25 O'Clock

Philadelphia's longest running music podcast (we think), with your host, Dan Drago. Conversations with artists and community, intimate musical performances, in-depth discussions on performing, touring, recording, and being alive.

Eliza Hardy Jones 04/23/2024

Eliza Hardy Jones Dan talks with lifelong Philadlephia musician about everything: early days in with Brandon Beaver, touring and playing with mewithoutyou, Grace Potter, Iron and Wine, and her newest gig as a touring member of The War On Drugs. Eliza tells great stories about DIY touring life, vocal coaching the Philadelphia Eagles, quilting, and how she channeled her grief from a lost pregnancy into her latest LP, 'Pickpocket'. 'Pickpocket' is available wherever you get your digital music, and also as . The War on Drugs return to play in Philadelphia on 9/17 at The Mann with The National and Lucius. /episode/index/show/25oclockpod/id/30932078

Nicole Bauza 04/16/2024

Nicole Bauza Dan talks with Nicole Bauza, songwriter and frontwoman of . Nicole talks about growing up as a BMX biker, getting drums at an early age, the quiet joys of farming and gardening, herbs as medicine, , and the ups and downs of keeping a band going amidst family life and general day to day shenanigans. The newest Nervous Nikki LP, 'St Anthony's Fire', is and wherever you get digital music. /episode/index/show/25oclockpod/id/30826803

Alex Wash (Granddogs) 04/09/2024

Alex Wash (Granddogs) Dan just met Alex Wash of a month or so ago, and he's already got him on the mic telling his life story. Alex talks about growing up in Lititz, PA (home of Rock Lititz), learning piano via the Suzuki method, living in Nashville and San Antonio in pursuit of the musician life, finding a job at as a piano player, and turning that into his steady day gig. Alex created Granddogs as a way to share his original songwriting, and the band has a new single dropping on 4/14 called "When You Call", available on all digital platforms. Don't miss Inside Hustle, a Philadelphia music industry and networking event this Saturday, 4/13 at REC Philly, brought to you by the Philly Music Fest and WXPN FM. The event features a panel moderated by World Cafe's Raina Douris, and an open house with folk from radio, studios, booking, artist management, record labels and more. The event is free, . /episode/index/show/25oclockpod/id/30705198

The Blackburns 04/02/2024

The Blackburns Dan talks with Joel Tannenbaum (, Snow Fairies, Skywriters) and Nick Palmer (, ) about their new project . Nick tells the story of how he thought he was out of the music game until he got a message from Joel (Plow United was a huge band for Nick as a teen) that he was looking for a songwriting partner. Needless to say, Nick was back in, and the two of them quickly wrote a full length record. Joel and Nick talk about the process, what they did and didn't want to do, their mutual Twin Peaks obsessions, and the record as a love letter to their youth and young adult lives spent in small, regional punk scenes. The Blackburns' debut LP is out on April 12th, available on independent label , the group's Bandcamp, and wherever you get your digital music. /episode/index/show/25oclockpod/id/30626003

Zoe Lemon 03/26/2024

Zoe Lemon Dan talks with , a trained and seasoned violinist who is fairly new to the singer-songwriter game. Zoe talks about growing up in the rural parts of Chester County, the ups and downs of music school at Temple University, graduating right into the pandemic, van life, and learning to write songs by herself out on the road. Her latest EP, 'Tailspin', is the result of those road-trip songs, which she made with Packie Cronin (/) and Rob Bolz (). She was featured late in 2023 on . From her childhood pet goat bullying her and her siblings, to finding her way as a performer, Zoe brings a brightness and eager spirit to her live show and records, and we're looking forward to what she does in 2024. /episode/index/show/25oclockpod/id/30528073

