Back To The Basement

This is the last episode for this series and in this episode I’m lucky enough to get to speak to Jim of one of Philly’s hottest punk bands … DARK THOUGHTS! I have been a fan of his band for a number of years and it was so cool to get a chance to talk to him about the band. I learnt a lot of things I didn’t know and it was nice to hear some stories about the band. There were a few technical issues with the sound because of the internet this side, but nothing too distracting. Thanks again Jim for hanging out. I can’t wait for the new album! Enjoy.

In this episode I get to speak to an old school friend of mine and somebody who continues to make me laugh until this day. It's been a very long time since we've been in touch and to be honest it felt as if no time had passed at all. That's the beauty of friendships! It's great to hear Dave's tales from when we were younger and from some of the antics that he and the boys get up to now whenever they meet. Even listening back to this episode had me laughing in stitches and even though I know some people listening to this might not know the context of the story it was still great to catch up and talk about days passed. I hope that more of our old school friends listen to this and decide to give it a go. Thanks again, Dave! I can't wait to catch up next time I'm back in the UK. Enjoy Theme music - Back To The Basement by The Queers https://www.instagram.com/backtothebasementtw/ https://www.instagram.com/dgoodway87/

In this episode I got to speak to the wonderful man behind Stardumb Records, Stefan Tijs. Not only does he put out amazing music from his label based in the Netherlands, he's also a children's illustrator and a HUGH hip hop head! I have been a fan of the label and music Stefan has put out for a number of years so I'm glad we managed to get introduced and hang out for this podcast. Getting to hang out for real some time at say Punk Rock Raduno would be a dream! Beers, mates and punk rock music. Stefan was very forth coming with stories and anecdotes throughout our chat and I'm sure you'll enjoy listening to this one. Don't forget to go and buy some music and check out the label at the links below! Enjoy! https://www.instagram.com/backtothebasementtw/ https://www.instagram.com/stardumbrecords/ https://www.stardumbrecords.com

In this episode I got to speak to my mate Tim .. again! Every time I hang out with Tim we have the best of times. We'll either start getting into it about music, that time I said his drumming was too slow (it isn't) or more recently, boxing techniques inspired by Shaun Armstrong! Speaking of music, he's got a new album in the works with his band The Shapemaster and I for one can't wait. Luckily, I can call him a friend first before a fan of his music, but that goes vice versa. I hope you all enjoy listening to this as much as we did recording it. If you're in Taiwan ... then get to one of the next Shapemaster shows ASAP! Can't wait to hang out next time, Tim! Theme Back To The Basement by The Queers https://www.instagram.com/backtothebasementtw/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufGCNJuA--4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8CX_FKkeQE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGimaQug8do

In this episode I get to speak a friend of mine I met way back in 2008/9... Ben Nuthink! He's shown me amazing bands and tattooed me. He's been in amazing bands and still continues to tattoo and play in amazing bands. Like I said before about creating this podcast to talk to old friends and see what they are up to these days, this is one of them. Every time I am back in the UK I try and see Ben and the Kids Love Ink Deptford crew! Ben actually hails from Orpington (born and bread) and formed The Griswalds, Orpington's snottiest pop punk band there and if you don't know about them ... then check these links below! As always ... it was great catching up and I can't wait for you to tattoo me again! (Did anyone else here about the ace of spades being an anti Welsh tattoo? haha .. listen to the podcast to find out more! ) https://www.instagram.com/backtothebasementtw/ https://www.instagram.com/bennuthink/ https://www.instagram.com/chinesejunkband/ https://griswalds.bandcamp.com/album/fall-in-line Theme Back To The Basement by The Queers

In this episode I get to catch up with my old friend Barney! Last time he was on the show he was in the middle of recording his debut album and it's officially OUT NOW! In this episode we spoke about the recording process, becoming fathers, life back home and even a little fan gets to say at the end. It's always nice catching up with Barney over the phone, although we do keep in touch with messages, there's nothing like a proper catch up, hopefully we'll get to over a few pints in 2022! Enjoy! Theme - Back To The Basement by The Queers https://www.instagram.com/barneybarnett_/ https://www.instagram.com/backtothebasementtw/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xphgAVd2qSk

