🔥 Welcome back to B-Side Banter! 🔥
I’m joined once again by What’s The Buzz, and this episode is PACKED with hip-hop and pop chaos. We’re breaking down 2025’s most polarizing albums — from Freddie Gibbs’ “Alfredo II” and Tyler, The Creator’s “Don’t Tap The Glass,” to Lil Wayne’s forgotten rock experiment and Playboi Carti’s bloated flop.
We also debate whether 2025 has been a career-defining year or a creative collapse for some of music’s biggest names. Did Travis Scott sabotage his own rollout to spite Pusha T? Why did Taylor Swift’s new album fall flat? And is Drake’s “Iceman” going to save his legacy?
Plus, we share our favorite albums and artist Mount Rushmores — from Gorillaz and Outkast to Jay-Z’s 4:44 and Lil Wayne’s legacy.
If you love hip-hop debates, album breakdowns, and brutally honest takes, you’re in the right place. Hit that LIKE & SUBSCRIBE button and let us know in the comments: What’s been the best (and worst) album of 2025 so far? 👀
Some collectors chase hype — others chase history.
In this episode of Pressed, I’m joined by Smitty from Smitty Soul Shack — a lifelong R&B, jazz, and soul collector — to talk about why classic records still move us in ways modern music can’t.
We dig into:
How his grandfather’s jazz collection sparked a lifelong passion 🎷
Why soul and R&B hit differently (hint: it’s the church roots)
The magic of bargain-bin finds and crate-digging stories
How vinyl collecting has changed — the good and the bad
The story behind a mysterious Stevie Wonder note that might involve soul legend Melba Moore 👀
Tips for new collectors, and why the secret to enjoying vinyl is simply playing the record
👉 What’s a classic record that still gives you chills every time you play it? Drop it in the comments — and don’t forget to check out Smitty’s podcast, Music is the Glue.
🌍 Welcome back to B-Side Banter! 🌍
This week I’m joined by Jakk from A1234, one of the internet’s sharpest voices on global music discovery. We dive deep into the world’s hidden music gems—everything from the “Polish Beatles” to the wild underground scene of Japanese jazz punk.
Jakk shares must-listen albums from every continent, stories of overlooked legends like Johnny Alf (the real pioneer of bossa nova) and Miriam Makeba (fighting apartheid with music), and even why Carol of the Bells was originally a Ukrainian protest song. We also explore what’s next in world music—could Italo Disco or Chinese rap shows be the next K-pop?
If you love music history, global discovery, and finding artists before they blow up, this is the episode for you.
🔥 Hit that LIKE & SUBSCRIBE button and tell us in the comments: Which country’s music scene do you want to explore next?
Few brands in vinyl spark as much debate as Crosley. In this episode of Pressed, I sit down with Caitlin and Barrett from Crosley Record Players to talk about the brand’s history, clear the air on whether Crosley Cruisers really ruin your records, and dive into how inclusivity and accessibility are shaping the future of vinyl.
We also cover:
• The surprising 100+ year history of Crosley, from radios to cars to record players
• Whether the Cruiser is truly dangerous for your vinyl — or if it’s just a myth
• Why the Cruiser matters as an affordable entry point for new collectors
• Crosley’s national high school Cruiser contest and how it’s inspiring the next generation of music lovers
• An exclusive look at their brand-new Cruiser CD player
👉 What was your first record player? Was it a Crosley? Drop it in the comments — I’d love to know your story.
🔥 Djo’s moment is here. 🔥
In this episode of B-Side Banter, I sit down with Kelly from Djo Daily to unpack the meteoric rise of Joe Keery’s music career. We trace his journey from Post Animal to Stranger Things fame, the viral breakout of “End of Beginning,” and why The Crux Deluxe might be the perfect album of the summer.
We debate whether Djo should be considered a musician first, actor second, break down the unique nostalgia of his sound, and even dive into why he’s never released a single music video. Plus, we speculate on Stranger Things’ final season — will Steve Harrington survive?
If you love dad rock, fandom deep dives, and discovering the future of indie rock, this one’s for you. Hit LIKE & SUBSCRIBE and let us know in the comments: Where do you rank Djo’s albums? 👀
🔥 One of the biggest names in music podcasting joins B-Side Banter! 🔥In this episode, I sit down with Cole Cuchna, the creator of the acclaimed Dissect podcast, for a deep dive into music, culture, and the art of analysis. Cole opens up about the grind of starting Dissect, why To Pimp a Butterfly changed his life, and how breaking down Kendrick Lamar’s lyrics forced him to reflect on himself.We also explore the polarizing world of Radiohead, Cole’s love for Kid A and In Rainbows, and his thoughts on Daft Punk as one of the most influential duos of our generation. Plus, Cole reveals his personal Mount Rushmore of artists, the albums he thinks will define this century, and why he’s cautious about revisiting Kanye West’s catalog.If you love music deep dives, legendary albums, and conversations that make you rethink the records you thought you knew, you don’t want to miss this one.
