This week on the show, Sara J sits down with the one and only Karl Engelmann! An in-depth, no-stone-unturned conversation — but would you expect anything less when Karl comes to hang? We dive into his new creative project, Cuddle Clouds, with drummer Ben Kilmer and their self-titled debut album. Karl walks us through the tracks, the creative process, and the hilarious visual that pops into his mind when he explains the band name. And in true Karl fashion, we naturally veer off into aliens, UFOs, meteors, interstellar objects, Christmas albums, and even a wild story about his project Mother Vinegar playing a show at a strip club. Karl also shares his thoughts on the analog vs. digital debate, what bringing the upright bass into his repertoire has opened up for him (including the chance to play with three completely different bands), and how a trip to Sedona inspired both a track on the album and the full color scheme of the cover. And that’s just part one. Hilarious, nostalgic, and packed with surprises — you’re not going to want to miss it. 🎧 Check out the self-titled debut from Cuddle Clouds wherever you stream music, and read Sara J's full review on Patreon → patreon.com/datcmediacompany

In her first solo episode in a while, Sara J. takes the mic to share the whirlwind that was Rocktober — a month packed with music, milestones, and meaning. From an event that marked the culmination of a year’s hard work, to an impromptu adventure to the Away From Home Festival with her daughter, multiple border-crossing trips, finally seeing Steve Hackett live, and celebrating the exhibit opening of friend and iconic photographer Richard Beland — it’s been a ride. Alongside major growth with the company and a wave of new content, Sara also takes a moment to reflect on the past 12 months — and the reminder that no matter what’s happening in the world, music is always there

“There’s always some genesis of it all.” Iconic music photographer Richard Beland is back for the conclusion of his conversation with Sara J, diving right into his latest and most ambitious project yet — Liss Gallery Presents: OUR IMMORTAL STARS Vol. 1, a six-week exhibition and photography book that captures decades of rock history. Richard walks Sara through the journey from the very beginning — meeting with gallery owner Brian Liss, reflecting on what it means to stand among the photographers he once admired, and debuting his first exhibit with the gallery. He also shares the year-long process behind the 250-page book, featuring 200+ photos of over 180 bands and 27 short stories he wrote about the artists who shaped his personal and professional life. The two continue their conversation with stories from across Richard’s incredible career, including: 🎸 His recent presentation at The TTH Top Forty Celebration of The Hip for ALS and his creative collaborations with The Tragically Hip 🔥 Behind-the-scenes memories from Woodstock ’99 🎓 How teaching at Lambton College — and helping build its two-year photography program — gave him a new sense of balance and purpose. Now in his 13th year of teaching, Richard reflects on the ride so far, what keeps him grounded, and why storytelling through photography still matters as much as ever. 👉 RSVP to the OUR IMMORTAL STARS Vol. 1 Exhibition - [email: brianliss1801@gmail.com]

“There could be world peace if everybody just went to rock concerts all the time.” This week on Dropped Among This Crowd, Sara J welcomes world-renowned and iconic music photographer Richard Beland for a captivating two-part conversation that dives deep into music, memory, and the magic of live shows. In Part One, Richard takes us on a journey through his early years in a border town, where mischief and music first intertwined. From discovering his mom’s record collection and obsessively tuning into Detroit radio, to finally getting permission to attend his first concert in 1983 — Richard traces the roots of a lifelong passion. He shares how flipping through rock magazines planted the seeds for his legendary photography career and recounts the moment that changed everything: bringing a Nikon camera to the Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan, and Tom Petty show at Rich Stadium in Buffalo on July 4th, 1986 — a day that set his creative path in motion. Sara and Richard also explore the welcoming spirit of the jamband community, his experiences as a devoted Deadhead (with over 150 shows under his belt), and his heartfelt journals filled with memories from the road. Along the way, Richard opens up about losing his father just three days after his 20th birthday — a pivotal moment that reshaped his connection to touring and storytelling through images. Plus, hear behind-the-scenes tales from his nearly 20 years as house photographer at Fallsview Casino, from shooting rising star Yungblud to an unforgettable (and hilariously awkward) photo session with Art Garfunkel — complete with a ten-minute apologetic voicemail he’ll cherish forever. Get ready for a warm, nostalgic, and insightful conversation about the shows that shaped a career, the people who made it unforgettable, and the power of live music to change a life.

