Matt and Sam share their carefully curated selection of new music for July, featuring unreleased Bruce Springsteen tracks, genre-bending collaborations, and high-energy summer anthems.

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/sam-new-music-july-2025/pl.u-z6lXtGxoYJ

• Bruce Springsteen's "Unsatisfied Heart" from his newly released Tracks 2 collection, featuring seven previously unreleased albums
• Lupe Fiasco's "Samurai" featuring Troy Tyler, imagining an alternate timeline where Amy Winehouse became a battle rapper
• Lindsey Stirling's "Evil Twin" with Shuba, fusing classical violin with electronic and Bollywood influences
• The bass-heavy "Daydreams" by Effin and Nightmare that demands quality speakers
• Cold War Kids' biographical tribute "Any Day Now" about Richard Swift of The Shins
• Daisy the Great's indie pop track "Rest of My Life" questioning relationships and permanence
• The Dare's "Cheeky" bringing nostalgic hip-hop vibes reminiscent of Run DMC
• Cardi B's "Outside" sparking a discussion about why rock musicians don't make diss tracks
• Dropkick Murphys' nostalgic "Chesterfields and Aftershave" evoking memories of grandparents
• The addictive beat of "High Horse" by Proper Monday Number
• Bruno Mars' energetic minute-long Portuguese track "Bonde do Brunao"
• Fitz and the Tantrums' formula-perfect "OK, OK, OK" closing out the mix

Follow us on social media @superawesomemix on Instagram and Threads, and check out our video content on YouTube.

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This week's Mixtape Rewind takes you back to our first Intro mix ever, when Matt introduced Sam to Pearl Jam.

Pearl Jam's music walks a fascinating tightrope—raw, energetic rock paired with profound, often dark storytelling. This episode takes you on a journey through their three-decade evolution, perfect for both newcomers and longtime fans wanting a deeper appreciation of their artistry.

We explore how their debut album Ten created an instant impact with songs like "Jeremy"—a haunting track based on the true story of a student's classroom suicide—and why that album's four standout tracks remain essential listening. The emotional range of Eddie Vedder's voice shines through as we contrast high-energy anthems like "Even Flow" with more introspective pieces like "Black," revealing how the band masterfully balances intensity with vulnerability.

What's particularly fascinating is how their audience has shaped their music's meaning over time. "Alive," originally written as a painful reflection on family trauma, transformed through concert performances into an empowering anthem of survival—something Eddie Vedder himself acknowledges changed his relationship with the song. It's this connection between band and listeners that makes Pearl Jam's catalog so compelling.

Later albums showcase their artistic evolution, from the politically charged "Corduroy" to acoustic gems like "Just Breathe," demonstrating why they've remained relevant while many of their 90s contemporaries faded away. We even touch on Eddie Vedder's solo work, highlighting how the distinctive voice of Pearl Jam translates into different musical contexts.

Whether you missed the Pearl Jam phenomenon the first time around or want to rediscover what made them revolutionary, this mixtape offers the perfect entry point into their world of authentic, powerful rock storytelling. Which Pearl Jam song will become your unexpected favorite?

 You can find the playlist on Spotify here:
 https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6mK1lDmg6nsOSqfDV8IIcQ?si=c76b52fafa9740a4

You can also find the playlist on YouTube Music:
https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpQYsbkgm3L4XGudn53dqQ4aE_KW6YmIL&feature=share

1. Jeremy
2. Even Flow
3. Black
4. Alive
5. Go
6. Elderly Woman Behind the Counter In a Small Town
7. Corduroy
8. Better Man
9. Yellow Ledbetter
10. Thumbing My Way
11. Just Breathe
12. Far Behind

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Dive into the musical journey of a true American legend as Matt and Sam explore the extraordinary career of Stevie Wonder. From his groundbreaking beginnings as "Little Stevie Wonder" at Motown Records to his status as one of music's most influential figures, this episode celebrates the artist who transformed popular music across six decades.

