Dropped Among This Crowd

This week, forty years ago, a historic recording was made in Kingston, ON..... Join me, Sara J, as we dive deeper into all this and more, including an in-depth look at Davis Manning, who was more than just the sax player in The Hip. The Copper Penny Project by DATC Media — coming soon.

This week on the show, Sara J. is sharing a bit of personal news and a health update.

In this episode of Dropped Among This Crowd, Sara J. dives deep into the life and career of Phil Collins—from his formative years, to Genesis, to his groundbreaking solo work, and beyond. We explore the stories behind In the Air Tonight, his collaborations with legends like Eric Clapton, his commercial dominance alongside artists like Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson, and the unforgettable Live Aid performance that cemented his place in music history. Sara also shares personal memories of seeing Phil live as a kid, highlights his autobiography Not Dead Yet, and invites listeners to weigh in: which era of Phil Collins do you remember most—Genesis, solo hits, or even the Tarzan soundtrack? Join us for a deep dive into a career that has truly soundtracked our lives.

In this third episode of Something On, Sara J switches things up and brings you a streamlined music news rundown—this time dropping directly into your podcast feed. The big story this week: the release of “Generation” from Gord Downie, The Sadies, and the Conquering Sun – Live at 6 O’Clock, arriving February 27. Sara breaks down what to expect from the live album, why the Discovering Downie podcast is an essential companion listening, and how this project captures Gord at his electrifying best. She also covers: The latest from The Hip on Shuffle (including her recent appearance on the “Fire in the Hole” panel and a killer unreleased 1997 live cut from Rock am Ring) New content from School of Hip A deep dive recommendation into Phantom Acoustics Highlights from Gord Downie birthday celebrations in Buffalo, including standout performances by The Strictly Hip A special audio clip from Craig (Discovering Downie / Gift Shop) recorded at a Gord birthday tribute show Plus, in the DATC Media world, Sara shares details from the latest episode of Dropped Among This Crowd, featuring Brady Callan of Cancon_eh. They talk Canadian music culture, Finger Eleven, Nickelback’s love-to-hate legacy, Richard Beland’s photography, desert island albums, music books, vinyl collecting, and the formative power of live music. Whether you’re here for The Hip, Gord’s solo work, or the broader Canadian music community, this episode is packed with news, recommendations, and celebration. Be sure to stick around to the end for a special audio clip—and check the show notes for all links mentioned. Something On will return April 14th with a live guest episode. Follow DATC Media everywhere to stay in the loop.

This week on the show, fresh off celebrating two years of creating digital content for his page Cancon_eh, Sudbury, Ontario native Brady Callan sits down with host Sara J to talk about the inspiration behind creating a page dedicated to highlighting and celebrating iconic Canadian music—and Canadian culture more broadly. Brady shares the artists and bands he’s had the pleasure of sitting down with, including an intimate conversation with Finger Eleven about touring with Ozzy Osbourne, recorded just weeks after Ozzy’s passing. He also reveals who’s still on his bucket list to interview. Sara reflects on growing up with easy access to Canadian content from Buffalo, NY, seeing bands for free in the city, the advantages of living in a border town, and the alternative music day festivals of the early 2000s. Brady dives into the Cancon playlist he’s built on Spotify (link in show notes), his creative plans for 2026, the history behind the Cancon\_eh name, and a breakdown of Canadian Content (CanCon) guidelines. The two reminisce about Richard Beland’s Toronto gallery event last October and share their favourite photos from his incredible collection. Brady walks us through his lifelong love of music—what shaped him, the bands that built his musical foundation, the first music he ever bought, his most prized albums, his elusive “white whale” vinyl, and other standout pieces from his collection. He relives his iconic first concert and other unforgettable live music moments, speaks on the importance of supporting local musicians and venues, and shares some deep Canadian music history surrounding The Townhouse Tavern. And we talk about Nickelback - how their music left an imprint on his memory those cold early mornings on the way to hockey practice, and a distinctly Canadian perspective on the love-to-hate them. Brady also reveals his desert island albums, favourite music books (plus a recommendation for Sara), what music he’s currently “married to,” playing drums, and the Freaks and Geeks scene that perfectly sums up his childhood—jamming in the basement, collecting drums, and wanting to learn any instrument he could get his hands on… including an accordion from Germany dating back to the mid-1930s, gifted to him on Christmas morning when he was 18.

