay from Devon Kay and The Solutions joins us. We discuss the role of the audience in creating art and we breakdown the band’s new record, World’s Greatest Album. We listen to their song Wannabe and we talk about keeping the dream alive. All this and of course Ska News and our Ska Picks of the week.
Devon Kay and The Solutions:
https://linktr.ee/DevonKayandtheSolutions
https://linktr.ee/DevonKayandtheSolutions
On The Upbeat:
ontheupbeatska.com
Ska News….
-Dance Hall Crashers
On October Dance Hall Crashers announced they are releasing a deluxe version of their album Purr. This version will be available November 6th. It will feature previously unreleased tracks. Let’s listen to a clip of one of those songs called Ambush.
-Something To Do
On October 9th Something To Do released their new album called A Little Misdirection. Let’s listen to a clip of the song Less Than Meets The Eye.
-Bumsy and The Moochers.
On October 9th Bumsy and the Moochers announced their new album, which is self titled, drops November 6th. Let’s listen to the first single called Let The Ska Flow Through.
Ska picks…
Devon: I Only Notice the beat by Something to Do
Matt: Sonic Intervention by Joker’s Republic
Ska News Theme by Dang!t
https://www.dangitband.comhttps://labbrats.bandcamp.com
Main Theme by Millington
-
1 hr 21 min
Doc Turbo (EP.311)
Show notes
This week we chat with Joshua and Mike from Doc Turbo. They tell us how they got into ska music and how a school talent show lead to the group’s formation. We the breakdown the band’s new record, What’s So Important? We discuss song writing, guest vocalist and live shows. Also, since it’s episode 311, we give you facts about the band 311. All this and Ska News and our Ska Picks of the week.
Doc Turbo:
https://www.instagram.com/docturbomusic?stkn=c2g4bWpzNDVsdG9t
On The Upbeat:
ontheupbeatska.com
311:
311.com
•Ska News….
-Pink Slip
On September 25th Pink Slip released a new album called Bathtub Madonna. Let’s Listen to a clip of the first song off the album called Bowling Alone.
-Professor Galactico
On September 30th professor galactico released a new song called Amor
-Josh and The Britt-Tones
On October 1 Josh and The Britt-Tones released a three song EP callled Skeleton Dance. Let’s listen to a clip of the title track, Skeleton Dance.
Ska Picks…
Mike: Dog House by No Doubt (2:40)
Joshua: (Just Won’t) Keep Me Down by The Spitfires
Matt: Order Of Priorities by Skidwizard
Anthony: Ska Band by Stalking Roxy
Ska News Theme by Lab Brats
Main Theme by Millington
-
1 hr 23 min
Be Decent (EP.310)
Show notes
This week Ken and Geoff from Be Decent join us. First, we discuss what Halloween candy is the most ska, Law and Order and 90’s ska music. Ken and Geoff tell us how they got into music, how the band got started and where their band name came from. We breakdown their new record, Now’s The Time and we listen to their song You Better Work. All this and of course Ska News and our Ska Picks of the Week.
Be Decent:
Hell of a Hat: The Rise of ’90s Ska and Swing by Kenneth Partridge
https://bedecentnyc-shop.bigcartel.com/product/hell-of-a-hat
On The Upbeat:
ontheupbeatska.com
Ska News….
-Devon Kay and the solutions
On September 25th Devon Kay and The Solutions dropped a new song called I Made a Post. This is the third single off their upcoming album called The World’s Greatest Album. That drops October 9th on Bad Time Records.
-The Family Business LTD
On September 25th ska super group The Family Business LTD released their self titled debut album. Let’s listen to a clip of their song Detonator.
-Mutiny
On September 25th Mutiny released a new ska core song called Semester Abroad
Ska Picks of the Week…
Ska Picks
-Ken: Dave & Mary by the Hotknives
-Geoff: In the Grass by The Smooths
-Matt: One Like You by Big D and the kids table
Ska News Theme by Dang!t
https://dangitband.bandcamp.comhttps://labbrats.bandcamp.com
Main Theme by Millington
-
1 hr 26 min
The Originals (EP.309)
Show notes
This week we chat with Jeremy and Eddie The Originals. The Originals are a Reel Big Fish cover band from Arizona. We discuss the band’s origins and their history with ska. We share our thoughts on the best RBF album and we breakdown the differences between a cover band and a tribute band. Eddie and Jermey also tell us how they got the opportunity to preform with RBF. Also this and of course Ska News and our ska picks of the week.
