Ep. 259: J Navarro discusses The Suicide Machines “S.O.S.”

Chris DeMakes A Podcast

Chris DeMakes

Music History, Music Commentary, Music, Music Interviews

4.9 • 923 Ratings

🗓️ 26 May 2025

⏱️ 56 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

In this episode, J Navarro of The Suicide Machines joins the show to discuss the origins and last-minute magic behind “S.O.S.,” a fan-favorite track from their 1996 debut Destruction By Definition. J reveals that the song nearly didn’t make the album, coming together late in the recording process after a scramble to finish it. At the time, the band was young and more interested in diving into the L.A. punk scene than soaking in the legacy of A&M Studios, where they recorded among the ghosts of classic albums. J credits producer Julian Raymond for capturing the energy and urgency that gives the album its lasting punch, and he gives drummer Derek Grant props for his significant songwriting and performance contributions to both this song and the album as a whole. Nearly three decades later, “S.O.S.” still hits hard, igniting crowds and standing tall as a staple of the band’s live set. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/ Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	This episode is brought to you by Distro Kid.
0:08.5	Hey everyone. Welcome to the third episode of our month-long lead-up here to the Less Than Jake's summer circus tour
0:15.0	with the suicide machines, Fishbone, Bite Me Bambi, and Catbite.
0:20.0	We're a little under two weeks from the tour kickoff in Atlanta, Georgia on Saturday, June 7.
0:24.6	Tickets still available at Less Than Jake.com.
0:27.6	Today's guest is lead vocalist Jane Navarro from the Detroit-Michigan ska punk band, The Suicide Machines.
0:34.6	Together we break down the writing, recording, and inspiration behind the
0:38.9	fan favorite single, SOS, taken from their 1996 debut album, Destruction by Definition.
0:46.3	Jay's a repeat offender here on Krista Makes a Podcast, and it was awesome to have him back
0:50.8	to break down this classic track. SOS is killer, the epitome of everything that makes a great ska punk song.
0:58.8	Awesome poignant lyrics, gang vocals, upstroke guitar, super catchy bass lines, frenetic drums,
1:05.9	and an organ.
1:07.2	Two minutes and 25 seconds, a relentless catchiness.
1:14.6	Jay recalled a funny story about the band having a moment about the lyrics, of the chorus being SOS, feeling that people would think it's a direct rip-off from the police.
1:20.6	And I straight up told them that in the almost 30 years I've listened to this song,
1:24.6	that thought never crossed my mind. You know, things you
1:28.7	overthink when you're a young band. So for all this and a story about drinking malt liquor
1:33.9	rather than hanging out with the suits from Hollywood Records, don't you dare go anywhere.
1:39.3	Hey, hey, have you heard Krista Makes a Podcast? Hey, hey, have you heard Christa makes a podcast?
1:45.1	Hey, hey, have you heard?
1:47.7	Christa makes a podcast.
1:50.3	Hey, hey, have you heard?
	...

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