The Hang! As Seen On Almost Famous Magazine!

In this episode of The Hang!, host Scott Saldinger sits down with Nashville-based indie rock artist Quinn O’Donnell for a thoughtful and deeply human conversation about music, creativity, and emotional honesty. Born into a musical family in Nashville, Quinn shares how growing up around touring musicians shaped not only her artistic instincts but also her understanding of collaboration, community, and resilience within the music industry. Quinn reflects on her earliest experiences performing—starting with DIY living-room shows as a teenager—and how those formative moments helped her build confidence, find her voice, and connect authentically with audiences. Songwriting, she explains, has always been her primary way of processing emotions and life experiences. Rather than masking vulnerability, Quinn embraces it, allowing her songs to function as emotional documentation and personal growth markers. The conversation dives into the creation of her recent single “Ghost,” a track that represents a turning point in her artistic evolution. Quinn discusses how collaboration played a pivotal role in finishing the song, highlighting the power of working with artists from different musical backgrounds. That openness to collaboration, she notes, continues to shape her creative process as she looks toward future releases. Beyond the music itself, Quinn offers an honest perspective on navigating the modern music industry—especially the emotional toll of social media. She speaks candidly about the importance of protecting mental health, setting boundaries with technology, and resisting the pressure to constantly perform online. For Quinn, success isn’t defined by numbers or virility, but by authenticity, sustainability, and the ability to keep creating meaningful work. This episode of The Hang! is a compelling look at what it means to grow as an artist—creatively, emotionally, and personally—while staying true to yourself in an ever-changing music landscape. #QuinnODonnell #IndieRock #NashvilleMusic #Songwriting #TheHangPodcast

In this episode of The Hang, host Scott Saldinger sits down with Sam Blasucci, the Ojai-based singer-songwriter known for his work with psychedelic folk duo Mapache and his ambitious solo project Physical Dream. Sam shares the story behind creating his massive 28-song double album, recorded on a remote island in British Columbia and shaped by a deeply personal creative journey. Blending indie folk, Latin influences, mysticism, and experimental textures, Physical Dream represents one of Sam’s most expansive artistic statements yet. The conversation explores Sam’s musical roots growing up with a musician father, his early influences ranging from Enya and the Beatles to Mexican folk traditions, and how those sounds helped shape his distinctive style. Scott and Sam also dive into the role of mental health in creativity, the value of artistic exploration across mediums like painting and photography, and why live music remains the most powerful way to connect with audiences. They also discuss the evolving landscape of music consumption, the importance of supporting independent artists, and Sam’s dream collaboration with global star Rosalía. If you love conversations about music, creativity, and the artistic process, this episode offers a deep look into the mind of a musician who refuses to limit himself to one form of expression. 🎧 Listen now and discover why Sam Blasucci believes music should be experienced as a journey from start to finish.   https://samblasucci.bandcamp.com/music https://www.instagram.com/samusbus/ https://www.samblasucci.com/   #SamBlasucci #Mapache #IndieFolk #SongwriterInterview #TheHangPodcast

What shapes a punk frontwoman? For Stacey Dee of Bad Cop/Bad Cop, it started in a San Francisco band house, reel-to-reel tapes, and seeing The Go-Go’s at five years old. In this episode of The Hang!, Stacey opens up about growing up surrounded by reggae, MTV, and rock history, and how that foundation led her to co-found one of modern punk’s most vital bands. She shares the creative evolution behind Lighten Up, why collaboration transformed the band’s sound, and how trusting her instincts changed everything. But this conversation goes deeper than music. Stacey talks about sobriety, surviving cancer, touring for seven straight months, and co-founding The Sidewalk Project — a nonprofit serving unhoused artists in Los Angeles. From Skid Row outreach to overdose response efforts that helped reduce deaths in the community, her activism is rooted in lived experience. You’ll hear about: • Writing songs that take years to find their moment • Why authenticity matters more than trends • The punk community as chosen family • Dream collaboration with Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph, Rachel Dratch, and Tina Fey • The real story behind Bad Cop/Bad Cop’s creative process This isn’t just a band interview. It’s a conversation about purpose, identity, and believing in yourself.

