MUSIC is not a GENRE

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST!Join PatreonGet some merch~~~~Here's YET ANOTHER gift BONUS MxTRA episode. It's a PATREON EXCLUSIVE that I'm sharing for three reasons. ONE - so you know what awesome bonuses you get if you join Patreon (link above). TWO - in the middle of tons of gigs, I went and got sick, so I really need this week break. THREE - I really want your opinion on this topic.This BONUS MxTRA is all about the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and years of issues its had finding an identity that's both distinctive and inclusive. I go through the Rock Hall's history, talk about the major issues it's had, and discuss what it's done (if anything) to fix them. Then I go through a short but impactful list of artists who should be in the Hall but still aren't. To see the video of this episode, go here: VIDEO VERSION OF THIS EPISODEIf you like these BONS MxTRAs, you can see the videos, all 30+ MxTRAs, and every future episode if you join me on Patreon.Enjoy!

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST!Join PatreonGet some merch~~~~The Song CoachFor the past several episodes, I've been promoting my new song coaching service. This 28th PODFAST is an introduction to that. It's not just an introduction, it's a tutorial. I lay out the basics, tell you my approach, and clue you in to what you'll learn when you hire me to help you write that song you've been sitting on for years. Are you ready to take the step, and finally finish your song? Does this episode serve as a solid introduction to how I coach? Have any questions for me? Discuss dammit!And then let's get to work!The Song CoachAnd stream REC's new album, Kite to Camden!~~~~*intro/outro music credit: REC - "You Make Me Wanna" (from RECcollection: The Best of REC 2007-2020)

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST!Join PatreonGet some merch~~~~FEATURED SONG NICK – “Your Sister” (from THE METROGRANDE SESSIONS)~~~~This is the era of back-to-back MUSIC is EVERYTHING episodes! For #36 of the series, I get real about music critics and criticism.Music criticism has taught us a lot, and often distilled what we need or want to know into digestible forms. But like social media, it's often filled with assumptions, errors, and biases that color that knowledge in sometimes irreparable ways.I examine music critics and criticism – the origin and development, the different types of music writing, the pros and cons, and explain why all of it is ultimately somehow wrong, and often misses the point by a mile.Do you read music criticism? Are you a fan of music writing in general? Have you learned something from it? Do you tend to trust critics? Discuss dammit!BONUS MxTRA: How to use music critics for good~~~~*intro music: REC - "In Your Dreams Tonight"*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST!Join PatreonGet some merch~~~~FEATURED SONGREC - "Song OK" (from the album, KITE TO CAMDEN - out worldwide!)~~~~In my 35th installment of the MUSIC is EVERYTHING opinion series, I throw down on rockism and poptimism, two frequently opposing beliefs about what music is considered good and worthy of respect.Both beliefs are rooted in music analysis and criticism, and are as prevalent today as they've ever been. I go over their history, pros & cons, connect them to common social & political beliefs, and declare which one is superior.Do you prefer rock to other forms of music? If so, would you say you're a rockist? Do you prefer pop, hip hop, electronic and other more currently chartable genres over rock? And does that make you a poptimist? Or are you somewhere in the middle, and believe divisions like this are useless? Discuss dammit!BONUS MxTRA: What's wrong with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?~~~~*intro music: REC - "In Your Dreams Tonight"*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST!Join PatreonGet some merch~~~~In ROUND 6 of BackTalk, Steve Erickson & I dissect college radio. It's often seen as a haven for new, diverse, and obscure music, and thus more inclusive than mainstream radio. That may be true, but does it have its own gatekeeping issues?We get into that, as well as its history, current state, how it compares to other forms of independent and online radio, and where it might be going.Are you a fan of radio in general, or do you exclusively stream your music? Have you ever listened to college radio? What do you think of the health of independent radio? Discuss dammit!Check out Steve's show, RADIO NOT RADIO, on Mixcloud!BONUS MxTRA: College radio charts comparison - 1978/84~~~~*intro/outro music credit: REC - "Sing Owwt"*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST!Join PatreonGet some merch~~~~Here's YET ANOTHER gift BONUS MxTRA episode. It's a PATREON EXCLUSIVE that I'm sharing for three reasons. ONE - so you know what awesome bonuses you get if you join Patreon (link above). TWO - I'm in the middle of a busy gig season. THREE - I had SO MUCH FUN with this topic that I had to share it sooner than later.This BONUS MxTRA is all about art pop. I give a more accurate definition than any found online, go through the origins & history, genre offshoots, and major players. And I argue that art pop is the MOST IMPORTANT GENRE EVER. Yep, you heard me right. To see the video of this episode, go here: VIDEO VERSION OF THIS EPISODEIf you like these BONS MxTRAs, you can see the videos, all 30+ MxTRAs, and every future episode if you join me on Patreon.Enjoy!

