The Last Mixed Tape

One of modern music’s most haunting voices is Maria Somerville, whose new album Luster captures the tension between dreams and memory, tradition and distortion. In this episode of The Last Mixed Tape, Stephen White explores how Irish artists like Somerville, Katie Kim, and Virgins are carrying the echo of shoegaze, dream pop, and drone into something uniquely Irish. With nods to My Bloody Valentin...

From rebel ballads to queer anthems, Irish folk and protest music are being reborn for a new generation. In this episode, we explore how artists like Lankum, Lisa O’Neill, Pillow Queens, the Mary Wallopers, Kneecap, Bambi Thug, and more are reclaiming Irish identity from right-wing ideology, rewriting what Irishness sounds and looks like. ANSEO, here, in the present tense. We trace the roots of mo...

Kneecap are facing calls to be dropped from Glastonbury Festival after backlash over controversial past performances. In this episode of The Last Mixed Tape, I explore the deeper implications of this moment not just for Kneecap, but for the future of protest in music. Using comedian Josh Johnson’s quote “Everything you thought was revolutionary was approved by a corporate lawyer” we look at how tr...

Kneecap’s explosive Coachella performance wasn’t just a set — it was a protest. When the Belfast rap group called out genocide and colonial violence from one of music’s biggest stages, the backlash was immediate: investigations, media smears, and coordinated attempts to silence them. In this episode of The Last Mixed Tape, Stephen White breaks down why Kneecap’s protest matters, why real resistanc...

Lana Del Rey has just quietly dropped two haunting new singles: Henry, Come On and Bluebird. In this episode of The Last Mixed Tape, Stephen White explores the dreamlike mood, stripped-back sound, and emotional undercurrents of these tracks and what they reveal about the next chapter in Lana’s evolution. From the hushed reverb-drenched acoustics to the unraveling of the American myth she’s long be...

Bon Iver’s new album SABLE, fABLE feels like a closing chapter—part epilogue, part rebirth. In this episode of The Last Mixed Tape, I explore how Justin Vernon blends folk, R&B, ambient, and pop into something both deeply personal and genre-defying. From the quiet intimacy of the Sable EP tracks to the lush pop clarity of Everything Is Peaceful Love, this is Bon Iver’s most emotionally resonan...

Drake’s new single Nokia is dominating the charts—but has the long shadow of Kendrick Lamar’s silence redefined what Drake’s success even means? In this episode of The Last Mixed Tape, Stephen White dives into the power dynamics of the Drake vs Kendrick beef, and asks whether Drake’s legacy is now being shaped by a rivalry he can’t escape. Featuring analysis of Nokia, the history of their lyrical...

I’ll admit it—I was wrong about CMAT. When I first heard her early singles like Rodney and I Wanna Be a Cowboy, Baby, I wasn’t convinced. It felt like the humor was overshadowing the music. But everything changed when I heard If My Wife New I’d Be Dead. From Nashville to Peter Bogdanovich, I finally saw the depth behind the persona. Then came Crazymad, For Me—and by the time Stay For Something bec...

U2’s Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me is more than just a forgotten ‘90s anthem—it’s a dark and prophetic take on fame, excess, and rock stardom. Released at the height of U2’s most theatrical era, the song saw Bono channeling his alter ego MacPhisto, a devilish rockstar inspired by Elvis and Jim Morrison, warning of the dangers of celebrity culture. In this episode of The Last Mixed Tape, we...

Chappell Roan’s Pink Pony Club wasn’t an instant hit. In fact, when it was released in 2020, it barely made a dent in the charts. But years later, the song has become an anthem—thanks to her audience, not the industry. In this deep dive, we explore how Pink Pony Club slowly found its people, why streaming algorithms bury great music, and what this says about the modern music industry. SWe also com...

Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush’s Don’t Give Up is more than just a duet—it’s a masterclass in emotional storytelling. In this deep dive, we explore the song’s themes of resilience, how toxic masculinity prevents men from seeking support, and why Kate Bush’s voice became a musical safe space for so many. We also uncover Peter Gabriel’s original vision for the track, including his attempt to recruit Do...

With their latest single, It’s Amazing To Be Young, Fontaines D.C. continue their sonic evolution—embracing Britpop’s anthemic scale while remaining deeply rooted in their Irish identity. But how does an Irish band fit into Britpop’s legacy? And what does it mean for a band shaped by Dublin to make their mark in London? In this deep dive, we trace the band’s shift from post-punk outsiders to arena...

Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime performance wasn’t just a show—it was a power struggle in real time. Behind the corporate spectacle, Kendrick delivered a performance loaded with subversive messages, playing with ideas of control, propaganda, and rebellion. But did the audience—and the system—fall right into his trap? In this deep dive, Steve breaks down: • The hidden symbolism behind Kendrick...

