STARK REALITY with James Dier aka $mall ¢hange

For Episode 85 of STARK REALITY, Host James Dier aka DJ $mall ¢hange rolls out the tattered red carpet to the Great White North aka Canada, and talks to special guest SINA RAHMANI. Sina is the creator and host of The East is a Podcast, a show that focuses a critical lens on the history of the present of the modern Middle East and North Africa, featuring interviews with experts and archival mashups. his twitter: @urorientalist Sina completed his Ph.D. in Comparative Literature at UCLA. He is a translator, scholar, and writer. His work has been published in the PMLA, Iranian Studies, boundary 2, Radical History Review, and Public Books. He does this podcast in his spare time, of which he has plenty. He has never gone fishing. Needless to say, his podcast is really dope and a great source of info on West Asia and what is going on in this terrible world in general, from an anti imperialist perspective. Well worth doing a deep dive, he has a lot of excellent guests and his rants are always on point. He also helps produce a number of other quality leftist podcasts, Red Nation with Nick Estes, Office Hours with Adam Hussian (of Rev Left Radio), and many others. In our discussion we talk about Iran, ofc, the concept of Kayfabe, how Americans are the most propagandized ppl on the planet, media, social media platforms in the West, how podcasting has changed in the 8 years he's been doing his podcast, and more. Sina is the man and was very appreciative of his time and perspective. Go check his interviews and guests at www.eastpodcast.com - you will definitely learn something. Recorded March 31st, 2026. James Dier aka $mall ¢hangewww.djsmallchange.comwww.facebook.com/djsmallchange www.soundcloud.com/smallchange666 T/IG:  @djsmallchangeNickel and Dime Radio on WFMUhttp://wfmu.org/playlists/nd For all of Host James Dier aka DJ $mall ¢hange's in-depth interviews and exclusive guest playlists, Subscribe to both STARK REALITY and STARK REALITY PLAYLISTS on Apple Podcasts, Mixcloud or live & direct on uptownradio.net / jasoncharles.net Podcast Network Music Channel's STARK REALITY Series PageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Episode 84 of STARK REALITY, Host James Dier aka DJ $mall ¢hange rolls the tattered red carpet out to Ridgewood, Queens to interview his friend Selam aka DJ Miss Hap Selam has been slaying it around Brooklyn and NYC for a decade; great DJ and digger who has deep crates in reggae, disco, soul, and a number of genres. And of course has excellent politics which is why she has been someone he's wanted to interview for a min now. They talk about a number of tings, DJing in NYC these days, working at a record shop (shouts to Record City in BK), ICE arrests, Palestine, the worthless Democratic Party aka controlled opposition, some favorite records like the Love Joys LP on Wackies, etc etc. Slight delay getting this out since it was recorded on Oct 20th of 2025 so apologies for that. An excellent conversation though so hope you enjoy - cheers! For all of Host James Dier aka DJ $mall ¢hange's in-depth interviews and exclusive guest playlists, Subscribe to both STARK REALITY and STARK REALITY PLAYLISTS on Apple Podcasts, Mixcloud or live & direct on uptownradio.net / jasoncharles.net Podcast Network Music Channel's STARK REALITY Series PageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Episode 83 of STARK REALITY, Host James Dier aka DJ $mall ¢hange presents a special edition and keeps it semi local to roll the tattered red carpet out to NYC for a 2nd conversation with radio veteran, promoter and activist REGGIE JOHNSON. This episode is part of a promo for an event that Jim and Reggie are throwing January 24th at Starr Bar in Brooklyn, a benefit for Electronic Intifada. They of course talk about a range of topics, Palestine, the important role of independent journalism since corp media is propaganda, recent bs with Venezuela, David Mancuso and his ethos with the Loft parties, the great work Electronic Intifada has done covering this genocide, and much more.  