In this episode, Dan speaks with Dr. Julia Sass Rubin about New Jersey politics, and how she became one of the fiercest advocates for small 'd' democracy in the state. We also talk about the history of the "County Line" in NJ - not sure what that is? Then you should probably give this episode a listen!  Julia Sass Rubin is an Associate Professor at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University and a Visiting Associate Professor at the School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University. Julia’s research interests include nonprofit and public organizations and processes, developmental finance, and the intersection of education policy, community development and social justice. Julia earned her PhD and MA from Harvard University, an MBA with distinction from Harvard Business School, and an AB with honors from Harvard-Radcliffe College. She was a post-doctoral fellow at the Alfred A. Taubman Center for Public Policy at Brown University and spent a year as a Henry Luce Scholar in Bangkok, Thailand. Julia is one of the founding board members of the Good Government Coalition of NJ, a nonpartisan, grassroots organization whose mission is to strengthen democracy in NJ through greater transparency, accountability, and voter participation.

Frontman of ManDancing Stephen Kelly is a New Jersey native who truly embodies what the word 'artist' as it relates to music. We talk about Steve coming up playing acoustic gigs in the North Jersey bar scene, to now coming out with a new LP under Take this to Heart records. ManDancing's new album "The Good Sweat" drops November 20th, 2020.

On this episode of Local Sounds, Sentient Moss's Connor McArthur came back and brought their guitarist and our good pal Matt Balkovic! Matt is an incredibly talented guitarist and songwriter from Wall, NJ. He is also one of the most insightful people we have had on the show so far. Connor and Matt also play a song from their most recent album 'Las Vegas Girth' - Great guy, great talk! Support Local Music!

Part 1 of a 2 parter! We sat down with Conner McArthur of Sentient Moss to discuss what they have been up to since the pandemic started. We also have Nigel (Bass player in Sentient Moss) call in for a quick chat as well! And as always, we were treated to an amazing live performance! Part two with both Connor and other guitarist Matt Balkovic will be up next week! Enjoy!

On this post-quarantine episode, we are relaunching Local Sounds! We were ecstatic to have the opportunity to speak with Erica Butts of Rest Ashore and her brother Chris came along for the ride! This conversation was just fantastic all the way through, and Erica is one of the most talented musicians we have ever met. She also gives us an impromptu acoustic performance of her song "Garden Bastard." Enjoy and as always, Support Local Music!!!

On this episode of Local Sounds, Dan sits down at his kitchen table with Zach Henry, Guitarist and Lead Singer in the band Halogens and his old friend Mike Petrie. This was a great conversation about the rise of Halogens in the local NJ music scene. At some points this episode is funny, but also has its deep moments, with some additional talk about aliens, conspiracies, and skateboarding. Enjoy!!! Side Note: Quality didn't come out as good as last time, sorry in advance! (Recorded 2/19/2020)

Welcome to Local Sounds! On this podcast host Dan Stinger speaks with local musicians all from the great state of New Jersey. On this first installment of Local Sounds recorded on February 9th, 2020, guest host Seamus O'Connor joins Dan at his kitchen table to chat with Brian Perrino of Grin and Bear about their new album "Be Gentle." This conversation was deep, hilarious, thought provoking, and real. Brian also performs the song "Armor" acoustic. Check out Grin and Bear's new album out now!