191 - But First...Music: Netlabel Day 2025

 

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.

**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):

1.  Manual Retro by Night Owl Committee [Free Music Archive] (CC-BY-NC-ND 3.0) (2013)

2.  Snakes by Rephazer [Kahvi Collective] (CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0) (2024) 

3.  Thrive, Despite by A. Billi Free & The Lasso [Mello Music Group] (CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0) (2022) 

4.  Not Myself by Lovespirals [Bandcamp] (2024)

5.  One Of These Days by Alinah Sipps [Subwise] (CC-BY-NC-ND 3.0) (2009) 

6.  Answers by mary sue [bie Records] (CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0) (2023)

7.  Three More Hours (Featuring Ketsa) by Donnie Ozone [blocSonic] (CC-BY-NC-SA 4.0) (2024) 

8.  Alright Anyway Ft. Taelor Gray by Shon Tha Phenom [Jamendo]  (CC-BY-NC-ND 3.0) (2022) 

9.  Don't Call Me by Gwen Rose [Bandcamp] (CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0) (2025)

10. Scenic Route by Jerry Paper [Stones Throw] (CC-BY-NC-SA 4.0) (2024) 

11. Mamaye by Sampology [Jus Like Music] (CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0) (2010)

12. Xamar by Dexter Story [Soundway] (CC-BY-ND 4.0) (2015)

13. How Not to Die (Featuring Chuck D) by Headsnack [blocSonic] (CC-BY-NC-SA 4.0) (2023) 

14. Electric Mind ft. Kool Keith by The Polish Ambassador [Jumpsuit] (CC-BY-NC 4.0) (2022)  

15. Greenery by DarkSunn [Monster Jinx] (CC-BY-NC-SA 4.0) (2024)

16. Untitled by Ras G [dublab] (CC-BY 4.0) (2021)  

17. The Mind Is Not Inside The Head by The Oddvisers [Discordian] (2024)

18. Remains Of The Day by Wizard Of Loneliness [Business Casual] (CC-BY-NC-SA 4.0) (2024)  

19. I Am Not What I Buy by Mr. Princess [Flowerpot] (CC-BY-NC-SA 4.0) (2024)

20. Swarm Of Bees by Dug [Flowerpot] (CC-BY-NC-SA 4.0) (2024)

21. Budding ornithologists are weary of tired analogies by milo [Bandcamp] (CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0) (2011)

22. Faces by Basement Skylights [Dusted Wax Kingdom] (CC-BY-NC-ND 3.0) (2012)

23. Drifting Dawn by Abigail Press [Melodica] (CC-BY-NC-ND 3.0) (2012)

24. VIBRAÇÃO by Alexander Flood [Atjazz Record Co.] (CC-BY 4.0) (2024)  

25. Welcome To The Party by Har-You Percussion Group [ESP-Disk] (CC-BY-NC-ND 3.0) (1968)

26. One Day (Live at WFMU) by APB [Free Music Archive] (CC-BY-NC-ND 3.0) (2011)

Other key info:
Macedonia on Mixcloud
Show #188 - Netlabel Day Radio Takeover (2024)
BSOTS Guest Mix For The Neighborhood Feast
Netlabel Week 2024 Panels
Four Sundays Ago (thoughts on Banjee Boombox ATL)

 

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Shielded By Headphones: Thank You, Andrew

 

Track list:

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.

188 - Netlabel Day Radio Takeover (2024)

 

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.

**SCROLL DOWN FOR THE FULL TRACK LIST**

On July 14, 2024, I participated in a 51-hour marathon live stream on Netlabel Day Radio.  It was my first time hosting a live radio show since my final broadcast for Bondfire Radio back in late December of 2023, so this was a big deal to me.  Both Sides Of The Surface took over the stream for two hours representing for Creative Commons licensed music from various netlabels such as blocSonic, Mahorka, Silent Flow, Upitup, and Southern City's Lab.  The majority of the selections were found on Bandcamp and the Free Music Archive along with a pair of cuts from Jamendo.  Many of these artists have been played on the podcast before, but at least half of this playlist contains songs that are brand new to the show.  (There are a total of 31 tracks featured and I spent the entire month of March sharing these cuts on my Mastodon page, posting one track per day and occasionally playing catch up on any days that I missed.)



