Buzz Blog

While there are moments of music discussion on the radio, a lot of it seems to be pandering and regurgitated nonsense that PR firms have sent down from the labels. --- We currently live in an era where major music, for all the dissection it goes through in publications and websites, is still conformed two to a sixteen-word byline that's been pre-approved for your listening “pleasure.” In short: Real music discussions are far and few between on the terrestrial airwaves.

Which leaves the podcasting community as the current last refuge of honest talk about why music touches us and why we think certain things are awesome or suck to holy hell. One of the local shows doing just that is a little two-hour program called A Steady Diet Of Music, currently beaming out of the UtahFM studio every Sunday from 6-8 p.m., from local punk rockers Brandon Hobbs and Nick T. Skunk. Today, I briefly chat with the duo, in fantastic insulting style, about the show and their thoughts on local music, along with pics I took of them in action.

Nick T. Skunk & Brandon Hobbs

ASteadyDietOfMusic.com

Gavin: Hey, guy. First thing, tell us a little bit about yourselves.

Brandon: We are dudes who play music and do a podcast. We are full of shit.

Gavin: What got each of you interested in music, and what were some early influences on you?

Skunk: That question is not about our podcast, sir, but music is good and we like to play.

Gavin: How did you each become involved with the local music scene, and what was it like playing in full-fledged bands for the first time?

Skunk: Yet again, not pertaining to the podcast, but playing in bands is fun and we like to play.

Gavin: What bands and projects are you currently involved with?

Brandon: Vena Cava “reunion shows." I was in ALS, Write In The Face, Culture Vultures and Dog Shiz.

Skunk: Currently in Desolate and Scary Uncle Steve. I've been in Dubbed, Stark Raving Mad, The Smoking Roadkills and Officer Down.

Gavin: How did the two of you first meet and become friends?

Brandon: We were at a bar, we drank -- lots and lots.

Gavin: When did the idea to start a podcast come about, and where did the name come from?

Skunk: The idea came from our producer, Mike Tuiasoa, and originally started as a solo-hosted show with Brandon, Skunk was the first guest and we decided to do the show together. The name came from a play on the Fugazi album.

Gavin: What was it like for you first setting up and getting all the equipment together you needed?

Skunk: We had nothing to do with it, Tui had it all. He's a podcast whore.

Gavin: You launched the show back in January. What was the first episode like, and what was the reaction to it from listeners?

Brandon: Well, obviously you haven't listened to it -- it's free on iTunes, Stitcher, Podbean, Facebook and our website%uFFFD--%uFFFDbut it was a drunken debacle that no one gave two shits about except us, Tui and Mark. It ended with Skunk co-hosting the show.

Gavin: How did you go about deciding topics for episodes and figuring out how the show would flow?

Skunk: Naturally, and drunkenly.

Gavin: As time went on, what was it like developing the show and figuring out what worked and what didn't?

Brandon: Trial and error, and beer.

Gavin: How did the importunity to work with UtahFM come about, and what made you decide to record with them on air rather than continue as a solo venture?

Skunk: Trust in Tui! ...He beats us when no one is around!

Gavin: What made you decide to bring on musical guests to perform, and how has that worked out for the show?

Brandon: It's a show about musicians, so having them perform on the show is kind of a given. It has worked out twice, so I guess that means "well."

Gavin: Looking ahead, what do you want to do with the show, and are there any plans to change the format yet?

Skunk: We want to keep doing it. And no ...

Gavin: What kind of an impact do you hope the show will have both on listeners and local music?

Brandon: Hopefully, to promote local bands, and OPEN PEOPLE'S MUTHAFUCKIN MINDS!

Gavin: Looking at local music, what are your thoughts on the Utah scene, both good and bad?

Skunk: This scene could use a venue that has all-ages and alcohol, and doesn't use scumbags like Rick Shoes to steal money from the people who play there, go there for shows and work there. This scene was never that great for the type of music that I've grown up playing; however, some of the bands I've played with have been accepted very well in the anarchist/punk-rock circles for some reason, so, naturally, we never cared if there were 10 people there or 10,000 -- which never happened -- and appreciate the heart every one of those kids have.

Brandon: Ditto.

Gavin: Is there anything you believe could be done to make it more prominent?

Skunk: Don't let Rick Shoes or any other promoters ruin it. They have almost nothing to do with our scene but it seems like bands are expected to bend over and take it up the ass from them for the "privilege" to play at big venues or with big bands. Play house shows, play small venues, promote the shit on your own! Street teams, standing out in front of shows, PRINTING UP FLYERS AND ACTUALLY HANGING THEM UP WORKS!!! I'll get off my soapbox about it and calm down now...

Gavin: What's your opinion on the current airplay on community radio and how it affects local musicians?

Brandon: We have no idea, we are super new to this, but the local podcasts are GRRRREAT!!!

Gavin: What's your take on local labels and the service they provide for musicians?

Skunk: Why don't we answer your question with a question: Are there local labels for podcasts?

Gavin: Not that I know of. What can we expect from you guys and the show over the rest of the year?

Brandon: To keep talking to musicians about themselves, not about their music, for the most part... And to one day write for City Weekly.

Gavin: Aside from the obvious, is there anything you'd like to promote or plug?

Skunk: Which ones are obvious? Sala Thai? Tattoo Sh*t? Just listen to the show and we'll promote everything right there! Sunday's from 6-8 p.m., LIVE on UtahFM and FREE TO ALL on our website, iTunes, Stitcher, Podbean, Podcast Addict and Facebook.

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