Anything But Toto

In Episode 19 of Anything But Toto, Bianca and Julian explore The Crux by Djo - Joe Keery's genre-hopping third album that blends the Beatles (and Sir Paul), the Strokes, and the Cars, among others. The hosts dig into how Djo pulls from these influences to carve out a sound that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly original. This leads to a broader conversation about the fine line between tacky pastiche and thoughtful homage, and how Djo (and artists like the Lemon Twigs) navigate that space. Are we witnessing a new wave of artists embracing retro without losing their own voice? Also in this episode: A look at the bizarre 2025 AMAs (where's Rep TV, Taylor?) The ongoing pop girlie drought this summer - and what's filling the void (*checks notes* "sad boi summer" anyone?) The search for 2025's song of the summer A lingering question: Are we all just living in the shadow of Gotye? Quick takes on movies like Sinners, Death Proof, and Friendship Thoughts on TV hits like The Rehearsal and The Last of Us Season 2 Plus, a few thoughtful book recommendations to round it all out A genre-blending album and a summer soundtracked by melancholy - this one covers a lot of ground. Tune in for insightful takes, unexpected parallels, and a few good laughs along the way. Link to B's "Shaded Blue" playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0aXI6Ol9039odqalQEx6Yf?si=bBFml-LTSJ-XRZWzRYDAhw Theme song by Daniel Konikoff Email us at anythingbuttoto@gmail.com

Bianca and Julian are back for their 18th episode (yes, the pod can now legally vote in the Canadian federal election), and they're diving deep into Mayhem, the genre-bending comeback album from everyone's favourite Italian girl from New York: Lady Gaga. In this episode, they unpack how Gaga reinvents her signature sound without losing her pop powerhouse edge. Is Mayhem a bold evolution - or just Gaga reheating her own nachos? And what exactly do the Gaga and Pink Floyd discographies have in common? Bianca and Julian also pit Gaga's latest against Katy Perry's recent “comeback,” question whether Die With a Smile should be on the album, and chat about the Mayhem Ball ticket controversy. Also on the menu: Djo's The Crux, early Last of Us season 2 thoughts, and some book recommendations. Come for the pop commentary, stay for the niche metaphors and possibly too much talk about nachos. Email us at anythingbuttoto@gmail.com Theme music by Daniel Konikoff

Spring is in the air and Bianca and Julian are back with another nostalgia-fueled episode! This time, they're diving into the history of one of their favourite artists, the Jonas Brothers - from their early days in New Jersey to Disney stardom, solo careers, and their 2019 reunion. They talk about their recent experience at the surprise Jonas Brothers show at Toronto's Massey Hall, and share some truly puzzling stories: The mysterious journey of Nick Jonas' Yankees cap Julian's obsession with their Gibson recording tour bus How Bianca came to acquire a life-size cardboard cutout of Nick Jonas promoting his diabetes medication Julian pretending to be a vlogger to avoid being mocked for going to a JoBros concert They also discuss the band's musical impact, misconceptions, and why they deserve more recognition. And don't miss their take on the Oscars: Legacy awards vs. deserved awards Anora's sweep Kieran Culkin's and Adrien Brody's acceptance speeches Tune in for a fun, nostalgic chat! anythingbuttoto@gmail.com   Theme music by Daniel Konikoff

In their first episode of 2025, Bianca and Julian provide a full recap of the 2025 Grammy Awards - and let's just say, it's Anything But Boring! They dive deep into everything from the red carpet to the show itself, discussing the biggest winners and losers, their favorite performances, and the most shocking moments of the night. Did any of their predictions come true? Was it really a good idea to ask for donations in a room full of billionaires? And how is Drake feeling after Kendrick took home those major wins? But it's not just all about the Grammys. Bianca and Julian also chat about some pressing non-music topics: the Southern California wildfires, the Jonas Brothers temporarily calling Toronto home, the looming Canada-US trade war, and the latest music they're listening to and movies they've watched - including masterpieces like “Anora” and hot garbage like “Emila Perez.” Tune in for some hot takes.   anythingbuttoto@gmail.com Theme music by Daniel Konikoff

In their final episode of 2024, Bianca and Julian dive deep into the art of the bridge, breaking down five perfect examples and exploring how these essential song sections serve as both sonic and narrative connective tissue. This episode is a spiritual sequel to Episode 3's Simply the Best, offering another dose of musical education - in this case, how bridges create shifts in mood, environment, and storytelling while enhancing the overall structure of a song. Artists featured include Chappell Roan, Frank Ocean, The Beatles, Klaatu, Taylor Swift, and many more!   Also covered in this episode: The Azealia Banks & Matty Healy X feud/lawsuit Wicked and The Wizard of Oz The Vanderpump Rules reboot Rumours about a new Taylor Swift documentary Tune in for our 2024 wrap up. And just like any good bridge, this episode will carry you straight into the new year (with plenty more Anything But Toto episodes to come)!    Email us at anythingbuttoto@gmail.com Theme song by Daniel Konikoff

