They said it couldn’t be done! But we did it anyway. That infamous mozzarella stick meme that has come to define ska to people all over the internet—we made an entire episode about it. We dive into its history, its impact on ska and discuss why it is so polarizing. And ultimately, whether its been good or bad for the genre. 

Many people were interviewed for this journalistic masterpiece including comedians Dave Thomason, Matt Lieb, and Jaime Loftus, as well as Ska Defender Numero Uno Brent Friedman. Plus, we get a little insight about the meme from the person who made the tweet that went viral. 

If you’d like to support us and listen to early access, ad-free episodes with bonus content, check out our Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/indefenseofska]! 

If you like our theme song, go download the EP Lives by Slow Gherkin. They wrote the opening and closing songs for our podcast. You can get both tunes from their Lives EP [https://asianmanrecords.bandcamp.com/album/lives]. Also, check out Dan P and the Bricks [https://asianmanrecords.bandcamp.com/album/watch-where-you-walk] two LPs [https://www.amazon.com/When-Were-Fearless-DAN-BRICKS/dp/B07987C2LJ]. They provided the mid-roll ad transition music. 

Support the In Defense host Aaron Carnes by purchasing a copy of his book, In Defense of Ska. The 2nd, expanded edition of In Defense of Ska [https://www.clashbooks.com/new-products-2/aaron-carnes-in-defense-of-ska] will release in Oct 2024. 

Co-host Adam Davis has a band called Omnigone [https://omnigone.bandcamp.com/]. Their latest record, Against The Rest [https://omnigone.bandcamp.com/album/against-the-rest] released on March 31, 2023. 

The In Defense of Ska editor Chris Reeves runs a record label called Ska Punk International [https://www.skapunkinternational.com/]. They have new releases coming out all the time.



Support In Defense of Ska by checking out StubHub: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/DLXVmMB

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Mozzarella Stick Ska Meme: Its history and impact on ska

Eras of ska are, in part, defined by the ska labels. In our current era, there is Bad Time Records, but also Ska Punk International. This week, we wanted to talk about what defines Ska Punk International, who the bands are, and a bit about its history. To do that, we talk to owner/operator, Chris Reeves. 

Full disclosure: Chris Reeves is also the editor of this podcast. But we don’t talk about his editing skills this go around. This is a 100% Ska Punk International conversation. 

If you’d like to support us and listen to early access, ad-free episodes with bonus content, check out our Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/indefenseofska]! 

If you like our theme song, go download the EP Lives by Slow Gherkin. They wrote the opening and closing songs for our podcast. You can get both tunes from their Lives EP [https://asianmanrecords.bandcamp.com/album/lives]. Also, check out Dan P and the Bricks [https://asianmanrecords.bandcamp.com/album/watch-where-you-walk] two LPs [https://www.amazon.com/When-Were-Fearless-DAN-BRICKS/dp/B07987C2LJ]. They provided the mid-roll ad transition music. 

Support the In Defense host Aaron Carnes by purchasing a copy of his book, In Defense of Ska. The 2nd, expanded edition of In Defense of Ska [https://www.clashbooks.com/new-products-2/aaron-carnes-in-defense-of-ska] will release in Oct 2024. 

Co-host Adam Davis has a band called Omnigone [https://omnigone.bandcamp.com/]. Their latest record, Against The Rest [https://omnigone.bandcamp.com/album/against-the-rest] released on March 31, 2023. 

The In Defense of Ska editor Chris Reeves runs a record label called Ska Punk International [https://www.skapunkinternational.com/]. They have new releases coming out all the time.





Support In Defense of Ska by checking out StubHub: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/DLXVmMB

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ska Punk International: An interview with Chris Reeves

New Orleans had a surprisingly big ska scene in the late 2000s. This caught my attention after I wrote the 1st edition of In Defense of Ska. This scene would eventually give birth to Bad Operation. I spoke with them extensively about it, and even devoted a huge section of the 2nd edition of In Defense of Ska to this largely undocumented history. 

When I was touring the country promoting the 2nd edition of In Defense of Ska, I made sure to stop in New Orleans. I hosted a live panel to discuss this New Orleans ska history at Greg Rodrigue’s spot, Hey Café. This week, we are airing that recording. 

Many folks participated in the panel discussion like Greg and D-Ray, Brian Funck of Thou, Travis of Tha Supaflies, Kirah of the Big Top, Hunter from Fatter Than Albert, and others. 

Sit back and enjoy a fun, lively and educational conversation. 

