Dropped Among This Crowd

DATC Media Presents: Something On - A new bi-weekly news show, live on Tuesdays on YouTube with the first episode airing this Tuesday, January 6 at 7pm Eastern hosted by Sara J!

The show explores the latest music news through the lens of The Hip, creating space for tribute artists, adjacent acts and projects, creators, and fellow storytellers to join the conversation!

Our first guest is Jeremy Hoyle, lead singer of ‪The Strictly Hip‬, who will be joining us to talk about the band’s January residency at the iconic Babeville in Buffalo, NY.

Origin...

It’s the first episode of 2026, and Sara J is back in your feed with a holiday recap and reset energy heading into the new year.

Sara also pulls back the curtain on what’s been cooking behind the scenes at DATC Media, including exciting updates on The Copper Penny Project and a preview of Something On — a brand-new bi-weekly live news show premiering January 6th at 7 PM on YouTube.

The Copper Penny Project: https://www.instagram.com/thecopperpennyproject/

Something On- https://www.youtube.com/live/FQS9KZXazBc?si=lDK8vz-5NNvluQXw

Dona...

The Copper Penny Project, an immersive multi part mini series diving deep into the formative years of The Tragically Hip and the legend of The Copper Penny recording.

Join me, Sara J, and my cast of super fans as we explore stories, music and history with those who were there.

"Good Music Never Goes Out of Style."

The Copper Penny Project coming soon.

Follow on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecopperpennyproject/

Sara J. is getting nostalgic with a look back at 2025!

From a rundown of the captivating guests she’s welcomed to the show, to the launch of the RoughGauge featured artist series, the addition of two new photographers to the DATC Media team, and the company’s expansion to an international presence—this year has been full of milestones.

She also reflects on a year-in-the-making event that turned out to be even more meaningful than anticipated, and gives a sneak peek at what’s coming in 2026 from DATC Media and the many projects she's involved with. Duration: 00:41:48

"No one's gonna die, it's just art"

This week, host Sara J welcomes Loveland, CO–based psychedelic indie rock band Satellite Pilot to the show. Joined by Cody (bass), Amy (guitar, synth), Sierra (keys, harp), and Alex (guitar, vocals) — with a shoutout to Jared on drums — the band sits down to talk all things Satellite Pilot as they gear up to release their first EP, 2 furreels 2 true, out December 12th.

They dive into the creative process, favorite tracks, what it’s like bringing these songs to life on stage, the story behind the cover art, and so m...

The Sunday Evening Jam — your all-things-Tragically-Hip live hang — is back and now available right here in this feed!

Hosted by Sara J from DATC Media, with special co-host Craig Rogers from Discovering Downie, this episode covers Craig’s recent shows with his band Gift Shop, community check-ins, updates, and a peek at what’s next for our live hangs.

(Originally aired live on YouTube on November 30th, 2025)

If this is your first time hearing the Sunday Evening Jam here—welcome! We’re glad you’re joining us and can’t wait for you to be part of th...

This week on the show, Sara J. is joined by Alex Moore of Satellite Pilot, a psychedelic indie-pop band based out of Loveland, CO. We dive into the Denver & Fort Collins music scene—what makes it special, why authenticity matters, and how even in a crowded landscape, there’s truly room for everyone.

Naturally, we get into the heart of music community and the way sound connects people no matter the miles between them. We talk path markers in life, creative energy, tapping into self, and the frequency shift that happens when you’re playing to a live c...

It’s my turn in the hot seat! This week, I’m excited to share a rebroadcast of my guest appearance on At Home with Mark, hosted by Mark Hopkins.

We dive into everything from my earliest musical roots to the work I do today, including:

After taking a week to recap the magic and madness of Hulaween 2025, Karl Engelmann returns to the show for part two — and we pick up right where we left off. Karl dives into life at his restaurant and bar, Epic Catering/Mel’s Place, including hosting the Cuddle Clouds album-release party on November 2nd.

From there, the duo gets into the world of independent artists — releasing music across formats, the wild talent of mastering engineers (Karl insists they’re “aliens”), and how his current project Cuddle Clouds ties into the broader web of creative work he’s building. He w...

Photographer David Armas is back to chat about his sophomore year of covering Hulaween Music Festival for DATC Media.

He walks us through the full four-day ride — the sets he was thrilled to catch, the acts that left him wanting more, and the surprises that hit along the way.

David opens up about what it felt like to be more present in year two - and really embodying the "dropped among this crowd" vibe when capturing moments behind the lens.

David reflects on remembering your why, his favourite shots from the weekend, his in...

This week on the show, Sara J sits down with the one and only Karl Engelmann!

An in-depth, no-stone-unturned conversation — but would you expect anything less when Karl comes to hang?