You can find info for the January 24th event and tickets here: https://posh.vip/e/intifada-is-freedom-a-benefit-for-electronic-intifada  REGGIE JOHNSON is a pro audio engineer, radio show host, party promoter and all around good ppls. He's been working as an engineer behind the boards at WBAI Pacifica for a few decades, and co-hosting Jeanie Hopper's Liquid Sound Lounge since '98. His own radio show From the Soundboard has been running since 2007, a 'program that usually focuses on concerts regardless of genre. This is where the artist and (or) group perfects the art of the "call and response" with its audience.' He does great deep dives on all kinds of artists and groups like Gal Costa, Link Wray, Yusef Lateef, Paul Robeson, Ramsey Lewis and many others. He's also helped promote parties since 1998 and has a longtime summer thing called Beats & BBQ. In his own words, he's 'just an average individual who believes in Socialist principles through music, arts and action. Everything is connected to everything.' Listen to Reggie's first in-depth Stark Reality interview and exclusive African funk playlist at the links below, or wherever you get your podcasts: https://jasoncharles.net/podcast/stark-reality/reggie-johnson-the-stark-reality-interview https://jasoncharles.net/podcast/stark-reality/reggie-johnsons-exclusive-african-funk-stark-reality-playlist For all of Host James Dier aka DJ $mall ¢hange's in-depth interviews and exclusive guest playlists, Subscribe to both STARK REALITY and STARK REALITY PLAYLISTS on Apple Podcasts, Mixcloud or live & direct on uptownradio.net / jasoncharles.net Podcast Network Music Channel's STARK REALITY Series PageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Episode 81 of STARK REALITY, Host James Dier aka DJ $mall ¢hange rolls the tattered red carpet out to New Orleans to check back in with GEOFFREY WILSON aka DJ REVEREND ROBERT SINEWAVE, Part 2.  Since our last conversation several years ago (hard to believe, time flies), Geoffrey has escaped from White Wakanda (aka Portland) and moved to NOLA. We bounce around talking about a number of things happening politically plus music and cocktail sidebars as to be expected. Interview recorded November 3rd, 2025. If you know Geoffrey, you’d know that he’s a good friend, a good ally, and a staunch believer in equality, visibility, and diversity in the hospitality industry. He’s also a talented and creative bartender. Having spent close to a decade working in the International House Hotel in New Orleans, Ocotillo in Phoenix, and Multnomah Whiskey Library in Portland, OR, Geoffrey has honed his skill and earned the honor of Best Bartender in Chicago in 2008 and Phoenix in 2014. In addition to this, he's made fancy cocktail ice in Portland, has an extensive record collection (duh) and now semi-retired in New Orleans, although he does keep busy consulting and working on various projects for folks. If you find yourself in the area, be sure to follow his Instagram @rev_robertsinewave and join in the fun. Ask him about his purple Chucks. This time around he's going deep into spirit jazz / avant vibes with some classics and deep cuts from folks like Alice Coltrane, Pharoah Sanders, Albert Ayler, Horace Tapscott, Art Ensemble of Chicago, Joe Henderson, Marion Brown, etc etc. of proper head sounds. Go to Episode 82 of STARK REALITY to hear this sensational 2 1/2 + hour master mix - Enjoy! To hear Reverend Robert's first Stark Reality Interview with Host James Dier aka DJ $mall ¢hange, recorded in 2020, go to Episode 11 of STARK REALITY.  And since last time our conversation fell around 4/20, that inspired EPISODE 12 of STARK REALITY, a weed-themed exclusive rare groove, funk and soul playlist. For all of Host James Dier aka DJ $mall ¢hange's in-depth interviews and exclusive guest playlists, Subscribe to both STARK REALITY and STARK REALITY PLAYLISTS on Apple Podcasts, Mixcloud or live & direct on uptownradio.net / jasoncharles.net Podcast Network Music Channel's STARK REALITY Series Page See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Episode 79 of STARK REALITY, Host James Dier aka DJ $mall ¢hange rolls the tattered red carpet out to Brooklyn and talks to special guest JULIA POPESCU. She is a multi-disciplinary artist who shows under the moniker and brand Snakes for Hair, her Tarot and candle company. Her work references ‘90s analog media and the occult, with a punk twist. Her spiritual practice is based on magick, manifestation and transformation for all. No one is free until everyone is free. Her site is www.snakesforhair.com and her IG is @snakes4hair $mall ¢hange met Julia once at a Palestine benefit party featuring Palestinian DJs etc about a year and a half ago, closer to the beginning on this ongoing genocide. She knows the time and has traveled to Lebanon multiple times and visited Palestine, which helped shape her awareness on these issues. She has a punk background growing up in the DC area in the '90s and seeing bands like Fugazi every week, doing various mutual aid projects in her youth. After a career in fashion she leaned into her witchy side and started making candles which took off into her own business and her moniker Snakes For Hair. Jim and Julia have a great conversation, talking about the silence of ppl during this genocide, operating an independent business, her own evolution politically, the DC punk scene, '80s/'90s zine culture, etc etc.  