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Had I been more responsible this time around, this episode would have been shared with the world at least a month before Netlabel Day 2026 took place, not as the event is happening. Here's the inescapable fact about life, though...it just...keeps...lifing. At any rate, 90% of the show is comprised of Creative Commons licensed cuts, including a mini-documentary in support of the Internet Archive's Wayback Machine, a Playstation-inspired drum and bass joint from MICROMECHA, and a collaboration between Devin Morrison and Moonchild's Amber Navran.
Give a brother 50 minutes, if you please. As always, I thank you for your time and your ears.
This episode's track list (title / artist / source / license):
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**SCROLL DOWN FOR THE FULL TRACK LIST**
Monday, July 14, 2025 marked my second time around hosting a takeover of the Netlabel Day Radio stream. For two hours, I got to share a bunch of Creative Commons licensed tracks live from my living room. I'm always thankful for opportunities like this and I gotta give a shoutout to my big brother and Netlabel Day facilitator Omar Willey for entrusting me with another 120 minutes to go live on the NLD Radio stream. Honestly, I'm grateful to share music with any and all that are willing to take the time to listen. I'm always amazed at what I'm able to find within the CC music virtual bins.
Among the featured netlabels are active imprints like blocSonic, Business Casual, Jumpsuit, Flowerpot, Dusted Wax Kingdom, and Monster Jinx. Thanks to the Internet Archive, I was also able to include works from netlabels that ended their run over 5, 10, or even 15 years ago like Melodica and Subwise. And whenever I can represent for labels that are indie staples like Stones Throw or Atjazz Record Co., I consider that a bonus. Other cuts were discovered on Bandcamp, Free Music Archive, and Jamendo. A little digging goes a long way, resulting in a freeform mix of hip-hop, soul, jazz, rock, and various forms of electronic music.
Some brief corrections: "Not Myself" by Lovespirals was listed as Creative Commons (some rights reserved) at the time of the broadcast, but now is under full copyright (all rights reserved). And I announced that "Drifting Dawn" by Abigail Press was released on Trippin' The Rift, which is incorrect. It was actually released on Melodica, a netlabel from years past that I stumbled upon on the Internet Archive. And about halfway through the episode, I mentioned Willam Maggos and his podcast Culture War Radio. Unfortunately, his show is no longer producing new episodes, but I shared part of his CC music manifesto from the podcast website during the livestream as it was a sentiment that I wholeheartedly agree with. His last post on the Democracy Of Reach website continues that line of thought and is well worth reading.
As this episode unfolds, keep your ears on the alert for verses from Chuck D of Public Enemy and Kool Keith of Ultramagnetic MCs and Dr. Octagon fame. There's a live cut by APB recorded at the WFMU studios and even a Latin jazz joint that dates back to 1968. A little something for many, and hopefully served up in a way that makes sonic sense. If you need an extended session for your next road trip or just some tunes to get you through your work day, I certainly hope that this episode provides what you're looking for.
This episode's track list (title / artist / source / license):
All comments, questions, and general feedback can be sent to radiobsots@gmail.com. Record a voice message and send it my way or leave one at the Speakpipe page!
Visit the BSOTS Linktree for all the podcast and social media platforms. This episode's track list (title / artist / source / license):
Sometimes when I need inspiration to tap into that "buckwild" energy for an upcoming episode, I'll return to a film that I have referenced on this show several times over the years: God Bless America, released in 2011 and written/directed by Bobcat Goldthwait. It's a dark comedy that's meant to be satirical, but I just watched it again and in 2025, it would be funnier if it didn't feel like a brutally honest reflection of present-day life in the USA. It all feels upside down right now and unbearably cruel. In one scene, Frank (the protagonist of the movie) asks his co-worker a question that I often ask myself: "Why have a civilization anymore if we no longer are interested in being civilized?" Whenever my mind gets stuck on that question, that usually means that it's time for BSOTS to get BUCKWILD.
I started recording this in November thinking that it would be finished and online during my birthday month, but to no avail. Cold symptoms slowed me down midway through the month and its effect may be noticeable during my voice overs in the second half of the episode. Strangely enough, I think that the cold gave me just the right amount of irritation that I needed during my final talk break in defense of podcasting for fun. I'm probably one of the last podcasters that will admit to doing that, but I'm also a creative being who takes issue with referring to my work as "content," and I'll never make it in the industry with that attitude.