If you’d like to support us and listen to early access, ad-free episodes with bonus content, check out our Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/indefenseofska]! 

If you like our theme song, go download the EP Lives by Slow Gherkin. They wrote the opening and closing songs for our podcast. You can get both tunes from their Lives EP [https://asianmanrecords.bandcamp.com/album/lives]. Also, check out Dan P and the Bricks [https://asianmanrecords.bandcamp.com/album/watch-where-you-walk] two LPs [https://www.amazon.com/When-Were-Fearless-DAN-BRICKS/dp/B07987C2LJ]. They provided the mid-roll ad transition music. 

Support the In Defense host Aaron Carnes by purchasing a copy of his book, In Defense of Ska. The 2nd, expanded edition of In Defense of Ska [https://www.clashbooks.com/new-products-2/aaron-carnes-in-defense-of-ska] will release in Oct 2024. 

Co-host Adam Davis has a band called Omnigone [https://omnigone.bandcamp.com/]. Their latest record, Against The Rest [https://omnigone.bandcamp.com/album/against-the-rest] released on March 31, 2023. 

The In Defense of Ska editor Chris Reeves runs a record label called Ska Punk International [https://www.skapunkinternational.com/]. They have new releases coming out all the time.





Support In Defense of Ska by checking out StubHub: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/DLXVmMB

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The story of Ska in New Orleans post-Katrina: A live panel at Hey Café

2 Tone ska was huge in England. It was also very brief. By the early ’80s, England had moved on to other sounds in pop music. Most of the 2 Tone ska bands had broken up or were playing non-ska tunes. But in this atmosphere in 1983 England, a band called Potato 5 formed. They played ska. But it wasn’t 2 Tone style ska. They were an instrumental band, and they were directly influenced by The Skatalites

This week, we speak to four original members of Potato 5, and we learn about their career, which ended in 1989 (Though it started again as of 2018). During their original run, they ended up having three different lead singers: Floyd Lloyd, Spider Johnson, and the legendary “godfather of ska” himself, Laurel Aitken. Plus, they worked with Mad Professor early in their career. We talk about all of it! 

But we also look at their story as an important early step towards a global traditional ska revival that would blossom in the years to come. Their importance can’t be understated. 

If you’d like to support us and listen to early access, ad-free episodes with bonus content, check out our Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/indefenseofska]! 

If you like our theme song, go download the EP Lives by Slow Gherkin. They wrote the opening and closing songs for our podcast. You can get both tunes from their Lives EP [https://asianmanrecords.bandcamp.com/album/lives]. Also, check out Dan P and the Bricks [https://asianmanrecords.bandcamp.com/album/watch-where-you-walk] two LPs [https://www.amazon.com/When-Were-Fearless-DAN-BRICKS/dp/B07987C2LJ]. They provided the mid-roll ad transition music. 

Support the In Defense host Aaron Carnes by purchasing a copy of his book, In Defense of Ska. The 2nd, expanded edition of In Defense of Ska [https://www.clashbooks.com/new-products-2/aaron-carnes-in-defense-of-ska] will release in Oct 2024. 

Co-host Adam Davis has a band called Omnigone [https://omnigone.bandcamp.com/]. Their latest record, Against The Rest [https://omnigone.bandcamp.com/album/against-the-rest] released on March 31, 2023. 

The In Defense of Ska editor Chris Reeves runs a record label called Ska Punk International [https://www.skapunkinternational.com/]. They have new releases coming out all the time.



Support In Defense of Ska by checking out StubHub: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/DLXVmMB

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The beginning of a global trad ska revival: Potato 5

This week, we travel to the ska-loving country of Japan to interview the amazing ska-punk group, Hey Smith. Specifically, we have Shu, their singer and primary songwriter. To help us translate the interview, we have an old friend and former guest, Ume, who plays in the band Kill Lincoln. He’s currently filling in on trombone with Hey Smith as well!

We discuss the band’s history, how their popularity has been growing, their recent US tours, signing to a major label, and how they wrote ska-punk songs for more than one popular Anime program recently. 

Plus we try to sneak in a few questions for Ume, but he wasn’t having it. 

If you’d like to support us and listen to early access, ad-free episodes with bonus content, check out our Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/indefenseofska]! 

