Alex, Dan and Joe earn their 'biggest gigger' credentials by talking over the many-splendoured world of festivals, shows and tours. What does Dan love about folk gigs in particular? Which aspect of recently seeing Motionless In White live really impressed Alex? How important does Joe find show bill construction? From the methodologies of artists forging a connection with their audiences to the worrying monetary realities looming over music venues in 2025, settle in for an extensive investigation into the realm of all things live music. (Recorded May 2025.)

This time Alex leads the charge and introduces Dan, Joe and Jonathan to the synth-heavy, industrial world of Aesthetic Perfection in those all-important 10 tracks. Give Alex's picks a spin (Song Smart Ep #21: Aesthetic Perfection In 10 - playlist by Song Smart | Spotify) and contemplate with us whether industrial pop is inherently something of a paradox, the ways in which Aesthetic Perfection injects industrial sensibilities into non-industrial soundscapes and just how deep Dan's bag of unexpected points of reference goes. (Recorded April 2025.)

Join Alex, Dan and Jonathan as they light the candles and burn the incense for a soothing round of musical therapy - that is, a discussion all about the ways in which music and emotion interact. Is the main purpose of music to engender an emotional response? What exactly does 'emotional tourism' mean in a musical context? Which childhood memory does Jonathan still associate with 'Happy Birthday'? Settle down and get to know us a little better in (theoretically) our most zen episode to date. (Recorded May 2025.)

Alex, Dan and Jonathan ponder the occasionally apocalyptic undertones of Miley Cyrus's new album Something Beautiful. Why does Jonathan think there's tension beneath the album's hooky, fuzzy soundscape? Which track is Alex's clear, unexpected standout? What is it about 'End Of The World' which divides opinion within the group? Join us as we put another of this year's big name pop releases under the microscope! (Recorded June 2025.)

Alex and Joe pool their resources to assess the world of heavy music as it currently stands. Why does Alex think nu metal bands like Korn have enjoyed such a resurgence in the last year or so? What are Deafheaven doing which keeps Joe so excited and engaged as a listener? How does Joe measure whether an act is ready to headline a festival? From Sleep Token to Calva Louise and Spiritbox to Electric Callboy, join us for a dive into the thrashing waves of the heavy music space. (Recorded May 2025.)

As the weather heats up the guys let off some steam by sharing a few of their musical hot takes with each other. Who thinks sound design > rhythm > melody? Which modern modifications does Dan think classical music is overdue embracing? Why does Jonathan think success is the worst thing to happen to Adele? Join the gang for a good-natured exorcism of some very particular musical opinions! (Recorded April 2025.)

The gang tackle one of life (or at least this podcast)'s great mysteries: does genre really matter? How does Alex think genres are similar to Italian food? Could Dan fairly be accused of gatekeeping the emo playlist at his climbing gym? Is pop even a genre? Discover the answers on our journey through one of our most labyrinthine prompts yet! (Recorded February 2025.)

It's Dan's turn to take the plunge and introduce Alex, Joe and Jonathan to an artist whose discography he adores - this time Scottish star Hamish Hawk - in just 10 tracks. Listen along to Dan's picks (Song Smart Ep #15: Hamish Hawk In 10 - playlist by Song Smart | Spotify) and join us as we discuss how Hamish Hawk's lyrics serve as his own mission statement, the progression in style of his vocal delivery and why his recent output makes us so excited to hear more from him in the future. (Recorded March 2025.)

... you all saw this coming, right? In the wake of their 'Beginner's Guide' the gang come together again to discuss Lady Gaga's new album MAYHEM. How does the album's visual direction complement its core themes? Why does Jonathan love 'Vanish Into You' so much? Has anyone softened on their feelings towards 'Die With A Smile'? From the magic of Gesaffelstein's touch on 'Garden Of Eden' to the darkness of the self-referential lyrics in 'Perfect Celebrity', join us for a deep dive into one of the year's most exciting pop releases to date. (Recorded March 2025.)

Dan shares one of his favourite albums with fellow folk enthusiast Joe (who yes, already knows it) and Jonathan (who most certainly doesn't). How did Johnny Flynn's sound mark him out from his contemporaries on the nu-folk scene? What does Dan love so much about 'The Wrote & The Writ'? Has Jonathan uncovered a dark secret within the dense lyrics of 'Sally'? Roll around with us (like marbles on the floor) as we tackle this thought-provoking album head-on. (Recorded January 2025.)