Killer Tape Podcast Premieres March 27th: The Son Of Sam Interviews

If you're fascinated by true-crime -- whether as a podcast or TV show -- here's the latest show for you.

Podcast studio Audio Up has partnered with Molasses Manifesto to release “Killer Tape,” a first of its kind true-crime audio experience that features 21 episodes based around 19 hours of audio from never before heard interviews from notorious serial killer David Berkowitz aka “The Son of Sam.” The interviews were conducted in 1980 from New York’s notorious Attica Prison, shortly after Berkowitz was sentenced for his heinous crimes. 

The podcast’s haunting trailer has just been released.

The podcast will be released on March 27th.

The podcast studio, Audio Up, has built an ecosystem of premium entertainment content within the music and audio space. The company is led by Audio Up CEO and Adweek’s 2020 Podcast Innovator of the Year and Podcast Producer of the Year recipient, Jared Gutstadt. Audio Up's partner, Molasses Manifesto, has created award-winning feature documentaries, pilots, podcast and branding since 2011.

LISTEN TO THE TRAILER HERE

STREAM THE PODCAST HERE

Veteran Investigative Reporter Jack Jones conducted the interviews over the course of several months, handpicked by Berkowitz himself after the serial killer read a series of articles Jones had written on mental health in the prison system for the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. 

This would be Berkowitz’s first in depth interview since his August 1977 arrest as the .44 Caliber Killer. The result was a startling portrait of a serial killer in his own words; describing how he became “The Son of Sam.” In this interview, he takes full responsibility and explains his actions without hiding behind Satanic conspiracy theories or runaway Christianity. The result should have been worldwide acclaim. Instead, the interviews were buried and the tape went into Jones’ archives for close to 40 years.

“Killer Tape is the Be All, End All telling of The Son of Sam story; eclipsing all other podcast coverage,” said series creator William Badgley. “No one has come close to what we have amassed.” This includes a dramatic, 21-episode arc that spans birth to arrest, including the murders, court case, prison sentence as well as the attempt on David’s life in prison in 1979, not to mention, it’s in Berkowitz’s own words.

Killer Tape is essentially two seasons in one. The first, episodes one through 10 tell the “genesis story”, where Berkowitz unpacks his murderous psychology brick by brick through his own toxic interpretation of events unfolding around him; culminating in episode 10 where he “successfully” murders his first victim, after an “unsuccessful” attempt, thereby becoming the killer he so desperately wanted to become. 

In the season’s second half, episode 11– 21, Berkowitz terrorizes New York City and becomes a central figure in one of the largest manhunts in American history as he stalks women across the five boroughs. In addition, we learn the events that led to his downfall and eventual incarceration. Again, all of it in his own words.

"Killer Tape will shock you to the core. Berkowitz is an unrequited psychopath who deserves to rot in prison for the rest of his life. That said, the self-portrait he paints is equally fascinating and repulsive; showcasing the toxic narcissism of a serial killer breaching the chrysalis to embrace his essential nature. It’s the stuff of nightmares," says Audio Up Chief Creative Officer Jimmy Jellinek.

Killer Tape is the first in a series of true crime, limited series to be released by Audio Up with distribution partner AudioBoom. The month of April will see the release of a 10-episode investigation into the lurid Crystal Howell teen murder case, with exclusive interviews with the jailed teen killer from behind bars. Followed by the hotly anticipated “Tales from the Crypto” about the rise and fall of FTX and Sam Bankman Fried with Anthony Scaramucci.

“Audio Up is about to become a real destination for true crime fanatics. With our best in class production capabilities, investigative chops and dedication to audience oriented entertainment, these shows will have you listening deep into the night,” says Audio Up CEO Jared Gutstadt.