The Originals:
https://linktr.ee/TheOriginalsCoverBand
On The Upbeat:
ontheupbeatska.com
Ska News
-Less Than Jake
On September 15th Less Than Jake released a new song called Another Hostage Situation.
-Chase Long Beach
On September 11th Chase Long Beach released a new song called Aftershock.
-Pink Slip
Also on September 11th Pink Slip released a new song called Finger Food.
Finger Food is the second single off of Pink Slip's first full length album, Bathtub Madonna, dropping everywhere on Friday September 25th!
Ska Picks
-Eddie: Share by Cousin Oliver
-Jermey: Number One by A-100’s
-Matt: Wasted Tomorrows by The Planet Smashers
Ska News Theme by Lab Brats
Main Theme by Millington
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1 hr 6 min
Calypso's Curse (EP.308)
Show notes
This week Shane and Lou from Calypso’s Curse join us. First, we discuss which Looney Tunes love ska music? Shane and Lou breakdown the band’s upcoming EP and we world premiere their song Back Of The Line. We discuss being in the studio, musical influences, show rituals and venue must havens. All this and of course Ska News and our Ska Picks of the week.
Calypso’s Curse:
https://linktr.ee/calypsoscursemusic
On The Upbeat:
ontheupbeatska.com
Ska News…
-Be Decent
On August 25th Be Decent released a new song called Come Sweetly. This is the second single of their upcoming album Now’s The Time, out September 18th.
-Title Holder
Also on August 25 title holder released a new song called Can’t Take Anymore
-The Boy Detective
On August 21 The Boy Detective released a new song called Girl All The Bad Guys Want.
Ska Picks…..
-Lou: I Try by The Skariginals
-Shane: Wanna Be Your Lover By Mandie Bee
-Matt: Irish Goodbye by The Doomstompers
Ska News Theme by
Main Theme by Millington
-
1 hr 13 min
Omnigone (EP.307)
Show notes
This week Adam Davis from Omnigone joins us. We talk about ska podcasting and guitar solos in ska. We share our mutual love for Half Past Two. We breakdown Omnigone’s new album, Turn Up The Fear and we discuss the album’s darker tone. All this and of course Ska News and our Ska Picks of the Week.
Omnigone:
On The Upbeat:
ontheupbeatska.com
Ska News……
Devon Kay and The solutions
On Friday, August 28th Devon Kay and the Solutions announced a new record called The World’s Greatest Album. It will be out on October 9th on Bad Time Records. The first single is called Heart to Break.
-K-Man and The 45’s
On August 25th K-Man and The 45’s released a new song called We Won’t Stop
-Something To Do
On August 26th Something To Do released a new song called Hocus Pocus Brain.
Ska Picks of the Week…….
-Adam: The Kid Got That Fire by The Chains
-Matt: Just What I Needed by The Insyderz
Ska News Theme by Dang!
https://dangitband.bandcamp.com
Main Theme by Millington
-
41 min
On The Upbeat Live with Karen Roberts
Show notes
This week we recorded a live episode with Karen Roberts of Chase Long Beach. This episode was recorded on Saturday, August 15 in Garden Grove, California from the Summer Ska Classic. First, Karen tells us about managing the band Hooray For Our Side and we learn the details of a Chase Long Beach van crash. Karen also brought us a new song called Aftershock. There is also special guest appearances from former On The Upbeat cohosts, Anthony Rondina, RJ Phoenix and Gary Mastriano. We have a mini Every Song Sucks episode and we take questions from the audience.
Chase Long Beach:
https://chaselongbeach.bandcamp.com
On The Upbeat:
ontheupbeatska.com
Main Theme by Millington
-
1 hr 26 min
The Skariginals (EP.305)
Show notes
This week Brayden and Ryan from The Skariginals join us. First we discuss how phones work and we discuss what Disneyland rides are the most ska. Ryan and Brayden break down the bands new record, Get Out Of Your Head and we listen to the song Outfit off the album. All this and of course we give you Ska News and our Ska Picks of the Week.
The Skariginals:
On The Upbeat:
ontheupbeatska.com
•Ska News
-Joker’s Republic
On August 7th Joker’s Republic released a cover of Grand Theft Autumn / Where is Your Boy.
