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Independent Minded

Ron Scalzo·178 episodes

ArtsPerformingBusinessEntrepreneurshipInterviewsMusic

Independent Minded is a podcast where DIY music professionals, indie artists, and pop culture icons tell their origin stories, talk about inspirations, commitment to craft, and struggles and triumphs in the entertainment biz. Hosted and produced by Ron Scalzo, an indie musician with an independent record label of his own, Bald Freak Music.

Episodes

55 min
Mar 31, 2026Episode 178
ELEVEN: Robot Slide, PIG, Beaming

#178. Robot Slide transforms a classical art song to curb their collective anxiety, Beaming mixes banjo and cigarettes into their new single.Sponsored by DistroKid. Get 30% off your membership at distrokid.com/vip/independentmindedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

31 min
Mar 10, 2026Episode 177
Prong

#177. NYC metal icon Tommy Victor joins Ron to talk mixing bands at CBGB, idolizing Kiss and Rush, and the rise, fall, & rebirth of Prong in a chaotic music world.Sponsored by DistroKid. Get 30% off your membership at distrokid.com/vip/independentmindedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

56 min
Feb 26, 2026Episode 176
ELEVEN: The Sun Harmonic, Gogol Bordello, Failure

#176. The Sun Harmonic slows things down to create some space, Gogol Bordello gets some post-punk groove revenge, Failure sets the air on fire.Sponsored by DistroKid. Get 30% off your membership at distrokid.com/vip/independentmindedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

26 min
Feb 10, 2026Episode 175
Roddy Bottum

#175. Musician & author Roddy Bottum talks with Ron about the unexpected rise of Faith No More, coming of age in a San Francisco subculture, being a queer rock pioneer, his new memoir, The Royal We.Sponsored by DistroKid. Get 30% off your membership at distrokid.com/vip/independentmindedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

55 min
Jan 28, 2026Episode 174
ELEVEN: Winged Wheel, Ken Park, Holy Fuck

#174. Winged Wheel see poseurs every day, Ken Park makes the most of a spur-of-the-moment smartphone recording, Holy Fuck reconvenes to resurrect a decade-old jam.Sponsored by DistroKid. Get 30% off your membership at distrokid.com/vip/independentmindedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

27 min
Jan 13, 2026Episode 173
The Whispering Tree

#173. New York folk duo The Whispering Tree talk with Ron about the warm embrace of the Hudson Valley's artistic community, being rescued by Musician Treatment Foundation, abandoning the digital world, burying the Bones of Better Days.Sponsored by DistroKid. Get 30% off your membership at distrokid.com/vip/independentmindedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

52 min
Dec 31, 2025Episode 172
ELEVEN: Foy Vance, Pauline Andres, The Tea Club

#172. Foy Vance meditates on fatherhood, Pauline Andres sweetens December, The Tea Club experiences a demonic attack. Ron pays tribute to amazing human & one-time podcast guest Rob Reiner.Sponsored by DistroKid. Get 30% off your membership at distrokid.com/vip/independentmindedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

30 min
Dec 12, 2025Episode 171
Hunter Root

#171. Pennsylvania singer/songwriter Hunter Root talks with Ron about emotional honesty, going viral, flirting with the majors, battling Lyme disease, striving to be a strong man.Sponsored by DistroKid. Get 30% off your membership at distrokid.com/vip/independentmindedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

53 min
Nov 21, 2025Episode 170
ELEVEN: Boutique Feelings, Grace Inspace, Hate Dept.

#170. Boutique Feelings throws a pity party, Grace Inspace shakes off the shackles of pity-pleasing, Hate Dept. hands out a unique trophy. Ron shares new faves from Phantogram, GreenLady + more.Sponsored by DistroKid. Get 30% off your membership at distrokid.com/vip/independentmindedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

56 min
Oct 28, 2025Episode 169
ELEVEN: Bombargo, Rocket, Bad Self Portraits

#169. Bombargo channels '70s-era soft rock, Rocket refuels an old demo, Bad Self Portraits think they're going to Hell. Ron shares new faves from Astronoid, PREYRS + more.Sponsored by DistroKid. Get 30% off your membership at distrokid.com/vip/independentmindedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

22 min
Oct 16, 2025Episode 168
Daniel G. Harmann returns!

