The Austin Young Show

Heather Augustyn has spent decades documenting the history of ska and Jamaican music, making sure the people who helped build the genre don't get lost along the way. The author, educator, and longtime ska enthusiast joins Austin Young for a conversation about the music, the musicians, and the often-overlooked stories behind one of the most influential genres to come out of Jamaica.

We get into Heather's introduction to the American ska scene in Chicago in 1994, the moment The Toasters changed everything for her, and how a graduate school writing assignment turned into a lifelong mission to document...

MC Lars joins The Austin Young Show for a conversation about Edgar Allan Poe, nerdcore hip-hop, ska, punk rock, and what it takes to build a lasting career as an independent musician. Lars is back with the expanded anniversary edition of The Edgar Allan Poe LP, a 19-track lit-hop project that turns Poe's stories and poetry into hip-hop, complete with dark humor, literary deep cuts, and collaborations that bring together some unlikely corners of the music world.

We get into why Poe deserves more credit for his satire and absurdity, the stories behind “The Devil in the Be...

Ballyhoo! frontman Howi Spangler joins Austin Young to talk about Bad Summer, the Maryland band's tenth studio album, and why this time around they leaned harder into pop punk and rock without leaving their reggae-rock roots behind. We get into “The Alchemist,” “Blood Money,” and what happens when a band known for laid-back reggae jams decides to turn up the guitars.

Howi breaks down what it was like working with producer John Feldmann, known for his work with Blink-182, Goldfinger, and Avril Lavigne. From recording at Sonic Ranch in Tornillo, Texas, to Feldmann tearing apart song arrangements and gett...

Dallas-Fort Worth ska band Pure Genius is back, and after years away from the scene, they're working on new music and finding out that the old songs still have an audience. Austin Young sits down with Nick and Josh to talk about the band's return, their roots in the DFW third-wave ska scene, and what it's like getting back together after spending years doing other things. If you like ska punk, local music stories, and bands that don't take themselves too seriously, this one's worth a listen.

Pure Genius formed in 2003 out of a group of musicians...

What happens when a group of guys in their 40s decide it's finally time to stop talking about starting a punk band and actually start one?

On this episode of The Austin Young Show, Austin sits down with DFW pop-punk band Tomorrow Fades Away to talk about how the band came together, the story behind their name, their evolution from a four-piece into a three-piece, and finding their sound in the middle of the DFW punk scene.

The conversation gets into their EP More Songs Than Time, the very real story behind “Salt Lake City (Le...

Mason Adams of Mason Adams Project joins The Austin Young Show for a conversation about music, family, songwriting and seeing life from a different perspective.

Mason talks about his upcoming single **“Tanqueray,” growing up with a musician dad and his lifelong connection to music. We also get into his love of jam bands and how that influence has found its way into his own approach to making music.

But the conversation doesn't stay on music.

Mason opens up about how he views life, the experiences that shape his songwriting, and one of the more...

Boss Riot joins The Austin Young Show to talk about Here We Go Again, their newest album and a record shaped by some very real challenges. Made during COVID while members of the band were dealing with surgeries, cancer, loss, recovery, heartbreak, fear and hope, the album became a reflection of everything life was throwing at them.

We talk about the song “Don’t Grow Up Too Fast,” the role music can play when things get difficult, the band's roots in ska, rocksteady, reggae and soul, and what it takes to keep a band alive for more than a...

JER joins The Austin Young Show to talk about what it's like being an artist right now, the struggles facing bands and musicians, and the reality of trying to build a life around music.

We get into Supernova Ska Festival, JER's experience as an educator, why music education matters, and the current political climate — including the absolutely bizarre situation where brass instruments seem to have become public enemy number one.

It's a conversation about music, education, politics, and the challenges artists are dealing with right now, with a little ska thrown in for good measure.

Blake Rules joins The Austin Young Show to talk about his new album Synth City, his connection to the Supernova Ska Festival, and his completely unpredictable musical career. We get into ska, DIY music, his work as illustrator and the many strange and wonderful places his creativity has taken him. It's a conversation about music, community, and refusing to stay in one genre.

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https://open.spotify.com/album

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Hosted by Sim...

Tim Hildebrand of Catbite joins The Austin Young Show to talk about the band's new Doom Garden EP, working with Fall Out Boy's Patrick Stump on "Tired Of Talk," Catbite's history with Supernova Ska Festival, and their return to the festival in just a few weeks. Tim also opens up about what's next for Catbite and whether Doom Garden could mark the end of their run with Bad Time Records though nothing is set in stone.

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King Booty Disco frontman Vic Toruno joins The Austin Young Show for a conversation about disco, music, the DFW scene, and the band's brand-new album, Disco Crush. We get into the band's sound, the creative process behind the new record, and what happens when you combine serious musicianship with a band name like King Booty Disco. It's funky, it's weird, and somehow we managed to keep the conversation from completely derailing. Mostly.

