Sync The Beat Podcast

We are joined by music blogger and enthusiast, Reina from @vibeswithreinaa to reflect on the 'Social Stereotypes in Music Culture'. This was quite a broad topic to dive into, and the conversation took all three of us to different places. We all have preconceived perceptions of different genres, especially the ones we are less familiar with. These stereotypes can also reflect the broader view we have as a society, such as race, class, gender, sexuality and lifestyle. Have these influences impacted the way we digest music?   Topics include: - Have black people adopted the 'stiff upper lip' attitude at music events? - Reina's beginnings in her love for music people wouldn't expect her to listen to - Alex finding solace growing up as a queer man in Pop music, whilst feeling isolated from black-inspired sounds - Topsy thinks back to her love of Rock music and what it means to her - Do we dress accordingly to concerts/events that play certain types of genres? - The queer agenda & gay baiting from big male artists - The downfall of Diddy   We also share songs we're listening at the moment! Muni Long, Asake, KAYTRANADA, Cleo Sol, and more. Tune in!!!   Follow us on TikTok & Instagram: @syncthebeatpod Socials: https://www.instagram.com/syncthebeatpod/ Email us: syncthebeatpod@outlook.com

DJ & Producer PDR joins us on the pod to talk about his life, upbringing, music inspirations and his journey from a budding DJ into a Producer with a sound that's recognisable. With inspirations from KAYTRANADA and humble beginnings quitting his degree in Spain to Glass collecting in a Brighton bar, Topsy and Alex weigh in on the conversation. The African music takeover is also discussed!   Follow us on TikTok & Instagram: @syncthebeatpod Socials: https://www.instagram.com/syncthebeatpod/ Email us: syncthebeatpod@outlook.com  

We are joined by singer-songwriter & producer, Miriam Franklin to talk about her new single Wishin', which was recently played on BBC Introducing; the world of being an Independent artist, and joining in the conversation of whether TikTok is a priority in being a successful artist these days. We loved having the "Pigeon Queen" with us on the pod ;) Our favourite game "Guess The Song" is back so tune in to find out who wins... #TeamMiriam or #TeamAlex    Follow us on TikTok & Instagram: @syncthebeatpod Socials: https://www.instagram.com/syncthebeatpod/ Email us: syncthebeatpod@outlook.com  

This episode is a divisive one... How would you change an artists trajectory? There are a lot of things we agree and don't agree with when it comes to our favourite musicians, and there are many things we would change. Image, sound, genre, features - the list is endless. We discuss artists such as Miley Cyrus, Normani, Rema, Oxlade, Leigh-Anne, Jesy Nelson, Rita Ora, Ruger and many more. It's an hour full of strong opinions, facts, disagreements, banter and an all round love and respect for artists! Follow us on TikTok & Instagram: @syncthebeatpod Socials: https://www.instagram.com/syncthebeatpod/ Email us: syncthebeatpod@outlook.com  

In this episode, we are joined by Dance Vocalist, Anelisa Lamola! Anelisa has featured on singles with brilliant DJ's & Producers from the likes of Mistajam, Franky Wah, Wh0, Carly Wilford , Girls of the Internet and more! Listen as we touch on her upbringing, how she got started in the Dance world, inspirations, juggling different creative careers, and the stories behind the songs she has released! Follow us on TikTok & Instagram: @syncthebeatpod Socials: https://www.instagram.com/syncthebeatpod/ Email us: syncthebeatpod@outlook.com  

Welcome to the first ever episode of Sync the Beat!!! Join Topsy and Alex as they candidly talk all things music... In this episode, we speak about our humble beginnings as friends, our hopes for the Podcast, Carnival, most importantly; how RnB is perceived in the UK. Follow us on TikTok & Instagram: @syncthebeatpod Socials: https://www.instagram.com/syncthebeatpod/ Email us: syncthebeatpod@outlook.com  

Welcome to 'Sync The Beat' Podcast! Join Topsy and Alex as they candidly talk about all things music... coming soon!!!

