The Prizefighters: Old School Edition

Recorded on April 3rd, 2021 In this final episode of the series, Josh and Aaron go through some of the recent years for The Prizefighters and observe some interesting encounters. Aaron describes a lengthy drive with a tow truck driver after a van mishap and how music can create connections among strangers. They examine an evolving music landscape, and how upcoming musicians may have to adapt to it, especially in the year of covid. Notable shows and tours with Stranger Cole, Millicent "Patsy" Todd, and Charlie Organaire are recalled, and how much effort was put into recreating their classic tracks. As the band has moved forward, members have changed, but Aaron has openly welcomed each variation of the line up. A note from Josh: Thank you to everyone that took part in this project. The band members for taking the time out of their day to talk with me. Jeni Larson for helping me write most of the descriptions and editing the episodes. Whitney for pointing me in the direction of Anchor to publish this project. Tim for some great pictures. And you for tuning in and listening to our stories. Song list: No Use Crying (A Musical Knockout...Round 2), Firewalk (Firewalk), Rough and Tough (Live with Stranger Cole + Charlie Organaire in Chicago), Cold Shoulder (A Musical Knockout...Round 3), You'll Never Know (Firewalk) Keep up to date with the band at https://theprizefighters.net Stream their tracks on Spotify, and check for their merch at https://theprizefighters.bandcamp.com Check out Aaron's record box production company at https://supersolidrecordbox.com/ Also, Joanna's design company https://missupsetterdesigns.com/

Recorded on April 3rd, 2021 This week is the interview where Josh catches up with one of the original four, Tim Freeman, the first drummer for The Prizefighters. Tim recalls how he first met Aaron in college, moving into a house his family owned with other roommates, and starting the first Prizefighter sessions in that very basement. Coming from a hip hop/jazz drumming background, he reflects on how Aaron found a common ground while teaching him the traditional ska techniques. Also with there being a predominant punk rock presence in the twin cities at the time, certainly worthwhile mentioning how welcoming the community was to the band and booking the band on their shows. There are some pictures to go along with this interview, which you can find on the authors IG page @theperuvian54 Song list: DJ, Put That Record On (Get Ready!), Lost At Sea (Get Ready!), There'll Be A Day (Follow My Sound)

Recorded on April 3rd, 2021 Josh interviews the original Prizefighter, Aaron Porter. Aaron talks about seeing some third wave ska greats like Siren Six!, Gadjits, Slackers, and Hepcat as a kid in the late 90s and how this informed his musical trajectory. After playing in a couple bands that performed a mix of ska and punk he wanted to try playing more traditional ska and rocksteady, and formed the Prizefighters. The two also discuss being detained at the Canadian border, the inspiration for starting MNSKA, and King Django's missing sandal. Check out his record box business, SuperSolid Record Box on Instagram or the main site to see his work: https://supersolidrecordbox.com/ Also. His girlfriend, Joanna, who is another prominent individual in the ska subculture, runs her own line of designs. She's put together some great pins and stickers for Star Wars and ska fans. Check out Miss Upsetter Designs on Instagram or the website: https://www.missupsetterdesigns.com/ Songlist: You Got It All Wrong (Get Ready!), Take Some Time (Get Ready!), Karma (Get Ready!), 1000 Words (Get Ready!), Truth and Lies (Follow My Sound)

Recorded March 28th, 2021 Josh's guest this week is Whitney Olson. Playing piano and organ in the Prizefighters was her first experience in a band, and she recalls some notable milestones such as playing her first show, singing onstage for the first time during a packed Triple Rock, and meeting Jamaican musical legends. Whitney aptly describes the vibe during the "Follow My Sound" years as "party on, motherfucker!" and she and Josh piece together hilarious memories of those rowdy years. Dedicated to Jack Olson. Song list: Island Girl (Charlie Organaire meets..), I've Got Something Good (Sam & Kitty, Live at The Triple Rock), Sukeban (A Musical Knockout...Round 3), Troubles (Charlie Organaire meets...), Night Breeze (A Musical Knockout...Round 2), Elusive Baby (Charlie Organaire meets...) Be sure to check out the graphic design business she runs with her husband: https://olsonmcintyre.com/

Recorded on March 28th, 2021 Josh's guest this week is the Prizefighter's former trumpet player, Nate Peters. He shares his feelings on the possibilities of backyard shows, working as a pilot during the pandemic, watching the uprisings last summer in the Twin Cities from Georgia (where he currently lives), and fuzzy memories of shows at the Triple Rock. Songlist: Storms (Follow My Sound), Fallen Friends (Get Ready!), Death Rides (Get Ready!), Brujeria (Follow My Sound), Drink The Water (Get Up!) Nate's band Beatup recently released their first full-length album called "Satisfied?" available on Bandcamp https://alreadydeadtapes.bandcamp.com/album/satisfied Facebook.com/beatupband

Recorded on March 28th, 2021. Josh catches up with Jordan Porter, who explains how he first joined the band (as the piano player despite a limited command of the instrument) and his eventual switch to bass. Highlights include a European tour with the Bishops and backing Derrick Morgan at Chicago Reggae Fest. Jordan speculates on what booking and live music might look like in a post-pandemic world. Songlist: Before Tonight (Follow My Sound), Prizefighters Beat (Get Ready!), I Won The Prize (Charley Organaire meets...), Temper Runnin Hot (Firewalk), Just Let The Music Play (Firewalk) Check out his other band Your Wealth https://yourwealth.bandcamp.com/ https://facebook.com/yourwealthMN/

This episode was recorded on March 27th, 2021. The introduction episode for The Prizefighters: Old School Edition series. Josh talks about getting started in bands, how he met the other members, and growing up playing shows in Minneapolis. Song credits: Waking Up (Get Ready!), Intro (Follow My Sound), Hypocrite (Follow My Sound), Follow My Sound (Follow My Sound).