Listen to Disco Crush wherever you stream music, and check out King Booty Disco for upcoming shows and new music.

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Chaos arrives on The Austin Young Show as Dallas hardcore punk band No-Fun stops by to talk about their new demo, featuring members of Casual Relapse, The Fullstops, and Crystal of Agony. What starts as a conversation about the band's music quickly goes off the rails with stories about a new straight edge lifestyle, accusations of being on Grindr, and plenty of unfiltered laughs along the way. If you love hardcore punk, DIY music, and unpredictable interviews, this episode is for you. The band's debut demo, featuring tracks like "Blisters," was released in July 2026.

No-Fun Demo: https...

Podcasting has changed the way we tell stories, consume media, and connect with audiences—and filmmaker Shaun Michael Colón joins The Austin Young Show to share how he captured that evolution in his documentary Age of Audio. We discuss the seven-year journey of making the film, the history of podcasting, the pioneers who built the medium, independent filmmaking, and what the future holds for audio storytelling in the age of YouTube and AI. Whether you're a podcaster, filmmaker, or simply fascinated by the evolution of modern media, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

Age...

The founders of The Festival, Nick and Dustin, join The Austin Young Show to talk about what it really takes to build an independent music festival from the ground up. Best known to many as members of the Dallas ska band Set The Tone, they share the story behind launching the festival, the challenges of supporting local artists, the importance of the DIY music scene, and what's in store for this year's event. Whether you're a fan of ska, punk, independent music, or you're curious about the people working behind the scenes to keep live music alive, this conversation...

his week, I'm joined by Tonino Baliardo, the legendary guitarist, composer, and founding member of the Gipsy Kings, for a conversation celebrating more than four decades of unforgettable music.

Tonino discusses the inspiration behind Historia, the latest album from Gipsy Kings featuring Tonino Baliardo, and how it reflects the band's remarkable musical journey while honoring the sound and traditions that made them a global phenomenon. We also talk about Gipsy Kings featuring Tonino Baliardo, the new documentary directed by Joel Van der Molen, which takes viewers behind the music to tell the incredible story of the band's...

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Theme song by The Fullstops & Tony Edmonds

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This week on The Austin Young Show, I sit down with Jennifer “Zooki” Sturges of Ex Regrets for an episode packed with passion, purpose, and new beginnings. We talk about the roots of Ex Regrets and how Zooki’s riot grrrl influences along with her work with queer, trans, and femme communities in North Texas have shaped the band’s sound and message.

What’s coming up: Riot Girl Fest 2025
Zooki announces that Riot Girl Fest 2025 will be Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Growl Records in Arlington, Texas. The fest continues its mission of femme and queer empowerment, supporting...

This week on The Austin Young Show I’m sharing some of my current playlist favorites including new music from Sloth Fist and talking about what’s happening around Deep Ellum. Dezi 5 is bringing an iconic headline performance to the historic Kessler Theater, and Loyal Sally is back from the dead with a headlining show at Deep Ellum Art Co along with a new album in the works. The playlist is packed with punk, ska, indie, and more—perfect for a late-night drive or getting hyped before a show.

Theme Music & What Good by The Fullstops.

Musi...

On this episode of The Austin Young Show, I sit down with Rev.T Sinister and Jenny Whiskey of legendary ska-punk band Hub City Stompers to talk about their new album Drinking Rage—a album that no two songs that sound the same, unbelievable fun, energetic, and unapologetic social commentary. You have to listen to it.

We dig into the stories behind the songs, what keeps them going after all these years in the scene. Plus we discuss the new album Drinking Rage, in my opinion the bands best piece of work to date, and how the ba...

Aaron “AC” Capers pulls up—drummer for Justin Ross & Deadwood Revival, and one of the hardest-working musicians in DFW.

We talk about why he had to leave King Booty Disco (turns out being in every band has a breaking point), what’s happening with Further North, and his new book Over the Barline—a powerful, poetic dive into rhythm, life, and everything in between.

He also gets real about his love for pro wrestling, how Bubba ruined the boxer’s brain, and why drummers never sit still.

This one’s raw and honest, just like AC...

On this episode of The Austin Young Show, Austin and co-host Veronica Young bring you updates from both the art world and the music scene, plus some major announcements.

Veronica shares the story behind her latest mixed-media piece, which is featured in the “Divine Timing” group exhibition opening Thursday, July 24 from 6 to 9 PM at Arc Gallery, located at 2602 Main Street, Deep Ellum, Dallas, TX 75226. She also previews her upcoming poetry reading at Poet Books on Friday, July 25, right down the street.