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST!Join PatreonGet some merch~~~~FEATURED SONGThe Drop – “Outerloper” (from LONG HELD GRUDGES) Welcome to MxG's 10th catchup episode! I run down fan comments, mention things I missed, get into some heated disagreements, and talk about why MxG has not just pushed the envelope in Season 7, it's broken it altogether.I have only one question for you: What should I talk about next? Discuss dammit!~~~ *intro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High"*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST!Join PatreonGet some merch~~~~ We love drama. We're constantly looking for scandals, fights, and in general are enticed more by division than harmony.This PODFAST is an antidote to that. It's about songs made hits by women that were written mostly or entirely by men. It highlights how well people with clear differences of perspective can work together, and further proves there's far more cooperation among music creators than there is disharmony.How many of these songs did you know were written by men? What other hit songs can you think of? Does this change your opinion or feelings about any of these songs? Discuss dammit!~~~~*intro/outro music credit: REC - "You Make Me Wanna" (from RECcollection: The Best of REC 2007-2020)

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST!Join PatreonGet some merch~~~~FEATURED SONGREC – “Linear B (otherside)” (from KITE TO CAMDEN)ALT FEATURED SONG REC - "Eat Salvation" (from KITE TO CAMDEN)  Twice in the last month, someone has brought up Tears for Fears. One fan compared one of REC's new songs to them. Another wondered why I've done an episode on Duran Duran and not them. They were one of my favorite art pop bands, and are still going strong.So here it is – a history of Tears for Fears, including their origin, and all solo and side projects. PLUS stay tuned for my ranking of their seven primary albums. I guarantee you will disagree!Are you a Tears for Fears fan? Do you just know their hits? What are some of your favorite Tears for Fears songs? How about your favorite albums? And how much of their recent music do you know? Discuss dammit!BONUS MxTRA: Why ART POP is the MOST IMPORTANT GENRE EVER~~~ *intro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High"*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper" 

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST!Join PatreonGet some merch~~~~FEATURED SONGREC (feat. Leslie Baroness) - "Eat Salvation (LR Remix)" I've done 10 episodes on the Beatles, and mentioned them in countless other episodes. Every time I did my research, I'd bump into people who can't stand Yoko Ono. You can probably guess why.I'm not one of those people, for so many reasons. I go over all those reasons while diving into Yoko's history and discography, and explain why she deserves far more respect than she's ever received.Are you a Yoko hater? Do you begrudgingly respect her, even if you don't like her and/or her music? Or do you feel Yoko is an incredibly accomplished artist in her own right? Discuss dammit!BONUS MxTRA VIDEO: The films of Yoko Ono~~~*intro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High"

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST!Join PatreonGet some merch~~~~FEATURED SONGREC - "Suddenly" (from IT WASN'T ME !) Last week I heard an old hit song and looked it up. Turns out it was a cover. Moreover, it turns out MANY hit songs were actually the second or third version.I dig up a bunch of these, some of which I was aware of, and quite a few that surprised me. I have a feeling they'll surprise you too.What hit songs were you already aware were covers? Which ones didn't you know? Which ones did I miss? Discuss dammit!~~~~*intro music credit: REC - "You Make Me Wanna" (from RECcollection: The Best of REC 2007-2020)

I spend an hour with serial entrepreneur Jass Bianchi. She's an award-winning rapper, songwriter, music industry educator, and career coach. She's also CEO of the creative marketing agency, COLOR IN SOUND, and coach at GROW WITH JASS. We talk about her life & career, in both the arts and business.And stay to the end to hear the FEATURED SONG: Jass Bianchi (feat. Tal Heller) - "Say No More"More about Jass:Grow With JassColor In Sound (Agency)Official WebsiteYouTubeInstagramFacebookLinkedInBONUS MxTRA VIDEO: Jass's human rights & mental health advocacy~~~SUPPORT THIS PODCAST!Join PatreonGet some merch~~~*intro music credit: REC - "Sing Owwt"*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST!Join PatreonGet some merch~~~~Here's ANOTHER gift BONUS MxTRA episode. It's a PATREON EXCLUSIVE that I'm sharing for two reasons. ONE - so you know what awesome bonuses you get if you join Patreon (link above). TWO - MxG Daddy needs a break this week!This one is a walkthrough of a hip hop recording session. It was the bonus for a Season 6 episode on the history of hip hop production. I go through various clips, explaining why I did what I did, and then play the whole song. To SEE the session, go here: VIDEO VERSION OF THIS EPISODEIf you like these BONS MxTRAs, you can see the videos, all 30+ MxTRAs, and every future episode if you join me on Patreon.Enjoy!

