SoundCheck Flix

On this weeks episode of SoundCheck Flix, we slip into the back booth with Gavin, Dennis & Paul from Tigers in Cairo to discuss an all time horror classic favorite of theirs, "The Exorcism of Emily Rose". "The Exorcism of Emily Rose" (2005) - A religious family turns to a local priest for help when their daughter begins exhibiting bizarre behaviors. When her subsequent death leads to charges against the priest, a talented lawyer is hired by the Archdiocese to quickly wrap up the case. Father Moore has different ideas. Directed by Scott Derrickson. Starring Laura Linney, Tom Wilkinson, and Campbell Scott.

Austin "A.W." Smith is a filmmaker, photographer, and visual artist based out of San Diego, CA. After studying film under visual artist Victoria Fu at the University of San Diego, A.W. continued his passion for filmmaking, as well as expanding his knowledge in sound while working as a stage manager in San Diego. A.W. also works as an assistant to the abstract painter Chris Rodeno. Lost Highway (1997) - Fred Madison is a LA jazz musician who suspects that his wife is cheating on him. When mysterious video tapes start showing up at his home and his wife is murdered, we enter Fred's mind and begin our journey on the Lost Highway. Directed by David Lynch. Starring Bill Pullman, Patricia Arquette &, Robert Loggia.

This week on SoundCheck Flix, we slide into the back booth at the Casbah with our great friend, Davey Quinn, to discuss one of the funniest films ever made, "Blazing Saddles". I’m davey. this month i play in the bands tiltwheel, city mouse, too many daves and santa claus. im learning thin lizzy songs for a cover set near Halloween. i own and volunteer at a  store called red brontosaurus records  where we buy sell and trade records, amps, pedals and guitars, video games and MOVIES. we also exist as a positive space for the punk and hardcore community. we have punk shows, stand up comedy, art shows. we've had 3 short independent movies filmed in our shop. my moms uncle don was in night of the living dead. oh yeah, our store is also a record label. i try n go watch a band play every night.  "Blazing Saddles" (1974) A land-swindling politician sets his sights on the small town of Rock Ridge, where the local railroad line is being constructed. After sending marauders into town to create all sorts of havoc, he then gets the Governor to appoint a black Sheriff, knowing that it will enrage the racist citizens. Sheriff Bart eventually wins over the locals, teams up with an alcoholic, former gunslinger named the Waco Kid & together they all fight to save their Old West town. Directed by Mel Brooks. Starring Cleavon Little, Gene Wilder, Madeline Kahn, & Harvey Korman.

Mark Haemmerle was born and raised in San Diego, California.. He’s a father, husband, gamer, DJ, musician, recording engineer & former skateboarder. He has a love for classic standup arcade games, Star Wars, Sci-Fi, zombies, 80’s movies, comics & cartoons. He spends his time in the local music scene floating between goth & punk shows. He currently plays guitar & sings in nerd rock band Kitty Plague, goth bands starcrossed with his wife christina, & the revenge party / vanta after dark with childhood friend alanna. During the pandemic he turned 2/3rd’s of his recording studio into a retro arcade. He feels a special connection to the movie better off dead and is an active participant in the facebook group. On this weeks episode of SoundCheck Flix, we sing the praises of our favorite 80’s teen movie directing lunatic, Savage Steve Holland with Mark Haemmerle of Kitty Plague! From his debut film “Better Off Dead” to the isle of Nantucket for “One Crazy Summer” and then a return to High School with 2 kids just tryin to get into Ramsey in “How I Got Into College”, Savage Steve gave voice to the 80’s oddball kids and we absolutely loved him for it.

Ryan Fox is a San Diego legend, having fronted bands such as Fishwife, Ghetto Blaster, the Grids, and the Let Downs. "Quadrophenia" (1979): Jimmy Cooper is a London Mod in the early 60's that hates his job, hates his parents, and the rival Rockers. He finds his joy in life with his scooter mates consuming massive amounts of speed and getting into all sorts of hi jinx. Soundtrack and film produced by The Who. Directed by Franc Roddam. Starring Phil Daniels, Leslie Ash, Ray Winstone, & Sting.

David “Persue” Ross is an American painter, author, and graphic artist born and raised in San Diego, CA. Descended from a line of acclaimed artists, Persue continues family tradition and is recognized internationally for his contributions to his movements. Well respected in the worldwide graffiti scene for his letter abstractions as well as his famous street-art character BunnyKitty, Persue is also known for being one of the first to bridge the gap between street culture and skateboard fashion which would evolve into today’s popular streetwear aesthetic. After a 25+ year-long career as a designer and artist, he moved to Brooklyn in 2014 in search of a clearer path for his fine art. This critical move would result in the publishing of his children’s book, a collaboration with his late mother (Diane Satenstein) featuring his character BunnyKitty, as well as the birth of his Wet Paint project and his Liminal Space abstract approach. "Vampire's Kiss" (1988): A publishing executive becomes convinced that his recent encounter with a bat and a mysterious woman, may be the cause of his recent vampiric behavior. Directed by Robert Bierman. Starring Nicholas Cage, Maria Conchita Alonso, and Jennifer Beals.