This episode is pure chaos (in a good way). Especially because we're joined by the fabulous Manny aka The Classic Manny! Known for his pop outtakes on the socials, we couldn't think of a better person to have this ranking with! We rank artists across different music lanes — UK girl groups, pop stars, Afrobeats, R&B, rap & drill, and legacy icons— using nothing but a whiteboard and our opinions. No safe picks. No sympathy. Just hot takes, debates, and placements that will definitely annoy someone. From Spice Girls to The Saturdays, Beyoncé to Burna Boy — we’re deciding who really runs their category right now. Listen… then come argue with us.   Follow us on the socials! TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@syncthebeatpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/syncthebeatpod/ Email: syncthebeatpod@outlook.com

MERRY CHRISTMASSSS! It’s the last episode of the year, and we’re closing things out the only way we know how—by syncing the beat with the holiday spirit. In this Christmas-themed episode, we’re putting our own twist on the 12 Days of Christmas, counting down twelve standout moments, sounds, and selections that defined our year. Each “day” brings a new topic, from unforgettable music drops, viral TikTok moments, cultural shifts, and unexpected trends that had us hitting replay all year long. We break down why each pick mattered, how it shaped the soundscape of the year, and, of course, give our personal selections for every day. Thanks for your love and support over 2025. We hope you have a Merry Christmas, and a glorious New Year!   Follow us on the socials! TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@syncthebeatpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/syncthebeatpod/ Email: syncthebeatpod@outlook.com

In this episode, we go back to a time when discovering new music wasn’t as simple as opening an app—it was a full cultural experience. We’re talking Walkmans on the school bus, waiting hours for your favorite song to play on TV music channels, and the absolute social currency of having the perfect MySpace profile track. We dive into the early days of MSN and BBM, where your status message doubled as your emotional soundtrack and friendships were tested over who had the newest leaked song. And of course, we revisit the early YouTube era—where videos like Justin Bieber’s “One Time” and Rebecca Black’s “Friday” didn’t just go viral, they shaped a generation’s sense of humor, taste, and nostalgia... don't forget Skepta's "All Over the House"....!!! Join us as we break down the social culture around music before TikTok trends ruled everything—when discovery felt personal, sharing felt meaningful, and the internet felt like a frontier rather than a feed.   Follow us on the socials! TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@syncthebeatpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/syncthebeatpod/ Email: syncthebeatpod@outlook.com

In this episode, Alex shares his experience at the Afrotronik Festival, diving into the music, the energy, and the unforgettable vibes of the weekend. Big news all around as Topsy joins The Beat 103.6FM and Alex becomes part of BBC 1Xtra!   We catch up on the latest music releases from Mariah Carey, Muni Long, and Cardi B, and unpack the buzz surrounding our viral reel of Topsy slating Beyoncé — how did that blow up so fast?! 👀   Plus, we get into a deep discussion about how artists are marketed — what does it really mean to be seen as an Artist, Songwriter, or Producer in today’s industry?   Follow us on the socials! TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@syncthebeatpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/syncthebeatpod/ Email: syncthebeatpod@outlook.com

On this episode of Sync the Beat, we’re joined by Underground Advocatez, a dynamic music event collective from New York City making waves with their unique approach to artistry and live showcases. We dive into their journey as a collective, exploring how they’ve built a platform that unites talent and community. They share insights from their recent event that brought together a powerful lineup of acts from both the USA and the UK, highlighting the cultural exchange and energy that happens when two scenes collide. Of course, it wouldn’t be Sync the Beat without a little fun—so we wrap things up with some music games that spark creativity, laughter, and a few surprises. Tune in for a mix of artistry, international connection, and playful moments with Underground Advocatez.   Follow us on the socials! TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@syncthebeatpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/syncthebeatpod/ Email: syncthebeatpod@outlook.com

✨ New Episode Alert! ✨ In this deep dive, we’re bridging eras and genres with two standout albums: Sade’s iconic debut Diamond Life and Sabrina Carpenter’s Man’s best friend. We unpack the timeless elegance of Sade’s smooth jazz-soul fusion, exploring how Diamond Life set the stage for a legacy of sophistication in music. Then, we fast-forward to Sabrina Carpenter, breaking down the wit, charm, and controversy's surrounding man’s best friend.  From lyrical themes to cultural impact, we compare what makes each project resonate in its own lane – and why both remind us of music’s power to be stylish, bold, and unforgettable. 🎧 Tune in for nostalgia, fresh takes, and some unexpected parallels you won’t want to miss. Follow us on the socials! TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@syncthebeatpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/syncthebeatpod/ Email: syncthebeatpod@outlook.com