I do have to point out that "Noumenon" by Lovespirals was under a CC license at the time of the live stream, but was changed to "All rights reserved" shortly thereafter, so technically it's the only song on the playlist that's not a Creative Commons tune.  I can't be too upset about that, though:  it's Lovespirals, a duo whose music I've been championing for almost as long as this podcast has existed.  Everything else bears a CC license and ranges from hip-hop to soul to spoken word to electronic to experimental sound collages.  There are also a few live cuts as well, including moments from Laetitia Sadier of Stereolab performing at WFMU's Monty Hall and legendary hip-hop duo EPMD running through their hits as part of the All Tomorrow's Parties Festival.  Other notable artists in the mix include the late, great Nikki Giovanni, Devin Morrison, Rah Digga, and Negativland, plus guest appearances from Oddisee and Del The Funky Homosapien.



There's a lot of variety here and I hope that there's something presented in the mix that you will enjoy.  Thank you so much for listening and a huge thank you to my man Omar Willey of Netlabel Day for letting a brother come through and share some tunes on his radio stream.

This episode's track list (title / artist / source / license):

1.  Meridian Sound (Part Three) (Live at WFMU) by Lushlife [Free Music Archive] (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0) (2012)

2.  Zo0o0o0p​!​!​! feat. Oddisee by Kidkanevil [Bandcamp] (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0) (2010)

3.  Rose Joint by Shad + Datsunn [Bandcamp] (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0) (2024)

4.  The Price by Scuare x sow [Bandcamp] (CC BY 3.0) (2022)

5.  Dark Step by 85 [Bandcamp] (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0) (2012)

6.  Angela Davis (Produced by J-Pilot) by Rah Digga [Free Music Archive] (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) (2018)

7.  Noumenon by Lovespirals [Bandcamp] (2024)

8.  Stars by BeatLove [Silent Flow] (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0) (2011)

9.  In Matacumbo by Cosmic Analog Ensemble [Upitup] (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0) (2013)

10. No Map Territories by Cosmic Analog Ensemble [Upitup] (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0) (2013)

11. No by Devin Morrison [Bandcamp] (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0) (2019)

12. Propaganda by CM & Tha Silent Partner [blocSonic] (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0) (2014)

13. TimesUp feat. Tab by Anitek [Jamendo] (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0) (2023)

14. keep_it_real by lojii [Bandcamp] (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0) (2021)

15. NO COMPASS by Yung Miss [Bandcamp] (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0) (2021)

16. ONE OF THOSE DAYS by Yung Miss [Bandcamp] (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0) (2021)

17. Please Listen To My Demo (Live at ATP 2008) by EPMD [Free Music Archive] (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0)

18. Richter Scale (Live at ATP 2008) by EPMD [Free Music Archive] (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0)

19. Don't Call Me [Alternate Version] by Ankhle Conscious [Bandcamp] (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0) (2024)

20. 30:5 / moonshine ft. chadah-hadassah by Yashiyah [Bandcamp] (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0) (2022)

21. In the Spirit of Martin by Nikki Giovanni [Free Music Archive] (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0) (2009)

22. Ridiculous Love by Niki J Crawford [Jamendo] (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0) (2016)

23. Check Your Math by DJ Spooky [Free Music Archive] (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0) (2013)

24. Proto Culture 2.0 (feat. Del The Funky Homosapien) by Mega Ran [Bandcamp] (CC BY 3.0) (2020)

25. Sailing by Cheese [blocSonic] (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0) (2018)

26. Turn The Channel, It's Another Commercial by The Bran Flakes [Free Music Archive] (CC BY-NC 3.0) (2010)

27. Richard Nixon Died Today by Negativland [Free Music Archive] (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0) (2008)

28. Eternal Recurrence by Moki McFly [Mahorka] (CC BY-NC 3.0) (2020)

29. Staring at Heaven's Gate by CLOUDWARMER [Bandcamp] (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0) (2023)

30. Undying Love For Humanity (Live at Monty Hall) by Laetitia Sadier Source Ensemble [Free Music Archive] (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0) (2017)

31. Sleeping In The Yard by Artem Bemba [Southern City's Lab] (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0) (2017)
 

 
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

185 - BUCKWILD: The Changing Same

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):

