Romulo Del Castillo on Miami Music Culture, Soul Oddity/Phoenecia, Schematic, Touring, and More

In this episode, we’re joined by Romulo Del Castillo for a deep dive into his journey through South Florida’s experimental electronic music scene. We trace his path from early encounters with sound and club culture to decades of creating, touring, and building community.

Romulo reflects on growing up in Miami during the 1980s and 1990s, and how those experiences shaped his approach to experimental electronic music. He discusses early projects like Super Soul, Soul Oddity, and Phoenecia, along with the rise of rave culture in South Florida.

He also talks about touring internationally, working with Astralwerks and Warp, and co-founding Schematic Records to support independent artists.

Today, he remains active through DJing, live performances, and mentoring, sharing perspectives on longevity, community, and adapting to new technology.

The Story of Orlando's The Hate Bombs

In this episode we’re joined by Scott Sugiuchi, Ken Chiodini, and Dave Ewing to discuss the history of the Orlando garage rock band The Hate Bombs. The conversation covers their formation in the late 1980s and early 1990s Orlando music scene, recent reunions including their 30th anniversary show in 2023, and the backgrounds and roles of each member, along with the contributions and legacy of original guitarist Mick Crowley (1968-2022).

They discuss their early influences in 1960s rock, punk, and garage revival, as well as the importance of record stores, zines, and local venues in building the scene. The episode also covers early shows, touring, networking with other bands, and the release of their first recordings, including the single “Pekinpah Man.”

Additional topics include live performances, recordings and artwork, radio airplay, festival appearances, and limited major-label interest. They also share memories of recording at Hitmakers Studio in Tampa with the late Bill Mason (1951-2025), along with reflections on lineup changes, later recordings, the band’s breakup, reunions, and their lasting recognition among garage rock audiences overseas. The guests close with thoughts on friendship, creativity, and shared experiences.

Shottie on Miami Hip-Hop and His Journey

In this episode of Florida Sound Archive, we’re joined by Miami rapper Shottie for a deep dive into his journey through hip-hop, from his earliest beginnings to what’s next.

Born in the Dominican Republic and later moving to New York City, Shottie shares how the passing of his father ultimately brought him to Miami, where he grew up in the Kendall area. He reflects on first discovering hip-hop through DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince and the classic track Parents Just Don't Understand, before diving deeper into the culture with artists like Redman, Wu-Tang Clan, and Naughty by Nature.

We also explore his discovery of Miami hip-hop pioneers including Trick Daddy, JT Money, 2 Live Crew, Mother Superior, Mr. Mic Rippa, and DJ Craze, and how learning about their work gave him a broader perspective on Miami hip-hop and its place within the larger culture.

Shottie walks us through starting to rap in high school under his original stage name Deadshot, performing early shows at the Cameo Theater (Miami Beach) and the Chili Pepper (Coconut Grove), and forming the group IDEE4, which made the leap to Los Angeles before ultimately returning to South Florida six months later.

We get into his creative process, including his approach to recording, collaborating with producers and rappers locally and internationally, developing album artwork, and the sonic and cinematic influences that shape his projects. Shottie also reflects on performances in Orlando, New York City, Fort Wayne, and Toronto, and what lies ahead in terms of touring and new music.

From Strongarm to Further Seems Forever: Steve Kleisath on His Music Journey, Touring, and More

In this episode, we are joined by drummer Steve Kleisath as he shares his journey from playing drums at age 4 to his early Tampa, Florida band Friend or Foe / Pull, recording at Morrisound Studios, and attending shows at The Ritz, Brass Mug, and more.

Steve talks about his time in Strongarm, Shai Hulud, and the formation of Further Seems Forever, including early recordings, tours, and eras. He also discusses other projects like En Masse, Useless Things, and The Darling Fire, as well as ventures outside music, including holding a Guinness World Record for gaming and co-hosting fantasy football podcasts.