This week, we’re welcoming some feminine energy to the mic with special guest Leah Naomi Singman — a Michigan-based musician, mother, and longtime friend of Sara J’s. In this heartfelt and inspiring conversation, Leah opens up about navigating the male-dominated music industry, transforming life experiences into creative purpose, and what we hope our children learn by watching us chase our dreams. We dive into the beauty of live music communities, her deep love for music, and the magical presence of her grandmother’s piano — shipped all the way from Argentina — that sat quietly in the living room throughout her childhood. Leah shares the surprising influence of the legendary Argentine hippie band Sui Generis, and how a Carole King cartoon musical left a lasting impression. From writing her first song at age eight, to picking up a guitar for the first time at Shabbat dinner, not allowing a janky guitar from a flea market to discourage her and learning classical guitar — her musical journey is as unconventional as it is inspiring. With her debut album set to release this November, Leah talks about the creative process, the serendipitous way she met her producer, and the multi-instrumentalist collaborators bringing her songs to life. 🎶 Song featured in the episode: “Be Here Now”

This week on the show Sara J. is joined by musician and podcast host Mark Hopkins for a wide-ranging conversation that’s equal parts heartfelt, hilarious, and deeply human. They dive into everything — from the power of music and raw emotion to time itself, ghost stories from Salem, UFOs, and beyond. Mark shares how hearing Pearl Jam’s Ten for the first time changed the trajectory of his life, the early influence of his siblings’ eclectic music tastes, and the unwavering support of his father. A lifelong student of music, he reflects on the Baltimore music scene, playing with past guest Dan Wallace, and the endless joy of falling down music’s rabbit holes, taking the things he loves along the way and adding his finger print to create his own musical "mad libs" They talk creativity’s highs and lows, releasing three new songs in 2025, and the importance of pouring into yourself — including workouts (because yes, Sara loves her workouts). From interviewing Pearl Jam’s first drummer to working remotely for Berklee College of Music while raising his daughter, Mark opens up about life, art, and staying connected to your 15-year-old self, even when you’re “adulting.” Plus: his podcast At Home with Mark (Sara will be a live guest on Oct 28 at 6pm ET!), the magic of meeting your heroes, and why music lovers are all just a little bit like Swifties.

Craig is back with the final three bands on his list — and this episode gets real. We dive deep into the raw power of music, the moments that stay with us forever, and the feeling of greatness it can bring. Craig opens up about an unforgettable experience, shares a documentary everyone should see, and reminds us why music hits the soul in ways nothing else can. So get comfy (and maybe grab the Kleenex). It’s emotional, it’s beautiful, and the perfect way to close out this special two-part series.

She had no notes, guys!! Sara J. hands over the reins to returning guest Craig Rogers for a special two-part mini-series. Craig kicks things off talking a bit about the CanCon laws and what sparked this series. From there, we dive into the first four bands on the list — and trust us, this is just the beginning.

Craig brings it all home in this can’t-miss part two starting with Gift Shop—the West Coast’s ultimate tribute to The Tragically Hip. Craig shares the story of how he joined the band, what it’s like stepping into the role of Paul Langlois (right down to the gear), He also reflects on the unique experience of playing in a country where Hip tribute bands are a dime a dozen. Craig talks about the wildest, rain-soaked show they’ve ever played; the verdict is still out on if his guitar pedal survived the experience. Craig revisits a guitar story introduced in part one and brings it full-circle—nearly three decades in the making. Craig takes us through his deep dive process into Gord Downie’s solo catalog through his work on the Discovering Downie Podcast, how that project built a brotherhood with his cohosts and reshaped his relationship with Gord’s music.

