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.

Eric Slick 11/10/2026

Eric Slick Dan talks to , drummer for , from his Nashville home. They go in depth into Eric's many, MANY bands in Philadelphia (including Lithuania, Norwegian Arms, DRGN King, etc.), learning to play and record with his sister Julie and their dad's tape machine, living in the prog-rock world but feeling its constraints (he drummed for Adrian Belew), and getting a phone call from the Dr. Dog guys at just the right time. Eric talks about finding the confidence and encouragement from friends like to write and finish his own songs, and through that motivaiton, Eric has also been putting out his own music since 2013. And Dan and Eric definitely go down some musical rabbit holes, including the works of David Byrne, Frank Zappa, and their mutual love of drummer Joe Russo. Eric Slick has a new LP coming out March 5th, 2027 called 'Bounce House'. You can , and also enjoy a couple pre-release singles wherever you get your digital music. /episode/index/show/25oclockpod/id/43679024

Caroline Quinn 10/27/2026

Caroline Quinn has been a regular staple of our playlist episodes for a couple of years, and we're delighted to finally get her on the show. John goes deep into Caroline's basement (surrounded by all her props and ephemera) to talk to her about her love of horror films and thrillers, how she conceives of the all the visual elements to her music, videos, and live shows, her background in theater and dance, and working with producer Ross Bellenoit (who can occasionally "out-weird" even her). Caroline performs a gorgeous version of a new, yet-to-be-released song called "6 AM" with Ross, and we are beyond pleased that she chose to debut it here on the show. Caroline has a new single out called "13th Floor", and her upcoming record will be out in early 2027. She'll be playing on with Token Girl, Miss Olivia, and Saint Misty. to stay up on it all! And now, the sad(ish) news: Dan announces on this episode that 25 O'Clock will go on an "indefinite hiatus" by the end of the year. This is not, however, a cause for sorrow. This show has been a part of the Philadelphia music community for over 12 years, the show will continue to exist in its archives, and we want to put it to rest (indefinitely) while it's still firing on all cylinders. We've had a blast putting this show out for all these years, and there will be an opportunity for fans and alumni guests of the show to contribute one last time ( for info). There are still a handful more of episodes to come before we say farewell, so do stick with us just a bit longer. Thank you for your support since 2014, it's not lost on us that we've made it this far because you were listening. /episode/index/show/25oclockpod/id/43437459

Philly Music Fest 2026 Playlist 10/13/2026

Philly Music Fest 2026 Playlist It's one of the best weeks of the year in Philadelphia. It is ! The fest celebrates its 10th year this year, and the 2026 lineup is all killer, no filler. But how does one prepare themselves for 7 nights of Philadelphia music? This playlist is an excellent start. Enjoy 11 tracks from 11 bands that are playing the fest this year, from punk to country to singer-songwriter to jazz to electronic to everything else. We hope this playlist gets you in a Philly Music Fest related mood, and that you discover some new artists that you may not have heard before. Philly Music Fest is a , and they give away all their proceeds to Philadelphia music charities like Beyond The Bars, Rock To The Future, Play On Philly, Settlement Music School, and more. For lineup information, available tickets, and to find out more about their mission, . /episode/index/show/25oclockpod/id/43254793

Liam Wilson (Dillinger Escape Plan) 09/29/2026

Liam Wilson (Dillinger Escape Plan) It's time again, and this year, Dan had one major interview on his wishlist: . Thankfully, Dan got his wish, and he and DEP bassist have an indepth conversation about Liam's early days in the Philadelphia hardcore and metal scene, joining The Dillinger Escape Plan in 2000, and the wild ride that ensued. Liam is also the current bassist for melodic death metal pioneers In Flames, and is part of the "supergroup" Azusa, which features members of Extol. The Dillinger Escape Plan are part of this year's lineup, and are playing October 15th at Underground Arts with Pyhrron and Caged. , go to the festival's website for up to date information. 2026 marks Philly Music Fest's 10th year as a non-profit music festival. All the proceeds from the 7 nights of shows that offer music instruction and experiences to the youth of Philadelphia. /episode/index/show/25oclockpod/id/43052493