1.  Kill Sound by Five Fingers Of Funk [Kill Rock Stars] (CC-BY-NC-ND) (2023)

2.  Covfefe's Groove by Tha Silent Partner [blocSonic] (CC-BY-NC-SA) (2019)

3.  Squishing Sniffy, Artists Busted! by The Bran Flakes [Free Music Archive] (CC-BY-NC) (2010)

4.  I AM BLACK HISTORY by Mega Ran [Bandcamp] (2024)

5.  Alien Abduction by DJ Ilya Monosov and the Hedonic Islands [Free Music Archive] (CC-BY-NC-SA) (2009)

6.  Pro Black Crack Dealers by Columbo Black [Bandcamp] (CC-BY-NC-ND) (2022)

7.  G.O.P. by Mikal Amin & Mista Mayday [Bandcamp] (2024)

8.  Classy by 85 [Bandcamp] (CC-BY-NC-SA) (2012)

9.  too much house by leumas [Lost Frog Prod.] (CC-BY-NC-SA) (2024)

10. Ebony Stoned by EllaMaeFlossie [iTunes] (2018)



August of 2024 marks 19 years of Both Sides Of The Surface.  Under the circumstances, it seems appropriate for the podcast to take some time to get "buckwild."  The essential nature of the "buckwild" experience hasn't changed since it was first introduced to Camp Lo-Fi on the show's third anniversary back in 2008.  It's a primal scream for the BSOTS feed whenever it's deemed necessary.  There are occasional outbursts from me, but I tend to let the music do the talking for me on these shows, which is often a mix of cuts for the party people and the politicially minded as well.

For those wondering about the title, The Changing Same is a term that's borrowed directly from the brilliant mind and pen of Amiri Baraka.  He wrote an essay in the late 1960s examining the ways that Black music changed as Black people changed, how we referenced and reinterpreted the old to make it new again:  "the changing same."  My use of that phrase for an episode title is far more simplistic and merely as a reminder that the more things change, the more they remain the same.  Personally speaking, the phrase brings to mind recent developments within the American political landscape over the last few months.

This episode was recorded between mid-June and late July.  Way too much happened within a stateside election year during that period.  While Tha Silent Partner's "Covfefe's Groove" references a nonsensical moment during Trump's term as President, Mikal Amin and Mista Mayday fire lyrical shots at the present day "G.O.P."  In the midst of half of America's hysteria over the very idea of 45 becoming 47, some humor is desperately needed and the "buckwild" experience has some light-hearted tunes on deck, from 85's slick yet silly "Classy" to Columbo's Black one-verse interrogation of "Pro Black Crack Dealers" to some sound collage silliness from The Bran Flakes.  DJ Ilya Monosov takes the experimental hip-hop route with "Alien Abduction," bringing along Dudley Perkins and Georgia Anne Muldrow along for the ride.  Five Fingers Of Funk deliver the live hip-hop vibes to the show on "Kill Sound" while Mega Ran delivers a memorable boom bap ode to Black pro wrestlers with "I AM BLACK HISTORY."  For the bright-colored, hands-in-the-air raver contribution to this episode, look no further than "too much house" by leumas.  And EllaMaeFlossie concludes the "buckwild" experience in grand style with the hard-as-nails womanifesto that is "Ebony Stoned."

Humanity is taxing.  Music is divine.  I simply hope that this episode can bring a smile to your face and maybe even a moment of laughter, no matter how brief.

Other BSOTS episodes referenced include:
Show #176 - BUCKWILD: learn from it...

Theme music by Cy Tru featuring Jonny Sonic.  ID drops from Anji Bee, Mega Ran, Mikal Amin, and Mr. Ivory Snow.

Background music:  "Small Town USA (Instrumental)" by Foul Mouth Jerk and "Plastic Rumblings" by Ezekiel Honig.