The "buckwild" episodes are always a great time to play some music with abrasive energy and irreverent personality. "Shenanigans" feels like the lynchpin cut of the show. Released at least 15 years ago, it's still potent in its lyricism and production. Respect due to my brother Mtume Gant f/k/a Core Rhythm, who attacks the microphone on this joint alongside Conscious and Sum. "Relief Checks" is that "barely making it" working class / working poor sentiment that I'm sure a lot of stateside residents can relate to right about now. Much like Mtume, I've been representing for the music of Mikal Amin for as long as I've been producing this show. Mikal and producer Mista Mayday share a friendship that goes back 30 years, and it's always great to hear these two still gettin' it in for the love of hip-hop. The JP Reynolds joint hit me like a ton of bricks. "Buried Alive" is the opening cut of his new E.P. REVIVAL: The Cutting Room Floor. Due to the vulnerability captured in JP's voice as he spit these lyrics, I felt like he had eavesdropped on my emotions at the time that I heard it.
If it's a dog eat dog world, then the Trump administration is all too ready to hand out stars-and-stripes-ridden milkbone boxer briefs to the majority of America's citizens. I was able to find a few Creative Commons tunes that reflect the times. "The Democrats" by Carsie Blanton sums up my thoughts leading up to the 2024 Presidential election while Salanje's "Texas Democracy Under Attack" drops the listener in the middle of a protest. J. Lang's "51st State, Eh? (Rock Mix)" adds a little levity to the show, but it's also a bit sobering in retrospect. Remember when Trump wanting Canada to be the 51st state was the craziest thing he said this year? Way too much has happened since then. And because we're only five years removed from the global standstill brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, I included "It's A Quarantine Thing" by Doctor Popular, featuring spot-on lyrical commentary from Mega Ran. It's also worth mentioning that I grabbed an opening monologue from a previous "buckwild" episode released eight years ago and it feels like it could've been recorded yesterday. Its subject matter is in perfect sync with the politically charged music selections featured within this episode.
I always look forward to the audio surprises that I stumble upon while on Bandcamp. Such is the case with Jericho Jackson, the collaborative efforts of Elzhi (emcee) and Khrysis (producer). If you follow these artists, then you understand what a blessing it is to have even a handful of their songs in the Creative Commons canon. "I Am Him" is a head nod essential. Meanwhile, "Move Around" by SoSoon (a single from his recently released album Life Be Life'ing) is a boom bap ode to the NYC subway system. The Dread's "Staring At The Sun" sits at the intersection of rock and hip-hop while Wiseman's "What A World" closes out the show leaning into the double time rhythms of drum and bass.
It's a lot served up in just under a hour, but the "buckwild" episodes tend to move fast. It's the occasional primal scream for the podcast feed that serves as a sonic middle finger to everything worth leaving behind in 2025 (but may still grab hold of our heels as we enter 2026). Here goes nothin'...and I hope that you enjoy the ride.
P.S. I mention a guest appearance on Mtume's podcast Within Our Gates within this episode, which is out now to listen to and enjoy! Check the links below for access to our conversation...
Theme music produced by Cy Tru (featuring Jonny Sonic). ID drops courtesy of Mr. Ivory Snow, Mega Ran, Anji Bee, and Mikal Amin. Background music includes "Small Town USA (instrumental)" by Foul Mouth Jerk and "Plastic Rumblings" by Ezekiel Honig.
All comments, questions, and general feedback can be sent to radiobsots@gmail.com. Record a voice message and send it my way or leave one at the Speakpipe page!
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More often than not, just thinking about social media engagement makes me exhausted, but I've found reasons to hang out on Mastodon more than other platforms. It mainly has to do with an active and growing indie music community, including music makers, music lovers, and tech developers that are often a combination of the former two categories. It's just nice to witness them all speak to each other, brainstorm in real time, and make things happen. No social media platform is perfect, but what I'm learning on Mastodon gives me incentive to make return visits and engage with the community while I'm there. It also makes sense to share what I'm learning there with the BSOTS listening audience, particularly if the information is related directly to music appreciation, sonic curation, and/or media preservation.
There's an embrace of open source tools on Mastodon as well as Creative Commons licensed works, and I have stumbled upon a number of great CC music releases since I've been there. Respect due to Ryno The Bearded for putting me on to Warik, an artist that reminds me of the beauty of well-crafted pop music. The jangly guitars, catchy lyrics, and soulful bump of "Yellowish" have made it worthy of many rewinds on my player. On the electronic side of things, there's Alphabets Heaven and their album Your Lifestyle, a gorgeous and sun-kissed psychedelic beat tape that straddles the fence between hip-hop and house. Many of the songs on that release are brief, so I included two within this episode. And I can't get over the crunchy programming of Rephazer's "Peat," full of foreboding bass tones and a lighter melody that floats right above the surface.