We dive into his new creative project, Cuddle Clouds, with drummer Ben Kilmer and their self-titled debut album. Karl walks us through the tracks, the creative process, and the hilarious visual that pops into his mind when he explains the band name.

And in true Karl fashion, we naturally veer off into aliens, UFOs, meteors, interstellar objects, Christmas albums, and even a wi...

In her first solo episode in a while, Sara J. takes the mic to share the whirlwind that was Rocktober — a month packed with music, milestones, and meaning.

From an event that marked the culmination of a year’s hard work, to an impromptu adventure to the Away From Home Festival with her daughter, multiple border-crossing trips, finally seeing Steve Hackett live, and celebrating the exhibit opening of friend and iconic photographer Richard Beland — it’s been a ride.

Alongside major growth with the company and a wave of new content, Sara also takes a moment t...

“There’s always some genesis of it all.”

Iconic music photographer Richard Beland is back for the conclusion of his conversation with Sara J, diving right into his latest and most ambitious project yet — Liss Gallery Presents: OUR IMMORTAL STARS Vol. 1, a six-week exhibition and photography book that captures decades of rock history.

Richard walks Sara through the journey from the very beginning — meeting with gallery owner Brian Liss, reflecting on his first exhibit with the gallery, and what it means to stand among the photographers he once admired. He also shares the year-long process behind the...

“There could be world peace if everybody just went to rock concerts all the time.”

This week on Dropped Among This Crowd, Sara J. welcomes world-renowned and iconic music photographer Richard Beland for a captivating two-part conversation that dives deep into music, memory, and the magic of live shows.

In Part One, Richard takes us on a journey through his early years in a border town, where mischief and music first intertwined. From discovering his mom’s record collection and obsessively tuning into Detroit radio, to finally getting permission to attend his first concert in 1983 — Richard...

This week, we’re welcoming some feminine energy to the mic with special guest Leah Naomi Singman — a Michigan-based musician, mother, and longtime friend of Sara J’s.

In this heartfelt and inspiring conversation, Leah opens up about navigating the male-dominated music industry, transforming life experiences into creative purpose, and what we hope our children learn by watching us chase our dreams. We dive into the beauty of live music communities, her deep love for music, and the magical presence of her grandmother’s piano — shipped all the way from Argentina — that sat quietly in the living room through...

This week on the show Sara J. is joined by musician and podcast host Mark Hopkins for a wide-ranging conversation that’s equal parts heartfelt, hilarious, and deeply human.

They dive into everything — from the power of music and raw emotion to time itself, ghost stories from Salem, UFOs, and beyond.

Mark shares how hearing Pearl Jam’s Ten for the first time changed the trajectory of his life, the early influence of his siblings’ eclectic music tastes, and the unwavering support of his father. A lifelong student of music, he reflects on the Baltimore music sc...

Craig is back with the final three bands on his list — and this episode gets real. We dive deep into the raw power of music, the moments that stay with us forever, and the feeling of greatness it can bring.

Craig opens up about an unforgettable experience, shares a documentary everyone should see, and reminds us why music hits the soul in ways nothing else can.

So get comfy (and maybe grab the Kleenex). It’s emotional, it’s beautiful, and the perfect way to close out this special two-part series.

More From This W...

She had no notes, guys!!
Sara J. hands over the reins to returning guest Craig Rogers for a special two-part mini-series. Craig kicks things off talking a bit about the CanCon laws and what sparked this series.
From there, we dive into the first four bands on the list — and trust us, this is just the beginning.

More From This Week's Guest:

Gift Shop: https://www.giftshophipband.ca

Discovering Downie Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/gorddowniepod/

Introduce Yerself - Tribute Singers (Discovering Downie Bonus Episode - Craig sits down wi...

Craig brings it all home in this can’t-miss part two starting with Gift Shop—the West Coast’s ultimate tribute to The Tragically Hip. Craig shares the story of how he joined the band, what it’s like stepping into the role of Paul Langlois (right down to the gear), He also reflects on the unique experience of playing in a country where Hip tribute bands are a dime a dozen. Craig talks about the wildest, rain-soaked show they’ve ever played; the verdict is still out on if his guitar pedal survived the experience.

Craig revisits a...

The wait is over—Sara J finally sits down with Craig Rogers: co-host of Discovering Downie & guitarist for Gift Shop (West Coast’s ultimate tribute to The Tragically Hip)

In typical DATC Pod fashion, this chat is so good it had to be split into two parts!

In part one, Craig takes us through his musical journey (with his guitars as our guide)—from the influence of his father’s own musical career, to grade six band and playing saxophone, to picking up a guitar and being sought out to play with his favourite band. He share...