Grace Gardner 09/15/2026

Grace Gardner hails from Texas, but has come to love their home in Philadelphia, and how Philadelphians express themselves. John talks with Grace about their love of their home state, the "New Orleans shaped hole" that will always be in their heart, and how their West Philadelphia neighbors are far kinder than anyone back home would have led them to believe. Grace goes in depth into the making of both their recent albums, 'Recovery Mile' and 'After Knowing', and their collaborative relationship with their guitarist and producer . We're thrilled that Grace chose to perform an unreleased song, "My Mistake", on the show. Check out the . Grace is playing this year's on September 19 on the Marina Stage. The Xponential Music Fest is September 18-20 at Wiggins Park on the Camden waterfront. , schedule and all information is available on . /episode/index/show/25oclockpod/id/42894650

Mike Vasilikos 09/01/2026

Mike Vasilikos During his trip home this summer, Dan knew he had to sit down with . Mike is the mid-day host at WXPN, as well as the host of Homegrown- The XPN Local Show, and a tireless champion of Philadelphia music. Dan and Mike get deep into Mike's upbringing on Long Island, his early love of Dave Matthews, and growing up with a cassette tape at the ready to record his favorite songs off the radio (a definitive elder millennial practice). A chance spotting of a flyer at Towson University for their college radio station got Mike on the air for the first time, and the rest was history. Mike extolls his love of Philadelphia bands like Cosmic Guilt, Te Vista, The Dawn Drapes, Ali Awan, and so many more. WXPN's annual music festival, , is September 18-20 at Wiggins Park on Camden Waterfront. and this year features some great Philadelphia artists like Grace Gardener, Zoe Lemon, Te Vista, Daniel Villareal, The Flying Vees, and many more. /episode/index/show/25oclockpod/id/42617005

August 2026 Playlist 08/18/2026

August 2026 Playlist Summer continues to perpetuate itself, and with comes a new playlist. 12 new tracks from Philadelphia artists are on display here for listening enjoyment. As always, check out the clickable playlist below and support the artists that you love. /episode/index/show/25oclockpod/id/42457585

Joe Makoviecki (Jackson Pines) 08/04/2026

Joe Makoviecki (Jackson Pines) We're back from our brief but rejuvenating break. Dan is back in Hong Kong. But while he was in the USA this summer, he and John did a handful of interviews with Philadlephia music community people that we know you'll love. Joe Makoviecki fronts the band , a folk band originally from the Pine Barrens region of New Jersey. Joe has called Philadelphia home for the last decade, but he has always been deeply involved in the New Jersey music world. On top of their original music, Joe and the band have made multiple volumes of recordings of traditional New Jersey Pine Barrens folk music, going back to the 19th century. Dan and Joe go deep into the history and traditions of Pine Barrens folk music, as well Joe's journey as a musician who started out in punk and emo bands. Pay-to-play shows, touring, spending time in the Library of Congress, working with the , working with the Felice Brothers, and so much more gets covered in this conversation. Jackson Pines have available wherever you get your digital music. And do check out and , the band's collections of traditional New Jersey folk music. /episode/index/show/25oclockpod/id/42299085

Clark Park Fest 2026 07/07/2026

Clark Park Fest 2026 Here's the short version: Dan and John were supposed to do a live podcast event at The Grape in Manayunk, but due to circumstances out of everyone's control, the event had to be cancelled. So they looked around at what else was happening that day, and decided to head over to . They ended up recording interviews and performances with a handful of the bands at this year's fest, including folk like Erin Fox, Moustapha Noumbissi, Miss Olivia, Max Davey, and Kuf Knotz and Christine Elise. Dan brings festival organizer Ben Perkel on the show to chat a bit about the event and some of the behind the scenes action as well. In the end, they took a frown and turned it upside down with a great day hanging out in West Philly and seeing some outstanding Philly music. We're taking the next few weeks off. Dan and John are busy getting the late summer and early fall episodes together, and Dan still has to fly back to Hong Kong at some point. So we'll be back very soon with some great interviews and music to share with you all. /episode/index/show/25oclockpod/id/41970710

June 2026 Playlist 06/16/2026

June 2026 Playlist The June playlist is here, and it is (as always) outstanding. Do check out the clickable playlist below, it has links to every artist included in this episode. /episode/index/show/25oclockpod/id/41650300