Vinyl collecting isn’t the same everywhere — and in Australia, it comes with a unique set of challenges. In this episode of Pressed, I’m joined by Jenny Jamball, an Australian collector, to talk about the struggles of finding pressings down under and her journey as a woman in a male-dominated vinyl community.We get into:• Why records are harder (and more expensive) to find in Australia 🇦🇺• The wild price difference between U.S. and Aussie bins• Jenny’s experience breaking into vinyl as a female collector• How gatekeeping impacts the community — and how to push back• Her favorite first records, most-played albums, desert island pick, and ultimate grail👉 What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a collector? Drop it in the comments — I’d love to hear your story.
🔥 Welcome back to B-Side Banter! 🔥
In this episode, I’m joined by Agustina, a rising TikTok creator known for her love of 80s and 90s music — from The Smiths and The Cure to shoegaze, post-punk, and beyond. We dive into the blurred lines between goth and emo, the lasting influence of bands like Smashing Pumpkins, Cocteau Twins, and Depeche Mode, and what makes gothic music feel so grand compared to emo’s angst.
We also explore how music connects generations, why Daft Punk’s albums are best experienced as complete works of art, and how artists like Charli XCX and Maggie Rogers are reshaping modern pop. Plus, we tackle music gatekeeping, TikTok hate, and what it really means to be a “true fan.”
If you’re into alternative classics, timeless albums, and debates about legacy vs. new waves, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Drop a comment: Do you think older bands should keep releasing new albums? 👀
🔥 Welcome back to B-Side Banter! 🔥
In this episode, I’m joined by Matt — better known as FuegoStein, one of the internet’s go-to voices for indie music discovery. We dive deep into the grind of touring for indie artists, why so many struggle to break through, and how merch and vinyl sales often keep them alive.
We also break down the cultural impact of Noah Kahan’s Stick Season, the debate over gatekeeping when indie artists go mainstream, and how social media bits, fake beefs, and hot takes can skyrocket a band’s career. From Wednesday, Samia, and Viagra Boys to the endless TikTok beefs shaking up music right now — this one’s packed.
If you love discovering new artists, hearing the real side of the music grind, and debating what makes or breaks success today, you’re in the right place. Hit that LIKE & SUBSCRIBE button and join the convo: Should fans stop gatekeeping indie artists? 👀
Welcome back to Pressed! In Episode 2, I’m joined by Giggens—a lifelong vinyl collector and co-manager of Static Era Records in Connecticut.We dive into the journey from being a kid digging through garage sales to managing a record store during the vinyl resurgence. Giggens shares:• How his personal collection grew to 3,000+ records 📀• Wild finds inside jackets (money, notes, even weed 😅)• The coolest 5,000-record collection the store ever bought• Thoughts on Crosley players and why beginners shouldn’t be shamed• Advice for anyone starting their own collectionStick around for the Quick Fire Vinyl Q&A, where Giggens reveals his first vinyl, most-played record, desert island pick, and ultimate grail.👉 If you’re ever in Milford, CT, check out Static Era Records—and remember to support your local record shops wherever you are.
🔥 Hip-hop is in flux — and we’re diving ALL the way in. 🔥In this episode of B-Side Banter, I’m joined by music reviewer Tyson to break down the current state of rap in 2025—from the cultural aftershocks of the Drake vs. Kendrick beef, to Tyler, The Creator’s surprising new direction, to the underground wave that’s reshaping the sound of the genre.We talk about what’s real vs. what’s hype, the artists carrying the torch for authentic lyricism, and whether rap’s mainstream future belongs to superstars or the underground. Plus, we dig into how audiences are redefining what “success” looks like in hip-hop today.If you’re here for raw takes, deep conversations, and no-fluff music commentary, hit that LIKE & SUBSCRIBE button and drop your thoughts in the comments 👇 Who do you think is defining rap’s future right now?
Welcome to the very first episode of Pressed! 🎶
In this debut, I sit down with Jason from Groovline Vinyl to explore how a record collection is never really finished—it grows, shifts, and reshapes with every stage of life. Jason shares how his collection exploded during the pandemic, why he started buying bulk collections and reselling records, and how his love for vinyl eventually led him into DJing.
We also dive into:
• The thrill of finding 50 records for $100 on Facebook Marketplace
• How reselling can actually build community and help others discover records
• Why condition matters when you’re DJing with vinyl
• The importance of building your collection, not just following trends
Stick around for the Quick Fire Vinyl Q&A, where Jason reveals his first record, his most-played record, his desert island pick, and his ultimate vinyl grail.
👉 How has your collection changed over time? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear your story.
🔥 Welcome back to B-Side Banter! 🔥 In Episode 26, I’m joined by Alex Mars—better known as Vinyl by Mars, one of the top voices in pop music commentary across TikTok, Instagram, and Substack.
We dive deep into:
🎶 Taylor Swift’s upcoming album The Life of a Showgirl — will her return to Max Martin & Shellback mark another 1989-level era?
🎶 The rise of Gen Z pop girlies (Charli XCX, Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Rodrigo, Chapel Roan, and more) — are they reshaping the landscape of modern pop?
🎶 Justin Bieber’s surprise R&B project Swag — how Dijon and McGee’s influence might be bigger than Bieber himself.
