Take a dive into the legacy of the Talking Heads in this episode of the WorkTape Podcast. We talk about the influence the band's widely influential concert film "Stop Making Sense", and its impact on modern music. Discover how this iconic band's unique style and approach to music production have echoed through the decades, inspiring a new wave revival among contemporary artists. Tune in for an insightful journey into the heart of new wave's enduring influence!

Episode Highlights:

• How has Talking Heads' music and performance style influenced modern bands?
• How integral has Tina Weymouth’s influence become to The Talking Heads?
• What role did the Tom Tom Club play in the evolution of the Talking Heads?
• How do The Smiths’ acclaim compare to their actual influence in the mainstream and indie music scenes?
• How have the Talking Heads managed to achieve a universal appreciation, transcending generational and genre boundaries?
• As 80s bands, how do the legacies of The Talking Heads and The Smiths compare?

Have concerts become too unsafe for artists, bands, and concertgoers alike? In this episode, we explore the intricate dance between performers and their audiences. Step into the world of the modern music era as we take you on a tour from the challenges artists and bands face in the age of a more seemingly chaotic and unresting society than previously before, to the suggested solutions in the name of security and safety. Tune in so that you don’t miss out!

Episode Highlights:

• How did Doja Cat utilize controversy advance her career?
• How did the Astroworld tragedy impact the public's perception of Travis Scott?
• What incidents have recently raised concerns about concert etiquette and safety for artists?
• Why do some artists, like Dave Chappelle and Silksonic, enforce a no-phone policy at their shows?
• How does the intimate setting of "Tiny Desk" concerts compare to larger stadium shows?
• What message did Mitch and Isaac convey about concert etiquette and being present at shows?

Here we are, once again, with cancel culture and its grip on the music industry. Have you ever wondered how artists navigate the challenges of cancel culture? This episode we discuss the careers of Doja Cat, Lil Nas X, and Sam Smith, exploring how they've evolved and responded to public opinion. Plus, a hint at what's coming next!

Episode Highlights:

• How has cancel culture impacted the music and entertainment industry in recent years?
• How did Doja Cat transition from a parody artist to a mainstream R&B/pop artist?
• Have demonic or satanic implications recently become more prevalent in modern music efforts?
• Is the current generation of artists and bands less subtle about certain themes in music compared to previous generations?
• Why do some believe that artists don't need to redefine a genre, but just produce solid music consistently?
• Is Bruno Mars "safe”, when compared to other mainstream artists?
• How do ticket prices for major artists like Adele and Taylor Swift reflect their status in the industry?

From the timeless classics of The Beatles and The Beach Boys, to the modern-day controversies of artists like Drake Bell and Doja, we discuss the evolution of classic artists, the oversimplification of artist personalities, and the impact of cancel culture on today's artists. Tune in for this musical discussion!

Episode Highlights:

• Do the personalities and lives of big artists like Kurt Cobain and Bob Marley tend to become oversimplified by media and the general public?
• Which bands or artists have evolved most effectively over the span of their careers?
• Can the catalogue of The Beach Boys rightly be compared to The Beatles’?
• How did the competition between The Beatles and the Beach Boys influence the evolution of their music?
• Why did The Beatles decide to stop touring in 1966?
• Have Sony taken the modern Walkman into a newer and different direction than previous Walkman models?

From microphone emulations, to the return of the classic Walkman, the music world is buzzing with a mix of the old and new. Join us as we dissect the trends, technologies, and tales that are shaping the future of music. Don't miss this deep dive into the heartbeat of the industry.

Episode Highlights:

• How has Chris Lord made his mark on modern music production?
• Has Chris Lord become about as ubiquitous as DJ Khaled has?
• Has the advent of plugins and emulations directly impacted the value of the original hardware music equipment which they have sought to emulate or become an alternative for?
• How significant and important have Slate Digital microphone emulations become for music production?
• How has the fairly recent resurgence of vinyl impacted the modern music industry, and how has it affected modern music consumption?
• What are the implications of the return of physical media like CDs and tapes for independent artists?
• How has music consumption evolved; has it regressed, and has it found itself in an "awkward state"?
• Is there a balance between streaming services and the return to physical media?