Recorded July 9th, 2025. To hear Julia’s exclusive STARK REALITY Playlist of properly noisy and raw punk favorites, featuring Bad Brains, Fugazi, Bikini Kill, The Warmers, Patti Smith Group and much more, go to Episode 80 of STARK REALITY or STARK REALITY PLAYLISTS on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your music podcasts. For all of Host James Dier aka DJ $mall ¢hange's in-depth interviews and exclusive guest playlists, Subscribe to both STARK REALITY and STARK REALITY PLAYLISTS on Apple Podcasts, Mixcloud or live & direct on uptownradio.net / jasoncharles.net Podcast Network Music Channel's STARK REALITY Series Page  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Episode 77 of STARK REALITY, Host James Dier aka DJ $mall ¢hange rolls the tattered red carpet out to Toronto for an in-depth interview with DJ CATO, aka Congri. Cato was born in Germany and moved to the states as a kid. Skateboarding and music were his refuge and he acquired his first set of Technics 1200’s and Realistic mixer when he was a teenager. In the 90s Cato moved to NYC, began DJing at night while working at the fashion clothing store Diesel during the day. As a bi- product of his day job, Cato was afforded numerous trots around the globe. He collected music not commonly found in mainstream America, and subsequently injected those new global sounds into the veins of New York clubs and lounges, where Jim would see him regularly until he moved to LA in 2012.  Cato is a very versatile DJ and has destroyed many dancefloors. If you get a chance go see him DJ and bring your dancing shoes. Jim has reconnected with Cato online in the last few years because he is one of the few music/DJ ppl who has been very vocal on Palestine and in particular this ongoing genocide. He is a busy man with a family, and recently moved to Toronto, but we are thankful he made some time for this interview, recorded May 22nd, 2025. We are super grateful that DJ Cato also took the time to put together a tight set of bumping global sounds, even a pro Palestine Amapiano track.  To hear this exclusive STARK REALITY PLAYLIST, go to Episode 78 on the STARK REALITY Series Page, or on STARK REALITY PLAYLISTS wherever you get your music podcasts. For all of Host James Dier aka DJ $mall ¢hange's in-depth interviews and exclusive guest playlists, Subscribe to both STARK REALITY and STARK REALITY PLAYLISTS on Apple Podcasts, Mixcloud or live & direct on uptownradio.net / jasoncharles.net Podcast Network Music Channel's STARK REALITY Series PageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For this installment of STARK REALITY, Episode 75, Host James Dier aka DJ $mall ¢hange rolls the tattered red carpet to Northern Spain to have a chat with selector and 45 digger NANCY YAHIRO. She is a native of Southern California and first started DJing punk and soul at her college’s radio station (KUCI) in 1985. Nancy became increasingly obsessed with soul 45s and started selling duplicates and becoming a record dealer. In 1997 Nancy started the Golden State Soul Society with Cid Hernandez and continued running it with Gabby Beeby until she moved to Italy. In Italy, Nancy started the Rimini Rare Soul Weekender and lived there for 11 years, DJed all over the country. She has also played records in the US, Argentina, UK, Germany, Spain, Sweden, etc etc. Jim first met Nancy as a wee lad in the late 80s in the Southern California Mod/Ska scene, and the last time he saw her in person was in the early 90s digging for records in San Francisco. In recent years he reconnected with her online, and she has been very vocal about the genocide in Gaza, which he gives her a lot of credit for. They talk about the deafening silence from fellow music collectors and DJs on this genocide, media propaganda and whitewashing, the apathy of the world, the heroism of Yemen, the narcissism and ignorance of liberals, etc etc. With the genocide only getting worse after 19 months they are mostly talking about this instead of music. but don't fret, Nancy gives us a slamming playlist of Northern Soul, RnB, Funk, a little Hip Hop too. She has very deep crates as to be expected after digging and DJing for so many years.  