The Audio Files Ep. 8: Roots of Punk pt. 2: NYC

In this electric episode, Brad Zerbo and Jaytriot take you on a guided tour of New York’s punk revolution, from the grimy floorboards of CBGB to the thunderous rise of hardcore. They celebrate the Ramones’ groundbreaking speed and raw down-picking that inspired Metallica’s Kirk Hammett, while recounting personal stories of brushing shoulders with Joey and Johnny Ramone.

The hosts spin tracks from Richard Hell, Television, Patti Smith, Blondie, Talking Heads, the Dead Boys, and the Dictators, showcasing how each band shaped punk’s sound and look. Jay shares memories of CBGB shows in the late ‘90s and near visits to the Twin Towers days before 9/11, adding a poignant edge to the nostalgia. They wrap up with a nod to Agnostic Front and the hardcore scene that followed. From anecdotes about infamous CBGB bathrooms to the heartbreak of its closure, this episode is a loving tribute to a cultural movement that was loud, fast, and defiantly real.