Episodi
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In this episode of Live from Mars, Alex (@vinylbymars) is joined by Will (@willtalksmusic) to dive into all things Kendrick Lamar at the Super Bowl Halftime Show. They break down Kendrickâs career leading up to this moment, analyze the standout moments from the performanceâincluding his powerful collaboration with SZAâand, most importantly, discuss the explosive impact of Not Like Us being performed in front of 120+ million viewers. This diss track, fresh off winning Record of the Year and Song of the Year at the Grammys, solidified Kendrickâs dominance over Drake in their ongoing feud, and Alex and Will break down why this moment was so monumental.
Beyond Kendrickâs performance, they explore the deeper political and artistic messaging behind the set, from Samuel L. Jacksonâs role as Uncle Sam to the striking visual storytelling. They also touch on Taylor Swiftâs undeniable presence at the Super Bowl and how she continues to be part of the cultural conversation, even when sheâs not on the stage.
After dissecting the halftime show, Alex and Will shift gears to discuss who should headline the Super Bowl in 2026. They debate potential contenders, from pop icons to hip-hop powerhouses, and throw in some wild card picks. Finally, Will shares his latest music recommendations, giving listeners insight into the albums and songs that have been on repeat for him.
Topics Covered:
Kendrick Lamarâs halftime show: performance highlights and deeper meaningsThe impact of Not Like Us being performed on such a massive stage and its role in Kendrick vs. DrakeThe artistry and messaging behind Kendrickâs setTaylor Swiftâs presence at the Super Bowl and her cultural influenceWho should headline the 2026 Super Bowl?Willâs latest music recommendationsWhere to Listen:
Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major streaming platforms. Donât forget to rate and review!
Follow Us:
@vinylbymars (TikTok, Instagram, YouTube)@willtalksmusic (TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Twitch)Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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This week, Alex is joined once again by his good friend and fellow #MusicTok creator Amanda Leopizzi to break down everything that went down at the 2025 Grammy Awards. From historic wins to shocking snubs, this episode covers all the biggest moments of musicâs biggest night.
In this episode:
âą Biggest wins & surprises â BeyoncĂ© finally wins Album of the Year, Kendrick Lamar sweeps Record & Song of the Year, and Chappell Roan takes Best New Artist.
âą The biggest snubs of the night â Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish walk away empty-handed.
âą Best performances of the night â Charli XCX, Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, RAYE, Doechii, and the Best New Artist showcase.
âą The Weekndâs return to the Grammys â After years of boycotting, what does his performance mean for next yearâs awards?
âą Lady Gagaâs âAbracadabraâ premiere â Is Fame Monster-era Gaga officially back?
âą Records broken & major milestones â Bruno Mars extends his Grammy-winning streak, Doechii makes history in rap, and more!
Did the Recording Academy get it right? Or did your favorites get snubbed? This episode is filled with bold takes, heated debates, and plenty of Grammy hot takes!
Who was your biggest winner of the night? Leave a comment.
đ Donât forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the NOTIFICATION BELL to stay updated with all things Live From Mars!
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Follow Amanda:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amandasplaylist
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Episodi mancanti?
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Welcome to Episode 10 of Live From Mars! This week, Alex is joined by his good friend and fellow #MusicTok creator Amanda Leopizzi to kick off the most exciting week in music â Grammy week!
In this episode:
A roundup of this weekâs New Music Friday releases, including Tate McRaeâs viral hit "Sports car" and Teddy Swimsâ emotional new album, Iâve Tried Everything But Therapy Pt. 2.Predictions for the biggest Grammy categories, including Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best New Artist.Bold takes on pop icons like Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, Charli XCX, BeyoncĂ©, and Billie Eilish.Get ready for a fun and opinionated breakdown of who the Recording Academy might crown versus who truly deserves to win. Whether youâre a fan of Billieâs Hit Me Hard and Soft, BeyoncĂ©âs Cowboy Carter, or Taylorâs The Tortured Poets Department, thereâs something for everyone in this episode.
Donât miss Alex and Amandaâs final Grammy predictions before the big night! Be sure to follow Live From Mars on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen, and subscribe to Vinyl by Mars on YouTube for more music content.
Follow Alex:
TikTok: @VinylByMarsInstagram: @VinylByMarsYouTube: Vinyl by MarsSpotify: @abm0896Follow Amanda:
TikTok: @AmandasPlaylistInstagram: @AmandasPlaylistYouTube: Amandaâs PlaylistHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Most Anticipated New Music of 2025 (with Seth Betzler)
In this episode of Live from Mars, Iâm joined by my dear friend Seth Betzler (@DramaKingVinyl, @DramaKingBooks) to kick off 2025 by discussing our most anticipated albums of the year! After a packed 2024, the music industry is set to deliver another round of incredible releases, and weâre diving into everything from confirmed drops to rumors that have us buzzing.
