Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Playdio DAY TWO (Bands 23-26)

Date: November 25, 2025
Episode Theme:
The episode features “Playdio DAY TWO”—an annual showcase/competition putting a spotlight on Arizona unsigned/local bands. The hosts, John Holmberg, Brady Bogen, Brett Vesely, and Byron, listen to and critique each submission with candid, unfiltered commentary. On this episode, they review four acts: Redoubt, Disguised By Ashes, Rat Trap 520, and Abillionbeatz (“A Billion Beats”).

Main Theme & Purpose

• Playdio is 98KUPD’s signature local-band contest, where bands submit their original music for expert critique and a shot at being selected for a high-profile live performance.
• The crew—known for their irreverent, humorous approach—listens to each track live, then delivers brutal but honest feedback on the music and production quality.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Setting the Scene (01:13–06:12)

• A recap of Playdio DAY ONE, which saw perfect 30 scores for "Reckless Eden" and "Witness Protection"—an unusual back-to-back occurrence.
  • Doug: “We do not hand out perfect 30s. That is not happening, especially in a row.” (01:39)
• Speculation that AI tools may have contributed to the “Witness Protection” track.
  • Doug views AI in music as another tool, akin to Auto-Tune or digital production, sparking a brief philosophical debate.
  • Doug: “The AI is a tool you can use to make things better. So if it makes our ears happier, then we shouldn't complain about it.” (03:10)
• The bar is set high for Day Two, and the hosts brace themselves for the next set of local hopefuls.

Band-by-Band Breakdown

1. Redoubt – "Halo"

[Timestamps: 06:12–08:53]

Track Play & Feedback Highlights:

• Redoubt prefaces their submission with self-deprecation and gratitude for the honest critique, acknowledging they're not KUPD's usual fit.
  • Doug: “You know what, Jim, Tina, and Jeremy from Redoubt. Maybe not. You just don't know if it's good enough music. It doesn't matter so long as it's not country, is it?” (06:05)
• General consensus: The song sounds like a “local band” recording with low production value, reminiscent of "the office band," or coworkers playing at a corporate event.
  • Doug: “Better than I expected, but I wouldn't pay for it.” (08:13)
• Scores: All hosts give it a 5 (out of 10).
  • Doug: “I’m giving them a five. Fives are good. We’re still nice.” (08:39)
• Light-hearted ribbing, but the critique is more constructive than cutting.

Notable Quote:

• Doug: “If I was at a bar and that started, I’d be there for like two songs. Like, we gotta get out of here.” (09:06)

2. Disguised by Ashes – "Separation"

[Timestamps: 09:20–14:35]

Track Play & Feedback Highlights:

• Solo project by Mark Augustine; a returning one-man band inspired by previous critiques to improve his sound.
• The hosts recall the act from previous years.
• The song is plagued by questionable vocal harmonies and production challenges.
  • Doug: “He tried to double his vocals and then harmonize and he missed by a mile.” (13:23)
• Suggestion: Add collaborators and consider formal training/production courses like MasterClass.
  • Byron: “There’s a thing online called Masterclass… for music production. That would fix it.” (14:53)
• Scores: Doug – 3, Brady and Brett – 4 each.

Notable & Memorable Moments:

• Doug: “The harmonies were so bad, it was unlistenable. I’m going to give that a three.” (15:17)
• Brady: “Yeah, add someone to the band.” (13:48)

3. Rat Trap 520 – "Rail"

[Timestamps: 15:39–22:54]

Track Play & Feedback Highlights:

• Out of Tucson, described as a "trap metal" band—though the hosts question the genre's meaning and execution.
• The band's bio repeatedly changes the number of members ("five," "six," "seven"), drawing humor.
  • Doug: “They’re picking up people like magnets and metal… like amoeba.” (17:14)
• The song triggers strong negative reactions—too chaotic, with unclear structure and excessive band size.
  • Doug: “Jesus Christ, if heroin could sing.” (20:06)
  • Byron: “How many members they got now, John?” (20:19)
• Comparison to "four methed-out raccoons trying to bang in a dumpster."
• Scores: Doug – 2, Brady and Brett – 3.
• Multiple jokes at Tucson’s expense and self-aware Arizona inside humor.