-Ska Freaks
On August 5 Ska Freaks released a five song EP called The Ordinary Minority. Let’s listen to the lead track Amy.
-Atypical Heroes
On July 31 Atypical Heroes released a new song called Skanking In A Circle.
-Ska Summer Classic:
https://gardenamp.com/feature/14855433/skariginals-matamoska/
Ska Picks…
-Brayden: Bang the skillet by Go Jimmy Go
-Ryan: Dance Wid’ Me- Hepcat
-Matt: Carousel by Hooray For Our Side
-Evan: So Good by Stop the Presses
Ska News Theme by Lab Brats:https://labbrats.bandcamp.com
Main Theme by Millington
-
1 hr 5 min
Swigfoot (EP.304)
Show notes
This week Tyler and Spence from Swigfoot join us. First, Matt talks about going to see Spider-Man for far too long. Next we tell you some of our favorite ska lyrics and we give you some ska news. Next Spence and Tyler tell us about life on the road and what it’s like booking shows in 2026. We listen to Swigfoot’s song Permanently Lost and we learn about fun things to do in Arizona. Lastly, Tyler and Spence tell us what they enjoy most about being in a band and we give you our Ska Picks of the Week.
Swigfoot:
Swigfoot.com
On The Upbeat:
ontheupbeatska.com
Ska News….
-Omnigone
On July 31 Omnigone released a new song called Turn Up The Fear. This is the third single off the bands up coming record also called Turn Up the Fear. That album is out on Friday, August 14th.
-The Guilty Parties
On August 4th The Guilty Parties released a new song called (In)Famous.
-Be Decent
On July 28th Be Decent released a new song called You Better Work. This is the second single of their up coming album Now’s The Time out September 18th.
-Ska Summer Classic:
Ska Picks of the Week:
-Tyler: Please Abduct Me by Bumsy and the Moochers
-Spencer: Mini mega fun by Hooray for Dad
-Matt: Hometown Pride by Late For Life
-Evan: Stay Riot by Big D and the Kids Table
Ska News Theme by Lab Brats:
Main Theme by Millington
-
1 hr 24 min
Lab Brats (EP.303)
Show notes
This week Adam "The Ska Mailman” Wallace joins to talk about Lab Brats. First, we discuss the return of Reel Big Fish and we give you some ska news. Adam talks about opening for The Aquabats, write the new Lab Brats album, the albums title, the albums themes and we listen to a song of the album. All this and of course our Ska Picks of the Week.
Lab Brats:
On The Upbeat:
ontheupbeatska.com
Ska News…
-All Things Considered
On July 17th All Things Considered released their new song 2nd Best.
-Beat The Smart Kids
On July 24th Beat The Smart Kids released a new album called 30 Minutes or Less.
-Unfunfair
On July 24th Unfunfair released a new single called Green and Mean. Let’s listen to a clip.
-Ska Summer Classic:
Ska Picks of the Week…
Adam: Spy Market by Let’s Go Bowling
Matt: Do It For The Love by The Odd Advantage
Evan: Gates of Steel by Skankin’ Pickle
Ska News Theme:
https://dangitband.bandcamp.com
Main Theme by Millington
-
1 hr 16 min
The Operators (EP.302)
Show notes
This week Brandon and Heath from The Operators join us. First we discuss how to handle conflict and then we give you some ska news. Heath and Brandon talk about what the band has been doing the last five years. They also talk about the new album they are working on and we listen to a brand new track. We also discuss writing songs and how to book shows in 2026. Lastly, we give you our Ska Picks of the week.
The Operators:
https://theoperatorsska.bandcamp.com
On The Upbeat:
ontheupbeatska.com
Ska News……
-Millington
On July 17th Millington Released a new track called I Wont Surrender. Let’s listen to a clip.
-The Hellas
On July 17th The Hellas released a new track called Imposter.
-Omnigone
Also on July 17th Omnigone released a new song called Empathy. Let’s listen to a clip.
This is the second song from Omnigone’s new album called Turn Up The Fear that will be out on August 14th on Bad Time R
-Ska Summer Classic:
Ska Picks of a the week
Brandon: The Slackers cooking for Tommy
Heath: The Circle City Deacons song problems still remain
Matt: Therapy by Matamoska
Evan: Bleed Me Dry by Flying Raccoon Suit
Ska News Theme: Lab Brats
Main Theme by Millington
-
46 min
Carter Strong Forever (EP.301)
Show notes
This week Tim and Jamie Ankeny join us to discuss their fundraiser, Rock For Choc. Listen as Tim and Jamie tell us why they started raising money for Children’s Hospital of Orange County. Hear how a ska community supported them through a difficult time. It’s an inspiring story you won’t want to miss.