Oakland/San Francisco punk trio BitchFit aren’t waiting for permission — they’re building their own lane. In this episode of The Hang!, Ailish, Tallulah, and Lila break down how three teenage musicians turned friendship, therapy, and shared rage into one of the Bay Area’s most fearless young punk bands. Raised around classical, jazz, soul, and punk, they found common ground in Riot Grrrl, political urgency, and the need to say what others won’t. They talk about writing “Girl Soldiers” the day after the election, why songs like “Barbie’s World” and “Paid Administrative Leave” feel personal, and how flow state transforms their live shows into something electric. The band opens up about facing criticism in the scene, being labeled “too Riot Grrrl,” and why they refuse to shrink themselves to make others comfortable. BitchFit also shares what it means to play Doll Fest alongside artists who paved the way — and how Kathleen Hanna and My Chemical Romance still inspire their creative fire. This isn’t just a punk interview. It’s a conversation about voice, feminism, privilege, community, and why young artists using their platform matters more than ever. If you care about punk, Riot Grrrl, or the next wave of politically fearless bands — this one’s essential. Bitchfit Insta Doll Fest Website Instagram  Doll Fest Volume II Pre-Party Tickets (Oakland)  Doll Fest Volume II 

In this episode of The Hang!, Scott Saldinger sits down with Seoul-based death punk disco band 18 Fevers to unpack their origins, their sound, and the underground scene shaping them. Fronted by Christmas, alongside VV (guitar), Matt (bass), and Garrick (drums), 18 Fevers blend hardcore, goth, thrash, and dance-punk into what they half-jokingly — and now proudly — call death punk disco. But behind the chaos and humor is something deeper: a band pushing against Korea’s conservative norms, creating space for women in punk, and refusing to dilute their identity for algorithms or trends. Christmas shares how Pink Floyd and a life-changing 2009 Korean rock festival sparked her path into music. Matt reflects on growing up in the Southern California punk scene before relocating to Seoul. VV talks about trading painting for live performance — and why sadness, power, and emotion matter more than perfection. They break down key tracks like “Dance Macabre,” “Save Your Venom,” and “Never Fall,” discuss pressing their first full vinyl release via California’s Lava Socks Records, and explain how a chance meeting at Rebellion Festival led to their upcoming performance at Doll Fest 2026. This is a conversation about authenticity, female-forward punk, creative risk, and building community across continents. Band Website Bandcamp Instagram Website Instagram    Doll Fest Volume II Pre-Party Tickets (Oakland) Doll Fest Volume II 

What shaped Girl In A Coma’s sound—and why does it still resonate today? In this episode of The Hang, San Antonio trio Girl In A Coma open up about their origin story, creative evolution, and the sisterhood that built their foundation. Nina Diaz shares how learning power chords from her older sisters sparked a songwriting journey at just 13 years old—one that would grow into a fearless blend of punk urgency, indie grit, and emotional vulnerability.  The band reflects on their Riot Grrrl influences, The Smiths, Silverchair, Morrissey, and the way their third album Trio B.C. intentionally embraced genre shifts rather than sticking to one “safe” sound. They discuss sobriety, therapy, community, and the emotional strength required to create in a world of constant feedback. Nina names Mike Patton as her dream collaborator. Jenn speaks about the lasting influence of Kathleen Hanna. Fani reflects on drumming inspiration and creative resilience. The conversation also dives into Dollfest, new music, and the San Antonio scene that shaped them. If you’ve ever felt unseen and turned the volume up anyway—this one’s for you. Shop Girl In A Coma GIAC Website Instagram Doll Fest Website Instagram  Doll Fest Volume II Pre-Party Tickets (Oakland)  Doll Fest Volume II 