Labrador (Pat King) 06/02/2026

Labrador (Pat King) frontman Pat King sits down with John to talk about growing up in the rural Hudson Valley, being exposed to a lot of art and music through his father, and how countless family trips to New York City convinced him he was a city guy. Pat also talks about his bands, getting away from practicing them to death, and writing more like John Prine. He shares a performance of a new song, "Slow Down, King", from Labrador's new album. The new Labrador LP, is out June 5th on . The band will play on with Old Souls and Maxwell Stern and the Good Light Band. They'll also be down in with Death By Indie and Red Birds. We're having a party! 25 O'Clock will be doing a live taping on June 20th at The Grape in Manayunk. , the event is free. There will be conversations with and live performances from The Blackburns and Máty, as well as plenty of hang-out time. Do attend. /episode/index/show/25oclockpod/id/41455410

Reese Florence 05/20/2026

Reese Florence John sits down with in her home to talk about songwriting, stillness, and how live recordings can make the best albums. Reese raves about her neighborhood of Germantown, and even graces us with a new song called "Laura Palmer" from her upcoming release. Dan is back in the USA! . It's free, it's from 1-4:30pm, and it will be a great time. RSVP at the link above. Do attend. /episode/index/show/25oclockpod/id/41357250

May 2026 Playlist 05/05/2026

May 2026 Playlist We've got 12 new tracks from Philadelphia artists for your listening enjoyment. Highlights include new music from Keaton Thandi, Lovecartel, JULITH, Squiggler, and so much more. Check out the clickable playlist below, and support the artists you love! We're getting a jump on June's playlist, so if you're a Philadelphia artist, please send your track and press info to . /episode/index/show/25oclockpod/id/41139335

Máty Rodriguez 04/21/2026

Máty Rodriguez John talks with about growing up in New Jersey, her early days playing DIY shows, embracing all styles of music, her love of Sza, and how playing "Patience" by Guns N Roses will bring the house down every time. Máty shares the process of making her newest EP, working with her producer Justin, and how to use social media to say real things about yourself. Máty's , is out now wherever you get your digital music. She'll be at , and supporting the . /episode/index/show/25oclockpod/id/40930015

Cliff Hillis 04/07/2026

Cliff Hillis has spent a lot of his musical career saying "yes" and then figuring it out. Dan talks to Cliff about all his roles in music: songwriter and singer, cowriter, guitar tech, touring musician, collaborator, and so much more. Cliff talks about his days playing Rehoboth Beach bars with his brother to working with bands like The Innocence Mission, Starbelly, John Faye Power Trip, Patty Smyth, US Rails, and his current gig as bassist for (featuring members of ELO and ELO II). They also talk about the great Philadlephia music tribute (created by Hooter's drummer Dave Uosikkinen), , which Cliff has been fortunate enough to be a part of for years. And no conversation with Cliff would be complete without mulling over the oft-debated genre label that is "power pop". Cliff is currently on tour with The Orchestra, and is finishing up a brand new EP of his own music, coming out later in 2026. /episode/index/show/25oclockpod/id/40734510

March 2026 Playlist 03/24/2026

March 2026 Playlist We've got eleven new tracks for you from Philadelphia artists, and there's always a little something for everyone. Check out the clickable playlist below, it'll take you to each artist's website/social media/etc, and you can support the music you love. If you're a Philadelphia area band, you can submit your music to . Include a link to where the song can be downloaded, as well as any press sheets/EPKs/info about your band. We give all styles and genres consideration, it's just gotta be from around Philly. /episode/index/show/25oclockpod/id/40583185

Maxwell Stern 03/10/2026

Maxwell Stern John talks with about growing up in Cleveland, the midwest punk scenes he began playing music in, moving to Philadelphia and finding a whole new community there, songwriting, and his love of The Clash (among many others). Maxwell's latest LP, 'In the Good Light' is out now wherever you get your digital music, as well as on his . to stay up to date on his releases and tour dates (including a big Philadelphia show with Labrador and Old Souls). /episode/index/show/25oclockpod/id/40362455

February 2026 Playlist 02/24/2026

February 2026 Playlist We've got thirteen new tracks for your ears this month. If you're a band or artist in the greater Philadelphia area, send your music to , we're always happy to hear what's coming out. Check out the clickable playlist below, it links to you to every artist featured on this episode so you can support the music you discover and love. /episode/index/show/25oclockpod/id/40197975

