SoundCheck Flix

Episode 45: Francis Roberts - "Conan the Barbarian" (1982)

Francis Roberts is a composer based in San Diego, CA whose music blends cinematic dark fantasy aesthetics with experimental approaches to synthesizers and samplers. His live performances create an unpredictable and oneiric portal into another world.
Francis also did this week's guest intro/outro music!
“Conan the Barbarian” (1982): After witnessing the destruction of his people and the murder of his parents, young Conan is sold into slavery. After years of manual labor, he is thrown into the fighting pits where he obtains the skill set he will need for vengeance. Conan teams up with a Wizard, an archer & a thief to take down Thulsa Doom, the leader of an evil snake cult. Written & Directed by John Milius. Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, James Earl Jones & Sandahl Bergman.

Episode 44: Robbie Butler - "Rushmore" (1998)

Robbie Butler: Production Manager at Soda Bar. Man child, obsessive record collector, Persian cat father, skateboard enthusiast, comedy dork, cinephile, vegan asshole, Porto-Shitkid.
"Rushmore" (1998): Max Fischer is a precocious 15 year old struggling academically to remain at his beloved private school. Though he has many extracurricular activities, Max struggles to make friends until a wealthy industrialist takes a shine to him. Soon they both fall in love with the same teacher and Max goes into full scorched Earth revenge mode. Written & Directed by Wes Anderson. Starring Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray, and Olivia Williams.

Episode 43: Jonny Wagon - "Better Off Dead" (1985)

If Jerry Lee had a baby with Tina Turner… 
After locally fueling the clubs and bars with soulful rock and roll, The Sons of Tennessee have stripped down to the heart and soul of it all, “the roots”. André Carrera on the doghouse, Dr. Bob scaling the Gretch and Jonny holding down the rhythm and pipes... Down home boogie woogie through the veins of  legend. “No filler, all killer”,  with heart and soul.
"Better Off Dead" (1985): After being dumped by his girlfriend, Lane Meyer contemplates numerous suicide attempts which fail in spectacular fashion. His actions catch the attention of a French foreign exchange student who decides to help him overcome his pain & enjoy his weird, wonderful life.
Written & Directed by Savage Steve Holland. Starring John Cusack, Diane Franklin, Amanda Wyss, and Curtis Armstrong.

Episode 42: Esteban Rene - "Y Tu Mama Tambien" (2001)

Esteban Rene (The Slashes): Boat Captain & writer of sad songs.
“Y Tu Mama Tambien”(2001): Two Mexican teenagers embark on a road trip to a secluded beach with a beautiful older woman they wish to seduce. Their journey teaches them much about their lives and the world around them. Directed by Alfonso Cuaron. Starring Gael Garcia Bernal, Diego Luna & Maribel Verdu. 

Episode 41: Tim Pyles' Staff Pick - "The Bad News Bears" (1976)

Tim Pyles is a local legend. He's a co-host for Soundcheck Flix, has spent years on the radio, and has spent a lifetime being a cheerleader for San Diego local music. He books shows at the Casbah and several other venues, and spends free time running around San Diego, spending the day at Disneyland, or chilling at home playing with his many adorable doggies. His latest venture is Pyles Sticker Company, so hit him up to order your band stickers for just $30 a sheet! If your band or brand doesn't have stickers, are you even real?
"The Bad News Bears" (1976): An alcoholic former minor leaguer is tasked with coaching a rag tag bunch of unwanted baseball players in a snooty California Little League. Directed by Micheal Ritchie. Starring Walter Matthau, Tatum O'Neal, Vic Morrow, & Jackie Earle Haley.

Episode 40: Aaron Swanton - "True Romance" (1993)

Aaron Swanton, recognized for his multifaceted roles as a musician, producer, and audio engineer, has been a part of San Diego's vibrant music scene for many years. Presently, he plays guitar in the band Crasher, having previously garnered recognition during his decade-long tenure with Scarlet Symphony. Beyond his personal musical pursuits, Swanton dedicates time to producing records and engaging in community initiatives. Notably, as a co-founder of Together San Diego, a community organization dedicated to flood relief efforts, he underscores his steadfast commitment to the San Diego community.
"True Romance" (1993): A young comic book store employee in Detroit meets the love of his life at a Kung Fu triple feature. When they mistakenly come into possession of a suitcase full of cocaine, they drive cross country with the mafia in pursuit. Written by Quentin Tarantino. Directed by Tony Scott. Starring Christian Slater, Patricia Arquette, Dennis Hopper & Christopher Walken.

Bonus Episode 5: “The Iron Claw” Wrestling Spectacular featuring DJ Root!

