In new partnership with Into the Weeds, a unique podcast specializing in conversational flow and intriguing guests, we are excited to bring you fresh content. Together, we’ll be releasing a series of very special content aimed at showcasing stories from some of the cannabis industry’s biggest names and influential figures. Join PotGuide and Into the Weeds hosts Ben Rispin (musician/advocate, MJR Label Genetics, Rules, Saint Alvia Cartel), Efrem Martinez-Shulz (musician/entrepreneur, Death by Stereo, Voodoo Glow Skulls, Programme Skate & Sound) and Canadian cannabis industry expert Bubba Nicholson (Grey Beard Cannabis) as we learn and discover more about the cannabis lifestyle, industry, and how people have gotten “Into the Weeds.”
About the Episode
This week’s edition of Into the Weeds (ITW) focuses on Ska-core pioneers Eddie and Jorge Cassillas of The Voodoo Glow Skulls. At the top of the episode, Eddie and Jorge reveal that this was their first experience recording “An actual podcast”. In an incredibly candid interview, Eddie and Jorge tell a detailed experience and first account history of the early days of ska punk in Riverside California. The early days of bands like No Doubt, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, are all recounted by the ska legends. Eddie and Jorge give a detailed account of the start of the band, the party scene in Riverside California, and a candid account of their entire career thus far.
About The Voodoo Glow Skulls
Voodoo Glow Skulls (VGS) are pioneers of American ska punk or what fans call Ska-Core. VGS formed in 1988 in Riverside, California. The band was formed by Eddie, Jorge and Frank Casillas and Jerry O'Neill. Like so many California based punk bands, Voodoo Glow Skulls began playing backyard parties and shows with bands like Mighty Mighty Bosstones and The Dickes.
VGS released their debut album “Who is, this is?” for Dr. Strange records in 1993, gaining the attention of Brett Gurewitz, owner of Epitaph records. The band then signed to Epitaph records and released four albums, starting in 1995 with “Firme”, their most successful album to date, then followed by “Baile de los Locos”, “Band Geek Mafia” and “Symbolic”.
Voodoo Glow Skulls are now a global entity having toured extensively in The United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, Mexico and South America.
Over the course of their over 30 year career, Voodoo Glow Skulls have managed to stay relevant in punk rock and ska the whole time. Having put out albums on record labels like Epitaph Records, the Vans sponsored Punk-O-Rama compilations, and even in Video Games.
In recent years, ITW co-host Efrem Shulz (Death By Stereo) has taken over front man Frank Casillas and the band has begun putting out new music again. They released their latest album “Livin’ The Apocalypse” during the Covid 19 pandemic which saw Shulz take on writing and performing for the first time on recorded material.
ITW: About The Album: Livin' the Apocalypse by The Voodoo Glow Skulls
Livin’ The Apocalypse is the eleventh full length studio album by Ska-Core Legends Voodoo Glow Skulls. Written (mostly) and recorded during the Covid 19 Pandemic, Livin’ The Apocalypse is Voodoo Glow Skulls re-invigorated. This album shows no weakness. Released by longtime collaborators, Dr. Strange records, Livin’ The Apocalypse boasts eleven rippers that will not only entice you to dance, but entice you to raise a fist in the air. Needless to say, these guys aren’t messing around on this one.
Livin’ The Apocalypse Track Listing:
- Make America Skank Again
- Generation Genocide
- The Karen Song
- Suburban Zombies
- Livin’ The Apocalypse
- Unity Song
- All in My Head
- Pared De La Muerte
- Rise Up
- Story At Eleven
- The Walking Dread (Featuring Randall Blythe)
Check out the video for Livin’ The Apocalypse.