In this episode I got to speak to Sharon Bill! A wonderful musician, teacher, author and YouTuber who helps people pass their ABRSM exams. I reached out to her after seeing her videos on YouTube and enjoying how well she taught. We spoke about a lot of things during our chat, such as families, teaching, growing up, writing and of course ... MUSIC! Sharon has a deep passion for classical music and you can feel her enthusiasm for music whenever she starts to talk about it. I'm always fascinated by piano players because to me it always seems to be an instrument that is 'out of reach' to master, but listening to Sharon talk about it and seeing her videos on YouTube, she makes it reachable and her infectious enthusiasm for the instrument rubs off! At least, it has on me. I hope you enjoy listening to our conversation. Go and give her some likes and follows at the links below. https://www.instagram.com/backtothebasementtw/ https://www.youtube.com/c/SharonBill https://www.amazon.com/Sharon-Bill/e/B0759XVL25%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share Theme Back To The Basement by The Queers

In this episode I got to hang out with the head honcho of Monster Zero records and real life Aper ... Kevin Aper! It was nice to finally get to talk to him after being a fan of his bands for so many years and buying records from him label over the years. Kevin was very kind in sharing stories of his label, his band, Stardumb's Stefan and how a kid from the Netherlands turned into one of Europe's biggest and snottiest punks! Enjoy Theme song - Back to the Basement by The Queers https://www.instagram.com/backtothebasementtw/ https://www.instagram.com/monsterzerorecords/

In this episode I get to speak to somebody who has not only played in some of my favorite band, but he's also played on my favorite The Queers (Punk Rock Confidential) record. Geoff very kindly gave up some of this time to me to talk about everything from way back in the day ...... right up to the present day!! We got to speak about all the different bands that he has been in what it was like working with Joe Queer and all the music that he has put out over his career. Geoff was very kind in sharing some behind-the-scenes stories that I feel very lucky to have listened to and be part of. As I write this now I am listening to an exclusive version of the latest in line of Ramones covers albums which just so happens to include only one Ramones .... that is Dee Dee King!!! Stick around in the episode because you can hear a snippet from it. I'd like to say thanks to Geoff for recording this with me and I hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed talking.

In this episode I get to speak to my old high school friend who has gone on to work for MICROSOFT! Jeez! I really enjoyed catching up with James and hearing about how his life went after school, but also whilst we were in school. He was right in saying that we all didn't know what was happening with each others home lives back then. I am so happy to bring you this episode and of course, humbled that friends I haven't spoken to in over 10 years are more than willing to use this platform as a means to catch up. Thanks James! I hope you enjoy this episode as much as we enjoyed recording it. https://www.instagram.com/jamesbmarshall/ https://www.instagram.com/backtothebasementtw/ Theme Back To The Basement by The Queers

In this episode I got to speak to the big boss man, El Presidente of Mom's Basement Records, John Proffitt! John has been putting out great music for so many years and I've found some of my favourite bands because of his label. We got to speak about where he grew up, being fathers, how he started the label and of course, MUSIC! John was also kind enough to give me a few exclusive tracks for the episode from the likes of AVEM, Jerk, School Damage, Shackleford, The Jasons, The Lorraine's, The Suck and Young Hasselhoffs, so watch out for those!!!! Enjoy! https://www.instagram.com/jerk_punkrock/ https://www.instagram.com/thesuckstreetrock/ https://www.instagram.com/the_young_hasselhoffs/ https://www.instagram.com/the_lorrainas/ https://www.instagram.com/helloshackleford/ https://www.instagram.com/avem.theband/ https://www.instagram.com/schooldamage/ https://www.instagram.com/the_jasons/ https://www.instagram.com/johnproffittjr27/ https://www.instagram.com/momsbasementrecords/ https://www.instagram.com/backtothebasementtw/ Theme song - Back To The Basement - The Queers

In this episode I get to speak to the big boss man of one of America's best cassette labels, Henry from Memorable But Not Honorable. We spoke about everything from growing up, friends dying, video editing, starting a label and of course ... MUSIC. The one thing I took away from this talk with Henry was his 'can do' attitude. A lot of people talk the talk but this guy walks the walk. He puts his mind to what he wants to do and he makes it happen. We always got to talk about being fathers and what they entails. All I can say about Henry is this, he has the best taste in music, works his arse off, is bringing his kids up right, on a diet of Weasel, Riverdales and everything else in between. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did recording it!

