MUSIC is not a GENRE

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST!Join PatreonGet some merch~~~~FEATURED SONGREC – “Make Me Mic My Mouth”(from SYZYGY FOR THE WEIRD and RECcollection: The Best of REC 2007-2020)~~~~I’m kicking off Season 8 with YOU. Lots of you chimed in on a bunch of last season’s episodes and beyond, and you KNOW I love to chat. Since Season 7 started with an episode titled “Hey A$$holes…”, I considered taking a gentler approach to Season 8. And then I thought about the state of the world and said NOPE.Expect more fire this season. I’ll go over some of the topics I’ll be doing, and I’d love to hear suggestions from YOU.Did I mention you? Did I miss something? What topics would you like me to cover in Season 8? Discuss dammit! BONUS MxTRA: My take on Charlie Kirk~~~~*intro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High"*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper" Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST!Join PatreonGet some merch~~~~Here's YET ANOTHER gift BONUS MxTRA episode. It's a PATREON EXCLUSIVE that I'm sharing for TWO reasons. ONE - so you know what awesome bonuses you get if you join Patreon (link above & below). TWO - Season 7 is DONE, Season 8 doesn't start until late September, and I don't wanna leave you hanging. In this BONUS MxTRA, I talk about bands & genres influenced by - and often incorporating - video game music and sounds. From 8-Bit to Chiptune to Nintendocore, music has been featuring video game sounds & styles since the late 1970s, and their influence is more present now than ever.If you like these BONUS MxTRAs, you can see the videos, all 50+ MxTRAs, and every future episode if you join me on Patreon.Enjoy! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST!Join PatreonGet some merch~~~~Here's YET ANOTHER gift BONUS MxTRA episode. It's a PATREON EXCLUSIVE that I'm sharing for TWO reasons. ONE - so you know what awesome bonuses you get if you join Patreon (link above & below). TWO - Season 7 is DONE, Season 8 doesn't start until late September, and I don't wanna leave you hanging. This BONUS MxTRA is in honor of the long awaited sequel to THIS IS SPINAL TAP, dropping this Friday. I go over the full list of dead drummers from Spinal Tap, and talk about why it's one of the many perfect tropes from the brilliant comedy writers & actors behind this juggernaut.If you like these BONS MxTRAs, you can see the videos, all 50+ MxTRAs, and every future episode if you join me on Patreon.Enjoy! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST!Join PatreonGet some merch~~~~Here's YET ANOTHER gift BONUS MxTRA episode. It's a PATREON EXCLUSIVE that I'm sharing for TWO reasons. ONE - so you know what awesome bonuses you get if you join Patreon (link above & below). TWO - Season 7 is DONE, Season 8 doesn't start until late September, and I don't wanna leave you hanging. In this BONUS MxTRA, I go over the history of CDs. The technology stretches way farther back than you could possibly guess. And though streaming now rules the day, no format has ever topped the market share of CDs.If you like these BONS MxTRAs, you can see the videos, all 50+ MxTRAs, and every future episode if you join me on Patreon.Enjoy! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST!Join PatreonGet some merch~~~~Here's YET ANOTHER gift BONUS MxTRA episode. It's a PATREON EXCLUSIVE that I'm sharing for TWO reasons. ONE - so you know what awesome bonuses you get if you join Patreon (link above & below). TWO - Season 7 is DONE, Season 8 doesn't start until late September, and I don't wanna leave you hanging. In this BONUS MxTRA, I talk British invasions. You probably know the ones from the 1960s & 1980s. Did you know there were TWO MORE? And I contend we're on the cusp of a FIFTH British invasion.If you like these BONS MxTRAs, you can see the videos, all 50+ MxTRAs, and every future episode if you join me on Patreon.Enjoy! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST!Join PatreonGet some merch~~~~FEATURED SONGNICK – “Too Good To Me” (from WHAT IT IS)~~~~To close out Season 7, I’m doing the 18th volume of Death is DUMB. Every year sees its share of major music deaths, but some years & year clusters have more significant deaths than others. It’s looking like 2025 is one of those.I talk about the major music deaths so far this year, focusing on a prominent handful of the hundreds who have died since January and up to August 7. Do you feel like we’ve lost more major stars in 2025 than in recent years? Which music deaths hit you the most? Do you believe deaths come in clusters? Did I leave out any music people you feel should have been included? Discuss dammit!BONUS MxTRA VIDEO: Significant Music Death Clusters in History~~~~*intro music credit: REC - "Wake Up High"*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper" Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST!Join PatreonGet some merch~~~~This week’s PODFAST you could call the SUMMER EDITION. Taking down the rhetoric and literally jumping into the fun.I do a big ol’ verbal mashup of songs featuring the word “jump”, starting with its first surge in the 1930s and going right up to this year. I break down why this word has been so ever-present, and why that’s important. AND I rank the TOP TEN JUMP SONGS.Have you ever noticed how there are almost always songs with “jump” in the air? Why do you think that is? What arethe ones you remember most? What are your favorite “jump” songs? Discuss dammit!~~~~*intro/outro music credit: REC - "You Make Me Wanna" (from RECcollection: The Best of REC 2007-2020) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST!Join PatreonGet some merch~~~~Here's YET ANOTHER gift BONUS MxTRA episode. It's a PATREON EXCLUSIVE that I'm sharing for three reasons. ONE - so you know what awesome bonuses you get if you join Patreon (link above). TWO - it's been a hell of a busy year and gig season. THREE - I don't wanna leave you hanging for a week.In this BONUS MxTRA, I rank my TOP 40 songs by The Police. Some surprises in there for sure, not the least of which is what a HUGE percentage of Police songs I rank as favorites, considering how few songs they released. You can also see my enthusiasm first hand - and what my face does when I attempt to sing these - by checking out the BONUS MxTRA video: VIDEO VERSION OF THIS EPISODEIf you like these BONS MxTRAs, you can see the videos, all 30+ MxTRAs, and every future episode if you join me on Patreon.Enjoy! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST!Join PatreonGet some merch~~~~FEATURED SONGREC – “Rhythm 77” (from KITE TO CAMDEN)This week’s PODFAST is the return of Quick Takes from the Continuum, but with a twist. I usually give overviews of new albums, but it’s been hard finding complete albums worth talking about. Instead, I’m doing a midyear check-in on my 2025 playlist. I do one every year, and this year it’s called “2025alive”. You’re gonna hear about a TON of new music, from both new and legacy acts, as well as some old music I discovered this year that deserves mention. It’s already pretty damn robust & eclectic, and I guarantee you’ll be surprised more than once.It’s only on Spotify. If enough people request it, I’ll recreate it on YouTube. Nick's 2025alive PLAYLISTAnything from my playlist that sparks your interest? Anything you’re already listening to? Anything I missed? Anyone remember the fruity drink that inspired my playlist name? Discuss dammit!~~~~*intro music credit: REC - "You Make Me Wanna" (from RECcollection: The Best of REC 2007-2020) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST!Join PatreonGet some merch~~~~FEATURED SONG REC – “Linear A (five12four)” (from KITE TO CAMDEN)~~~~MUSIC is EVERYTHING is really making up for lost time! For #37 of the series, I throw in my 28 cents on some dos & don’ts for struggling music creators – by which I mean ALL of us who aren’t in the top 1% of earners. AND I conclude with a VERY SHORT LIST of the only things you need to do to succeed. I’ve been a struggling music creator my whole life, and have learned through trial and error what works & what doesn’t, what moves the ball forward and what stands in your way. I’m going to go over as much of that as possible, and hopefully leave you with some good info to act on. If you’re a struggling music creator – or thinking of jumping in, you’ll get a lot out of this. If you’re not after a career in music, you’ll get some insight into what we go through year after year. And some of it may apply to your situation.If you’re a music creator, what’s your journey been like? Any common roadblocks? Or anything that always works for you? What do you wish was different? If you’re not a music creator, what have you learned? How can this apply to your situation? Discuss dammit!BONUS MxTRA: Mega successful artists who were repeatedly rejected~~~~*intro music: REC - "In Your Dreams Tonight"*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST!Join PatreonGet some merch~~~~Here's YET ANOTHER gift BONUS MxTRA episode. It's a PATREON EXCLUSIVE that I'm sharing for three reasons. ONE - so you know what awesome bonuses you get if you join Patreon (link above). TWO - in the middle of tons of gigs, I went and got sick, so I really need this week break. THREE - I really want your opinion on this topic.This BONUS MxTRA is all about the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and years of issues its had finding an identity that's both distinctive and inclusive. I go through the Rock Hall's history, talk about the major issues it's had, and discuss what it's done (if anything) to fix them. Then I go through a short but impactful list of artists who should be in the Hall but still aren't. To see the video of this episode, go here: VIDEO VERSION OF THIS EPISODEIf you like these BONS MxTRAs, you can see the videos, all 30+ MxTRAs, and every future episode if you join me on Patreon.Enjoy! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST!Join PatreonGet some merch~~~~The Song CoachFor the past several episodes, I’ve been promoting my new song coaching service. This 28th PODFAST is an introduction to that. It’s not just an introduction, it’s a tutorial. I lay out the basics, tell you my approach, and clue you in to what you’ll learn when you hire me to help you write that song you’ve been sitting on for years. Are you ready to take the step, and finally finish your song? Does this episode serve as a solid introduction to how I coach? Have any questions for me? Discuss dammit!And then let's get to work!The Song CoachAnd stream REC's new album, Kite to Camden!~~~~*intro/outro music credit: REC - "You Make Me Wanna" (from RECcollection: The Best of REC 2007-2020) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST!Join PatreonGet some merch~~~~FEATURED SONG NICK – “Your Sister” (from THE METROGRANDE SESSIONS)~~~~This is the era of back-to-back MUSIC is EVERYTHING episodes! For #36 of the series, I get real about music critics and criticism.Music criticism has taught us a lot, and often distilled what we need or want to know into digestible forms. But like social media, it’s often filled with assumptions, errors, and biases that color that knowledge in sometimes irreparable ways.I examine music critics and criticism – the origin and development, the different types of music writing, the pros and cons, and explain why all of it is ultimately somehow wrong, and often misses the point by a mile.Do you read music criticism? Are you a fan of music writing in general? Have you learned something from it? Do you tend to trust critics? Discuss dammit!BONUS MxTRA: How to use music critics for good~~~~*intro music: REC - "In Your Dreams Tonight"*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper" Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST!Join PatreonGet some merch~~~~FEATURED SONGREC - "Song OK" (from the album, KITE TO CAMDEN - out worldwide!)~~~~In my 35th installment of the MUSIC is EVERYTHING opinion series, I throw down on rockism and poptimism, two frequently opposing beliefs about what music is considered good and worthy of respect.Both beliefs are rooted in music analysis and criticism, and are as prevalent today as they’ve ever been. I go over their history, pros & cons, connect them to common social & political beliefs, and declare which one is superior.Do you prefer rock to other forms of music? If so, would you say you’re a rockist? Do you prefer pop, hip hop, electronic and other more currently chartable genres over rock? And does that make you a poptimist? Or are you somewhere in the middle, and believe divisions like this are useless? Discuss dammit!BONUS MxTRA: What’s wrong with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?~~~~*intro music: REC - "In Your Dreams Tonight"*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper" Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST!Join PatreonGet some merch~~~~In ROUND 6 of BackTalk, Steve Erickson & I dissect college radio. It’s often seen as a haven for new, diverse, and obscure music, and thus more inclusive than mainstream radio. That may be true, but does it have its own gatekeeping issues?We get into that, as well as its history, current state, how it compares to other forms of independent and online radio, and where it might be going.Are you a fan of radio in general, or do you exclusively stream your music? Have you ever listened to college radio? What do you think of the health of independent radio? Discuss dammit!Check out Steve's show, RADIO NOT RADIO, on Mixcloud!BONUS MxTRA: College radio charts comparison - 1978/84~~~~*intro/outro music credit: REC - "Sing Owwt"*mid roll music credit: The Drop - "Outerloper" Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.