The hosts trace Wonder's remarkable evolution through twelve essential tracks, highlighting how a blind child prodigy who signed with Motown at age 11 went on to become the youngest artist ever to top the Billboard charts at just 13 years old. Through early hits like "Uptight (Everything's Alright)" and "I Was Made to Love Her," listeners experience the joyful exuberance that first captivated audiences in the 1960s.

The conversation shifts to Wonder's revolutionary 1970s period when he achieved the unprecedented feat of winning three consecutive Grammy Awards for Album of the Year. Matt and Sam analyze how songs like "Superstition" and "Boogie On Reggae Woman" showcased his innovative fusion of funk, soul, and synthesizer technologies that somehow never sound dated despite their era. 

The hosts don't shy away from Wonder's 1980s commercial peak, discussing how tracks like "I Just Called to Say I Love You" brought him Oscar gold and global recognition, while "Happy Birthday" actually helped establish Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a national holiday. Throughout the episode, Matt and Sam highlight Wonder's extraordinary musical versatility, his philanthropic impact, and the timeless quality that makes his music resonate across generations.

Whether you're a longtime fan or discovering Stevie Wonder for the first time, this episode offers a perfect introduction to an artist whose 26 studio albums and numerous accolades (including the Presidential Medal of Freedom) only begin to tell the story of his profound influence on American music and culture.

Check out our videos on YouTube and follow us on Instagram and Threads @SuperAwesomeMix for more musical deep dives!

https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/sam-intro-to-stevie-wonder/pl.u-y0pmTbq4xE

1. Uptight (Everything's Alright)

2. I Was Made To Love Her

3. Yester-Me, Yester-You, Yesterday

4. For Once in My Life

5. Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)

6. Superstition

7. Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing

8. Boogie On Reggae Woman

9. I Wish

10. Happy Birthday

11. I Just Called To Say I Love You

12. Overjoyed 

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In this week's mixtape rewind, we revisit our motivation mix from the start of 2023, still able to get you going for your 2025 goals.  

The motivation mix takes listeners through different facets of achievement, starting with Jamiroquai's "Canned Heat" and its message about releasing your inner fire. We explore self-confidence through DJ Khaled and Drake, persistence through complications with Curtis Mayfield, and Britney Spears' blunt reminder that success requires actual work. When progress feels slow, Matchbox 20 encourages us to look back and acknowledge how far we've already come.

Our conversation weaves personal stories throughout – from Sam's marathon training mindset shift to his year-long weight loss journey, offering real-world examples of how these motivational principles apply in daily life. We discuss how proving doubters wrong can fuel ambition (thanks, Jay-Z), the power of staying connected to others during challenging pursuits (Pharrell Williams' "Freedom"), and why sometimes the most motivating thing is simply showing up for yourself day after day (Macklemore's "Fire Breather").

The mix closes with Pearl Jam's "Present Tense," reminding us that while goals focus on the future, achievement happens in the present moment. By staying grounded in today's actions rather than yesterday's regrets, we create the future we envision.

You can find the playlist on Spotify here:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/77nOZ2Ret4MBtPdiJtaHPP?si=hmBIhVx9R0qHkWL6Vb2k_g

You can also find the motivation mix on Apple Music here:
https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/season-3-motivational-mix/pl.u-9N9LX74F1GR9BYe

1. Canned Heat by Jamiroquai
2. To the Max by DJ Khaled, Drake
3. Move on Up by Curtis Mayfield
4. Work Bitch by Britney Spears
5. How Far We’ve Come by Matchbox Twenty
6. My Shot by Lin-Manuel Miranda
7. So Ambitious by JAY-Z, Pharrel Williams
8. Freedom by Pharrel Williams
9. Moving On Up by M People
10. Take Back the Power by Raury
11. Firebreather by Macklemore
12. Present Tense by Pearl Jam

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Matt and Sam are back with their June new music mix, where nostalgia meets innovation in unexpected ways.

The blurring of entertainment worlds takes center stage as we discover Post Animal's "Pie in the Sky," featuring Stranger Things actor Joe Keery who returned to his musical roots after the show's filming wrapped. This happy rock anthem sits alongside Maiah Mancer's haunting "sirencore" vocals on "With a Smile," creating a compelling contrast that showcases music's boundless versatility.

