SKACHELLA: A Ska Review of Coachella

SKACHELLA: A Ska Review of Coachella

Author: Aaron Carnes April 19, 2024 Duration: 40:57

This year’s Coachella belongs to ska. Or at least it’s the ska performances that are making all the headlines. And it makes sense. Sublime is back together. Jakob Nowell is fronting the band in place of his dad, Bradley Nowell. No Doubt played their first show in 9 years—and it leaned heavily into ska. Aquabats played a nearly 70% ska set. Even Vampire Weekend’s drummer was spotted sporting a Skankin’ Pickle shirt. Plus they played a couple of ska-influenced tunes.

So for this bonus episode, we ask ourselves if this is the most ska Coachella has ever had. If it hasn’t, then why in 2024 is ska a dominant part of Coachella’s story like never before?

Listen to this episode of In Defense of Ska, and make sure to like, review, and 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 SkaThe 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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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

In Defense of Ska
Podcast Episodes
Behind The Curtain: Supernova panel with Five Iron Frenzy and Catbite [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:36
Supernova was a lot of fun this year. It included a “Ska-ducation” author tent where many talented ska authors got to host interesting discussions at the festival. For mine, I brought on members of Five Iron Frenzy (Rees…
In Defense of Ska Ep 197: Fall Out Boy's Patrick Stump Returns [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:31:06
Most fans might not consider Fall Out Boy particularly ska-ish, but there's actually a strong connection between the band and the genre. This week on In Defense of Ska, the podcast welcomes back a fan-favorite guest, Fal…
In Defense of Ska episode 196: MC Lars [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:57
While the late 2000s wasn't exactly a booming time for the genre of ska, the 2009 ska-injected song "The Gigantic Robot Kills" was able to leave its mark. This week on In Defense of Ska, the podcast welcomes nerdcore rap…
In Defense of Ska Ep 195: Zac Carper (FIDLAR) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:46
Earlier this year, while FIDLAR were on stage opening for Oliver Tree in Philadelphia, lead singer/guitarist Zac Carper told the crowd, “I think we are becoming a Ska band.” It’s an ongoing joke, but one rooted in a dash…
In Defense of Ska ep 194: Raylin Joy (The Calamatix) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:44
With their debut album having just dropped on September 20th, The Calamatix are hoping to make a name for themselves in the contemporary ska scene. This week on In Defense of Ska, the podcast welcomes The Calamatix's lea…
In Defense of Ska Ep 192: Paul Hyman (Bad Manners) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:20:31
Thanks in part to hit songs like "Nee Nee Na Na Na Na Nu Nu" and "My Girl Lollipop," Bad Manners were one of the most notable groups to come from the '80s ska revival in Britain. This week on In Defense of Ska, the podca…
Behind The Curtain: This Is New Tone Discussion Bonus Ep Teaser [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:29
On this special bonus episode of In Defense of Ska, hosts Adam Davis and Aaron Carnes run a panel about the new documentary film This Is New Tone. Davis had hosted a showing of the movie, which chronicles the 2023 Catbit…
In Defense of Ska Ep 190: John Feldmann (Goldfinger) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:57
One of the first ska bands to really pop off on the radio in the '90s was a humble little act called Goldfinger. Bolstered by hits like "Here in Your Bedroom" and "Superman," the band became one of the best-known project…