We are joined by Radio Presenter and Host, Melissa Dee! Why is it so hard for fresh presenters to break through? In this podcast, we talk about carving out space in an industry dominated by the same faces, while influencers increasingly take up slots that trained presenters have worked years for. We celebrate icons like Angelica Bell, Clara Amfo, Michael Underwood, and Trevor Nelson (and more!), who paved the way, and spotlight the new voices hustling to do the same today. This is about honoring the past, calling out the present, and backing the future of real presenters.   Follow us on the socials! TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@syncthebeatpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/syncthebeatpod/ Email: syncthebeatpod@outlook.com

Sync the Beat hosted at UK Black Pride 2025 and we loved every second! We blend live podcast energy with audience interaction in a vibrant panel exploring the impact of queer musicians of colour. Featuring a deep dive into history, exploring queer artists like Billie Holiday and Sylvester. We also dive into queer influence in music and how it’s pushing boundaries. Expect bold discourse, audience participation, and our signature Music Battle, where we as hosts go head-to-head and the crowd decides the winner. From party tracks to influential pride anthems, it’s a celebration of queer excellence in sound. A space to inform, engage, and uplift!  Follow us on the socials! TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@syncthebeatpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/syncthebeatpod/ Email: syncthebeatpod@outlook.com

In this episode, we dive deep into the impact of K-pop on Western media — from its global takeover to the complexities that come with its rise. We unpack the cultural appropriation of Black and rap culture within the industry, and discuss the prejudice and double standards often faced by both Black artists and K-pop idols. We spotlight the explosive solo careers of BLACKPINK members and the hit film emergence of K-Pop Demon Hunters. We also reflect on our first discovery of K-pop and how it sparked both fascination and critical reflection.   Follow us on the socials! TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@syncthebeatpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/syncthebeatpod/ Email: syncthebeatpod@outlook.com

Pop Girl Summer is heating up! We dive into the Tate McRae vs. Addison Rae plagiarism drama, Lorde’s moody comeback, Miley’s Something Beautiful flop(?), Olivia Rodrigo’s Glastonbury triumph, and Zara Larsson’s viral Midnight Sun—which divides us. Plus quickfire updates on the rest of the pop girlies - JADE's continued success and Leigh-Anne's independent comeback. Follow us on the socials! TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@syncthebeatpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/syncthebeatpod/ Email: syncthebeatpod@outlook.com

In this personal episode, we're joined by Get The Belt Podcast's Myles Hart! We explore the intersection of music, identity, and visibility within the LGBTQ+ community. From queer representation in music videos in the early 2000s—to the realities of growing up without seeing ourselves reflected in the songs we loved, this conversation is both a reflection and a celebration. In the conversation we discuss Pronouns in lyrics, freedom in Femininity and the backlash against queer men in music that come out. We talk candidly about the experience of being sheltered in religious spaces, hiding queerness in church pews and behind praise music, and the double-edged sword of fan pressure on queer artists to “come out” on public stages before they’re ready. We also shine a spotlight on the events and spaces that uplift and celebrate Black queer music and culture—where freedom, rhythm, and identity converge. Follow us on the socials! TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@syncthebeatpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/syncthebeatpod/ Email: syncthebeatpod@outlook.com

For decades, Black women have innovated and defined R&B globally, yet in the UK, their contributions often go unrecognised and under-celebrated. We’re asking: Why is that? And how do we change it? In this episode ft D33wain we’re breaking it down with who are the most exciting women currently making moves in UK R&B? And pay homage to those who came before We are exploring why is there a recurring struggle with pushing Black women to the next level? - using examples such as Tiana major9 and Ray BLK… and more! Join us for an in-depth and challenging discussion with a lot of laughter along the way   Follow us on the socials! TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@syncthebeatpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/syncthebeatpod/ Email: syncthebeatpod@outlook.com

Season 3 has begun!!! On 'What the Helly?', we dive into the legal drama swirling around some of the biggest names in music — from P. Diddy to Chris Brown, no courtroom tea is left unsipped. We also unpack the bizarre, the bold, and the baffling: Peter Andre channeling Jafaican (bro...), Justin Bieber's latest string of erratic online behavior, and Jesy Nelson surprising fans by welcoming twins! Join us for hot takes, sharp commentary, and a whole lot of WTF moments in the music world! Follow us on the socials! TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@syncthebeatpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/syncthebeatpod/ Email: syncthebeatpod@outlook.com