Super Awesome Mix

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

Go to My.SuperAwesomeMix.com and start using our new app on any device - mobile or laptop.  Copy and paste a link to your playlist then turn it into an old school mixtape in minutes!  

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Visit us at https://www.superawesomemix.com to learn more about our app, our merchandise, our cards, and more!

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.

Go to My.SuperAwesomeMix.com and start using our new app on any device - mobile or laptop.  Copy and paste a link to your playlist then turn it into an old school mixtape in minutes!  

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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

Go to My.SuperAwesomeMix.com and start using our new app on any device - mobile or laptop.  Copy and paste a link to your playlist then turn it into an old school mixtape in minutes!  

Support the show

Visit us at https://www.superawesomemix.com to learn more about our app, our merchandise, our cards, and more!

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

Go to My.SuperAwesomeMix.com and start using our new app on any device - mobile or laptop.  Copy and paste a link to your playlist then turn it into an old school mixtape in minutes!  

Support the show

Visit us at https://www.superawesomemix.com to learn more about our app, our merchandise, our cards, and more!

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

Go to My.SuperAwesomeMix.com and start using our new app on any device - mobile or laptop.  Copy and paste a link to your playlist then turn it into an old school mixtape in minutes!  

Support the show

Visit us at https://www.superawesomemix.com to learn more about our app, our merchandise, our cards, and more!

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

Go to My.SuperAwesomeMix.com and start using our new app on any device - mobile or laptop.  Copy and paste a link to your playlist then turn it into an old school mixtape in minutes!  

Support the show

Visit us at https://www.superawesomemix.com to learn more about our app, our merchandise, our cards, and more!

From the moment we hear those first notes blaring through stadium speakers, something magical happens. Baseball's walk-up songs do more than just fill empty space—they transform ordinary at-bats into cinematic moments, creating instant connections between players and fans.

Matt and Sam dive into the fascinating world of MLB entrance music, exploring how these brief musical snippets reveal player personalities while energizing crowds. Whether it's Francisco Lindor's unexpected choice of "My Girl" that has entire Mets crowds singing in unison long after the music stops, or the bass-heavy swagger of Aaron Judge's "Swag Surfin'" that signals a potential home run, these musical decisions are carefully calculated for maximum impact.

The conversation spans from classic rock anthems like "Layla" (Pete Alonso) and "Whole Lotta Love" (Austin Wells) to contemporary hits from Rihanna and Lil Baby, with each selection offering insight into the player behind it. We even venture into international territory with Korean star Young Hoo Lee's electrifying choice of Supreme Team's "Dang, Dang, Dang."

Beyond the music itself, Matt and Sam explore the fascinating superstitions surrounding walk-up songs, including Nick Castellanos's strange reputation for hitting home runs during tragic news broadcasts, and how players often change their music during slumps or hitting streaks. With players getting just 30 seconds to make an impression through sound, every beat counts.

Whether you're a baseball die-hard or simply appreciate how music heightens dramatic moments, this episode delivers an entertaining look at the soundtrack of America's pastime. Want to feel like you're walking into your next important meeting with the swagger of an MLB slugger? This playlist has you covered.

https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/2025-baseball-walk-up-music/pl.u-02GgC4oxbV

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4IGT9SHaR5fje3uClZRsKx?si=b73ad9cdd8b54207 

1 .Texas – BigXthaPlug

2. My Girl – The Temptations

3. Drip Too Hard – Lil Baby & Gunna

4. Layla – Derek & The Dominos

5. Whole Lotta Love – Led Zeppelin

6. Swag Surfin' – F.L.Y. (Fast Life Yungstaz)

7. Armed and Dangerous – Juice WRLD

8. Top Gun Anthem – Harold Faltermeyer & Steve Stevens

9. Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough – Michael Jackson

10. Needed Me – Rihanna

11. Edge of Seventeen – Stevie Nicks

12. Dang Dang Dang – Supreme Team

Go to My.SuperAwesomeMix.com and start using our new app on any device - mobile or laptop.  Copy and paste a link to your playlist then turn it into an old school mixtape in minutes!  

Support the show

Visit us at https://www.superawesomemix.com to learn more about our app, our merchandise, our cards, and more!

This week's Mixtape Rewind takes us back to our new music mix from October 2022

Taylor Swift dominated charts by claiming all top ten Billboard spots with her "Midnights" album – we explore "Mastermind," highlighting how her songwriting prowess continues to evolve while maintaining that distinctive Taylor sound.

The musical whiplash continues as we bounce between genres. Flatland Cavalry's folksy "Mountain Song" transports listeners to peaceful natural landscapes, while Sam Smith and Kim Petras deliver the imposing, menacing "Unholy" that marks a dramatic departure from Smith's typical style. Rock veterans make strong showings with Smashing Pumpkins returning to their hard-edged roots on "Beguiled" and Red Hot Chili Peppers honoring guitar legend Eddie Van Halen with their extended six-minute tribute "Eddie."