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST!Join PatreonGet some merch~~~~FEATURED SONGThe Drop – “Flunky Fesh” (from LONG HELD GRUDGES) This season has been a real stretching experience (country & Christian pop music?!?), and it continues with my take on smooth jazz pop icons Steely Dan. They were the dominant antidote to rock music in the 1970s. Some might say they pioneered yacht rock (insert comment here). They're back in vogue with the younger generations, and I don't know why. I explore their history, the music, why they've been love/hate anti-rebels since they started, why people are into them now, and why they ever were. And I sort through ALL of my hugs and ughs.Are you a fan of the Dan? Do you just know the hits? Can you not stand them? Do you think they deserve a place in the pantheon of great 1970s artists? And why do you think they're so popular again? Discuss dammit!BONUS MxTRA VIDEO: The best songs that sampled Steely Dan~~~*intro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High"

SONG COACHINGI'm starting a new song coaching service! I have decades of writing and producing hundreds of songs for dozens of artists in dozens of genres, and I'd love for you to be one of those artists.I work with you at whatever part of the process you're in, and take you as far as you'd like to go. Have a vague idea, one line, a few chords, half a song, a full song that needs shaping, a song you already love & want recorded, I meet you where you are and help you realize YOUR vision for YOUR song, from conception to recording & even distribution, or any stop in between. My rates are simple. Pay for as much or as little time as you want, and I also have discounted package deals. Check out the details on my song coaching page (nickdematteo.com/songcoaching). And then if you'd like to hire me as your song coach, or if you aren't sure & have more questions, send me a message either way and let's get started!SONG COACHING

I spend about an hour with Nashville singer/songwriter Laura Sawosko. Her sixth album, Not What I Do, comes out on April 18. We get into her career - including her big move to Nashville, how she interprets the idea that music is not a genre, and what moves her as a music creator. We also talk about her overcoming a paralyzed vocal cord, and how that's influenced her sound.And stay to the end to hear the FEATURED SONG: Laura Sawosko - "Not What I Do"More on Laura SawoskoSee the "Rhinestones for Pearls" video! BONUS MxTRA VIDEO: Laura's 49-year-old family restaurant!~~~SUPPORT THIS PODCAST!Join PatreonGet some merch~~~*intro music credit: REC - "Sing Owwt"*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST!Join PatreonGet some merch~~~~Guest host Meat gives his take on the complete history of music. Plus a bit of his recipe for cacio e pepe.Passion beats precision any day of the week.No questions asked. None answered. Stay silent, dammit!BONUS MxTRA VIDEO: Meat's Famous Balls~~~*intro/outro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High"*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

I spend about an hour with writer, historian and professor Don Cusic. He's the author of over 30 books, including his upcoming biography of Chet Atkins, and teaches "History of the Recording Industry" at Belmont University. We get into country music, music history in general, and the business of music.More on Don CusicCheck out Don's Books! BONUS MxTRA VIDEO: Don wrote a musical about Minnie Pearl!~~~SUPPORT THIS PODCAST!Join PatreonGet some merch~~~*intro/outro music credit: REC - "Sing Owwt"*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST!Join PatreonGet some merch~~~~Here's a surprise gift BONUS MxTRA episode. It's a PATREON EXCLUSIVE that I'm sharing for two reasons. ONE - so you know what awesome bonuses you get if you join Patreon (link above). TWO - MxG Daddy needs a break this week!This one is tells the truth about vinyl. Yes, we all like to romanticize it. But is the audio quality really better than digital or CDs or cassettes? I lay down the cold, hard facts, and weigh in on my favorite music listening formats.If you like these BONS MxTRAs, you can see the videos, all 30+ MxTRAs, and every future episode if you join me on Patreon.Enjoy!

