In Defense of Ska Ep 202: Bandslam (Charlie Saxton, Todd Graff)

In Defense of Ska Ep 202: Bandslam (Charlie Saxton, Todd Graff)

Author: Aaron Carnes November 27, 2024 Duration: 1:20:53
In Defense of Ska
MusicCultureSocietySociety & Culture

Since the dawn of time, many have pondered an important question: What is the most ska film? There are many contenders, but one that is certainly in contention is Bandslam, a 2009 cult-comedy about a group of high school students who compete in a battle of the bands competition. This week on In Defense of Ska, Bandslam director Todd Graff and Charlie Saxton, who played Bug, talk about the movie's ska references, their appreciation for ska, and more.

Graff and Saxton talk about the trials and tribulations they experienced while working on Bandslam. From the casting process to charting out the plot to the music selection, the two bring us behind the scenes. The explanation also includes details about rebuilding the famous punk club CBGB, as well as the David Bowie cameo, which marked the his last film appearance before his passing in 2016.

The two then talk about their respective ska roots, touching on why the genre is so important to them. Plus, Saxton previews his newest movie, Art of a Hit, which includes an embarrassing story featuring Rick Johnson.

Listen to the conversation, and make sure to like, review, and follow the series wherever you get your podcast. Don't forget to check out all the Consequence Podcast Network series here.

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. 

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 will release in Oct 2024. 

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



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There's a persistent idea that ska music is just a punchline, a relic of checkerboard Vans and goofy horn sections. In Defense of Ska dismantles that notion with genuine passion and deep knowledge. Hosted by Aaron Carnes, who literally wrote the book on the subject, and musician Adam Davis, this podcast goes far beyond nostalgia. Each conversation, whether with scene veterans or curious outsiders, digs into the genre's rich history, its surprising cultural footprint, and the vibrant community that keeps it alive. You'll hear personal stories that trace ska's influence in unexpected places and passionate arguments for its artistic merit. It’s not about blindly championing every upstroke; it’s about thoughtful, often funny, and always dedicated discussions that give the music the serious consideration it rarely gets. Tune in for a refreshing reevaluation that might just change your mind about what ska has been and what it continues to be. This is a defense built on facts, stories, and undeniable love for the sound.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

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