The wait is over—Sara J finally sits down with Craig Rogers: co-host of Discovering Downie & guitarist for Gift Shop (West Coast’s ultimate tribute to The Tragically Hip) In typical DATC Pod fashion, this chat is so good it had to be split into two parts! In part one, Craig takes us through his musical journey (with his guitars as our guide)—from the influence of his father’s own musical career, to grade six band and playing saxophone, to picking up a guitar and being sought out to play with his favourite band. He shares the perils of touring Canada, playing side stage at Lollapalooza ’95, and his first G&L guitar. We also dive into the music that shaped him: the album that changed everything for him, why he thinks The War on Drugs is the best live band right now, and the time he had tickets to two shows at once. Plus, Craig recalls his first encounters with The Tragically Hip, gives us a peek into his fandom, and explains how Gord Downie left him unsure what to think at first. And that’s just part one. Buckle up—we’re going deep.

In the final installment of Sara J's conversation with jazz saxophonist Dan Wallace, the focus shifts to his band, The 11th Hour, and their phenomenal cover of Tool's "Sober." Dan also shares his aspirations for a live album and the story of his friendship with musician Marc Shapiro, who was the catalyst for Dan's guest spot here on the show. Dan shares his experiences in the Baltimore music scene, his college days in New Orleans, and gives props to the artists who influenced the musicians we love. He also explains why he believes Steely Dan stands the test of time (and would probably survive the apocalypse). Dan talks about his future plans, including an upcoming jazz album, before switching things up to embark on something new. And you won't want to miss the incredible story of how he may or may not have convinced Jeff Coffin to take the gig with The Dave Matthews Band full-time back in the summer of 2008.

This week marks a very special moment here at the podcast — it’s our 300th episode 🎉 AND I just celebrated my 41st birthday on August 4th! So I had to jump into your feed with a quick bonus episode to reflect, celebrate, and say a huge heartfelt thank you. In this mini milestone episode, I talk about: * The wild journey from a tiny podcast to a full-blown media brand * The growth and expansion of DATC Media over the past year * The power of community — especially over on Patreon * How YOU can get involved — as a guest, collaborator, or freelance photographer * Upcoming events, conversations, and exciting things on the calendar * Where you can find me live every Sunday at 8 PM ET on YouTube * The October 4th event in Toronto: A Celebration of The Hip for ALS — featuring two full sets from The Strictly Hip and supporting The ALS Society of Canada 🎶💛

🎷 In this captivating first installment of another epic two-parter, host Sara J. is joined by Baltimore-area jazz saxophonist Dan Wallace for a raw, real, and wide-ranging conversation—true to Dropped Among This Crowd form. Things leap off with Dan sharing the absolutely fascinating story of local legend Daryl Davis—a blues pianist who, through conversation and courage, convinced dozens of white supremacist leaders to denounce their ideology and leave their hate groups behind. From there, Dan reflects on the ironic tension of being a professional musician and how it sometimes interferes with actually making music. The conversation shifts to the evolving state of outdoor festivals, the economy, and environmental factors that may threaten their future entirely in the next 5–10 years. Sara and Dan dive into jam bands, the undeniable magic of Red Rocks (and how it’s always freezing no matter the season), and his almost-career as an opera singer. He shares how a scroll through his now-vintage iPod Classic helped him pivot fully toward jazz saxophone—and what that shift looked like. They also go back to the beginning: Dan’s childhood love of music, his beloved piano teacher Ms. Karen, and the lasting foundation she helped build. He talks about reconnecting with his elementary music teacher—who he now performs with—and shares how an administrative error almost cost him a spot at a performing arts middle school, until his mother’s persistence saved the day. Dan recounts joining jazz band early in 7th grade, being introduced to Charlie Parker, the mix CD that changed his life, and working his way through the Charlie Parker Omnibook. He also opens up about his social struggles growing up—and how being involved in music and starring in school musicals gave him a sense of belonging and helped him feel like maybe he wasn’t “the biggest weirdo in the world.” Such a thoughtful and fun conversation—you won’t want to miss it. 🎧 Tune in next week for the compelling conclusion in Part Two!

