B-Side Banter

🔥 Welcome back to B-Side Banter! 🔥I’m joined once again by What’s The Buzz, and this episode is PACKED with hip-hop and pop chaos. We’re breaking down 2025’s most polarizing albums — from Freddie Gibbs’ “Alfredo II” and Tyler, The Creator’s “Don’t Tap The Glass,” to Lil Wayne’s forgotten rock experiment and Playboi Carti’s bloated flop.We also debate whether 2025 has been a career-defining year or a creative collapse for some of music’s biggest names. Did Travis Scott sabotage his own rollout to spite Pusha T? Why did Taylor Swift’s new album fall flat? And is Drake’s “Iceman” going to save his legacy?Plus, we share our favorite albums and artist Mount Rushmores — from Gorillaz and Outkast to Jay-Z’s 4:44 and Lil Wayne’s legacy.If you love hip-hop debates, album breakdowns, and brutally honest takes, you’re in the right place. Hit that LIKE & SUBSCRIBE button and let us know in the comments: What’s been the best (and worst) album of 2025 so far? 👀

Some collectors chase hype — others chase history.In this episode of Pressed, I’m joined by Smitty from Smitty Soul Shack — a lifelong R&B, jazz, and soul collector — to talk about why classic records still move us in ways modern music can’t.We dig into:How his grandfather’s jazz collection sparked a lifelong passion 🎷Why soul and R&B hit differently (hint: it’s the church roots)The magic of bargain-bin finds and crate-digging storiesHow vinyl collecting has changed — the good and the badThe story behind a mysterious Stevie Wonder note that might involve soul legend Melba Moore 👀Tips for new collectors, and why the secret to enjoying vinyl is simply playing the record👉 What’s a classic record that still gives you chills every time you play it? Drop it in the comments — and don’t forget to check out Smitty’s podcast, Music is the Glue.

🌍 Welcome back to B-Side Banter! 🌍This week I’m joined by Jakk from A1234, one of the internet’s sharpest voices on global music discovery. We dive deep into the world’s hidden music gems—everything from the “Polish Beatles” to the wild underground scene of Japanese jazz punk.Jakk shares must-listen albums from every continent, stories of overlooked legends like Johnny Alf (the real pioneer of bossa nova) and Miriam Makeba (fighting apartheid with music), and even why Carol of the Bells was originally a Ukrainian protest song. We also explore what’s next in world music—could Italo Disco or Chinese rap shows be the next K-pop?If you love music history, global discovery, and finding artists before they blow up, this is the episode for you.🔥 Hit that LIKE & SUBSCRIBE button and tell us in the comments: Which country’s music scene do you want to explore next?

Few brands in vinyl spark as much debate as Crosley. In this episode of Pressed, I sit down with Caitlin and Barrett from Crosley Record Players to talk about the brand’s history, clear the air on whether Crosley Cruisers really ruin your records, and dive into how inclusivity and accessibility are shaping the future of vinyl.We also cover:• The surprising 100+ year history of Crosley, from radios to cars to record players• Whether the Cruiser is truly dangerous for your vinyl — or if it’s just a myth• Why the Cruiser matters as an affordable entry point for new collectors• Crosley’s national high school Cruiser contest and how it’s inspiring the next generation of music lovers• An exclusive look at their brand-new Cruiser CD player👉 What was your first record player? Was it a Crosley? Drop it in the comments — I’d love to know your story.

🔥 Djo’s moment is here. 🔥In this episode of B-Side Banter, I sit down with Kelly from Djo Daily to unpack the meteoric rise of Joe Keery’s music career. We trace his journey from Post Animal to Stranger Things fame, the viral breakout of “End of Beginning,” and why The Crux Deluxe might be the perfect album of the summer.We debate whether Djo should be considered a musician first, actor second, break down the unique nostalgia of his sound, and even dive into why he’s never released a single music video. Plus, we speculate on Stranger Things’ final season — will Steve Harrington survive?If you love dad rock, fandom deep dives, and discovering the future of indie rock, this one’s for you. Hit LIKE & SUBSCRIBE and let us know in the comments: Where do you rank Djo’s albums? 👀

