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:

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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.

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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:

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

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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:

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.

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Questions or thoughts? Email us at [email protected]

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

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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 [email protected]

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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:

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

And don't miss their take on the Oscars:

Tune in for a fun, nostalgic chat!

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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.

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In their final episode of 2024, Bianca and Julian dive deep into the art of the bridge, breaking down five perfect examples and exploring how these essential song sections serve as both sonic and narrative connective tissue. This episode is a spiritual sequel to Episode 3’s Simply the Best, offering another dose of musical education - in this case, how bridges create shifts in mood, environment, and storytelling while enhancing the overall structure of a song. Artists featured include Chappell Roan, Frank Ocean, The Beatles, Klaatu, Taylor Swift, and many more!

Also covered in this episode:

Tune in for our 2024 wrap up. And just like any good bridge, this episode will carry you straight into the new year (with plenty more Anything But Toto episodes to come)! 

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Bianca and Julian take you along on their wild ride at Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour (Toronto, Night 3). They chat about everything from the pre-show excitement to the highlights of the night, sharing their favorite moments, surprises, and even a few critiques. From the magic of seeing Taylor live to Gracie Abrams as an opener, plus the whole ticket scam situation, they cover it all.

They also dive into the “ticket gratitude” debate (little kids vs. lifelong fans), Rob Sheffield’s new book, Heartbreak is the National Anthem, the significance of the pre-show music, and the relationship between Taylormania and Beatlemania.

But the heart of the episode comes in a 26-minute audio documentary where Bianca and Julian take you behind the scenes of their prep leading up to the show. You’ll hear about the outfits they designed, the vibes in Toronto on Day 1, and the excitement of arriving at the venue. There are even some audio snippets from the show itself—including Secret Songs—so you get a taste of the energy in the stadium. You’ll be enchanted to listen. 

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