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.