Creators and Guests

Michael Aquino is the host, sound designer, audio engineer, and co-producer of Songs on Site. He was the composer, sound designer, and engineer for the podcast series Timestorm (2022 Anthem Awards Silver Medal; 2021 NJ WebFest Best Family-friendly Podcast; 2020 Webby Awards Honoree). Under the Cocotazo Music label, Michael has produced his two solo releases Giants Will Fall (2015) and City Stars (2017) and three compilations Puerto Rico del Alma (2017), Stuff This in Yer Face (co-production with You Don’t Know Jersey 2018), New Year | Año Nuevo (2021).

Alice Magdziak is the press lead, bonus content host, and co-producer of Songs on Site. Cooking, eating, travel, and history have been her passions since childhood. In 1993, a tarot card reader she visited on a dare told Alice that she would be famous for something later in life. It took almost 30 years to see it happen, but being recognized around New Jersey for promoting small businesses, local music, and state pride isn’t so bad. Ed brought Alice to New Jersey in 2000 and she’s never looked back. Her non-NJ eyes see the Garden State in a unique way and she’s learned to turn around her Midwest upbringing and really lean into those Jersey hugs.

Ali de León is an independent recording artist born and raised in Jersey City. She's a singer, rapper, and songwriter of Dominican and Salvadorian descent. Ali loves to experiment with different sounds and styles, including writing lyrics and performing in Spanish and English. Her song “UFO” was featured on the Netflix original series Gentefied.

Caylen Bryant began her musical journey at the age of seven when she picked up the cello. Years later, she began playing the bass at Oberlin College and Conservatory, earning degrees in Africana Studies and Jazz Bass Performance. Caylen began at Juilliard in the fall of 2022 to pursue her Master's degree. She is currently playing for Blue Note Record artist, Kandace Springs.

Dania Ramos is the story editor, script writer, production manager, and co-producer of Songs on Site. She was the creator and head writer of the award-winning audio drama series Timestorm. She currently writes, hosts, and co-produces NJPAC On the Mic, an audio resource for the New Jersey Performing Arts Center’s SchoolTime Performances series.

Modern Crybaby is the emo music brainchild of New Jersey singer-songwriter and producer Dylan Schroth. With a heavy heart and a hopeful smile, Dylan Schroth sings about his experience with depression, anxiety, growth, and recovery, hoping to inspire others on a similar path. Dylan writes music for the modern millennial whose teenage angst grew into adult anxiety.

Ed Magdziak is a co-producer, blog writer, and series photographer for Songs on Site. A Clifton native, he has spent his entire life exploring all the best that New Jersey has to offer, usually with a camera at his side. Instead of telling just family and friends about his finds, he decided that the whole state should know about all his adventures. You Don’t Know Jersey was born. An accomplished writer, he has been nominated for multiple Asbury Music Awards in the category of Top Journalist in Support of Live Music. He has also been known to enjoy a great hot dog.

Known for her distinctive voice, Renee Maskin is a staple of the thriving music scene in Asbury Park. On the heels of a busy 2022, which included her debut solo record Swimming and follow-up EP Dreams a River, Maskin has maintained her momentum in 2023 releasing various singles and an LP with her full band, Renee Maskin & The Mysterious Wilds.

Jon Fried & Deena Shoshkes began performing in the streets in Paris and Rome in the early 80s. They started a rock band called The Cucumbers and found a home in the indie pop scene in Hoboken, New Jersey. After many years of playing music together in varied incarnations, their duo performances draw upon a deep songbook and effortless communication. Their songwriting has been called "direct and artful," by the New York Times, Deena's voice "...incredible: kidstuff and wisdom merged," by the Village Voice. Their songs have been recorded by Jackson Browne, Dar Williams, and Marshall Crenshaw, and featured in films and on network TV.