Live From Mars

This week on Live From Mars, Alex unpacks a massive week in pop music—from Lorde’s industrial new album Virgin, to wild moments at Glastonbury, Olivia Rodrigo album rumors, Beyoncé's floating car scare, and more. This episode combines a full review of Virgin with New Music Friday highlights and a breakdown of the week’s biggest music news.Topics covered:New Music Friday picks: Lorde’s Virgin, Jessie Murph’s “Heroin,” and RAYE & Mark Ronson’s “Grandma Calls The Boys Bad News”Full review of Lorde’s Virgin album: top tracks, themes, standout lyrics, and how it compares to Solar PowerGlastonbury moments: Charli XCX sets the Brat curtain on fire, Matty Healy takes jabs at Taylor Swift, and Lewis Capaldi returns to the stageOlivia Rodrigo’s next album: what we know (and don’t) about OR3 so farTaylor Swift’s surprise “Shake It Off” performance in NashvilleBeyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour scare in HoustonSabrina Carpenter’s album cover controversy and why she’s a marketing geniusTimestamps:00:00 – Intro01:31 – Lorde's Virgin Review14:21 – New Music Friday Highlights18:37 – Glastonbury 2025 Recap25:41 – Olivia Rodrigo's 3rd Album29:21 - Taylor Swift's Surprise Performance31:14 – Beyoncé's "16 Carriages" Car Accident32:15 – Sabrina Carpenter's New Album Cover Follow me:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vinylbymarsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/vinylbymarsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vinylbymarsNew Music Friday playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7fbLRhODukVyre2zTFMQG0?si=e9fcd379355647ae

This week on Live From Mars, Alex shares his picks for the best songs of 2025 (so far)—including bangers from Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, SZA, Ariana Grande, and more. Plus, a quick New Music Friday recap and the chaotic rollout of Sabrina Carpenter’s surprise new album Man's Best Friend.Topics covered:Quick hits from a quiet New Music Friday: Kehlani, Mark Ronson & RAYE, Hannah JadaguSabrina Carpenter's surprise album announcement + the internet’s meltdown over the cover artAlex’s full list of the 10 best songs of 2025 (plus a bonus!)Why Abracadabra and Something Beautiful are tied for song of the yearThe comeback of fun Drake? (Yes, I'm shocked too)A case for Addison Rae and a deep cut from DjoTaylor Swift similarities, Ariana, SZA, The Weeknd, HAIM, Selena Gomez, and moreTimestamps:00:00 — Intro + Catch Up01:31 — New Music Friday Highlights06:59 — Sabrina Carpenter’s Man’s Best Friend Controversy13:15 — The Best Pop Songs of 2025 (So Far)Follow & support the show:Life on Mars (New Music Friday Playlist): https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7fbLRhODukVyre2zTFMQG0?si=f39baf34c7754f2fListen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0V8opmfEyH3U7MJSTrsHH6Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/live-from-mars/id1717556594Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vinylbymarsFollow Alex on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vinylbymarsFollow Alex on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vinylbymars

This week on Live From Mars, Alex shares one of the wildest weeks in his pop music life: going record shopping with Joe Jonas, meeting Miley Cyrus, and seeing The Weeknd’s After Hours 'Til Dawn tour. Plus, a full breakdown of Addison Rae’s surprisingly strong debut album Addison, Sabrina Carpenter’s new single “Manchild,” and an in-depth conversation with Sony Music Publishing’s SVP of A&R and Survivor 48 castaway Thomas Krottinger. From Olivia Rodrigo’s publishing journey to how artists actually get paid, this episode covers it all.Topics covered:• Addison Rae’s debut album Addison — standout tracks and whether it lives up to the hype• Sabrina Carpenter’s “Manchild” — is this another hit or just a viral detour?• Behind the scenes of Alex’s interview and record store hang with Joe Jonas• Meeting Miley Cyrus and the story behind “Pretend You’re God”• Full concert recap of The Weeknd’s After Hours 'Til Dawn stadium tour• Interview with Thomas Krottinger: Olivia Rodrigo’s early songwriting talent, how music publishing works, why the song is the most important part of the industry, how artist deals are structured, the importance of finding a good publishing partner, and how the business has shifted post-TikTokTimestamps:00:00 - Intro & Wildest Week Ever01:29 - Addison Rae Album Reaction02:16 - Sabrina Carpenter’s “Manchild”04:00 - Record Shopping w/ Joe Jonas06:23 - Meeting Miley Cyrus07:43 - The Weeknd Stadium Tour Recap10:23 - Introducing Thomas Krottinger14:36 - Music Publishing 10120:14 - Signing Olivia Rodrigo26:21 - The Future of the Music Industry37:50 - Thomas' Survivor ExperienceFollow & support the show:• Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0V8opmfEyH3U7MJSTrsHH6• Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/live-from-mars/id1721474129• Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vinylbymars• Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vinylbymars• Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vinylbymars