Carter Strong Forever:
https://www.chocwalk.org/Member/MyPage/10172303/Tim-Ankeny
Rock For Choc Tickets:
On The Upbeat:
ontheupbeatska.com
Ska News….
-Lab Brats
On July 9th Lab Brats (Adam the ska mailman) released a new Album called Triskaidekaphobia. Let’s listen to a clip of the songs Shark In The Water.
-Boss Riot
On July 10th Boss Riot released a new album called Here We Go Again. Let’s listen to a clip of their song Good Enough.
-Ska Summer Classic:
Ska News Theme: Dang!t
https://dangitband.bandcamp.com
Main Theme by Millington
-
1 hr 26 min
Big D and The Kids Table (EP. 300)
Show notes
This week Dave McWane, Matt Appleton and Joe Gittleman join us to breakdown the new album from Big D and The Kids Table, The Good Ole American Saturday Night. Listen as they discuss the song writing, recording and producing of this new record. Matt (Vest) and Anthony give you their thoughts on how bands can get themselves out there and of course Ska News.
Big D and The Kids Table:
bigdandthekidstable.com
On The Upbeat:
ontheupbeatska.com
Ska News
-Omnigone
On July 3rd Omnigone announced a new album called Turn Up The Fear that will be out on August 14th on Bad Time Records. With this announcement they released a new single called Corpse of Corporations let’s listen to a clip.
-Grey Matter
On July 3 Grey Matter released a self-titled album. Available only on Bandcamp.
https://greymattermi.bandcamp.com/album/grey-matter
-SkidWizard
On June 29th Skidwizard released a new song called Order of Priorities. Let’s listen to a clip.
Rock For Choc Tickets:
Ska Summer Classic:
Ska News Theme: Lab Brats
Main Theme by Millington
-
2 hr 12 min
Host Round Table (EP.299)
Show notes
It’s a host only episode!!! Matt, Evan, RJ and Anthony tell you what ska hill they are ready to die on and they reflect on the history of the podcast. Join us as we tell you how the show started, favorite memories, favorite interviews and the fights we’ve had behind the scenes that keep the show going. Also bands and fans share their memories of the show. Join us for this super sized episode.
On The Upbeat:
ontheupbeatska.com
Ska News…
-Hey-Smith and Less Than Jake
Hey-Smith and Less Than Jake released a split EP called Unity
-Chudson
Recently Chudson released a new song called So Long
Ska Picks…
Anthony : Vacation by Pepper
Evan: You Know You Want It by Starpool
Matt Nervous in the alley by Smash Mouth
RJ: The Alcoholic Freshman - Do Your Thumbs Hurt? Cause They're Killin' Me
Main Theme by Millington
-
58 min
Harry Katz and The Pistachios (EP.298)
Show notes
This week Harry Katz from Harry Katz and The Pistachios joins us. We first tell you some interesting music facts and Harry tells you how he got into music. Harry tells us about the early days of the band and we listen to their song, Similarities. We also discuss Harry’s singing voice and the LA ska scene. All this and Ska News and our Ska Picks of the Week.
Harry Katz and The Pistachios:
https://circlebackmusic.bandcamp.com
On The Upbeat:
ontheupbeatska.com
Ska News….
-Streetlight Manifesto
On June 23, Streetlight Manifesto released a 6 song ep called Halfway Way To The Place Behind The Stars. Let’s listen to a clip of the song Everything to Everyone. This is half of an album, the rest show be out in September.
-Local Legends
On June 19th Local Legend released a new ep called Now with More F-Bombs. Let’s listen to the song Fuck It! (Pass the trumpet )
Ska Picks…
-Harry: The Toasters don’t let the bastards
-Matt: Sell Out by Reel Big Fish
Ska News Theme by Lab Brats:
Main Theme by Millington
-
1 hr 2 min
The Doomstompers (EP.297)
Show notes
This week Kay and Ilan from The Doomstompers join us. First we discuss what donut is the most ska. Kay and Ilan tell us how the band got started, the origin of the band’s name and they give one word thoughts for each track on their new album, Take a Beat. They also describe their early success and the New York ska scene. All this and of course Ska News and our Ska Picks of the Week.