Scott Radway 03/19/2024

Scott Radway Dan goes in deep with about his early musical tastes (all Beatles), going to music school despite his parents advice to the contrary (they had both attended music school), composition, touring with bands, and becoming both an accomplished producer and songwriter on his own (he's currently a member of with wife Gina LC of ). Song cycles, Rush, Beck, the many flavours of psychdelia, begging, becoming a new father, and more. 'Poppies' is the new LP from Scott, it's out March 22nd wherever you get digital music, and . Also, Dan offers up a few words about The Grape Room, a long standing independent music venue in Manayunk, which just announced its closing this last weekend. /episode/index/show/25oclockpod/id/30417793

Dave Perry (Athensville) 03/12/2024

Dave Perry (Athensville) Dan talks with Dave Perry about his band , growing to like the weird music your older brother plays when you're young, the many missed connections between him and frontman Matt Taglang (who was on the show ) and their eventual meeting as adults, and choosing a side in the lesser debated "Echo and the Bunnymen vs The Smiths" argument. Dave also talks about their , how it came to be, and how he came to be involved in the movement to help get an innocent man out of prison and back home. The new single is , and you can learn more about . /episode/index/show/25oclockpod/id/30319353

Early Spring 2024 Playlist 03/05/2024

Early Spring 2024 Playlist In the aspirationally titled 'Early Spring Playlist' (Dan is anxiously awaiting the change of seasons), here are 12 new tracks from Philadelphia area artists for your listening pleasure. As always, check out the clickable playlist below for links to all the music and ways to support the artists. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. /episode/index/show/25oclockpod/id/30221303

Jeremy Garber (Grind Select) 02/27/2024

Jeremy Garber (Grind Select) Jeremy Garber is the co-founder of , based in Philadelphia that is celebrating it's 10th year this year. Dan and Jeremy talk about how Jeremy found his way into the music world via punk and hardcore on Long Island, being part of the first music business major at Syracuse University, and what it takes to keep a label going for ten years amidst all the tumult and uncertainty in the music industry. Current Philadelphia bands on Grind Select include , , and . You can keep up with all things Grind Select , including new releases, tour dates for artists, merch, and more. /episode/index/show/25oclockpod/id/30094058

Kara Koser 02/20/2024

Kara Koser Dan and Kara Koser bond immediately over being fellow loudmouths, and their love of the Norristown Zoo, of all things. Kara talks about growing up and trying to find her place as a singer and performer, getting sober and figuring out how to be a musician again, singing contests, skipping an entire line of the National Anthem during a performance once, and how moving to Manayunk (not her first choice, initially) changed everything. She met the guys who would end up being her band, , at the open mic, and has finally been able to create the music she's had in her head. Their newest EP, appropriately titled , is out . Follow the band on to keep up on all their comings and goings. /episode/index/show/25oclockpod/id/30001828

Sam Rosen 02/13/2024

Sam Rosen Dan sits down with Grammy winning engineer/producer/songwriter to talk about her work in the studio with folk like Jazmine Sullivan, John Legend, Khemist, and Dan's longtime friend . Sam recounts how she got into the engineering chair at , working with a ton of hip hop and r&b projects, her persistence in still making her own music, and the importance of great vocal production. Sam releases , and her latest single "R U OK?" is out now . /episode/index/show/25oclockpod/id/29907303

Brian Walker #3 02/06/2024

Brian Walker #3 Dan is pleased to bring back for his 3rd full length episode (sort of like the SNL "5 Timers Club"). Despite a recent move to the Boston area, Brian is and will always be part of the Philadelphia community. He's been making music as for over a decade, as well as being a sharp commentator on DIY, the state of touring acts, and all things community related. Dan and Brian have a lively conversation about the similarities and differences between the Boston and Philadelphia music worlds, touring, venues, sandwiches, etc. Brian has a new ADWL LP out now, 'A Stranger That You Met Before', and wherever you get your digital music. /episode/index/show/25oclockpod/id/29804993

Lily Enos 01/30/2024

Lily Enos Dan talks to () about growing up in Wildwood, NJ, the loneliness of being a weird, arty kid, watching , and how she ended up picking up a guitar and writing her own songs (she would sing rather than talk to herself). Lily talks about making the music she’s making now through various online collaborations, working with people who are good at what they do, navigating the music business, and always learning how to do it better. “Retaliation”, the newest single by Lily Enos, is available and via . /episode/index/show/25oclockpod/id/29679358

