🔥 Welcome back to B-Side Banter! 🔥 In Episode 26, I’m joined by Alex Mars—better known as Vinyl by Mars, one of the top voices in pop music commentary across TikTok, Instagram, and Substack.

We dive deep into:

🎶 Taylor Swift’s upcoming album The Life of a Showgirl — will her return to Max Martin & Shellback mark another 1989-level era?

🎶 The rise of Gen Z pop girlies (Charli XCX, Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Rodrigo, Chapel Roan, and more) — are they reshaping the landscape of modern pop?

🎶 Justin Bieber’s surprise R&B project Swag — how Dijon and McGee’s influence might be bigger than Bieber himself.

🎶 Vinyl culture, the comeback of physical music, and how Gen Z is fueling it.

🎶 Plus: Alex’s 5 must-listen albums and his personal Mount Rushmore of pop artists.

If you love music reviews, industry deep dives, and cultural conversations, you’re in the right place. Hit that LIKE & SUBSCRIBE button, and let us know in the comments: Which new pop artist are you most excited about right now?

🔥 Erika is here for B-Side Banter Ep. 26, and she’s bringing the HEAT with some of the hottest music opinions you’ll hear all year.

We dive into her love for Pink Floyd, The Strokes, and Arctic Monkeys, her obsession with Lana Del Rey & Björk, and her very strong feelings about Alex Warren, Addison Rae, Sabrina Carpenter, and Noah Kahan. From arguing why older music hits harder to picking 5 albums everyone must hear, this episode is a rollercoaster of music nostalgia, bold opinions, and hilarious tangents.

💬 Agree or disagree with Erika’s takes? Drop your hottest music opinion in the comments!

In this episode of B-Side Banter, Tyler interviews Joe Donnelly, a music reviewer known for his engaging content on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Joe shares his journey from radio to creating music review videos, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in music criticism.

They discuss the reactions to Joe's ranking videos, particularly those on Radiohead and Pink Floyd, and the challenges of engaging with passionate fanbases.

The conversation also touches on the cultural impact of Charlie XCX's 'Brat' album, the legacy of Ozzy Osbourne, and the vibrant state of Irish music today. Joe highlights emerging Irish artists and the balance between discovering new music while appreciating classic favorites.

On this episode of B-Side Banter, Tyler sits down with collector, curator, and music historian Smitty to talk about the crossroads of soul, hip-hop, jazz, and country—and why certain genres seem to resist blending.They cover everything from:• Smitty’s first jazz record at age 12 🎷• His complicated relationship with country music 🤠• Forgotten legends like Jackie Wilson & Frankie Lymon 🎤• Why the 80s might be underrated for pop 🕺• Industry plants, indie success, and the TikTok effect 🤖• Whether Michael Jackson or Prince takes the crown 👑It’s a mix of nostalgia, critique, and love for music’s past, present, and future.🟡 New episodes every week — subscribe to join the convo.

In this episode of B-Side Banter, Tyler interviews epotty, a passionate content creator and Tyler the Creator superfan. They discuss the recent surprise album release by Tyler the Creator, epotty's unique approach to music content creation, and the significance of Tyler's evolution as an artist.

The conversation also touches on the impact of Odd Future, the characters Tyler has embodied in his music, and the influence he has had on the hip-hop genre. epotty shares her concert experience, favorite songs, and thoughts on the current state of music discourse, emphasizing the importance of nuanced discussions in the age of social media.

In this engaging conversation, Sal Luciano and Tyler delve into the current landscape of hip-hop, focusing on the dynamics between major artists like Drake and Kendrick Lamar. They discuss the buzz surrounding Drake's recent activities, including his upcoming OVO Fest and speculations about his new album. The conversation also touches on the impact of public perception on artists, the humor and charisma of Drake, and the surprise album drop by Justin Bieber. Throughout the discussion, they explore the complexities of hip-hop rivalries and the future of collaborations in the industry.

In this episode of B-side Banter, Tyler, Honeybee Reviews, and Mike Tee reflect on the music landscape of 2025, discussing exciting moments, disappointing albums, and the cultural impact of hip-hop.

They delve into the state of the charts, the influence of producers like Jack Antonoff, and the mixed reception of Lorde's latest album. The conversation highlights the highs and lows of the music industry, providing insights into what has resonated with listeners and what has fallen flat. In this conversation, the hosts discuss various themes in music, focusing on underrated albums, worst albums, and the best albums of the year. They share their thoughts on specific artists and albums, highlighting the music industry's trends and the challenges artists face in taking creative risks.

The discussion is lively and filled with insights into the current music landscape, making it a valuable listen for music enthusiasts. In this engaging conversation, the hosts delve into the contrasting opinions surrounding Miley Cyrus's latest album, the unexpected success of Addison Rae's pop debut, and the ongoing debate about lyrical depth in pop music. They explore the rise of female artists in the industry, review standout albums of the year, and discuss anticipated releases for the remainder of 2025. The dialogue highlights the evolving landscape of music, emphasizing the importance of production quality and the unique identities of emerging artists.

In this episode of B-Side Banter, Tyler engages with What's The Buzz?, a content creator focused on hip hop. They discuss the evolution of short-form content, the complexities of hip hop news, and the artistic depth of figures like Pusha T.

The conversation delves into current tensions in the hip hop community, particularly between Pusha T and Travis Scott, and explores the impact of marketing and streaming on music authenticity. They also review recent albums, highlighting both successes and disappointments in the music industry.

In this engaging conversation, they discuss various aspects of the music industry, including Will Smith's unexpected return to music, the intricacies of music reviews, and the albums that resonate with them over time. They delve into the evolution of hip hop concerts, the appeal of CD collecting, and the powerful role of nostalgia in music, highlighting how it connects listeners to their past and shapes their experiences.