We explore:
Taylor Swiftâs Next Re-Records: Reputation (Taylorâs Version) and Taylor Swift (Taylorâs Version)âwhat to expect from the vault tracks.The Weekndâs Hurry Up Tomorrow: Trilogy connections, female collaborators, and the potential âendâ of The Weeknd.Lady Gagaâs LG7: What Die with a Smile tells us about the album.Harry Styles, Miley Cyrus, and Lana Del Rey: Where are these artists heading next?Stars on the Rise: New projects from Aly & AJ, Chappell Roan, Madison Beer, and Olivia Dean.Rumored Returns: Olivia Rodrigo, Lorde, and more.From pop legends to emerging voices, we cover it all in this packed episode. If you love music and want to get hyped for whatâs to come, this oneâs for you!
Chapters:
01:05 - Welcoming Seth and Recapping 2024âs Big Year in Music
03:48 - Taylor Swiftâs Reputation and Taylor Swift (Taylorâs Version) Vault Predictions
07:45 - The Weekndâs Hurry Up Tomorrow: Breaking Down the Trilogy
17:13 - Aly & AJâs Silver Deliverer
25:28 - Lady Gagaâs LG7: Will It Live Up to the Hype?
30:14 - Miley Cyrus, Harry Styles, and Lana Del Rey: Whatâs Next?
35:45 - Olivia Rodrigo and Chappell Roan: The Next Era
44:43 - Stars on the Rise: Madison Beer and Olivia Dean
47:32 - Wrapping Up with Lorde, Final Thoughts, and Favorites
Follow Mars!
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Linktree
Follow Seth!
Books Instagram
Books TikTok
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Vinyl TikTok
đŹ Share your thoughts in the comments or reviewsâwhatâs your most anticipated album of 2025?
đ Donât forget to SUBSCRIBE for more episodes exploring the best of music and pop culture!
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In this episode of Live from Mars, Iâm joined by Dan Cash (@DanCashio), a social media star known for his hilarious and insightful takes on pop culture, to dive into Ariana Grandeâs Eternal Sunshine. As the fifth and final installment of my Five Favorite Albums of 2024 series, weâre closing out on a deeply personal, meticulously crafted record that deserves all the praise.
From heartbreak to healing, Eternal Sunshine captures Arianaâs evolution through divorce, new beginnings, and unmatched vocal artistry. Dan and I unpack every detail, from standout tracks to Grammy snubs and what the future holds for one of popâs most talented stars.
We explore:
The cinematic inspiration behind the album and its themes of memory and healing.Our âBest, Worst, Favâ picks: âWe Canât Be Friends,â âThe Boy Is Mine,â and more.Arianaâs behind-the-scenes role as producer and her vocal evolution post-Wicked.Why the album was overlooked during a jam-packed year for pop music.Whatâs next for Arianaâcould her Glinda performance influence her next era?This episode is packed with laughter, insight, and love for an artist who continues to redefine herself. Whether youâre a die-hard Arianator or new to her music, youâll walk away with a deeper appreciation for Eternal Sunshine.
Chapters:
01:47 - Welcoming Dan to the Podcast
04:50 - Danâs Journey as a Creator and Pop Culture Expert
09:06 - Eternal Sunshine: Themes and Storytelling
11:26 - Best, Worst, Fav Tracks: Our Picks
16:32 - The Genius of âWe Canât Be Friendsâ and Arianaâs Production Skills
25:39 - Experimental Sounds and the Magic of âImperfect for Youâ
30:14 - Why Critics and the Grammys Overlooked the Album
32:22 - Whatâs Next for Ariana Grande?
đŹ Share your thoughts in the comments or reviewsâwhatâs your favorite track from Eternal Sunshine?
đ Donât forget to SUBSCRIBE for more episodes dissecting the best albums of 2024!
Follow Mars!ï»ż
TikTok: @vinylbymars
Instagram: @vinylbymars
YouTube: @vinylbymars
Spotify: Mars
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/vinylbymars
Follow Dan!
TikTok: @DanCashio
Instagram: @DanCashio
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In this episode of Live from Mars, Iâm joined by Sam Murphy (@PopSamCam), music critic and pop culture commentator, to dive deep into my pick for the best album of 2024âBillie Eilishâs Hit Me Hard and Soft.
Billieâs latest album delivers emotional depth, sonic surprises, and career-defining moments, from haunting ballads to bold electronic experiments. Sam and I break down the tracks, themes, and Grammy buzz surrounding this unforgettable record.