Recorded April 25, 2025. To hear Nancy's exclusive Stark Reality Playlist, featuring tracks by Grady Tate, Edwin Starr, Irma Thomas, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Clarence Carter, Gangstarr and much more, go to Episode 76 of Stark Reality on jasoncharles.net Music Channel, or wherever you get your music podcasts. For all of Host James Dier aka DJ $mall ¢hange's in-depth interviews and exclusive guest playlists, Subscribe to both STARK REALITY and STARK REALITY PLAYLISTS on Apple Podcasts, Mixcloud or live & direct on uptownradio.net / jasoncharles.net Podcast Network Music Channel's STARK REALITY Series PageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Episode 74 of Stark Reality, Host James Dier aka DJ $mall ¢hange rolls the tattered red carpet out to the Bay Area and welcomes visual artist/DJ/producer EZRA LI EISMONT. Ezra is a multi-disciplinary artist living and working on the Mendocino coast in Northern California, with primary emphasis on painting and sound. Born in North Carolina 1974, he moved with his family to NYC 1977 and was raised there through the 1980s until moving to Oakland, California in 1990.  A graduate of the California College of Arts and Crafts (BFA 1997), he has been an active member of the Bay area art and music communities since the mid Nineties, lending his artistic flavor to many Bay Area music albums and flyer art over the past decades. Ezra is a founding member of the electronic music group Cat Five (1999-2005) and music producer under the name Dj Darkat. He was an active attendee of the Burning Man festival between 1999-2016, including working for the Burning Man Department of Public Works between 2007-2015. From 2009-2022 he broadcast a weekly online radio show called Sound Dimensions broadcast on Spaz.org In this episode we get into Ezra's history in both painting and sound, talk about different projects he's worked on, his 'Zombie' series of paintings, weird records like industrial musicals, collecting and selling records, doing cut up / sample type tracks (and literally cutting up flexidiscs to make collage records), Burning Man, working for them, our issues with the event and its politics, the Ghost Ship fire from some years back, fighting landlords trying to kick you out of your space (which Ezra was involved with for a number of years in Oakland), throwing raves (happenings) back in the day, and what inspires his art. Jim met Ezra way back in 2000 on the playa, he is top ppls and a very talented artist. He was one of the ppl $mall ¢hange was thinking of when he started this podcast a few years back so glad to finally interview him for Stark Reality. Recorded Feb 17th 2025. For more information and links go to www.Ezrali.wordpress.com To hear Ezra’s exclusive STARK REALITY Playlist, the “DJ Darkat Freedom of Speech Mix,” a funky and eclectic set of hip hop, punk, random soundscapes and samples to go along with the interview, go to Episode 74 of STARK REALITY PLAYLISTS on Apple or wherever you get your music podcasts, or live & direct on the uptownradio.net Music Channel STARK REALITY series page. don’t forget to subscribe to both STARK REALITY and STARK REALITY PLAYLISTS on Apple Podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

STARK REALITY Host JAMES DIER aka DJ $mall ¢hange is back for Episode 71/72!Aight party ppl another Stark Reality coming your way. This time we don't have to roll the red carpet too far aka downstairs to Jim's neighbor and noted record digger CHRIS BISHOP. He started the 60s music research site GarageHangover.com in 2004, which is a crazy resource on obscure garage rock records and more. In that same year Chris also began deejaying at  the Local Project in LIC, followed by regular gigs at Rififi, the Tainted Lady, Magnetic Field, & Patio Bar and other various spots in NYC. He moved upstate to Hudson in 2011 and had a late night weekly on WGXC and occasional nights at the Half Moon. And is currently trying to hold this criminal administration accountable with actions to support a free Palestine. Recorded just before the election on Oct 28th, 2024. Chris and Jim align a lot on politics and records, they talk about the protests he has been a part of in Hudson and Columbia County. And they get into obscure and sought after records that have been cut and made in the Hudson Valley. The mix he provided as the accompanying set 'Kennett Sound Studio & Hudson Valley mini-mix' showcases some of those records. To hear this exclusive Stark Reality playlist, go to Episode 72 of Stark Reality. For all of Host James Dier aka DJ $mall ¢hange's in-depth interviews and exclusive guest playlists, Subscribe to both STARK REALITY and STARK REALITY PLAYLISTS on Apple Podcasts, Mixcloud or live & direct on jasoncharles.net Podcast Network Music Channel's STARK REALITY Series PageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

