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No Tags is a podcast and newsletter from Chal Ravens and Tom Lea chronicling underground music culture. notagspodcast.substack.com

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes65Founded2 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Society & CultureMusic

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Artwork for No Tags

Latest Episodes

We all know what sound is, but are we any good at describing it?

This week’s guest is a musician, writer and one of independent music’s wisest observers. Damon Krukowski has been playing in bands since the ‘80s, drumming for dreampop originals Galax... more

So we had another idea for a movie canon.

After blinking our way through The Moment – the recent mockumentary about Charli XCX by director Aidan Zamiri – we got thinking about a certain kind of music film that exists between the margins of biopic an... more

Some of the most exciting dance music around right now is coming out of Baltimore.

Reenergised by a younger generation of artists putting a fresh spin on the Baltimore Club sound, the city is producing stacks of great new records – and we keep heari... more

Taganistas may know Lil Internet from his music videos (Beyoncé, Diplo), his high-concept DJ mixes, or his ever-present voice on Twitter. Since 2017 his main focus has been New Models – a website, podcast and active Discord.

But the reason we asked ... more

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Recent Guests

Damon Krukowski
Writer and musician, author of Why Sound Matters; former drummer of Galaxie 500; member of Damon and Naomi; UMAW activist
Author, musician, UMAW member
Episode: 65: The indies fight back! Damon Krukowski on the value of sound
Jay (Big J) / Jialing
Baltimore-based artist, part of the duo Big J + Jialing
Baltimore scene, Big J
Episode: 63: ⁠Baltimore is still the engine room of US club music
Kade Young
Baltimore-based artist from the Baltimore Club scene
Baltimore Club
Episode: 63: ⁠Baltimore is still the engine room of US club music
Lil Internet
A video director and music creator who works with AI-generated music.
Episode: 62: Lil Internet changed our minds about AI music
Ed Gillett
Journalist and author who writes primarily about underground music and politics.
Episode: 61: Is clubbing really in decline? We asked Ed Gillett
Anjali Prashar-Savoie
Author and DJ, focusing on queer nightlife; her book 'Club Commons' discusses the intersection of queer culture and communal club spaces.
Independent Author
Episode: 60: A radical vision for club culture with Anjali Prashar-Savoie
Holly Dicker
Author of "Dance or Die: A History of Hardcore"
Velocity Press
Episode: 53: Holly Dicker will be the last hardcore raver standing
Jeff Weiss
Rap journalist and author
Episode: 50: Jeff Weiss is still waiting for Britney Spears
Grace Sands
Resident DJ at Adonis, and a significant figure in the Free Party movement.
Adonis
Episode: 47: Free parties, rave theories and a moment with Grace Sands

Hosts

Chal Ravens
Co-host of No Tags; focuses on underground music culture and related media
Tom Lea
Co-host of No Tags; engages in long-form conversations about music culture

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 399 ratings
  • Out of touch

    Any podcast that tries to bill itself as chronicling ‘underground culture’ & has hosts that think graffiti has no purpose (as they discussed in the latest episode, displaying a total lack of engagement with subcultural rave communities in London) is inherently politically inconsistent. It’s even more frustrating when they regularly try to present themselves as ‘rave goers’, and make sweeping statements from that position.

    Even though they’re clearly very educated on music, sadly you can tell th... more

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    sonyawould
    United Kingdom4 months ago
  • <3

    Decided to lock in at the start of the year, zero regrets. love the longer dissections of trends, love the left turns and the regular diversions out of music and into other artforms/social phenomena, love the tone of the discussions… just really great stuff guys, thanks a lot.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    hughmorris98
    United Kingdom5 months ago
  • Less politics

    More music

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Mr Majestik
    United States5 months ago
  • 10/10

    I was in a bit of a mood and this has cheered me right up! Love the pod, essential listen!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    dj_rayner
    United Kingdom9 months ago
  • Formidable

    There really isn’t anything else out there quite like No Tags. It’s an instant listen on arrival for me, every time. Very intrigued to see where Chal and Tom take it next, too - publications, live outings, film club… heck, a Pontins convention? The healthiest balance between parasocial activity and niche nightlife infotainment - there’s something here for just about any music super fan. Keep up the grade 1 listed work!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Cartier 4 Everyone
    United Kingdoma year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Some feedback notes the show can feel insular or opinionated at times, but remains a standout in culture journalism.
Many reviews highlight insightful, long-form conversations that explore culture beyond music.
Listeners praise the hosts' deep, insider knowledge and varied guests.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#46
United Kingdom/Music
Apple Podcasts
#217
Canada/Music
Apple Podcasts
#61
Australia/Music
Apple Podcasts
#43
Ireland/Music
Apple Podcasts
#94
Austria/Music
Apple Podcasts
#98
Switzerland/Music

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

65: The indies fight back! Damon Krukowski on the value of sound
Q: What is your stance on piracy and its impact on music economies?
Piracy is a complex issue; it can expand reach and profiles but does not necessarily destroy profits; the key is to build negotiating power and find balance rather than fighting piracy with blanket bans, embracing access while protecting livelihoods.
65: The indies fight back! Damon Krukowski on the value of sound
Q: What role does UMAW play in empowering musicians against capital?
UMAW builds power through organizing, lobbying, and local and national campaigns, showing that collective action and policy work can create real changes in streaming pay, festival pay structures, and other labor conditions; success comes from broad-based participation.
65: The indies fight back! Damon Krukowski on the value of sound
Q: How do you connect noise pollution to the value of sound in everyday life and policy?
Noise is a form of environmental waste and a public health and ecological issue; recognizing sound as a material helps justify investment in reducing pollution and valuing sound-producing labor in society.
62: Lil Internet changed our minds about AI music
Q: How did you start experimenting with AI-generated music?
Lil Internet began experimenting with AI-generated music in early 2024 out of interest in the technology's potential, leveraging it to create sounds and melodies he couldn't compose traditionally.
61: Is clubbing really in decline? We asked Ed Gillett
Q: What do you think about actually applying those findings?
The evidence in the report will trickle through into a succession of small decisions that affect individual venues.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About No Tags

What is No Tags about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A deep, culture-forward show that probes underground music scenes, nightlife politics, and the intersections of art, technology, and media. Episodes frequently explore scene history, DIY distribution, venue dynamics, and the social impacts of nightlife, often featuring guests who are artists, journalists, authors, or organizers. A standout is the willingness to cover niche subcultures with thoughtful analysis and a warm, conversational tone, making complex subcultures accessible to listeners who want context, texture, and insider perspectives. The format tends to blend trend analysis with long-form conversations, live events, and occasional book or documentary tie-ins, which can be especially engaging for industry professionals and culture-... more

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Which podcasts are similar to No Tags?

These podcasts share a similar audience with No Tags:

1. The LRB Podcast
2. Novara Media
3. London Review Bookshop Podcast
4. If I Speak
5. Macrodose

How many episodes of No Tags are there?

No Tags launched 2 years ago and published 65 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on No Tags?

Recent guests on No Tags include:

1. Damon Krukowski
2. Jay (Big J) / Jialing
3. Kade Young
4. Lil Internet
5. Ed Gillett
6. Anjali Prashar-Savoie
7. Holly Dicker
8. Jeff Weiss

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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