#168. Seattle musician Daniel G. Harmann talks with Ron about psychedelic therapy, battling depression, building a soundtrack for others to float on & live in, a spill off the steps that started him on a new path to music-making.Sponsored by DistroKid. Get 30% off your membership at distrokid.com/vip/independentmindedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

59 min
Sep 30, 2025Episode 167
ELEVEN: Georgia Maq, Dillon Warnek, RIX

#167. Georgia Maq converses with The Devil, Dillon Warnek reflects upon recklessness, Jano & Luther Rix combine forces to remake a Dr. John classic. Ron shares new faves from Social Station, Andrew Bird + more.Sponsored by DistroKid. Get 30% off your membership at distrokid.com/vip/independentmindedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

56 min
Aug 27, 2025Episode 166
ELEVEN: Madeline Kenney, Lynyn, In The Pines

#166. Madeline Kenney throws a marimba party, Lynyn moves to the rhythm of modular synths, In The Pines make their sunbeam dream a reality. Ron shares new faves from Dillon Warnek, Indigo De Souza + more.Sponsored by DistroKid. Get 30% off your membership at distrokid.com/vip/independentmindedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

29 min
Aug 18, 2025Episode 165
Helloween

#165. Singer Andi Deris talks with Ron about leaving Germany for the Canary Islands, idolizing KISS, trading his accordion for an electric guitar, celebrating 40 years of heavy metal in Helloween.Sponsored by DistroKid. Get 30% off your membership at distrokid.com/vip/independentmindedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

50 min
Jul 24, 2025Episode 164
ELEVEN: Adam Wright, Stella and the Very Messed, Joe Alterman + Mocean Worker

#164. Adam Wright has an Austin-inspired fever dream, Stella and the Very Messed break up with the past, Joe Alterman + Mocean Worker pay tribute to a soul jazz legend. Ron shares new faves from Atsuko Chiba, POLICA + more.Sponsored by DistroKid. Get 30% off your membership at distrokid.com/vip/independentmindedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

25 min
Jul 15, 2025Episode 163
Preoccupations

#163. Scott "Monty" Munro of Canadian post-punk band Preoccupations talks with Ron about the band's democratic DIY spirit, their Black Sabbath cover band, and their near-name change to Santa Claus Orchestra.Sponsored by DistroKid. Get 30% off your membership at distrokid.com/vip/independentmindedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

52 min
Jun 26, 2025Episode 162
ELEVEN: Paul McDonald, Phoebe Rings, Peter Salett

#162. Paul McDonald holds on to his loved ones, Phoebe Rings drifts towards bleeps and bloops, Peter Salett tunes down and tunes into the natural world. Ron shares new faves from Other Lives, Wombo + more.Sponsored by DistroKid. Get 30% off your membership at distrokid.com/vip/independentmindedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

28 min
Jun 11, 2025Episode 161
Soul Coughing

#161. Memphis singer/songwriter Mike Doughty returns to talk with Ron about his commitment to creating on Patreon, the allure of A.I., and the reasons behind the Soul Coughing reunion he said would never happen.Sponsored by DistroKid. Get 30% off your membership at distrokid.com/vip/independentmindedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

54 min
May 29, 2025Episode 160
ELEVEN: The Last Revel, Real Estate, After Ours

#160. The Last Revel draws inspiration from an accident, Real Estate releases some rarities, After Ours finds the missing piece to her debut album, and Ron shares new faves from Indigo De Souza, Doobie + more.Sponsored by DistroKid. Get 30% off your membership at distrokid.com/vip/independentmindedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

34 min
May 6, 2025Episode 159
Poster Children

#159. Ron talks with Rose Marshack and Rick Valentin of Illinois indie rock band Poster Children about their pioneering podcast, four decades of music making, riding the wave of Nirvana mania, and surviving the grunge-era feeding frenzy.Sponsored by DistroKid. Get 30% off your membership at distrokid.com/vip/independentmindedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

51 min
Apr 28, 2025Episode 158
ELEVEN: Larry Peace-Love Yes, SENNA, X-RL7 + AL1CE

#158. Larry Peace-Love Yes becomes present in his body, SENNA preaches songwriting patience, AL1CE and X-RL7 collab on an animated adventure, and Ron shares new faves from Ya I Feel Ya, Sparks, + more.Sponsored by DistroKid. Get 30% off your membership at distrokid.com/vip/independentmindedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

57 min
Mar 31, 2025Episode 157
ELEVEN: Big Black Delta, Janet Devlin, Theodore

#157. Big Black Delta meditates on an era of uncertainty, Janet Devlin comes back to her senses, Theodore has musical orgasms, and Ron shares new faves from Courting, Alan Sparhawk, + more.Sponsored by DistroKid. Get 30% off your membership at distrokid.com/vip/independentmindedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

21 min
Mar 19, 2025Episode 156
Spurlin

#156. Ron talks with Minnesota singer/songwriter Dillon Spurlin about a pure love of creating, our cold email courtship, growing up in a musical family, embracing baldness and The Beatles.Sponsored by DistroKid. Get 30% off your membership at distrokid.com/vip/independentmindedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