STARK REALITY Host JAMES DIER aka DJ $mall ¢hange is back for Episode 69/70! "Hi party ppl, been a minute but managed to record another podcast, this time rolling the tattered red carpet out to LaLa Land to interview special guest, producer and advocate SHIRLEY BRAHA. An ex-New Yorker now living in LA, Shirley is a Queer Syrian-Jew who is against Imperialism and Zionism.  She was also the human behind Marnie the Dog (@marniethedog RIP), the iconic senior rescue shih-tzu who became a star with millions of followers and her own book.She is also the human behind Marnie the Dog (@marniethedog RIP), the iconic senior rescue shih-tzu who became a star with millions of followers and her own book. Prior to Marnie, Shirley was a music television producer who created, produced, and edited the influential indie music video show “New York Noise” on NYC TV from 2003-2009 and “Weird Vibes” for MTV digital from 2011-2013. Shirley has used her platforms to advocate for independent artists, overlooked shelter pets, and social equality, recently speaking up for Palestinian liberation despite her upbringing in a Zionist context. At this point with the genocide in Gaza now in its 10th month, I can't really see having a conversation with someone where this doesn't get touched on. Shirley and I have had many discussions prior to recording this and I think her growing up with a very Zionist background gives some insight to the bubble these people still continue to live in. We also talk about the apathy with mutual music/artists friends during this Holocaust and the general vapidness of Western culture. Recorded in two segments, on June 14th and June 29th 2024. Shirley loves to dance and is a proper music head, and she gives us an excellent playlist to listen to as the world burns."  To hear Shirley’s exclusive Stark Reality Playlist of new wave, post and punk-funk and other favorites, go to Episode 70 of Stark Reality on jasoncharles.net Podcast Netowrk, MUSIC Channel, or on STARK REALITY PLAYLISTS on Apple Podcasts. For all of Host James Dier aka DJ $mall ¢hange's in-depth interviews and exclusive guest playlists, subscribe to both STARK REALITY and STARK REALITY PLAYLISTS on Apple Podcasts, Mixcloud or live & direct on jasoncharles.net Podcast Network Music Channel's STARK REALITY Series PageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Episode 67 of STARK REALITY, Host James Dier aka DJ $mall ¢hange rolls out the tattered red carpet to the East Village to talk to DANIEL EFRAM, a multifaceted NYC-based photographer, journalist, producer, curator, and art publisher focusing on culture and social justice. With a robust background in music, film and TV production, Efram has recently produced projects as "The Elephant 6 Recording Co." doc film (Greenwich Entertainment; 2023) and "The Steve Keene Art Book” (Tractor Beam / Hat & Beard Press; 2023).  Jim and Daniel talk about both those projects quite a bit, getting into some history of Steve Keene's work and his creative process, and how the book came together. Also the doc, with some of the bands associated with the Elephant 6 label, The Apples In Stereo, Olivia Tremor Control etc. And Daniel's own photography, how after managing and working with artists for many years to how he started putting together his own work and photography book. And his recent shots of various protests going around NYC, around migrants and Palestine and the ongoing genocide happening. Daniel gives us some good insights, and also an excellent playlist of psyche, rock, dub, groove and experimental sounds, featuring tracks from Can, Tinariwen, Butch Cassidy Sound System, Stereolab, Gary Numan and more, available on Episode 68 of STARK REALITY PLAYLISTS. For more information about Daniel Efram, go to www.danielefram.com and follow him @danielefram on Instagram Subscribe to STARK REALITY and STARK REALITY PLAYLISTS on Apple Podcasts, Mixcloud or live & direct on jasoncharles.net Podcast Network Music Chanel's STARK REALITY Series PageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Episode 65 of Stark Reality, Host James Dier aka DJ $mall ¢hange rolls the red carpet out to middle Jersey and talks to DJ COMRADE, an excellent DJ and producer and a great dude who shares a lot of his politics, especially on apartheid Israel. While Jim looks at this podcast as a collection of interviews with like minded friends and artists, and not necessarily a time sensitive/breaking news sort of thing, the ongoing genocide in Gaza now in its 3rd month has been horrific, and Comrade was the perfect person to talk to about this. His roots go back spinning 45s and dubplates in reggae soundsystems, playing alongside legends like Stone Love, doing