This was one of the biggest music weeks in a long time. Taylor Swift now officially owns her masters—her first six albums are finally hers—and Miley Cyrus just dropped what I truly believe is the best album of her career. I break it all down in this week’s episode.We get into the full Taylor masters timeline, the $360M deal, what this means for the re-records, and whether Reputation (TV) is actually off the table. Plus: my review of Something Beautiful, Lorde’s raw return, and Addison Rae proving she’s more than a TikTok star.In this episode:Taylor Swift’s masters: full backstory + what happens nextMiley Cyrus Something Beautiful review + top 3 tracksLorde’s “Man of the Year” breakdownAddison Rae’s comeback with “Fame is a Gun”Chapters:00:00 - Welcome to Live From Mars02:01 - Miley Cyrus' Something Beautiful 12:44 - Addison Rae's "Fame is a Gun" 17:51 - Lorde's "Man of the Year"20:00 - Taylor Swift Buys Back Her Masters33:39 - Next Week's Sneak PeekFind me on:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0V8opmfEyH3U7MJSTrsHH6Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/live-from-mars/id1720430294YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vinylbymarsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vinylbymarsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/vinylbymarsX (Twitter): https://twitter.com/vinylbymars

This week on Live From Mars, Alex (still recovering from a cold!) shares a full breakdown of Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour stop in NYC — from the visuals to the vocals, the weather chaos, and why Blue Ivy might’ve stolen the show. Plus, New Music Friday highlights from Renee Rapp, Joe Jonas, and Julia Michaels.Topics covered:Renee Rapp’s bold new single “Leave Me Alone” and upcoming album Bite MeJoe Jonas’ first solo album in 14 years (Music for People Who Believe in Love) — is it worth the wait?Julia Michaels’ comeback EP Second Self and her signature clever songwritingA full review of Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter stadium show, including standout moments, surprises, and why it’s a must-see tourTimestamps:00:00 - Intro & Welcome Back01:22 - Reneé Rapp's "Leave Me Alone"04:19 - Joe Jonas' Return07:15 - Julia Michaels' New EP09:34 - Cowboy Carter Dominates17:22 - Wrap Up & Sneak PeekFollow & support the show: 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5QjD6rq8H6XnF4BvMFlYVb 🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/live-from-mars/id1714282199 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vinylbymars 📸 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vinylbymars 🎵 Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vinylbymars

This week on Live From Mars, I’m diving into a packed New Music Friday featuring Miley Cyrus, The Weeknd, and Calvin Harris — plus, I take you inside the Something Beautiful visual album premiere hosted by Miley and Spotify.Then I’m joined by fellow music content creator Nick Fry (@nicksmusictaste) for a chaotic and honest deep dive into the albums you called 10/10. We’re reviewing your favorite “no-skip” records and deciding which ones truly deserve the title.Episode Highlights:Miley Cyrus’ new single More to Lose + a behind-the-scenes look at her visual album eventFirst reactions to new tracks from The Weeknd, Calvin Harris, and moreMusic news: Lorde’s Ultrasound Tour, Renee Rapp’s new era, and Miley’s commercial momentGuest segment: Reviewing fan-submitted 10/10 albums — from Folklore and Melodrama to Blackout, ANTI, Renaissance, and moreChapters:00:00 - Welcome + New Music Friday rundown03:08 - Miley Cyrus Something Beautiful visual album experience & "More to Lose" reaction06:55 - New music from Calvin Harris and The Weeknd10:50 - Music news from Lorde and Renee Rapp12:00 - Guest Nick Fry joins: Reviewing Your No-Skip, 10/10 Albums44:15 - Final thoughts + where to find Nick online💬 What’s your 10/10 album? Drop a comment or tag me on TikTok/IG @vinylbymars.—🎧 Follow Live From Mars on Spotify | Apple Podcasts📲 Follow me: TikTok | Instagram | YouTube⭐️ Like the pod? Leave a 5-star review — it helps a ton!

