On Episode 33, the buds take a look back at the first half of 2026 and break down what has actually been working in clubs, online, and across the DJ world.

The crew talks AI-generated music, SoundCloud’s download gate changes, new albums from Skrillex, Baauer, Sonny Fodera, Olivia Rodrigo, and FIFA Sound, plus the records showing up across streaming charts and nightlife. They also introduce Open Format Court with a USB stick vs. laptop debate and close out the episode by answering 10 questions about the year so far.

On this episode of Ear Buds, the buds sit down with DJ Ever, former Power 106 mixer and current Music Curator for Headliner Music Club, who brings a unique perspective from both radio and the DJ world. Ever pulls back the curtain on how radio playlists really work, what makes a great DJ edit, and the biggest mistakes DJs make when submitting music.

On this episode of Ear Buds, the buds sit down with DJ Ever, former Power 106 mixer and current Music Curator for Headliner Music Club, who brings a unique perspective from both radio and the DJ world. Ever pulls back the curtain on how radio playlists really work, what makes a great DJ edit, and the biggest mistakes DJs make when submitting music.

The buds sit down with Dex, a Nashville-based DJ and talent buyer who brings a unique perspective from both sides of the booth. From navigating a city known for country music to building a name in open format DJing, Dex breaks down what nightlife in Nashville is really like and how different crowds move compared to other markets. The crew also talks Coachella, festival season, and how those moments impact music, and what ends up working in clubs.

The buds sit down with Dex, a Nashville-based DJ and talent buyer who brings a unique perspective from both sides of the booth. From navigating a city known for country music to building a name in open format DJing, Dex breaks down what nightlife in Nashville is really like and how different crowds move compared to other markets. The crew also talks Coachella, festival season, and how those moments impact music, and what ends up working in clubs.

Devin Lucien pulls up to the pod to break down open format DJing, LA nightlife, and what’s really happening on dance floors right now. The buds break down crowd energy, the rise of house music, and the ongoing debate around open format DJing.

Devin Lucien pulls up to the pod to break down open format DJing, LA nightlife, and what’s really happening on dance floors right now. The buds break down crowd energy, the rise of house music, and the ongoing debate around open format DJing.

From Bad Bunny’s historic Grammy win to his Super Bowl halftime show, the impact is undeniable. Marty Rock joins the show to break down how Latin music moves across New York and where the culture is heading next.

From Bad Bunny’s historic Grammy win to his Super Bowl halftime show, the impact is undeniable. Marty Rock joins the show to break down how Latin music moves across New York and where the culture is heading next.

Industry veteran James Hwang joins the buds to break down today’s NYC nightlife, from booking DJs and filling rooms to changing crowds and culture.