stuff in NYC and Boulder CO, and then later getting into tropical bass sounds and Baile Funk and working alongside many Brazilian heavyweights in that scene. Jim first met Comrade virtually because 10-15 years ago he was one of the very few ppl online that was speaking out against Israeli apartheid and oppression. The bulk of the talk is about Gaza and he will be back to have a more proper music discussion. Comrade has been fighting this fight for a long time, he is the man. This is not a 'professional' news podcast but we hope you enjoy two friends talking proper shit on the racist genocidal shit that is Zionism. Some side notes, Dr. CBS is Dr. Charisse Burden-Stelly and her recent book is called Black Scare, Red Scare. and the Sluggy Ranks record that Jim couldn't remember the title is called Ghetto Youth Bust. The background intro music is the Far East riddim just fyi. We'll get a music mix or playlist from Comrade down the road but wanted to get this interview out asap since we are talking about events going on right now. Recorded 12/30/23. Happy new yawn everyone! DJ COMRADE's exclusive Stark Reality Playlist will be coming soon on Episode 66 of STARK REALITY PLAYLISTS. Subscribe to STARK REALITY and STARK REALITY PLAYLISTS on Apple Podcasts, Mixcloud or live & direct on jasoncharles.net Podcast Network Music Chanel's STARK REALITY Series PageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For this episode of STARK REALITY, Host James Dier aka DJ $mall ¢hange rolls the red carpet out to Berlin and talk to CANDICE HOLMES. She is a native New Yorker in exile, living in Germany since 2015 and based in the Peter Pan capital of Europe for the past 6.5 years. She spends her days working in Marketing and nights out and about in the Berlin club and bar scene. She has plenty of opinions about German life and culture and is looking forward to the day she can be a German-American, if the Berlin citizenship backlog and German language test results permit.We get into a number of topics related to Germany, racism, their issues with Palestine and BDS, club culture, how Berlin is changing, culture shock when renting apartments there, etc etc. Also this was recorded Sept 20th 2023, well before the horrific genocide going on in Gaza, in terms of us talking about issues with Germany and Palestine. Candice is top ppls and after talking about this for a min (several years) it was nice to finally talk to her for Stark Reality. To hear Candice’s exclusive Stark Reality Playlist, featuring soul, new wave, world and German Electronic sounds from The Isley Brothers, Fatima Al Qadiri, Whirlpool Productions, Talking Heads, Scooter and more, go to Episode 64 of Stark Reality Subscribe to STARK REALITY and STARK REALITY PLAYLISTS on Apple Podcasts, Mixcloud or live & direct on jasoncharles.net Podcast Network Music Chanel's STARK REALITY Series PageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Episode 61 of STARK REALITY, we roll the red carpet out to Harlem and chat with Logan Grendel. A dog guru, photographer, activist, urban gardener, magick practitioner, artist, musician, and Nonbinary Black leftist rabblerouser, Logan Grendel describes himself accurately as seven people all at once. His podcast Focused on Infinity covers 'everything from politics to sex and religion, always with an eye on honesty and authenticity.' We get into a number of topics in this extended conversation, from dog walking and gardening, fire spinning, his music background, and a lot of politics ofc, within the party community, trans rights, how Zionism weaponizes anti-semitism, prison conditions and modern day slavery, the Montgomery mollywop, individualism vs community, debating online, trolls and boundaries, basic empathy, both side-ism, and video games. Check his podcast and TikTok vids - he's on point. To hear Logan's very eclectic exclusive Stark Reality playlist of rock, hip hop, soul, electronic, metal and more - to reflect his diverse tastes - featuring tracks by Paramore, Run The Jewels, Marvin Gaye, Tuxedo, God Lives Underwater, Basement Jaxx and much more, go to Episode 62 of STARK REALITY. Subscribe to STARK REALITY and STARK REALITY PLAYLISTS on Apple Podcasts, Mixcloud or live & direct on jasoncharles.net Podcast Network Music Chanel's STARK REALITY Series PageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Episode 59 of STARK REALITY, Host James Dier aka $mall ¢hange welcomes veteran New York City DJ, radio producer and party promoter REGGIE JOHNSON. Reggie Johnson is an audio engineer, radio show host, party promoter and all around good ppls. He's been working as an engineer behind the boards at WBAI