Welcome back to Educate Your Earbuds, where this week we’re breaking down all the chaotic fun from Lollapalooza and diving headfirst into the internet's latest music discourse: is being barricade at festivals really worth it?

From TikTok clips of fans sprinting to the rail, to stories of pit girl glory and pain, we’re talking what it actually takes to get barricade at a massive music festival, how to do it right without passing out, and whether sacrificing your bladder and personal space is worth the viral moment. 

If you’ve ever dreamed of being front row for your fave artist or just want to know what the pit life is really like, this one’s for you. Whether you’re team barricade or team chill-in-the-back-with-a-beer, this episode has all the festival tea you need.

✨ Don’t forget to follow Educate Your Earbuds for more music festival tips, TikTok trends, and everything happening in the world of pop and live music!

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Links:

• https://madsounds.home.blog/2019/06/06/how-to-get-barricade-and-survive-at-a-festival/

• https://www.reddit.com/r/Coachella/comments/1h93bll/railing_at_mainstage_for_a_day_tips/

• https://www.reddit.com/r/festivals/comments/1ctb5sb/what_is_the_least_rude_way_to_get_barricade/

• https://www.reddit.com/r/Concerts/comments/1esf8ck/what_are_some_pros_and_cons_of_getting_barricade/

• https://hiseye.org/2062/uncategorized/a-concert-goers-conflict-is-general-admission-worth-it/

🎙️ It’s time for another Educate Your Earbuds mini episode — your bite-sized dose of music pop culture, dropping biweekly on Wednesdays in 15 minutes or less.

In this week's mini, we’re saying RIP to rock legend Ozzy Osbourne, discussing why TikTok is suddenly obsessed with Yungblud, and wondering why Justin Timberlake is barely performing on stage lately. Plus, is Alex Warren’s “Ordinary” already a front-runner for 2025’s Song of the Summer? And of course, we check in on Bad Bunny’s epic Puerto Rico residency and what it means for fans and Latin music.

Whether you're into TikTok music trends, artist performances, or just want quick takes on everything buzzing in the music world, this episode’s for you. Hit play and stay in the loop!

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Links:

• https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c17w4wn71z9o

• https://www.the-sun.com/entertainment/14871097/justin-timberlake-world-tour-angry-fans-jessia-biel/

• https://www.billboard.com/lists/bad-bunny-puerto-rico-residency-surprise-guests/farruko-4/

This week on Educate Your Earbuds, we’re diving into the discourse that’s lighting up music TikTok, Reddit threads, and even Tyler, The Creator’s new album — is Gen Z ruining the live music experience? 👀

From the "fear of being perceived" to standing still instead of dancing, plus a noticeable rise in questionable concert etiquette (you know what we mean), the vibes at live shows have definitely shifted. But is Gen Z really to blame? Or is the internet just being dramatic... again?

We break down what’s changed in live music culture, whether audiences are becoming too self-conscious to have fun, and how generational habits may be impacting concerts for everyone.

If you’ve ever side-eyed someone recording an entire set or debated whether to rage or vibe—this episode’s for you. 🎤

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Links:

• https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/tyler-the-creator-dont-tap-the-glass-note-fans-dance-1236025547/

• https://nypost.com/2025/07/25/lifestyle/why-gen-z-isnt-fun-anymore/

• https://9now.nine.com.au/today/gen-z-afraid-to-dance-in-public-phone-video-footage-worries/d29fe787-3967-48c4-bc31-d5ceae02d915

• https://www.reddit.com/r/questions/comments/1jxm2h0/why_are_gen_z_not_dancing_at_coachella/

• https://thred.com/newsletters/are-gen-z-really-that-badly-behaved-at-live-concerts/

• https://nypost.com/2025/06/30/entertainment/gen-zs-lack-of-concert-etiquette-is-more-dangerous-than-you-think/

• https://www.musictimes.com/articles/99054/20231227/internet-ruining-concerts-gen-z.htm

 Is the surprise album drop still a flex in 2025—or are we over it? This week on Educate Your Earbuds, we’re breaking down the rise (and maybe fall?) of surprise albums as a music marketing strategy. We dive into Justin Bieber’s unexpected new project Swag, and whether it actually delivered the hype or just relied on nostalgia. Plus, we spotlight other artists who’ve taken bold and bizarre routes to promote their music—from cryptic TikTok teasers to IRL scavenger hunts.