Our exploration reveals fascinating discoveries – from The 1975's "I'm In Love With You" (prompting us to admit we've overlooked their 20-year catalog) to emerging artist Jake Swamp and the Pine's nostalgic "Empty Stomachs and Bloodshot Eyes." We even find Bruce Springsteen covering Ben E. King on his upcoming Motown and soul covers album.

https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/new-music-october-2022/pl.u-mJy81vBINE8XR1q

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0BzHINFCB80bJQZAlwEiWu?si=18378ffac35a4bd5

1. Mastermind by Taylor Swift
2. Mountain Song by Flatland Cavalry
3. Unholy by Sam Smith & Kim Petras
4. Francesca by Weezer
5. Lift Off by Labrinth
6. I’m In Love With You by The 1975
7. Beguiled by The Smashing Pumpkins
8. Empty Stomachs and Bloodshot Eyes by Jake Swamp and the Pine
9. Eddie by Red Hot Chili Peppers
10. Stfu (feat Rick Nielsen) by Todd Rundgren
11. Electricfy My Love by Mondo Cozmo
12. Don’t Play That Song by Bruce Springsteen

Support the show

Visit us at https://www.superawesomemix.com to learn more about our app, our merchandise, our cards, and more!

From country twang to electronic trance, our latest mix takes listeners on a journey through an extraordinary range of musical landscapes. Matt and Sam discover unexpected connections between artists spanning five decades, share their surprised reactions to genre departures, and explain why this collection might be their favorite in years.

The hosts dive deep into Eric Church's reflective "Hands of Time," exploring how music keeps us youthful despite life's inevitable forward march. They unpack Wet Leg's relatable lyrics about unwanted advances in "Catch These Fists" and The Kooks' poignant reminder to live fully because "you never know when it's going to stop." The conversation takes a more vulnerable turn with Haim's powerful exploration of panic attacks in "Everybody's Trying to Figure Me Out."

A surprising highlight emerges in Finneas and Kacey Musgraves' acoustic duet, where Finneas (of Billie Eilish production fame) showcases his remarkable vocal talents. The hosts marvel at Orbital's collaboration with actress Tilda Swinton on a six-minute meditation that functions simultaneously as relaxation aid and dance track.

The musical exploration continues with The Black Keys' soul-influenced sound, Little Feat proving their 50+ year longevity, Arcade Fire's signature building compositions, and Charlotte DeWitte's pure electronic experience. 

https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/sam-april-2025-new-music/pl.u-MBM3INqbr8

1. Hands of Time - Eric Church

2. catch these fists - Wet Leg

3. Never Know - The Kooks

4. Everybody's Trying To Figure Me Out - HAIM

5. Giver/Taker (Apple Music Sessions) - FINNEAS & Kacey Musgraves

6. Starry Eyed - Good Neighbours

7. Deepest - Orbital & Tilda Swinton

8. Babygirl - The Black Keys

9. Midnight Flight - Little Feat

10. Year of the Snake - Arcade Fire

11. Please Don't Move to Melbourne - Ball Park Music

12. The Realm - Charlotte De Witte

Go to My.SuperAwesomeMix.com and start using our new app on any device - mobile or laptop.  Copy and paste a link to your playlist then turn it into an old school mixtape in minutes!  

Support the show

Visit us at https://www.superawesomemix.com to learn more about our app, our merchandise, our cards, and more!

This week's mixtape rewind takes us back to an earlier season where we were joined by Tony Smith, formerly of the band Sleeper Agent.

Tony Smith's musical journey begins with Saturday mornings filled with Christopher Cross's "Ride Like the Wind" – his mother's chosen soundtrack for family cleaning day – and ends with the transcendent experience of Bon Iver's "Naeem."

Each selection marks a transformative moment: discovering Ben Kweller's "Wasted and Ready" at 3am led to a shift away from nu-metal toward indie rock; encountering The Pixies' "Debaser" completely redirected his career aspirations from filmmaking to music; and Modest Mouse's "Trailer Trash" became a personal anthem while working two jobs during high school, feeling trapped in his Kentucky hometown.

What makes this episode special is Smith's vulnerability in sharing how deeply these songs penetrated his life. With three tattoos inspired by tracks on his mix, he demonstrates how music becomes physically part of our identity. His emotional description of waiting years to hear Bon Iver's "Naeem" in studio form – "my body filled with this strange chill and warmth at the same time" – perfectly captures music's power to move us beyond words.

You can find his Spotify playlist here:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1RyTOvV7DHYRfW4UdDHTry?si=610402a96acc4fe4

You can find the Super Awesome Mix app list here:
https://app.superawesomemix.com/i3BxT4TjZeZyZ4Gb8
 
Preview of his list:

1. I Want You Back by The Jackson 5
2. Bad, Bad Leroy Brown by Jim Croce
3. Working Man by Rush
4. MMMBop by Hanson
5. Wasted & Ready by Ben Kweller
6. Debaser by Pixies
7. Trailer Trash by Modest Mouse
8. Hummingbird by Wilco
9. Lust For Life by Girls
10. Falling In Love Again by Joyce Manor
11. Something by Julien Baker
12. Naeem by Bon Iver

Follow us @superawesomemix on Instagram to discover more personal musical journeys and share your own musical milestones that defined different chapters of your life.

Support the show

Visit us at https://www.superawesomemix.com to learn more about our app, our merchandise, our cards, and more!