Los Angeles has a thriving Latino ska scene. Possibly, the best ska scene in the US. Today we bring on Matamoska, an early band in this scene that is still going strong. They released their 4th album on May 17, 2024, on Bad Time Records (Tracked by Clemente Ruiz). To talk about it, we bring on Jose Padilla (vocals/guitar), Esteban Flores (Keyboards) and Richard Sanchez (Former drummer). We also see if this album on Bad Time Records signifies that this vibrant but insular LA scene is entering a time where it blends much more with the ska scene outside of LA.
We talk about the DIY backyard shows that Matamoska played a ton of in their early years. They sing about this era fondly on their new track, “Ska Show.” We discuss how difficult it was for non-white artists to make it in Los Angeles in the aftermath of the LA Riots. And we talk about how this mostly Latino ska scene became the biggest local scene in the country.
We talk about the time Angelo Moore hopped on stage and joined them for a cover of “Monkey Man.” We talk about how they used to always play with metal bands. And we learn the story behind their song “Flan.”
We learn about Matamoska being called sellouts for playing legit venues, how they do surprisingly well in Indiana and discuss how the backwards circle skank evolved in the late 2000s.
Plus, we hear Padilla’s embarrassing Sister Nancy story!
Listen to Matamoska on the In Defense of Ska podcast. Then, follow the series wherever you get your podcast. Fans can also get early and ad-free episodes by joining the IDOS Patreon, and don't forget to check out all the Consequence Podcast Network series here.
You can also support the In Defense host Aaron Carnes by purchasing a copy of his book, In Defense of Ska. The 2nd, expanded edition will be released in Oct 2024.
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. Also, check out Dan P and the Bricks two LPs. They provided the mid-roll ad transition music.
Co-host Adam Davis has a band called Omnigone. Their latest record, Against The Rest released on March 31, 2023.
The In Defense of Ska editor Chris Reeves runs a record label called Ska Punk International. They have new releases coming out all the time.
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