53 min
Feb 21, 2025Episode 155
ELEVEN: Social Station, mclusky, Love In Reverse

#155. Social Station finally meets their record label, mclusky makes a comeback with a phallic opener, Love In Reverse stops so band members can move forward, and Ron shares new faves from Niis, Preoccupations, + more.Sponsored by DistroKid. Get 30% off your membership at distrokid.com/vip/independentmindedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

23 min
Feb 3, 2025Episode 154
Rob Mastrianni

#154. Ron talks with NYC guitarist Rob Mastrianni about being banished to Catholic school, his Brooklyn roots, birds of prey, belly dancers, releasing his first-ever solo album.Sponsored by DistroKid. Get 30% off your membership at distrokid.com/vip/independentmindedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

52 min
Jan 11, 2025Episode 153
ELEVEN: Shutdown, Gloin, Pray For Sound

#153. Shutdown celebrates 30 years of Brooklyn hardcore, Gloin gets dynamic, Pray For Sound bakes an album opener for two years, and Ron shares new faves from Boutique Feelings, Eidola + more.Sponsored by DistroKid. Get 30% off your membership at distrokid.com/vip/independentmindedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

33 min
Dec 22, 2024Episode 152
Paul Spring

#152. Ron talks with singer/songwriter Paul Spring about touring in a canoe, his bohemian ancestry, playing Sunny's Bar, pottery-related popularity, and why he'll likely never sign with a label.Sponsored by DistroKid. Get 30% off your membership at distrokid.com/vip/independentmindedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

56 min
Dec 11, 2024Episode 151
ELEVEN: Nona Invie, Ben Hazlewood, Bear Hands

#151. Nona Invie raises their vocal game, Ben Hazlewood is too loud for Tokyo, Bear Hands wreck cars in the desert, and Ron shares new faves from Paul Spring, Haley Heynderickx, + more.Sponsored by DistroKid. Get 30% off your membership at distrokid.com/vip/independentmindedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

30 min
Nov 21, 2024Episode 150
Ben Katzman's DeGreaser

#150. Ron talks with Miami guitarist Ben Katzman about competing on Survivor, teaching young people to shred, Jews who rock, why being yourself is the best recipe for success.Sponsored by DistroKid. Get 30% off your membership at distrokid.com/vip/independentmindedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

51 min
Nov 11, 2024Episode 149
ELEVEN: Bike Routes, Illiterate Light, Patrick Watson

#149. Bike Routes cruise through the streets of New Jersey, Illiterate Light push themselves towards Hollywood, Patrick Watson loses his voice and finds inspiration, and Ron shares new faves from Sinkane, Waxahatchee + more.Sponsored by DistroKid. Get 30% off your membership at distrokid.com/vip/independentmindedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

26 min
Oct 29, 2024Episode 148
Sigur Ros

#148. Ron talks with Georg Holm of post-rock trio Sigur Ros about what being a musician really means, authenticity, embracing laziness, and finally making a record that sounds like Iceland.Sponsored by DistroKid. Get 30% off your membership at distrokid.com/vip/independentmindedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

58 min
Oct 11, 2024Episode 147
ELEVEN: Nitecap, OMBIIGIZI, Rebecca Haviland and Whiskey Heart

#147. Nitecap mixes funk and synth-heavy soul to make a voice memo sound bananas, OMBIIGIZI puts Big Pharma on trial, Rebecca Haviland waxes nostalgic for late-night New York City, and Ron shares new faves from SPRINTS, Father John Misty, + more.Sponsored by DistroKid. Get 30% off your membership at distrokid.com/vip/independentmindedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

24 min
Oct 2, 2024Episode 146
United Record Pressing

#146. Ron takes a tour of Nashville's United Record Pressing - the largest and longest-operating vinyl manufacturer in the US - and talks 75 years of music history with URP's Cam Sarrett.Sponsored by DistroKid. Get 30% off your membership at distrokid.com/vip/independentmindedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

59 min
Sep 11, 2024Episode 145
ELEVEN: John Van Deusen, Bird Call, One Morning Left

#145. John Van Deusen releases the oldest song he's ever written, Bird Call overcomes pandemic-provoked OCD, One Morning Left pays tribute to Knight Rider, Love In Reverse takes a digital detour, and Ron shares new faves from The Smile, Hammock + more.Sponsored by DistroKid. Get 30% off your membership at distrokid.com/vip/independentmindedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

19 min
Aug 30, 2024Episode 144
niecesandnephews

#144. Ron talks with drummer/composer Mario Gutierrez about his solo project niecesandnephews, joining Ghost Funk Orchestra, growing up on Tito Puente, bringing positive energy to the studio and the stage.Sponsored by DistroKid. Get 30% off your membership at distrokid.com/vip/independentmindedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

