DJ Mel

45 YEARS OF DIGGING, DISCOVERING, AND VINYL OBSESSION 🎶🎙️

This episode of features Doug Hanners and Nate Hanners () of the Austin Record Convention (). Doug founded the legendary event, and today Nate continues carrying the torch into the next generation.

We talk about the past, present, and future of the Austin Record Convention, the genesis of the event, and their massive 45th anniversary gathering happening May 29-30th. We also get deep into record digging culture and how that itch to find “the grail” never really goes away.

Whether you’re a longtime collector or someone who just loves music culture, this one is packed with stories, history, and pure vinyl enthusiasm.

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, watch on YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Follow, like, subscribe, and enjoy.

PUNK ROOTS, ART, AND PURE DIY ENERGY 🎨🎙️

This episode of features Austin legend Tim Kerr (), a pioneering musician, visual artist, and one of the true architects of the city’s creative DNA.

Born in Freeport, Texas and based in Austin for decades, Tim has been a driving force in the DIY punk and hardcore movement since the late ’70s, helping shape bands like the Big Boys and influencing everything from funk-punk to indie rock along the way.

We get into growing up in Texas, his journey through Austin’s early music scene, the philosophy of self-expression, and how his work spans music, painting, photography, and beyond. We also talk about the evolution of Austin, creativity without boundaries, and what it means to stay inspired across decades of making art.

This one is a deep dive with a true original.

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, watch on YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Follow, like, subscribe — and enjoy.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5AsXfZAzvjRDkZy1OUsoc9?si=33c437f35e3c4ce5

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sound-of-firsts/id1867633455?i=1000766171747

YouTube: https://youtu.be/rivsaCTAX44?si=e9fmBHnuMgvR5bFI

SMOKE, STORIES, AND AUSTIN ROOTS 🔥🎙️

This episode of The Sound of Firsts features Catherine Stiles () , co-owner and co-founder of the wildly successful Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew. We sat down with her this past January for a great conversation full of Austin history, music, and business insight.

We get into working commercial radio in the early 2000s, being born and raised in Austin, the deep connection between music and family, and the real ins and outs of running a barbecue restaurant in Austin, Texas.

It’s a great conversation about hometown roots, hustle, and building something that has become a true Austin favorite.

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch on YouTube.

Follow, like, subscribe — and enjoy.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3DuaoEhb4If8ZyGWBjUenv?si=d295a77c026a46bf

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sound-of-firsts/id1867633455?i=1000764007175

YouTube: https://youtu.be/9sFU-pIMsf4?si=MfFuTg-huKlNFTrQ