If you're into heavy, noisy, or any other kind of left-of-center music, or just counter-culture in general, Justin Pearson (The Locust, Dead Cross, Retox, etc) and his Plant B bandmate Luke Henshaw's Cult & Culture podcast is always worth listening to. Recent guests include members of Arab On Radar, Filth Is Eternal, Black Dice, and the latest episode is with prolific drummer Mario Rubalcaba of Rocket from the Crypt, Hot Snakes, OFF!, and much more. The synopsis reads:
The concept of Cult and Culture began as a short segment created by Justin Pearson, an internationally known musician, record label owner (Three One G Records), author, and actor. He is best known as bassist/vocalist for bands such as Dead Cross, The Locust, and Retox. Justin has come to know and work with a broad spectrum of captivating personalities and brilliant minds, many of which are key figures in the realm of popular culture and cult followings alike. John Waters was one of the first people interviewed for the project- an icon of both cult and culture. Other guests include a broad scope of musicians, producers, authors, and anyone passionate about what they do. In its infancy, segments were shorter, 10-20 minutes, and would be recorded while on tour. Since then, Pearson has collaborated with producer and musician Luke Henshaw (Planet B, Sonido de la Frontera) to build the idea into a proper podcast, now recorded at Penguin Studios in San Diego. The focus is not intended to be solely on people in any one realm, and because guests are friends and family, the conversations are frank, informal, well-informed and genuine.
Cult and Culture episode 22 looks into the prolific career of San Diego's Mario Rubalcaba, best known as drummer of bands such as Earthless, Hot Snakes, Rocket from the Crypt, Clikatat Ikatowi, Off!, 411 and more, as well as guitarist in Chicano-Christ-- all of which is in addition to his time as a professional skateboarder. Mario gives insight as to how he found his way into various bands starting from a very young age. The trio make observations and parallels between his skateboarding style and his drumming. Those who may know Mario from only a few of his bands will find it fascinating to learn about the scope of his work, how unique and varied it is, and just how much influential music he has been a part of.