This work is licensed under Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International

184 - Jazzy Jeff Among The Copyleft

 

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):

1.  Classic (Co-produced by Jazzy Jeff) by Shad + Skratch Bastid [Bandcamp] (CC-BY) (2013)

2.  My Dreams by Ultimate Fantastic [Free Music Archive] (CC-BY-NC-SA) (2017)

3.  Hide by Ohad Slavin [Digital Diamonds] (CC-BY-NC-ND) (2023)

4.  You Are Enough by Niki J Crawford [Jamendo] (CC-BY-NC-ND) (2024)

5.  Ghost Of An Instant by DJ Enki [Bandcamp] (CC-BY-NC) (2023)

6.  Sake Bomb (feat. Jade Gritty & AURC) by Tab [Jamendo] (CC-BY-NC-ND) (2023)

7.  Regal Bounce by Moki McFly [blocSonic] (CC-BY-NC-SA) (2023)

Continuing with the theme of Seven To Consider for any episodes featuring all Creative Commons music just feels right.  Seven songs isn't an overwhelming number of tunes that are likely to be unfamiliar to most listeners.  Hopefully, it's just enough to leave people wanting more.  And as often as possible, I like to include selections that feature recognizable names.  The Shad & Skratch Bastid cut that kicks off the show features a co-production credit from DJ Jazzy Jeff.  Other hip-hop cuts within this episode include the uptempo electronic-enhanced "My Dreams" from Ultimate Fantastic (one could argue that it's slightly hip-house in its approach) and DJ Enki's  "Ghost Of An Instant," which could be a favorite with fans of early work from DJ Shadow and RJD2.

Ohad Slavin's "Hide" is a midtempo hypnotic cut from the Digital Diamonds netlabel that straddles the line betweeen techno and house.  "You Are Enough" by Niki J Crawford is uplifting motivational soul that the world can use right now.  Tab's "Sake Bomb" is one of the highlights of this episode:  a sultry and trippy downtempo song that calls for constant rewinds.  And then there's the drum and bass banger "Regal Bounce" by Moki McFly.  It comes from last year's blocSonic netlabel release Tabernacle Sanctuary Alligator Soufflé, which won the 2024 Creative Commons Community Music Award for Album Of The Year.  If any of these tunes pique your interest about the artists or labels featured within this episode, then my work here is done.

Theme music by Cy Tru (edited by Macedonia).  ID drops from Kahlief Adams and Herb Brooks.

Other BSOTS episodes referenced include:
Show #175:  Does Music Belong In Podcasting?
Show #178 - Creative Commons Gems From Public Enemy And Nikki Giovanni
Show #183 - Life At Camp Lo-Fi:  The Last Nine Years
FLASHBACK:  Both Sides On Bondfire

Other key info:
Bloc Discovery Sessions
Culture War Radio
Netlabel Day
Queue Points

Music by SoulProdMusic from Pixabay

This work is licensed under Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International

FLASHBACK: Both Sides On Bondfire

 

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:

1.  The Hot 8 Brass Band - "Homies" (2012) [Bandcamp]
2.  DJ EFN - "Paradise (feat. Talib Kweli, Wrekonize & Redman)" (2015) [Bandcamp]
3.  DJ Vadim And Sena - "Work Hard" (2015) [Bandcamp]
4.  Markis Precise - "Back To Life (feat. Eligh)" (2015) [Bandcamp]
5.  Blitz The Ambassador - "JuJu Girl" (2015) [Bandcamp]
6.  Core Rhythm And Zajazza - "Grown Folk Biz (feat. Homeboy Sandman And Eagle Nebula)" (2015)  [Bandcamp]
7.  Romare - "Nina's Charm" (2015) [Bandcamp]
8.  Semi Hendrix - "Jesus Pressed Mute" (2015) [Bandcamp]
9.  Sebastian Paul - "Birth" (2015)
10.  Public Enemy - "Corplantationopoly" (2015) [iTunes]
11.  Benjamin - "Those Memories (Sneak Up On Me)" (2015) [Bandcamp]
12.  NxWorries - "Link Up" (2015) [Bandcamp]
13.  The Greg Foat Group - "The Hunt" (2015) [Bandcamp]
14.  Mbongwana Star - "Malukayi (feat. Konono No. 1)" (2015) [iTunes]

 

(Please note that this is a revisit of an episode that originally premiered on the BSOTS feed in May of 2016.)