In this episode of The Hang, The Dreaded Laramie frontwoman MC Cunningham opens up about heartbreak, authenticity, and why real connection matters more than ever in a digital world. Blending punk urgency with power pop melody, The Dreaded Laramie turns emotional wreckage into sharp, hook-driven anthems. MC shares how early guitar lessons, rejection from a songwriting program, and a life-changing introduction to Weezer helped shape her creative voice. What started as discouragement eventually became a band built on honesty, collaboration, and DIY grit. The conversation dives deep into the band’s breakout record Princess Feedback, including tracks like “Fishnets” and “I Should Go,” both rooted in the messy tension between what we want and what we know we should do. MC explains how shifting song structures mirror emotional whiplash, and how journaling, philosophy, and self-reflection fuel her songwriting. Beyond the music, this episode explores technology, authenticity, AI, streaming culture, and the importance of showing up for artists in real life. From limited-edition Warped Tour compilation cuts to community-driven festivals like Dollfest, this is a conversation about building something real in an increasingly disposable world. If you care about punk with heart, power pop with depth, and music that refuses to fake it — this one’s for you. Band Camp Apple Music Instagram Doll Fest Website Instagram  Doll Fest Volume II Pre-Party Tickets (Oakland)  Doll Fest Volume II  #TheDreadedLaramie #PrincessFeedback #PunkPowerPop #IndieRock #Dollfest #TheHang #almostfamousmagazine 

In this episode of The Hang!, host Scott Saldinger sits down with Kayla Renelle, Alex Quick, Andrew Narveson, and Brandon McCullough of Voluntary Hazing, the 12-piece ska and pop-punk powerhouse formed in San Jose, California. What started as a college marching band tradition — yes, involving a porta-potty and a fight song — evolved into one of the Bay Area’s most vibrant horn-driven live acts. The band breaks down the real story behind their controversial name (no, they do not advocate hazing), how a 50-member campus ska ensemble whittled down into a tight touring unit, and why ska music remains one of the most joyful and unifying genres in modern punk culture. They also dive into their creative process, the ghost-themed lyric video that fans can’t stop watching, the bet that led to eating a saxophone reed, and the mentors who shaped them as musicians. Plus — they share what Dollfest means to them and what fans can expect next. If you love ska revival, pop punk storytelling, and DIY bands with heart, this episode is your next listen. Facebook Instagram  Bandcamp Band Website  Doll Fest Instagram  Doll Fest Volume II Pre-Party Tickets (Oakland)  Doll Fest Volume II 

In this episode of The Hang, Scott Saldinger sits down with Bay Area punk trio Black Gold Sun — Anita Carol Lofton, Veronica, and Q Lynn — to talk about how a post-election spark turned into one of the most electrifying new bands in punk. The idea was simple but urgent: the world needed a Black girl punk band. What followed was a spontaneous sidewalk show outside a San Francisco skateboard shop, a second gig at The Ivy Room, and a fast track to Doll Fest 2026. But this isn’t just a story about momentum — it’s about intention. Anita brings sharp, temperature-of-the-world lyricism. Veronica delivers groove-first bass rooted in instinct over theory. Q Lynn — a drummer shaped by marching bands, community programs, and deep hip-hop influence — stepped into punk for the first time and immediately made it thunder. They talk tone and texture, collaboration without ego, and what punk means now — not as a genre gatekept by history, but as a space where you don’t need permission to speak your truth. With an album expected in May/June 2026, Black Gold Sun aren’t asking to belong in punk. They’re defining it. Instagram Doll Fest Instagram   Doll Fest Volume II Pre-Party Tickets (Oakland) Doll Fest Volume II 00:00 Welcome to The Hang – Meet Black Gold Sun 02:25 The Election Night Spark That Started the Band 04:15 Finding Q Lynn – The Drummer Who Locked It In 06:40 From Marching Band to Punk Rock 09:30 Veronica’s Bass Journey & Bay Area Roots 12:05 Writing the Album – Tone, Texture & Truth 15:30 The Sidewalk Show That Changed Everything  17:45 From Street Corner to Doll Fest 2026 19:35 What Punk Means Now – Safe Spaces & Revolution 29:00 Dream Collaborations: Questlove, Dave Grohl & More #BlackGoldSun #PunkRock #BayAreaMusic #WomenInPunk #TheHang #AlmostFamousMagazine #DollFest #IndieMusic The Hang! Podcast – Presented by Almost Famous Magazine https://www.almostfamousmagazine.com