Our mix navigates emotional depths through Ben Kweller's heartbreakingly hopeful "Oh Dorian," written as a tribute to his late son, while Matt Berninger explores the hollow feeling of relationships that have everything except love. The storytelling tradition continues through James McMurtry, who continues his long songwriting career with vivid musical narratives that paint complete pictures in just minutes.

Hip-hop's evolution shines through multiple generations – from Logic's confident yet laid-back "Bad Mother****er" to Xzibit's emphatic return with "Shut Yo Mouth," which hilariously opens with a 1950s-style instructional segment. Ciara collaborates with the lightning-fast Busta Rhymes, while global superstar Bad Bunny demonstrates exactly why he sells out arenas worldwide with his infectious energy and multilingual approach.

Ready to discover your next favorite track? Listen now and let us know which song resonates most with you through our social channels @SuperAwesomeMix!

https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/sam-new-music-june-2025/pl.u-XMv0tXZ0qz

1. Pie in the Sky - Post Animal

2. With a Smile (What So Not & Synergy's "Dreamer" Dub) - Maiah Manser

3. Oh Dorian - Ben Kweller featuring MJ Lenderman

4. No Love - Matt Berninger

5. Sailing Away - James McMurtry

6. 60 Ways to Forget People - Bush

7. Wassup - Ciara & Busta Rhymes

8. Bad M**********r - Logic

9. Shut Yo Mouth - Xzibit featuring Compton Av & Butch Cassidy

10. Have We Met (The Void) - Garbage

11. NUEVAYoL - Bad Bunny

12. Autumn in New York - Dena DeRose

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Music possesses an almost magical ability to transform our emotional state, and nowhere is this more evident than with songs deliberately crafted to elicit joy. On this episode of Super Awesome Mix, we're returning to a favorite theme with Pure Joy Mix Volume 2, featuring twelve tracks scientifically engineered to boost your mood and put an irresistible smile on your face.

We've structured this mix as a friendly competition between hosts, with Matt's selections comprising Side A and Samer's picks making up Side B. From the moment you press play, you'll feel the rush of dopamine that comes from Wham!'s iconic "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" and its instantly recognizable "jitterbug" intro. The journey continues through nostalgic hits like Blue Swede's "Hooked on a Feeling" and modern gems including Wet Leg's subversively joyful "Chaise Longue."

Throughout our musical exploration, we unpack what makes certain songs universally uplifting – whether it's the infectious energy of Stevie Wonder's horns, the whistle-heavy hooks of Peter Bjorn and John that physically encourage smiling, or the self-affirming lyrics from Fitz and the Tantrums that remind us to "shine like the sun." We discover that joy comes in many forms: nostalgia, humor, empowerment, and the celebration of life's simple pleasures.

This episode doesn't just offer a mood-lifting playlist. It provides insights into how different musical elements – from surprising intros that capture attention to lyrics that promote present-moment appreciation – work together to create an emotional response that's greater than the sum of its parts.

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The first few minutes the audio might get choppy but it's fixed for the majority of the episode afterwards! Apologies for that.

The moment Tori Norman Castillo quit her Wall Street job from an LAX terminal after attending the Grammys, she knew her path forward would be different. As co-founder of Kelzana Artist Management, she's now revolutionizing how musicians build sustainable careers through strategic storytelling.

"Branding goes so deep," Tori explains, drawing from her film background to reimagine artist development. "I think about storytelling for musicians as a movie—what's the plot of their brand? Are they the tragic hero? The rebellious protagonist?" This cinematic approach transforms how artists connect with audiences in an overcrowded marketplace.

Tori's playlist is titled "Top of the Mountain" and it's a journey through life's seasons from the youthful energy of Baby Keem's "16" through reflective winter tracks like Jorja Smith's "I Am." Each selection reveals how music marks transformative moments and shapes our understanding of ourselves. Having grown up in the Blue Ridge Mountains before traveling the world, Tori now returns to Georgia with a renewed appreciation for her roots and the musical influences that defined her.