Bianca and Julian take you along on their wild ride at Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour (Toronto, Night 3). They chat about everything from the pre-show excitement to the highlights of the night, sharing their favorite moments, surprises, and even a few critiques. From the magic of seeing Taylor live to Gracie Abrams as an opener, plus the whole ticket scam situation, they cover it all. They also dive into the “ticket gratitude” debate (little kids vs. lifelong fans), Rob Sheffield's new book, Heartbreak is the National Anthem, the significance of the pre-show music, and the relationship between Taylormania and Beatlemania. But the heart of the episode comes in a 26-minute audio documentary where Bianca and Julian take you behind the scenes of their prep leading up to the show. You'll hear about the outfits they designed, the vibes in Toronto on Day 1, and the excitement of arriving at the venue. There are even some audio snippets from the show itself—including Secret Songs—so you get a taste of the energy in the stadium. You'll be enchanted to listen.    Email us at anythingbuttoto@gmail.com   Music by Daniel Konikoff

Bianca and Julian step away from their usual programming for a quick but in-depth discussion of the 67th Annual Grammy nominations. They break down the big categories—Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best New Artist, Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, and Best Pop Vocal Album—and explore the logic behind the picks. Are politics driving some of the nominations (and snubs)? Are we stuck in algorithm-driven bubbles? What's going on with Jacob Collier's hair? We have a lot to discuss.   anythingbuttoto@gmail.com Music by Daniel Konikoff

On October 16th, 2024, we tragically lost Liam Payne of One Direction after a fall from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. In this episode, Bianca shares her experiences as a 1D fanatic during the 2010s. Bianca and Julian then explore Liam's journey to stardom, his role in the group, and his solo career. They also delve into the unique sound of One Direction, highlighting the secret ingredient that made their music so special: Interpolation. Join us for an in-depth tribute to Liam Payne and the legacy of One Direction's music.   "For the record, Liam was in my opinion the most vital part of One Direction. His experience from a young age, his perfect pitch, his stage presence, his gift for writing. The list goes on. Thank you for shaping us Liam" - Louis Tomlinson.   Also discussed: - The Dare, Beabadoobee, and Sabrina Carpenter live in Toronto - Oasis reunion tickets - Chappell Roan's festival cancellations - "Megalopolis" and "The Apprentice" - An interesting screening of Paul McCartney and Wings' "One Hand Clapping" concert film   Email us at anythingbuttoto@gmail.com

Three album reviews for the price of one?! In this economy?! Join Bianca and Julian as they dive into the late-summer post-Brat wave of major album releases: Beabadoobee's This is How Tomorrow Moves, Clairo's Charm, and Sabrina Carpenter's Short n' Sweet. By examining these three albums, B and J explore the differences between “journey albums” and “vibe albums,” examining how each approach can either captivate listeners or fall flat. Listen to find out which is which!  But that's just the start. This episode also covers a wide range of hot topics, including: - Maxxxine - The It Ends With Us and Blake Lively controversies - The Trump assassination attempt - Taylor Swift and the Vienna terror plot - Biden and Harris - Katy Perry's “Woman's World” - Chappell Roan's warning to fans - Oasis' reunion - The Dare - Addison Rae's “Diet Pepsi” - Zane Lowe - Longlegs - Martin Scorsese - Girls - The Bear   Got something to share? Email Bianca and Julian at anythingbuttoto@gmail.com Theme song by Daniel Konikoff  

It's the 10th episode of Anything But Toto (woo!) and things are about to get a little bratty. Join Bianca and Julian as they dive deep into the album of the summer, Charli XCX's "Brat." They dissect the album's production, central concept, and themes, leading to an in depth conversation about anxiety and depersonalization, parenthood, 2000s nostalgia, grief, and passive aggressive friendships. Bookending Bianca and Julian's album review are these additional topics:  Challengers, Saltburn, and the 2000s aesthetic Ariana Grande's “the boy is mine” The music of Max Martin Sabrina Carpenter's “Please Please Please” New Beatles biopic casting rumours Normal People Girls Travis Kelce's onstage appearance at the Eras Tour The Charli XCX and Taylor Swift beef How The 1975 influenced two of the biggest albums of the year Gracie Abrams and Pop Girl Summer Chappell Roan's “Good Luck, Babe!” The Idea of You The King of Comedy Lovelace Theme song by Daniel Konikoff Stream "Time Machine" and "White Confetti" by Lucky Lansky HERE

After waxing poetic about Taylor Swift for 5 hours, followed by a brief break, Bianca and Julian are back with another action packed episode, covering several topics: - Gen Z pop girl revolution: Chappell Roan's "The Rise and Fall of a Midwestern Princess", Olivia Rodrigo's "Guts", and Sabrina Carpenter - Impact of Taylor Swift's "Cruel Summer" - Ticketmaster lawsuit and recent tour cancellations - Billie Eilish/Taylor Swift "one-sided" feud - Lana Del Rey and James Bond - The Beatles and Beach Boys Disney+ documentaries - Baby Reindeer, Fleabag, and The Jinx   Want to share your thoughts? Email Bianca and Julian at anythingbuttoto@gmail.com   Music by Daniel Konikoff

