Forty years ago this week, a historic recording was made in Kingston, ON..... Join me, Sara J, as we dive deeper into all this and more, including an in-depth look at Davis Manning, who was more than just the sax player in the Hip. The Copper Penny Project by DATC Media — coming soon. Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecopperpennyproject/
Feb 26, 2026•3 min
This week on the show, Sara J. is sharing a bit of personal news and a health update. Support: https://gofund.me/87d861182 Listen to the BBC Sounds Eras five-part podcast series with Phil Collins: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/eras/id1703570820 Not Dead Yet: The Autobiography — Phil Collins https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Not+Dead+Yet+Phil+Collins+autobiography&tag=saraj08-20 I always encourage checking your local library first — borrow, explore, and support your community! For those who ...
Feb 24, 2026•16 min•Ep. 325
In this episode of Dropped Among This Crowd, Sara J. dives deep into the life and career of Phil Collins—from his formative years, to Genesis, to his groundbreaking solo work, and beyond. We explore the stories behind In the Air Tonight, his collaborations with legends like Eric Clapton, his commercial dominance alongside artists like Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson, and the unforgettable Live Aid performance that cemented his place in music history. Sara also shares personal memories of seei...
Feb 18, 2026•23 min•Ep. 324
In this third episode of Something On, Sara J. switches things up and brings you a streamlined music news rundown—this time dropping directly into your podcast feed. The big story this week: the release of “Generation” from Gord Downie, The Sadies, and the Conquering Sun – Live at 6 O’Clock, arriving February 27. Sara breaks down what to expect from the live album, why the Discovering Downie podcast is an essential companion listening, and how this project captures Gord at his electrifying best....
Feb 12, 2026•29 min
This week on the show, fresh off celebrating two years of creating digital content for his page Cancon_eh, Sudbury, Ontario native Brady Callan sits down with host Sara J to talk about the inspiration behind creating a page dedicated to highlighting and celebrating iconic Canadian music—and Canadian culture more broadly. Brady shares the artists and bands he’s had the pleasure of sitting down with, including an intimate conversation with Finger Eleven about touring with Ozzy Osbourne, recorded j...
Feb 10, 2026•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 323
In this episode of Dropped Among This Crowd, host Sara J is sharing a few of her favourite reads — the books that have inspired, moved, and shaped her love for music and storytelling. From legendary rock biographies to iconic novels, these picks give a behind-the-scenes look at the artists we love, the stories behind their music, and the moments that defined an era. Tune in, get inspired, and discover your next favourite read. I always encourage checking your local library first — borrow, explor...
Feb 03, 2026•16 min•Ep. 322
"Something On" Episode Two! The new show from DATC Media that 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! Hosted by Sara J. - LIVE at 7pm eastern! This week's guest was jD, creator & voice behind The Tragically Hip Podcast Series! The dynamic duo was back together LIVE! Be a guest: https://datcmediacompany.com/contact/ola/services/something-on-guest-spot...
Jan 29, 2026•45 min•Ep. 322
Some bands don’t just play a venue — they belong to it. In this episode of Dropped Among This Crowd, host Sara J. explores one of the most sacred relationships in rock history: The Allman Brothers Band and the Beacon Theatre. What began as a short run of shows in 1989 evolved into a decades-long tradition that transformed March in New York City into something legendary. Inspired by the book One Way Out: The Inside History of the Allman Brothers Band by Alan Paul, this episode dives into how the ...
Jan 27, 2026•25 min•Ep. 321
This week on the show, host Sara J is continuing a listener-favorite format with another deep dive into unforgettable moments in music history—this time spanning January 16–22. From the opening of the legendary Whisky A Go-Go on the Sunset Strip to Eric Clapton’s iconic MTV Unplugged session, the birth of Mötley Crüe, and the formation of Bad Company, this episode explores a week packed with defining rock moments. We also revisit infamous and unforgettable events like Ozzy Osbourne’s bat-biting ...
Jan 20, 2026•24 min•Ep. 320
We're diving into this week in rock history and bit of modern buzz: celebrating birthdays, remembering legends like Bob Weir and David Bowie, and marking iconic albums and milestones from Led Zeppelin to Nirvana. Plus, some music news, updates from my Something On live stream, exciting RoughGauge website updates and more! The Copper Penny Project: https://www.instagram.com/thecopperpennyproject/ Something On- https://www.youtube.com/live/FQS9KZXazBc?si=lDK8vz-5NNvluQXw Donate to DATC Media Compa...
Jan 14, 2026•40 min•Ep. 319
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 resid...
Jan 08, 2026•51 min•Ep. 319
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/li...
Jan 06, 2026•26 min•Ep. 318
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/...
Jan 01, 2026•39 sec
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 ...
Dec 16, 2025•42 min•Ep. 317
"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...
Dec 09, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 316
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’r...
Dec 04, 2025•37 min
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 f...
Dec 02, 2025•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 315
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: How my love of music began with the mix tapes my dad used to send me My mother’s work in the music industry, and how the two of them shaped the foundation for everything I do now The big question: Is rock ’n’ roll making a comeback? The artists who are bridging gen...
Nov 25, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 314
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 proj...
Nov 18, 2025•55 min•Ep. 313
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 ...
Nov 11, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 312
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,...
Nov 04, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 311
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...
Oct 28, 2025•23 min•Ep. 310
“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 i...
Oct 21, 2025•39 min•Ep. 309
“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...
Oct 14, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 308
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 presenc...
Sep 30, 2025•46 min•Ep. 307
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 ...
Sep 23, 2025•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 306
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...
Sep 16, 2025•52 min•Ep. 305
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 (Discoverin...
Sep 09, 2025•57 min•Ep. 304
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...
Sep 02, 2025•54 min•Ep. 303
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...
Aug 26, 2025•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 302