I Believe In Podcasts: A Conversation With Jim Shomo of Dark Thoughts

(RECORDED ON APRIL 22, 2026) Forming in Philadelphia- a place with an already solid wealth of organizing, activism and funk/soul music; Dark Thoughts aren't the (Philly punk OGs) Dead Milkmen, but for over a decade, they've been continuing (and contributing to) the longstanding punk community.   jamilah had a chance to chat with guitarist and vocalist Jim Shomo, a massive Ramones fan.  As a matter of fact, while Dark Thoughts takes obvious inspiration from the band in many ways, Jim does acknowledge that he has yet to master Joey's distinct vocals...  despite people stating similarities.  Jim also makes the distinction between being a 'Ramones band' and a 'Ramonescore' band.   They also discuss opening up for Oi! legends Cock Sparrer, the cultural impact of Philadelphia, the dearth of punk houses, using the platform you have to bring awareness to political issues, tattooing, ensuring safe spaces in the punk scene, and more. Music: Dark Thoughts: Identity Crisis (Dark Thoughts, Stupid Bag, 2016) Waxahatchee: Right Back To It (feat. MJ Lenderman) (Tigers Blood, ANTI-, 2024) Dark Thoughts: With You (At Work, Stupid Bag (US)/Drunken Sailor (UK/EU), 2018) Dark Thoughts:  So Alone (Highway To The End, Stupid Bag/Drunken Sailor, 2025) Thanks for listening! To find Dark Thoughts' music, go to: https://dark-thoughts.bandcamp.com/  To give us a holler, go to: [email protected]