If you like our theme song, go download the EP Lives by Slow Gherkin. They wrote the opening and closing songs for our podcast. You can get both tunes from their Lives EP [https://asianmanrecords.bandcamp.com/album/lives]. Also, check out Dan P and the Bricks [https://asianmanrecords.bandcamp.com/album/watch-where-you-walk] two LPs [https://www.amazon.com/When-Were-Fearless-DAN-BRICKS/dp/B07987C2LJ]. They provided the mid-roll ad transition music. 

Support the In Defense host Aaron Carnes by purchasing a copy of his book, In Defense of Ska. The 2nd, expanded edition of In Defense of Ska [https://www.clashbooks.com/new-products-2/aaron-carnes-in-defense-of-ska] will release in Oct 2024. 

Co-host Adam Davis has a band called Omnigone [https://omnigone.bandcamp.com/]. Their latest record, Against The Rest [https://omnigone.bandcamp.com/album/against-the-rest] released on March 31, 2023. 

The In Defense of Ska editor Chris Reeves runs a record label called Ska Punk International [https://www.skapunkinternational.com/]. They have new releases coming out all the time.

Sign up for the Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/indefenseofska] to support the podcast and get access to our extended conversation with Rob Harvilla.



Support In Defense of Ska by checking out StubHub: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/DLXVmMB

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Japan’s finest: Hey Smith singer Shu

This week, we have a special episode. Adam hit the road in March with Omnigone. And he interviewed a ton of ska musicians during his tour. What wanted to know was: What is life like on the road for a ska musician in 2025, and how is it different than it was in the 90s. 

He got a lot of interviews. He talked to members of The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Big D and the Kids Table, Suicide Machines, Jeff Rosenstock, JER and so much more. This episode gives a strong glimpse into the world of touring—but not just for ska musicians. For any DIY artist out there right now, trying to figure out how to make it work, and make it fun. 

If you’d like to support us and listen to early access, ad-free episodes with bonus content, check out our Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/indefenseofska]! 

If you like our theme song, go download the EP Lives by Slow Gherkin. They wrote the opening and closing songs for our podcast. You can get both tunes from their Lives EP [https://asianmanrecords.bandcamp.com/album/lives]. Also, check out Dan P and the Bricks [https://asianmanrecords.bandcamp.com/album/watch-where-you-walk] two LPs [https://www.amazon.com/When-Were-Fearless-DAN-BRICKS/dp/B07987C2LJ]. They provided the mid-roll ad transition music. 

Support the In Defense host Aaron Carnes by purchasing a copy of his book, In Defense of Ska. The 2nd, expanded edition of In Defense of Ska [https://www.clashbooks.com/new-products-2/aaron-carnes-in-defense-of-ska] will release in Oct 2024. 

Co-host Adam Davis has a band called Omnigone [https://omnigone.bandcamp.com/]. Their latest record, Against The Rest [https://omnigone.bandcamp.com/album/against-the-rest] released on March 31, 2023. 

The In Defense of Ska editor Chris Reeves runs a record label called Ska Punk International [https://www.skapunkinternational.com/]. They have new releases coming out all the time.

Sign up for the Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/indefenseofska] to support the podcast and get access to our extended conversation with Rob Harvilla.



Support In Defense of Ska by checking out StubHub: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/DLXVmMB

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Touring in a Ska Band: Life on the Road

There’s a piece of Gilman lore that involves a huge fight between punks and nazis in the late 80s. And, the punks kick the nazis butts. So much, that they never show their face at Gilman again. This tale was documented in a scene in the excellent documentary Turn It Around: The Story of East Bay Punk. But now, it’s been fictionalized and used as the inspiration for a story in the new film, Freaky Tales. 

Today we look at this nazi punching Gilman lore. We talk to the Freaky Tale directors, Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, to get a sense of how and why they adapted it for their film. We talk to Turn It Around director, Corbett Redford. And we talk to three Gilman punks that were there when it went down: Kamala Lyn Parks, George Hated and MDC singer Dave Dictor. 

We also learn how Operation Ivy factored into this whole thing. 

If you’d like to support us and listen to early access, ad-free episodes with bonus content, check out our Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/indefenseofska]! 

If you like our theme song, go download the EP Lives by Slow Gherkin. They wrote the opening and closing songs for our podcast. You can get both tunes from their Lives EP [https://asianmanrecords.bandcamp.com/album/lives]. Also, check out Dan P and the Bricks [https://asianmanrecords.bandcamp.com/album/watch-where-you-walk] two LPs [https://www.amazon.com/When-Were-Fearless-DAN-BRICKS/dp/B07987C2LJ]. They provided the mid-roll ad transition music. 