DJ Root is currently a member of the No Sucker DJ's, Good Vibe SD, and San Diego Best DJ's collectives. There you can regularly catch him spinning at concerts, dance parties, weddings and working as one of San Diego hip-hop's most dedicated and tireless advocates.
“The Iron Claw” Wrestling Spectacular/ Bonus Episode #5: In this episode, we celebrate the lives of the Von Erich family & the recent Wrestlemania XXXX with host Graham Stevens & DJ Root discussing Sean Durkin’s instant classic, “The Iron Claw”, as well as our favorite wrestling moments from the big screen!

Episode 39: Tamar Berk - "Melancholia" (2011)

Singer and instrumentalist Tamar Berk is a literate songwriter with a haunting, atmospheric sound steeped in 1990s alt-rock, ’70s to ’80s power pop, and ’60s psychedelia. 
A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Berk played music growing up, danced in a professional ballet company, and earned a degree in Photo-Illustration from Kent State University before moving to Chicago. 
It was there that she formed the power pop trio Starball, releasing music on Thick Records and Minty Fresh. She also formed the electro-punk duo The Countdownwith her husband, releasing music on Invisible Records. Her rock-inspired band Sweet Heat with Kim Thompson (Delta 72) released a single on Kill Rock Stars. 
Eventually, the couple relocated to Portland, Oregon, balancing day jobs with various musical projects, including the ’60s-inspired garage band The Pynnaclesand ’70s-inflected Paradise, all while Berk continued to write her own songs at home. 
After moving to San Diego, she was once again left without a band. She decided to focus on her own songs and began producing, recording, and transforming her songs, with drummer Matt Walker (Morrissey, Garbage, Smashing Pumpkins, Filter), engineer Matt Thomson (Maita, The Hague), and producer/mixer Sean O’Keefe (Beach Bunny, Fall Out Boy, Plain White T’s, Rachael Yamagata).
Tamar has released three solo albums since moving to San Diego: “The Restless Dreams of Youth” in 2021, “Start at the End” in 2022 and “Tiny Injuries” in 2023. All three of her albums have been nominated for San Diego Music Awards. Tamar is currently working on her fourth solo album. 
"Melancholia" (2011): Two sisters struggle to deal with their deteriorating relationship as they prepare for a strange planets collision with Earth. Directed by Lars Von Trier. Starring Kirsten Dunst, Charlotte Gainsbourg & Kiefer Sutherland. 

Episode 38: DJ Artistic - "Wild Style" (1983)

Art is an upbeat, energetic professional DJ with a natural ability to read a crowd. With over ten years of experience with weddings and corporate events, Art knows what your event needs down to the very last detail. Always keeping a smile, polite demeanor, and professional attitude has made him a client favorite. He takes pride in making your event stand out as one of the most important days of your life. Art's extensive knowledge of multiple music genres will ensure a memorable experience for everyone - no matter the age. When you choose Art for your event, his follow up and follow through will remind you that you have made the best choice.
"Wild Style" (1983): Hip Hop Cinema's Book of Genesis. A journey into the early 80's Hip Hop culture of the Boogie Down Bronx and its subsequent spread to Manhattan & the world beyond. Directed by Charlie Ahearn. Starring Lee Quinones, Lady Pink, & Fab 5 Freddy.

Episode 37: Declan Halloran - "The Blues Brothers" (1980)

Declan Halloran has been playing drums for 20 years.  The list of acts he’s played and toured with include Neveready, Pumphouse, Hand of Gavrilo, Hiroshima Mockingbirds, Daytrip, Dani Bell, El Vez, Crasher, Drug Hunt, Rey Wolf, Lady Dottie & The Diamonds.  His parents, Michael and Stephani, moved to San Diego in 1986, and since his debut in 1993, Declan has called San Diego his home. 
Having a father in the radio business paved the way for an eclectic musical taste, that draws from a wide range of genres, eras, and regions. When he’s not playing music, you can find Declan rigging concerts/events around town, surfing, skating, swimming, and attending shows all over San Diego.  A former lifeguard, he recently received his a master’s degree at San Diego State, and plans on bringing his experience to the new Surf/Skate Studies Program at SDSU, by implementing a class that does outreach to communities who have little to no access to swim lessons. Be on the lookout for that in the next few years. 
LFGSD
The Blues Brothers (1980): Jake & Elwood Blues have just days to save their childhood orphanage from closing. To atone for their criminal behavior, they decide to get their old band back together and raise the necessary funds with a big show at the Palace Hotel. Their journey will include several Blues legends, insane car chases, a hyper violent jilted bride & one helluva soundtrack. Directed by John Landis. Starring Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Carrie Fisher, and Henry Gibson.