Sara Johnson 02/10/2026

Sara Johnson Sara Johnson is often known by her solo project , under which she has been putting out music for quite. John Vettese sits down with Sara in her home to talk about her love of Jeff Buckley, her guitar playing journey, how to be creative in your spare time when you're also a creative for a living, (the band she fronts), spinning epic 9 hour sets at in Old City, how her best writing comes out, and so much more. Sara performs an achingly gorgeous song called "Always Leaving" from her upcoming EP. The new Stone Cold Grace EP is out later this year, and the latest single, , is out now wherever you get your digital music. She has a preview event for the EP at 48 Record Bar on March 22nd. /episode/index/show/25oclockpod/id/40053955

January 2026 Playlist 01/27/2026

January 2026 Playlist It's the first playlist episode fo 2026, and we are coming in strong. Lots of great Philadelphia artists have music coming out in the first few months of this year, and this is just a small sampling of what's out there. As always, click the playlist below to go right to the artists you love and make sure you support them. /episode/index/show/25oclockpod/id/39877070

Andrew Harris #2 01/13/2026

Andrew Harris #2 Andrew Harris fronts , a band that's been part of the Philadelphia community for over a decade. And when Dan hit him with the word "decade", Drew is still trying to wrap his head around it. Drew talks about the nearly three year process that went into making their newest LP, how their songwriting as a band has become more democratic and open, why he'll always return to to work with Brian McTear and Amy Morrissey, and how teaching literature and poetry helps him write some of his best lyrics. is the newest LP from The Naked Sun, and will be available January 30th wherever you get music. The band will play a record release show at the , alongside McTear and Morrissey's band . /episode/index/show/25oclockpod/id/39696870

2025 Year End Episode 12/23/2025

2025 Year End Episode 2025 is closing out, and we're taking a look at music that we loved from the year, as well as sharing holiday and year-end messages from some of our contributors. Big thanks to Nate Runkel, Drew Harris, Phillip reese, and John Vettese for sending messages this year, and thanks to all the contributors at 25 O'Clock in 2025. We couldn't make this happen without everyone involved. Enjoy the ever-standard clickable playlist below, and have great holiday and a happy new year. /episode/index/show/25oclockpod/id/39494655

The Maks 12/09/2025

The Maks are a trio of veteran Philadelphia musicians who were just starting to maybe think about being a band when they ended up as the opener on a sold out show, and everything just took off from there. Long standing supporter of the podcast Maggie Poulos (and founder of ) talks with all three Maks: Melissa Menago, Angelique Zuppo, and Karina Patricelli, as well as their manager, . The band talks about things moving fast, how they write, produce and perform, and what they want to see happen for them in the next year. They break down how they wrote their song, “The Boulder”, for the WXPN 24 Songwriting Contest, and what each of them brings to the table in the trio. The Maks have multiple singles out now , and are working hard at a full length for 2026. They'll be playing a benefit show called Hope In Harmony, benefitting , a domestic abuse treatment center in Philadelphia, . /episode/index/show/25oclockpod/id/39321135

Larry Magid 11/24/2025

Larry Magid Philadelphia music has a rich and long history, spanning every style imaginable, from jazz and soul to art rock to opera to doo wop and everything else. And who better to helm a book about the city's extensive music offerings than Electric Factory founder, Live Aid/Live 8 co-creator and Cobb's Creek native . Dan gets back in the interviewer seat for the first time in a while to talk with Larry about the thing that drives them both: the ever expanding Philadelphia music story. Larry tells Dan about growing up in West Philly, dances, the Uptown, and early American Bandstand (before it went national). One Saturday night changed his life when he found himself in the DJ booth with Jimmy “Cannonball” Parsons, and his already rabid appetite for music became his path. Larry talks about the oft-overlooked Atlantic City Pop Festival in 1969 (just two months before Woodstock), early concerts at the Spectrum (and why bands loved that arena so much), and how he thinks Philadelphia audiences may be the most influential audiences of the rock and roll era. They also discuss the new book of Philadelphia music history that Larry organized, covering nearly every corner of Philadelphia music over the years. is out now via Camino Books, and is available wherever you buy your books. It features over a dozen contributors on a wide variety of Philadelphia music genres, and all the proceeds go to support the , an organization that creates, support and sponsor programs that enrich and strengthen Philadelphia’s musical community. /episode/index/show/25oclockpod/id/39147665