In the final installment of Sara J's conversation with jazz saxophonist Dan Wallace, the focus shifts to his band, The 11th Hour, and their phenomenal cover of Tool's "Sober." Dan also shares his aspirations for a live album and the story of his friendship with musician Marc Shapiro, who was the catalyst for Dan's guest spot here on the show.

Dan shares his experiences in the Baltimore music scene, his college days in New Orleans, and gives props to the artists who influenced the musicians we love. He also explains why he believes Steely Dan stands the...

This week marks a very special moment here at the podcast — it’s our 300th episode 🎉 AND I just celebrated my 41st birthday on August 4th! So I had to jump into your feed with a quick bonus episode to reflect, celebrate, and say a huge heartfelt thank you.

In this mini milestone episode, I talk about:

The wild journey from a tiny podcast to a full-blown media brand

The growth and expansion of DATC Media over the past year

The power of community — especially over on Patreon

How YOU can g...

🎷 In this captivating first installment of another epic two-parter, host Sara J. is joined by Baltimore-area jazz saxophonist Dan Wallace for a raw, real, and wide-ranging conversation—true to Dropped Among This Crowd form.

Things leap off with Dan sharing the absolutely fascinating story of local legend Daryl Davis—a blues pianist who, through conversation and courage, convinced dozens of white supremacist leaders to denounce their ideology and leave their hate groups behind.

From there, Dan reflects on the ironic tension of being a professional musician and how it sometimes interferes with actually making music. The con...

In this mid-summer solo episode, host Sara J checks in with listeners after a transformative few months both personally and professionally. She shares updates on DATC Media Company, upcoming collaborations, and exciting projects in the works—plus a little behind-the-scenes from a recent cross-border adventure.

Donate to DATC Media Company: https://datcmediacompany.com/support

Give the gift of Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Datcmediacompany/gift

The DATC Media Podcast Family: https://datcmediacompany.com/podcasts

🧭 Call to Action:

Want to be a guest on the show? https://datcmediacompany.com/contact/ola/s...

“I’m a deep cuts person — the hits get you there, but the album cuts keep you.”

Perfectly timed for Canada Day, this episode wraps up Sara J and Darrin’s epic two-part conversation with a deep dive into their shared love for The Tragically Hip. Sara shares the recent rediscovery of a 2003 Gord Downie solo show in Buffalo, while Darrin traces how learning to code sparked his journey into archiving live music—starting with Boston indie band Wheat, and later expanding to The Spoons, Rheostatics, Bourbon Tabernacle Choir and of course, The Tragically Hip.

The two expl...

In part one of this epic two-part conversation, Darrin and Sara J dive deep into a rich and winding musical landscape.

They explore the power of thoughtful feedback—from trusted sources—and how it can support the musicians in your life, and the importance of staying open to it yourself.

Darrin reflects on his lifelong love affair with music, tracing it back to the nostalgic albums his parents played—records that have become part of his DNA. Born at a time when some of the most iconic music was not only being released but also perfor...

In the conclusion of Sara J's epic two-part conversation with RoughGauge’s Featured Artist for June 2025, Marc Shapiro, we pick up right where we left off—diving back into the gear talk and Marc’s love for integrating the Jake blade into his setup.

Marc shares what makes the Jake blade a standout addition to his arsenal, and how RoughGauge’s legendary customer service ensured every detail was custom-fit—right down to accommodating his unique whammy bar setup and left-handed play style. From there, we explore how this custom Wilkinson build has seamlessly become a part of his sound...

In this part one of another epic two-parter, Sara J is joined by the RoughGauge June 2025 featured artist, Marc Shapiro.

Marc takes us through his influences and how Slash and Appetite for Destruction played a major role. Marc shares his love for digging into his favorite guitar player’s heroes, going down a rabbit hole that includes a dive into how John Frusciante has a lot of Hendrix in his playing.

Marc shares the eclecticness of what he listens to, and how watching MTV after school when he was younger did good things for his mu...

In the thrilling conclusion of Sara J’s deep dive with Kirk, the two pick up right where they left off—unpacking the heart and soul behind Discovering Downie, an 11-part passion project from Dewvre Podcasts & Such, exploring the solo work of Gord Downie, the legendary frontman of The Tragically Hip.

Kirk shares how the series, which just celebrated its first anniversary, sparked not just insight but connection, bringing together four strangers whose shared love for Downie’s artistry led them on an unforgettable journey, culminating in a meaningful trip to the band's hometown, Kingston, ON, and a spec...

This week on the show, host Sara J is joined by musician, podcast host, and producer Kirk Lane for an epic two-part episode you won’t want to miss.

In Part One, Sara and Kirk dive deep into the idea of finding your "inner fame," the wisdom of Linda Wolf’s book Tribute, and Kirk's love for the Grateful Dead. They chat about the magic of seeing shows at The Sphere, the spark that led Kirk to pick up a guitar, and his journey through his first originals band.