57 min
Aug 11, 2024Episode 143
ELEVEN: Caroline Kingsbury, Unlearn, MP Shaw + Daniel G. Harmann

#143. Caroline Kingsbury fulfills her wildest Bruce Springsteen dreams, Unlearn and MP Shaw recruit Daniel G. Harmann to take a forgotten song to intergalactic places, and Ron shares new faves from niecesandnephews, Jerry Cantrell + more.Sponsored by DistroKid. Get 30% off your membership at distrokid.com/vip/independentmindedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

58 min
Jul 11, 2024Episode 142
ELEVEN: Kyle Andrews, ASHRR, One Hundred Thousand

#142. Kyle Andrews' song tells him how to write it, ASHRR speak French to unlock a space disco hook, One Hundred Thousand reevaluate relationships, and Ron shares new faves from Highly Suspect, La Luz + more.Sponsored by DistroKid. Get 30% off your membership at distrokid.com/vip/independentmindedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

29 min
Jul 7, 2024Episode 141
Bill Evans

#141. Ron talks with sax legend Bill Evans about playing with Miles Davis, building a fanbase in Europe, wearing bandanas, getting help from MTF, and living in New York City in the '80s.This episode is sponsored by DistroKid. Get 30% off your membership at distrokid.com/vip/independentmindedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

1 hr 1 min
Jun 11, 2024Episode 140
ELEVEN: Urban Heat, Hillhaven, Unwed Sailor

#140. Urban Heat prepare for the apocalypse, Chris Kelly of Hillhaven hits rock bottom, Unwed Sailor deconstructs a song, and Ron shares new faves from Liily, Drab Majesty, Beth Gibbons + more.Sponsored by DistroKid. Get 30% off your membership at distrokid.com/vip/independentmindedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

26 min
Jun 3, 2024Episode 139
Dolly

#139. Ron talks with Michael Eliran of New York indie rock band Dolly about reconnecting with his musical community, shortening his band name, touring with Michael Imperioli, and the trials and tribulations that led to a new EP.This episode is sponsored by DistroKid. Get 30% off your membership at distrokid.com/vip/independentmindedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

29 min
May 6, 2024Episode 138
Coyote Motel

#138. Ron talks with Ted Drozdowski of Nashville cosmic roots band Coyote Motel about Mississippi blues, Pennsylvania coal mines, his theremin-playing wife, recording with chickens, a rotation of hats, and making his first-ever movie.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

20 min
Apr 8, 2024Episode 137
Castle Black

#137. Ron talks with Brooklyn duo Castle Black about touring with dogs, tap dancing, teaching calculus and releasing their first full-length album.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

19 min
Feb 27, 2024Episode 136
Alice Merton

#136. Ron talks with Alice Merton about the success of 'No Roots', starting a record label, being a good person, betting on herself, and loving The Alan Parsons Project.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

19 min
Dec 18, 2023Episode 135
Rob Drabkin

#135. Ron talks with Denver musician Rob Drabkin about picking guitar over science, channeling Bob Ross, selling biscuits, singing the national anthem, and making Spring In December.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

34 min
Oct 10, 2023Episode 134
Jesse Daniel Edwards

#134. Ron talks with Nashville musician Jesse Daniel Edwards about celebrating piano rock, being a pirate, the benefits of busking, and the bold transformation that led to Violensia.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

26 min
Sep 8, 2023Episode 133
Phil Hurley

#133. Ron talks with guitarist Phil Hurley about Gigolo Aunts, Tracy Bonham, The South Austin Moonlighters, and how the Musician Treatment Foundation fixed his hand and saved his livelihood.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

34 min
Jul 13, 2023Episode 132
Hate Dept.

#132. Ron talks with Seibold about anger and anarchy, college radio, buying and living in a school, and the rise and the return of Hate Dept.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

28 min
Jun 29, 2023Episode 131
Spotlights returns!

#131. Ron talks with Spotlights about loving each other, winning over fans, working with Ipecac Recordings, moving to Pittsburgh, and making Alchemy For The Dead.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

39 min
Jun 12, 2023Episode 130
Love In Reverse

#130. Ron talks with singer/songwriter Michael Ferentino about music therapy, getting signed to a major label, loving Prince, shaving his head, and the resurrection of Love In Reverse.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

14 min
May 29, 2023Episode 129
Kit-Cat Klock

#129. Ron talks with California Clock Company president Woody Young and some Kit-Cat superfans about the iconic timekeeper that’s put a smile on everyone’s face since 1932.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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