🎶 Vinyl culture, the comeback of physical music, and how Gen Z is fueling it.
🎶 Plus: Alex’s 5 must-listen albums and his personal Mount Rushmore of pop artists.
If you love music reviews, industry deep dives, and cultural conversations, you’re in the right place. Hit that LIKE & SUBSCRIBE button, and let us know in the comments: Which new pop artist are you most excited about right now?
🔥 Erika is here for B-Side Banter Ep. 26, and she’s bringing the HEAT with some of the hottest music opinions you’ll hear all year.
We dive into her love for Pink Floyd, The Strokes, and Arctic Monkeys, her obsession with Lana Del Rey & Björk, and her very strong feelings about Alex Warren, Addison Rae, Sabrina Carpenter, and Noah Kahan. From arguing why older music hits harder to picking 5 albums everyone must hear, this episode is a rollercoaster of music nostalgia, bold opinions, and hilarious tangents.
💬 Agree or disagree with Erika’s takes? Drop your hottest music opinion in the comments!
In this episode of B-Side Banter, Tyler interviews Joe Donnelly, a music reviewer known for his engaging content on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Joe shares his journey from radio to creating music review videos, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in music criticism.
They discuss the reactions to Joe's ranking videos, particularly those on Radiohead and Pink Floyd, and the challenges of engaging with passionate fanbases.
The conversation also touches on the cultural impact of Charlie XCX's 'Brat' album, the legacy of Ozzy Osbourne, and the vibrant state of Irish music today. Joe highlights emerging Irish artists and the balance between discovering new music while appreciating classic favorites.
On this episode of B-Side Banter, Tyler sits down with collector, curator, and music historian Smitty to talk about the crossroads of soul, hip-hop, jazz, and country—and why certain genres seem to resist blending.They cover everything from:• Smitty’s first jazz record at age 12 🎷• His complicated relationship with country music 🤠• Forgotten legends like Jackie Wilson & Frankie Lymon 🎤• Why the 80s might be underrated for pop 🕺• Industry plants, indie success, and the TikTok effect 🤖• Whether Michael Jackson or Prince takes the crown 👑It’s a mix of nostalgia, critique, and love for music’s past, present, and future.🟡 New episodes every week — subscribe to join the convo.
In this episode of B-Side Banter, Tyler interviews epotty, a passionate content creator and Tyler the Creator superfan. They discuss the recent surprise album release by Tyler the Creator, epotty's unique approach to music content creation, and the significance of Tyler's evolution as an artist.
The conversation also touches on the impact of Odd Future, the characters Tyler has embodied in his music, and the influence he has had on the hip-hop genre. epotty shares her concert experience, favorite songs, and thoughts on the current state of music discourse, emphasizing the importance of nuanced discussions in the age of social media.
In this engaging conversation, Sal Luciano and Tyler delve into the current landscape of hip-hop, focusing on the dynamics between major artists like Drake and Kendrick Lamar. They discuss the buzz surrounding Drake's recent activities, including his upcoming OVO Fest and speculations about his new album. The conversation also touches on the impact of public perception on artists, the humor and charisma of Drake, and the surprise album drop by Justin Bieber. Throughout the discussion, they explore the complexities of hip-hop rivalries and the future of collaborations in the industry.
In this episode of B-side Banter, Tyler, Honeybee Reviews, and Mike Tee reflect on the music landscape of 2025, discussing exciting moments, disappointing albums, and the cultural impact of hip-hop.
They delve into the state of the charts, the influence of producers like Jack Antonoff, and the mixed reception of Lorde's latest album. The conversation highlights the highs and lows of the music industry, providing insights into what has resonated with listeners and what has fallen flat. In this conversation, the hosts discuss various themes in music, focusing on underrated albums, worst albums, and the best albums of the year. They share their thoughts on specific artists and albums, highlighting the music industry's trends and the challenges artists face in taking creative risks.
The discussion is lively and filled with insights into the current music landscape, making it a valuable listen for music enthusiasts. In this engaging conversation, the hosts delve into the contrasting opinions surrounding Miley Cyrus's latest album, the unexpected success of Addison Rae's pop debut, and the ongoing debate about lyrical depth in pop music. They explore the rise of female artists in the industry, review standout albums of the year, and discuss anticipated releases for the remainder of 2025. The dialogue highlights the evolving landscape of music, emphasizing the importance of production quality and the unique identities of emerging artists.
In this episode of B-Side Banter, Tyler engages with What's The Buzz?, a content creator focused on hip hop. They discuss the evolution of short-form content, the complexities of hip hop news, and the artistic depth of figures like Pusha T.
The conversation delves into current tensions in the hip hop community, particularly between Pusha T and Travis Scott, and explores the impact of marketing and streaming on music authenticity. They also review recent albums, highlighting both successes and disappointments in the music industry.
In this engaging conversation, they discuss various aspects of the music industry, including Will Smith's unexpected return to music, the intricacies of music reviews, and the albums that resonate with them over time. They delve into the evolution of hip hop concerts, the appeal of CD collecting, and the powerful role of nostalgia in music, highlighting how it connects listeners to their past and shapes their experiences.