DC Rock History

The Slickee Boys - "Cybernetic Dreams of Pi" with Don Zientara

In this episode, we explore Cybernetic Dreams of Pi, the 1983 release from The Slickee Boys that blends garage rock revivalism with punk attitude and sci-fi themes. The Slickee Boys had been a fixture in the DC music scene since the mid-1970s, building a dedicated following with their irreverent stage shows and DIY approach to recording. With a lineup featuring Mark Noone on vocals, Kim Kane and Marshall Keith on guitars, Dan Palenski on drums, and John Chumbris on bass, the band delivered an album that balanced catchy hooks with an adventurous spirit.
 
Our guest is Don Zientara, founder of Inner Ear Studios and one of DC’s most influential recording engineers. Don shares insights on working with The Slickee Boys and the recording of Cybernetic Dreams of Pi, as well as the role of Inner Ear Studios in shaping the sound of DC’s music scene. Together, we discuss how The Slickee Boys’ album fits within the broader story of DC rock, from their early DIY singles to their lasting influence on the city’s underground music community.
 
We also examine the album’s production process, the impact of Inner Ear Studios on the DC scene, and how The Slickee Boys helped expand the boundaries of what punk rock could be in the nation’s capital.
 
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Go Further:
Don Zientara – Inner Ear Studios
Dance of Days by Mark Andersen and Mark Jenkins
Trouser Press – The Slickee Boys
 
Follow Us:
Social Media: @dcrockpod
Email: dcrockpod@gmail.com
Philip Basnight - Broke Royals
Alex Vidales - Pilot Waves
Don Zientara - Inner Ear Studios
 
Podcast Artwork by Rebecca Basnight

Faith / Void Split with Thurston Moore

In this episode, we explore the Faith/Void Split, the legendary 1982 release from Dischord Records that captures the duality of the early D.C. hardcore scene. Released as Dischord Records #8, the album pairs Faith’s tight, melodic hardcore with Void’s chaotic, genre-defying intensity. Both bands, formed by teenagers, contributed to the diverse evolution of hardcore punk in the nation’s capital.
 
Our guest is Thurston Moore, guitarist of Sonic Youth and author of Sonic Life, whose exploration of punk’s formative years and D.C.’s unique underground scene offers insights into the album’s enduring impact. Together, we discuss how the Faith/Void Split influenced not only the local punk landscape but also laid the groundwork for the post-hardcore and noise rock movements that followed.
 
We also examine the album’s production at Inner Ear Studios, the role of Dischord Records, and the cultural significance of the split LP format in fostering a sense of community and creative experimentation in the early 1980s.
Sponsor:
Get 10% off New Columbia Record Club with checkout code DCROCKS
Go Further:
Sonic Life by Thurston Moore
Dance of Days by Mark Andersen & Mark Jenkins
Dischord Records – Faith/Void Split
Follow Us:
Social Media: @dcrockpod
Email: dcrockpod@gmail.com
Philip Basnight - Broke Royals
Alex Vidales - Pilot Waves
Thurston Moore - Sonic Life
 
Podcast Artwork by Rebecca Basnight

Bad Brains - "Bad Brains" with Bartees Strange

In this episode, we dive into Bad Brains’ self-titled 1982 classic, which still stands as one of the most explosive albums in punk history. Recorded at 171-A Studios in New York, the album blends elements of hardcore punk and reggae, and is widely regarded as a foundational release in the development of American hardcore. Known for its speed, technical proficiency, and incorporation of Rastafarian themes and the philosophy of Positive Mental Attitude (PMA), the album helped establish Bad Brains as a central figure in the early 1980s punk scene.
Our guest is Bartees Strange, a musician whose work spans punk, indie rock, and experimental pop. In this episode, we discuss the origins of Bad Brains, their early performances in Washington, D.C., and how their fusion of genres and high-energy shows contributed to their influence on punk scenes nationwide.
We also explore the circumstances surrounding the “Banned in D.C.” narrative, the production and distribution of their debut cassette, and the lasting legacy of the band across punk, hardcore, reggae, and alternative music communities.
Sponsor:
Get 10% off New Columbia Record Club with checkout code DCROCKS
 
Go Further:
PMA: Positive Mental Attitude by Napoleon Hill
Dance of Days by Mark Andersen & Mark Jenkins
Bartees Strange – Official Site
 
Follow Us:
Social Media: @dcrockpod
Email: dcrockpod@gmail.com
Philip Basnight – Broke Royals
Alex Vidales – Pilot Waves
Bartees Strange – Official SitePodcast Artwork by Rebecca Basnight