Pacifica for a few decades, and co-hosting Jeanie Hopper's Liquid Sound Lounge since '98. His own radio show From the Soundboard has been running since 2007, a 'program that usually focuses on concerts regardless of genre. This is where the artist and (or) group perfects the art of the "call and response" with its audience.' He does great deep dives on all kinds of artists and groups like Gal Costa, Link Wray, Yusef Lateef, Paul Robeson, Ramsey Lewis and many others. He's also helped promote parties since 1998 and has a longtime summer thing called Beats & BBQ. In his own words, he's 'just an average individual who believes in Socialist principles through music, arts and action. Everything is connected to everything.' Reggie is a humble and real dude which isn't always the case in these music and party scenes haha. We start out talking about classic parties and DJs like the Loft, David Mancuso, Paradise Garage, Nicky Siano, Turntables on the Hudson, and Liquid Sound Lounge, where Reggie got his start promoting and getting involved with WBAI and doing his own show. We also get into a lot about politics, Palestine, Ukraine, our disappointment with Bernie, critical thinking, and his own journey coming out of his shell as an introvert into promoting and throwing parties. We ended up rapping for over two hours so a longer convo. Enjoy! Reggie also gives us a tasty mix of vintage African funk to accompany. To hear this exclusive 90-plus minute Stark Reality Playlist, go to Episode 60 of STARK REALITY PLAYLISTS. For the latest news and updates on Reggie's radio show and events, follow him @deepdancenyc on Instagram. Subscribe to STARK REALITY and STARK REALITY PLAYLISTS on Apple Podcasts, Mixcloud or live & direct on jasoncharles.net Podcast Network Music Chanel's STARK REALITY Series PageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Episode 57 of STARK REALITY, Host James Dier aka DJ $mall ¢hange rolls the red carpet out to Queens and rapps with Stephen Barr aka DJ HUGGY BEAR. Stephen is a native NYer who grew up in South Ozone Park, when NYC was a slightly different place then it is today. Besides music of course we talk about his collection of vintage toys from cartoons he grew up on in the '80s, working as a bouncer for a decade before DJing at hot spots like Marquee, the organization aspect of being a DJ, handling requests, playing to your audience in pro gigs, dealing with very fickle / short attention span crowds, going to see other DJs, clubs and parties like APT and Mobile Mondaze, how the current rents in NYC are changing the crowds and the vibe, throwing your own parties, and how to keep from getting burnt out on DJing. Stephen is top ppls, one of the nicest dudes in the biz. To hear DJ Huggy Bear's exclusive Stark Reality masterfully mixed playlist of disco, edits and classics to accompany the interview, go to Episode 58 of Stark Reality. To check out more of Huggy Bear's dynamite mixes, check out his Soundcloud page and follow him @djhuggybear on Instagram Subscribe to STARK REALITY and STARK REALITY PLAYLISTS on Apple Podcasts, Mixcloud or live & direct on jasoncharles.net Podcast Network Music Chanel's STARK REALITY Series PageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Episode 55 of STARK REALITY Host James Dier rolls out the red carpet out to Brooklyn (via the Bay Area) for reporter, editor and author JESSICA LIPSKY.  She covers culture, politics and music, and her work has appeared in the New York Times, the Washington Post, Newsweek, Salon, Billboard, Wax Poetics, LA Weekly, SF Weekly, and the San Francisco Chronicle etc etc etc. Currently she is the senior editor of the Recording Academy’s GRAMMY.com. Jessica is the author of the award-winning book It Ain’t Retro: Daptone Records & The 21st-Century Soul Revolution, which is mostly the focus of this in-depth interview. Talking about badass folks like Sharon Jones, Charles Bradley, The Frightnrs, the Daptones, Anti-balas, Gabe Roth, Neal Sugarman, and the general evolution of 90s/00s revival funk and soul music, and slowdies (ballads). Reading her book was a real pleasure, she captured a lot of that scene and the personalities involved. She has a Harvey Averne interview/overview coming out in the NY Times soon. Jessica also DJs under the name Terry Dactyl and has done radio at KUSF, KPOO, and a number of seedy establishments on both coasts. To hear Jessica's exclusive Stark Reality playlist, go to EPISODE 56 of STARK REALITY PLAYLISTS for her very funky and soulful All 45's mix of current faves, featuring tracks by Prince Buster, Alton Ellis, Harold Melvin & The Bluenotes, Eddie Floyd, Yvonne Fair, Willie