WorkTape

Welcome to part two of WorkTape’s trip back to 1984, a year packed to the brim with iconic albums and groundbreaking moments in music. In this episode, we discuss albums from the rise of hip-hop with Run-DMC's debut, to the resurgence of Tina Turner with her album "Private Dancer." We also dive into the influential sounds of new wave and alternative rock with bands like The Cure, Depeche Mode, and...

Explore the sonic landscape of 1984 as we take a deep dive into the year's landmark albums on this episode of WorkTape. We discuss iconic releases like Metallica's "Ride the Lightning," Van Halen's "1984," Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the USA," and Prince's "Purple Rain." We also reflect on the rise of synth-rock with The Cars' "Heartbeat City", and the enduring influence of U2's "The Unforgettabl...

This episode of WorkTape delves into the music of 1974, where funk and jazz-infused rock ruled the airwaves! Join us as we highlight iconic albums from artists like Queen, David Bowie, and Stevie Wonder. We also pay homage to Chester Bennington on the anniversary of his passing, reflecting on his lasting impact on rock, and music as a whole. Tune in for a nostalgic and informative journey into one...

Welcome to the latest episode of edition of WorkTape, where we take a retrospective journey back to 1964, to celebrate 60 years of some of the year's most interesting albums. We dive into the early years of The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, the rise of motown with Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson, and examine the impact of artists like Bob Dylan and Sam Cooke. Join us as we reflect on how the ear...

Is "Ghost Stories" the hidden gem in Coldplay's discography? Tune in to this episode of WorkTape as we celebrate the ten-year anniversary of possibly Coldplay's iciest and most chill record. Paying mind to its minimalist and melancholic focus, we discuss how it contrasts earlier works, like Viva La Vida and Mylo Xyloto, and how it pays homage to even earlier works like "Parachutes". Join us for a...

Is Coldplay's new direction a hit or a miss? This week on WorkTape, we delve into Coldplay’s latest single “feelslikeimfallinginlove” and discuss their upcoming album Moon Music . We reflect on their evolution as a band, from their earlier works like Viva La Vida to their more current, Max Martin-influenced sound. Join us for an in-depth conversation on Coldplay's latest musical direction! Episode...

Listen in on this episode of WorkTape as we commemorate Juneteenth with a spotlight on Kendrick Lamar's cheeky yet powerful performance at The Forum. We also reflect on the enduring legacy of The Eagles as they prepare for their final tour at The Las Vegas Sphere, while giving our takes on James Blakes’ recently dropped “CMYK” EP. Join us for another dynamic discussion on these exciting music mome...

Dive into this episode of WorkTape as we explore KAYTRANADA’s latest release “TIMELESS” and its unique take on house music. We discuss the standout features from artists like PinkPantheress and Childish Gambino, and how Kaytranada’s Haitian roots influence his original sound. Additionally, we delve into Paramount+’s new documentary “How Music Got Free,” which examines the history of music piracy a...

Is Spotify gaslighting the music industry? Tune in to this episode of WorkTape as we scrutinize Spotify CEO Daniel Ek's controversial comments on music production costs and the latest price hike for Spotify Premium. We also dive into Eminem's new track 'Houdini,' exploring its nostalgic throwback to his Slim Shady days and the clever use of Steve Miller's fittingly titled "Abracadabra". Additional...

Is Taylor Swift bigger than The Beatles? In this episode of WorkTape, listen in as we chime in on The New York Times' recent comparisons between Taylor Swift and The Beatles, and examine Consequence of Sound's "50 Best Post-Grunge Songs" list on the enduring classics of post-grunge. Tune in as we discuss how these iconic influences continue to shape contemporary music. Episode Highlights: Is nosta...

Are well-established culture giants like Apple Music just pandering the status quo, or are they merely showcasing the best in modern music? Dive into this thought-provoking episode of WorkTape as we examine twenty øne piløts' latest release "Clancy", and dissect Apple Music's 100 Best Albums list. We question whether or not these albums deserve their respective rankings, and give our own perspecti...

Join us in this exciting episode of WorkTape as we delve into Billie Eilish's latest, “HIT ME HARD AND SOFT”, and discuss the needed end of the larger-than-life feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar. Were their lyrical battles genuine, or just clever and strategic marketing ploys? Additionally, we explore the impact of Apple's latest controversial ad and the role of AI in the modern creative proce...