For over eight years, Bondfire Radio was my home away from home, a place where I built community with a number of immensely talented people.  It was the place where I learned how to celebrate the successes of others and how to truly be a team player while championing music from unsigned, independent and major label artists as both a broadcaster and a music director.  Being a part of #teamBondfire was everything to me and I was gutted when it was announced that the station's end was unavoidable.  Our last broadcast day was on Saturday, December 30, 2023, and I truly believe that we went out on top.  That entire day was absolutely magical and I'm sure that a number of us involved are still trying to process what it all meant to us as individuals and as a collective.

With my Bondfire broadcast days behind me, I wanted to revisit an earlier episode from 2016.  In an attempt to bring the BSOTS on Bondfire broadcast experience to the podcast feed, I thought it would be wise to share some of the indie cuts that I was playing on the station during my first year.  It's a fun mix of tunes with some special guests along the way that offers an accurate overview of what my early broadcasts were like.  This one's for my Bondfire family and for anyone that never got the chance to hear my broadcasts live while the station was still around.  Best believe that I am #teamBondfire for life!

Black Pioneers In Radio promo produced by Bondfire Radio co-founder Coole High.  ID drops courtesy of Fave, Kahlee, EJ Flavors, Core Rhythm, and Jonny Sonic.

Background music selections include the following:
"Pond" by Lavender Worm
"Vanity (Instrumental)" by BADLUCK.

Other key info:

The Weeksville Project
Both Sides On Bondfire (pt. 2)
BSOTS on Bondfire archives
Macedonia on Mixcloud

BSOTS 182 - Life At Camp Lo-Fi: The First Nine Years

 

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):

1.  Everybody Stopped Calling Me by Friends Or Whatever [blocSonic] (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) (2010)

2.  In Matacumbo by Cosmic Analog Ensemble [Upitup] (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0) (2013)

3.  Mango Tree by Chandeliers [Free Music Archive] (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0) (2008)

4.  The Shoreline by Big La Vs. Todd [Bandcamp] (2023)

5.  Datenight by Jonny Sonic [Bandcamp] (2010)

6.  Dance To The Drummer's Beat by Dharma [Netlabel Archive] (CC BY-ND-NC 1.0) (1999)

7.  Misunderstood by Lovespirals [Bandcamp] (2023)

8.  Bag Of Nothingness by Comfort Fit [Free Music Archive] (CC BY-NC 3.0) (2009)

9.  The Force May Be With You by Idmonster [Internet Archive] (CC NY-ND-NC 1.0) (2001)

I haven't worked out just how many generations 18 years covers in the world of podcasting, but it's enough to know that it was a vastly different world in 2005.  A world without as many social media bells and whistles, one where few contemplated how artificial intelligence tools could improve their podcasting workflow or how to create episode teasers in the form of audiograms or Instagram reels.  A lot has changed, but some things remain the same.  For me, nothing matters more than the music that I share on the show.  I never wanted to do anything else in podcasting other than champion independent artists and connect the dots between various musical genres through this medium.  

There's a whole lot of music that has been played on this show over 18 years, and it would be foolish to suggest to you that nine songs could cover even a fraction of that time.  However, some of these songs and artists are reminiscent of specific moments within BSOTS history.  The selections from Lovespirals and Big La Vs. Todd represent my connection to the Music Podcasting Consortium, a like-minded collective of avid music supporters and creators that represents my first online community within the podosphere.  Whether Todd Kelley (a.k.a. The Big La) is curating a music mix or in the lab crafting beats of his own, the head nod factor is always priority number one with him.  "The Shoreline" is a calming instrumental piece and one of my personal favorites from his Kneel Before Todd album.  The music of Lovespirals appeared within the first ten episodes of Radio BSOTS and is one of the first podsafe artists ever played on this show.  Their new single "Misunderstood" is a continuation of the ethereal attributes that make their work so special (and besides that, atmospheric drum and bass is the way to my heart).

Over the years, podsafe music resources faded away one by one, but thankfully the Free Music Archive is still around.  Founded in 2009, I've been virtually crate digging through this website since its beginning stages in beta mode, always finding works that have both intrigued and surprised me.  A cut like "Mango Tree" by Chandeliers brings me right back to those early days of searching for music on the FMA.  This one's a total earworm, marrying lyrics and vocals that lean towards folk with an off-kilter funk groove accentuated by the bass, keys, and rhythm guitar.  "Bag Of Nothingness" is another FMA find, where producer Comfort Fit takes the funk and launches full speed into the future,  creating a hip-hop/electronic beat hybrid that stays crunchy even in milk.  

