The Hang! As Seen On Almost Famous Magazine!

Sam Blasucci Reveals the Story Behind His 28-Track Album Physical Dream.

In this episode of The Hang, host Scott Saldinger sits down with Sam Blasucci, the Ojai-based singer-songwriter known for his work with psychedelic folk duo Mapache and his ambitious solo project Physical Dream.
Sam shares the story behind creating his massive 28-song double album, recorded on a remote island in British Columbia and shaped by a deeply personal creative journey. Blending indie folk, Latin influences, mysticism, and experimental textures, Physical Dream represents one of Sam’s most expansive artistic statements yet.
The conversation explores Sam’s musical roots growing up with a musician father, his early influences ranging from Enya and the Beatles to Mexican folk traditions, and how those sounds helped shape his distinctive style. Scott and Sam also dive into the role of mental health in creativity, the value of artistic exploration across mediums like painting and photography, and why live music remains the most powerful way to connect with audiences.They also discuss the evolving landscape of music consumption, the importance of supporting independent artists, and Sam’s dream collaboration with global star Rosalía.
If you love conversations about music, creativity, and the artistic process, this episode offers a deep look into the mind of a musician who refuses to limit himself to one form of expression.
🎧 Listen now and discover why Sam Blasucci believes music should be experienced as a journey from start to finish.
 
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#SamBlasucci #Mapache #IndieFolk #SongwriterInterview #TheHangPodcast

Stacey Dee of Bad Cop Bad Cop on Punk, Purpose, Power and Doll Fest!

What shapes a punk frontwoman? For Stacey Dee of Bad Cop/Bad Cop, it started in a San Francisco band house, reel-to-reel tapes, and seeing The Go-Go’s at five years old.
In this episode of The Hang!, Stacey opens up about growing up surrounded by reggae, MTV, and rock history, and how that foundation led her to co-found one of modern punk’s most vital bands. She shares the creative evolution behind Lighten Up, why collaboration transformed the band’s sound, and how trusting her instincts changed everything.
But this conversation goes deeper than music.
Stacey talks about sobriety, surviving cancer, touring for seven straight months, and co-founding The Sidewalk Project — a nonprofit serving unhoused artists in Los Angeles. From Skid Row outreach to overdose response efforts that helped reduce deaths in the community, her activism is rooted in lived experience.
You’ll hear about:
• Writing songs that take years to find their moment• Why authenticity matters more than trends• The punk community as chosen family• Dream collaboration with Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph, Rachel Dratch, and Tina Fey• The real story behind Bad Cop/Bad Cop’s creative process
This isn’t just a band interview. It’s a conversation about purpose, identity, and believing in yourself.

BitchFit on Feminist Punk, Riot Grrrl, Speaking Out and playing Doll Fest!

Oakland/San Francisco punk trio BitchFit aren’t waiting for permission — they’re building their own lane.
In this episode of The Hang!, Ailish, Tallulah, and Lila break down how three teenage musicians turned friendship, therapy, and shared rage into one of the Bay Area’s most fearless young punk bands. Raised around classical, jazz, soul, and punk, they found common ground in Riot Grrrl, political urgency, and the need to say what others won’t.
They talk about writing “Girl Soldiers” the day after the election, why songs like “Barbie’s World” and “Paid Administrative Leave” feel personal, and how flow state transforms their live shows into something electric. The band opens up about facing criticism in the scene, being labeled “too Riot Grrrl,” and why they refuse to shrink themselves to make others comfortable.
BitchFit also shares what it means to play Doll Fest alongside artists who paved the way — and how Kathleen Hanna and My Chemical Romance still inspire their creative fire.
This isn’t just a punk interview. It’s a conversation about voice, feminism, privilege, community, and why young artists using their platform matters more than ever.
If you care about punk, Riot Grrrl, or the next wave of politically fearless bands — this one’s essential.
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Doll Fest Volume II Pre-Party Tickets (Oakland) 
Doll Fest Volume II 

