Ep. 284: Austen Gray discusses Joker’s Republic’s “Gin and Tonic”

Chris DeMakes A Podcast

Chris DeMakes

Music History, Music Commentary, Music, Music Interviews

4.9 • 923 Ratings

🗓️ 17 November 2025

⏱️ 60 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

In this episode, Chris sits down with Austen Gray of Joker's Republic to unpack the writing and recording of their 2022 single, “Gin and Tonic.” From the raw, emotionally charged lyrics drawn from personal experience to the bold sound of a three-piece ska band unafraid to break tradition, Austen offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the song came together. The conversation explores how working with veteran producer Roger Lima reshaped the band's creative approach, the importance of trust and collaboration among bandmates, and how this song in particular required little reworking. Tune in for a fun and insightful talk with one of the young songwriters that’s keeping ska-punk alive and thriving. 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

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0	This episode is brought to you by Distro Kid.
0:08.1	Hey everyone.
0:09.4	Today's guest is Austin Gray,
0:11.5	guitarist and vocalists for the New Jersey Scott Punk band, Jokers Republic.
0:16.1	Together we break down the writing, recording,
0:18.8	and inspiration behind the fan favorite single,
0:21.5	Gin and Tonic, taken from their 2024 album, Necessary Evil.
0:26.8	Jokers Republic are killing it right now.
0:29.1	They have a brand new album and have been getting on the bill for some really great shows
0:32.8	and festivals, and it all goes back to the songs.
0:36.2	Less than Jake's very own Roger Lima produced Gin and Tonic, and the results are glorious.
0:41.3	The song is super catchy, and it better be, as it clocks in at just over four minutes.
0:46.7	I asked Austin if there was any talk of editing the song down a bit time-wise, and he gave me a resounding no.
0:53.9	Out of all the tracks, the band brought to record with Roger, they all went through an evolution,
0:58.8	except for gin and tonic.
1:00.7	Lyrically, Austin said everything he needed to say, and musically, he felt that every part
1:06.0	had its place.
1:07.5	I agree.
1:08.7	So for all this and so much more, don't touch that dial.
1:13.5	Hey, hey, have you heard, Krista makes a podcast?
1:18.7	Hey, hey, have you heard, Krista makes a podcast?
1:23.9	Hey, hey, have you heard, Krista makes a podcast? Hey, hey, have you heard? Krista makes a podcast.
	...

Please login to see the full transcript.

Previous episode | Next episode

Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from Chris DeMakes, and are the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Tapesearch.

Generated transcripts are the property of Chris DeMakes and are distributed freely under the Fair Use doctrine. Transcripts generated by Tapesearch are not guaranteed to be accurate.