If you’ve ever wondered how your favorite musicians are gaming the algorithm or if surprise drops even work anymore, this episode’s for you.

Thanks for listening! Follow, rate, and review us! 

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Links:

• https://variety.com/vip/surprise-album-release-data-kendrick-beyonce-swift-drop-1236263041/

• https://www.vulture.com/2019/01/does-the-surprise-album-release-still-work.html

• https://medium.com/cuepoint/surprise-album-releases-are-terrible-c6ebadcc365

• https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/surprise-release-1-percent-6898247/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/surprise-release-1-percent-6898247/

• https://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/music/a64610298/charli-xcx-not-ready-let-go-brat-summer/

• https://x.com/PopCrave/status/1916588231254053119

• https://www.gyrostream.com/blog-posts/what-artists-can-learn-from-charli-xcxs-brat-marketing-success

• https://www.actionrocket.co/blog/why-fred-again-is-the-master-of-multi-channel-marketing

• https://audiohype.io/resources/the-new-release-cycle/

• https://artists.spotify.com/new-releases?utm_campaign=sem_google-search_pro_all-en_evergreen_crossdevice_cpc_nbr_broad&utm_medium=sem&utm_source=google-search&utm_content=rsa-pre-release&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17613051013&gbraid=0AAAAACv7Uz5XObP9SLfAvPuq4cwpqQXu_&gclid=Cj0KCQjw-NfDBhDyARIsAD-ILeA4asTvW1eVMqb4N-_0CFfPDp2Gp9R7dnw5-50MmlUX_X2gXq1Cs6AaAjqCEALw_wcB 

This week on Educate Your Earbuds, we’re launching our first-ever mini episode — your new go-to music podcast fix in 15 minutes or less. These bite-sized biweekly drops will cover the wildest moments in music pop culture, trending artists, and whatever’s on our minds.

For our debut mini, we’re talking an affair caught on camera at a recent concert, viral reactions to a YouTuber’s “hate compilation,” a pop power couple’s wedding, and a major festival stage literally going up in flames.

Tune in for hot takes, fast facts, and chaotic energy — all in under 15.

Thanks for listening! Follow, rate, and review us! 

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Links:

• https://www.newsweek.com/coldplay-warning-fans-astronomer-ceo-andy-byron-chris-martin-2101545

• https://www.eonline.com/news/1420098/inside-charli-xcx-george-daniels-wedding-after-party

• https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/35930737/inside-charli-xcx-wild-wedding-party/

• https://www.euronews.com/culture/2025/07/18/belgiums-tomorrowland-festival-opens-after-massive-fire-destroyed-main-stage

• https://www.instagram.com/reel/DMOsfi8O2uG/

• https://www.instagram.com/reel/DMQqTwkxp2B/

• https://www.tiktok.com/@realmiketee/video/7528784883741658382

It’s not exactly a new phenomenon but we’ve noticed it more lately and wanted to shed light on a major issue that’s been going on with live music….. People going to concerts not for the enjoyment of the music, but solely for the content! Things like going, and taking pictures for half of the concert. Focusing on getting the perfect video to post on TikTok. Or just generally being overly concerned with how you’d show off the concert on social media. We tackle why we think this problem may be getting worse. Is it all Gen Z’s fault? Is social media to blame? And what does big business have to do with it?

This week we answer all these question and more! Listen in to why people go to concerts for content and what we can do to make sure people go for the enjoyment of live music!

Thanks for listening!

Follow, rate, and review us! 

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In this week's episode of Educate Your Earbuds, we explore the powerful connection between music and mental health. Ever wonder what happens in your brain when you listen to your favorite song? We dive into how music can reduce stress, alleviate anxiety, and promote overall well-being. Plus, we break down the science behind music therapy and its benefits, as well as how music fosters community and connection.

Whether you're a music lover or curious about its therapeutic power, this episode is packed with insights on how music impacts your mind!

Thanks for listening! Follow, rate, and review us! 