I spend way too little time with Qais "Q" Masri, founder of Q Music Co., author of Press Play on Your Music Career, and a teacher at Music Production for Women (MPW). We talk about his business, his book, his intense passion for music and marketing, and what it takes to release your music properly.Q Music Co.Q's coachingPress Play on Your Music CareerMusic Production for Women BONUS MxTRA VIDEO: talking shop with Q on REC's new single~~~SUPPORT THIS PODCAST!Join PatreonGet some merch~~~*intro/outro music credit: REC - "Sing Owwt"*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST!Join PatreonGet some merch~~~~FEATURED SONGNICK – “Listen You People” (from the album LISTEN YOU PEOPLE) Protest music has been around far longer than the 1960s, far earlier than America's history of slavery, and far beyond even the history of the USA. Some might say that protest music has been around as long as people have lived in groups and put words to melodies.Every era has its own versions of protest music – including right now, and all of them are vital. I go through protest music's long history, its multiple reasons for being, whether or not it's effective in bringing about change, and how it relates to today's sociopolitical climate.Are you a fan of protest music? If so, which songs and from which eras? Do you think protest music does anything beyond giving people a voice? Or do you think politics and social issues should stay out of music? Discuss dammit!BONUS MxTRA VIDEO: Do artists have a responsibility to speak out?~~~*intro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High"*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST!Join PatreonGet some merch~~~~FEATURED SONGNICK – “Higher Ground Again” (from the unreleased demo, BLACK-EYED SUSAN) Christian music has a loooooooooooooong history, likely as old as the religion itself. But it's only been in the last 70 years or so that Christian music entered pop culture. Since then, it's been a wildly successful sect of popular music that encompasses a growing number of subgenres, from rock to country to hip hop and beyond.I kneel down and get serious about this often precisely understood form of music, starting with the ancient prehistory, its birthing into the modern music world, its growth and expansion, and even reveal some artists you had no idea were doing Christian music. And I decide once and for all if it's any good.Are you a fan of Christian music? If so, what kind and which artists? Do you like when popular music gets religious? Or would you rather those worlds remain separate? Discuss dammit!BONUS MxTRA VIDEO: Mainstream artists who were actually Christian~~~*intro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High"*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

I spend an hour with music industry veteran Ralph Tashjian, Founder and Chairman of Intercept Music. We talk about the industry past and present, some of his incredible experiences, the impressive roster of artists he's worked with, what Intercept music does, and what YOU can do as an artist to be ready for success.Intercept MusicIntercept on Instagram~~~~SUPPORT THIS PODCAST!Join Patreon for as little as $1/monthDonate any amount to the fundraiser~~~*intro/outro music credit: REC - "Sing Owwt"*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper"

