Communion After Dark is an internet radio show that complements the vibrant Friday and Saturday dance nights at The Castle in Ybor City, Tampa, Florida. Launched in February 2008, it showcases new alternative-electronic music, including industrial, EBM, dark electro, synth pop, and goth. These genres, largely pioneered in Europe, are underrepresented in the U.S., and we’re here to change that. You can make an even bigger impact by supporting artists through legal downloads, CDs, vinyl, merchandise, and attending their concerts. Your support truly matters!

Hosted every Monday, the show features DJ Mark Paradise (founding member), DJ Tom Gold (founding member and Resident DJ at The Castle, the U.S.’s premier club for these genres since 1997), DJ Winters, DJ Bryant Griffin (founding member), and DJ Maus. Communion After Dark is available on platforms like iTunes, Mixcloud, and YouTube.

“Our mission has always been to introduce listeners to the incredible diversity of this music scene, backed by a vast array of talented artists and labels,” says DJ Griffin. “For fans of electronic music, this under-the-radar scene is a captivating treasure waiting to be discovered.”

Each year, the show produces special episodes featuring guest DJs, band interviews, and themed content like covers, genre classics, and Halloween specials. Beyond weekly broadcasts, Communion After Dark organizes Tampa concerts and an annual music festival, hosting iconic acts such as VNV Nation, Suicide Commando, Velvet Acid Christ, Leaether Strip, Covenant, God Module, Tactical Sekt, and Grendel. The show’s DJs also guest-spin at clubs and festivals nationwide.

The standard show format includes 21 tracks, with each DJ’s set identified by who opens and closes the track announcements. A “Promo Cyber-Girl” introduction precedes each set (except the first) to announce the upcoming DJ. If a show feels harder or softer than usual, it reflects the latest releases from labels, as our focus is on fresh music. This can lead to shows leaning toward intense or melodic vibes, or a mix of both, depending on release cycles. If you prefer a specific style, don’t worry—new music will cycle through soon enough.

Connect with the DJs at communionafterdark@yahoo.com.

DJ MARK PARADISE - Mark, originally from Wisconsin, relocated to Florida in 1984. His passion for electronic music ignited in 1981 with Devo, and by 1987, he was captivated by the industrial and goth scenes, particularly after discovering “New York, New York” by Microchip League. A dedicated resident DJ at The Castle for over 18 years, Mark embraces all facets of the alternative-electronic music scene. He has played a pivotal role in bringing prominent bands to Tampa, including VNV Nation, Assemblage 23, Combichrist, Grendel, Culture Kultur, and God Module, enriching the local music landscape.

DJ BRYANT GRIFFIN - Bryant dove into the alternative-electronic scene in 1995, sparked by the industrial sounds in the horror film Hideaway’s soundtrack. His obsession grew through avid listening to the Dark Horizons radio show, fueling frequent visits to Tampa’s iconic dark electro haven, The Castle. As a member of the band ien oblique, signed to Infacted Recordings, Bryant channels his passion into creating music that resonates with the scene’s devoted fans.

DJ MAUS - Maus plunged into the industrial scene in 1991, captivated by artists like :wumpscut:, Benestrophe, and Skinny Puppy, eagerly collecting releases from Zoth Ommog and Wax Trax! labels. She began DJing in 1999 and has been a steadfast supporter of The Castle for over 18 years. With a deep appreciation for diverse dark electronic genres, Maus particularly gravitates toward synthpop and melodic harsh electro. Currently, she spins at Tampa’s TAPED Indie Music Video Night and select Communion After Dark events, including post-punk and Obscura Undead nights, bringing her eclectic energy to the scene.

DJ TOM GOLD - For over 28 years, DJ Tom Gold has been a cornerstone of The Castle’s Friday and Saturday nights, masterfully spinning industrial, darkwave, EBM, TBM, electro, and goth. A trailblazer in the U.S. alternative-electronic scene, Tom holds one of the longest-running DJ residencies in the American underground. He continually elevates Tampa’s music culture by introducing fresh tracks and curating shows, having brought countless scene-defining bands to the city. His presence has electrified major festivals, including Wave-Gotik-Treffen, Kinetik Festival, Darkstar, Blacksun, and Dracula’s Ball. Catch him reviving classics at Friday’s Midnight Mass or showcasing cutting-edge scene music at Saturday’s No Boundaries. Legend has it, Tom’s Tampa home houses a “Mount Everest” of music, an expansive collection spanning countless genres that dominates his living space.

DJ WINTERS - Music has always been a part of life. My parents always surrounded me with music and took me to live shows. Music has always been my church. I started buying music at a young age and never stopped. I am lucky that I have met so many other souls that share a passion for music. In 2011 I was invited on Communion After Dark to do a guest set and became a regular guest soon after that. For a few years I started creating weekly mixes that showcased lesser known artists that I purchased. Those mixes are still available on Mixcloud (Weekly Winters). I became a full time DJ on the show a few years ago. I look forward to more years with my CAD family.