In this episode of Dropped Among This Crowd, host Sara J is sharing a few of her favourite reads — the books that have inspired, moved, and shaped her love for music and storytelling. From legendary rock biographies to iconic novels, these picks give a behind-the-scenes look at the artists we love, the stories behind their music, and the moments that defined an era. Tune in, get inspired, and discover your next favourite read. I always encourage checking your local library first — borrow, explore, and support your community! For those who want to own a copy, I’ve included Amazon links to grab your favourites.

"Something On" Episode Two! The new show from DATC Media that explores the latest music news through the lens of The Hip, creating space for tribute artists, adjacent acts and projects, creators, and fellow storytellers to join the conversation! Hosted by Sara J. - LIVE at 7pm eastern! This week's guest was jD, creator & voice behind The Tragically Hip Podcast Series! The dynamic duo was back together LIVE!

Some bands don’t just play a venue — they belong to it. In this episode of Dropped Among This Crowd, host Sara J. explores one of the most sacred relationships in rock history: The Allman Brothers Band and the Beacon Theatre. What began as a short run of shows in 1989 evolved into a decades-long tradition that transformed March in New York City into something legendary. Inspired by the book One Way Out: The Inside History of the Allman Brothers Band by Alan Paul, this episode dives into how the Beacon became more than a stage — it became a home, a ritual, and a gathering place for fans from around the world. This isn’t just a history lesson. It’s a story about what happens when a band and a room truly listen to each other. 🔍 In This Episode Why the Allman Brothers’ relationship with the Beacon Theatre was unlike any other How the band’s 1989 resurgence sparked a New York tradition The origins of “March Madness” at the Beacon What made each Beacon show a singular, unrepeatable experience Legendary surprise guest appearances and why they mattered The role of space, acoustics, and energy in live music How Duane Allman’s spirit remained central to the band long after his passing The emotional weight of the band’s final Beacon shows in October 2014 🎶 Key Moments & Highlights The Beacon Theatre’s opening in 1929 and its rise as an iconic venue The Allman Brothers’ record-setting 238 shows at the Beacon (1989–2014) Why multi-night runs became essential to the band’s identity Live recordings captured at the Beacon, including: An Evening with the Allman Brothers Band: First Set (1992) Play All Night: Live at the Beacon Theatre (1992) Peakin’ at the Beacon (2000) Live at the Beacon Theatre (2003) A reading from One Way Out detailing how the Beacon run unexpectedly became an institution 📚 Resources Mentioned One Way Out: The Inside History of the Allman Brothers Band by Alan Paul (Check your local library before buying — always recommended!) https://shop.thebighousemuseum.com/products/one-way-out-the-inside-history-of-the-allman-brothers-band-book 💭 Final Thoughts For fans, the Beacon shows weren’t concerts — they were annual pilgrimages, family reunions, and shared moments that live on long after the last note faded. The Allman Brothers didn’t just perform at the Beacon Theatre — they helped turn it into sacred ground in live music history. 📺 Don’t Miss This If you’re listening on release day (Tuesday, January 27), join me live on YouTube at 7pm ET for my new live show on DATC Media, featuring my buddy JD from The Tragically Hip Podcast. The dynamic duo is back — if you know, you know.