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST! Join Patreon Get some merch ~~~~ LISTEN TO THE ALBUM REC – Kite to Camden Cathryn Lynne is back! She and I get granular with REC's epic new album, Kite to Camden. We dig into all 14 tracks. Lots of insight, backstories, musical breakdowns, clips from every song, and yet another appearance by our dog, Olga. Have you heard the album yet? Do any of our revelations surprise you? Do you have different interpretations of the songs? What are your favorite tracks? Discuss dammit! BONUS MxTRA: Listen to the KTC ONE-SHOT – all 14 tracks sequenced together in one 54-minute wav file! ~~~ *intro/outro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High" *mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST! Join Patreon Get some merch ~~~~ FEATURED SONG NICK – “Sense Of” (from Listen You People) Get Pete's book: THE POLICE: EVERY ALBUM EVERY TRACK It's rare that a band that existed for only a few years could have such a huge impact. Sure, the Beatles, but they're the exception to almost every rule. So are the Police. The Police were together only nine years (not counting reunions), and released their five albums in just six years. Scant output, but those five albums quickly made them massive, and changed the world of music. I go into their history, discography, and band dynamics, and also discuss my good friend Pete Braidis' recent book, THE POLICE: EVERY ALBUM EVERY TRACK. Were you a fan of the Police? Which era of theirs do you prefer? Did that fandom continue on to Sting's solo career? How do you think they impacted music? Discuss dammit! BONUS MxTRA VIDEO: I rank my 40 favorite Police songs ~~~ *intro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High" *mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST! Join Patreon Get some merch ~~~~ FEATURED SONG REC – “Scroll Out” (from Sympathy for the Weird) Culture Club in the 1980s was both very of its time and head of the times. In many ways, they created much of the 1980s aesthetic, both in music and fashion. They also brought forth cultural issues, a musical amalgam, and an overall mode of expression that were far ahead of the times. I go through their history and discography, with special focus on their second album, COLOUR BY NUMBERS, as per Patreon supporter Amelia Ray's request. Were you a Culture Club fan? Do you feel their cultural impact was as significant as their music? Discuss dammit! BONUS MxTRA VIDEO: a remix mash-up of “Church of the Poison Mind” and Stevie Wonder's “Uptight (Everything's Alright)” ~~~ *intro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High" *mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST! Join Patreon Get some merch Donate to the fundraiser ~~~~ FEATURED SONG NICK – “Deal” (from The Metrogrande Sessions) In this 25th PODFAST, I get personal. Longtime fans might be aware that I'm from Philadelphia, and while I've been a New Yorker for a couple of decades, Philly is still my favorite city. My third favorite city in the US is New Orleans, which as a musician and music lover makes a ton of sense. A few years ago, I started noticing a bunch of connections between those two cities. Inspired by watching this year's Mummer's Parade (look it up), I decided to finally flesh out these parallel worlds, in music and beyond. Are familiar at all with either city? Are they among your favorites? Do these connections ring true to you? Are there other connections I missed? Discuss dammit! ~~~~ *intro music credit: REC - "You Make Me Wanna" (from RECcollection: The Best of REC 2007-2020) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST! Join Patreon Get some merch Donate to the fundraiser ~~~~ NICK – “Here's Your Hat, What's Your Hurry?” (from the unreleased country demo co-produced by Mike Farber) Loyal fans of this podcast might be aware that I'm not a huge fan of country music. But some of it I do like, and I'm willing to bet there's more I haven't yet heard that I'd also be into. In the true spirit of MxG, I'm dedicating this entire episode to country music – the origins, a decade by decade history, and as many subgenres as I can tackle. Along the way we might both discover some great artists and songs. What's your relationship with country music? Are you a huge fan? Do you like some things here and there? Or do you hate all of it? Discuss dammit! BONUS MxTRA VIDEO: The longest running country music act in history ~~~ *intro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High" *mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST! Join Patreon Get some merch Donate to the fundraiser ~~~~ FEATURED SONG REC – “Me Happy” (from Kite to Camden) Life is weird and uncomfortable, full of acres of disappointment strewn with moments of pure fun, love and joy. I'm working to have more gratitude for the good things, because MOST things are good or at least working. That includes YOU. You have consistently engaged with this show, regardless of the madness going on behind the scenes. You have supported me time and again, despite my moaning. I can't thank you enough. This ninth catch-up episode is dedicated to you. Did I mention you? Did I miss something? What topics would you like me to cover in 2025? Discuss dammit!  REC on YouTube ~~~ *intro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High" *mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST! Join Patreon Get some merch Donate to the fundraiser ~~~~ FEATURED MUSIC: Nick's Holiday Playlist Enjoy this MxG REPLAY from the 2023 holiday season, and enjoy your holidays too! We hear non-Christmas holiday music all the time – such as non-denominational winter songs like “Let It Snow”. And there other song collections specific to holidays celebrated by fewer people, though no less cherished & important. There's about a 100% chance I'm missing some songs, and possibly even some holidays. What do you think I should have included? And is any of this music as special to you as Christmas music? Discuss dammit! ~~~~ *intro/outro music credit: REC - "You Make Me Wanna" (from RECcollection: The Best of REC 2007-2020) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST! Join Patreon Get some merch Donate to the fundraiser ~~~~ FEATURED PLAYLIST NICK'S HOLIDAY MIX Okay so I lied. THIS is the holiday