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Radio BSOTS

Radio BSOTS

Written by: macedonia
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 Hosted by Macedonia, Radio BSOTS (Both Sides Of The Surface) is a music podcast dedicated to independent and podsafe rhythms and sounds from around the way to around the world, with a renewed focus on Creative Commons licensed works. Genres covered include hip-hop, soul, jazz, funk, and electronic music.2005-2023 Music
Episodes
  • 190 - BUCKWILD: Fun Is Serious Business

    190 - BUCKWILD: Fun Is Serious Business
    Dec 28 2025
    All comments, questions, and general feedback can be sent to radiobsots@gmail.com. Record a voice message and send it my way or leave one at the Speakpipe page! You can subscribe to Radio BSOTS via the following options: RSS feed ||| Apple Podcasts ||| Spotify ||| Mixcloud Amazon Music ||| Goodpods ||| TuneIn ||| iHeartRadio Connect with Camp Lo-Fi via social media: Mastodon | Threads | Facebook | Instagram This episode's track list (title / artist / source / license): 1. 51st State, Eh? Rock Mix feat. Admiral Bob by J.Lang [ccMixter] (CC-BY 4.0) (2025) 2. I Am Him by Jericho Jackson (Elzhi & Khrysis) [Nature Sounds] (CC-BY 3.0) (2025) 3. Buried Alive by JP Reynolds [Bandcamp] (CC-BY 3.0) (2025) 4. Move Around by SoSoon [Bandcamp] (2025) 5. It's a Quarantine Thing (feat. Mega Ran) by Doctor Popular [Bandcamp] (CC-BY-NC-SA 3.0) (2020) 6. The Democrats by Carsie Blanton [Bandcamp] (CC-BY-NC-SA 3.0) (2024) 7. Shenanigans feat. Conscious and Sum by Core Rhythm [Bandcamp] (2010) 8. Texas Democracy Under Attack by Salanje [Jamendo] (CC-BY-NC-ND 3.0) (2025) 9. Staring At The Sun by The Dread [Free Music Archive] (CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0) (2015) 10. Relief Checks by Mikal Amin & Mista Mayday [Bandcamp] (2024) 11. What A World (feat. I Rebel) by Wiseman [ccMixter] (CC-BY-NC 4.0) (2024) Sometimes when I need inspiration to tap into that "buckwild" energy for an upcoming episode, I'll return to a film that I have referenced on this show several times over the years: God Bless America, released in 2011 and written/directed by Bobcat Goldthwait. It's a dark comedy that's meant to be satirical, but I just watched it again and in 2025, it would be funnier if it didn't feel like a brutally honest reflection of present-day life in the USA. It all feels upside down right now and unbearably cruel. In one scene, Frank (the protagonist of the movie) asks his co-worker a question that I often ask myself: "Why have a civilization anymore if we no longer are interested in being civilized?" Whenever my mind gets stuck on that question, that usually means that it's time for BSOTS to get BUCKWILD. I started recording this in November thinking that it would be finished and online during my birthday month, but to no avail. Cold symptoms slowed me down midway through the month and its effect may be noticeable during my voice overs in the second half of the episode. Strangely enough, I think that the cold gave me just the right amount of irritation that I needed during my final talk break in defense of podcasting for fun. I'm probably one of the last podcasters that will admit to doing that, but I'm also a creative being who takes issue with referring to my work as "content," and I'll never make it in the industry with that attitude. The "buckwild" episodes are always a great time to play some music with abrasive energy and irreverent personality. "Shenanigans" feels like the lynchpin cut of the show. Released at least 15 years ago, it's still potent in its lyricism and production. Respect due to my brother Mtume Gant f/k/a Core Rhythm, who attacks the microphone on this joint alongside Conscious and Sum. "Relief Checks" is that "barely making it" working class / working poor sentiment that I'm sure a lot of stateside residents can relate to right about now. Much like Mtume, I've been representing for the music of Mikal Amin for as long as I've been producing this show. Mikal and producer Mista Mayday share a friendship that goes back 30 years, and it's always great to hear these two still gettin' it in for the love of hip-hop. The JP Reynolds joint hit me like a ton of bricks. "Buried Alive" is the opening cut of his new E.P. REVIVAL: The Cutting Room Floor. Due to the vulnerability captured in JP's voice as he spit these lyrics, I felt like he had eavesdropped on my emotions at the time that I heard it. If it's a dog eat dog world, then the Trump admistration is all too ready to hand out stars-and-stripes-ridden milkbone boxer briefs to the majority of America's citizens. I was able to find a few Creative Commons tunes that reflect the times. "The Democrats" by Carsie Blanton sums up my thoughts leading up to the 2024 Presidential election while Salanje's "Texas Democracy Under Attack" drops the listener in the middle of a protest. J. Lang's "51st State, Eh? (Rock Mix)" adds a little levity to the show, but it's also a bit sobering in retrospect. Remember when Trump wanting Canada to be the 51st state was the craziest thing he said this year? Way too much has happened since then. And because we're only five years removed from the global standstill brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, I included "It's A Quarantine Thing" by Doctor Popular, featuring spot-on lyrical commentary from Mega Ran. It's also worth mentioning that I grabbed an opening monologue from a previous "buckwild" episode released eight years ago and it feels like it could've been recorded ...
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    57 mins
  • 189 - Sonic Solace For The Summer