Independent hip hop artist DAMAG3 sits down on The Hang to unpack the real story behind her evolution — from childhood Metallica moments to a near breaking point in 2020 that reignited her creative life. Rooted in Louisiana but carving out a fiercely genre-blending sound, DAMAG3 opens up about the humiliation rituals of early creativity, the complicated relationship between failure and growth, and how fear nearly silenced her before she ever began. What started with a laptop, a mic, and unemployment money has grown into five years of relentless output — political anthems, introspective confessions, and tracks that refuse easy categorization. She breaks down the meaning behind defining songs like “Run,” “Hunter Schaefer,” and “Should I Stay,” revealing how authenticity, not algorithm-chasing, is now guiding her process. From anger-fueled viral moments to rediscovering inspiration through morning pages and self-reflection, DAMAG3 shares what it really means to outgrow your own persona. The conversation also explores her upcoming appearance at Doll Fest, the power of queer community in live music spaces, and her dream collaborations with Tyler, The Creator and Kendrick Lamar. This is not a surface-level music interview. It’s a raw discussion about identity, ego, creative discipline, and what happens when an artist decides to stop performing for the algorithm — and start listening to themselves. Website Bandcamp Instagram Doll Fest Instagram

How do you start a band in the middle of a pandemic — and turn it into something powerful? In this episode of The Hang!, Scott Saldinger sits down with Mary Diridon and Serge of Beneath You, the Bay Area pop punk band blending melodic hooks, ska-adjacent rhythms, and emotionally charged storytelling. What began as a COVID-era songwriting experiment between a couple evolved into a full band powered by members of Dance Hall Crashers and decades of punk experience. Mary opens up about overcoming lifelong stage fright — including how open mics became her unlikely training ground. Serge reflects on touring the world in bands like Limp and the evolution of punk community from early Punk Rock Bowling days to today’s inclusive festival culture. They dive deep into their album General Hermitude, breaking down standout tracks like “Lizzy” and “Information,” and how collaboration transformed those songs from simple demos into dynamic, explosive anthems. The conversation explores songwriting as partnership, the reality of modern music consumption, why community matters more than ever, and what Dollfest represents for the future of punk rock. Website Bandcamp Instagram Doll Fest Instagram

In this episode of The Hang, Scott Saldinger sits down with Wonderland Rejects, the Bay Area queercore punk trio carrying the legacy of 1980s queercore and riot grrrl into a new era of independent music. The band shares how punk became a lifeline — from early musical influences to discovering identity, chosen family, and creative purpose within the underground scene. They unpack their debut album Goodbye Wonderland, explaining how its sound draws from classic queercore, DIY punk ethics, and femme-forward rebellion while confronting modern issues facing LGBTQ+ artists. Wonderland Rejects break down their collaborative songwriting process, revealing how songs evolve through conversation, lived experience, and spontaneous rehearsal moments rather than polished industry formulas. They also speak candidly about navigating today’s music economy: social media fatigue, algorithm pressure, DIY touring, self-produced visuals, and why live punk shows remain essential for real connection in a digital-first world. The conversation turns to their upcoming release Hello Rejects, hinting at a blues-tinged expansion of their punk sound while staying rooted in raw energy and political urgency. If you’re searching for modern queercore bands, femme-fronted punk artists, Bay Area DIY music, or the future of inclusive punk rock, this episode offers an unfiltered look at how underground scenes survive and evolve. Punk isn’t nostalgia here — it’s community, resistance, and forward motion. https://www.instagram.com/wonderlandrejects1312 https://www.dollfest.net/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dollfest Mexico City Pre-Party Tickets  Doll Fest Volume III in Mexico City Tickets Doll Fest Volume II Pre-Party Tickets (Oakland)  Doll Fest Volume II #WonderlandRejects #QueerCore #PunkCommunity #DIYpunk #FemmeFronted #TheHangPodcast #almostfamousmagazine #dollfest  The Hang! Podcast – Presented by Almost Famous Magazine