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Links:

• ⁠https://www.wired.com/story/tech-effects-how-does-music-affect-your-brain/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlvW2BhDyARIsADnIe-KLlLyyGSKeEv_3VWAYItVs2DdZd_A5gCzvtcPE7fOUxYWK0DfHC7QaAiq2EALw_wcB⁠
• ⁠https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/apa-blogs/power-of-music-in-mental-well-being⁠
• ⁠https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/30/well/mind/therapy-music-anxiety-mental-health.html⁠
• ⁠https://www.pfizer.com.au/your-health/managing-your-health/healthy-living/mental-health-and-music-what-are-the-benefits-of-listening-to-music⁠
• ⁠https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/keep-your-brain-young-with-music⁠
• ⁠https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/can-music-improve-our-health-and-quality-of-life-202207252786⁠
• ⁠https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8566759/⁠
• ⁠https://jedfoundation.org/resource/how-music-can-improve-your-mental-health/

This week on Educate Your Earbuds, we’re talking about musicians who ditched the group and went solo—some for the better, some... not so much. From artists who became full-on superstars to those who probably peaked in the band, we’re breaking down the best, worst, and most surprising solo careers in music.

Why do some artists shine brighter on their own? Who actually carried the group the whole time? And who should’ve never left? We’ve got opinions.

Thanks for listening! Follow, rate, and review us! 

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Links:

• Artists who left bands for successful solo careers

• 9 Musicians That Had Success Going Solo

• The 125+ Best Artists Who Went Solo, Ranked By Fans

Is music hate having a moment? On this week’s episode of Educate Your Earbuds, we’re diving into the internet’s newest favorite sport: dragging musicians for the most random reasons. From pop stars to rappers to indie darlings, it feels like no one is safe from being the “main character” of music hate Twitter (or TikTok). But are these artists really that bad… or are we just bored?

We’re skipping the obvious villains and instead unpacking the weirdly intense backlash some artists are getting—whether it’s for a cringey outfit, one awkward performance, or just… existing. For each artist, we’re asking: is the hate actually warranted, or are people just doing too much?

Tune in for hot takes, music discourse, and your weekly dose of podcast therapy. If you love pop culture, music commentary, or just want to hear someone finally say, “Let people enjoy things,” this one’s for you.

🎧 Music podcast fans, music hate watchers, and pop stan Twitter lurkers—don’t miss it!

Thanks for listening! Follow, rate, and review us! 

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Links:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Industry_plant#:~:text=Industry%20plant%20is%20a%20pejorative,own%20merits%20or%20organic%20growth.

• https://www.thedailybeast.com/obsessed/why-does-everyone-hate-katy-perry-after-blue-origin-space-flight/

• https://www.eonline.com/news/1417591/katy-perry-reacts-to-being-the-most-hated-person-on-the-internet

• https://slate.com/culture/2025/06/justin-bieber-hailey-fathers-day-instagram-clocking-standing-on-business-diddy.html

• https://variety.com/2025/music/news/morgan-wallen-snl-walk-off-gods-country-social-post-1236352063/

• https://www.buzzfeed.com/abbyzinman/tate-mcrae-morgan-wallen-possible-collab

• https://www.imdb.com/news/ni64357421/

• https://www.imdb.com/news/ni64357421/

• https://theface.com/music/we-need-to-talk-about-fred-again-electronic-dance-music-class-barriers-glastonbury-boiler-room

• https://exronmusic.com/2025/06/23/fred-again-nyc-pop-up-show-mixed-reactions/#google_vignette

• https://www.soundalgorithm.io/inspiration/songs-produced-by-fred-again/

• https://betches.com/why-do-people-hate-benson-boone-inauthentic-allegations/

• https://slate.com/culture/2025/06/sabrina-carpenter-new-album-cover-scandal-mans-best-friend-rolling-stone.html

• https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/sabrina-carpenter-mans-best-friend-cover-approved-by-god-1236007240/

• https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/kendrick-lamar-embracing-his-inner-hater-1235222056/

• https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/feeling-our-way/202301/8-ideas-for-managing-hatred

What happens when your favorite music festival gets rained out? In this week’s episode of Educate Your Earbuds, we’re recapping the chaos that was Bonnaroo 2025—cancelled sets, campsite surprises, and all. We’re sharing our must-have camping essentials (and the stuff we totally didn’t need), our top memories from Thursday’s sets, and how we rallied after Friday's rain shut everything down. Was cancelling the rest of the weekend the right call? We’ve got thoughts. 

Whether you’re a Bonnaroo regular or just here for the music festival drama, this one’s for you. Plug in for tips, hot takes, and festival survival inspo.

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