This week on the show, host Sara J is continuing a listener-favorite format with another deep dive into unforgettable moments in music history—this time spanning January 16–22. From the opening of the legendary Whisky A Go-Go on the Sunset Strip to Eric Clapton’s iconic MTV Unplugged session, the birth of Mötley Crüe, and the formation of Bad Company, this episode explores a week packed with defining rock moments. We also revisit infamous and unforgettable events like Ozzy Osbourne’s bat-biting incident, Neil Young’s solo debut, Buddy Holly’s final apartment recordings, and the Beach Boys beginning work on “Wouldn’t It Be Nice.” Plus, we celebrate music birthdays from legends like Sade, Janis Joplin, Dolly Parton, Paul Stanley, Questlove, Steve Perry, and more—while also remembering Glenn Frey and David Crosby. Part rock history, part cosmic coincidence, and part personal reflection (including a birthday shout-out close to home)

We're diving into this week in rock history and bit of modern buzz: celebrating birthdays, remembering legends like Bob Weir and David Bowie, and marking iconic albums and milestones from Led Zeppelin to Nirvana. Plus, some music news, updates from my Something On live stream, exciting RoughGauge website updates and more!

DATC Media Presents: Something On - A new bi-weekly news show, live on Tuesdays on YouTube with the first episode airing this Tuesday, January 6 at 7pm Eastern hosted by Sara J! The show explores the latest music news through the lens of The Hip, creating space for tribute artists, adjacent acts and projects, creators, and fellow storytellers to join the conversation! Our first guest is Jeremy Hoyle, lead singer of ‪The Strictly Hip‬, who will be joining us to talk about the band’s January residency at the iconic Babeville in Buffalo, NY. Originally aired live on YouTube 1/6/2026. Watch the replay: https://www.youtube.com/live/FQS9KZXazBc?si=xJ3Zd79aqDwtvB-T https://www.thestrictlyhip.com/tour-date-test https://www.instagram.com/thecopperpennyproject/ School of Hip:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579698875642 https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CJYao4rHc/ Listen on all podcast platforms TTH Podcast Series:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1006200856215552 https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571367462332 Listen on all podcast platforms

It’s the first episode of 2026, and Sara J is back in your feed with a holiday recap and reset energy heading into the new year. Sara also pulls back the curtain on what’s been cooking behind the scenes at DATC Media, including exciting updates on The Copper Penny Project and a preview of Something On — a brand-new bi-weekly live news show premiering January 6th at 7 PM on YouTube.

The Copper Penny Project, an immersive multi part mini series diving deep into the formative years of The Tragically Hip and the legend of The Copper Penny recording. Join me, Sara J, and my cast of super fans as we explore stories, music and history with those who were there. "Good Music Never Goes Out of Style." The Copper Penny Project coming soon.

Sara J. is getting nostalgic with a look back at 2025. From a rundown of the captivating guests she’s welcomed to the show, to the launch of the RoughGauge featured artist series, the addition of two new photographers to the DATC Media team, and the company’s expansion to an international presence—this year has been full of milestones. She also reflects on a year-in-the-making event that turned out to be even more meaningful than anticipated, and gives a sneak peek at what’s coming in 2026 from DATC Media and the many projects she's involved with. This episode is the perfect way to cap off an iconic year! 💫 New episodes of the podcast return January 6th, 2026!

"No one's gonna die, it's just art" This week, host Sara J welcomes Loveland, CO–based psychedelic indie rock band Satellite Pilot to the show. Joined by Cody (bass), Amy (guitar, synth), Sierra (keys, harp), and Alex (guitar, vocals) — with a shoutout to Jared on drums — the band sits down to talk all things Satellite Pilot as they gear up to release their first EP, 2 furreels 2 true, out December 12th. They dive into the creative process, favorite tracks, what it’s like bringing these songs to life on stage, the story behind the cover art, and so much more. The conversation kicks off with the current lineup sharing their history with the band, how they came together organically, and the unexpected little community of fans that’s blossomed in Wichita, Kansas. From there, each member opens up about what it means to be part of the “ever-expanding energy machine” that is Satellite Pilot — and how the project fuels their own creative worlds, including the music they make outside the group. Then, the band gives a look at what’s coming in 2026: their first-ever live release, To Live to Dazzle, recorded at Dazzle — Denver’s beloved jazz club. Plus, plans to record a lot more, drop a run of singles, and hit the road for shows that stretch “beyond.” A real look at a band building momentum on their own terms. (Songs heard in this episode: 2 Furreels 2 True & It Takes Hawaii'll)

The Sunday Evening Jam — your all-things-Tragically-Hip live hang — is back and now available right here in this feed! Hosted by Sara J from DATC Media, with special co-host Craig Rogers from Discovering Downie, this episode covers Craig’s recent shows with his band Gift Shop, community check-ins, updates, and a peek at what’s next for our live hangs. (Originally aired live on YouTube on November 30th, 2025) If this is your first time hearing the Sunday Evening Jam here—welcome! We’re glad you’re joining us and can’t wait for you to be part of the Sunday night vibe.