    189 - Sonic Solace For The Summer
    Jul 11 2025
    All comments, questions, and general feedback can be sent to radiobsots@gmail.com. Record a voice message and send it my way or leave one at the Speakpipe page! You can subscribe to Radio BSOTS via the following options: RSS feed ||| Apple Podcasts ||| Spotify ||| Mixcloud Amazon Music ||| Goodpods ||| TuneIn ||| iHeartRadio This episode's track list (title / artist / source / license): 1. Kieron by Alphabets Heaven [WotNot] (CC-BY-NC-SA) (2018) 2. Waves by Alphabets Heaven [WotNot] (CC-BY-NC-SA) (2018) 3. Yellowish by Warik [Bandcamp] (CC-BY-NC-SA) (2025) 4. LIFE IS A RHYTHM (feat. Cazeaux O.S.L.O) (Radio Mix 1) by Alexander Flood [Atjazz Record Co.] (CC-BY) (2024) 5. DontLetGo by AMARAFLEUR [Bandcamp] (CC-BY-NC-SA) (2019) 6. Energy by Cleveland Watkiss [Function Records UK] (CC-BY-SA) (2022) 7. Peat by Rephazer [Kahvi Collective] (CC-BY-NC-ND) (2024) 8. Rhapsody In Blue (1924 Recording) Part 1 by George Gershwin and the Paul Whiteman Orchestra [Internet Archive] (Public Domain Mark 1.0) More often than not, just thinking about social media engagement makes me exhausted, but I've found reasons to hang out on Mastodon more than other platforms. It mainly has to do with an active and growing indie music community, including music makers, music lovers, and tech developers that are often a combination of the former two categories. It's just nice to witness them all speak to each other, brainstorm in real time, and make things happen. No social media platform is perfect, but what I'm learning on Mastodon gives me incentive to make return visits and engage with the community while I'm there. It also makes sense to share what I'm learning there with the BSOTS listening audience, particularly if the information is related directly to music appreciation, sonic curation, and/or media preservation. There's an embrace of open source tools on Mastodon as well as Creative Commons licensed works, and I have stumbled upon a number of great CC music releases since I've been there. Respect due to Ryno The Bearded for putting me on to Warik, an artist that reminds me of the beauty of well-crafted pop music. The jangly guitars, catchy lyrics, and soulful bump of "Yellowish" have made it worthy of many rewinds on my player. On the electronic side of things, there's Alphabets Heaven and their album Your Lifestyle, a gorgeous and sun-kissed psychedelic beat tape that straddles the fence between hip-hop and house. Many of the songs on that release are brief, so I included two within this episode. And I can't get over the crunchy programming of Rephazer's "Peat," full of foreboding bass tones and a lighter melody that floats right above the surface. Half of the joy of searching through CC music websites is the discovery and surprise that happens along the way, but since you can't be everywhere at once, it's always helpful to tap into the tastes and preferences of other CC music fans. I learned about AMARAFLEUR through watching one of her videos on the Friends Of CC Music YouTube channel. Hailing from Johannesburg, South Africa, her left-of-center R&B displays a certain vulnerability that you can't turn away from. "DontLetGo" benefits from Aule Whan's futuristic hip-hop styled production. This is a head nod essential right here. I also have been coming across some incredible drum and bass tunes lately, but I never thought I'd find a CC licensed joint featuring Cleveland Watkiss, arguably one of the most charismatic vocalists that the UK has given to the world. "Energy" is a well orchestrated jazz stepper and a no-brainer to include within this episode. Live jazz for the dance floor is delivered in top form courtesy of Australia's Alexander Flood. "Life Is A Rhythm" is a peak hour tune made with the house heads in mind. The episode concludes with a rendition of "Rhapsody In Blue" that entered the public domain earlier this year. It's rare that you get to hear a sound recording in the public domain from 90 years ago that represents the composer's original artistic intention, but this version of the composition actually features George Gershwin on piano. It's amazing that this classic work is available for all of us to access and interact with now. This is why I continue to crate dig within the CC music virtual bins: you'd be amazed at the familiar names or few that you'll find. Trust and believe that your curiosity for CC music discovery will always be rewarded. With all of that said, here's hoping that you will enjoy the show and I thank you so much for listening. Theme music edited by macedonia (originally produced by cy tru). ID drop courtesy of Kahlee. Other key info: Macedonia on Mastodon Macedonia on Mixcloud Show no. 187 - Testing The Waters Show no. 188 - Netlabel Day Radio Takeover (2024) Banjee Boombox presents All Things Audio Netlabel Day They Reminisce Over You 2 Clowns In A Closet Remembering Radio Free Fedi Radio Free Fedi Fest '25 The ...
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    42 mins
  • 188 - Netlabel Day Radio Takeover (2024)