Prior to the FMA's existence, a universe of netlabels brought me in touch with an endless amount of Creative Commons licensed music.  The blocSonic netlabel would have been the first, and I try to represent for their output as often as possible.  The self-titled album by Friends Or Whatever is one of my all-time favorite blocSonic releases and the shimmering brilliance of "Everybody Stopped Calling Me" is just one of the reasons why.  No Type (no longer active) was another netlabel that I came across soon after blocSonic and I fell hard for their focus on experimental electronic music.  The introspective beauty of "The Force May Be With You" by Idmonster is reminiscent of work from labels like Project Mooncircle, the warm chords occasionally disturbed by slivers of voices, clicks, and digital static.  Upitup Records is more of a recent discovery for me, but the music of Cosmic Analog Ensemble has been played on this show well over a decade ago.  He's a multi-instrumentalist that's capable of creating soulful jazz numbers to sample-heavy hip-hop instrumentals that feel like Madlib during his most leftfield moments.  I cannot stop playing "In Matacumbo" and it would be criminal not to share that cut with you.  The same can be said for "Dance To The Drummer's Beat" by Dharma.  It's impossible to keep still when those breakbeats kick in.  Believe it or not, that cut dates back to 1999, proving that the Creative Commons crates are deep and full of amazing cuts that deserve more exposure.  (Seek and ye shall find.)  It was released on Mono211, a label that stopped releasing music 20 years ago.  Thanks to the efforts of those behind the Netlabel Archive for preserving the works of inactive imprints and ensuring that their output won't be lost forever.

And then there's Jonny Sonic, an artist that ended up becoming the unofficial voice of the BSOTS GONE (buck)WILD episodes.  His music is often punchy and insistent, never forsaking the funk in its approach.  I love the horn section on "Datenight" and how Jonny's voice just seems to cut through his big band that's right behind him.  I've been playing his music since at least 2006 and he's the first artist that I reach for whenever BSOTS needs to blow off some steam.  Should you need some music to bring you back from the brink, here's hoping that the selections within this episode can bring some semblance of peace your way.  

Other key info:
BSOTS 149 - Grooves And Gratitude
BSOTS 151 - BUCKWILD:  The Shouting Match Never Really Ended (pt. one)
BSOTS 152 - BUCKWILD:  The Shouting Match Never Really Ended (pt. two)
Queue Points Show #119 - Exploring The Soundscapes
Julien Smith
Lost In The Sauce
Bloc Discovery Sessions

BSOTS theme music by Cy Tru (edited by Macedonia).  ID drops courtesy of Fave, Kahlief Adams, Aspektz, Jonny Sonic, and Darrenkeith.

Music by SoulProdMusic from Pixabay.

This work is licensed under Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International

BSOTS 179 - In Conversation With Douglas Whitfield (pt. one)

 

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):

 1.  Beached (Featuring Martin Bogren, Johannes Hehrmann & Jero Castella) by Spiedkiks [blocSonic] (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0) (2022)

2.  Senseless Song by Natasha Beller [blocSonic] (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0) (2018)

3.  Ideas Of Singularity by ƘÏÐ ƉΔŦΛ [Abstrakt Reflections] (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0) (2021)

4.  On The Edge (featuring Javolenus, SackJo22, Ezra Skull, Kara Square, & The Concept of Energy) by Wiseman [ccMixter] (CC BY-NC 4.0) (2023)

5.  Potzilla Inda Middle (Featuring Pot-C) by Spiedkiks [blocSonic]  (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0) (2022)

Alongside my lifelong obsession with sound and an undying allegiance to music, there is a genuine interest in that place where technology, copyright, and music all meet up.  The life that I want to live involves three things:  music appreciation, sonic curation, and media preservation.  The more that I hang out in the world of Creative Commons licensed music, the more it seems like this world covers all three of those factors.  