The Story of South Florida's Postface, Ex-Cretins with Rick Ambrose & Stephen "Wolfie" Johnson /////////////// In this episode, one of our most requested, we are joined by Rick Ambrose and Stephen “Wolfie” Johnson, founding members of South Florida bands Postface, Ex-Cretins, and later Tongues of the Heartworm. They discuss their earliest beginnings in Ford City, Pennsylvania, forming their first band Beyond Fear, before forming Postface and relocating to Deerfield Beach, Florida, in the summer of 1989.

They share their journey from forming their first band in Ford City, Pennsylvania, to forming Postface and moving to Deerfield Beach, Florida, in 1989, where they became part of the South Florida alternative scene. Hear stories from early shows in Deerfield, Boca, and Miami, connections with bands like Freaks With Breaks, Load, Marilyn Manson, and Spooky Kids, and the formation of Ex-Cretins and Tongues of the Heartworm.

They also recall working with Jeremy Staska of Studio 13 running sound at many shows (and later recording Ex-Cretins and Tongues of the Heartworm) and Frank “Rat Bastard” Falestra running sound at Churchill’s. Recordings at L7 Studios with Bob Wlos and their own Electric Lazy Land Studios are also discussed. While Postface didn’t tour extensively, they did play shows in Gainesville and Orlando.

The conversation then moves to the origins of Ex-Cretins, changes in the alternative music scene, and performances at venues like Respectable’s, Surf Cafe, Chili Pepper, and the Poorhouse, along with tours to Atlanta, Athens, and Pittsburgh. Rick and Stephen explore the differences between Postface and Ex-Cretins, as well as reunions and their legacy.

We explore the differences between Postface and Ex-Cretins, reunions, legacy, periods between bands and the formation of Tongues of the Heartworm, which included Fausto from Load on drums.

The Story of Josh Dobbs: Orlando Punk, RunnAmucks, Touring and More //////////// Josh Dobbs of Orlando’s RunnAmucks joins the show to talk about growing up in Casselberry, discovering punk after Nirvana, and coming up through venues like Fern Park Station, Sapphire Supper Club, Firestone, and Suburbia, along with record stores like Wax Tree and DIY Records. He reflects on local bands such as Blackhead, Shyster, and Robots Make Mistakes, touring Florida and the U.S. with the RunnAmucks, and recording at places like Sun Studio in Memphis and Paradox in Sarasota. Josh also discusses his label Ripping Records, his studio Danger Room Recording Service, and the Orlando Punk Archive, where he documents overlooked bands and keeps Orlando’s punk history alive.

From Florida Metal to the Blues: Raped Ape, Divine Empire, and More /////////////////// In this episode, we are joined by guitarist JP Soars to trace his journey from South Florida’s metal scene of the 1980s and 1990s to a decades-long career as a blues artist. JP shares stories from early bands like Raped Ape, Malevolent Creation, and Divine Empire, recording at Morrisound Studios and Studio 13, playing and seeing shows at venues like the Cameo Theater, The Treehouse, The Pit, Weekends, Metal Factory, and more, as well as radio, zines, and touring.

He also talks about discovering blues, jazz, and roots music early on, inspired by artists like BB King, Muddy Waters, and Albert King, which eventually led to a full-circle career shift and collaborations with Jason Newsted of Metallica and Lee Oskar of War.

Shai Hulud, Murrychesstoes, Bingo Mut & Metal, Hardcore, Punk – Touring, Recording & More /////////////// In this episode, we sit down with Matt Fox of Shai Hulud, Bingo Mut, and the Fabulous Murrychesstoes as he reflects on his early years in South Florida’s music scene. He shares stories of his first bands, including Evilalive, Unwilful Demise, Planet X, and more, plus memories of touring and seeing bands like Slayer, Cro-Mags, Destruction, and Testament.

Matt dives into the early days of Shai Hulud - from demos with Damien Moyal and Jason Lederman to Chad Gilbert on the first 7”, LP, split 10”, and later LP - and their 2013 reunion for Reach Beyond the Sun. He also recalls working with Steve Keisalth, Spikey Goldbach, and recording with Jeremy Staska and Steve Heritage.

From iconic Florida venues like the Cameo Theater, Treehouse, and the former State Theater in St. Pete, to touring the U.S., Canada, Europe, Japan, and Australia, Matt shares the people, bands, and places that shaped his journey.