Notable Quotes:

• Doug: “Change the name of that band to meth personified.” (22:36)
• Doug: “That sounded like four methed out raccoons trying to bang in a dumpster.” (22:55)
• Byron: “None in their fan club.” (20:22)

4. A Billion Beats – "Digital Ghosts"

[Timestamps: 25:39–31:56]

Track Play & Feedback Highlights:

• Maricopa-based, uses a “z” in “beats” for stylistic flair.
• This submission stands out for its solid production, unique style, and a competent, atmospheric vibe—a “soundtrack for a B-movie villain dance club.”
  • Doug: “Not bad there… I could cast this whole movie based on your song.” (29:14)
  • The hosts imagine a tongue-in-cheek casting with famous actors' obscure siblings, signifying the song’s cinematic quality.
• General consensus: Professional, interesting, grows on the listener; suggested polish could elevate it further.
  • Brady: “Not bad for throwing that track down on a cracked foundation in Maricopa.” (29:14)
• Scores: Doug – 7, Brady – 7, Brett – 6.
• Audience emails compare the track to Corey Feldman, System of a Down, and Chevelle—sometimes irreverently.
  • “Corn and System of a Down had a gay baby. That's from Eric.”
• Listeners and hosts appreciate the track’s promise and vibe.

Notable Quotes:

• Doug: “A Billion Beats, Digital Ghost. I actually liked that one. I thought that was pretty good. Well done. It sounded professional. Maybe not ready for prime time, but pretty darn close.” (30:53)
• Kyle (Listener Email, read by Doug): “There were times I actually heard a little Chris Cornell in that voice.” (32:00)

Memorable Moments & Humor

• Band Bio Satire: The hosts mock bios that obsessively list other unknown local acts or festivals.
  • Doug (re: Rat Trap bio): “Here are the bands we've played with that you've never heard of at festivals you've never heard of.” (24:51)
• Music Production Tips: Repeated advice to use modern plugins/auto-tune, and a running joke about gifting MasterClass subscriptions as contest prizes.
• Arizona In-Jokes: Multiple zingers about Tucson, Maricopa construction, and local music scenes.
• Gay Jokes: Several tongue-in-cheek references comparing acts to Corey Feldman, System of a Down, and using “gay” as a light-hearted dig (reflecting the hosts’ brash comedy style).

Timestamps for Key Segments

• AI in Music & Opening Recap: 01:51–03:24
• Redoubt - "Halo": 06:12–08:53
• Disguised by Ashes - "Separation": 09:20–14:35
• Rat Trap 520 - "Rail": 15:39–22:54
• A Billion Beats - "Digital Ghosts": 25:39–31:56
• MasterClass Prize Running Joke: 33:16–33:49

Overall Flow & Episode Tone

• The episode moves briskly from track to track, consistently highlighting both the musical and production strengths and flaws of each submission.
• Hosts balance honest, sometimes savage feedback with local pride and a commitment to helping bands improve.
• The tone is raw, comedic, and refreshingly unscripted—ideal for listeners both invested in the Arizona music scene and fans of candid radio banter.

For Listeners Who Missed It

This Playdio episode offers a revealing, unfiltered look into what local bands are creating—from the earnest but amateurish to the surprisingly accomplished. If you’re a fan of honest roast-style feedback mingled with musical tips, and you love rooting for the underdog, you’ll find plenty to enjoy. Rat Trap 520’s chaotic "trap metal" attempts steal the show for sheer spectacle, but A Billion Beats brings the sophistication—giving hope that hidden gems exist in the Arizona scene.

Best Quote of the Night:
Doug (on Rat Trap 520): “That sounded like four methed out raccoons trying to bang in a dumpster.” (22:55)

Next Up: Tempe Sour, DJ Bathsheba, DDMNRS. The Playdio journey continues.