Support the In Defense host Aaron Carnes by purchasing a copy of his book, In Defense of Ska. The 2nd, expanded edition of In Defense of Ska [https://www.clashbooks.com/new-products-2/aaron-carnes-in-defense-of-ska] will release in Oct 2024. 

Co-host Adam Davis has a band called Omnigone [https://omnigone.bandcamp.com/]. Their latest record, Against The Rest [https://omnigone.bandcamp.com/album/against-the-rest] released on March 31, 2023. 

The In Defense of Ska editor Chris Reeves runs a record label called Ska Punk International [https://www.skapunkinternational.com/]. They have new releases coming out all the time.

Sign up for the Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/indefenseofska] to support the podcast and get access to our extended conversation with Rob Harvilla.



Support In Defense of Ska by checking out StubHub: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/DLXVmMB

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Punching Nazis: A True Gilman Punk Rock Story

One of the biggest ska bands in Europe right now are brilliant group based out of Bosnia that meld ska, reggae, hip-hop, alt-rock and fuse it all with Balkan musical elements. They’re called Dubioza Kolektiv and they’re amazing! This week, we talk to them about their music, but also hear their incredible story. 

We cover the full gamut with the group. It includes the time they were almost on Eurovision, what it was like to grow up during the Bosnian War (and how they would sneak off to shows), meeting Bill Gould of Faith No More, their perspective on the rise of far right governments globally (and how we can fight back), and they talk at length about the role being Balkan has on their entire approach to making music. 

We also learn that the group has only been to the US once! We need to change that ASAP! 

If you’d like to support us and listen to early access, ad-free episodes with bonus content, check out our Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/indefenseofska]! 

If you like our theme song, go download the EP Lives by Slow Gherkin. They wrote the opening and closing songs for our podcast. You can get both tunes from their Lives EP [https://asianmanrecords.bandcamp.com/album/lives]. Also, check out Dan P and the Bricks [https://asianmanrecords.bandcamp.com/album/watch-where-you-walk] two LPs [https://www.amazon.com/When-Were-Fearless-DAN-BRICKS/dp/B07987C2LJ]. They provided the mid-roll ad transition music. 

Support the In Defense host Aaron Carnes by purchasing a copy of his book, In Defense of Ska. The 2nd, expanded edition of In Defense of Ska [https://www.clashbooks.com/new-products-2/aaron-carnes-in-defense-of-ska] will release in Oct 2024. 

Co-host Adam Davis has a band called Omnigone [https://omnigone.bandcamp.com/]. Their latest record, Against The Rest [https://omnigone.bandcamp.com/album/against-the-rest] released on March 31, 2023. 

The In Defense of Ska editor Chris Reeves runs a record label called Ska Punk International [https://www.skapunkinternational.com/]. They have new releases coming out all the time.

Sign up for the Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/indefenseofska] to support the podcast and get access to our extended conversation with Rob Harvilla.

Donating for LA fires:

California Fire Foundation [https://cpf.salsalabs.org/cff-donation/index.html]

Pasadena Humane [https://pasadenahumane.org/]

Mutual Aid LA [https://mutualaidla.org/]

Support The Music Community - Fire Loss + Resource Tab [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1jyJ-NM2qP-iRk1LJ8l3dc7e0M3IhHlo3E7Agvo9JOAQ/edit?gid=0#gid=0]





Support In Defense of Ska by checking out StubHub: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/DLXVmMB

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

From Eurovision to the Bosnian War: A conversation with Dubioza Kolektiv

The Chains are a new ska band out of Denmark. Their sound leans more into the trad ska, rock steady, boss reggae style of the music. They put out an incredible LP last year called Crying On The Dancefloor, and they are set to play Supernova International Ska Festival this year. 

Even though they are new, the members have been involved in the Denmark ska scene for many decades. This week, we talk to three members of the group to learn about their awesome album, their formation, recording techniques and opinions on ska. Plus, we also get a full history of ska in Denmark. 

We also learn about the band’s connection to RX Bandit/Link 80 member Steve Borth. 

If you’d like to support us and listen to early access, ad-free episodes with bonus content, check out our Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/indefenseofska]! 

If you like our theme song, go download the EP Lives by Slow Gherkin. They wrote the opening and closing songs for our podcast. You can get both tunes from their Lives EP [https://asianmanrecords.bandcamp.com/album/lives]. Also, check out Dan P and the Bricks [https://asianmanrecords.bandcamp.com/album/watch-where-you-walk] two LPs [https://www.amazon.com/When-Were-Fearless-DAN-BRICKS/dp/B07987C2LJ]. They provided the mid-roll ad transition music. 