This week on Live From Mars, I’m breaking down Ed Sheeran’s nostalgic new single “Old Phone,” the issue with his long promo campaign, and why Maroon 5’s “Priceless” featuring LISA left me completely underwhelmed. Plus, Jorja Smith enters her rave era, and I share thoughts on the final leg of Charli XCX’s Brat Tour in Brooklyn—my first time seeing her live.I also unpack the deluxe edition of Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco’s I Said I Loved You First, Lorde’s Virgin album reveal and streaming stats for “What Was That,” and why the Song of the Summer race feels unusually stale in 2025.For the deep dive, we talk everything Lady Gaga and her record-breaking Copacabana Beach performance: the setlist, Brazilian cultural tributes, her evolving confidence since Coachella, and the massive post-show spike across her entire catalog.Topics covered in this episode: Ed Sheeran’s “Old Phone” + Play rollout breakdownMaroon 5’s “Priceless” ft. LISA + the problem with empty K-pop collabsJorja Smith’s “The Way I Love You” rave momentCharli XCX’s Brat Tour finale reviewSelena Gomez & Benny Blanco’s deluxe: standout tracks + what’s workingLorde’s new album Virgin + early success of “What Was That”Song of the Summer 2025: Why it’s wide openDeep Dive: Gaga’s Copacabana concert — impact, scale, and streaming liftChapters/Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome + What’s Coming This Episode02:05 – Ed Sheeran’s “Old Phone” + Album Rollout06:20 – Maroon 5’s “Priceless” ft. LISA09:35 – Jorja Smith’s “The Way I Love You”12:45 – Charli XCX’s BRAT Tour Finale (Brooklyn)15:20 – Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco Deluxe Reactions19:05 – Lorde’s “What Was That” + VIRGIN Announcement21:30 – Song of the Summer 2025 Rundown23:50 – Deep Dive: Lady Gaga at Copacabana Beach26:10 – Final Thoughts + What’s Coming Next WeekFollow Live From Mars: https://linktr.ee/livefrommarspodFollow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vinylbymarsFollow on Instagram: https://instagram.com/vinylbymarsFollow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/abm0896

This week on Live From Mars, we’re breaking down Lorde’s long-awaited return with her new single What Was That — how it fits into her discography, its early success, and why it has fans divided. Plus, I’m sharing quick reactions to other New Music Friday standouts including Benson Boone, Samia, and Joe Jonas.Then for our deep dive, we explore how the touring landscape has shifted post-Eras Tour, including the early controversy around Katy Perry’s Lifetimes Tour, Sabrina Carpenter and Dua Lipa’s evolving strategies, and a critical look at Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour launch.Where do pop concerts go from here — and is Beyoncé too legendary to be relatable?Topics covered in this episode:Lorde's What Was That review + lead single rankingStreaming performance of Lorde’s new single so farNew Music Friday picks: Benson Boone’s Mystical Magical, Samia’s Carousel, Joe Jonas’ Heart by HeartThe Katy Perry Lifetimes Tour controversy and execution critiquesSabrina Carpenter’s mini-Eras energy on tourBeyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour: what low ticket sales tell us about the future of pop iconsThe future of live touring after the Eras Tour phenomenonChapters / Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome + Personal Intro (100K celebration)01:30 – New Music Friday Intro02:00 – Lorde’s What Was That Review09:00 – Ranking Lorde’s Lead Singles12:30 – New Music Friday Highlights (Joe Jonas, Benson Boone, Samia)17:30 – Deep Dive: Touring After the Eras Tour19:30 – Katy Perry’s Lifetimes Tour Critiques22:00 – Sabrina Carpenter and Dua Lipa Touring Strategies25:00 – Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Tour and Touring ReflectionLike what you hear?Make sure you’re following Live From Mars on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen!If you enjoyed the episode, leave a 5-star rating or review — it helps the show grow and keeps the conversations going.Stay connected:TikTok: @vinylbymarsInstagram: @vinylbymarsYouTube: VinylByMarsSpotify Playlists: Follow here

One year later, we’re revisiting Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department in an unfiltered deep dive into its rollout, reception, and legacy. Was the double album drop a mistake? Which songs still hit hardest? And how does it stack up in Taylor’s discography today?I’m joined by viral Swiftie and returning guest Nick Palmai (@nickpalmai) to break it all down — from our dream rollout (with trailers + music video concepts) to the songs we’ve grown to love (or skip). Whether you’re a die-hard Swiftie or still on the fence about TTPD, this episode has something for you.We discuss: The one-year anniversary of Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department Why the 31-song release may have hurt the album’s impact Jack Antonoff vs. Aaron Dessner: who delivered the better production? What songs have aged well… and which we’ve forgotten Fan-submitted questions: Grammy nominations, visuals, and moreChapters:00:00 — Intro & Nick returns03:00 — What the release night felt like06:30 — Has the album aged well?10:15 — Our dream rollout strategy (and a music video multiverse)18:45 — Jack Antonoff vs. Aaron Dessner moments24:00 — What songs grew on us most27:45 — Should TTPD have been nominated for AOTY?31:30 — Cut one track from the album34:30 — Best/Worst/Fave picks39:30 — Final thoughts: what’s stuck with us after a yearLISTENER QUESTION:What’s your Best/Worst/Fav song picks on The Tortured Poets Department? Has your opinion changed in the past year?Follow Alex:TikTokInstagramYouTubeSpotify