18 Fevers on Death Punk Disco, Seoul’s Underground and performing at Doll Fest!

In this episode of The Hang!, Scott Saldinger sits down with Seoul-based death punk disco band 18 Fevers to unpack their origins, their sound, and the underground scene shaping them.
Fronted by Christmas, alongside VV (guitar), Matt (bass), and Garrick (drums), 18 Fevers blend hardcore, goth, thrash, and dance-punk into what they half-jokingly — and now proudly — call death punk disco. But behind the chaos and humor is something deeper: a band pushing against Korea’s conservative norms, creating space for women in punk, and refusing to dilute their identity for algorithms or trends.
Christmas shares how Pink Floyd and a life-changing 2009 Korean rock festival sparked her path into music. Matt reflects on growing up in the Southern California punk scene before relocating to Seoul. VV talks about trading painting for live performance — and why sadness, power, and emotion matter more than perfection.
They break down key tracks like “Dance Macabre,” “Save Your Venom,” and “Never Fall,” discuss pressing their first full vinyl release via California’s Lava Socks Records, and explain how a chance meeting at Rebellion Festival led to their upcoming performance at Doll Fest 2026.
This is a conversation about authenticity, female-forward punk, creative risk, and building community across continents.
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Doll Fest Volume II Pre-Party Tickets (Oakland)
Doll Fest Volume II 

Girl In A Coma on Identity, Punk Roots & Dollfest!

What shaped Girl In A Coma’s sound—and why does it still resonate today?
In this episode of The Hang, San Antonio trio Girl In A Coma open up about their origin story, creative evolution, and the sisterhood that built their foundation. Nina Diaz shares how learning power chords from her older sisters sparked a songwriting journey at just 13 years old—one that would grow into a fearless blend of punk urgency, indie grit, and emotional vulnerability. 
The band reflects on their Riot Grrrl influences, The Smiths, Silverchair, Morrissey, and the way their third album Trio B.C. intentionally embraced genre shifts rather than sticking to one “safe” sound. They discuss sobriety, therapy, community, and the emotional strength required to create in a world of constant feedback.
Nina names Mike Patton as her dream collaborator. Jenn speaks about the lasting influence of Kathleen Hanna. Fani reflects on drumming inspiration and creative resilience. The conversation also dives into Dollfest, new music, and the San Antonio scene that shaped them.
If you’ve ever felt unseen and turned the volume up anyway—this one’s for you.
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Doll Fest Volume II 

The Dreaded Laramie on Breakups & Real Connection plus Doll Fest!

In this episode of The Hang, The Dreaded Laramie frontwoman MC Cunningham opens up about heartbreak, authenticity, and why real connection matters more than ever in a digital world.
Blending punk urgency with power pop melody, The Dreaded Laramie turns emotional wreckage into sharp, hook-driven anthems. MC shares how early guitar lessons, rejection from a songwriting program, and a life-changing introduction to Weezer helped shape her creative voice. What started as discouragement eventually became a band built on honesty, collaboration, and DIY grit.
The conversation dives deep into the band’s breakout record Princess Feedback, including tracks like “Fishnets” and “I Should Go,” both rooted in the messy tension between what we want and what we know we should do. MC explains how shifting song structures mirror emotional whiplash, and how journaling, philosophy, and self-reflection fuel her songwriting.
Beyond the music, this episode explores technology, authenticity, AI, streaming culture, and the importance of showing up for artists in real life. From limited-edition Warped Tour compilation cuts to community-driven festivals like Dollfest, this is a conversation about building something real in an increasingly disposable world.
If you care about punk with heart, power pop with depth, and music that refuses to fake it — this one’s for you.
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Doll Fest Volume II 
#TheDreadedLaramie #PrincessFeedback #PunkPowerPop #IndieRock #Dollfest #TheHang #almostfamousmagazine 

Ska Punk Is Alive: Voluntary Hazing at Dollfest 2026

In this episode of The Hang!, host Scott Saldinger sits down with Kayla Renelle, Alex Quick, Andrew Narveson, and Brandon McCullough of Voluntary Hazing, the 12-piece ska and pop-punk powerhouse formed in San Jose, California. What started as a college marching band tradition — yes, involving a porta-potty and a fight song — evolved into one of the Bay Area’s most vibrant horn-driven live acts.
The band breaks down the real story behind their controversial name (no, they do not advocate hazing), how a 50-member campus ska ensemble whittled down into a tight touring unit, and why ska music remains one of the most joyful and unifying genres in modern punk culture.
They also dive into their creative process, the ghost-themed lyric video that fans can’t stop watching, the bet that led to eating a saxophone reed, and the mentors who shaped them as musicians. Plus — they share what Dollfest means to them and what fans can expect next.
If you love ska revival, pop punk storytelling, and DIY bands with heart, this episode is your next listen.
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Doll Fest Volume II Pre-Party Tickets (Oakland) 
Doll Fest Volume II 

Black Gold Sun: From Sidewalk Show to Punk Revolution to Doll Fest and beyond!