We explore:
Standout tracks like âBirds of a Feather,â âWildflower,â and âCHIHIRO.âOur âBest, Worst, Favâ picksâand why this albumâs 10-track format hits harder.Billieâs artistic growth, genre shifts, and vocal evolution.The albumâs impact on 2024âs pop landscape and whatâs next for Billie.Grammy predictionsâcan Billie sweep with Hit Me Hard and Soft?Whether youâre a longtime Billie fan or just discovering her music, this episode unpacks why Hit Me Hard and Soft deserves its praiseâand why itâs my personal Album of the Year.
Chapters:
01:47 - Welcoming Sam to the Podcast
03:53 - Samâs Journey as a Music Critic and Content Creator
07:46 - Why This Album Resonated with Us
11:22 - Best, Worst, Fav Tracks: Our Picks
16:32 - Quality Over Quantity: The 10-Track Format Debate
20:29 - The Sonic Universe of Hit Me Hard and Soft
27:23 - Whatâs Next for Billie Eilish?
30:08 - Grammy PredictionsâCan Billie Take It All?
đŹ Drop your thoughts in the comments or reviewsâwhatâs your favorite track from Hit Me Hard and Soft?
đ Donât forget to SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW for more episodes dissecting the best albums of 2024!
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In this episode of Live from Mars, Iâm joined by Adam Barrera (@AdamTheFlop), one of the sharpest voices in pop culture commentary, to break down Charli XCXâs groundbreaking 2024 album Bratâa project that dominated both music and pop culture this year.
Bold, abrasive, and wildly authentic, Brat redefined the modern album era. Adam and I dive into the music, the marketing, and the cultural impact of this critically acclaimed record to explore why it became the defining album of 2024.
We explore:
Standout tracks, from â360â to âGirl, So Confusingâ (feat. Lorde).The genius behind Bratâs marketing and how it reshaped album rollouts.Our âBest, Worst, Favâ picks for Brat and its remix album.The impact of Bratâs bold visuals, viral TikTok trends, and minimalist aesthetic.What this era means for Charliâs next steps in 2025.Whether youâre a Charli superfan or just discovering her music, this episode is packed with analysis, laughs, and a few spicy takes.
Chapters:
01:23 - Welcoming Adam to the Podcast
03:33 - Adamâs Journey in Pop Culture Commentary
06:18 - Why Brat Stands Out as Album of the Year
10:52 - Breaking Down the Marketing Genius Behind Brat
15:24 - Best, Worst, Fav Tracks: Our Picks
25:04 - Remix Album Highlights and New Collaborations
33:00 - Whatâs Next for Charli XCX in 2025?
đŹ Drop your thoughts in the comments or reviewsâwhatâs your favorite Brat track?
đ Donât forget to SUBSCRIBE for more episodes dissecting the best albums of 2024!
Follow Mars!
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vinylbymars
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vinylbymars
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy6NiOrfN5V5P-99PiJ1qMA
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Follow Adam!
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adamtheflop
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adamtheflop
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đ¶ Top 5 Albums of 2024: Taylor Swiftâs âTHE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT" (with Seth Betzler) đ¶
In this episode of Live from Mars, Iâm joined by Seth (@DramaKingVinyl, @DramaKingBooks), one of the biggest Taylor Swift fans I know, to break down her monumental 2024 release, The Tortured Poets Department as one of my five favorite albums of 2024. With 31 tracks, groundbreaking achievements, and raw, emotional storytelling, this album demands a deep diveâand weâre here to deliver.
We explore:
The standout tracks, from âSo Long Londonâ to âGuilty as Sin.âOur âBest, Worst, Favâ picks for âThe Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology.âHow folklore, Midnights, and the Eras Tour shaped this release.Whether the 31-track format helped or hurt Taylorâs narrative.What this album tells us about Taylorâs next moves in 2025.Packed with analysis, laughs, and a few friendly debates, this episode is perfect for Swifties and pop music lovers alike.
Chapters:
01:27 - Welcoming Seth to the Podcast
03:33 - Sethâs Journey with Vinyl & Taylor Swift Fandom
09:20 - Quick Stats on The Tortured Poets Department
10:51 - Why Seth Chose This Album as a Favorite
13:18 - How folklore and Midnights Influenced Tortured Poets
20:18 - Best, Worst, Fav Tracks: Our Picks
25:14 - One-Word Reviews of All 31 Songs
52:11 - Do the Reviews of Tortured Poets Hold Up?
56:54 - Whatâs Next for Taylor in 2025?
đŹ Share your thoughts in the comments or reviewsâwhatâs your favorite track from The Tortured Poets Department?
đ Donât forget to SUBSCRIBE for more episodes dissecting the best albums of 2024!
Follow Mars!