Tune in to this episode of WorkTape as we pay homage to Steve Albini, a less celebrated, but pivotal figure in alternative music production known for his work with Nirvana and other iconic bands. Alongside, we scrutinize Spotify’s latest pricing strategy, as well as overview the escalating war between Drake and Kendrick Lamar. Don’t miss this intriguing edition! Episode Highlights: What made Steve...

In this episode of WorkTape, we delve into the dramatic shifts in music retail, exemplified by the transformation of stores like Sam Ash into digital entities, and discuss how these changes impact both artists and consumers. We also explore the recent ongoing feud between hip-hop’s “The Big Three”. Are these feuds genuine expressions of artistic rivalry or just mere publicity stunts? Join us as we...

Are edgy lyrics creative brilliance or just kinda sus? Join us this episode as we explore the realm of shady lyrics that stir the pot in the music scape. Questioning whether they push artistic boundaries or merely cross lines of decency, we tackle infamous lines from artists like Sting, Rick Ross, and many others—examining whether these choices are bold moves or serious missteps. Tune in to discov...

Is creative comfort hindering true artistic innovation? Dive into this compelling episode of WorkTape as we dissect Taylor Swift's latest release "Tortured Poets Department", and the prevalent trend of musical safety among top artists. We discuss Swift’s collaboration with Jack Antonoff, exploring whether the iconic duo's familiar sonic landscape is a strategic choice or a creative rut. Join us to...

Is direct-to-consumer the new norm in music? Jump into this interesting episode of WorkTape as we explore the shifting paradigms of music distribution. From Pharrell's surprise "Black Yacht Rock, Vol. 1: City of Limitless" to Kanye's serialized albums, discover how artists are bypassing traditional channels to connect directly with fans. Additionally, we discuss the resurgence of physical sales an...

Is pain integral to artistic progression? Listen in on this thought-provoking discussion on WorkTape, where we explore the dynamic between trauma and creativity in the music industry. As we dissect the lives of legendary musicians who turned their personal hardships into groundbreaking musical achievements, explore whether adversity is truly a necessary ingredient for profound artistry. Episode Hi...

This week on WorkTape, we unpack Beyoncé's latest musical venture with her recent genre-defying “Cowboy Carter”, taking note of its eclectic mix of country, R&B, and more. Plus, we tackle the news of Lizzo's bombshell announcement about potentially quitting music. Don't miss our take on these major music moments. Episode Highlights: Is “Cowboy Carter” a standout Beyoncé album? Does “Cowboy Car...

Come listen in on an episode where we dissect the seismic waves James Blake is making in the music streaming universe, challenging the status quo and shedding light on the pressing issues facing artists today. In a twist of fate, we also delve into Drake Bell's journey from controversy to redemption, marking his return to music with a newfound perspective. Tune in for an episode that strikes a cho...

Step into a world where music's past and social media's future collide on the WorkTape Podcast. This edition we touch on the legacy of Avicii with comments on his newly released track, and examine the tumultuous journey of TikTok amidst talks of a U.S. ban. Expect a passionate dive into the melodies that move us, and the platforms that provoke us. Don't miss this insightful episode! Episode Highli...

Will prompting become the future of producing music? Explore the current landscape of modern sound us as we delve into news of Adobe's latest pursuit “Project Music GenAI Control”: an AI tool aiming to possibly revolutionize how we make music. This episode examines the potential of AI to inspire new music, challenge traditional production methods, and spark a creative revolution. Whether you're cu...

Continuing our exploration of Beyoncé's chart-topping success with "TEXAS HOLD 'EM", this episode of WorkTape further examines its unprecedented success and the questions it raises about genre boundaries and authenticity in country music. Beyond Beyoncé, we also turn our attention to the latest music industry news, such as the ramifications of UMG's recent layoffs. Tune in as we explore these...

In this episode, we unpack the rich tapestry of music's past and present, with a special focus on Bob Marley's recent “One Love," and on whether or not the biopic successfully honors his legacy. We also break down the recent country music controversy sparked by Beyoncé's unoriginally titled “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM” and what it means for the genre's future. It's an episode filled with insights on how music...

Tune in as we unwrap a world of music biopics with a focus on the critics' consensus on Marleys' recent "One Love" film, and the intriguing trend of pop and hip-hop artists venturing (back) into country territory. We'll discuss the challenges and triumphs of capturing the lives of figures in music on screen, and what possibly drives today's artists to embrace country roots. Don't miss this edition...