Florida Sound Archive Podcast

Explore the vibrant music scene of Florida, past and present, through in-depth conversations with the artists, musicians, and industry insiders who shaped it. From the pioneers of Florida's punk and rock scenes to the contemporary sounds of today, our podcast delves into the stories, experiences, and memories that have made the state a hub for musical innovation and creativity. Tune in for insightful interviews, fascinating anecdotes, and a journey through the Sunshine State's rich musical heritage.

Florida Sound Archive Podcast is a music podcast hosted by Jeff Kaiser, with 100 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Jeff Kaiser hosts Florida Sound Archive Podcast, a music show with 100 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #146

  #146 MIke Marsh (The Agency / Dashboard Confessional)

  Sep 4, 20262h 45mS1

  The Story of Mike Marsh: The Agency, Dashboard Confessional, Touring & More In this episode of the Florida Sound Archive Podcast, we're joined by Mike Marsh, whose journey from the South Florida punk scene eventually led him to Dashboard Confessional, The Avett Brothers, and some of the biggest stages in music. This is one of the deepest dives Mike has taken into his story, covering more than three decades of music, touring, friendships, success, addiction, recovery, and everything in between. Mike looks back at growing up in Kendall, discovering punk rock and drumming, and finding his place in the South Florida music and skateboarding scene of the 1990s. From there, we get into The Agency, its origins, recordings, and more. The story then moves into Dashboard Confessional, with founder Chris Carrabba and bassist Dan Bonebrake, and Mike's role in helping take Dashboard from its South Florida roots to MTV, MTV Unplugged, Madison Square Garden, David Letterman, and beyond. Mike also talks openly about what came with that success, including addiction, touring, and the realities of life in a rapidly changing music industry. He also touches on his time in Denny's Unit and Seville, who would later tour with Dashboard Confessional. Later, Mike shares how a move to Nashville eventually led to recording with Scott and Seth Avett, meeting Rick Rubin, and becoming part of The Avett Brothers. He also talks about sobriety, recovery, rebuilding relationships, reconnecting with old friends and bandmates, and continuing to make music with both The Agency and The Avett Brothers. It's a conversation that covers a lot of ground, but at its heart, it's Mike telling his story in his own words. From South Florida clubs and skateparks to some of the biggest stages in the country, there are plenty of stories along the way.

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  Episode #145

  #145 Chris Garbage & Michael Rizzo (Declared Ungovernable)

  Aug 21, 20261h 2mS1

  The Story of Declared Ungovernable: Chris Garbage & Michael Rizzo on the History of the Winter Park Florida Punks, 80s Scene, and More In this episode, we're joined by Chris Garbage and Michael Rizzo, founding members of Winter Park hardcore punk band Declared Ungovernable, for a deep dive into the band's origins, Florida's 1980s punk scene, and eventual reunion decades later. Chris and Michael trace their friendship back to middle school, where they bonded as outsiders and discovered punk rock after seeing Minor Threat in Winter Park. What began as a teenage band called Florida's Unwanted Children eventually evolved into Declared Ungovernable, a name inspired by Chris's personal experiences and the rebellious spirit that fueled the group. The conversation explores the DIY world that shaped the band, from recording sessions, homemade merchandise, skate contests, house parties, and shows across Orlando, Tampa, Cocoa Beach, Miami, and beyond. Chris and Michael share memories of playing with bands including RKL and The Meatmen, along with stories about the musicians, promoters, artists, friends, and family who helped support them. Chris also discusses the difficult home life that influenced many of the band's songs, while both reflect on building a following without the internet, social media, or industry connections. Chris and Michael also discuss the musical differences that eventually led to Declared Ungovernable's breakup, the band's music continuing to resonate with fans over the decades, and the reunion performances that followed. They reflect on what they accomplished as teenagers, the surprising longevity of the band's legacy, and the friendships that have survived nearly forty years since those first rehearsals in Winter Park.

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  Episode #144

  #144 Jesse Alvare (FWA)

