Sara J. is getting nostalgic with a look back at 2025. From a rundown of the captivating guests she’s welcomed to the show, to the launch of the RoughGauge featured artist series, the addition of two new photographers to the DATC Media team, and the company’s expansion to an international presence—this year has been full of milestones. She also reflects on a year-in-the-making event that turned out to be even more meaningful than anticipated, and gives a sneak peek at what’s coming in 2026 from DATC Media and the many projects she's involved with. This episode is the perfect way to cap off an iconic year! 💫 New episodes of the podcast return January 6th, 2026!

"No one's gonna die, it's just art" This week, host Sara J welcomes Loveland, CO–based psychedelic indie rock band Satellite Pilot to the show. Joined by Cody (bass), Amy (guitar, synth), Sierra (keys, harp), and Alex (guitar, vocals) — with a shoutout to Jared on drums — the band sits down to talk all things Satellite Pilot as they gear up to release their first EP, 2 furreels 2 true, out December 12th. They dive into the creative process, favorite tracks, what it’s like bringing these songs to life on stage, the story behind the cover art, and so much more. The conversation kicks off with the current lineup sharing their history with the band, how they came together organically, and the unexpected little community of fans that’s blossomed in Wichita, Kansas. From there, each member opens up about what it means to be part of the “ever-expanding energy machine” that is Satellite Pilot — and how the project fuels their own creative worlds, including the music they make outside the group. Then, the band gives a look at what’s coming in 2026: their first-ever live release, To Live to Dazzle, recorded at Dazzle — Denver’s beloved jazz club. Plus, plans to record a lot more, drop a run of singles, and hit the road for shows that stretch “beyond.” A real look at a band building momentum on their own terms. (Songs heard in this episode: 2 Furreels 2 True & It Takes Hawaii'll)

The Sunday Evening Jam — your all-things-Tragically-Hip live hang — is back and now available right here in this feed! Hosted by Sara J from DATC Media, with special co-host Craig Rogers from Discovering Downie, this episode covers Craig’s recent shows with his band Gift Shop, community check-ins, updates, and a peek at what’s next for our live hangs. (Originally aired live on YouTube on November 30th, 2025) If this is your first time hearing the Sunday Evening Jam here—welcome! We’re glad you’re joining us and can’t wait for you to be part of the Sunday night vibe.

This week on the show, Sara J. is joined by Alex Moore of Satellite Pilot, a psychedelic indie-pop band based out of Loveland, CO. We dive into the Denver & Fort Collins music scene—what makes it special, why authenticity matters, and how even in a crowded landscape, there’s truly room for everyone. Naturally, we get into the heart of music community and the way sound connects people no matter the miles between them. We talk path markers in life, creative energy, tapping into self, and the frequency shift that happens when you’re playing to a live crowd. Alex also shares the wild story of the massive snowstorm that hit on the night of their 10-year anniversary show… and how it transformed into an intimate evening with the “real ones.” Alex opens up about the roots of his musical passion—from being inspired by a musician father to watching his great grandma play piano and organ in church, to the moment he got his first guitar. He also tells a serendipitous story involving a piano and the day he was born - you know we love that around stuff around here! We dig into his eclectic musical influences, including his love for 60s rockers and the raw authenticity of hip-hop. Then it’s all things Satellite Pilot—the ever-expanding energy machine. Alex walks us through the current lineup, the family inspiration behind the band’s name, what they’re working on now, and so much more.

It’s my turn in the hot seat! This week, I’m excited to share a rebroadcast of my guest appearance on At Home with Mark, hosted by Mark Hopkins. We dive into everything from my earliest musical roots to the work I do today, including: * How my love of music began with the mix tapes my dad used to send me * My mother’s work in the music industry, and how the two of them shaped the foundation for everything I do now * The big question: Is rock ’n’ roll making a comeback? * The artists who are bridging generations with their sound * The festival scene, live music, and the community that grows around it * How my passion for traveling to shows evolved — from Dave Matthews Band sparking the fire to moe. fanning the flames * That electric, chemical reaction that happens at live shows and how it fuels my creativity * Why I’d love to see the return of moe.down * Cutting my teeth in the jam music scene and the beginnings of Dropped Among This Crowd Podcast and DATC Media * My relationship and work with RoughGauge, plus a few insights and opinions on the recent happenings with G&L Guitars * And so much more! Tune in for stories, history, a little industry talk, and a whole lot of music love.

After taking a week to recap the magic and madness of Hulaween 2025, Karl Engelmann returns to the show for part two — and we pick up right where we left off. Karl dives into life at his restaurant and bar, Epic Catering/Mel’s Place, including hosting the Cuddle Clouds album-release party on November 2nd. From there, the duo gets into the world of independent artists — releasing music across formats, the wild talent of mastering engineers (Karl insists they’re “aliens”), and how his current project Cuddle Clouds ties into the broader web of creative work he’s building. He walks us through the roots of the old-time bluegrass movement, what it means to help keep the tradition alive, and how playing upright bass has shaped him both creatively and professionally. They go everywhere: the impact of Hurricane Helene… leaf season in Western North Carolina... Arizona THC gummies… telepathy… and even the eternal question — did Pompeii have a house band? With Karl, it’s never a dull moment, and part two is no exception

Photographer David Armas is back to chat about his sophomore year of covering Hulaween Music Festival for DATC Media. He walks us through the full four-day ride — the sets he was thrilled to catch, the acts that left him wanting more, and the surprises that hit along the way. David opens up about what it felt like to be more present in year two - and really embodying the "dropped among this crowd" vibe when capturing moments behind the lens. David reflects on remembering your why, his favourite shots from the weekend, his intentions walking into this year, those unmistakable Hula vibes, looking ahead to next year and everything in between.

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!