Kelzana's business model reflects this thoughtful approach, offering everything from foundational brand development to full management services. By meeting artists where they are and building authentic narratives, Tori helps musicians create sustainable careers beyond algorithmic trends.

Whether you're an emerging artist seeking direction or simply fascinated by the intersection of music, storytelling, and personal growth, this conversation offers fresh perspective on finding your authentic voice in a noisy world. Connect with Tori and explore Kelzana's artist-centered approach at https://www.kelzanamgmt.com/.

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/40L2daCIrUTYMvhQAzKTB2?si=3vbR3XejS2OoHnlE-qTwbw

1. 16 - Baby Keem

2. Songbird - Eva Cassidy

3. Blue Ridge Mountains - Fleet Foxes

4. Speyside - Bon Iver

5. River - Leon Bridges

6. El Condor Pasa (If I Could) - Simon & Garfunkel

7. Gild the Lily - Billy Strings

8. These Days - The Jesse Williams Band

9. Rather Be Alone - Leon Thomas featuring Halle

10. Harvest Moon (Spotify Studios Version) - Lord Huron

11. 17 - Youth Lagoon

12. I Am - Jorja Smith

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In this week's Mixtape Rewind, we revisit our new music mix from May of 2023. 

Durand Jones immediately transports listeners to the golden era of soul with vocals that would sound right at home on classic Stax Records. Meanwhile, Foo Fighters return from tragedy with "Rescued," a song that not only references the loss of Taylor Hawkins but features Dave Grohl returning to the drums in a powerful musical statement. 

Ww discover Kesha's transformation from pop princess to vocal powerhouse on the haunting "Eat the Acid" and celebrate Florence + the Machine's darkly hypnotic "Mermaids." Even established artists like Matchbox Twenty make a welcome return after a decade-long hiatus, proving their songwriting relevance hasn't diminished.

Greta Van Fleet continues their masterful 1970s rock recreation, while The Linda Lindas bring Gen Z energy to punk traditions. Megan Maroney incorporates Instagram references into country music that would otherwise feel timeless, creating a perfect snapshot of music's ongoing evolution.

The mix concludes with Joy Aladokun and Noah Cahan's deceptively upbeat "We're All Gonna Die," a song that uses mortality as a lens for gaining perspective—much like how this entire collection uses musical history as a foundation for creating something entirely new. Whether you're nostalgic for classic soul, 90s alternative, 70s rock, or early 2000s pop, this mix offers something familiar yet fresh that will become part of your regular rotation.

https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/new-music-may-2023/pl.u-76oNlEbCvLa5bzJ

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2ZUHQtGPVUPqTWfsaa9a7Q?si=edb2105b7ef047c3

1. Lord Have Mercy - Durand Jones

2. Rescued - Foo Fighters

3. Common Ground - Jack Harlow

4. Meeting The Master - Greta Van Fleet

5. Don’t Get Me Wrong - Matchbox Twenty

6. Mermaids - Florence + The Machine

7. Trees Grow HIgh - Teleman

8. Eat The Acid - Kesha

9. I’m Not Pretty - Megan Moroney

10. Too Many Things - The Linda Lindas

11. The Dumb Song - AJR

12. We’re All Gonna Die - Joy Oladokun & Noah Kahan

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From Lorde's triumphant return to The Doobie Brothers teaming up with Mavis Staples, May's releases signal the perfect start to summer's soundtrack.

"What Was That" by Lorde kicks off what many are calling a "Lorde summer," with the New Zealand artist returning to the sound that made her famous. Her stripped-down, melodic approach to examining a relationship's end showcases her unique vocal abilities without unnecessary flourishes. Meanwhile, Miley Cyrus continues her winning streak with "End of the World," an anthemic pop masterpiece with nostalgic 80s vibes reminiscent of The Go-Go's and The Bangles.

Star Wars fans have reason to celebrate with two May 4th releases that demonstrate the holiday's growing cultural significance. Labyrinth's "SWMF" and Apache's remix of John Williams' iconic "Duel of the Fates" showcase how orchestral elements can blend seamlessly with electronic production – bridging centuries of musical evolution in single tracks.

