Best Jwyl Podcasts (2026)

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#174 - Taylor’s 7th Grammy Nom, Linkin Park’s New Era & McGee’s Rise 33:47

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1y ago33:47

33:47

In this end-of-year episode of WorkTape, we reflect on the spectacle of the Tyson vs. Paul fight before diving into some heavy Grammy talk, including Taylor Swift's record-breaking seventh Album of the Year nomination and the creative stagnation critics see in her latest work. We also unpack Linkin Park’s controversial return with a new frontwoman,…

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#173 - 2025 Grammy Nominations: Snubs, Predictions & Industry Shifts 31:29

1y ago31:29

31:29

Welcome to another episode of WorkTape, where we dive into the 2025 Grammy nominations and unpack the biggest surprises, hottest predictions, and most debated snubs. From Beyoncé’s overdue recognition to Billie’s indie charm, and from Kendrick’s diss track dominance to overlooked R&B contenders, we go over what this year’s nominations say about the…

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#172 - The Impact of Quincy Jones: A Tribute to a Music Legend 31:31

1y ago31:31

31:31

Join us on this heartfelt episode of WorkTape as we honor the legendary Quincy Jones, reflecting on his passing at the age of 91 and his monumental contributions to music. From his early days as a trumpeter alongside Ray Charles to his groundbreaking work with Michael Jackson on Thriller, Off the Wall, and Bad, we explore his unmatched legacy. We a…

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#171 - The 14s (10th Anniversary LPs) Pt. 6 34:55

1y ago34:55

34:55

Welcome to another episode of WorkTape, where we wrap up our retrospective on the eclectic music of 2014. In this final installment, we dive into some standout releases that pushed genre boundaries and left a lasting impression. From the unique grooves of Jungle's debut album to the heartfelt melodies of George Ezra's Wanted on Voyage, we explore h…

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#170 - The 14s (10th Anniversary LPs) Pt. 5 34:22

1y ago34:22

34:22

Join us for another episode of WorkTape as we dive back into 2014, a year packed with the gritty storytelling on Schoolboy Q’s "Oxymoron", the GRAMMY success of Lecrae’s career-defining "Anomaly", and the smooth, yet, hard-hitting collaboration of Freddie Gibbs and Madlib on "Piñata". We also explore the hauntingly beautiful indie-electronica sound…

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#169 - The 14s (10th Anniversary LPs) Pt. 4 17:58

1y ago17:58

17:58

Welcome to another episode of WorkTape, where we continue exploring the diverse sounds of 2014 with a focus on indie and electronic influences. This episode delves into Jungle’s vibrant self-titled debut, Taiko’s ambient soundscapes in Awake, and the experimental R&B from artists like FKA twigs and Banks. We also discuss how the resurgence of disco…

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#168 - The 14s (10th Anniversary LPs) Pt. 3 29:41

1y ago29:41

29:41

Welcome to another episode of WorkTape, where we explore the diverse sounds of 2014 through influential albums that left a lasting impact. We dive into Mac DeMarco's laid-back indie classic Salad Days, Pharrell’s chart-topping G I R L, and YG’s West Coast anthem My Krazy Life. We also reflect on Ed Sheeran's breakthrough with X and the powerful pre…

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#167 - The 14s (10th Anniversary LPs) Pt. 2 28:38

1y ago28:38

28:38

Welcome to another episode of WorkTape, where we continue our journey through the music landscape of 2014. This time, we take a close look at standout releases from Foo Fighters’ ambitious Sonic Highways, to the introspective sounds of Sam Smith’s In the Lonely Hour. We also explore J. Cole’s monumental 2014 Forest Hills Drive and Run the Jewels’ h…

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#166 - The 14s (10th Anniversary LPs) Pt. 1 28:59

1y ago28:59

28:59

Welcome to another episode of WorkTape, where we continue our journey through 2014, a year packed with genre-defining albums and exciting shifts in the music industry. From D'Angelo's long-awaited return with "Black Messiah" to the high-energy pop of Walk the Moon’s "Talking is Hard," we dive deeply into the year’s most notable releases. We also to…

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#165 - The 04s (20th Anniversary LPs) Pt. 5 32:38

1+ y ago32:38

32:38

Welcome to another episode of WorkTape, where we close out our deep dive into 2004, a year packed with genre-defining albums and memorable moments in music. From Matisyahu's groundbreaking debut "Shake Off the Dust...Arise" to Tegan and Sara’s pivotal "So Jealous," we revisit the era’s most impactful releases. We also delve into Regina Spektor's ex…

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#164 - The 04s (20th Anniversary LPs) Pt. 4 31:16

1+ y ago31:16

31:16

Join us for the latest episode of WorkTape as we continue our retrospective journey through 2004, a year that brought us some iconic and genre-defining albums. In this episode, we take a deep dive into Arcade Fire’s ambitious debut "Funeral" and its influence on the indie rock scene, alongside a look at Green Day’s political rock opera "American Id…

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#163 - The 04s (20th Anniversary LPs) Pt. 3 31:23

1+ y ago31:23

31:23

Welcome to another episode of WorkTape, where we continue a nostalgic trip back to 2004, spotlighting the alternative and indie rock albums that defined the era. From The Killers’ explosive debut "Hot Fuss" to Modest Mouse’s hit-filled "Good News for People Who Love Bad News," we explore how these iconic albums shaped the sound of the mid-2000s. We…

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#162 - The 04s (20th Anniversary LPs) Pt. 2 23:19

1+ y ago23:19

23:19

Welcome to another edition of WorkTape, where we continue our dive into the transformative albums of 2004. This episode highlights Gwen Stefani’s bold shift from No Doubt with her solo debut "Love. Angel. Music. Baby." and the timeless influence of Usher's "Confessions". Additionally, we explore Elliot Smith’s poignant final work "From a Basement o…

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#161 - The 04s (20th Anniversary LPs) Pt. 1 18:45

1+ y ago18:45

18:45

Welcome to another episode of WorkTape, where we rewind 20 years back to 2004 to explore some of the year’s standout albums; albums that shaped the music landscape. From Kanye West’s debut “The College Dropout” to MF Doom’s underground classic “Madvillainy,” we discuss the year’s most influential albums. We also discuss influential releases from Sn…

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#160 - The 94s (30th Anniversary LPs) Pt. 3 35:37

1+ y ago35:37

35:37

Welcome to the final part of WorkTape’s deep dive into 1994, a year that delivered some of the most iconic albums in alternative and hip-hop. In this edition, we discuss the timeless beauty of Jeff Buckley's "Grace", the underground grit of The Jesus Lizard's "Down", and the raw energy of Hole's "Live Through This". We also reflect on standout grun…

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#159 - The 94s (30th Anniversary LPs) Pt. 2 28:00

1+ y ago28:00

28:00

Join us on this episode of WorkTape as we continue our discussion of 1994, a year that, now 30 years ago, witnessed the rise of iconic albums and sounds. From how Green Day’s Dookie solidified its place as a cornerstone of pop-punk, to how Weezer’s Blue Album set the stage for a new era in alternative rock, we explore these topics and more. Become …

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#158 - The 94s (30th Anniversary LPs) Pt. 1 30:29

1+ y ago30:29

30:29

Join us for this episode of WorkTape as we revisit the pivotal year of 1994, exploring the albums that defined the era and left a lasting impact on the music landscape. We dive into Nas' legendary debut "Illmatic" and how it set a new standard for storytelling in hip-hop. We also discuss Outkast's introduction of Southern hip-hop with "Southernplay…

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#157 - The 84s (40th Anniversary LPs) Pt. 2 33:26

1+ y ago33:26

33:26

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 alternativ…

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#156 - The 84s (40th Anniversary LPs) Pt. 1 29:30

1+ y ago29:30

29:30

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", an…

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#155 - The 74s (50th Anniversary LPs) 29:54

1+ y ago29:54

29:54

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 i…

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#154 - The 64s (60th Anniversary LPs) 19:24

1+ y ago19:24

19:24

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 a…

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#153 - Celebrating Ten Years of Coldplay’s "Ghost Stories": The Sequel to "Parachutes" 30:54

1+ y ago30:54

30:54

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 ev…

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#152 - feelslikeimoutofideas: Yet Another Coldplay Discussion 28:22

1+ y ago28:22

28:22

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 conversatio…

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#151 - Circling Back to The Sphere with The Eagles 26:39

1+ y ago26:39

26:39

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 anoth…

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#150 - KAYTRANADA’s “TIMELESS” Classic Brings House Back to the Forefront, and Paramount+ Reminds Us About “How Music Got Free” 33:47

1+ y ago33:47

33:47

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 F…

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#149 - From the Real Slim Shady to Real Shady CEOs: The Cost of Music Creation 31:48

1+ y ago31:48

31:48

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 M…

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#148 - The Taylor Swift/Beatles Comparison, & Post-Grunge Post-Relevance 30:17

1+ y ago30:17

30:17

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 shap…

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#147 - twenty øne piløts' "Clancy", and the Apple Music's 100 Best Albums List Hits and Misses 30:54

1+ y ago30:54

30:54

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 the…

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#146 - Billie Eilish's Freshly-Prepared "LUNCH", the End of the Drake-Kendrick War, and Apple’s "Controversial" Ad 33:19

1+ y ago33:19

33:19

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 …

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#145 - Remembering Steve Albini, Dissecting Spotify’s Restructuring, and Overviewing the Escalating Drake-Kendrick War 26:06

1+ y ago26:06

26:06

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 intri…

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#144 - From Glory to (Sam) Ashes: Music Retail Survival and the Drake-Kendrick (and J. Cole) Situation 25:10

1+ y ago25:10

25:10

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 ri…

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#143 - those lyrics kinda sus tho ngl 33:11

1+ y ago33:11

33:11

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…

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#142 - Taylor Swift’s Department of (Somewhat) Tortured Poets 29:53

1+ y ago29:53

29:53

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 i…

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#141 - "Black Yacht Rock" Stealth Drops and the Future of Music Distribution 28:13

1+ y ago28:13

28:13

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. Additional…

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#140 - From Hardship to Harmony: Does Trauma Enhance Art? 35:36

1+ y ago35:36

35:36

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 nece…

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#139 - Beyoncé Rides the Country Horse 29:19

2y ago29:19

29:19

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 Cart…

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#138 - Tuning Into Change: James Blake's Streaming Revolution and Drake Bell's Comeback Tune 29:11

2y ago29:11

29:11

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 pers…

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#137 - TikTok's Ticking Clock... 23:36

2y ago23:36

23:36

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. …

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#136 - Prompting a Revolution: AI in Music & Adobe's Angle of Attack 25:05

2y ago25:05

25:05

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, …

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#135 - Beyond Beyoncé's Country Road 30:38

2y ago30:38

30:38

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'…

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#134 - Reggae Legends and Country Rebels 26:07

2y ago26:07

26:07

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.…

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#133 - Is There One Love for Country (After All)? 30:17

2y ago30:17

30:17

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…

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#132 - The Swift Effect, Grammy Glory, and Ye's "Comeback" 27:26

2y ago27:26

27:26

From the excitement of the Super Bowl to the prestige of the Grammy Awards, join us as we explore a week filled with musical milestones. We break down Taylor Swift's record-setting night at the Grammys, Ye's latest album release, and Drake's memeworthy goofiness. You won't want to miss this quick-witted episode! Episode Highlights: How did Taylor S…

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#131 - UMG’s TikTok Withdrawal and Typical Grammy Buzz 25:13

2y ago25:13

25:13

Tune in as we dissect a week of music industry bombshells, including UMG's surprising TikTok withdrawal and its fallout. We'll also dive into the Grammy nominations, offering our predictions and discussing what these developments mean for artists and fans alike. Listen in! Will Tom MacDonald and Ben Shapiro be able to make Billboard? Is UMG’s withd…

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#130 - The Raps of Ben Shapiro, and Nepotism in the Music Industry 28:27

2y ago28:27

28:27

Explore the both intriguing and unexpected crossover of Ben Shapiro from politics into rap, sparking debates and laughter alike. We also delve into the influence of nepotism in the music industry, discovering how familial ties can both aid and complicate an artist's journey, reshaping our understanding of success and talent in the music world. Epis…

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#129 - "No Doubt" About the 2024 Coachella Lineup 21:48

2y ago21:48

21:48

In this episode, we unpack the Coachella 2024 lineup, highlighting the varied headliners and the buzz around the No Doubt reunion. We'll also shine a light on some of the festival's hidden gems, including Deftones and Khruangbin. Discover what makes this year's festival a topic of hot debate among music fans. Episode Highlights: What significance d…

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#128 - The Return of Lil Nas X and the Stirring of Music's Pot 25:52

2y ago25:52

25:52

This week on the WorkTape Podcast, we take a closer look at Lil Nas X's 'J Christ' and the storm it's stirring in the music industry. Join us as we analyze the song's themes, its reception, and how it reflects broader trends of controversy and creativity in pop music. Episode Highlights: What was the impact of Lil Nas X's "J Christ" video the curre…

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#127 - Celebrating Musical Giants and Scoping the Horizon 25:35

2y ago25:35

25:35

Tune in to a thought-provoking episode where we explore the crossroads of music and technology, the legacy of music legends, and the trends shaping the future of the industry. We share our predictions for the year, discuss the role of sync licensing, and ponder the impact of hologram tours on the music experience. Take a listen as we dissect the tr…

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#126 - New Year, New Music; New Music, New Methods 23:56

2y ago23:56

23:56

Join us in our discussion of the highs and lows of the modern music world. From blockbuster publishing deals to the evolving landscape of music streaming, this episode covers the impact of major publishing sales, debates Spotify's controversial moves, and predicts the future of music distribution. Tune in for a lively discussion on the past, presen…

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#125 - Wrapping Up 2023: A Musical Year in Review 13:03

2y ago13:03

13:03

End the year on a high note with WorkTape as we look (or listen, rather) back at 2023. From Harry Styles' album of the year to the timeless charm of Vince Guaraldi's Christmas music, dive into a comprehensive review of the year's musical highs and lows. Plus, a warm welcome to the new music 2024 promises to bring. Don't miss this blend of analysis,…