Half of the joy of searching through CC music websites is the discovery and surprise that happens along the way, but since you can't be everywhere at once, it's always helpful to tap into the tastes and preferences of other CC music fans. I learned about AMARAFLEUR through watching one of her videos on the Friends Of CC Music YouTube channel. Hailing from Johannesburg, South Africa, her left-of-center R&B displays a certain vulnerability that you can't turn away from. "DontLetGo" benefits from Aule Whan's futuristic hip-hop styled production. This is a head nod essential right here. I also have been coming across some incredible drum and bass tunes lately, but I never thought I'd find a CC licensed joint featuring Cleveland Watkiss, arguably one of the most charismatic vocalists that the UK has given to the world. "Energy" is a well orchestrated jazz stepper and a no-brainer to include within this episode.
Live jazz for the dance floor is delivered in top form courtesy of Australia's Alexander Flood. "Life Is A Rhythm" is a peak hour tune made with the house heads in mind. The episode concludes with a rendition of "Rhapsody In Blue" that entered the public domain earlier this year. It's rare that you get to hear a sound recording in the public domain from 90 years ago that represents the composer's original artistic intention, but this version of the composition actually features George Gershwin on piano. It's amazing that this classic work is available for all of us to access and interact with now. This is why I continue to crate dig within the CC music virtual bins: you'd be amazed at the familiar names or few that you'll find. Trust and believe that your curiosity for CC music discovery will always be rewarded. With all of that said, here's hoping that you will enjoy the show and I thank you so much for listening.
Theme music edited by macedonia (originally produced by cy tru). ID drop courtesy of Kahlee.
Bei Bei & Shawn Lee - Make Me Stronger (Featuring Georgia Anne Muldrow) Damon Aaron - Floating Nitai Hershkovits - Sattelite Dish feat. Georgia Anne Muldrow The Skull Eclipses - Take My Jaubi - Time: The Donut Of The Heart homeshake - Just Like My RC & the Gritz - Good Day To You Sir Cleo Sol - 23 SAULT - Foot on Necks Leroy & The Drivers - The Sad Chicken Saun & Starr - Look Closer (Can't You See The Signs?) Radio Citizen - Everything Vex Ruffin - I’m Still At It Salami Rose Joe Louis - Sitting with Thoughts Bullion - Loop The Loop Nautic - Freedom of the Floor Dina ögon - Tombola 94 Shawn Lee - Fade Up (Feat. The Superimposers) Mizan K - Thru Khruangbin - Evan Finds the Third Room Scrimshire - Thru You feat. Georgia Anne Muldrow fleet.dreams - EKG (Club Mix) Panama - How We Feel Nino Moschella - Something Like Paper Tiger - Weight In Space feat. Shafiq Husayn (Radio Edit) Little Simz - No More Wonderland Reverend Sam Dixon - Anyway
The 30th of March came around and I couldn't sit by and continue to feel sorry for myself because I wasn't doing radio anymore. That never stopped me from sharing music before. And finding out that Andrew Jervis had been fired from his curatorial and hosting duties at Bandcamp was just the spark that I needed to finally set up shop and hit record. This trial run is really just an excuse to say thank you to Andrew, to show love for all of the artists and music that he represented for proudly during his time at Bandcamp. Not only that, but I figured I could also play some selections from the vast catalog of Ubiquity Records. It's one of my favorite independent labels and also where I first came to learn of the discerning ear and impeccable taste of Mr. Jervis.
I only played a handful of Ubiquity selections during this session, but any time is a good time for the sounds of Shawn Lee, Radio Citizen, Bei Bei, and Nino Moschella. "Floating" by Damon Aaron is a sleeper hit in the Ubiquity catalog: dreamy, pastoral soul that's warm and heartfelt. And that funk joint from Leroy & The Drivers is entirely too tough. I lean heavy on the Bandcamp side of things and with good reason: Jervis was the perfect host for Bandcamp Weekly, always putting the listeners on to new sounds and reminding us of choice selections from the past that still hold up today. The list of artists that I discovered on that show is too long to mention, but this show is jam-packed with them. Cuts from Cleo Sol, SAULT, Khruangbin, Little Simz, and Jaubi are just a few examples. Then there are artists that I didn't see coming like Swedish sensation Dina ögon or the introverted R&B/pop song hybrid that is homeshake. Andrew put me on to Salami Rose Joe Louis years prior to her signing to Brainfeeder Recordings. And I'm always up for some leftfield gospel to add to my unconventional hymnal, so I had to close things out with Reverend Sam Dixon's "Anyway" (another Bandcamp Weekly jewel).
I can't say with certainty that I'll be back on a monthly basis to do this, but that is my heart's desire. Then again, this life has a way of reminding me that my creative displays will be shared with the world when it's time and not a moment before then.
The first installment of Shielded By Headphones is here. And for that, I am grateful. Hope you enjoy it.