  Aug 7, 202654 minS1

  The Story of Jesse Alvare: History of FWA, South Florida's 80s Hardcore Punk Scene, and More In this episode, we're joined by Jesse Alvare, founder and longtime driving force behind South Florida hardcore punk band FWA, to explore the band's history and its place in the South Florida punk and hardcore scene. Jesse reflects on growing up in Pasadena, California, moving to South Florida in 1979, discovering punk rock through bands like the Ramones, and becoming part of a growing underground community built through DIY shows, warehouse events, backyard parties, and more. The conversation explores the early South Florida punk and hardcore scene, including important spaces such as Pops, a warehouse near Tamiami Airport, Churchill's, Ocean 71/Flynn's, and the Cameo Theater. Jesse discusses the brotherhood with other South Florida bands from the era, including Indecision, Cultural Brain Rot, The Believers, Powerhouse, Meat Locker, The Roidz, Genitorturers, and others. Jesse shares memories of opening for touring bands like Youth Of Today, 7 Seconds, Agnostic Front, Scream, and The Exploited, along with unforgettable shows featuring Dead Kennedys, SS Decontrol, Kraut, Circle Jerks, Motörhead, Slayer, Overkill, the Ramones, Fishbone, and Wall Of Voodoo. He also reflects on the venues, record stores, flyers, and word of mouth that connected bands and fans before the internet era. The discussion also covers the formation of FWA in the mid-1980s, recording early demos at Third Eye Studios in Miami, releasing vinyl, creating flyers and merchandise, and preserving the band's history through posters, photographs, and memorabilia. Jesse talks about keeping a DIY band active through decades of lineup changes and why FWA continues to perform more than four decades later. Jesse also discusses how punk and hardcore culture has changed over the years, from the DIY flyer era to social media, the rising costs of live music, and the differences between the scene of the 1980s and today. He reflects on the lasting impact of the South Florida punk and hardcore community and the people, venues, and bands that helped build it.

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  Episode #143

  #143 Joe Keit (Tension)

  Jul 31, 20261h 8mS1

  The Story of Joe Keit: History of Tension, Unwillful Demise, Samkoma, and More In this episode, we're joined by Joe Keit, guitarist and founding member of South Florida hardcore band Tension, as well as an early member of Unwillful Demise. Joe reflects on growing up in a musical family, discovering artists like Kiss, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, and Metallica, and developing a lifelong passion for music alongside longtime friend Matt Fox, who would later form Shai Hulud. He shares stories of learning guitar, writing songs, and becoming immersed in South Florida's underground music scene during the late 1980s and early 1990s. The conversation explores the formation of Unwillful Demise, recording demos, playing venues including the Treehouse and Kitchen Club, and sharing stages with members of South Florida's growing metal and hardcore communities. Joe also discusses other local bands from the era, including Cynic, Malevolent Creation, Fatal Sin, Raped Ape, and Eternal Damage, along with memories of record stores including Uncle Sam's and Specs, local concerts, and discovering new music throughout Broward County and beyond. Joe recounts the formation of Tension with vocalist Mike Hurley, the band's releases In Our Time , The Sickness of Our Age , and Agent of the People , recording at Studio 13 with Jeremy Staska, winning a Slammy Award, interest from Century Media Records, and the band's evolving sound. He also shares memories of performances at Coral Springs City Center, Blue Chair, Plus Five Lounge, Club Q, and The Edge, along with touring and sharing bills with Strongarm, Shelter, Strife, Earth Crisis, Integrity, Endure, Timescape Zero, Bloodlet, and Load. The discussion also focuses on Mike Hurley's impact on Tension. Joe shares memories of their friendship, reflects on Hurley's songwriting and stage presence, discusses the challenges that followed after the band's breakup, and speaks candidly about mental health, addiction, suicide, and the importance of checking in on friends and loved ones. Joe also discusses life after Tension, including his career as a firefighter, his involvement in martial arts, breakdancing, and electronic music, as well as his current projects Ronin Taiko and Samkoma.

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  Episode #142

  #142 Adel Souto (Timescape Zero)

  Jul 24, 20261h 40mS1

  The Story of Adel "156" Souto: Timescape Zero, Violent Deed, Feast of Hate and Fear, and More IIn this episode, we're joined by Adel Souto (Adel 156), vocalist for South Florida bands Violent Deed, Timescape Zero, Shroud, and Sound for Sound, and creator of the fanzine Feast of Hate and Fear . Adel reflects on growing up in Hialeah, discovering punk through mixtapes, college radio, and record stores, and becoming part of South Florida's underground music scene in the 1980s. He discusses early shows, the formation of Violent Deed, recording the band's demo, and opening for bands including Youth of Today, Dayglo Abortions, Death, and Death Angel. He also shares memories of the violence that often surrounded shows during that era and how the culture evolved throughout the late 1980s and 1990s. The conversation explores Adel's fanzine work, from Evolution to Feast of Hate and Fear , and his role in documenting Florida's punk and hardcore communities. We also discuss Timescape Zero, the band's recordings and releases, performances throughout Florida, and venues including Churchill's, Washington Square, Plus Five Lounge, and Blue Chair. Adel also shares stories about Shroud, None Dare Call It Treason, Sound for Sound, and the people and DIY community that helped shape South Florida's underground music scene, along with the lasting legacy of the bands, venues, record stores, fanzines, promoters, independent radio, and more.

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