November 2025 Playlist 11/11/2025

November 2025 Playlist After a few weeks break, we're back with another playlist episode. Enjoy these new tracks from Philadelphia artists, and remember to check out the clickable playlist below. Go support the bands and artists you love! /episode/index/show/25oclockpod/id/38976490

KulfiGirls 10/14/2025

KulfiGirls It's Philly Music Fest, and we wanted to highlight one more artist playing the fest this year. are Abi, Joan, Adesole, and Stephanie, and they are all on the show. is sitting in the host chair this week, and he talks with KulfiGirls about it all: how they met, how they formed up as a band, all the work that went into their LP 'Divinity', the pain of mixing your own record (props to Joan on that one), and how they're constantly floored when people come up to tthe band and tell them how much their music means to them. It's a rare feat to get all members of a band on one conversation, and to have it flow so seamlessly. You'll have a love not only for their music, but for how they work together as a group. KulfiGirls are playing Philly Music Fest on October 18th at Underground Arts with The Wonder Years and Caracara (who were guests ). Go to for more info on that show and all the other shows this week at venues around Philadelphia. KulfiGirls will also be at Milkboy on November 19th, and in Brooklyn at The Meadows on December 13th. The album 'Divinity' is available now wherever you get your digital music. In honor of Philly Music Fest, all sales of our compilation, , go to strengthen the charitable giving of the festival. If you can't make it to a show and still want to support the work of PMF and their contributions to the music charities of Philadlephia, you can buy a digital copy of the compilation at our Bandcamp. /episode/index/show/25oclockpod/id/38574855

Adam Shumski 10/07/2025

Adam Shumski John and Paige have a truly career spanning chat with , drummer in Philadelphia bands like (formerly The Lunar Year), and , as well as the newest addition to the New York based group . Adam talks about growing up influenced by his older brother's records, how studying jazz drumming made him ready to play anything, whether or not he'd ever be a "singing drummer", being encouraged to write more, and that he alway has time for "one more project". He also goes into detail about international touring life with Bodega, and working with Jim Eno (Spoon) on the new Planette Automatic LP. Planette Automatic is playing (their first yea as part of the fest) with Saide Gust, Chioke, and Catie Turner. Photo by /episode/index/show/25oclockpod/id/38480480

September 2025 Playlist 09/23/2025

September 2025 Playlist September is almost gone, and autumn is nearly in full swing (at least in some places), and Philadlephia artists are putting out amazing music, as is to be expected. Dan presents you with 12 tracks from Philadlephia artists, so make sure you check out the clickable playlist below, and support the ones you love! (Photo by Dan, Xponential Fest 2022) /episode/index/show/25oclockpod/id/38320755

Grace Vonderkuhn 09/09/2025

Grace Vonderkuhn John and Paige are back, and they're sitting down with Grace Koon of . Grace talks about the music community in Wilmington, Delaware, and how being even just a little outside of the greater Philadlephia area can change the whole way you form and flourish as a band. She talks about her bandmates, Brian Bartling and DaveMcGrory, and how they've refined the sound of the band over ten years together. And she takes us all through the long process that it took to release their newest LP, 'In The Morning', out now wherever you get your digital music, and also . Grace is kind enough to play us an acoustic version of "Be Mine" from the new record. The band plays their release show on , and will head up to South Philadelphia on . Dan keeps you all up to speed with his life over in Hong Kong, and some of the upcoming shows he hopes to catch this year (Any of y'all ever heard of the ?). Enjoy the beginnings of fall wherever you are. We'll be putting out a new playlist episode at the end of this month, so if you're a Philadelphia artists and have new material that you want to share, send it our way to . Episode photo by /episode/index/show/25oclockpod/id/38127525

August 2025 Playlist 08/18/2025

August 2025 Playlist Back at it again with another playlist, featuring 11 tracks of new music from Philadelphia's finest artists. As always, check out the clickable playlist below, and go support the bands and artists you like. /episode/index/show/25oclockpod/id/37859760

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