In this mid-summer solo episode, host Sara J checks in with listeners after a transformative few months both personally and professionally. She shares updates on DATC Media Company, upcoming collaborations, and exciting projects in the works—plus a little behind-the-scenes from a recent cross-border adventure.

“I’m a deep cuts person — the hits get you there, but the album cuts keep you.” Perfectly timed for Canada Day, this episode wraps up Sara J and Darrin’s epic two-part conversation with a deep dive into their shared love for The Tragically Hip. Sara shares the recent rediscovery of a 2003 Gord Downie solo show in Buffalo, while Darrin traces how learning to code sparked his journey into archiving live music—starting with Boston indie band Wheat, and later expanding to The Spoons, Rheostatics, Bourbon Tabernacle Choir and of course, The Tragically Hip The two explore how last fall’s Hip docuseries inspired the now-thriving Hip archive (which—hard to believe—isn’t even a year old). Sara gushes about how she’s used the archive for numerous creative projects, and Darrin reflects on the generosity of tapers and the band's openness to live recording over the years. They lovingly nerd out over stats and setlists—Darrin’s seen 129 of the ~180 Hip songs live across 34 shows—and talk about the live albums that shaped his listening, from Peter Gabriel’s Plays Live to Dire Straits’ Alchemy and Genesis’s Three Sides Live. And yes, they reveal their favorite Hip records—Sara’s pick? In Violet Light (of course). From there, the conversation winds through Darrin’s time playing in his own band, Tempus Fugit, and how recording albums like Shallow Water Blackout reshaped the way he listens to music. (Highly recommended listening, by the way.) To close, things turn tender and deeply personal. Darrin shares the one show he regrets missing, flipping the question to Sara J—who opens up about the loss of her father, how it distanced her from music and The Hip for years, and the unexpected ways that reconnecting through the docuseries, working with jD from TTH Top Forty Countdown, and a whole lot of healing brought her full circle.

In part one of this epic two-part conversation, Darrin and Sara J dive deep into a rich and winding musical landscape. They explore the power of thoughtful feedback—from trusted sources—and how it can support the musicians in your life, and the importance of staying open to it yourself. Darrin reflects on his lifelong love affair with music, tracing it back to the nostalgic albums his parents played—records that have become part of his DNA. Born at a time when some of the most iconic music was not only being released but also performed live, Darrin walks us through his musical journey:
 From 70's prog rock to '80s new wave (and how one inspired the other) to his very first album purchase (which he still owns!) to a concert calendar that's still stacked decades later. He shares stories from his first live show—The Who in October 1982 at Toronto’s Exhibition Stadium—complete with a rare Joe Jackson opening set (thanks to The Clash playing SNL that night instead). The night would later be memorialized in a photo inside the sleeve of Jackson's 80/86 live album. We talk local shows, backstage moments, and what it's like to catch bands just before they hit their upward trajectory.
 He also opens up about the raw masculine energy of early Tragically Hip shows, the role music plays in connecting with his kids, and a few of the music websites he contributes to (more on that in Part Two!). You’ll also hear the origin story behind the lyric:
 “Everyone has their breaking point—with me it's spiders, with you it’s me.” and its connection to the 1977 sci-fi film—"The People That Time Forgot" We covered a lot, but there's still more ground to explore—don’t miss Part Two next week!

