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Artwork for Ska Boom

Ska Boom - An American Ska & Reggae Podcast

Marc Wasserman
The English Beat
English Beat
Special Beat Service
General Public
Soul Salvation
Fine Young Cannibals
Ska Music
Reggae
SKA
Soul Salvation: A Gen-X Love Letter To the English Beat
Ranking Roger
Diwulf Publishing
David Steele
Saxa
Dave Wakeling
Tenderness
Everett Morton
Two-Tone Ska
Wesley Magoogan
Supernova International Ska Festival

Ska Boom - An American Ska & Reggae Podcast is hosted by Marc Wasserman, author of Soul Salvation: A Gen-X Love Letter To The English Beat and Ska Boom: An American Ska & Reggae Oral History published by DiWulf Publishing. Wasserman helped to found Bigger Thomas -- the first ska band from New Jersey -- in 1988 and had a front row seat to watch the growth of American ska. Ska Boom is the audio comp... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes112Founded5 years ago
Categories
Music CommentaryMusic HistoryMusic

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Artwork for Ska Boom

Latest Episodes

Welcome to the Ska Boom podcast. 

This episode marks the conclusion of the Soul Salvation series, which has served as the audio companion to my book Soul Salvation – A Gen X Love Letter To The English Beat. 

Across 18 episodes, I’ve explored the le... more

Welcome back to the Ska Boom podcast!  This season is called Soul Salvation and its the companion to my new book “Soul Salvation – A Gen X Love Letter To The English Beat."

Through the book and this podcast I’m telling the story of the Special Beat ... more

Welcome back to the Ska Boom podcast!  This season is called Soul Salvation and its the companion to my new book “Soul Salvation – A Gen X Love Letter To The English Beat."

Through the book and this podcast I’m telling the story of the Special Beat ... more

Welcome back to the Ska Boom podcast!  This season is called Soul Salvation and its the companion to my new book “Soul Salvation – A Gen X Love Letter To The English Beat."

Through the book and this podcast I’m telling the story of the Special Beat ... more

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Contact Information
Podcast Host

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Recent Guests

David Ditchfield
Guitarist and singer from The Mood Elevators
Episode: Soul Salvation - A Gen X Love Letter To The English Beat: Go Feet
David Blockhead Wright
Keyboardist for the English Beat and contributor to the Special Beat Service album
English Beat
Episode: Soul Salvation - A Gen X Love Letter To The English Beat: Blockhead

Host

Marc Wasserman
Marc Wasserman is the author of 'Soul Salvation: A Gen-X Love Letter To The English Beat' and 'Ska Boom: An American Ska & Reggae Oral History'. He is a music historian with extensive knowledge of ska and reggae, reflecting his background as a founder of Bigger Thomas, the first ska band from New Jersey.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 38 ratings
  • Ska-boom!

    Insightful and outstanding research makes this series revelatory and fun!

    Kudos

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Dowjonesy
    United Statesa year ago
  • In The Details!

    Great little episodes diving into the Beat and its members! As a long time fanatic of all ska and Two Tone, really getting a lot out of this ! Nice work !!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Orbital Groove Chad
    United Statesa year ago
  • Top notch

    The attention to detail and depth of research is stunning. I didn’t know Rancid “Get Outta My Way” was an Uptones cover, then the radio clip of Joe Strummer referencing the band put it over the top. Best episode yet I’d say.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Let'sGoTaketheSkinheadsBowling
    United States4 years ago
  • Great music history and appreciation podcast! Respect!

    I don’t like this podcast- I love it!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Blixa the cat
    United States4 years ago
  • Love this show!

    So many great stories, and follows so many threads, really smart and informative, Also explains to me why I love this music so much.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Redseapedestrian
    United States5 years ago

Listeners Say

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

Many reviews highlight the quality of research and the engaging storytelling format, making complex musical narratives accessible.
Listeners appreciate the insightful exploration of the history and cultural significance of ska and reggae music.
The host's deep knowledge and personal anecdotes create a strong connection, resonating well with fans of the genres.
The podcast is celebrated for its informative content, overall enhancing appreciation for ska's artistic value and impact.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#179
Australia/Music/Music History
Apple Podcasts
#199
Brazil/Music/Music History
Apple Podcasts
#248
Russia/Music/Music History

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Soul Salvation - A Gen X Love Letter To The English Beat: Saxa
Q: Did you try talking to them?
I tried everything and expressed my feelings, but it was challenging to change minds.
Soul Salvation - A Gen X Love Letter To The English Beat: Saxa
Q: Why do you think there was a split?
It seems that different musical directions and perspectives within the band led to divisions and misunderstandings.
Soul Salvation - A Gen X Love Letter To The English Beat: Blockhead
Q: What experiences in St. Kitts influenced his music?
Wright shared that his time in St. Kitts exposed him to ska and calypso music, greatly informing his melodic playing.
Soul Salvation - A Gen X Love Letter To The English Beat: Blockhead
Q: How did David Wright transition from being a tour manager to a keyboard player?
Wright was encouraged to play keyboards during a gig when the band needed a keyboardist, leading to his full-time role.
Soul Salvation - A Gen X Love Letter To The English Beat: Blockhead
Q: What is the significance of the nickname 'Blockhead'?
Wright explained that it was a term of endearment from band member Saxa, who gave nicknames to everyone.

Audience Metrics

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

Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Ska Boom

What is Ska Boom about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Focused on the rich history and cultural impact of ska and reggae music, this series features engaging explorations into the artists, albums, and movements that shaped these genres. Each episode often includes personal anecdotes, in-depth interviews with prominent musicians, and detailed discussions surrounding significant albums and cultural moments. The series stands out for its blend of storytelling and historical analysis, making it a treasure trove for fans of ska and reggae, as well as those curious about the intertwining of these genres with mainstream music culture.

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Which podcasts are similar to Ska Boom?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Ska Boom:

1. This American Life
2. The Bob Lefsetz Podcast
3. SmartLess
4. Fast Politics with Molly Jong-Fast

How many episodes of Ska Boom are there?

Ska Boom launched 5 years ago and published 112 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Ska Boom?

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Where can I see ratings and reviews for Ska Boom?

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What guests have appeared on Ska Boom?

Recent guests on Ska Boom include:

1. David Ditchfield
2. David Blockhead Wright

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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