Minor Threat - "First Two 7"s" with Scott Crawford and Eduardo Nunes

In this episode, we dig into Minor Threat and In My Eyes, the two EPs that make up First Two 7”s. Across twelve blistering tracks, Minor Threat laid down the foundation for DC hardcore with a sound that was fast, focused, and unapologetically direct.
Our guests are Eduardo Nunes of Discologist and Scott Crawford, the filmmaker behind Salad Days and Creem: America’s Only Rock ’n’ Roll Magazine. Together, we explore the band’s early impact, the emergence of Straight Edge, and the lasting power of a group that never stuck around long but still changed everything.
This episode centers around records produced by Skip Groff and engineered by Don Zientara at Inner Ear Studios. From the birth of Straight Edge to the tension behind “Out of Step,” we explore how these two short records created a lifelong blueprint for punk communities around the world.
Sponsor:
Get 10% off New Columbia Record Club with checkout code DCROCKS
Go Further:
Minor Threat – First Two 7”s on Dischord
Salad Days (dir. Scott Crawford)
Our Band Could Be Your Life by Michael Azerrad
Dance of Days by Mark Andersen & Mark Jenkins
Follow Us:
Social Media: @dcrockpod
Email: dcrockpod@gmail.com
Philip Basnight – Broke Royals
Alex Vidales – StageCraft
Eduardo Nunes – Discologist | Wammies
Scott Crawford – IMDb

Government Issue - "Legless Bull" with Paul Vodra

In this episode, we dive into the early days of Government Issue and their blistering 1981 debut EP Legless Bull. As the fourth release on Dischord Records, this 10-song, 9-minute blast helped define the label’s emerging sound and captured the chaotic energy of a scene in formation.
 
We’re joined by Paul Vodra of Hometown Sounds to unpack how Government Issue fit into the fast-shifting DC hardcore landscape. From their unpracticed live debut to their confrontational lyrics, we explore how John Stabb and company became unlikely architects of a movement. Paul also shares the story behind Hometown Sounds, his enduring love for mashups, and the challenges of keeping your ears fresh as a longtime DC music tastemaker.
 
This episode centers around a record produced by Ian MacKaye and engineered by Don Zientara, recorded in the earliest days of Inner Ear Studios. Tune in as we explore the impact of Legless Bull, the rise of Straight Edge, and the enduring legacy of a band that never fit the mold.
Go Further:
Government Issue – Legless Bull on Dischord
Dance of Days by Mark Andersen & Mark Jenkins
Hometown Sounds
Follow Us:
Social Media: @dcrockpod
Email: dcrockpod@gmail.com
Philip Basnight – Broke Royals
Alex Vidales – StageCraft
Paul Vodra – Hometown Sounds | DJ Paul Vodra on Instagram
Sponsor:
Get 10% off New Columbia Record Club with checkout code DCROCKS

Urban Verbs - "Urban Verbs" with Andrew Grossman

In this episode, we dive into the story of the Urban Verbs and their 1980 self-titled debut. One of the earliest bands to bridge punk and art rock in Washington, D.C., Urban Verbs helped set the stage for the city’s evolving underground scene. With sharp guitars, moody synths, and a theatrical presence, they brought a new wave sensibility to a city still finding its sound.
 
We’re joined by Andrew Grossman of The North Country to explore how Urban Verbs shaped early D.C. rock history both as a band and as key players behind the founding of the Atlantis, the precursor to the legendary 9:30 Club. Together, we unpack the band’s connections to Talking Heads, their role in the Atlantis boycott divide, and why their Warner debut captured a moment when D.C. rock could have gone in many different directions.
 
This episode centers around the 1980 album that caught Brian Eno’s attention, seeded the rise of Inner Ear Studios, and marked a turning point between the city’s punk roots and its more experimental future. Tune in as we trace the ambition, artistry, and legacy of the Urban Verbs.
Go Further:
Wikipedia – Urban Verbs
Washington City Paper – “Backstage with Urban Verbs”
Dance of Days by Mark Andersen and Mark Jenkins
 
Follow Us:
Social Media: @dcrockpod
Email: dcrockpod@gmail.com
Philip Basnight – Broke Royals
Alex Vidales – StageCraft
Andrew Grossman – The North Country
 
Sponsor:
Get 10% off New Columbia Record Club with checkout code DCROCKS

Teen Idles - "Minor Disturbance" with Rob Harvilla

In this episode, we dive into the beginnings of D.C. hardcore with the Minor Disturbance EP by Teen Idles. This is the very first release on Dischord Records and a flashpoint for a new musical movement. Clocking in at just over ten minutes, this ferocious debut from four D.C. high schoolers helped launch an entire scene, complete with fast riffs, hand-drawn Xs, and a new ethos of DIY independence.
 
We’re joined by music writer and podcast host Rob Harvilla (60 Songs That Explain the 90s and the 2000s) to explore how Minor Disturbance laid the groundwork for what would become one of the most influential punk communities in the world. Together, we unpack the band’s Bad Brains-fueled inspiration, their role in the rise of straight edge, and how this short, sharp record managed to say so much with so little.
 