Then, the conversation turns to the surprise announcement that AC, drummer for Further North, is l...

In this episode, I sit down with emerging Dallas hip-hop artist Brandon Lawson. Brandon opens up about his family’s deep musical roots and how growing up surrounded by music shaped his journey as a songwriter and performer. From learning instruments at a young age to blending his love of anime and Nickelodeon into his sound, his story is equal parts heartfelt and offbeat.

We talk about the origins of some of his tracks, how nostalgia fuels his creativity, and how his music feels like a time capsule for growing up weird in Texas.

And do...

In this episode of The Austin Young Show, we’re diving into the lineup for Sweat Fest TX 2025, a one-day, two-stage music festival packed with 16 incredible bands, cold brews, and community energy—all in support of Amplified Minds, a nonprofit focused on mental health and addiction recovery.

Date: Saturday, July 12, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Location: Growl Records / Division Brewing
509 E Abram St, Arlington, TX

We’re previewing tracks and talking about some of the standout acts hitting the stage, including Ex-Regrets, Boss Riot, Mean Motor Scooter, Toxic Madness, and many more. Expect punk...

Join me and Veronica as we go through some fun stories of our time in the UK and I play my favorite UK bands. 

Dub Pistols - I Predict a Riot 

Lives On Hold - Pathetic 

Radicus - The Spark 2 

Popes Of Chillitown - Crashmat 

$up - High or Dry

The Ruined - Death Will Be A Lady 

The Hoax - Now We Are Hero's 

*DISCLAIMER: I hereby declare that I do not own the rights to this music/song. All rights belong to the...

Re-Enjoy this episode from January:

In this episode of The Austin Young Show, I sit down with the Austin-based ska powerhouse Hans Gruber and the Die Hards. Recorded on the back patio of Three Links during the final stop of their tour, this conversation dives into the band’s unconventional approach to music, wild tour stories, and what it takes to keep the ska and punk scene alive. We also chat about supporting local music, the current state of the Austin music scene, and their new split EP launch. Packed with energy, humor, and insight, this is a...

Enjoy this classic episode from April 2024: 

This episode, we're getting rowdy with the Dallas punks, Die Würst! Joining us are vocalist Sean, the fiery frontman with a voice that could shatter glass, his cousin Matt who lays down the thunderous basslines, and guitarist Jesse, the riff maestro who injects pure chaos into their sound.

Die Würst have been making waves in the local scene, known for their electrifying live shows that morph from skate punk anthems to full-on hardcore mosh pits. We'll be talking about their upcoming EP, produced by a surprise guest – a mem...

Im still on break so enjoy this episode from last March:

Bubba and I talk about why AC left the band and what they have in store for the future. We talk about band dynamics, relationships, how Bubba's best friend Joel has the healthiest relationship he's ever had, and, of course, how the band got its name. Make sure to like and subscribe to all of Loyal Sally's social media below. 

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I'm on a month long hiatus! Listen to this replay episode from last May. Joining me in the studio today are the heart and soul of Market Zero, the riff-slinging machine himself, Joey Owens, and the  powerhouse, Justin Casey. Now, you fans know these guys weren't always rocking the Market Zero sound. We'll be throwing it back to their old stomping grounds with Uneasy Pilgrim and The Delzells – and let me tell you, that's some serious garage rock punk gold you won't wanna miss.

But hey, it ain't all sunshine and power chords. We'll be getting the rea...

Jay Sustain is a dynamic artist with a distinctive approach to blending genres. We'll be discussing his creative process, his experiences in the music scene, and the influences that have shaped his unique style. Jay will also share some personal experiences, including his time with Donald Trump.

Tune in to get an inside look at Jay Sustain's musical journey and discover his sound.

Music By:

Smoking With Strangers - Voices Carry (feat. Taylor Stokes)

Surviving Ki - Act 4 (The Selling Begins) (Sustain's Get Down Mix)

Jay Sustain - Chronos 

I'm stoked to be sitting down with the multi-talented Justin Griffith. You know him for his powerful rhymes with Grades Of Absolute Truth and his unique sounds with the BARNyardists, but there's so much more to this artist.

We're gonna talk about his lyrical genius, the messages he crafts, and his perspective on the hip hop scene. But that's not all! We're also gonna be talking about his important work as a music educator, shaping the next generation of artists. And get this – Justin's got a brand new hot sauce line that's available right now! You...

I've got the absolute pleasure of sitting down with the powerhouse trio from New Orleans' own Bad Operation: Dominic, Greg, and D-Ray.

Now, if you don't know Bad Operation, you're about to get schooled! These guys are injecting a much-needed shot of adrenaline into the ska scene, bringing that classic sound with a fresh, modern twist with the phrase they've coined, New Tone. We're gonna be talking about their creative process behind their music, and what it's like to be part of a scene that's constantly evolving.