Hutch, Ramones, and much more. Enjoy! For more information about Jessica go to www.jlipsky.com and follow her @interview_boogaloo on Instagram Subscribe to STARK REALITY and STARK REALITY PLAYLISTS on Apple Podcasts, Mixcloud or live & direct on jasoncharles.net Podcast Network Music Chanel's STARK REALITY Series Page  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Episode 53 of STARK REALITY Host James Dier aka $mall ¢hange rolls out the tattered red carpet to Hells Kitchen / Dublin and catches up with his old friend Desmond O'Byrne aka Des aka DJ Repoman. Jim met Des in the mid 90s running around underground parties in NYC, both resident DJs at the afterhours spot Rubulad. Throughout this in-depth conversation, they talk digging in various flea markets in the area, Des's background as guitarist in the Irish garage rock band The Golden Horde, opening up for the Cramps and playing with bands like The Prisoners and Billy Childish, growing up in Dublin in the 70s, seeing the Clash and Ramones and Specials in '78, making posters for DIY shows he put on, moving to NYC, getting sober, adjusting to playing music sober, becoming a dad, getting into carpentry, cleaning records with wood glue, and why he gravitated towards instrumentals when he first started DJing. and their night in the early 2000s they did together at Plant Bar in the East Village. Des is top ppls can't say that enough. great dude with excellent taste in music. Recorded Nov 2022. For more info about Desmond O'Byrne aka DJ Repoman, check out his Discogs page For Des's exclusive playlist of sounds from around the world, cumbia, kompa, brazilian, rocksteady, and a few guitar licks, go to Episode 54 of Stark Reality Playlists on Apple Podcasts or on Mixcloud or live & direct on jasoncharles.net Podcast Network Music Chanel's STARK REALITY Series PageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Episode 51 of STARK REALITY Host James Dier aka $mall ¢hange welcomes special guest KATHLEEN SCHAAF, owner of Meow Vintage in Long Beach California since 1986.  Kathleen has been hunting deadstock vintage since the late 70s. She's known as the 'Queen of Vintage', and her store on 4th Street was the first vintage shop on a street that is now known as 'Retro Row'.   Jim and Kathleen talk about digging for clothes in the 70s/80s, going on roadtrips to find deadstock, 'denim dogs' aka jeans vendors, t-shirts, west coast classic surf wear like Hang Ten, OP, etc, fast fashion, underground music scenes and how they are related to vintage clothes, trends in vintage as times change, newer buyers and how they shop, and staying excited about digging for clothes after 4 decades plus in the game.  She is the coolest, her taste is impeccable and Meow's is a true curated vintage shop. Was great to chat with her in depth after shopping there for so many years. Recorded July 19th 2022. To hear Kathleen's exclusive Stark Reality playlist, a nice mix of underground rock/punk/etc. check out Episode 52 of STARK REALITY on jasoncharles.net MUSIC CHANNEL here or STARK REALITY PLAYLISTS Episode 52 on Apple or wherever you get your music podcasts. Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to Both STARK REALITY and STARK REALITY PLAYLISTS to get both parts of each guest's episodes!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Episode 49 of STARK REALITY Host James Dier aka $mall ¢hange welcomes Maga Bo, an internationally known DJ and producer who has released music and remixes on a number of the world's finest labels, Tru Thoughts, Ninja Tune, Cumbancha, Soot, Soundway, and his own Karfundo and Kaxambu.  Originally from Seattle, he's been based in Rio de Janeiro for over 20 years, and keeps very busy, touring and performing in over 50 countries, from Ethiopia to India to the northeastern parts of Brazil. He works with local musicians and incorporates various traditional rhythms and fuses it with modern dance production. Jim and Maga Bo talk about the problems with pressing vinyl these days, Bolsonaro and Brazilian politics, the idea of community and building relationships and collaborations, playing festivals in Rajasthan India, dealing with trolls on social media, the leftist news org Brasil Wire, Ukraine, etc. top ppls! Go get his productions he's the man. Has a new record out too... Check out Maga Bo's music on his bandcamp page and follow him @magabodj on Instagram To hear the exclusive STARK REALITY PLAYLIST from Maga Bo, check out Episode 50 of STARK REALITY PLAYLISTS on Mixcloud, Apple Podcasts or live & direct on the Stark Reality page on jasoncharles.net Podcast Network MUSIC ChannelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.