Nate Runkel (Yo That's My Jawn!) 01/23/2024

Nate Runkel (Yo That's My Jawn!) Dan finally sits down with his podcast brother-from-another-mother Nate Runkel, creator, host and producer of Nate tells Dan the story of how the show started, notable guests like Taylor Goldsmth from Dawes, and Ken Marino and David Wain (MTV's The State), but even before that, all his various involvements in the Philadelphia music scene playing shows and hosting open mics. Nate goes into his love of music, but also of making movies and filming skits, and his love of table top RPGs, which led him to his role as producer of the D&D podcast . Dan and Nate talk about their shared experiences working amdist the Philadlephia music community, and some of the collaborations they've done over the years. is available streaming and for download wherever you get your podcasts. /episode/index/show/25oclockpod/id/29594833

David Uosikkinen 01/16/2024

David Uosikkinen It's our 300th episode! And Dan sits down with Philly music legend David Uosikkinen, drummer for , founder of , and countless other projects. Dave talks about growing up in Levittown, seeing Buddy Rich as a kid, his first drum sets, South Street and the scene in the late 70s and early 80s, and how a one-time session with Eric Bazillian and Rob Hyman in 1980 turned into a 40+ year career (and still going) as The Hooters. Dan and David discuss some of the great Philadelphia musicians that Dave has worked with (), folk like Pete Donnely, Charlie Ingui and his late brother Richie of Soul Survivors, Patty Smyth, and more. It's a non-stop ride, and David's enthusiasm and energy for playing music seems in no way to have slowed with age. Thanks to all the listeners and supporters for helping us get to 300 episodes! /episode/index/show/25oclockpod/id/29494298

Farewell 2023, Bring On 2024 12/19/2023

Farewell 2023, Bring On 2024 Dan turns again to the always vibrant Philadelphia music community for messages about their year, what wowed them in 2023, and some of their favorite tracks from Philadelphia artists. Featuring dispatches from Helen Leicht, John Vettese, Julia Pratt, Andrea Quinn, Cosmo Baker, Brian Seymour, Jenn Coulter, and Nate Runkel, as wel as their picks of favorite songs that came ouf of Philadelphia this year. And dan even makes his own year end message and one of his picks as well. Use the clickable playlist below to support the artists featured on 2023's year end wrap up. Happy Holidays, Happy New Year, and here's to a great 2024. . () . () () . () . () . () . () () /episode/index/show/25oclockpod/id/29130423

Emily Drinker 12/12/2023

Emily Drinker is one of the hardest working singer-songwriters in Philadelphia, and Dan was delighted to finally get a chance to talk to her. Emily talks about growing up surrounded by music, singing and musical theater, feeling out of her league at Barnard as an undergrad, discovering a capella, taking jazz theory as a vocalist, and how a job as a cruise ship performer made her hone her skills very, very quickly. Dan and Emily dive into how she hit the ground runing when she moved back to the Philadelphia area, writing with a deadline, and how you have to let the rest of your life take priority for a bit. You can find Emily's catalog wherever you get your digital music, including Follow her on the socials at , and on . /episode/index/show/25oclockpod/id/29008258

Muskrat Flats 12/05/2023

Muskrat Flats Dan sits down with Paddy McCann and Eric Cooper () to talk about their band, . Paddy talks about the band forming as a recording project with his brother Matt, and the new lineup of the group, including Eric joining just a year ago. Jams, improv, touring, pedal nerdery, an amount of Phish talk (obviously), and the importance of hitting those smaller markets as a gorwing regional band, it's all in there. Go to , the band is currently finishing up an LP coming out in January 2024. /episode/index/show/25oclockpod/id/28869123