Nathan Hubbard is drummer and composer know for his work with Rafter and Parker Meridien. Hubbard also runs a myriad of solo project, most notably Translation Has Failed and Skeleton Key Orchestra. "Logan's Run" (1976): In the year 2274, Sandmen chase down "runners" in a domed society with limited resources & a life allowance of 30 years. Logan is a Sandman sent on a mission by his superiors to find the "sanctuary" the runners are seeking. Directed by Micheal Anderson. Starring Micheal York, Richard Jordan, Jenny Agutter, Peter Ustinov & Farrah Fawcett-Majors.

For this weeks bonus episode with our co-producer and Sound Warlock, Eric Lucero, we dive into two of the wildest Man vs Nature films ever made: 1977's "Orca" & 1981's "Roar". We also discuss some of our other favorite animal attacks movies! Poachers BEWARE!

Eric Lucero is a San Diego-based sound engineer and musician. He's the head fader jockey at the Casbah, and works at many other venues around town along with freelancing. He's also the producer and editor for Soundcheck Flix, and produces the music along with Orion. Dog enthusiast, avid reader, gear and Alien universe nerd. "Alien"(1979): In the year 2122, the crew of the deep space commercial towing vehicle the Nostromo is awaken from hypersleep to investigate a mysterious beacon. What they discover is an unrelenting horror from the cosmos. Directed by Ridley Scott. Starring Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerritt, Yaphet Kotto, Harry Dean Stanton, Ian Holm, Veronica Cartwright, John Hurt, Bolaji Badejo, and the 4 cats that played Jonesy.

Dallas McLaughlin is a multi-Emmy winning performer, writer and director. He’s worked on shows like Yo! Gabba Gabba!, The Aquabats Super Show!, Sanjay and Craig and several more. Dallas is the former mic yeller in Bad Credit, the Cankles and The Stomach Monkeys. An award-winning stage actor and storyteller, his most recent album of love stories told to drunks in bars called ‘I Didn’t Start The Fire (And Other Lies)’ debuted at #2 on Apple Music and chronicles the many bridges Dallas has burned in entertainment and life. He currently resides in Southern California with his wife, two kids, and three dogs. He enjoys burritos.  "Back to the Beach" (1987): The Big Kahuna (Frankie Avalon) & his wife (Annette Funicello) decide to take a break from their midwestern life and fly to Hawaii. Along the way, they make a stop in LA to visit their old stomping grounds and their daughter, Sandi (Lori Laughlin). Beach hi jinx ensue as the famous couple & their family navigate the changing 80's beach culture. Directed by Lyndall Hobbs. Starring Damien Slade, Connie Stevens, Paul Reubens, & Fishbone.

Jeff Berkley is a native San Diegan who has made music his life.  He has been called a San Diego legend, and it’s easy to understand why.  Berkley’s musical contributions include his work in current bands Berkley Hart and Jeff Berkley & The Banned, as well as his solo performances.  His previous bands include The Cry, The Redwoods, and Citizen Band.  He is also known for his work with the many musicians he has produced in studios around the world, including his own.  The legend continues as he is also an amazing guitarist and percussionist with multiple acts.  As an accomplished songwriter (he won the Kerrville New Folk Songwriter award in 1999), in any way you engage with Jeff Berkley, he puts you at ease with his good humor, and then engages you with his experience, his ear, and his passion. [Song Writer, Producer, Performer ] Jeff Berkley is known as one of the finest singer-songwriters San Diego has ever produced. He has a warm, melodic voice and a way with song hooks that are second to none, as heard in his solo performances and as a part of the duo, Berkley Hart, alongside fellow tunesmith Calman Hart. But that’s just one side of his musical career, with work as a sideman and as a producer just as prominent on his resume.  As a producer, songwriter, and performer, Jeff wears many hats, but he maintains that there is no favorite aspect of his career.  “They all feed off each other. The truth is that I’d go insane just doing one or the other,” he said. “My dad produced records, wrote, and performed and I was in on that early on. I’ve always been around all of the hats you mentioned. It’s my nature to do those things.”  Between his time in the studio and gigging, there is really no time Jeff is not making music. “I truly don’t know any other way of living.”  -Excerpted from SDNews.com by Bart Mendoza   "Moonrise Kingdom" (2012): In the summer of 1965, two 12 year olds fall in love & run away together on the eve of a "once in a century" storm. Directed by Wes Anderson. Starring Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Bill Murray, & Frances McDormand

On this weeks episode, the SCF team travels back to the summer of Cobra Kai, Lambda Lambda Lambda, Mogwais, Ghostbusters, & Prince. It's 1984!! Join us as we discuss our Top 5 favorite films & celebrate one of the greatest pop culture years EVER! WOLVERINES!!