Music By:

Bad Operation - Peachy...

Music By: 

The Weigh Down - Marilyn, Run and Skelton Dance Party

The Two Watts - Russian Warship

Wagon Boss - After 8

The Austin Young Show Theme - The Fullstops

The Austin Young Show Outro - Jeffboy Zen 

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Talent Manager: Veronica Young 

*DISCLAIMER: I hereby declare that I do not own the rights to this music/song. All rights belong to the owner. No Copyright Infringement Intended. All bands have given permission to use their music.*

H...

Alright, listen up. The Austin Young Show's latest episode features Tony Edmonds, drummer for The Fullstops and The Broke$. We discuss his career, the ska scene, and how he got the nickname "Tony 2 Knives."

Edmonds talks about the reality of playing in ska bands, the evolution of his sound, and the challenges of maintaining a career in the music industry. We delve into the history of his bands and his personal experiences within the scene.

I also get to play the world premiere of The Fullstops new song, What Good!

The conversation also...

Get ready for ASS! Jacob Sereno and Matt Ostman from the legendary American Shit Storm (aka ASS) invade the studio this week for a raucous conversation about their years of punk rock mayhem. We're cranking up the volume with tracks from across their discography, including a sneak peek at their brand new track, "Cult." These punk veterans share their insights on the scene then and now, and let's just say, things get a little wild. Join us for the chaos, the music, and the unfiltered truth – because when American Shit Storm is involved, you know it's gonna be a pa...

Alright, buckle up, because this episode is a goddamn BLAST! We're jumping into the sweaty, raw, and unapologetic world of From Parts Unknown. 

A couple of weeks back, I ditched the studio and infiltrated their practice space – think concrete floors, ripped posters, and the kind of energy that makes your eardrums vibrate before they even plug in. We talked everything: from their new bass player, the real stories behind their gritty lyrics, and how Ben wants to take a dump on the Orange mans stage. These dudes are the real deal, no frills, just pure, punk passion.

Dallas hip-hop heavyweights G Champ and Michael Heathen roll through the studio to talk about their decade-plus reign in the DFW scene and the creation of their powerhouse, G.L.O.A.T. Entertainment. Hear how these two linked up, the story behind G.L.O.A.T., and get the inside scoop on their individual journeys. We’ll be spinning fresh tracks from Michael Heathen’s latest project and G Champ’s feel-good anthem, “Good Vibes Only.” Plus, we’ll have some laughs as we (lovingly, of course) roast our pal Bubba for breaking up The Boxer's Brain (sorry, not s...

Some new and newish music from The Austin Young Show

www.austinyoungshow.com

Music By:

The Weigh Down - Marilyn

Ex- Regrets - Duh Almighty

Michael Heathen - Victory Lap (ft. G CHAMP & Kid Splinter)

Smoking With Strangers - Voices Carry (ft. Taylor Stokes)

Rose Garden Funeral Party - Doorway Ghost

Overshare - I’m Sad

American Shit Storm - Cult

Ducado Vega - Hella

Brandon Lawson - Success

*DISCLAIMER: I hereby declare that I do...

This week, I'm sitting down with the incredibly talented Ducado Vega! We dive deep into his electrifying blend of funk and rock, exploring the inspirations behind his unique sound and what he's been working on lately. And let me tell you, this guy can shred on the guitar! We also get personal, chatting about life, influences, and… well, let’s just say things might have gotten a little awkward when Ducado revealed who really taught him how to bake. (Ducado's Mom, if you're listening… maybe skip this part?) Ducado also opens up about his recent hibernation from the live music...

This week on The Austin Young Show, we're tackling the rise of fascism head-on. We're discussing practical anti-fascist tactics, from educating yourself and challenging hate speech to getting involved in your community and using your voice. We're talking about how to be a constant thorn in the side of authoritarianism, because complacency is not an option. Plus, we're dropping a sonic bomb: a brand new, never-before-heard track from American Sh*tstorm called "Cult"!

Music By:

Bella Ciao - Rebel Riot

Cult - American Shit Storm

Yeehaw - Boof

Beliefs...

Get ready to witness pure, unadulterated chaos! In our third interview with DFW's reigning hardcore kings, Toxic Madness, the boys are back and louder than ever. We dive deep into their current studio sessions for their highly anticipated new album, slated for a June release. Expect exclusive insights into their new lineup, featuring the ferocious drumming of Eddie and the blistering guitar riffs of Noah.

DJ unleashes his legendary impressions, while Aidan... well, let's just say he almost gets the show canceled (again!). If you're craving an hour of pure, unfiltered hardcore energy and good old-fashioned mayhem...