INTERVIEW - Sean Solomon

The boys sit down with ANTI Records singer-songwriter Sean Solomon to talk about his new album "The World Is Not Good Enough." We also discuss the process of songcraft, aging rockers, and exercising to slow jams. 

The boys sit down with the one and only Jamie Stewart of Xiu Xiu fame to discuss his 2004 album "Fabulous Muscles," wartime artistry, and believing in the Mystery. 

The boys discuss Pavement's epic second album Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain, the perils of customer service, and the double-edged sword of ironic rock.

The boys proudly chat with Sam Coomes, the mastermind behind the band Quasi. They discuss his thoughts on songwriting, artistic activism, and his 1998 album "Featuring Birds." 

The boys discuss the dark brooding behemoth that is PJ Harvey's "Rid of Me" album, the philosophical utility of pessimism vs optimism, and the eternally enduring inspiration that comes from the creative muse. 

The boys discuss the melodic genius of Sheryl Crow's third studio LP, album artists versus single artists, and Steve's budding bromance with Frank Stallone. 

On this New Signals segment of the Mixtape Hotline, Steve gets driven to madness over the popularity of Geese while Nick tries to talk him off the ledge by subliminally promising him Taylor Swift vinyl. 

The Mixtape Hotline is introducing a segment called NEW SIGNALS, where we step outside of our 90s focused purview and look to analyze more modern bands.  On this episode we discuss the enigmatic Angine De Poitirine and how their microtonal grooves have carved out a new and surprising place in our current moment. 

Actor, writer, musician, and social media personality Jacob Givens joins the Mixtape Hotline to discuss his favorite album of all time: Siamese Dream by The Smashing Pumpkins. We trace the band's rise from the Chicago underground through the creation of one of the defining albums of the 1990s. Along the way, we examine the relentless pursuit of perfection that shaped the record, the internal tensions that nearly tore the band apart, and how those struggles ultimately produced an enduring alternative rock classic.

For the 11th episode of Mixtape Hotline, we dive into Radiohead and the turbulent period surrounding The Bends. After the unexpected explosion of "Creep," the band found themselves trapped beneath the weight of a massive radio hit they were already beginning to resent. We explore the pressure, uncertainty, and identity crisis that surrounded the making of The Bends, and how that tension ultimately pushed Radiohead toward creating one of the defining rock albums of the 1990s. We also get into the emotional tone of the record, the leap in songwriting and atmosphere, the early signs of the band's future experimentation, and why The Bends continues to resonate as such a pivotal transitional album in alternative rock history. Listen to Mixtape Hotline on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for full episodes and more deep dives into music history and culture.