This episode centers around the 1980 EP that started it all... from the Wilson High School hallways to Inner Ear Studios and eventually into punk history. Tune in as we trace the energy, ideology, and legacy of the Teen Idles.Go Further:
Dischord Records – Teen Idles
Dischord Records – Minor Disturbance EP
60 Songs That Explain the 90s & the 2000s
Dance of Days by Mark Andersen and Mark Jenkins
Follow Us:
Social Media: @dcrockpod
Email: dcrockpod@gmail.com
Philip Basnight – Broke Royals
Alex Vidales – StageCraft
Rob Harvilla – The Ringer
Artwork by Rebecca Basnight
Sponsor:
Get 10% off New Columbia Record Club with checkout code DCROCKS

Tiny Desk Unit - "Tiny Desk Unit" with Bob Boilen and Michael Barron

In this episode (our season 2 premiere!!), we explore the boundary-pushing story of Tiny Desk Unit, one of Washington, D.C.’s most innovative and genre-defying bands. Formed in 1979 by a group of downtown artists and music obsessives, the band fused analog synths, angular guitar work, and poetic vocals into something entirely new. Long before NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts, there was Tiny Desk Unit- an art-rock force that helped open up space for original music in the heart of the city.
 
We’re joined by founding members Bob Boilen and Michael Barron as we trace the band’s early days at DC Space, their connection to the art world, and their legendary role as the very first band to perform at the 9:30 Club, opening for the Lounge Lizards in 1980. The episode centers around their self-titled live album, recorded during a sweltering summer night opening for Pere Ubu-capturing a raw, inventive sound that still resonates today. Tune in as we discuss their roots, the collaborative spirit behind the music, and why Tiny Desk Unit remains a singular voice in DC’s musical history.
 
Go Further:
• Tiny Desk Unit – Bandcamp
• Bob Boilen’s Tiny Desk Unit History
• Dance of Days by Mark Andersen and Mark Jenkins
 
Sponsor:• Get 10% off New Columbia Record Club with checkout code DCROCKSFollow Us:
• Social Media: @dcrockpod
• Email us your thoughts or questions: dcrockpod@gmail.com
• Philip Basnight – Broke Royals
• Alex Vidales – StageCraft
• Bob Boilen – Bob Boilen
 
Artwork by Rebecca Basnight

Live at the DC History Conference with Mark Opsasnick

In this episode (our first-ever live taping!!), we dig into the untold story of Washington, D.C.’s pre-hardcore rock era- from 1950 to 1979—with special guest and legendary D.C. music historian Mark Opsasnick. Recorded live at the DC History Conference, this bonus episode serves as the grand finale of Season 1 and a perfect primer for what’s to come in Season 2.
 
Mark- author of Capitol Rock and Rock the Potomac- takes us on a whirlwind tour of the clubs, characters, and cornerstones that shaped the early D.C. rock scene. From Link Wray’s groundbreaking power chords to the glam theatrics of Angel, we explore how local acts like The Chartbusters, The British Walkers, The Cherry People, Grin, and The Razz helped carve out the city’s rock identity before the explosion of punk in the ‘80s.
 
This episode also features an extended listening session curated by Mark himself, featuring 10 essential tracks that trace the arc of D.C. rock across three decades. Plus, a lively mailbag segment, a peek behind the scenes of the podcast, and a live Q&A with the conference crowd.
 
If you’re new to the podcast, this is the perfect place to jump in. If you’ve been rocking with us through Season 1, this is our love letter to you—and to the forgotten legends of D.C. rock.
 
Go Further:
 
• Books by Mark Opsasnick
 
Follow Us:
 
• Social Media: @dcrockpod
• Email us your thoughts or questions: dcrockpod@gmail.com
• Philip Basnight – Broke Royals
• Alex Vidales – StageCraft
 
 
Artwork by Rebecca Basnight

The Nighthawks - "Open All Nite" with David Goodfriend

In this episode (our season 1 finale!!), we dive into the electrifying story of The Nighthawks, one of Washington, D.C.’s most iconic blues-rock bands. Formed in 1972 by harmonica maestro Mark Wenner, the band quickly became a cornerstone of the local music scene, playing legendary venues like The Far Inn, Graffiti, and The Cellar Door. With a lineup solidified in the mid-70s—featuring Jimmy Thackery on guitar, Jan Zukowski on bass, and Pete Ragusa on drums—The Nighthawks crafted a sound that was equal parts gritty blues and high-energy rock & roll.
 
We explore their journey leading up to the release of their 1976 album, Open All Nite, recorded at Track Recorders in Silver Spring, Maryland, with a standout live track captured at The Cellar Door. This record, a fiery mix of blues covers and rock interpretations, captures the raw essence of The Nighthawks’ live performances and their deep reverence for blues traditions. Tune in as we discuss the band’s roots, their impact on the D.C. music scene, and why Open All Nite remains a must-hear album for blues-rock fans everywhere.
Go Further:
 
•The Nighthawks – Official Website
•Track Recorders – History and Legacy
•Rock the Potomac by Mark Opsasnick
•The Nighthawks – AllMusic
 
Follow Us:
 
•Social Media: @dcrockpod
•Email us your thoughts or questions: dcrockpod@gmail.com
•Philip Basnight – Broke Royals
•Alex Vidales – StageCraft
•David Goodfriend - @goodfrienddavid
 
Artwork by Rebecca Basnight