From Elton John's signature piano, to Alicia Key’s “Alicia’s Keys”, in this episode, we explore the world of artist-centric VSTs and real-life instruments. Learn more about the technology has shaped the sounds we hear in modern music, and discover which VSTs are making waves in the music industry today. Don't miss out!

Episode Highlights:

• Why are pianists considered finicky when it comes to VSTs and sound emulation?
• What is the difference between sampling and modeling in VSTs?
• How has Alicia's Keys become a household VST for modern music production?
• Why are Keyscape and Pianoteq at the forefront of piano and keyboard VSTs?
• Which company gave Elton John his own signature piano?

Have you ever wondered about the connection between reggae and R&B, or how Daft Punk managed to revive disco for a new generation? In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the music industry, revealing the unsung heroes of reggae, the true essence of disco, and the modern artists paying homage to these iconic sounds. Plus, discover the rise of signature VSTs and how they're changing the game for producers everywhere.

Episode Highlights:

• How does the role of bass in reggae differ from its role in rock or pop?
• How important have the lines and techniques of bassists Robbie Shakespeare and Aston Barrett been for reggae music, let alone popular music as a whole?
• Is there a common thread shared with reggae and R&B, in terms of musical structure and themes?
• How did Nile Rodgers manage to adapt and evolve from the disco era to the 80s and beyond?
• What impact did Daft Punk's "Random Access Memories" have on reviving disco and blending old with new?
• How have signature audio products evolved beyond just instruments to include VSTs and software?

Welcome back to WorkTape. With this episode, we dive quite a bit into the realm of signature instruments. Tracing their roots from iconic artists like Bob Marley to grunge legends like Kurt Cobain, we talk about the legacy, impact, and sometimes controversies surrounding signature instruments. From the distinctiveness of George Harrison's sounds to Mayer's switch to PRS, tune in as we explore the stories and the essence of the instruments that made music history.

Episode Highlights:

• In what key areas are Kurt Cobain and Taylor Swift more similar with each other than they are different from one another?
• Were wrongs ever truly made right with any of Bob Marley’s signature guitar lines?
• What makes John Mayer a significant figure in the modern guitar community?
• Can Syhr be labeled a “boutique” brand?
• How has John Mayer's music evolved to cater to different audiences over time?

In this episode of WorkTape, we delve even more deeply into varying music biopics. From Andre 3000's iconic portrayal of Jimi Hendrix to highly anticipated releases on Bob Marley and Michael Jackson. Here, we shed light on the challenges of music rights, the influence of artist estates, and the undying impact of music legacies. For a compelling dive into the intersection of music, film, and history, listen in to get your dose of industry insights, and some candid opinions!

Episode Highlights:

• Did Andre 3000 portray Jimmy Hendrix well?
• Why was there a lack of Jimmy Hendrix's music in the biopic?
• How can the involvement of an artist's estate influence the making of a biopic?
• How does a biopic strike a balance between traditional elements and innovative storytelling?
• Why hasn’t there been a Frank Sinatra biopic?

In this edition of WorkTape, we marvel about the intricate world of music biopics. We sift a little bit through the pros and cons of various film techniques, specifically relating to how musical performances are portrayed in this genre of film. Take a listen to this intriguing and entertaining discussion.

Episode Highlights:

• Why did Bob Marley allegedly refuse to amputate his toe?
• How does the band's involvement in a biopic impact its narrative?
• How did "Walk Hard" change the way music biopics are approached??
• Why did Freddie Mercury's death potentially limit the depth of "Bohemian Rhapsody"?
• Is it more authentic for actors to perform songs in biopics, or for them to use backing tracks?