WorkTape

Due to the recent passing of the late Taylor Hawkins, we though that we'd weigh in on why Taylor was such a major influence in the music world.

Here are some of the topics that we go over in this episode:

• How and when did Taylor start drumming for Foo Fighters?
• Who are the drummers who influenced Taylor's style?
• How did Taylor's drumming style differ from Dave's?
• Was Taylor a major reason why Foo Fighters made it bigger than if he didn't joined them?

Is it fair to "make it personal" when judging the music of artists? Did you know that Olivia Rodrigo and Bella Poarch are of Filipino descent?

Here are some of the topics that we go over in this episode:

• What is The Beatles' worst track?
• Are Radiohead the "Beatles" of this generation?
• How has Elton John been able to stay relevant?
• Do "guilty pleasures" exist?
• Is there such thing as "genreless" music?
• How has Kid Rock turned into a meme?
• What makes Rihanna's vocal style unique?
• Will popular music ever have a stride as great as the strides had in the past?

Are most artists born "stage-ready", or do most artists battle early anxiety? Is the industry safer for kid artists than it used to be?

Here are some of the topics that we go over in this episode:

• Is mental health talked about enough in the music scene?
• Do people expect too much of artists by always expecting them to be bold and charismatic?
• Can fame ever be "unhealthy" for child artists?
• How has the industry failed men and women alike?

Who are some of the most important women in singing? Are some styles of music more "timeless" than others?

Here are some of the topics that we go over in this episode:

• Is there a problem with Ariana Grande's "Problem"?
• What makes Tori Kelly among other artists?
• Why does Billie Eilish's vocal technique work for her, but maybe not for others?
• Why should artists strive to develop their own sound, and why does originality matter?
• Was Taylor Swift's transition from "country" over to "pop" a good move stylistically?

Did you know Kyuss were predecessors to Queens of the Stone Age? Which QOTSA album did Dave drum on?

Here are some of the topics that we go over in this episode:

• Has Mastodon's catalog held up better than Metallica's?
• Have Muse raised the bar too high for themselves?
• Who are Liiily and Cleopatrick?
• Are Radiohead overrated, or do they deserve the hype?
• Is emotional connection a more important factor than musical complexity when choosing favorites?

Is it better for artists pay for studio time, or is it better for them to invest in their own equipment? How long does it usually take to establish a business/self-employment?

Here are some of the topics that we go over in this episode:

• Why might it be smart for artists to invest in themselves and/or learn how to self-produce?
• Who is Jonathan Higgs?
• Is "head voice" exclusively attributed to female voices?
• What makes Geddy Lee such an interesting frontman?

Can theory become a hindrance to/for creativity? Should Joe Rogan be "cancelled" for his COVID stance by being removed from Spotify?

Here are some of the topics that we go over in this episode:

• Why do some singers sing "breathy"?
• Was Art Garfunkel the lead vocalist to/for Simon & Garfunkel?
• What if Freddie Mercury had been formally trained?
• Was Neil Young's departure from Spotify a smart move?
• How big of a threat is censorship to artists?

What is a "singing/vocal straw"? Do vocalists need to protect their voices from COVID or other sicknesses?

Here are some of the topics that we go over in this episode:

• Do vocal coaches have or need vocal coaches?
• Should vocalists be wary of caffeine and acidic drinks?
• Do singing/vocal straws help singers to improve vocal health and performance?
• Is it alright for singers to use throat sprays?

Is the voice more complex than any instrument? Why do boys' voices sound so similar to girls' voices under a certain age?

Here are some of the topics that we go over in this episode:

• Do vocal coaches tend to stick with students of the same gender?
• Were Led Zeppelin's lyrics considered risqué for their time?
• Are singers who belt overpraised in music culture?
• How is vocal technique related to singer health?

What is the appeal with local music shops over more "corporate" music stores? Can music be used to manipulate or cause someone harm?

Here are some of the topics that we go over in this episode:

• What are the origins of motown?
• Is motown classic pop?
• Can music (ever) be evil?
• What made Prince stick out in the industry?
• Should some music be "handled with caution"?