This episode just fell into my lap suddenly.  It was three weeks ago that Douglas Whitfield contacted me about appearing on the podcast and making the rounds to a few shows prior to Netlabel Day.  It was the perfect opportunity to learn more about Creative Commons music and the licenses that these works are released under from someone who is immersed in that world far more than I am.  Doug is one of the co-founders of the CC Community Music Awards and used to co-host the Music Manumit Podcast alongside Tom Ray of the band Lorenzo's Music, interviewing other CC musicians and tech developers for several years.  He also works as a contracts manager for blocGLOBAL alongside Michael Gregoire (founder and owner of the blocSonic netlabel).  On top of that, he's also a co-host of the weekly CCCMA Listening Party on YouTube, showcasing videos from CC musicians from across the globe.

Admittedly, there are times during this interview where things can get a bit technical, particularly when talking about the CC licenses themselves and how they function.  However, I hope that this episode (along with the next one) can serve as a beneficial resource for those just finding out about the world of CC music and want a more intricate explanation of how it all works.  Speaking of music, a handful of tunes break up the conversation here and there, including an introspective electronic tune from the Abstrakt Reflections netlabel, a bouncy and sample-happy groove from the CCMixter community, and three from blocSonic (including a pair of tunes from 2023 CCCMA winners Spiedkiks).  This one's a bit different from how things usually go on the BSOTS podcast feed, but I think that the change of pace is one that came at the right time.  I certainly hope that you enjoy the featured musical selections and that the information shared on this episode is both interesting and helpful.

Other key info:
Tha Bloc Report Episode 30: The Doug Whitfield Episode
Ryno The Bearded
Headphonica netlabel
Queue Points Podcast

BSOTS theme music by Cy Tru (edited by Macedonia).  ID drops courtesy of Fave and EJ Flavors (may they rest in power).

Background music by SoulProdMusic from Pixabay.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Radio BSOTS show #169 - two weeks off from humanity...

Without feedback, I'm still not convinced that I'm just talking to myself in podcast form.  Please feel free to get in touch via email at radiobsots@gmail.com, Twitter, or leave a voice message on the Speakpipe page.

"Every day breathing in the United States is an away game for the Black man."
-Rich Medina, DJ/Producer/Poet, Beat Society Podcast, Episode No. 8

The title of this episode first came to mind back in July of 2016, shortly after the police killings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile.  Since then, it was put on the back burner and I knew I wanted to use it eventually.  After hearing that Brother Sterling's killers weren't being charged and then the police shooting of Stephon Clark in Sacramento, CA, as well as far too many incidences of 911 calls on my people for simply existing, it just made sense to put together a show during this moment in time...where Starbucks locations nationwide have to close for a day so that their employees can learn how to simply treat all people like human freaking beings.

I recorded the music mixes for the show back on April 4th, the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  The first part deals heavily with police brutality.  By extension, it also goes into what happens when Black people internalize the hatred that this nation has for us.  Sometimes that hatred is thrust upon each other in both subtle and overt ways.  The second part of the mix was inspired by the movie Black Panther, thinking about Africa, and wanting to make my own Wakandan soundtrack.

Keep in mind that I recorded the opening voice over about a month before the NFL ruling on protests protests while the National Anthem is being played.  Seems like the longer I waited to release this episode, the more relevant it became.  Seeing as how I prefer to not have to make episodes like these at all, I really wish that weren't the case.

Should there be someone in your life working through the confusion, rage, sadness, and (let's just call it what it is) PTSD that comes with being Black in America, please share this episode with them.



Download link

You can subscribe to Radio BSOTS via the following options:
RSS | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Tune In | Google Play Music | iHeartRadio

Connect with Camp Lo-Fi via social media: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Google+

This episode's track list:

1.  Courtney Pine - A Word To The Wise {Bandcamp}
2.  MUTE - Brothers (Version 4) {Free Music Archive}
3.  KRTS - Serve And Protect feat. Mad Flows {Bandcamp}
4.  Mos Emvy - Hands Held High {FREE DOWNLOAD}
5.  Noname - Casket Pretty {Bandcamp}
6.  jitwam. - youkilledmyson [feat. loretta smith] {Bandcamp}
7.  C-Doc - Drugs By Roman Candlelight {Free Music Archive}
8.  Propaganda - Darkie (feat. Micah Bournes & Jackie Hill Perry) {iTunes}
9.  Brother Ali - Dear Black Son {Bandcamp}
10. Jamila Woods - Blk Girl Soldier {Bandcamp}
11. ClassicBeatz - For Sandra {Bandcamp}
12. Dr. Who Dat? - Deep Blaque {Bandcamp}
13. Clap! Clap! - Kabwe Beats (Paranam Mix) {Bandcamp}
14. Rocket Juice & The Moon - Dam(n) {iTunes}
15. Claude Delcloo/Arthur Jones - Africanasia, Pt. 1 (Excerpt) {iTunes}
16. Orono - Live At Nyawara {Free Music Archive}
17. DJ Khalab - Zaire (Will LV Remix) {Bandcamp}
18. Dexter Story - Xamar {Bandcamp}
19. Kaidi Tatham - We All Breathe The Same Air {Bandcamp}
20. Rambler 1976 - Angela Davis {Free Music Archive}