In this episode of The Hang, host Scott Saldinger sits down with Christina and Matt of The Hellflowers, a Los Angeles–based punk rock band known for their raw energy, emotional depth, and refusal to be boxed into a single genre. The conversation traces Christina’s earliest connection to music at age three, shaped by rebellion, survival, and self-discovery, alongside Matt’s unconventional path from childhood violin lessons to skate-punk obsession and guitar-driven songwriting. Together, they unpack how The Hellflowers formed through personal relationships, long-distance commitment, and an organic creative process that values feel over formulas. Rather than chasing trends, the band focuses on texture, collaboration, and letting songs evolve naturally—sometimes pulling from punk, garage rock, goth, or even unexpected instrumentation like marimba, accordion, and trumpet. The discussion also explores The Hellflowers’ deep connection to community and inclusivity within punk culture, including how those values led them to become part of DollFest, a festival centered on amplifying femme-fronted and marginalized voices. Christina and Matt reflect on why punk remains one of the most welcoming and protective music scenes, the importance of supporting artists directly, and what fans can expect from their upcoming shows and future releases. This episode is about music as survival, collaboration as identity, and why punk still matters—now more than ever. The Hang! Podcast – Presented by Almost Famous Magazine Instagram Bandcamp Merch Doll Fest Instagram  Mexico City Pre-Party Tickets   Doll Fest Volume III in Mexico City Tickets  Doll Fest Volume II Pre-Party Tickets (Oakland)   Doll Fest Volume II  #TheHellflowers #PunkRock #DIYMusic #DollFest #TheHangPodcast #IndiePunk #MusicCommunity #dollfest  The Hang! Podcast – Presented by Almost Famous Magazine

In this episode of The Hang, host Scott Saldinger sits down with Grey Starr, the creative force behind Pretty Frankenstein, a Bay Area–based queer alt-goth collective blending punk intensity, cinematic darkness, and deeply personal storytelling. Grey shares how growing up in a musical Filipino family shaped their artistic foundation, from early exposure to goth, punk, and industrial music to later embracing genre-bending experimentation. The conversation explores what it means to create music rooted in identity—where art, queerness, family, and community all intersect. Grey opens up about performing with their parents, the power of visible trans joy on stage, and why authenticity matters more than fitting neatly into any single genre. The episode also dives into Pretty Frankenstein’s creative process, songwriting philosophy, and wide-ranging influences—from the macabre atmospheres of goth to punk’s urgency, hip-hop rhythms, and blues-driven storytelling inspired by artists like Tom Waits and Nick Cave. Grey discusses standout tracks like “Girls Will Be Ghouls,” the balance between catchiness and meaning, and the importance of making music that feels communal and singable. Finally, the conversation highlights the band’s upcoming appearance at Doll Fest, an artist-driven festival centered on representation, care, and real community support. This episode is a candid look at underground music, chosen family, and why supporting local artists is essential for art to survive. https://www.instagram.com/Prettyfrankensteinband www.youtube.com/@UCaHh7_uWXcCF41rE5u1VppQ  https://www.prettyfrankenstein.com/ https://www.dollfest.net/ Instagram  Mexico City Pre-Party Tickets  Doll Fest Volume III in Mexico City Tickets  Doll Fest Volume II Pre-Party Tickets (Oakland)  Doll Fest Volume II #PrettyFrankenstein #TheHangPodcast #QueerGoth #BayAreaMusic #DIYMusic #DollFest #AltPunk #punk  The Hang! Podcast – Presented by Almost Famous Magazine

In this episode of The Hang, host Scott Saldinger sits down with Ick, a feral two-piece punk band from Modesto, California, whose sound pulls from hardcore, noise rock, sludge, and experimental punk without ever settling into one box. Growing up just blocks apart, guitarist/vocalist Jackie Westcott and drummer Eli Alsop built Ick from friendship, frustration, and a shared belief that punk isn’t about perfection—it’s about doing it yourself and doing it honestly. The conversation traces their early influences, how being from a smaller Central Valley city shaped their independence, and why DIY culture continues to be the backbone of everything they create. Ick opens up about their songwriting process, where riffs grow organically, lyrics come from lived emotion, and collaboration means trusting each other enough to challenge ideas without ego. Jackie discusses how writing becomes a way to survive heavy emotions, while Eli explains how simplicity, feel, and originality guide his drumming rather than genre expectations. The episode also dives into Ick’s involvement with Doll Fest, a festival rooted in inclusion and community. For Ick, supporting diverse and local bands isn’t a trend—it’s a responsibility.  This is a conversation about making music without permission, building community from the ground up, and trusting that if it’s real, people will feel it. https://www.instagram.com/ick.official/ https://ickofficial.bandcamp.com/album/ick https://www.dollfest.net/ Instagram  Mexico City Pre-Party Tickets Doll Fest Volume III in Mexico City Tickets Doll Fest Volume II Pre-Party Tickets (Oakland)  Doll Fest Volume II  #IckBand #PunkDIY #TheHangPodcast #DollFest #UndergroundPunk #independentmusic #ick  The Hang! Podcast – Presented by Almost Famous Magazine

In this episode of The Hang, we sit down with Oakland punk band Damage Party for a raw, unfiltered conversation about music, identity, and why punk still matters. This isn’t just a band interview—it’s a deep dive into how different musical paths collide to form something loud, personal, and intentional. Each member of Damage Party brings a distinct background to the table, shaping a sound rooted in punk but stretched by lived experience, instinct, and experimentation. They talk openly about how their songwriting process works as a true collaboration—riffs, rhythms, and lyrics evolving together rather than following a rigid formula. Punk, for them, isn’t a costume or a genre checkbox. It’s about individuality, refusal, and creating space to exist loudly on your own terms. The band also reflects on the power of live shows, where their music fully comes alive, and why community support is essential for artists trying to survive outside traditional industry systems. From the weight of language and naming to the idea that “your words are spells,” Damage Party unpack how meaning, chaos, and intention shape everything they create. If you care about punk as a living, evolving force—and not just nostalgia—this episode shows why Damage Party is a band worth paying attention to right now. https://www.instagram.com/damage_party/ https://damageparty.bandcamp.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@UCrKZnbabrg0_wX3aNa7Ppwg  https://www.dollfest.net/ Instagram  Mexico City Pre-Party Tickets   Doll Fest Volume III in Mexico City Tickets  Doll Fest Volume II Pre-Party Tickets (Oakland) Doll Fest Volume II  #DamageParty #OaklandPunk #PunkRock #DIYMusic #WomenInPunk #TheHangPodcast #IndependentMusic The Hang! Podcast – Presented by Almost Famous Magazine

In this episode of The Hang, host Scott Saldinger sits down with Taty Bloody Batty, frontwoman of Mexico City horror-punk powerhouse Bloody Benders. As part of Doll Fest 2026 coverage, Taty shares the story of how music found her before she was even born—shaped by early exposure to David Bowie, punk philosophy, and a lifelong love of horror culture. The conversation explores Bloody Benders’ signature blend of macabre aesthetics, raw punk energy, and social urgency. Taty breaks down the band’s collaborative songwriting process, how their album 13 came together, and why songs like “Por Las Que Ya No Están” exist as both protest and remembrance amid ongoing violence against women in Mexico. Taty also speaks openly about empowerment—why Bloody Benders want young women to feel rebellious, loud, and unapologetically themselves—and how punk remains a vital platform for resistance. Influences ranging from Alice Cooper to Riot Grrrl icons and horror cinema shape the band’s evolving identity, while their community-driven spirit continues to grow what Taty calls “the Bloody Benders monster.” The episode closes with a look ahead to Doll Fest 2026, the importance of supporting female-fronted artists, and the vibrant, defiant energy of the Mexican underground punk scene. YouTube  Instagram https://www.dollfest.net/ Instagram   Mexico City Pre-Party Tickets   Doll Fest Volume III in Mexico City Tickets  Doll Fest Volume II Pre-Party Tickets (Oakland)   Doll Fest Volume II #BloodyBenders #HorrorPunk #DollFest2026 #WomenInPunk #MexicoCityMusic #thehangpodcast #dollfest  The Hang! Podcast – Presented by Almost Famous Magazine https://www.almostfamousmagazine.com