In this episode of The Hang, Scott Saldinger sits down with Bay Area punk trio Black Gold Sun — Anita Carol Lofton, Veronica, and Q Lynn — to talk about how a post-election spark turned into one of the most electrifying new bands in punk.
The idea was simple but urgent: the world needed a Black girl punk band. What followed was a spontaneous sidewalk show outside a San Francisco skateboard shop, a second gig at The Ivy Room, and a fast track to Doll Fest 2026. But this isn’t just a story about momentum — it’s about intention.
Anita brings sharp, temperature-of-the-world lyricism. Veronica delivers groove-first bass rooted in instinct over theory. Q Lynn — a drummer shaped by marching bands, community programs, and deep hip-hop influence — stepped into punk for the first time and immediately made it thunder.
They talk tone and texture, collaboration without ego, and what punk means now — not as a genre gatekept by history, but as a space where you don’t need permission to speak your truth.
With an album expected in May/June 2026, Black Gold Sun aren’t asking to belong in punk. They’re defining it.
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Doll Fest Volume II Pre-Party Tickets (Oakland)
Doll Fest Volume II
00:00 Welcome to The Hang – Meet Black Gold Sun02:25 The Election Night Spark That Started the Band04:15 Finding Q Lynn – The Drummer Who Locked It In06:40 From Marching Band to Punk Rock09:30 Veronica’s Bass Journey & Bay Area Roots12:05 Writing the Album – Tone, Texture & Truth15:30 The Sidewalk Show That Changed Everything 17:45 From Street Corner to Doll Fest 202619:35 What Punk Means Now – Safe Spaces & Revolution29:00 Dream Collaborations: Questlove, Dave Grohl & More
#BlackGoldSun #PunkRock #BayAreaMusic #WomenInPunk #TheHang #AlmostFamousMagazine #DollFest #IndieMusic
The Hang! Podcast – Presented by Almost Famous Magazine
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DAMAG3 on Failure, Fear, Reclaiming Her Sound and performing at Doll Fest!

Independent hip hop artist DAMAG3 sits down on The Hang to unpack the real story behind her evolution — from childhood Metallica moments to a near breaking point in 2020 that reignited her creative life.
Rooted in Louisiana but carving out a fiercely genre-blending sound, DAMAG3 opens up about the humiliation rituals of early creativity, the complicated relationship between failure and growth, and how fear nearly silenced her before she ever began. What started with a laptop, a mic, and unemployment money has grown into five years of relentless output — political anthems, introspective confessions, and tracks that refuse easy categorization.
She breaks down the meaning behind defining songs like “Run,” “Hunter Schaefer,” and “Should I Stay,” revealing how authenticity, not algorithm-chasing, is now guiding her process. From anger-fueled viral moments to rediscovering inspiration through morning pages and self-reflection, DAMAG3 shares what it really means to outgrow your own persona.The conversation also explores her upcoming appearance at Doll Fest, the power of queer community in live music spaces, and her dream collaborations with Tyler, The Creator and Kendrick Lamar.
This is not a surface-level music interview. It’s a raw discussion about identity, ego, creative discipline, and what happens when an artist decides to stop performing for the algorithm — and start listening to themselves.
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Beneath You on Fear, Community, General Hermitude and Doll Fest!

How do you start a band in the middle of a pandemic — and turn it into something powerful?
In this episode of The Hang!, Scott Saldinger sits down with Mary Diridon and Serge of Beneath You, the Bay Area pop punk band blending melodic hooks, ska-adjacent rhythms, and emotionally charged storytelling. What began as a COVID-era songwriting experiment between a couple evolved into a full band powered by members of Dance Hall Crashers and decades of punk experience.
Mary opens up about overcoming lifelong stage fright — including how open mics became her unlikely training ground. Serge reflects on touring the world in bands like Limp and the evolution of punk community from early Punk Rock Bowling days to today’s inclusive festival culture.
They dive deep into their album General Hermitude, breaking down standout tracks like “Lizzy” and “Information,” and how collaboration transformed those songs from simple demos into dynamic, explosive anthems.
The conversation explores songwriting as partnership, the reality of modern music consumption, why community matters more than ever, and what Dollfest represents for the future of punk rock.
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