The Popko Project

Some bands leave a lasting mark on a music scene, and for Northeastern Pennsylvania, The Five Percent is one of them.After more than a decade away from the stage, The Five Percent is back! In this episode of The Popko Project, John welcomes all four members — Neil, Matt, Brian, and AJ — for a trip down memory lane, revisiting the music, friendships, and unforgettable experiences that made the band a staple of the NEPA music scene in the 2000s.From packed nights at Murray's and the River Street Jazz Cafe to cross-country tours, legendary venues, broken-down vans, and countless miles on the road, the guys share stories from a time when local bands could pack clubs, sell stacks of CDs, and chase the dream of making it big.They also reflect on the creative chemistry behind their original music, the challenges of balancing life and music, and how the changing music industry helped shape their journey.But this isn't just a nostalgia trip.Twenty years after the release of Our Life, The Five Percent has reunited to record a brand-new single, "Oxytocin," and is preparing for a highly anticipated return to the stage alongside fellow NEPA favorites Plus 3 at the River Street Jazz Cafe on November 14th.Is this a one-night reunion or the beginning of a new chapter? The guys discuss what's next, including the possibility of more shows and new original music.It's a conversation about friendship, growing older, chasing dreams, and why the music — and the memories — never really fade.In this episode:-The origins of The Five Percent and how the lineup came together-The glory days of NEPA's live music scene-Cross-country tours, unforgettable gigs, and road trip disasters-The stories behind their albums and favorite songs-Why the band stepped away from performing-Recording their first new song in years, "Oxytocin"-Their November 14th reunion show with Plus 3-What's next for The Five PercentWhether you were there for the original run or you're discovering The Five Percent for the first time, this episode is a reminder of just how special the local music scene was — and how much of that spirit is still alive today.Brought to you by Keller's Garden Center & Landscaping Services, The V-Spot Bar, and Scotch Sauce - makers of Happy Boy Hot Sauce and Sauced Up Jerky - get 15% off your order with code Popko at scotchsaucehotsauce.com

On Episode 280 of The Popko Project Podcast, I'm joined by Tyler and Sonya of The UNCRTN, a New York-based alternative rock/metal band pushing creative boundaries with their cinematic sound, powerful storytelling, and brand-new EP, MACHINE.What started as a chance meeting in a college computer science class has evolved into something much bigger. The UNCRTN have created an entire dystopian universe built around The Machine, a controlling force that strips people of their individuality, and The Coalition, a rebellion fighting to take that individuality back.We dive into the making of MACHINE, the deeper meanings behind its four tracks — "Memory," "Burnout," "Reverse," and "Bad For Me" — and how the band's music explores surveillance, social media, toxic relationships, societal expectations, and the importance of living life on your own terms.Tyler and Sonya also discuss working with producer Ricky Armellino (Ice Nine Kills, HAWK), the incredible attention to detail behind their music videos and visuals, their passion for creating unforgettable live experiences, and why human connection and collaboration remain at the heart of everything they do.Plus, we get a glimpse into what's next for The UNCRTN, including new music, a more aggressive sound, and the next chapter in their evolving storyline.This episode is about more than music. It's about creativity, individuality, breaking free from expectations, and having the courage to live the life you actually want.Check out MACHINE, available now on all major streaming platforms, and follow The UNCRTN (@theuncrtn) on social media.Listen, watch, and subscribe to The Popko Project Podcast!Visit thepopkoproject.com for more episodes and updates.Brought to you by Keller's Garden Center and Landscaping Services, The V-Spot Bar, and Scotch Sauce - makers of Happy Boy hot sauce and Sauced Up Jerky - get 15% off your order at scotchsaucehotsauce.com with code POPKO at checkout