🔥 One of the biggest names in music podcasting joins B-Side Banter! 🔥In this episode, I sit down with Cole Cuchna, the creator of the acclaimed Dissect podcast, for a deep dive into music, culture, and the art of analysis. Cole opens up about the grind of starting Dissect, why To Pimp a Butterfly changed his life, and how breaking down Kendrick Lamar’s lyrics forced him to reflect on himself.We also explore the polarizing world of Radiohead, Cole’s love for Kid A and In Rainbows, and his thoughts on Daft Punk as one of the most influential duos of our generation. Plus, Cole reveals his personal Mount Rushmore of artists, the albums he thinks will define this century, and why he’s cautious about revisiting Kanye West’s catalog.If you love music deep dives, legendary albums, and conversations that make you rethink the records you thought you knew, you don’t want to miss this one.

Vinyl collecting isn’t the same everywhere — and in Australia, it comes with a unique set of challenges. In this episode of Pressed, I’m joined by Jenny Jamball, an Australian collector, to talk about the struggles of finding pressings down under and her journey as a woman in a male-dominated vinyl community.We get into:• Why records are harder (and more expensive) to find in Australia 🇦🇺• The wild price difference between U.S. and Aussie bins• Jenny’s experience breaking into vinyl as a female collector• How gatekeeping impacts the community — and how to push back• Her favorite first records, most-played albums, desert island pick, and ultimate grail👉 What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a collector? Drop it in the comments — I’d love to hear your story.

🔥 Welcome back to B-Side Banter! 🔥In this episode, I’m joined by Agustina, a rising TikTok creator known for her love of 80s and 90s music — from The Smiths and The Cure to shoegaze, post-punk, and beyond. We dive into the blurred lines between goth and emo, the lasting influence of bands like Smashing Pumpkins, Cocteau Twins, and Depeche Mode, and what makes gothic music feel so grand compared to emo’s angst.We also explore how music connects generations, why Daft Punk’s albums are best experienced as complete works of art, and how artists like Charli XCX and Maggie Rogers are reshaping modern pop. Plus, we tackle music gatekeeping, TikTok hate, and what it really means to be a “true fan.”If you’re into alternative classics, timeless albums, and debates about legacy vs. new waves, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Drop a comment: Do you think older bands should keep releasing new albums? 👀

🔥 Welcome back to B-Side Banter! 🔥In this episode, I’m joined by Matt — better known as FuegoStein, one of the internet’s go-to voices for indie music discovery. We dive deep into the grind of touring for indie artists, why so many struggle to break through, and how merch and vinyl sales often keep them alive.We also break down the cultural impact of Noah Kahan’s Stick Season, the debate over gatekeeping when indie artists go mainstream, and how social media bits, fake beefs, and hot takes can skyrocket a band’s career. From Wednesday, Samia, and Viagra Boys to the endless TikTok beefs shaking up music right now — this one’s packed.If you love discovering new artists, hearing the real side of the music grind, and debating what makes or breaks success today, you’re in the right place. Hit that LIKE & SUBSCRIBE button and join the convo: Should fans stop gatekeeping indie artists? 👀

Welcome back to Pressed! In Episode 2, I’m joined by Giggens—a lifelong vinyl collector and co-manager of Static Era Records in Connecticut.We dive into the journey from being a kid digging through garage sales to managing a record store during the vinyl resurgence. Giggens shares:• How his personal collection grew to 3,000+ records 📀• Wild finds inside jackets (money, notes, even weed 😅)• The coolest 5,000-record collection the store ever bought• Thoughts on Crosley players and why beginners shouldn’t be shamed• Advice for anyone starting their own collectionStick around for the Quick Fire Vinyl Q&A, where Giggens reveals his first vinyl, most-played record, desert island pick, and ultimate grail.👉 If you’re ever in Milford, CT, check out Static Era Records—and remember to support your local record shops wherever you are.