Sara Petite is a headlining Outlaw Country performer whose music transcends the genre's boundaries. Sara has built an award-winning career with songs that draw from both the rock & roll roadhouse as they do the honky-tonk. Born and raised in the countryside of Sumner, Washington, her rural youth helped shaped her songwriting, which often incorporates pedal steel guitar, fiddle, banjo, and mandolin. Currently residing in San Diego Sara has released 7 albums, her most recent, "The Empress", was awarded Best Americana Album at the 2024 San Diego Music Awards. Hers is a raw, rough-edged version of American roots music, delivered by a 10 time San Diego Music Awards Winner and five-time International Songwriting Competition finalist who's spent nearly two decades calling her own shots. "Thelma & Louise" (1991): Two best friends depart for a weekend getaway, but their trip takes a turn for the worse after an attempted parking lot rape turns into homicide. Knowing the cops won't accept self defense from a woman, the ladies set out on a cross country chase that will test the limits of their friendship. Directed by Ridley Scott. Starting Geena Davis, Susan Sarandon, & Harvey Keitel.

The return of our first guest for her personal pick! Lety Beers is the drummer and founding member of the Schizophonics. She’s played in several projects that include the Rosalyns, the Little Richards, Bobby and Pins and often fills in when the legendary El Vez needs a drummer or bassist. When she’s not busy ripping it up all over the globe on her drum kit you can find her dancing in the front row at a show, skating with her skate gang, spinning records at one of the local hot spots or hanging out with her wiener dog, Beanie. "Sixteen Candles" (1984): A suburban Chicago teen, Samantha Baker, is forced to deal with an extended family that has forgotten her 16th birthday on the eve of her older sisters wedding. Written & Directed by John Hughes. Starring Molly Ringwald, Anthony Micheal Hall & Gedde Watanabe.

Ben Johnson is the creator of Fanboy, a feature length rock and roll thriller movie released in January of 2021. He is also the author of the Webworld Trilogy of books and has played in numerous bands throughout the years including Tourettes Lautrec, the Long and Short of It, Hostile Combover, and is currently in Owl Be Damned. Fanboy is a rock n' roll thriller that follows Xenos, a band on tour, and the obsessed fan that follows them.

Austin Mahn, a.k.a Captain Auzmo, is the singer & frontman for Auz Fontaine. "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" (2003): The final film in Peter Jackson's Oscar-winning trilogy finds most of our heroes fighting to save Gondor while Frodo, Sam, & Gollum inch closer to the fires of Mordor. The high stakes fight for middle earth eventually finds Aragorn as King and Sauron destroyed... all thanks to a few little hobbits. Directed by Peter Jackson. Starring Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortensen, Sir lan McKellen, and Sean Astin.

Alex Jacobelli is a native San Diegan rocker (and sometimes roller, too). He currently operates Sunsick Studio, a music recording facility, and plays guitar in Negative Blast, among others. "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers" (2002): The Fellowship is splintered. Frodo & Sam are edging towards Mordor with the help of a shifty guide, Gollum. Aragorn, Legolas & Gimli help defend the kingdom of Rohan at Helm's Deep as Saruman's forces invade. Merry & Pip take a journey thru the forest and enlist some friends in an attack on an exposed Isengard. Directed by Peter Jackson. Starring Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortensen, Andy Serkis & lan McKellen.   Éomer playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/72fYv9tgUPhg9guBxt3IfF?si=c16a766fd7d74ddc   Treebeard playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/27Vssywzi2R7lkffWoQbu5?si=99a91157f8244b28

Spacewizardinspace (Orion Ferguson) is a San Diego based electronic musician. With influences ranging from Tangerine Dream to Steve Roach, to Japanese Role Playing Game soundtracks. A member of the Casbah crew, and Soundcheck Flix podcast crew, he  brings a sometimes “unique” perspective and complicated relationship with fantasy and sci-fi, specifically Lord of the Rings and Dune. There’s a thing, do with it what thou wilt. "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" (2001): A young Hobbit named Frodo Baggins joins a fellowship of 8 on a journey to Mordor to destroy an evil, all powerful Ring. Directed by Peter Jackson. Starring Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortensen & lan McKellen.|

This week the Casbah crew celebrate the incredible life & talent of the late, great Roger Corman. From Drive-In's to streaming, his incredible eye for talent & ability to follow trends while also setting them, made his movies essential viewing for decades of film fans. Beginning with "The Monster from the Ocean Floor", through to "Carnosaur" and beyond, we discuss our favorite Corman films, alumni & impact on the world of filmmaking. We also have a conversation about the recent release of "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga", its place in the MM universe and our favorite wasteland villains.

Emilie Schumacher is a 25 year old with chronic indecision. At any point in time, you could witness her doing 5-10 jobs at once. Among her jobs and hobbies you will find photography, music, writing, social media, and eating cheese even though it upsets her stomach. One of the things she has always wanted to do is work on a tour, but for now she lives vicariously through many rewatches of Almost Famous. "Almost Famous" (2000): A 15 year old San Diego teen aspires to be a music journalist, bluffs his way into an assignment for Rolling Stone magazine and discovers himself and so much more while touring America during the Arena Rock heyday of the '70's. Written & Directed by Cameron Crowe. Starring Kate Hudson, Billy Crudup, Patrick Fugit, & Frances McDormand.