The Doomstompers:
On The Upbeat:
ontheupbeatska.com
Ska News….
-The Boy Detective
On June 19 The Boy Detective will be dropping a new track called The Beach Boys Are Full Of It. Let’s listen to a clip.
-Twenty Something Summer
On June 8th Twenty Something Summer released a new song called Pool Hopoin’
-Rocky Leon
On June 12 Rocky Leon released a new song called Stright to Hell
Ska Picks….
Kayla: Room To Breathe by Westbound Train.
Ilan: Stuck In My Head by Skaracha
https://tipatop.bandcamp.com/track/stuck-in-my-head
Matt: What’s The Point by Abraskadabra
Ska News Theme by Dang!t
https://dangitband.bandcamp.com
Main Theme by Millington
-
1 hr 13 min
Wondermelon (EP.296)
Show notes
This week Paco from Wondermelon joins us. We discuss the banana man situation. Paco tells us how he discovered ska, how Wondermelon started and we discuss their new EP, Modern Vintage. Paco also talks about picking songs to cover and we chat about the Orange County, California ska scene. All this and Ska News and our Ska Picks of the Week.
Wondermelon:
On The Upbeat:
ontheupbeatska.com
Ska News………
•The Doomstompers
On June 5 The Doomstompers dropped a new single called Participation Trophy. It’s from their upcoming album Take A Beat out June 12th. Let’s listen to Participation trophy by the doom stumpers.
-The Aggrolites
On June 5th The Aggrolites released their new album called Super Atomic. Let’s listen to their song ‘Till The Wheels Fall Off
-The Kittyhawks
On June 10th The Kittyhawks released a new song called The Devil’s Offbeat.
Ska picks…..
Paco: King for a day by Goldfinger
Matt: Combat Chuck by Five Iron Frenzy
Evan: I Got Enemies In High Places
Ska News Theme by Lab Brats
https://dangitband.bandcamp.com
Main Theme by Millington
-
1 hr 30 min
Punkerton Records (EP.295)
Show notes
This week we are joined by Brandon Lewis, owner of Punkerton Records. We discuss the labels beginnings, what it means to be a DIY record company, how Brandon finds bands, the importance of standing up for what you believe and we world premier a new cover from Joker’s Republic. It’s their version of Tellin’ Lies originally from The Menzingers. All this and of course Ska New and our Ska Picks of the Week.
Punkerton Records:
punkertonrecords.com
On The Upbeat:
ontheupbeatska.com
Ska News………
-Big D and The Kids Table
On May 27 Big D and The Kids Table dropped a new song called scatterbrain off the up coming new album, The Good Ole American Saturday Night out June 12th.
-The Pietasters
The Pietasters just announced recently a vinyl repress of their 2002 album Turbo.
-Threat Level Burgundy
On May 29th Threat Level Burgundy released their album Oh, Nice.
Ska News Theme by Dang!t
https://dangitband.bandcamp.com
Main Theme by Millington
-
1 hr 6 min
The Wavebirds (EP.294)
Show notes
This week Callyn and Mike from The Wavebirds join us. First, we discuss what video games are the most ska. Callyn and Mike talk about the writing and recording of the band’s new album. They tell us about the album’s art work and the hardships of being in a band in 2026. All this with Ska News and are Ska Picks of the Week.
The Wavebirds:
https://thewavebirds.bandcamp.com
On The Upbeat:
ontheupbeatska.com
Ska News…..
-The Doomstompers
On May 15th The Doomstompers released a new song called Actin’ Up. This is the second single from the band’s upcoming album, Take a Beat. The new album will be out June 12th on Bad Time Records. Let’s listen to a clip of the new single Actin’ UP.
-Matamoska
On May 15th Matamoska released a new single called Callejon De La Muerte.
-Swigfoot
Also on May 15 Swigfoot released a new song called Cruising Down The Psycho Path.
Ska Picks…..
Mike: Brasser - Casings
Callyn: Arcade Allstars - Mutton Chops
Matt: Carrie O from Joe Gittleman (from the Wavebreaker #4 ep split with Bad Operation
Evan: "Same Way" by The Debonaires ft. Vic Ruggiero
Ska News Theme by Lab Brats
Main Theme by Millington
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