Episode 133: The 18%: Why Super Fans Are Keeping Music Alive (and Festivals Are Failing)

In this powerful episode of Songs That Don’t Suck, host Mark Bradbourne opens up about pre-planning his parents' funerals and the deeply personal role music plays in saying goodbye. Plus, he dives into killer new tracks from KT Tunstall, Stella and the Very Messed, Brian Dunne, and Hayden Everett.To check out this week’s songs on your platform of choice head to the website Songs That Don’t SuckConnect with Songs That Don’t Suck ~ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠ | BlueSky

Explore the surprising comeback of cassette tapes, the enduring power of physical media, and discover five fresh tracks from artists like Glitterfox, Will Hoge, and Big Thief in this week's episode of Songs That Don't Suck.To check out this week’s songs on your platform of choice head to the website Songs That Don’t SuckConnect with Songs That Don’t Suck ~ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠ | BlueSky

Dive into Mark's electric concert recap of Nine Inch Nails’ Peel it Back Tour in Cleveland, plus five new songs from Maya Lakhani, Sydney Shea, The Mukherjee Development, Giobia, and Cinema Stereo. Discover music that doesn’t suck!To check out this week’s songs on your platform of choice head to the website Songs That Don’t SuckConnect with Songs That Don’t Suck ~ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠ | BlueSky

This week on Songs That Don’t Suck, Mark dives into the eerie rise of AI-generated music faking indie and folk artists—including full albums appearing under real artist names on Spotify. Plus, killer new tracks from The Bogards, The Publics, Scarhaven, and Nuns of the Tundra. Tune in for truth, riffs, and resistance.To check out this week’s songs on your platform of choice head to the website Songs That Don’t SuckConnect with Songs That Don’t Suck ~ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠ | BlueSky

In this episode of Songs That Don't Suck, Mark Bradbourne dives into Luminate’s 2024 mid-year report, unpacks the decline of music festivals, champions physical media, and shares five fresh tracks from Goose, The Royston Club, The Trusted, Grace Potter, and Spinal Tap (ft. Elton John). Are you part of the 18%? Let’s find out.To check out this week’s songs on your platform of choice head to the website Songs That Don’t SuckConnect with Songs That Don’t Suck ~ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠ | BlueSky

Live music lovers, rejoice 🎸 — full review of The Struts & Dirty Honey at House of Blues Cleveland + 4 new indie rock tracks you need in your playlist.To check out this week’s songs on your platform of choice head to the website Songs That Don’t SuckConnect with Songs That Don’t Suck ~ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠ | BlueSky

Concerts, guitar solos, and four killer tracks — this week’s "Songs That Don’t Suck" covers a blazing set by The Band FEEL, reflects on the lost art of shredding, and dives into new music from Galactic Empire, Hayley Williams, Wintersleep, and Kula Shaker. To check out this week’s songs on your platform of choice head to the website Songs That Don’t SuckConnect with Songs That Don’t Suck ~ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠ | BlueSky

Explore the Ship of Theseus paradox in rock bands: who’s the real band when no originals remain? Plus, discover six standout new tracks in this week’s episode of Songs That Don’t Suck. Includes Leona Rue, Jayler, Dinosaur Pile‑Up, The Thing, Oston, and Laura Jane Grace.To check out this week’s songs on your platform of choice head to the website Songs That Don’t SuckConnect with Songs That Don’t Suck ~ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠ | BlueSky

This episode of Songs That Don't Suck dives deep into the cultural power of MTV as the original social media, before spotlighting five powerful new singer-songwriter tracks. From synth-soaked nostalgia to protest folk-rock, it’s a playlist you won’t want to miss.To check out this week’s songs on your platform of choice head to the website Songs That Don’t SuckConnect with Songs That Don’t Suck ~ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠ | BlueSky

What makes a truly unforgettable cover song? In this episode of Songs That Don't Suck, Mark breaks down the art of the perfect cover—from lounge-style rap medleys to Johnny Cash's legendary take on NIN. Plus, five new tracks you need to hear right now.To check out this week’s songs on your platform of choice head to the website Songs That Don’t SuckConnect with Songs That Don’t Suck ~ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠ | BlueSky