The mix continues with The Jonas Brothers' "Love Me to Heaven" and Turnpike Troubadours' introspective "Heaven Passing Through," which reminds us to treasure life's fleeting moments. Amine brings summer vibes with "Vacay," while legendary artists The Doobie Brothers prove they've still got it alongside Mavis Staples on "Walk This Road."

For alternative music fans, The Minus Five delivers "happy rock" with "Words and Birds," Turnstile bends genres on "Never Enough," and King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard experiments with orchestral sounds on "Phantom." The collection closes with Wavves' energetic Travis Barker-produced surf rock on "Goner."

Whether you're planning your summer playlist, seeking graduation anthems, or simply exploring what's new in music, this diverse collection captures artists at different points in their creative journeys, all delivering tracks worthy of repeated listening. Check out our social channels @SuperAwesomeMix on Instagram, Threads, and YouTube to discover more music that crosses boundaries and brings joy!

https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/sam-2025-may-new-music-mix/pl.u-1LJbgTZaGX7V

1. What Was That? - Lorde

2. End of the World - Miley Cyrus

3. S.W.M.F. - Labrinth

4. Love Me To Heaven - Jonas Brothers

5. Duel of the Fates - Apashe

6. Heaven Passing Through - Turnpike Troubadours

7. Vacay - Aminé

8. Words & Birds - The Minus 5

9. NEVER ENOUGH - Turnstile

10. Walk This Road - The Doobie Brothers featuring Mavis Staples

11. Phantom Island - King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard

12. Goner - Wavves

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What twelve songs would sustain you if you were stranded on a desert island for the rest of your life? Matt Sidhom finally reveals his carefully curated Desert Island Mix—a musical journey that offers surprising insights into his life, memories, and what matters most.

The mix opens with deeply personal selections: his wedding dance song Dave Matthews' "So Damn Lucky" and George Strait's touching "Love Without End" representing Matt's love for his children. From there, the musical landscape expands dramatically to include Bruce Springsteen's inspiring live rendition of "Growing Up," Billy Joel's cinematic "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant," and Kool Moe Dee's lyrically brilliant "I Go to Work."

Each song serves a specific purpose for island survival: Badly Drawn Boy's subtle Christmas track "Donna and Blitzen" to mark the passage of time, Weezer's defiant "Pork and Beans" as a soundtrack for learning survival skills, and Emerson, Lake & Palmer's experimental "Carnival 9" for when isolation hallucinations might set in. The philosophical questions posed in The Killers' "Human" ("Are we human or are we dancer?") take on new meaning in extended solitude.

What makes this episode fascinating isn't just the diverse musical selections spanning rock, country, rap, and prog—it's the window these choices open into Matt's values, memories, and what brings comfort in isolation. The perfectly chosen closing track, The Rolling Stones' "Waiting on a Friend," captures the ultimate desert island emotion.

As you listen, you'll inevitably wonder: what songs would make your own Desert Island Mix? What music would you choose to represent your life if everything else was stripped away? Visit superawesomemix.com to explore our curated playlists and create your own musical time capsule for life's most important moments.

You can listen to the mix on Spotify here:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0um2qIBcUrg5EVrnvuCvbt?si=de3168ca291f4ef4

You can listen to the mix on YouTube here:

https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpQYsbkgm3L7AObF8lHhYAarE3FOhI9g2&feature=share

1. So Damn Lucky - Dave Matthews

2. Love Without End - George Strait

3. Growin' Up - Bruce Springsteen

4. Scenes from an Italian Restaurant - Billy Joel

5. I Go To Work - Kool Moe Dee

6. Donna and Blitzen - Badly Drawn Boy

7. Pork and Beans - Weezer

8. Karn Evil 9 - 2nd Impression - Emerson, Lake and Palmer

9. Under Pressure - Queen and David Bowie

10. Thank the Lord for the Night Time - Neil Diamond

11. Human - The Killers

12. Waiting on a Friend - The Rolling Stones

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