Mike Paris joins The Popko Project Podcast for Episode 279!For the past 20 years, Mike has toured and recorded with O.A.R. as a keyboardist, percussionist and backing vocalist—but his story goes far beyond O.A.R.Mike takes us back to discovering music as a kid, his years performing around the world with STOMP, touring with P!nk, appearing on Saturday Night Live, and the unexpected connection that eventually led to his O.A.R. audition in 2005.We talk about what it was like stepping onstage with O.A.R. for the first time, playing Madison Square Garden, the incredible relationship between O.A.R. and its fans, and what has allowed the band to continue connecting with audiences after all these years.Mike also dives into his solo career and his unique “GuitarDrumming” style—a combination of guitar, percussion, STOMP-inspired rhythms and live performance that allows him to create the sound and energy of a full band by himself.Plus:• The cancellation of Ocean’s Calling and the impromptu Ocean City performances that followed• Touring the world with STOMP• Playing with P!nk and appearing on SNL• How Mike landed his O.A.R. audition• 20 years of performing with O.A.R.• Developing GuitarDrumming• The importance of taking care of your body as a lifelong musician• His solo music and Out Here Tour• His October 17 show at Mutant Brewing in downtown Scranton, PA• His TuneTrek project combining music, travel and history• Why Mike still feels like he’s “just getting started”🎙️ The Popko Project Podcast — Episode 279Guest: Mikel ParisSubscribe for conversations with local, regional and national musicians, entertainers, creators and personalities.Brought to you by Keller's Garden Center and Landscaping Services, The V-Spot Bar and Scotch Sauce - makers of Happy Boy Hot Sauce and Sauced Up Jerky. Get 15% off your order at scotchsaucehotsauce.com w/ code POPKO

Episode 278 of The Popko Project Podcast features The Harbinger Curse, a heavy rock band from Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley.Frontman Jason shares stories from his nearly 25-year career with the United States Secret Service—including working from the Clinton through Biden administrations, traveling the world, being at work on 9/11, and memorable encounters with Garth Brooks, Jon Bon Jovi, Bono, Journey, and Blackberry Smoke.We also dig into The Harbinger Curse’s formation, influences, songwriting, mental health, the challenges facing original music and live venues, and the band’s plans to record their first full-length album.From protecting presidents to making loud rock & roll, this one goes places.

What an absolute honor it was to interview John Ondrasik, better known as Five For Fighting—an artist whose music played such a significant part of my life in the early 2000s. The album America Town arrived during my senior year of high school, and songs like “Superman (It’s Not Easy),” “Easy Tonight,” and the rest of that record became permanently attached to that time in my life. If you told 18-year-old me that 25 years later I’d have the opportunity to sit down with the man who wrote those songs, I never would have believed you.In Episode 277 of The Popko Project Podcast, John Ondrasik joins me for a conversation about the music and remarkable career of Five For Fighting. We look back at America Town, the unexpected rise of “Superman,” and how that song took on an entirely new meaning following the attacks of September 11, 2001.With this episode releasing on the 25th anniversary of 9/11, John discusses the honor and emotion of once again performing “Superman” in New York City, his memories of performing at The Concert for New York City, and witnessing firsthand the extraordinary power music can have during moments of tragedy, healing, and unity.We also dig into the pressure of following a massive hit like “Superman” and the long process that eventually produced “100 Years,” a song that cemented Five For Fighting as far more than a one-hit wonder. John shares stories behind America Town, why “Easy Tonight” was essential to everything that followed, and how close “Superman” came to never becoming the song we all know today.John also talks about his current string quartet tour, performing alongside his daughter Olivia, his work supporting American troops and veterans, writing and performing music connected to Ukraine, Israel, and Afghanistan, and why—after decades of success—he still believes his best song is yet to come.And yes, we also talk about the other side of John Ondrasik’s fascinating life: working in his family’s shopping cart business while simultaneously becoming a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter.This was a genuinely special conversation for me. Music has an incredible ability to transport us back to specific people, places, and moments in our lives, and Five For Fighting will always be connected to an important chapter of mine.Brought to you by Keller's Garden Center and Landscaping Services, Ionic Development, The V-Spot Bar and Scotch Sauce, makers of Happy Boy Hot Sauce and Sauced Up Jerky - get 15% off your order online at scotchsauacehotsauce.com w/ code POPKO at checkout