It’s the 40th anniversary of the brand and for the first time ever, the original music from the iconic 1980s series Jem and the Holograms is making its long-awaited debut on streaming platforms—fully remastered for a new generation. With its blend of synth-pop, glam rock, and girl-power anthems, this release taps into the current wave of 80s nostalgia and brings one of pop culture’s most beloved animated bands into the digital age. This is more than a soundtrack—it’s a time capsule of empowerment, fashion, and fierce originality, ready to be rediscovered.
To celebrate the legacy of Jem and the Holograms, we’ve reunited with original lead vocalist Britta Phillips to record six of the most beloved tracks from the series—reimagined with a fresh, modern edge. Produced by a female-led team of creatives, these new recordings blend nostalgic authenticity with contemporary production, bridging generations of fans. It’s a rare opportunity to spotlight a pop culture icon with both retro charm and current relevance, tailor-made for playlisting and discovery.
Covers we reacted to in this video:Beyoncé/Destiny's Child interview👉 https://youtu.be/oNt3NRA8cYk?si=dm9bd1ala5JvwZBh
Covers At My Place👉 https://youtu.be/47RUmzpwWyM?si=WV0B4BwFEpO-eiXa
Callaghan1.0👉 https://youtu.be/v5cDjwyly0o?si=PO4-Q4b6V7x-4xDTKOTA!👉 https://youtu.be/tTXXLR000XM?si=ha7WbHCWLht9O1Jo
My TikTok breakdown of "Jem and the Holograms Theme Song":
Britta Phillips🌐 https://www.brittaphillips.com
📷 http://www.instagram.com/britta_phillips
🟢 Britta Phillips👉 https://open.spotify.com/artist/0IA38jACu3c1SNAJ7Aeu4t
🟢 Dean and Britta👉 https://open.spotify.com/artist/1i8jM74ElAevHmCU1sbNJM
🟢 Luna👉 https://open.spotify.com/artist/2AACqFGo8offvHCKGvrWxq
Listen to "Jem and the Holograms (Reimagined)" here👉 https://orcd.co/jemandthehologramsGet to "Jem and the Holograms (Reimagined)" on vinyl here👉 https://linktr.ee/JemVinyl
Rozes got her first big hit working with electronic dance stars the Chainsmokers, their 2015 track -- aptly titled "Roses" -- was a global pop hit, certified 6 times platinum in the US. Her first recorded appearance, in 2014, was as featured vocalist on the song "Limelight" by Australian electronic producer Just a Gent. The track was popular, going on to rack up over 2.5 million streams. Rozes was pleased by the reaction, but totally unprepared to find herself followed on social media by the New York EDM duo the Chainsmokers, who then contacted her to say they loved her voice and would be interested in collaborating with her. The result was "Roses," which she co-wrote and sang lead vocals on; the song went to number six on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the U.S. Electronic chart, propelling her to fame at the age of 21. The track would go on to receive platinum certification across the globe. Not content to ride the coattails of her Chainsmokers success, she soon stood out with her original sound: lush, ethereal electronic pop with elements of house, EDM, synth pop, electro, and broken beat, and frank lyrics about the insecurities of young love delivered in a mature, sultry singing voice with a distinctive accent, heavily treated with effects. The next era of Rozes begins with her new single "Skip Ahead" streaming everywhere on February 7, 2025!
Follow Rozes on all social media platforms as @RozesSounds
Keep up to date at rozessounds.com
Hinder’s story begins in 2001, when Cody Hanson (drums), Joe “Blower” Garvey (lead guitar), and Mike Rodden (bass) met and activated their musical chemistry. The 2005 hit “Lips of an Angel” from the band’s debut album Extreme Behavior, since certified 3x Platinum, topped the charts and remains a radio mainstay. Powerful lead vocalist Marshal Dutton joined them in 2015. Throughout their discography, Hinder has embodied an ethos of defiance and tenacity through gutsy lyrics, rousing melodies, and soaring choruses.
The band’s vigorous live shows and blend of catchy hooks with raw, emotive lyrics have earned them crossover appeal and a loyal global fanbase. Hinder emerges from the storm more focused and resilient than ever. With a renewed sense of purpose and drive, and still never afraid to take risks, Hinder is poised to continue forging its legacy as one of rock’s most enduring and dynamic bands. The band members’ resilience and adaptability have kept them at the forefront of the modern rock scene for nearly two decades, and they will continue—in fact, they’re just getting started.
Links mentioned in this episode:
My TikTok breakdown of "Lips of an Angel":
Hinder tour dates: https://www.hindermusic.com
Listen to "Live Without It" here: https://open.spotify.com/album/2CRwZC57AFDKsaz9gfSlZu
Listen to "Lips of an Angel" here: https://open.spotify.com/track/40LQiUUUKXVGyNs09lHVjW
With the rich, bluesy vocals of Darius Rucker and gleeful harmonies of guitarist Mark Bryan, bassist Dean Felber and drummer Jim “Soni” Sonefeld, Hootie & the Blowfish sold over 25 million records worldwide after their infectious melodies hit the airwaves in 1994 with hits such as “Hold My Hand”, “Let Her Cry” and “Only Wanna Be With You.”
Their debut album Cracked Rear View, moved over 22 million copies (and counting) in the U. S. alone.
Cracked Rear View and the band won two Grammy’s – Best New Artist and Song of the Year by duo or group for “Let Her Cry.” They also took home an MTV Video Music Award for Best New Artist for “Hold My Hand,” a Billboard Music Award for album of the year, a People’s Choice Award for Album of the Year and a People’s Choice Award for Best Selling Artist, a feat they duplicated in 1996.