ID drops courtesy of Kahlief Adams and Kahlee.  Background music includes "Vanity (instrumental)" by BADLUCK.

Other key info:

Macedonia on Mixcloud
Radio BSOTS on Bondfire Radio
BSOTS on Bondfire archives and subscription feed

Radio BSOTS show #168 - BUCKWILD: No Place For The Quiet

New year, new chances to leave feedback.  Please feel free to get in touch via email at radiobsots@gmail.com, Twitter, or leave a voice message on the Speakpipe page.

For the first time in Radio BSOTS history, a new year begins in BUCKWILD fashion.  Honestly, I'm kinda surprised that this hasn't happened before.  And seeing as how my 2018 has already proven to be challenging, it seems just as well that this show would premiere now rather than closing out 2017.  Everything happens for a reason.

This show may take more personal turns this year. While that remains to be seen, I can remember just getting into podcasting back in 2005, holding the belief that the podcast should be the audio extension of the blog.  I thought it should straddle the fence between the professional and the personal.  Lately I've been feeling the need to tell stories through music, to find the narrative that weaves together all these songs that I've been coming across.  I also know that I need to speak from the heart more when I have something to say.  I pick my words carefully (not enough people do), but I ought to share them when it comes time to say something.

I don't know what this year will bring for Radio BSOTS.  And neither do you.  That makes us even.  Let's find out together.



Download link

You can subscribe to Radio BSOTS via the following options:
RSS | Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Tune In | Google Play Music | iHeartRadio

Connect with Camp Lo-Fi via social media: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Google+

This episode's track list:

1.  Tricky - Same As It Ever Was {Bandcamp}
2.  Mr. Lif & Akrobatik (The Perceptionists) - Grab Hold {Bandcamp}
3.  The Hot 8 Brass Band - Can’t Nobody Get Down (Kabuki Remix) {Bandcamp}
4.  Vandemons - Can you go the distance Ft. NFA Jones {Bandcamp}
5.  Sho Baraka - Kanye, 2009 feat. Jackie Hill-Perry and Jamie Portee {iTunes}
6.  Pugs Atomz - On The One feat. Dirty Dunnz {Bandcamp}
7.  Born Ina Barn - No Good {iTunes}
8.  LORD RAJA - Zoro {Bandcamp}
9.  beatbox bandit - Les Jus Be Real {Bandcamp}
10. beatbox bandit - You & I [Illusions] {Bandcamp}
11. A Tribe Called Red - The People's Champ ft. Hellnback {iTunes}
12. Jitwam - Alone {Bandcamp}
13. Washed Out - Get Lost (Radio Edit) {iTunes}
14. Jonny Sonic - GenNext {Bandcamp}
15. Propaganda - Crooked Way {iTunes}
16. Lecture On Nothing - I Will Rise (Traditional) {iTunes}
17. The Cornel West Theory - Whut U B is Whut U Get {Bandcamp}

ID drops courtesy of Anji Bee, Thad Reid, Kahlee, and Jonny Sonic.  Theme music by Cy Tru and Jonny Sonic.  Background music includes the songs "Eeekin Days" by MUTE, "Kyoto" by Nest, "At That Cafe" by Gorje Hewek, and "Vanity (Instrumental)" by BADLUCK.

Items mentioned within this episode:

Spawn On Me Podcast Episode #200
News Beat Podcast
Radio BSOTS show #165 - BUCKWILD: Recovery Mode

Other key info:

Macedonia on Mixcloud
Radio BSOTS on Bondfire Radio
BSOTS on Bondfire archives and subscription feed