    188 - Netlabel Day Radio Takeover (2024)
    Apr 11 2025
    All comments, questions, and general feedback can be sent to radiobsots@gmail.com. Record a voice message and send it my way or leave one at the Speakpipe page! You can subscribe to Radio BSOTS via the following options: RSS feed ||| Apple Podcasts ||| Spotify ||| Mixcloud Amazon Music ||| Goodpods ||| TuneIn ||| iHeartRadio Connect with Camp Lo-Fi via social media: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram This episode's track list (title / artist / source / license): 1. Meridian Sound (Part Three) (Live at WFMU) by Lushlife [Free Music Archive] (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0) (2012) 2. Zo0o0o0p​!​!​! feat. Oddisee by Kidkanevil [Bandcamp] (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0) (2010) 3. Rose Joint by Shad + Datsunn [Bandcamp] (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0) (2024) 4. The Price by Scuare x sow [Bandcamp] (CC BY 3.0) (2022) 5. Dark Step by 85 [Bandcamp] (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0) (2012) 6. Angela Davis (Produced by J-Pilot) by Rah Digga [Free Music Archive] (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) (2018) 7. Noumenon by Lovespirals [Bandcamp] (2024) 8. Stars by BeatLove [Silent Flow] (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0) (2011) 9. In Matacumbo by Cosmic Analog Ensemble [Upitup] (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0) (2013) 10. No Map Territories by Cosmic Analog Ensemble [Upitup] (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0) (2013) 11. No by Devin Morrison [Bandcamp] (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0) (2019) 12. Propaganda by CM & Tha Silent Partner [blocSonic] (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0) (2014) 13. TimesUp feat. Tab by Anitek [Jamendo] (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0) (2023) 14. keep_it_real by lojii [Bandcamp] (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0) (2021) 15. NO COMPASS by Yung Miss [Bandcamp] (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0) (2021) 16. ONE OF THOSE DAYS by Yung Miss [Bandcamp] (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0) (2021) 17. Please Listen To My Demo (Live at ATP 2008) by EPMD [Free Music Archive] (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0) 18. Richter Scale (Live at ATP 2008) by EPMD [Free Music Archive] (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0) 19. Don't Call Me [Alternate Version] by Ankhle Conscious [Bandcamp] (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0) (2024) 20. 30:5 / moonshine ft. chadah-hadassah by Yashiyah [Bandcamp] (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0) (2022) 21. In the Spirit of Martin by Nikki Giovanni [Free Music Archive] (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0) (2009) 22. Ridiculous Love by Niki J Crawford [Jamendo] (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0) (2016) 23. Check Your Math by DJ Spooky [Free Music Archive] (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0) (2013) 24. Proto Culture 2.0 (feat. Del The Funky Homosapien) by Mega Ran [Bandcamp] (CC BY 3.0) (2020) 25. Sailing by Cheese [blocSonic] (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0) (2018) 26. Turn The Channel, It's Another Commercial by The Bran Flakes [Free Music Archive] (CC BY-NC 3.0) (2010) 27. Richard Nixon Died Today by Negativland [Free Music Archive] (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0) (2008) 28. Eternal Recurrence by Moki McFly [Mahorka] (CC BY-NC 3.0) (2020) 29. Staring at Heaven's Gate by CLOUDWARMER [Bandcamp] (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0) (2023) 30. Undying Love For Humanity (Live at Monty Hall) by Laetitia Sadier Source Ensemble [Free Music Archive] (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0) (2017) 31. Sleeping In The Yard by Artem Bemba [Southern City's Lab] (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0) (2017) On July 14, 2024, I participated in a 51-hour marathon live stream on Netlabel Day Radio. It was my first time hosting a live radio show since my last broadcast for Bondfire Radio back in late December of 2023, so this was a big deal to me. Both Sides Of The Surface took over the stream for two hours representing for Creative Commons licensed music from various netlabels such as blocSonic, Mahorka, Silent Flow, Upitup, and Southern City's Lab. The majority of the selections were found on Bandcamp and the Free Music Archive along with a pair of cuts from Jamendo. Many of these artists have been played on the podcast before, but at least half of this playlist contains songs that are brand new to the show. (There are a total of 31 tracks featured and I spent the entire month of March sharing these cuts on my Mastodon page, posting one track per day and doubling up to catch up on any days that I missed.) I do have to point out that "Noumenon" by Lovespirals was under a CC license at the time of the live stream, but was changed to "All rights reserved" shortly thereafter, so techically it's the only song on the playlist that's not a Creative Commons tune. I can't be too upset about that, though: it's Lovespirals, a duo whose music I've been championing for almost as long as this podcast has existed. Everything else bears a CC license and ranges from hip-hop to soul to spoken word to electronic to experimental sound collages. There are also a few live cuts as well, including moments from Laetitia Sadier of Stereolab performing at WFMU's Monty Hall and legendary hip-hop duo EPMD running through their hits as part of the All Tomorrow's Parties Festival. Other notable artists in the mix include the late, great Nikki Giovanni, Devin Morrison, Rah Digga, and Negativland, plus guest appearances from Oddisee and Del The Funky Homosapien. There's a lot of variety offered here and I hope that there's something offered in the mix that you will enjoy. Thank you so much for listening. Other key info: ...
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    2 hrs and 2 mins
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