In the conclusion of Sara J's epic two-part conversation with RoughGauge’s Featured Artist for June 2025, Marc Shapiro, we pick up right where we left off—diving back into the gear talk and Marc’s love for integrating the Jake blade into his setup. Marc shares what makes the Jake blade a standout addition to his arsenal, and how RoughGauge’s legendary customer service ensured every detail was custom-fit—right down to accommodating his unique whammy bar setup and left-handed play style. From there, we explore how this custom Wilkinson build has seamlessly become a part of his sound, even making its way into the DNA of songs in his catalog. The conversation flows into what’s next in Marc’s musical worlds, Infinite Drift and Greasy Hands, as he offers a sneak peek at upcoming happenings—including a pig roast on Saturday, September 13th, and what promises to be a legendary Halloween shindig. We also dig into the heartbeat of the Baltimore music scene—from its deep jazz roots and iconic P-Funk residency to its thriving punk, metal, and Baltimore club communities. Marc paints a picture of a city rich in musical diversity, community spirit, and inclusive energy. Then we shift focus to Marc’s passion for concert photography—how it sparked while writing for his college paper, the moment he realized he could get a photo pass, and how that led to a journey from point-and-shoot beginnings to capturing iconic artists. He reflects on the highs and lows of the craft, the beauty of small venues, and staying grounded in the love for local music. We wrap with a powerful reflection on creative balance—the importance of stillness and nothingness, and the ever-evolving dance of moving forward, even if slowly.

In this part one of another epic two-parter, Sara J is joined by the RoughGauge June 2025 featured artist, Marc Shapiro. Marc takes us through his influences and how Slash and Appetite for Destruction played a major role. Marc shares his love for digging into his favorite guitar player’s heroes, going down a rabbit hole that includes a dive into how John Frusciante has a lot of Hendrix in his playing. Marc shares the eclecticness of what he listens to, and how watching MTV after school when he was younger did good things for his musical palate. They talk about having the guitar player spirit, the perhaps controversial thought of minimal notes, and how sometimes more is said within the silence. Marc gives a peek into what he’s listening to currently and the music he’s loving that’s coming out of Australia. Marc talks about his passion for following the lineage of a sound, and the evolution of guitar playing and music. The duo gets into music biographies, ones they’ve read, and what’s next on their list. Marc talks about getting his first guitar when he was ten, followed by his first electric a year later, and knowing that being a musician was his dream once he started playing. He relives elementary school, singing and performing ’90s grunge tunes at talent shows and back-to-school night. Marc recalls playing in his older brother’s band, and at his bar mitzvah party, an evening that would include Marc crowd surfing. He shares the experience of throwing a music festival - The Rez Ball with his band The Rez, the year he sprained his ankle right before he was about to play two sets, which also happened to be the same summer he played at Warped Tour. Marc shares how he found himself playing with his current projects, Greasy Hands and Infinite Drift. Lefties unite! Marc elaborates on what it’s like playing left-handed, the advantages and disadvantages, and the joy of finding a leftie guitar out in the wild. He introduces us to his ride or die guitars and the others in his arsenal. And so much more. Buckle up — this one’s a journey you don’t want to miss!

In the thrilling conclusion of Sara J’s deep dive with Kirk, the two pick up right where they left off—unpacking the heart and soul behind Discovering Downie, an 11-part passion project from Dewvre Podcasts & Such, exploring the solo work of Gord Downie, the legendary frontman of The Tragically Hip. Kirk shares how the series, which just celebrated its first anniversary, sparked not just insight but connection, bringing together four strangers whose shared love for Downie’s artistry led them on an unforgettable journey, culminating in a meaningful trip to the band's hometown, Kingston, ON, and a special fundraising event. The episode also weaves in a thoughtful discussion on making a difference in the world—however you can—and nerds out on all things gear, guitars, and amps. Music lovers, storytellers, and dreamers alike—this one’s for you.

This week on the show, host Sara J is joined by musician, podcast host, and producer Kirk Lane for an epic two-part episode you won’t want to miss. In Part One, Sara and Kirk dive deep into the idea of finding your "inner fame," the wisdom of Linda Wolf’s book Tribute, and Kirk's love for the Grateful Dead. They chat about the magic of seeing shows at The Sphere, the spark that led Kirk to pick up a guitar, and his journey through his first originals band. Kirk shares stories from the thousands of shows he’s seen live (seriously, it’s a lot) and how that shaped his musical DNA. He also opens up about his debut solo album From the Kirkyard—how revisiting old songs now has given them new life, and how they've sparked fresh inspiration. Get ready for deep cuts, musical rabbit holes, and a whole lot of heart.