PODFAST for 2024. When I make ranked lists, I often qualify them by saying the numbers are arbitrary and ever shifting. NOT THIS TIME. In fact, for this episode, I don't need a list at all. I'm going to name the single BEST holiday song – the one that holds up the best, and which seemingly any artist can cover well and not ever ruin. I'll also name the absolute WORST one, which no artist can bring to life in a way that overcomes its rudimentary composition and plodding pace. Do you agree with my choices? What holiday songs would you nominate as best? Which ones can you just not stand? Discuss dammit! ~~~~ *intro/outro music credit: REC - "You Make Me Wanna" (from RECcollection: The Best of REC 2007-2020) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST! Join Patreon Get some merch Donate to the fundraiser ~~~~ FEATURED SONG REC – “Almost Everything About You” (from Kite to Camden) What is the amalgam effect? There are artists whose influences come from multiple sources. Those artists are always listening to something new, or something old they've never heard before. They're insatiable. That hunger shows up in their music, which blends all kinds of sounds and styles into several genres and/or one new genre that defines their career. I talk about this effect, many of those artists, and the difference between them and artists who generally stay in one or two lanes. I also talk about how both staying to strictly in one lane, OR veering into a whole new genre disingenuously, are often what derails an artist's career, and I mention some of those artists. What artists can you think of who do an amalgam of sound? Do you agree with my picks? Who did I miss? Do you prefer these kinds of artists, or ones who do one thing very well? Discuss dammit! BONUS MxTRA VIDEO: I break down the influences of The Beatles and Prince ~~~ *intro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High" *mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST! Join Patreon Get some merch Donate to the fundraiser ~~~~ FEATURED SONG REC – “Sunburn” (from THE SUNSHINE SEMINAR) https://www.nickdematteo.com/recthesunshineseminar   This is sort of a holiday PODFAST for 2024. We could all use a little relaxation, and what better sound to have on in the background than ambient music. I get into the precursors, the origins, the history, the genres and subgenres. Some of it keeps you engaged by its subtle variation. Some of it lulls you into relaxation or even sleep – by design or by accident. Are you into ambient music of any kind? What's your favorite? Does some work for you while other kinds get on your nerves? Or do you find it all too slow and dull? Discuss dammit! ~~~~ *intro music credit: REC - "You Make Me Wanna" (from RECcollection: The Best of REC 2007-2020) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST! Join Patreon Get some merch Donate to the fundraiser ~~~~ FEATURED SONG REC – “Way Too Rough” (from the epic new album, Kite to Camden) https://recarea.bandcamp.com/track/way-too-rough In the final part of my albums series, I review what's been going on this decade, and look ahead to what's next. Pop music has been dominant for years, and the same has held true for the 2020s. But as we're about to enter the back half of this decade, changes are coming. Voices are returning to the dynamic range of the 2000s and early 2010s. Rock music is starting to bubble under like it did in the late 1990s. The sound of the 2020s is finally starting to take shape, and is bringing with it a new interest in albums as distinct works of art. Because this episode takes us to 2024, it will also include the best albums of this year, as well as my favorites. What have been your favorite albums of the 2020s so far? Do you feel like music is as strong and diverse as it's ever been, or are you done with it? What do you see coming in the second half of this decade? Discuss dammit! BONUS MxTRA VIDEO: My favorite albums of 2024 ~~~ *intro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High" *mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST! Join Patreon Get some merch Donate to the fundraiser ~~~~ FEATURED SONG Pescelet - "Mind Repuljon" (from the album, IT WASN'T ME !) In ROUND 5 of BackTalk, Steve Erickson & I talk about fake music artists. So many have been created for film, TV and beyond. And while most of them don't measure up to the real thing, some do, and a few have even transcended their original medium to become stars in their ow right. We also get into how AI has affected the creation of fake artists and fake music over the last 10-20 years. What fake bands or artists do you remember being better than expected? Do you like when a show or movie inserts a fake band into the story? Or do you find most of them to be pale imitations? Discuss dammit! ~~~ *intro music credit: REC - "Sing Owwt" *mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GET REC's NEW ALBUM! KITE TO CAMDEN on Bandcamp KITE TO CAMDEN - THE ONE-SHOT on Patreon ~~~~ FEATURED SONG: REC – “Eat Salvation” (from KITE TO CAMDEN) My band REC's album, KITE TO CAMDEN, dropped on November 8. To celebrate that, Cathryn Lynne interviewed me. She asked me all about KTC – where it came from, why I made it the way I did, what it means, and where it's going next. The interview features song clips from the album, gets into why it's called KITE TO CAMDEN, and tells you exactly how you should listen to it for maximum effect. Have you heard the album yet? Is there something we didn't cover in this interview? What do you want to know? And how much did our dog Olga figure into this conversation? Discuss dammit! BONUS MxTRA VIDEO: The OTHER interview about the OTHER UNIVERSE ~~~ *intro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High" *mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We interrupt our regularly scheduled programming to bring you a VERY SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT. REC's new album, KITE TO CAMDEN, is here! You can hear it ONLY on Bandcamp and Patreon. KTC ON BANDCAMP KTC ON PATREON Electro. Pop. Rock. Hip hop. Funk. Ambient. Straight-ahead-ness. Weirdness. All seamlessly sequenced. BEST EXPERIENCE? Listen non-stop. ALT EXPERIENCE? Check the track listing and start with whatever title piques your interest. TRACKS: 