There are an unknown number of bands and musicians in any town, at any given time. Across the 518, dozens if not hundreds of unsigned, fledgling artists that are getting their start, with dream and aspirations pushing them forward. The goal varies for each individual, but getting signed to a record deal, an agency or a management company is typically where sights are set.
Andy Scullin, creator, host and producer of Unsigned518, has a passion for local music that has led to more than 120 episodes and counting of regular, weekly podcasts. On Tuesdays you’ll find guests range from bands and musicians to figures in the 518 scene who sit down to have a genuine conversation about their music with Andy, as well a share a few songs, sometimes performing live.
A new addition to the budding podcast is the Thursday release of “Weekend Spotlight,” which are recorded on Wednesday evenings and released a couple of hours later at midnight. These episodes offer a quick look at a few local shows happening that coming weekend, and feature a few songs or a guest joining in on the call to discuss the show. This is also a spot for Andy to premiere music by local bands, giving listeners a taste of what they can see live that coming weekend.
But this isn’t a new endeavor for Scullin, who got his start in radio in 1992 at a small adult/alternative station in West Dover, VT – station WVAY. “I was an on-air talent (at just 19 years old) and while I was there, learned how to edit audio. When I first started editing, “cut and paste” literally involved a razor blade and tape. I did that for a few years, and then pursued other jobs outside of broadcasting.”
Scullin would later work at WEQX a few years on, becoming Production Director and host of EQXsposure before once again leaving radio for other ventures. Andy later went on to be producer of The Joe Gallagher Show on WGY for several years.
From these experiences, the idea for Unsigned518 populated in Scullin’s head for nearly 20 years. Combining his love of local music with a love of talking into a microphone would lead to creating a free-form show that gives the artist a chance to have their story told in the way they want it to be, not having to adhere to pre-planned questions.
What’s more, Andy Scullin is a musician himself, playing bass and singing for ShortWave RadioBand, a high-energy punk/garage band based in Schuylerville, infusing elements of punk, ska, and alternative into the music. The group started in 2020 as an acoustic duo with Lonny Eaton (ShortWave’s guitarist/vocalist), playing cover songs in the corner of Argyle Brewing’s taproom. After a year and a half as a duo, the pair met drummer John Woods, immediately hit it off and started jamming, with Scullin shifting to bass.
In October 2021, the trio recorded and released their first original song, “Don’t Care,” following it up with “SomeDay” in early 2022. Horns were included in the recording, and would lead to Abby Stone joining the band on trumpet, followed by Ryan Shaw joining as a second guitarist to fill out the band’s sound.
Since becoming a five-piece, ShortWave RadioBand have gigged all over the 518, playing with and becoming friends with dozens of local bands. The group has played WAMC’s Summer on Central series, Putnam Place in Saratoga and other venues in the region. With a live EP and eight singles recorded, they also have a few videos under their belt, including “So Long, The Hopeful” which features members of nine local bands playing roles, including The Sugar Hold, Seize Atlantis, Gozer and more.
ShortWave RadioBand and Unsigned518 recently collaborated with Poison Noises on a guitar pedal called the Pork Pi – a play on the popular Muff Pi pedal and Andy’s signature orange Pork Pie hat – which is a monster distortion pedal for guitar or bass.
Below you’ll find some of Andy’s favorite Unsigned518 episodes, and there are many more where these came from. Be sure to check out and subscribe to Unsigned518.
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