Ang Bocca 11/28/2023

Ang Bocca Dan and have been meaning to make this conversation happen since 2021, and now it has arrived. Ang sits down in the studio, just a few blocks from where she grew up, and talks about coming up as a South Philly native, forays into music, ice skating, , dance, and being drawn to sing and write songs from a young age. Ang has been part of the Philly music community for over 15 years, put together multiple bands and projects, and gets the badge of a true lifer. Her newest material with producer is some of the strongest yet. Her newest single, , is availale wherever you get digital music, as will be her upcoming holiday-themed single, "Drunk In New Jersey", available everywhere December 11th. /episode/index/show/25oclockpod/id/28805358

Dina and Artem 11/21/2023

Dina and Artem Dan talks to Dina Layzis and Artem Tenkeli ( when they're playing together) about their duo, and how they came together. Dina is from the Ukraine, and came here as a young child. Artem studied classical piano in Russia and just got to the US a couple of years ago. The two found each other on Instagram, and struck up a friendship and eventual musical partnership. Dina and Artem talk about how they write together, their performances, meeting people in the Philadelphia music community, and their plans for the future. Their music is streaming wherever you get digital music, to keep up with all things Dina and Artem. /episode/index/show/25oclockpod/id/28731848

Rob Tait 11/14/2023

Rob Tait Dan last talked to back in 2018, when he was drumming for the jam-organ-combo Hambone Relay. It's been almost 5 years, and things have changed. Hambone Relay is no more, Rob has drummed for countless Philadelphia artists, and when the pandemic hit, he pivoted to writing and performing his own music. Rob has been releasing singles since the summer, and we talk about the transition, the change in how he works on music, recording the tunes at , and how you have to just not look at the numbers most of the time. Rob's two latest singles, "Matilda" and "Space Fire", are out now and . Rob also hosts his own podcast, , which features music picks and conversations with Philadelphia artists and musicians, and is available wherever you get your podcasts. /episode/index/show/25oclockpod/id/28614948

The Groove Merchants 11/07/2023

The Groove Merchants Dan sits down with Fishtown-by-way-of-Bethlehem frontman Tye Vallone of . Tye talks about growing up amidst his father's bands rehearsing in the garage, watching the same John Mayer concert on cable over and over, moving from drums to guitar, and how The Groove Merchants took a possible problem and turned it into a band when they all first met. "Real Estate" is the newest single from The Groove Merchants (recorded at in Philadelphia), and it's available wherever you get your digital music. /episode/index/show/25oclockpod/id/28527242

Fall 2023 Playlist 10/31/2023

Fall 2023 Playlist Dan is back from a few weeks in Japan, and with him comes stories, memories, a new found love of seaweed related snacks, and this playlist episode. Featuring 15 recently released tracks from Philadelphia musicians, please enjoy just a taste of all the great talent here is in this city. Please see the clickable playlist below, which allows you to link up instantly with any and all of the artists played in this episode. Check out their music, see when they're playing, and buy their records. Support the Philadelphia community if you are able, any support is greatly appreciated by the artists. Note: While we are aware of and incredibly concerned about the issues surrounding the recent Bandcamp sale and massive layoffs (many friends and listeners of the show were employees who lost their jobs, and we wish them new and better opportunities as quickly as possible), we still feel the platform is currently one of the best ways to put the most money via online sales into the pockets of independent artists. We will continue to steer you towards an artist's Bandcamp page until we deem it no longer fair or equitable for the artist. Currently, artists are still being paid from their Bandcamp sales in the same manner and scale as before the recent sale of the company. We will continue to stay informed on the situation, and will adjust our position when and if events warrant. /episode/index/show/25oclockpod/id/28455947

Buzz Zeemer (Frank Brown) 10/24/2023

Buzz Zeemer (Frank Brown) Frank Brown fronted one of the best Philadelphia bands of the 90s, . When the touring life (which featured opening for the late Sinead O'Connor amidst her rise to stardom) couldn't pay the bills, Frank put the band to bed, and started Buzz Zeemer, which was never intended to have any ambition at all. Flash forward to 2023, and Pat Feeney at in Manayunk put out a full length record of Buzz Zeemer material that was recorded back in the mid 90s called . Frank talks to Dan about the Philly music scene back in the day, what he's been up to for almost 25 years, and the joy of his music connecting with people so long after the fact. 'Lost and Found' is available wherever you get digital music, and . /episode/index/show/25oclockpod/id/28241135