1. Linear A (five12four) 2. Linear B (otherside) 3. allcaps 4. All On Me 5. Almost Everything About You 6. Way Too Rough 7. Rhythm 77 8. Porch Step 9. Song OK 10. Twist My Kite 11. Eat Salvation 12. You Know You're Right 13. Me Happy 14. The Mad Philosopher ~~~ *intro/outro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High" https://recarea.bandcamp.com/track/wake-up-high ~~~ *intro/outro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I spend an hour with Music Podcaster and Customer Experience Professional Alex Gadd. He's the host of The Rock-N-Roll Show Podcast, and a musician in his own right. He also has a book coming out in the spring of 2025 about the signature songs of the top bands from the classic rock era. For more about Alex: The Rock-N-Roll Show Podcast on YouTube Instagram Facebook TikTok BONUS MxTRA VIDEO: Did Alex write and co-produce the movie Road House 2? ~~~~ SUPPORT THIS PODCAST! Join Patreon for as little as $1/month Donate any amount to the fundraiser ~~~ *intro music credit: REC - "Sing Owwt" *mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST! Join Patreon Get some merch Donate to the fundraiser ~~~~ FEATURED SONG REC - "The Mad Philosopher" (from the album, KITE TO CAMDEN, dropping November 8) In the 34th installment of my highly opinionated subseries, MUSIC is EVERYTHING, I dissect audiophiles. While there are clear benefits to listening to and creating music with optimal production values, in the “best” format, on a top-notch system, and in an ideal setting, there are also clear downsides that disrespect the experience of music – and even the music itself. I break all this down from both the listener and creator sides. Are you an audiophile? If so, are you able to enjoy music that doesn't meet your standards? If not, does it bother you at all when music doesn't sound as good as it could? Discuss dammit!   BONUS MxTRA VIDEO: The TRUTH about VINYL ~~~ *intro music: REC - "In Your Dreams Tonight" *mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST! Join Patreon Get some merch Donate to the fundraiser ~~~~ FEATURED SONG NICK – “One Minute Shy of Forever” (from WHAT IT IS) Oasis is reuniting. The response has been 100% ‘90s. Yay. Whatever. They were great. They were overrated. I'm ready to set the record straight. I go through their music album by album, and talk about what their actual place in history is, including how they spearheaded the THIRD British Invasion, one the record books seem to have overlooked.  Are you an Oasis fan? Did you think they were as great as people (and they themselves) claimed to be? What do you think about their reunion? Discuss dammit! BONUS MxTRA VIDEO: There were actually FOUR BRITISH INVASIONS ~~~ *intro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High" *mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST! Join Patreon Get some merch Donate to the fundraiser ~~~~ FEATURED SONG REC – “Me You & Everyone” (from THE SUNSHINE SEMINAR) We're almost at the end! In Part 7.2 of my albums by decade series, I tackle the second half of the 2010s. The continued fracturing in and out of the music world was creating more diversity than ever. But the industry in general was shrinking. Far fewer albums were being released by record labels, and far more music was being posted everywhere online, making self-releases like mixtapes more influential than ever before. While the power to create and share was more than ever in the hands of artists, the power to succeed and make any kind of profit or living was diminishing rapidly. Things were great. Things were horrible. No one knew what the hell was going on. All those outer pressures of industry and format changes, and the inner pressures of artists having to rethink what it meant to release music people would actually hear and to somehow make any money on it, meant that the concept of “album” was being deconstructed and somewhat reformed. What were your favorite albums of the second half of the 2010s? Were you still listening to full albums at that point? Did you have any idea how chaotic things were becoming? Discuss dammit! BONUS MxTRA VIDEO: How businesses, artists and fans can help musicians earn more ~~~ *intro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High" *mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST, SO I CAN BRING YOU A SEASON 7! Join Patreon Get some merch Donate to the fundraiser ~~~~ FEATURED SONG The Drop – “Rocket Trip, Man” (from LONG HELD GRUDGES and the soundtrack to the motion picture, DEALeR) In Part 7.1 of my albums by decade series, I tackle the first half of the 2010s. Physical sales had already started dropping in the 2000s. By the mid 2010s, all physical formats were well under half the market share of digital and streaming, and it was only the beginning. We might forget, though, that until later in the decade, physical sales were still a force. Despite the 2000s being seen as the turning point from physical to digital, it's really the 2010s where the changeover happened. As it did, the definition of what an album is started to change as well, with packaging and sequence becoming far less important than singles and whatever would get music to sell online. What were your favorite albums of the first half of the 2010s? Do you think albums still had cultural influence? Discuss dammit! BONUS MxTRA VIDEO: How the physical/digital crossover left musicians behind ~~~ *intro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High" *mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST, SO I CAN BRING YOU A SEASON 7! Join Patreon Get some merch Donate to the fundraiser ~~~~ FEATURED SONG REC - "You Know You're Right" (unreleased, from the upcoming album, KITE TO CAMDEN) When I encounter a critic, podcaster, musician or fan who acts like they're the authority, like their opinion is law, I kinda go ballistic. You already know I believe discriminating based on genre is at best personal bias, and at worst thinly veiled social prejudice. This Season 7 debut episode will go into how generational bias may be the worst bias of all. I'll also preview some of this year's topics, and what else might be in store. Whether you believe all music from all eras has about the same mix of quality, regardless of your preferences, or you think today's