Support the In Defense host Aaron Carnes by purchasing a copy of his book, In Defense of Ska. The 2nd, expanded edition of In Defense of Ska [https://www.clashbooks.com/new-products-2/aaron-carnes-in-defense-of-ska] will release in Oct 2024. 

Co-host Adam Davis has a band called Omnigone [https://omnigone.bandcamp.com/]. Their latest record, Against The Rest [https://omnigone.bandcamp.com/album/against-the-rest] released on March 31, 2023. 

The In Defense of Ska editor Chris Reeves runs a record label called Ska Punk International [https://www.skapunkinternational.com/]. They have new releases coming out all the time.

Sign up for the Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/indefenseofska] to support the podcast and get access to our extended conversation with Rob Harvilla.

Donating for LA fires:

California Fire Foundation [https://cpf.salsalabs.org/cff-donation/index.html]

Pasadena Humane [https://pasadenahumane.org/]

Mutual Aid LA [https://mutualaidla.org/]

Support The Music Community - Fire Loss + Resource Tab [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1jyJ-NM2qP-iRk1LJ8l3dc7e0M3IhHlo3E7Agvo9JOAQ/edit?gid=0#gid=0]



Support In Defense of Ska by checking out StubHub: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/DLXVmMB

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Sound of Ska in Denmark: The Chains

Today we ask the question that is on everyone’s mind? What exactly is the sub-genre known as crack rock steady? We discuss the musical elements of the style, the aesthetics, lyrics and who the main (and lesser known) groups in this scene are. But since Aaron and Adam are not crack rock steady experts, they brought on an expert—author/ska fan, Jeff Burk

We of course talk about Choking Victim/Leftover Crack. But we also talk about other important groups like Public Serpents, No Cash, Team Spider, The Stupid Stupid Henchmen, Beng Beng Cocktail, From the Cradle to the Rave and many others. 

We also talk about the Stza problem, which band is Jeff’s favorite and look at where the genre is now. Plus, we find out Jeff’s connection to the book, In Defense of Ska. 

If you’d like to support us and listen to early access, ad-free episodes with bonus content, check out our Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/indefenseofska]! 

If you like our theme song, go download the EP Lives by Slow Gherkin. They wrote the opening and closing songs for our podcast. You can get both tunes from their Lives EP [https://asianmanrecords.bandcamp.com/album/lives]. Also, check out Dan P and the Bricks [https://asianmanrecords.bandcamp.com/album/watch-where-you-walk] two LPs [https://www.amazon.com/When-Were-Fearless-DAN-BRICKS/dp/B07987C2LJ]. They provided the mid-roll ad transition music. 

Support the In Defense host Aaron Carnes by purchasing a copy of his book, In Defense of Ska. The 2nd, expanded edition of In Defense of Ska [https://www.clashbooks.com/new-products-2/aaron-carnes-in-defense-of-ska] will release in Oct 2024. 

Co-host Adam Davis has a band called Omnigone [https://omnigone.bandcamp.com/]. Their latest record, Against The Rest [https://omnigone.bandcamp.com/album/against-the-rest] released on March 31, 2023. 

The In Defense of Ska editor Chris Reeves runs a record label called Ska Punk International [https://www.skapunkinternational.com/]. They have new releases coming out all the time.

Sign up for the Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/indefenseofska] to support the podcast and get access to our extended conversation with Rob Harvilla.

Donating for LA fires:

California Fire Foundation [https://cpf.salsalabs.org/cff-donation/index.html]

Pasadena Humane [https://pasadenahumane.org/]

Mutual Aid LA [https://mutualaidla.org/]

Support The Music Community - Fire Loss + Resource Tab [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1jyJ-NM2qP-iRk1LJ8l3dc7e0M3IhHlo3E7Agvo9JOAQ/edit?gid=0#gid=0]

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Support In Defense of Ska by checking out StubHub: https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/DLXVmMB

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

WTF is Crack Rock Steady?

Ska no longer needs to be the butt of every joke. IDOS is flipping the narrative on this style of music that they love dearly.

Hosts Aaron Carnes (author of "In Defense of Ska") and Adam Davis (Link 80, Omingone) chat with people in and outside of the ska scene to tell its stories, show its pervasiveness in culture, and defend it to their last dying breath.

Aaron Carnes

Shows