B-Side Banter

In this episode of B-Side Banter, host B-Side Channel interviews Patrick Hicks, a music storyteller known for his engaging TikTok videos. They discuss Patrick's journey from starting on TikTok to evolving his storytelling style, focusing on influential artists like Juan Gabriel and Nina Simone, and exploring the impact of various musicians throughout history. 

The conversation highlights the challenges of condensing complex stories into short formats and the surprising reactions from audiences. Patrick shares his insights on the music industry and the importance of recognizing the roots of modern music. 

In this engaging conversation, Patrick Hicks shares surprising stories from music history, exploring the interconnectedness of artists and their journeys to fame. He discusses the origins of iconic bands like Third Eye Blind and The Cranberries, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in songwriting. 

The discussion also delves into the legacy of David Bowie and the evolution of punk music, highlighting how different genres influence one another and the personal nature of music appreciation.

In this episode, B-Side Channel interviews Mike Tee, a prominent music reviewer known for his engaging commentary on platforms like TikTok. They discuss various recent album releases, including Black Country New Road's new direction, Will Smith's unexpected return to music, and Lucy Dacus's exploration of love in her latest work. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by artists like Djo and Selena Gomez, who navigate their identities in the music industry amidst their acting careers. 

In this engaging conversation, Mike Tee and B-Side Channel delve into the world of music, discussing Saba's latest album, the intricacies of production, and the influence of iconic artists like Frank Ocean, Bjork, and Charlie XCX. They explore the emotional depth of songwriting, the impact of collaborations, and the evolution of music styles, providing listeners with a rich tapestry of insights into their favorite artists and albums.

In this episode of B-Side Banter, host B-Side Channel welcomes Ty, a TikTok creator known for his insights into rock, metal, and alternative music. The conversation explores Ty's musical journey, his favorite artists, and the evolution of his tastes over the years. They delve into the impact of iconic bands like The Cure and LCD Sound System, discuss the nuances of the metal scene, and share recommendations for new music, including Ty's thoughts on Playboi Carti's latest album. The episode highlights the beauty of music and the importance of exploring different genres.

In this episode of B-Side Banter, we’re diving headfirst into the chaos: from the worst popular rappers to our most controversial music takes. Honeybee Reviews joins me again as we debate Yeat, Koi Leray, Lil Yachty, and even icons like Lady Gaga and Drake. Plus, we play three rounds of blind ranking featuring Kendrick Lamar songs, Kanye West bangers, and the top 25 most streamed artists in the world.

If you love hot takes, artist deep dives, and chaotic ranking games, this one’s for you. 🎙️🔥

Playboi Carti FINALLY dropped his long-awaited album MUSIC—but was it worth the hype? 🤔

In this episode of B-Side Banter, I’m joined by Honeybee Reviews as we break down Carti’s newest project, the biggest surprises, and whether it lived up to five years of anticipation. From Kendrick Lamar’s unexpected feature to AI conspiracy theories surrounding The Weeknd’s vocals, we dive deep into everything you NEED to know about MUSIC.

We also rank the top 5 Kanye West & Taylor Swift albums and songs, debate their legacies, and discuss how artists like Bon Iver and Radiohead are shaping music in 2025. If you love music debates, hot takes, and deep dives, this one’s for you!

🎙️ B-Side Banter is back with an exclusive look inside one of the most influential music publications—Pitchfork! In this episode, I sit down with Olivier Lafontant, an editorial fellow at Pitchfork, to discuss what goes on behind the scenes of music journalism, the controversy surrounding his reviews, and why Playboi Carti fans are growing impatient.

We break down the truth about how Pitchfork ratings work, whether music reviews actually matter, and how a single phrase in an album review can spark a social media firestorm. Olivier also shares his Top 5 Playboi Carti songs, predicts when (or if) I Am Music will actually drop, and highlights the most exciting rising artists in hip-hop.

🎧 Hit play for an unfiltered conversation about music journalism, rap culture, and the future of music criticism.

In this episode of B-Side Banter, I sit down with Kasey from Kasey’s Playlists, one of TikTok’s go-to curators for indie music discovery. With over five years of experience filtering through the endless sea of indie rock, folk, and pop, Kasey shares how she finds hidden gems, what defines “indie” today, and why some artists break while others struggle.

We also dive into:
🎤 The evolution of indie folk and indie rock
🔎 The biggest challenges for indie artists in today’s industry
🔥 Five indie artists to watch in 2025 (plus some hidden gems you need to hear)
💿 The role of TikTok, playlists, and fan engagement in music discovery
🎶 The most anticipated albums of 2025

If you’re obsessed with finding your next favorite artist or love breaking down music trends, this episode is for you!

In this episode of B-Side Banter, I sit down with Aidan Nelson, the mastermind behind the viral New Music Friday TikTok series, to dive deep into the world of live music and 2025's most anticipated releases. Aidan shares his experiences attending 80 concerts in one year, revealing what makes live music so addicting and the culture shifts he's noticed post-COVID.

We also get into 2025 music predictions, the albums we're most excited about, and the disappointments from 2024. From Chapel Roan’s breakout moment at Lollapalooza to Gracie Abrams’ rapid rise, we discuss the artists redefining the music scene.

Plus, we touch on concert disappointments, wild fan interactions, and the impact of TikTok on new music discovery. Whether you're a live music fanatic or just looking for the next big thing in music, this episode has it all.

Tune in for candid conversations, insider music reviews, and a sneak peek at what’s to come in 2025!

🎧 Listen now and get ready to discover your next favorite artist!

🔥 I messed up. BIG TIME. 🔥

In this episode of B-Side Banter, I’m coming clean about one of the WORST takes I’ve ever made as a music reviewer. I originally ranked Chappell Roan’s album and totally got it wrong—especially when it comes to the song “Coffee”. After dozens of listens, I’ve completely changed my mind, and I owe Chappell Roan and her fans an apology.

🎶 I revisit my album ranking, reveal my new Top 5, and defend why “Coffee” is now my favorite track. Plus, I explain why I initially missed the brilliance of her ballads and how my “happy era” influenced my first impressions.

Mac Miller’s Balloonerism is here—but is it the best posthumous album ever? We break down his legacy, the hidden connection between Balloonerism and Good A.M., and where it ranks among the greatest posthumous releases. Plus, The Weeknd’s surprise Grammy appearance—was it a strategic comeback? And is Hurry Up Tomorrow really his final album? We also rank The Weeknd’s discography and discuss what’s next for hip-hop and pop in 2025.

🎧 Follow B-Side Banter for deep music discussions, album breakdowns, and culture commentary!