music sucks compared to some made-up golden era you wish you were still in, this episode is for you. I'm ready for the love. And I'm ready for a fight. Discuss dammit! BONUS MxTRA VIDEO: I NAME NAMES ~~~ *intro music: REC - "In Your Dreams Tonight" https://recarea.bandcamp.com/track/in-your-dreams-tonight-remastered-2022 *mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper" https://recarea.bandcamp.com/track/outerloper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST, SO I CAN BRING YOU A SEASON 7! Join Patreon for as little as $1/month Donate any amount to the fundraiser ~~~~ Here's the final gift BONUS MxTRA episode. This one is on the history of zines. Paper or digital, they've been around for almost a century. They've covered just about everything, and music of all kinds has been a huge part of that. If you like these BONS MxTRAs, you can see the videos, all 30+ MxTRAs, and every future episode if you join me on Patreon. Enjoy! ~~~ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST, SO I CAN BRING YOU A SEASON 7! Join Patreon for as little as $1/month Donate any amount to the fundraiser ~~~~ Here's the third of four gift episodes I call the BONUS MxTRAs. This one is on the history of the digital music format. Once again, it's a MUCH LONGER history than anyone could guess. If you like these BONS MxTRAs, you can see the videos, all 30+ MxTRAs, and every future episode if you join me on Patreon. Enjoy! ~~~ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST, SO I CAN BRING YOU A SEASON 7! Join Patreon for as little as $1/month Donate any amount to the fundraiser ~~~~ Here's the second of four gift episodes I call the BONUS MxTRAs. This one is all about the women of 1990s music, in every genre. It's arguably the decade when women broke from the pack, and began their ascent to the domination they've achieved in the last ten years. If you like these BONS MxTRAs, you can see the videos, all 30+ MxTRAs, and every future episode if you join me on Patreon. Enjoy! ~~~ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST, SO I CAN BRING YOU A SEASON 7! Join Patreon for as little as $1/month Donate any amount to the fundraiser ~~~~ With Season 6 over, and a hopeful Season 7 in prep, I'm gifting first of four BONUS MxTRA episodes. This one is all about the history of the cassette, and goes back way farther in history than you could ever guess. If you like these BONS MxTRAs, you can see the videos, all 30+ MxTRAs, and every future episode if you join me on Patreon. Enjoy! ~~~ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST, SO I CAN BRING YOU A SEASON 7! Join Patreon for as little as $1/month Donate any amount to the fundraiser ~~~~ Season 6 FINALE - The FREEWHEELING CATCH-UP MACHINE #8 – LIVE CHAT with YOU This is the final episode of Season 6, and it's all about YOU. In fact this time, YOU are actually THERE. I catch up with fan comments LIVE with some actual fans and show contributors, and close with a real-time conversation. Were you one of those commenters? Would you be up for joining in the discussion next time? What do you want to see for Season 7? Discuss dammit! ~~~ *music credit: REC - "Sing Owwt" *mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST, SO I CAN BRING YOU A SEASON 7! Join Patreon for as little as $1/month Donate any amount to the fundraiser ~~~~ FEATURED SONG The Drop feat. Nick DeMatteo – “Ponmela” (Voltio cover - from IT WASN'T ME !) STREAM IT EVERYWHERE In this penultimate Season 6 episode, I swim around in a topic I've been reluctant to get back to: people who have created amazing and often iconic work, yet whose behavior and/or beliefs make them reprehensible to one degree or another. I lay out the premise, and then use musicians and others as examples to further discuss. And, unlike in my Michael Jackson episode, this time around I come to some very concrete conclusions. What's your take on all this? We've all consumed works by heinous people. Which of those do you still appreciate? Which if any have you shunned? Do you think it's possible to respect a person's work without respecting them? Discuss dammit! BONUS MxTRA VIDEO: Responding to your comments (coming soon) ~~~ *intro music: REC - "In Your Dreams Tonight" https://recarea.bandcamp.com/track/in-your-dreams-tonight-remastered-2022 *mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper" https://recarea.bandcamp.com/track/outerloper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST, SO I CAN BRING YOU A SEASON 7! Join Patreon for as little as $1/month Donate any amount to the fundraiser ~~~~ Season 6 Episode 34 - BackTalk with Steve Erickson – ROUND 4: Charli XCX In Round 4 of BackTalk, Steve Erickson & I discuss Charli XCX. We unravel her history and get into her new album, Brat. We make the case that she's consistently been one of the most idiosyncratic and innovative pop stars of the 21st century. And we somehow get to comparing her to both Drake and Post Malone. Do you know Charli XCX's music? Have you heard Brat? How do you think she compares to other pop stars? Discuss dammit! Find out more about Steve: http://steeveecom.wordpress.com http://callinamagician.bandcamp.com/ ~~~ *music credit: REC - "Sing Owwt" *mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST, SO I CAN BRING YOU A SEASON 7! Join Patreon for as little as $1/month Donate any amount to the fundraiser ~~~~ FEATURED SONG REC – “Just About to Die” (from Parts and Labour) STREAM IT EVERYWHERE In Part 6.2 of my history of albums, I tackle the second half of the 2000s. It was chaotic and ever shifting, growing and metastasizing all over the place, yet we had no idea where it was headed. Album releases peaked, but by the end of the decade singles ruled again, and sales of CDs and downloads were about even. The internet staked its claim on revenue, distribution, and especially creativity, morphing and expanding albums and music in general in unexpected ways. What are your favorite albums from the last half of the 2000s? Did you listen to them mostly on CDs or as downloads? How did you handle the rapid switch from physical to digital music? Discuss dammit! BONUS MxTRA VIDEO: Did the “singles culture” destroy music? ~~~ *music credit: REC - "Sing Owwt" *mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices