Chainsmoking and the Nickelback Effect

In this episode of Riffs on Riffs, join Toby and Joe for a lively discussion about Beyoncé's latest single, "TEXAS HOLD 'EM.” They discuss Beyoncé's career and celebrate her work ethic and talent, particularly her ability to transcend genres and challenge musical conventions. The conversation explores the history of country music and the role of black artists within the genre. But is genre really just a construct? Why are we so afraid to break musical boundaries? Also, why does the Cheesecake Factory menu have so many pages? Throughout the episode, Joe and Toby celebrate Beyoncé's artistry and the sonic quality of her latest album while also questioning some of the production choices (that click track on “Blackbird”— eegads!). The album Cowboy Carter is overflowing with talent, featuring veteran artists like Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Linda Martell, and Stevie Wonder, and highlighting emerging talents like Tanner Adele and Shaboozey. Toby and Joe explore the parallels between Beyoncé's journey and those of past artists like Charley Pride and DeFord Bailey and shed light on the long-standing challenges faced by black musicians in country music. By acknowledging this history and paying homage to those who paved the way, Beyoncé's album becomes a part of a larger narrative of resilience and creativity. Many artists have switched lanes, from Amy Grant to Darius Rucker. Joe and Toby explore the double standards and biases that exist within the music industry. Why do some artists face backlash for exploring new sounds, while others are celebrated for their versatility? These disparities highlight the complexities of race, identity, and cultural perceptions in music. Join us for the conversation as we explore “TEXAS HOLD 'EM” and the power of art to challenge norms, break barriers, and bring diverse voices to the forefront. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Toby and Joe as they kick off the long-awaited return of Riffs on Riffs, diving deep into the pop sensation Taylor Swift's track "Cruel Summer." Initially released on her 2019 album Lover, the song saw a resurgence in popularity four years later, propelled by Swift's Eras tour. Now, this track isn't your typical carefree summer anthem. Oh no, there's something intoxicatingly complicated going on here. We're talking about a passionate, whirlwind romance that's equal parts thrilling and…well, cruel. In this episode, Toby and Joe dissect the infectious beats and poignant lyrics of "Cruel Summer," exploring its journey to the top of the charts and its impact on listeners beyond Swift's core demographic. Whether you're a Swiftie OG or just discovering her music, there's something for everyone in this episode. Tune in as they unravel the layers of Taylor Swift's music and its universal appeal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to the final installment of Riffs on Riffs' 4-part miniseries about the band 24-Carat Black. On this episode: The legacy of 24CB and its landmark record Ghetto: Misfortune's Wealth, and where the former members landed. Riffs on Riffs is a production of Evergreen Podcasts. Hosted by Joe Watson and Toby Brazwell. Our Audio Engineer is Eric Koltnow and our Producer and Sound Designer is Noah Foutz. Executive Producers Gerardo Orlando and David Allen Moss. To help the former members of 24CB and get some new Riffs merch, check out our bonfire store! Listen to new music made by Princess Hearn and Niambi Steele, and to help support us make new music with them, consider donating to our Kickstarter! Check out the playlist for this season! Thanks for another great season. Huzzah! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to our epic four part series about the band 24-Carat Black! On episode 3, we learn all about the beginning of the end; Stax Records was on the fritz, and Dale Warren was holding the group together with both hands. Hear from original band members and more about the fallout of 24-Carat Black, here on Riffs on Riffs! Riffs on Riffs is a production of Evergreen Podcasts. Hosted by Joe Watson and Toby Brazwell. Our Audio Engineer is Eric Koltnow and our Producer and Sound Designer is Noah Foutz. Executive Producers Gerardo Orlando and David Allen Moss. Check out the playlist for this season! Listen to new music by 24-Carat Black members, and consider donating to our Kickstarter to make even more music with them! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to Riffs on Riffs, Season 3! This is episode 2 of our epic four part series about the band 24-Carat Black. On today's episode: The Dream. Dale Warren's musical vision coming to bear as we hear from former band members about life on the road and in the studio. Featuring more than one exciting Uhaul story, this is an episode you won't want to miss! Riffs on Riffs is a production of Evergreen Podcasts. Hosted by Joe Watson and Toby Brazwell. Our Audio Engineer is Eric Koltnow and our Producer and Sound Designer is Noah Foutz. Executive Producers Gerardo Orlando and David Allen Moss. Check out the playlist for this season! Listen to new music by 24-Carat Black members, and consider donating to our Kickstarter to make even more music with them! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to Riffs on Riffs, Season 3! This season, we're doing things a little differently - We're bringing you the story of a dark, musical savant with a dream, a van full of teenage musicians with otherworldly talent, and an epic record that has been sampled by hip-hop royalty, even though the group lives in obscurity to this day. We're telling the tale of 24-Carat Black, and on this episode, you'll hear the first of our four part series about the band that everyone's heard, but nobody has heard of. Riffs on Riffs is a production of Evergreen Podcasts. Hosted by Joe Watson and Toby Brazwell. Our Audio Engineer is Eric Koltnow and our Producer and Sound Designer is Noah Foutz. Executive Producers Gerardo Orlando and David Allen Moss. Check out the playlist for this season! Listen to new music by 24-Carat Black members, and consider donating to our Kickstarter to make even more music with them! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Riffs on Riffs is back and this season, we're doing things a little differently: a four-part series about the band that everyone has heard, but nobody has heard of, 24-Carat Black. Featuring interviews from band members, get ready to hear stories of otherworldly talent, teenage musicians honing their chops on the road in posh hotels and the backs of uhauls, an epic concept album decades ahead of its time, and a musical savant with a vision and a dark side at the center of it all. Coming this June, don't miss Season 3 of Riffs on Riffs! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do you call four men in a rock group that don't sing or play music? Join Joe and Toby as they search for the answer and throw plenty of shade along the way. These are a couple of groups that for some reason people love to hate. Don't enjoy this episode? We'll be happy to give you your Nickelback.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

BTS is a global phenomenon and a huge part of the popularity of the Korean Wave. So is it wrong to love K pop? Join Joe and Toby as they look to blues icon Keb Mo for some answers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are certain songs with content or subject matter that ventures into disturbing territory. Some of them are intentionally crafted stories meant to spur the listener into thinking about uncomfortable topics. Others are, well, just plain wrong. Join Joe and Toby as they examine tracks from Royce da 5’9”, Apathy, Benny Mardones, Neil Diamond, and others. They’ll also shine a light on the sexual abuse that is far too pervasive in the music industry. Warning: Content may include sexual abuse and assault triggers. Please take any necessary precautions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices