In their first ever hip hop review, Bianca and Julian dive deep into Tyler, The Creator’s surprise release — the short, sharp, and wildly unpredictable “Don’t Tap the Glass.” At just 28 minutes, the album plays like a kaleidoscope of genre tropes, blending sincerity with satire in true Tyler fashion. But is it just a fun side project, or more evidence to support Bianca and Julian's Sad Boy Summer theory?

Bianca and Julian trace the emotional undercurrents of the album, exploring how its tongue-in-cheek narrative style fits into their larger theory about masculinity, performance, and emotional dissonance in 2025’s musical landscape. Along the way, they open up about their own journeys into the world of alternative hip hop.

Julian was once a hip hop producer? Bianca had one-sided beef with a music producer that wasn’t Finneas? You’ll have to listen to learn more!

Plus quick takes on:

• Taylor Swift’s “The Life of a Showgirl” and New Heights interview
• Chappell Roan’s “The Subway”
• The Jonas Brothers’ “Greetings from Your Hometown” — a brief, but honest, review of the pros and cons

Theme music by Daniel Konikoff Email us at anythingbuttoto@gmail.com

In Episode 22 of Anything But Toto, Bianca and Julian present a working theory: what if the end of Brat Summer and the rise of 2025’s “Sad Boy” music moment aren’t just musical trends — but symptoms of a bigger political and cultural shift?

They trace a narrative from the euphoric highs of 2024 — Charli, Sabrina, Chappell, Taylor, Beyonce, Billie, and Ariana — to a 2025 dominated by uncertainty, grief, and male uncertainty. As the Biden/Kamala era of feminist pop gives way to a new presidency built on macho bravado and male rage, pop culture enters a holding pattern: no song of the summer, no girlie anthems, just a flood of emotionally confused men with microphones.

From the softness of Justin Bieber’s Swag to Joe Jonas' post-divorce reflections, from Oasis’ brotherly reunion to Djo’s brotherly ballads — this episode digs into how masculinity is being redefined in the era of Trump. Is the music industry unintentionally staging a group therapy session for conflicted men?

Also covered in this episode:

- Paul McCartney’s “Got Back” tour comes to Canada.

- Kesha’s Toronto show

- Bianca’s second interview with Beach Boys tour member, Matt Jardine

- Ari Aster’s Eddington

- Bianca and Julian’s rewatch/first viewing of Desperate Housewives

A season with no anthem and a whole lot of feelings — “Sad Boy Summer” is here, and it's saying more than we think. This is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Theme song by Daniel Konikoff

Email us at anythingbuttoto@gmail.com

In Part 2 of their deep dive into the legacy of the Beach Boys' Brian Wilson, Bianca and Julian unpack how his post-Pet Sounds work helped shape entire branches of modern indie rock - including lo-fi, outsider music, dream pop, synth pop, and chillwave. Did Brian Wilson invent the first interactive/remix album? Was he behind one of the first children’s records by a major rock artist? And what’s considered his final masterpiece?

All that and more in Anything But Toto Ep. 21!

ICYMI: Check out Part 1 for a look at Brian’s groundbreaking work from 1961-1966.

Also in this episode:

• Taylor Swift: reclaiming her masters and the directorial debut rumors
• Wicked for Good - will it be as good as the first installment?
• Sombr’s “We Never Dated”
• New singles from the Jonas Brothers and Sabrina Carpenter: a nod to the Bee Gees and Chappell Roan… or too close for comfort?
• Plus: Sabrina’s album cover controversy

CW: This episode contains discussions of child abuse, mental illness, suicide, and substance use. Listener discretion is advised.

Theme music by Daniel Konikoff

In Episode 20 of Anything But Toto, Bianca and Julian pay tribute to the legendary Brian Wilson, who passed away on June 11, 2025, at the age of 82.

As the creative force behind the Beach Boys, Brian didn't just define a sound - he helped reinvent what pop music could be. In this first instalment of a two-part tribute, the hosts dive into the band’s formative and most influential years (1961–1966), tracing Brian’s evolution from surf-rock wunderkind to avant-pop architect.

They explore how Wilson:

• Invented the surf vocal genre
• Shaped the shimmering, sun-soaked “California Myth”
• Defined the auteur approach to music making
• Refined the Wall of Sound production style
• Crafted experimental, emotionally complex music that still topped the charts

From early beach anthems to the introspective brilliance of Today!, all the way to the lush masterpiece that is Pet Sounds, this episode examines how Brian’s genius was there from the very beginning. Along the way, Bianca and Julian chronicle the personal and cultural forces that shaped Brian’s early work, including candid discussions around trauma, mental health, and the darker currents behind the sunny image.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where they’ll explore late 1966-1977.

CW: This episode includes discussion of child abuse, mental illness, suicide, and substance use. Listener discretion is advised.

Theme music by Daniel Konikoff

Questions or thoughts? Email us at anythingbuttoto@gmail.com

In Episode 19 of Anything But Toto, Bianca and Julian explore The Crux by Djo - Joe Keery’s genre-hopping third album that blends the Beatles (and Sir Paul), the Strokes, and the Cars, among others. The hosts dig into how Djo pulls from these influences to carve out a sound that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly original.

This leads to a broader conversation about the fine line between tacky pastiche and thoughtful homage, and how Djo (and artists like the Lemon Twigs) navigate that space. Are we witnessing a new wave of artists embracing retro without losing their own voice?

Also in this episode:

• A look at the bizarre 2025 AMAs (where’s Rep TV, Taylor?)

• The ongoing pop girlie drought this summer - and what’s filling the void (*checks notes* "sad boi summer" anyone?)

• The search for 2025’s song of the summer

• A lingering question: Are we all just living in the shadow of Gotye?

• Quick takes on movies like Sinners, Death Proof, and Friendship

• Thoughts on TV hits like The Rehearsal and The Last of Us Season 2

• Plus, a few thoughtful book recommendations to round it all out

A genre-blending album and a summer soundtracked by melancholy - this one covers a lot of ground. Tune in for insightful takes, unexpected parallels, and a few good laughs along the way.

Link to B's "Shaded Blue" playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0aXI6Ol9039odqalQEx6Yf?si=bBFml-LTSJ-XRZWzRYDAhw

Theme song by Daniel Konikoff

Email us at anythingbuttoto@gmail.com

Bianca and Julian are back for their 18th episode (yes, the pod can now legally vote in the Canadian federal election), and they’re diving deep into Mayhem, the genre-bending comeback album from everyone's favourite Italian girl from New York: Lady Gaga.

In this episode, they unpack how Gaga reinvents her signature sound without losing her pop powerhouse edge. Is Mayhem a bold evolution - or just Gaga reheating her own nachos? And what exactly do the Gaga and Pink Floyd discographies have in common?

Bianca and Julian also pit Gaga’s latest against Katy Perry’s recent “comeback,” question whether Die With a Smile should be on the album, and chat about the Mayhem Ball ticket controversy.

Also on the menu: Djo’s The Crux, early Last of Us season 2 thoughts, and some book recommendations.

Come for the pop commentary, stay for the niche metaphors and possibly too much talk about nachos.

Email us at anythingbuttoto@gmail.com

Theme music by Daniel Konikoff

Spring is in the air and Bianca and Julian are back with another nostalgia-fueled episode! This time, they’re diving into the history of one of their favourite artists, the Jonas Brothers - from their early days in New Jersey to Disney stardom, solo careers, and their 2019 reunion.

They talk about their recent experience at the surprise Jonas Brothers show at Toronto’s Massey Hall, and share some truly puzzling stories:

• The mysterious journey of Nick Jonas' Yankees cap
• Julian’s obsession with their Gibson recording tour bus
• How Bianca came to acquire a life-size cardboard cutout of Nick Jonas promoting his diabetes medication
• Julian pretending to be a vlogger to avoid being mocked for going to a JoBros concert

They also discuss the band’s musical impact, misconceptions, and why they deserve more recognition.

And don't miss their take on the Oscars:

• Legacy awards vs. deserved awards
• Anora’s sweep
• Kieran Culkin's and Adrien Brody’s acceptance speeches

Tune in for a fun, nostalgic chat!

anythingbuttoto@gmail.com

Theme music by Daniel Konikoff

In their first episode of 2025, Bianca and Julian provide a full recap of the 2025 Grammy Awards - and let’s just say, it’s Anything But Boring! They dive deep into everything from the red carpet to the show itself, discussing the biggest winners and losers, their favorite performances, and the most shocking moments of the night. Did any of their predictions come true? Was it really a good idea to ask for donations in a room full of billionaires? And how is Drake feeling after Kendrick took home those major wins?

But it’s not just all about the Grammys. Bianca and Julian also chat about some pressing non-music topics: the Southern California wildfires, the Jonas Brothers temporarily calling Toronto home, the looming Canada-US trade war, and the latest music they’re listening to and movies they’ve watched - including masterpieces like “Anora” and hot garbage like “Emila Perez.” Tune in for some hot takes.

anythingbuttoto@gmail.com

Theme music by Daniel Konikoff