In this episode of The Hang, host Scott Saldinger sits down with punk icon Alice Bag, co-founder and lead singer of The Bags, for a deeply personal conversation about music, identity, and evolution. Raised in East Los Angeles, Alice reflects on a childhood shaped by sound, creativity, and a family that encouraged her artistic instincts long before punk gave her a name for them. Alice shares how early performances helped her understand who she was—and why punk became the perfect outlet for someone who always felt like an outsider. She opens up about the profound influence of artists like David Bowie, whose openness around gender and self-expression helped her find confidence, clarity, and self-acceptance at a formative time. The conversation moves through the early LA punk scene, the rise of women in punk, and why inclusivity and representation remain essential to the genre’s survival. Alice reflects on punk’s longevity, arguing that its power lies in its ability to evolve without losing its truth. After living in Mexico City, Alice talks about how cultural shifts, daily life, and creative freedom have reshaped her songwriting. She also hints at new collaborations and a continued commitment to pushing her musical boundaries. Honest, thoughtful, and energized, this episode captures an artist who never stopped questioning, creating, or believing in punk as a living, breathing force. Website Instagram BandCamp Doll Fest Website Instagram  Mexico City Pre-Party Tickets  Doll Fest Volume III in Mexico City Tickets   Doll Fest Volume II Pre-Party Tickets (Oakland)  Doll Fest Volume II 

In this episode of The Hang, host Scott Saldinger sits down with Maria Chaos and Freya Yamamoto for a powerful conversation about music, representation, and building safer, more inclusive live events through Doll Fest. What began as a response to exclusionary festival lineups has grown into a femme-fronted, femme-owned, and femme-operated movement amplifying marginalized voices across punk, hip hop, and alternative scenes. Maria and Freya unpack how community feedback has shaped Doll Fest’s accessibility, affordability, and safety-first approach—without losing its DIY punk energy. The episode looks ahead to Doll Fest 2026 in Oakland and Mexico City, highlights artists like Wheelchair Sports Camp, DAMAG3, Bad Cop / Bad Cop, and icon Alice Bag, and underscores the role of Punk Rock Saves Lives in supporting mental health and community care. Loud, radical, and deeply human, Doll Fest proves that festivals can be fun and transformative. Episode Highlights • How Doll Fest was born from the need for real representation on and off stage • Why femme-fronted, marginalized voices are central—not supplemental—to the lineup • Building accessibility, safety, and affordability without sacrificing punk’s DIY spirit • Community impact moments, including The Femmes Are Giving fundraiser • What to expect from Doll Fest 2026 in Oakland and Mexico City • Genre-spanning artists and why intentional curation matters • The power of asking, showing up, and building spaces where everyone belongs Website Mexico City Pre-Party Tickets  Doll Fest Volume III in Mexico City Tickets  Doll Fest Volume II Pre-Party Tickets (Oakland)  Doll Fest Volume II Tickets  Instagram   #DollFest #InclusiveMusic #FemmeFronted #PunkCommunity #MusicWithPurpose #lgbt #lgbtq 

In this episode of The Hang, host Scott Saldinger sits down with Chicago-based indie rock band Billy Joel Jr. for a candid, wide-ranging conversation about music, identity, and building a band in today’s ever-shifting industry. Far from a novelty name, Billy Joel Jr. is a deeply collaborative project rooted in honesty, texture, and a fiercely DIY ethos. Frontman Ari Levin traces his journey from classical piano and immigrant-family expectations to writing emotionally direct indie rock songs, while guitarist Nate Perez shares how Latin rhythms, pop punk, and audio engineering shape the band’s sound both on stage and in the studio. Bassist Charlie adds a layer of dream pop, shoegaze, and classical discipline, giving the band its dynamic low-end depth. Together, they unpack how wildly different influences—from emo and Midwest indie to Middle Eastern rhythms—somehow meet in the middle. The conversation also dives into mentorship, balancing day jobs with creative ambition, and why collaboration matters more than perfection. With their debut full-length You’re a Star out now and new material already taking shape, Billy Joel Jr. is focused on growing their audience without losing the soul that got them here. Episode Highlights: • How the band formed and found its collaborative sound • The real story behind the name “Billy Joel Jr.” • Musical influences spanning emo, Latin music, dream pop, and indie rock • Why mentorship matters in the modern music scene • Balancing creative passion with day jobs • Inside the album You’re a Star • What Billy Joel Jr. is building   Bandcamp: https://billyjoeljr.bandcamp.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billyjoel.jr Website: https://billyjoeljr.mmm.page/hello   #BillyJoelJr #IndieRockInterview #ChicagoMusicScene #TheHangPodcast #diymusic The Hang! Podcast – Presented by Almost Famous Magazine