Ep556: Shapel Lacey - Punk, Comedy & Rising Above

Ep556: Shapel Lacey - Punk, Comedy & Rising Above

Author: The Vinyl Guide July 20, 2026 Duration: 1:02:08

Comedian Shapel Lacey discusses the power of music, inspiration and how a 1981 Black Flag video sparked a lifelong punk obsession that shaped his identity, art, and resilience.

Shapel Lacey tour dates  |  comedy special  |  Mad Peaceful band

Topics Include:

  • Talks local record stores, Amoeba, old Sunset location
  • Discovers deep-cut Swedish hardcore at Eastside Records, Arizona
  • Reflects on pre-streaming era, hunting records in person
  • Notices rosary on Crash's grave, debates his beliefs
  • Traces punk discovery to junior high guitar class
  • Friend introduces him to ska punk, then Black Flag
  • Watches 1981 Target video of Rollins-era Black Flag
  • Rise Above vocals trigger emotional, tearful revelation
  • Explains Black Flag filled a void from turbulent childhood
  • Contrasts Korn/Deftones' anger with punk's empowering message
  • Credits Rollins with teaching self-understanding and personal growth
  • Recalls performing onstage with Rollins at Ohio festival
  • Anger management counselor used Rollins to redirect his aggression
  • Growing up Black, punk, skateboarding in Arizona desert
  • Faced criticism from all sides for musical taste
  • Explored funk, hip-hop, grunge without genre boundaries
  • Connects N.W.A. and Black Flag's shared themes of injustice
  • Discusses punk and hip-hop confronting police brutality parallels
  • Champions open-mindedness across seemingly opposite music scenes
  • Describes local DIY scene at Mesa's Nile basement
  • Panhandled for five dollars to attend all-ages shows
  • Cheerleading came after punk, called "most punk rock" act
  • Discusses tattoos, straight-edge culture, Minor Threat connection
  • Shares personal encounters meeting Henry Rollins and Ian MacKaye
  • Praises Rollins and MacKaye's discipline, historical knowledge, friendship
  • Draws parallels between punk and comedy's DIY authenticity
  • Talks band Mad Peaceful, growing sold-out comedy success
  • Discusses Australia tour interest, interview wrap up

High resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide


There's a particular kind of conversation that happens when two people who are deeply passionate about music get together, surrounded by shelves of records. The Vinyl Guide-Artist Interviews for Record Collectors and Music Nerds captures that feeling perfectly. Hosted by Nate, a dedicated collector and enthusiast, this podcast feels less like a formal interview and more like you're overhearing a great chat in the back of a record store. The discussions naturally weave through artists' creative processes, the stories behind iconic albums, and the tangible magic of the format itself. You'll hear from musicians, producers, and other insiders who live and breathe vinyl, offering perspectives that go far beyond the liner notes. But it's not just about the artists; it's for the collectors, too. Episodes often delve into the practical, nerdy details that make this hobby so compelling-like distinguishing between a common pressing and a rare, valuable find, or learning how to properly care for your collection so it lasts for decades. It’s that blend of artistic insight and collector-focused knowledge that gives this podcast its unique character. Whether you're a seasoned cratedigger or just appreciate the warmth of an analog recording, these conversations offer a rich, human connection to the music you love, all centered around the grooves of a vinyl record.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Vinyl Guide - Artist Interviews for Record Collectors and Music Nerds
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