In this episode I get to catch up with a buddy of mine who used to live in Taiwan has now moved back to America. A lot has happened whilst he's been away. Some great news and some shocking but I'm glad to hear that he is moving forward in a positive direction and may even be moving back to Taiwan this year. He's been living the troubadour lifestyle of traveling, rock 'n' roll and creating memories that he will always remember. If you haven't checked out the first episode when was the first? And if you have already checked it out and sit back let's catch up with Josh! Enjoy! https://www.instagram.com/backtothebasementtw/ https://www.instagram.com/scjo0402/ Theme music Back To The Basement by The Queers

In this episode I got to speak to Luke, that Luke, THE LUKE from The Copyrights, Starter Jackets, Hospital Job and Robot Bachelor. It was an early start for me but Luke was a gentleman and answered my questions (however rambling they may have come across!) What's amazing about the guy who wrote of some of my favourite songs and was the soundtrack to my years in Hsinchu, Taiwan ... he's written a million brilliant ones but is always writing to find the next one. Forget the fountain of youth, he's the fountain of choruses. Not only a writer and musician .. he even records, mixes and masters the band. If your at a loss of what to listen to, look no further because as the song goes, 'Shit's fucked, but what can you do? Around here, it's just me and you' well let it be me, Luke and you. Enjoy! https://www.instagram.com/backtothebasementtw/ https://www.instagram.com/thecopyrights/ https://www.instagram.com/hospitaljob/ https://www.instagram.com/starterjackets/ Theme music - Back To The Basement by The Queers

In this episode I got to talk to Adam Caddell, the drummer for the legendary Covert Flops! We had a great conversation about schools, becoming dads, music, Ramones and how, through perseverance, Adam pushed himself to play the style of drums he set out to do. I'm so happy we had this conversation and hear about how Covert Flops got together and their writing / recording process. I even found out that THERE WILL BE a 3rd album! I hope you enjoy this episode! https://www.instagram.com/realdeal1982/ https://www.instagram.com/backtothebasementtw/ https://www.instagram.com/covert_flops/ Theme music - Back To The Basement by The Queers

In this episode I got to speak to another school friend of mine that I haven't spoken to in well over ten years and AGAIN is the reason why I started this little project. Aaron has been on one hell of a ride since our youthful school days and it was fascinating to hear all about it and to catch up again. Aaron has followed his passion for art and has been involved in a number of hit films such as Guardians of the Galaxy, Civil War, Tomb Raider, Thor Ragnarok and Logan as well as many others. Not only that, he's tried his hand at Shaolin martial arts, had videos shown to Barack Obama and done a load of travelling. If you want to hear more, what are you waiting for? Press play and enjoy! Thanks again, Aaron! Great catching up! 🍻 https://www.instagram.com/backtothebasementtw/ Theme music - Back To The Basement by The Queers

In this episode I get to speak to my old school friend, Chris Coles! What a journey he seems to have been on whilst following his dreams in journalism and sport. We haven't been in touch for so many years and this is exactly why I started this podcast in the first place. To reconnect with old friends and make some new ones along the way. I hope you enjoy this one. Who knows, if you're a sports fan in the UK, Chris's voice may already be familiar to you. Enjoy https://www.instagram.com/backtothebasementtw/ https://www.instagram.com/_chriscoles_/ Theme - Back To The Basement by The Queers

In this episode I got to speak to singer and bass player, Mark Random of the Brighton, UK based band Random Heroes. I first of this amazing band from Memorable But Not Honourable tapes in America! Funny old thing the internet, aye!? I reached out to Mark and he was kind enough to give me some of his time to talk about all things Random Heroes, music, Brighton and growing up on Jive Bunny and Chuck Berry. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as we enjoyed talking! https://www.instagram.com/backtothebasementtw/ https://www.instagram.com/randomheroesbrighton/ https://randomheroesbrighton.bandcamp.com/album/please-clap Theme - Back to the Basement by The Queers

In this episode I got to speak to singer songwriter and headhunter in Taipei - Alan McIvor. We guessed our paths must have crossed during our time here in Taiwan but we never made that connection ... until now. It was nice to spend a lunch time talking to Alan and hearing about his journey from Scotland to Taiwan. Forming a band as soon as he landed (Aurora) here and his eventual escape from ESL to headhunting in Taipei. It was a nice chat touching on jobs, music, travel and starting a family. If you want to know more about him, check out the links below! https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-build-long-successful-career-taiwan-foreigner-alan-mcivor https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcivoralan/ https://www.instagram.com/ivorcivor/ https://www.instagram.com/backtothebasementtw/ Theme music - Back to the Basement by The Queers

In this episode I got to speak to my new friend Dave Strong in America! Of course we got to talk about music, the scenes here in Taiwan compared to America, trying to stay sober, family and all the bands and projects he has been involved with. I'm so glad to hear that Dave is doing well with everything he is doing at the moment and he's putting out some great pop punk/power pop tunes! Go listen at the links below⬇️ https://www.instagram.com/backtothebasementtw/ https://laptoppunkrecords.bandcamp.com/track/dave-strong-the-nightcrawler https://www.instagram.com/butchermandave2020/ Theme - Back To The Basement by The Queers