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vinylbymars
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vinylbymars
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy6NiOrfN5V5P-99PiJ1qMA
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/abm0896?si=7e73ab04df564b14
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/vinylbymars
Follow Seth!
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dramakingbooks
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dramakingvinyl
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dramakingbooks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dramakingvinyl
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Join me, Mars (@vinylbymars), and my very first guest, Nick Palmai, as we dive into one of my top five albums of 2024âSabrina Carpenterâs Short nâ Sweet. From record-breaking chart success to lyrical wit and iconic performances, we discuss why this album is a masterclass in pop artistry. Nick shares his unforgettable encounter with Sabrina at the Short nâ Sweet tour and insights into his journey as a music content creator. Plus, we debate Grammys, Sabrinaâs artistic evolution, and whatâs next for her in 2025.
Whether youâre a pop fanatic or new to Sabrinaâs music, this episode will have you streaming Short nâ Sweet on repeat.
đŹ Share your thoughts belowâwhatâs your favorite song from Short nâ Sweet?
â° Chapters:
0:00 - Intro: Top 5 Albums of 2024 Series
1:45 - Welcoming Nick Palmy to the Podcast
3:44 - Nickâs Journey as a Content Creator
9:12 - Sabrina Carpenterâs Short nâ Sweet Tour Highlights
11:34 - Album Stats & Achievements
18:22 - Sabrinaâs Evolution: Pop Sensibilities & Lyrical Wit
22:14 - Track-by-Track Discussion: Singles, Humor, & Witty Lyrics
27:49 - Our Favorite Tracks: "Taste," "Donât Smile," and More
34:24 - Sabrina vs. Other Pop Artists: Longevity & Evolution
36:14 - Grammy Predictions: Album of the Year, Song vs. Record
39:11 - Best New Artist Debate
41:51 - Closing Thoughts & Whatâs Next for Sabrina
đ Donât forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more pop music deep dives! đ€âš
Follow Mars!
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In this episode of Live from Mars, I dive into your hottest takes on Taylor Swift, straight from the DMs and Instagram Q&A!
From the chaotic genius of Red (Taylor's Version) to the Grammy-winning masterpiece Folklore, we're unpacking every opinion with passion, humor, and a pinch of controversy.
Mars kicks things off with a personal recap: two back-to-back concerts at Madison Square GardenâBillie Eilish and Maggie Rogers! Hear all about the highs and lows of these electrifying shows and what makes a live performance unforgettable. Then, we jump into the hot takes, including:
The chaotic tracklist of Redâbrilliance or distraction?Folklore: Should it have even been nominated for Album of the Year? Why Cowboy Like Me is one of Taylorâs most underrated gems Single selections: Is Taylor making the right choices? Should Taylor explore new producers beyond Jack Antonoff and Aaron Dessner?Mars shares his own spicy takes, breaks down what makes Taylor's storytelling so unique, and reimagines some of her biggest songs. This episode is packed with thought-provoking debate and a celebration of Taylorâs artistry!
Donât miss this deep dive into all things Taylor Swift on the latest episode of Live From Mars!
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In the very first episode of Live from Mars, I (Alex, aka Mars) take you on a personal journey through the moments that ignited my lifelong passion for music. From early memories of childhood road trips fueled by Britney Spears to the Top 40 days of Z100 radio and the rise of social media, this episode is all about how music became more than just a hobbyâit became a lifestyle. I recount my evolution from a devoted fan tracking pop charts and album rollouts to creating my own content, and the bold leap of finally showing my face on TikTok to build a connection with my community.
Youâll hear about the early days of my vinyl collection, the challenges of staying authentic in a rapidly changing social media landscape, and the birth of my popular series "Best, Worst, Fav" that propelled my journey as @vinylbymars. Through every stepâfrom running a Britney fan account that caught her attention to the transformative power of Spotify playlistsâthis episode reveals the story behind the music, the passion, and the platform. Grab a record, settle in, and letâs kick off Live from Mars with a look at where it all began.
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Dive into Live from Mars with host Alex as we dissect the biggest music event of the year: the Grammy nominations! In this episode, Alex, known on social media as @vinylbymars, brings a fanâs excitement and a critic's eye to each nomination, discussing which artists and albums hit the mark and which may have missed. From Record of the Year to Album of the Year and beyond, Alex breaks down each category and gets candid about the unexpected snubs and surprises in the Grammy race. Plus, listeners weigh in with their thoughts, sharing hot takes on whether the Grammys nailed it or missed the mark. Donât miss this Grammy-special episodeâyour inside look at this yearâs most talked-about nominations!
Check out Alex's social media at:
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vinylbymars
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vinylbymars
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy6NiOrfN5V5P-99PiJ1qMA
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/abm0896?si=7e73ab04df564b14
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/vinylbymars
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