Kendrick Lamar is about to step onto the biggest stage in music—the Super Bowl Halftime Show—and it could be a career-defining moment. In his recent Apple Music interview, Kendrick made it clear; “Hip-hop is not just music. It’s an art form. It’s high art.” With “Not Like Us” dominating the culture, the weight of hip-hop’s fight for recognition, and the legacy of past Super Bowl performances that...

Marianne Faithfull’s haunting voice in Metallica’s The Memory Remains is unforgettable—but the story behind it is even more powerful. When Metallica needed a voice that sounded like time itself—worn, fractured, yet unshakable—they turned to Marianne Faithfull. But how did a former ‘60s pop star, once known for her angelic voice and tragic downfall, end up shaping one of Metallica’s most haunting s...

In this episode, we dive deep into the eerie and enigmatic world of David Lynch’s music, focusing on his 2011 album Crazy Clown Time. Known for his surreal films like Blue Velvet and Mulholland Drive, Lynch’s approach to sound design has always been integral to his storytelling. But how does this translate to a full album of haunting, experimental music? Join host Stephen White as we explore the c...

From the chaotic rebellion of Generation Terrorists to the introspective evolution of The Holy Bible and beyond, the Manic Street Preachers have carved one of the most compelling paths in rock history. In this episode of The Last Mixed Tape, we explore their remarkable journey, tracing the highs and lows of their career—from the enigmatic brilliance of Richey Edwards to the anthemic triumphs of Ev...

This week, to mark the anniversary of David Bowie’s passing, Steve delves into how the song Heroes and Bowie’s Berlin Era shaped his artistry and our perspective on his work retrospectively. From chaos to heroes, maximalism to minimalism, the ever changing David Bowie created a masterpiece through adversity. 00:00 Intro 00:30 You remind me of the babe… 01:36 Bowie goes to Berlin 04:17 Heroes in Ha...

This week Steve delves into his favourite U2 song, ‘Stay (Faraway, So Close!)’. Released as part of the 1993 album Zooropa, and inspired by Wim Wenders film Der Himmel Über Berlin and used in its sequel. The song captures the band at the height of their musical and stylistic powers. 00:00 Intro 00:30 U2 Stay (Faraway, So Close!) Review 26:50 Outro

This week Steve picks out his favourite song of 2024, ‘Starburster’ by Fontaines D.C. taken from the Irish bands’ seminal album Romance. Meanwhile, the Count of Monte Playlisto returns with his end of year Spotify playlist including nods to Kneecap, Trophy Wife, Shark School, Gurriers, New Dad, April, Aoife Wolf, Chalk, Sprints, Really Good Time, and Alisha. 00:00 Intro 00:30 My favourite song 202...

In this The Last Mixed Tape Christmas special Steve delves into the cultural impact of ‘Fairytale of New York’ by the Pogues featuring Kirsty MacCall. Decades on from its release, Shane MacGowan’s songwriting zenith hit its peak with the Pogues as he and Kirsty MacCall would change the sound of Christmas forever with a punkish subversion of the holiday sing-a-along. 0:00 Intro 0:30 Vibes Disclaime...

The week’s End-of-Year episode Steve looks back on 2024 through a cultural lens, shining a light on the records, performances and moments where Irish Artists changed the culture both locally and globally. From Kneecap taking on the Tories to the Irish led SXSW boycott these acts have paved the way for 2025. 00:00 Intro 00:30 Irish Artists 2024 02:06 The List 36:19 Outro

This week Steve delves into Kendrick Lamar’s surprise new album GNX, and explores the continued reign of Lamar’s Imperial Phase and where to next. Is this a victory lap? Or the extension of his long run at the top of his game. Meanwhile, the Count of Playlisto reviews new music by Melina Malone, Annie-Dog, James Vincent McMorrow, Adrian Crowley, and Barra Donovan, adding the, to TLMT’s Irish Mixed...

This week Steve delves into Father John Misty’s brand new album Mahashmashana, discussing the thematic thread and commanding persona that has dominated Joshua Tillman’s music and if this is the end of Father John Misty as we know him. Meanwhile, the Count of Monte Playlisto reviews new music by the Murder Capital, Queen Bitch, Vera, Ten Hail Mary’s, Laura Elizabeth Hughes, Roe, and Lisa Hannigan &...

This week Steve delves into Linkin Park and their brand new album From Zero. The group’s first studio album since the passing of Chester Bennington and the introduction of new vocalist Emily Armstrong. In this episode Steve will discuss the change and where it leaves Linkin Park and their fanbase in 2024. Meanwhile, the Count of Monte Playlisto picks out new Irish music from Modernlove, Maria Kell...