Kirk shares stories from the thousands of s...

This week on the show, Sara J. sits down with RoughGauge’s May 2025 Featured Artist, Ben Kays.

They dive into the guitarists who’ve shaped his sound, the pros and cons of being a left-handed player, and the rhythm guitarist he turns to for inspiration. Ben opens up about his songwriting process, the emotional and mental role music plays in his life, and what it means to be a well-rounded musician.

He shares how his dad influenced his journey into guitar playing and gigging, and reveals the first solo he ever learned. Ben also brings in “...

This week on the show, host Sara J is joined by Canadian woodworker and artist Ashley Dawes, the creative force behind Willow & Ash Designs.

Ashley shares how she unexpectedly found her way into woodworking, how life as part of a military family shaped her journey, and what draws her to a craft that demands such precision and patience. She also opens up about the therapeutic power of woodworking and how it has become more than just a creative outlet.

In this inspiring conversation, Ashley discusses:

This week on the show, Sara J. sits down with RoughGauge’s April 2025 Featured Artist, Bill Hyland, for an honest, inspiring, and wide-ranging conversation that goes deep into the heart of music and creativity.

Bill opens up about his first guitar god and the surprising instrument that kickstarted his musical journey — the accordion. From there, we follow his path through early influences, humbling experiences that challenged him to grow, and the transformative power of staying open to always learning more.

We explore his evolution into improvisational music, how inspirations shift over time, and the emotional and...

This week on the show, host Sara J is joined by music industry pioneer and visionary leader Ralph Tashjian for an incredibly captivating conversation.

With a career spanning over four decades, Ralph has worked alongside some of the most iconic artists of our time, and trust me, his stories are just as legendary! From backstage moments to pivotal shifts in the industry, he shares it all with a wisdom only time can grant.

In this episode, Ralph takes us on a journey through 40 years of music industry evolution — and personal transformation — ultimately leading to the foun...

This week on the podcast, host Sara J. gets into the nitty-gritty of guitar gear with Dan Keclik the mastermind behind DK Pedals.

They dive into Dan’s love for amps, the sparks of inspiration behind his pedal creations, and the transformative effects of audio therapy. Plus, Dan takes Sara on a tour and shares stories about his guitar collection.

It’s an episode packed with insights and creativity, all in celebration of Dan being named RoughGauge's March 2025 Featured Artist.

Where you can find this week's guest:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com...

The dynamic duo is back! Celebrate International Women's Day with the powerhouse ladies behind DATC Media, CEO Sara J. and Editor-in-Chief Nancy Weil!

In this special episode, they dive deep into the legendary female musicians they're spotlighting this month on Patreon, sharing how these trailblazing icons have shaped and inspired the world of DATC Media. But that’s not all—Sara and Nancy also dish on Brian Eno and Bette A’s groundbreaking new book What Art Does, along with their latest adventures in local live music coverage.

Plus, get an exclusive sneak peek at what’s...

This week on the show, host Sara J. chats all things guitars, gear, and Jake blade with Justin Behn, guitarist for The Textures. This conversation is in conjunction with Justin being named RoughGauge's February 2025 Featured Artist.

This week on the show, host Sara J is joined by DATC Media team member Nancy Weil for an exciting and wide-ranging conversation! They dive into everything—music, journalism, and highlights from Nancy’s eclectic career, including some of the incredible people she’s interviewed.

Nancy also shares her journey as a percussionist, how she built her impressive collection of instruments, and the story behind her decade as a lay minister at the oldest and longest-running congregation in North America—yes, she’s lived quite the fascinating life!

The duo reflects on Nancy’s experience since joinin...

Sara J is back in your podcast feed, checking in and updating you on all things happening at DATC Media!

Donate to DATC Media Company: https://datcmediacompany.com/support

Give the gift of Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Datcmediacompany/gift

The DATC Media Podcast Family: https://datcmediacompany.com/podcasts

Would you or someone you know like to be a RoughGauge Featured Artist? Send an email to saraj@roughgaugellc.com

All things RoughGauge and Jake Blade: roughgaugellc.com (use my promo code Saraj10 to get 10% off on your order)

This week on the show, host Sara J. chats all things guitars, gear and Jake blade with Mosey Beat guitarist, and RoughGauge loyalist, Taylor O'Connor.

This conversation is in conjunction with Taylor being named RoughGauge's Featured Artist for the month of January.

You can read his Q&A mentioned in this episode and more here: https://www.roughgaugellc.com/featured-artists

Would you or someone you know like to be a RoughGauge Featured Artist? Send an email to saraj@roughgaugellc.com

All things RoughGauge and Jake Blade: roughgaugellc.com (use my promo...