Jim “Soni” Sonefeld has had a prolific career spanning from touring musician in one of the top-selling rock bands of all time, to award-winning songwriter, to solo artist. As Sonefeld gears up to release his fourth faith-inspired EP, Remember Tomorrow, he added the title of author to his list of achievements. His memoir, “Swimming With The Blowfish – Hootie, Healing, and One Hell of a Ride,” published by Diversion Books, released in late June of 2022.
The first single, “Hold My Hand,” a tune Sonefeld brought to the band early on, helped thrust Hootie & the Blowfish into its great success, and likewise showcases his songwriting ability. In the years to follow, the band would record six more studio albums and receive numerous awards, among them, two GRAMMYS®.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Hootie and the Blowfish tour dates: https://hootie.com
Soni's tour dates: https://jimsonefeld.com
Soni's solo music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0KNodVzuH2zoT1tglc3C9k
Listen to "Hold My Hand" here: https://open.spotify.com/track/4WnYuVFXe6Si4fZqkxbnvS
From Greenville, South Carolina, Edwin McCain is going on over 30 years of hits and worldwide touring. He has been called a “street corner prophet” by the USA Today, an “aching tenor” by Slate Magazine, and a “great American romantic” by the New York Times, but Edwin is much more than those things. After a long ride on a wave created by recording two of the biggest love songs in the history of music (“I’ll Be” and “I Could Not Ask For More”), and producing and starring in a tv series (Flippin’ Ships on Animal Planet); Edwin slowed his road schedule to dedicate more time to his primary roles as husband to his wife and father to their three young teenagers. His hit songs, authentic spirit and surprisingly affable sense of humor keeps everyone coming back time and time again.
Well, the kids are grown-ish and Edwin’s fans are still clamoring for more. Not that Edwin’s music ever slows down. “American Idol” and “The Voice” contestants still turn to Edwin’s ballads year after year to help them win over judges and fans. Edwins shares, “The 15-year-old me would have crawled through a river of fire to be the singer/songwriter that I am today, and I remember that. I am incredibly grateful to be able to do this.” Millions more have been turned on by pop icons Justin Bieber and Charlie Puth who have both covered Edwin’s hit songs.
Links mentioned in this episode:
My TikTok breakdown of "I'll Be": https://www.tiktok.com/@rodkimrocks/video/7268801572505931054
Edwin McCain tour dates: https://edwin.com
Edwin's new music: [not yet released, will update here when it is]
Listen to "I'll Be" here: https://open.spotify.com/track/5K7AMlpc4796JRWXb26nCV
Rock/emo icons All-American Rejects have surprised fans with their high-energy reimagination of Harvey Danger’s “Flagpole Sitta,” available now on all DSPs worldwide via Virgin/SPIN. The four-piece cornerstone of 2000s alternative is officially having fun again, as fully evident in their latest offering. The track was birthed from late-night bus lounge hangs on 2023’s Wet Hot All-American Summer Tour, which sold over 200,000 tickets to hungry fans as their first headlining tour in a decade.
"We've always felt that if an idea survives a hangover, then it’s probably a good one," says the band on the track.
"'Flagpole Sitta' was such an idea, born of a late-night, post show, adrenaline-fueled drive. We recorded it because we wanted to see how it would fall out of us on the floor - either like a hot bag of shit, or a vibe. It was also a good excuse tosee if the 4 of us could stand each other for a week in the studio after 7 years of silence. Turns out it was alright.”
Feeling rejuvenated to be in a band again, AAR’s busy 2024 has included appearances at UK’s Slam Dunk Festival, Brazil’s I Wanna Festival, Ocean’s Calling (9/27), and the highly-anticipated When We Were Young Fest (10/19-20), where they’ll play their greatest hits alongside emo legends My Chemical Romance, Fall Out Boy, Jimmy Eat World, & countless others.
Formed in Stillwater, Oklahoma, in 1999, AAR quickly rose to prominence in the early 2000s with their infectious blend of pop-punk and emo rock. Their self-titled debut album, released in 2002, featured the hit single "Swing, Swing," which propelled them into the mainstream. This success was followed by the 2005 album Move Along, which achieved 3 chart-topping singles - "Dirty Little Secret," "Move Along," and "It Ends Tonight." 2008 brought When the World Comes Down, featuring the stratospheric and generational smash hit "Gives You Hell” - the band’s most successful single to date, reaching number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. The band's fourth studio album, Kids in the Street, came out in 2012, showcasing a more mature sound while still retaining their signature style.
Currently, the Rejects continue to create and perform, solidifying their place as one of the most beloved bands of their genre. Their journey from early 2000s hitmakers to enduring rock icons is a testament to their talent, resilience, and deep connection they share with their fans.
“As for what’s coming next, we will leave that up to the divine feminine,” the band goes on to say. “If she wants it, she’ll get it."
Links mentioned in this episode:
Brandon Carswell's "Worktapes" Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/09AOfDwdDyDhvQ4K2fAdQa
Listen to "Flagpole Sitta" here: https://open.spotify.com/album/33B1muI2GbTX7NWyHK1lwm
Listen to "Gives You Hell" here: https://open.spotify.com/track/6ihL9TjfRjadfEePzXXyVF
EP 1 debuts Sept 13, 2024!
What started as an elder millennial sharing random 90s and Y2K music pop culture on TikTok is now a podcast where Rod gets to sit down and talk to the actual songwriters and artists about their hit nostalgic songs. Get in the mood by burning some CDs, collecting cassingles and dialing up a transparent neon cordless phone...