Apple Juice Jones 10/17/2023

Apple Juice Jones Matt Nestor, drummer of , reached out to Dan a bit ago to tell him the story of the band and the tragic loss of their frontman, Teddy Kradzinski. Dan was moved by the story, so he invited Matt and bassist Mike Bennett over to talk about it all. Matt and Mike talk about the early days of the band, living in a house together during the pandemic and practicing and playing for hours every day, Teddy's incredibly prolific catalog, losing him suddenly, and how they decided to not only keep the band going, but to continue to ressurect a mountain of material featuring Teddy's voice and guitar. With the help of Michael Cumming and Logan Roth at , they were able to put out , and the story of how it came to be is amazing. Apple Juice Jones have new singles out now, as well as live recordings, . /episode/index/show/25oclockpod/id/28229543

Moustapha Noumbissi 10/10/2023

Moustapha Noumbissi Dan has been a fan of ever since he first heard him on . Moustapha talks with Dan about growing up in Belgium, the culture shock of switching to an American school in Upper Darby when he was 7, playing college basketball, always being fascinated by guitar and songwriting, and how a One Direction concert that he was forced to take his sister to changed his life forever. He praises , his band, and the Philly music community for helping him on this amazing path he's on. Moustapha's latest single, , is available wherever you get digital music. , which is all week this week around town. Go to for all the info about this week long fest. Photo credit: John Vettese /episode/index/show/25oclockpod/id/28257254

Marian Hill 10/03/2023

Marian Hill With Philly Music Fest nearly upon us, Dan talks with Samantha Gongol and Jeremy Lloyd of in lieu of their PMF performance on 10/11 at World Cafe Live. Sam and Jeremy talk about meeting in middle school, turning a one-time collaboration into a decade-long group, their early opportunities, the role that MP3 blogs played in their early success, and where they're headed these days. is October 9-15, at multiple venues throughout Philadelphia, go to their site for , lineup, , and all the from this fully non-profit music fest. /episode/index/show/25oclockpod/id/28198547

Suzanne Sheer 09/26/2023

Suzanne Sheer Dan talks with , Philly based/Pittsburgh born singer-songwriter extraordinaire. Suzanne opens up about her latest LP, her new singles, coming from a very music familiy, music school in New Mexico, and how the pandemic shaped what would be her current trajectory. Suzanne talks about the joy of meeting and talking to people after the shows who are moved by her music, the perils of being a social media creator, her relationship with her two producer/collaborators, and , and the huge role that Philly venue has played in her life. Suzanne has two new singles out now, "Baby 4 Life" and "Off Limits", both available . /episode/index/show/25oclockpod/id/28132763

Julia Pratt 09/19/2023

Julia Pratt Dan converses with singer-songwriter about her life, both in music and out: moving around a lot as a kid, living in China and Vietnam as an ex-pat, early songwriting, playing guitar for only about a year, and the opportunities that have come her way recently. Julia talks about her recent collaboration with Philly band Mt. Joy, opening for Hozier at World Cafe Live, , and how she's always aware that, at any moment, all this could go away. Her newest single, , is available now wherever you get digital music, as well as her previous singles. She's part of this year's , as well as the in October. /episode/index/show/25oclockpod/id/28066947

Julian Booker 09/12/2023

Julian Booker Dan has been listening to Julian Booker on for a long time, especially on Sleepy Hollow every Sunday morning. Julian sits down to talk about growing up in a music and radio house (his father was in the broadcast biz), working after school and summers in the production booth, his early days producing concerts for The Blockley in University City, moving to and being part of , , as well as his time on the road with artists like Marc Benevento and Karina Rykman. And speaking of WXPN, don't miss Xponential Music fest, 9/22-24 at Wiggins Park on the Camden Waterfront. Three days of amazing music, all curated by WXPN. Weekend and day passes available at . /episode/index/show/25oclockpod/id/28001967

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