In part two of their analysis of "The Tortured Poets Department," Bianca and Julian wax poetic about one of the most talked about aspects of the album - Taylor Swift as a poet. Is she a poet or just a phenomenal lyricist? What's the fine line between "poetry" and "lyrics"? This episode also dives into: - Reviews of the album - Taylor's high profile ventures into other art forms - The best way to listen to music - What makes a song effective (the "Full Package" argument) - Taylor's best and most questionable lyrics - Trimming (or waxing) this collection into a 13-song album - The purpose of double albums   Want to watch our "Guilty as Sin?" music video/fan edit? Want to recommend some music to us or share your thoughts about the episode? Email us at anythingbuttoto@gmail.com   Spotify link to Bianca's single disc version of TTPD: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1dJnktwGEhKkr5FTzqp1ph?si=0ea583f3adc0492d&nd=1&dlsi=2d236ea2a4d3488b   Music by Daniel Konikoff

In this week's episode, Bianca and Julian dive deep into Taylor Swift's 11th studio (and first double!) album, "The Tortured Poets Department" ("The Anthology" edition). In this rant/review, they discuss quantity vs. quality, musical vs. lyrical analysis, Jack Antonoff's production, AI and "demo-itis," our "Guilty as Sin?" music video, and the influence of The 1975. Is this Taylor at her very best? Listen to find out!    Also discussed are: - Jojo Siwa's "Karma" - The new "Lennon/McCartney" song - OJ - Sabrina Carpenter   Email us at anythingbuttoto@gmail.com Music by Daniel Konikoff

Join Bianca and Julian as they discuss: - Their favourite movie soundtracks - The Diddy allegations - The "Quiet on the Set" and J.Lo documentaries - The media frenzy surrounding "Kate Middleton's disappearance" - The best music from "fake artists" in movies - The GOATs Adam Schlesinger and Mike Viola - Addison Rae's debut EP, "AR"  - Trying to survive hilarious jazz-poetry performances   They also answer your emails and read your hot takes! If you'd like to write into the show, email Bianca and Julian at anythingbuttoto@gmail.com   Music by Daniel Konikoff

In this week's episode, Bianca and Julian discuss: - Recent 007 casting rumours - Their issues with Oppenheimer and Barbie - Julian's childhood dream of owning a wax museum - 17-year-old Bianca's stealthy attempts to meet teen idols - Retro revival music (The Lemon Twigs vs. Greta Van Fleet) - Hanging out with the Beach Boys and much much more!   Reach out to us at anythingbuttoto@gmail.com Music by Daniel Konikoff

Bianca and Julian return from their two year sabbatical with a brand new format! In their first episode as an unedited pop culture and current events podcast, they discuss Swiftmania, Vanderpump Rules, Love is Blind, awards season, the recently announced Beatle biopics, and their proposal.  Reach out to us at anythingbuttoto@gmail.com Music by Daniel Konikoff

After a busy few months, Bianca and Julian are back with a new type of episode for a new year. In lieu of their *award winning* album reviews, they provide a detailed analysis of their choices for ten perfect pop songs. What is a pop song? What makes one perfect? What in god's name is a "nasty chord"? Join Bianca and Julian as they answer these questions and more, analyze the first five songs on their list (part two is already in the works), and sing.... with mixed results. What made your list of perfect pop songs? Let us know at anythingbuttoto@gmail.com 

In this episode, the impossible happens… Bianca and Julian discuss Toto. “But why?!,” you might ask. Well, on his latest studio album, John Mayer rides the waves of The Search for Everything on a luxury yacht, offering a collection of unrequited love songs coloured in shades of teal. Full of eighties drum machines, synthesizers, and production techniques, Sob Rock is an homage to the popular music style commonly called “yacht rock.” The nature of this project creates a dilemma for Bianca and Julian, who are simultaneously two of the biggest critics of eighties music and two of the staunchest supporters of John Mayer. The result is a discussion that twists and turns, referring to everything and everyone from Toto to The Warriors, Katy Perry to abandoned Zellers warehouses, and obscure George Harrison solo records to insurance company advertisements. What is an “anti-chorus”? Does Julian's fountain pen analogy go on for too long? Did John Mayer predict COVID? Tune in to find out!

In this premiere episode, Bianca and Julian discuss Olivia Rodrigo's debut album, SOUR. A teen angst rollercoaster filled with heartbreak, milkshakes, and parallel parking, SOUR has garnered near-universal acclaim from music critics. However, is the album all it's hyped up to be? Join the Anything But Toto team as they break down the music, analyze the lyrics, and speculate about the album's influences. Is SOUR Tik Tok-tainted? Is Billy Joel worth breaking up over? Did Bianca ever escape Chapters? Tune in to find out!