SoundCheck Flix

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. 

Episode 36: Shane Hall - "Chef" (2014)

Shane Hall:
Blues Soul Americana Artist 
Active: 2002 - Present
Based in San Diego CA
Shane Hall has developed a Sound all his own. His hybrid of Blues, Soul and Americana styles strike you instantly and resonate with you long after the performance. The songs and music are products and accounts of the human conditions we all face, good bad and ugly.
The sounds are a soulful accounting of love, loss, affliction, joy, rage, peace, loneliness, fear trials, enlightenment, and darkness coming to life from a blues driven Americana style.
“Chef” (2014): A talented chef tries to find balance between his hectic work life and being a father. After losing his restaurant gig, he obtains a food truck and drives cross country with his son & best friend, exciting palates in New Orleans & Austin along the way and reinvigorating his passion for cooking. Written & Directed by Jon Favreau. Starring Jon Favreau, John Leguizamo & Sofia Vergara. 

Bonus Episode 4: The Dune-Off! - "Dune" (1984) vs. "Dune: Part 1" (2021)/"Dune: Part 2" (2024)

The Dune-Off! Our fourth bonus episode has producer Eric Lucero and cameraman Orion Ferguson joining Graham and Tim on mic for a film on film battle: David Lynch's "Dune" (1984) against Denis Villeneuve's "Dune: Part 1" (2021) and "Dune: Part 2" (2024)! Only the Bene Gesserit could know the outcome of this one...
Eric Lucero: head fader pusher at the Casbah, fader ape at other places around town. Musician, dog enthusiast, reader, gear nerd.
Orion Ferguson: spacewizardinspace, meme dork, cat enthusiast, synth wizard and professional fuckup.
Eric and Orion made the Soundcheck Flix theme and other musical pieces you hear on the show.
Bless the Maker and His water. Bless the coming and going of Him. May His passage cleanse the world. May He keep the world for His people. 

Episode 35: Demetrius Antuña - "American Psycho" (2000)

Demetrius Antuña is a Jersey born skateboarder turned singer, guitarist, producer, film composer and graphic designer who transplanted to San Diego in the late 90’s. Through the late 80’s into the early 90’s he skated for brands such as Spitfire, Thunder and Tour Skates until his love for the music in skate videos turned into a desire to make that music himself. He’s toured extensively with bands The Trans Megetti, The Dropscience, Goodbye Blue Monday, and Ilya. Released over 20 albums, won a handful of San Diego Music Awards and has had his music featured on television and film. Most recently he played in Warsaw/Tulpa Luna and composed the scores to such films as Bug, A Forest and Fanboy. He’s currently in the early stages of a new music project (as of yet to be named) as well as in pre-production of another film score entitled “Find Them” directed by Ben Johnson.
Demetrius also co-owns K St Kreative, a 6,000 sq ft multi-use creative workspace, recording and rehearsal studio that suffered severe flooding on January 22, 2024.  You can learn more about all things Demetrius at: demetriusfranciscoantuna.com
“American Psycho” (2000): Patrick Bateman is a young, wealthy NYC banker just "trying to fit in", despite his frequent homicidal urges. Is he truly the monster we are witnessing or is it all in his head? You decide. Directed by Mary Harron. Starring Christian Bale, Willem Dafoe, Chloe Sevigny & Jared Leto.

Bonus Episode 3: Scott Clark - "At Close Range" (1986)

Scott Clark, originally from New Jersey, moved to San Diego in the early 90's. Through band connections joined Lucy's fur Coat in 1995, has been a member since. He also plays currently in Mistress77. Hes an amateur photographer, coffee roaster, and is married with 2 boys. He loves running, espresso, mafia documentaries, writing music and hanging with the family.
"At Close Range" (1986): A young man in rural Pennsylvania has his life upended when his criminal father returns after a long absence. Attracted by the cars & money, Brad Jr. joins up with his father, only to find out the multiple murders they're capable of. Will he be able to escape before his family turns on him? Directed by James Foley. Starring Sean Penn, Christopher Walken, & Mary Stuart Masterson.

Episode 34: Nick Brumbach - "School of Rock" (2003)

Nick Brumbach, founder of Tunewave, Ground Floor Presents, and Talent Booker at Music Box. Brumbach is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, and promoter. Following the footsteps of his father and grandfather, both industry veterans, Brumbach is a hungry professional who isn't shy to the music industry. Hailing from Omaha Nebraska, now living in San Diego, Brumbach brings midwest hospitality and work ethic to the music scene.
"School of Rock" (2003): After being kicked out of his band, Dewey Finn takes a job as a substitute teacher at a private elementary school to pay the rent. History, math & English are tossed aside for a proper education in Rock n' Roll! Directed by Richard Linklater. Starring Jack Black, Joan Cusack & Miranda Cosgrove.