This week on the show, Sara J. is joined by Alex Moore of Satellite Pilot, a psychedelic indie-pop band based out of Loveland, CO. We dive into the Denver & Fort Collins music scene—what makes it special, why authenticity matters, and how even in a crowded landscape, there’s truly room for everyone. Naturally, we get into the heart of music community and the way sound connects people no matter the miles between them. We talk path markers in life, creative energy, tapping into self, and the frequency shift that happens when you’re playing to a live crowd. Alex also shares the wild story of the massive snowstorm that hit on the night of their 10-year anniversary show… and how it transformed into an intimate evening with the “real ones.” Alex opens up about the roots of his musical passion—from being inspired by a musician father to watching his great grandma play piano and organ in church, to the moment he got his first guitar. He also tells a serendipitous story involving a piano and the day he was born - you know we love that around stuff around here! We dig into his eclectic musical influences, including his love for 60s rockers and the raw authenticity of hip-hop. Then it’s all things Satellite Pilot—the ever-expanding energy machine. Alex walks us through the current lineup, the family inspiration behind the band’s name, what they’re working on now, and so much more.

It’s my turn in the hot seat! This week, I’m excited to share a rebroadcast of my guest appearance on At Home with Mark, hosted by Mark Hopkins. We dive into everything from my earliest musical roots to the work I do today, including: * How my love of music began with the mix tapes my dad used to send me * My mother’s work in the music industry, and how the two of them shaped the foundation for everything I do now * The big question: Is rock ’n’ roll making a comeback? * The artists who are bridging generations with their sound * The festival scene, live music, and the community that grows around it * How my passion for traveling to shows evolved — from Dave Matthews Band sparking the fire to moe. fanning the flames * That electric, chemical reaction that happens at live shows and how it fuels my creativity * Why I’d love to see the return of moe.down * Cutting my teeth in the jam music scene and the beginnings of Dropped Among This Crowd Podcast and DATC Media * My relationship and work with RoughGauge, plus a few insights and opinions on the recent happenings with G&L Guitars * And so much more! Tune in for stories, history, a little industry talk, and a whole lot of music love.

After taking a week to recap the magic and madness of Hulaween 2025, Karl Engelmann returns to the show for part two — and we pick up right where we left off. Karl dives into life at his restaurant and bar, Epic Catering/Mel’s Place, including hosting the Cuddle Clouds album-release party on November 2nd. From there, the duo gets into the world of independent artists — releasing music across formats, the wild talent of mastering engineers (Karl insists they’re “aliens”), and how his current project Cuddle Clouds ties into the broader web of creative work he’s building. He walks us through the roots of the old-time bluegrass movement, what it means to help keep the tradition alive, and how playing upright bass has shaped him both creatively and professionally. They go everywhere: the impact of Hurricane Helene… leaf season in Western North Carolina... Arizona THC gummies… telepathy… and even the eternal question — did Pompeii have a house band? With Karl, it’s never a dull moment, and part two is no exception

Photographer David Armas is back to chat about his sophomore year of covering Hulaween Music Festival for DATC Media. He walks us through the full four-day ride — the sets he was thrilled to catch, the acts that left him wanting more, and the surprises that hit along the way. David opens up about what it felt like to be more present in year two - and really embodying the "dropped among this crowd" vibe when capturing moments behind the lens. David reflects on remembering your why, his favourite shots from the weekend, his intentions walking into this year, those unmistakable Hula vibes, looking ahead to next year and everything in between.