What Is Music?: A Music Podcast About Music
A podcast that dives deep into discographies - one artist per season. Hosts Adam, Steve, and Lucas go album by album, track by track, exploring how context shapes our experience of music, why fans become obsessed, and what music really is. With three hosts coming from wildly different levels of musical knowledge, expect sharp analysis, wild tangents, hot takes, and more information about the artists (and the hosts) than you ever asked for. Current focus: Björk. Previous seasons featured Manic Street Preachers, Muse, Billie Eilish, Radiohead, Lauryn Hill, R.E.M., and Arctic Monkeys.
Homogenic (Pt. 1)
The Big Mates discuss the launch of Channel 5, magical crime, “intelligent” dance music and Homogenic by Björk.
Adam, Steve, and Lucas begin their dissection of her third album by looking at how Björk wrote and recorded it, the collaborations she sought to help her, and the goal of creating a cohesive record.
They also find time to explore the world around Björk, the experience of the Post tour and her rise to international celebrity, and the effect this has on her career and music going fo...
Björk Confuses Wembley Arena
The Big Mates provide a large kind of audio accompaniment for a variety of clips from the Post era of Björk’s career.
Adam, Steve, and Lucas discuss dolphin noises, Burger King pens, the sartorial instincts of Sporty Spice, vocal gymnastics, and being welcomed to Bangkok whilst watching Björk perform on TV, at festivals, and at her own shows. They also look at some interviews and promotional footage from around the Post era.
Head to YouTube to watch along by clicking here!
Or...
Post (Pt. 3)
The Big Mates discuss studying, relaxing, chilling, and Post by Björk.
Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their exploration of the career of Björk and their track-by-track analysis of her second studio album.
They explore the composition, tone, lyrics, meaning, and context for each song in turn - all from three differing perspectives, from being deeply into music and analysis, to not caring for art or critique, and everything in between!
They also look at how the album was received at the time, how that legacy has...
Post (Pt. 2)
The Big Mates discuss chance, big band jazz, sampling, and Post by Björk.
Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their exploration of the career of Björk and their track-by-track analysis of her second studio album.
They explore the composition, tone, lyrics, meaning, and context for each song in turn - all from three differing perspectives, from being deeply into music and analysis, to not caring for art or critique, and everything in between!
They also look at how Björk collaborated on some lyrics, her wi...
Post (Pt. 1)
The Big Mates discuss big batteries, envelopes, headphones , and Post by Björk.
Adam, Steve, and Lucas begin their dissection of her second solo album by looking at how Björk wrote and recorded the record, the changes in the team around her, and the thought behind the various styles found on the record.
They also find time to explore how Björk reacted to her new found fame and the musical landscape in 1995, before starting the track-by-track analysis of the album, exploring the composition, sound, lyrics, mean...
Björk Shows Us Her Home Studio
The Big Mates provide a special kind of audio accompaniment for a variety of clips from the Debut era of Björk’s career.
Adam, Steve, and Lucas discuss late night hosts, Cars equivalents, Letterboxd ratings, Glastonbury Festival, the Eurovision movie, the true identity of ancient aliens, and hectic editing whilst watching Björk perform on TV, at festivals, and at her own shows. They also look at some interviews and promotional footage from around the Debut era.
Head to YouTube to watch along by clicki...
Debut (Pt. 3)
The Big Mates discuss simulations, sampling, scores, and Debut by Björk.
Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their exploration of the career of Björk and conclude their track-by-track analysis of her first studio album.
They explore the composition, tone, lyrics, meaning, and context for each song on the second half of the record in turn - all from three differing perspectives, from being deeply into music and analysis, to not caring for art or critique, and everything in between!
They also look at how the album was...
BREAKING MUSE: The Wow! Signal
BONG. THIS IS AN EMERGENCY NEWS BROADCAST. The Big Mates discuss the newly released album The Wow! Signal by Muse. They give their first impressions and pick some standout tracks.
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Debut (Pt. 2)
The Big Mates discuss Goddesses, beauty, GoldenEye, and Debut by Björk.
Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their exploration of the career of Björk and their track-by-track analysis of her first studio album.
They explore the composition, tone, lyrics, meaning, and context for each song in turn - all from three differing perspectives, from being deeply into music and analysis, to not caring for art or critique, and everything in between!
They also look at how the writing of the album was inspired by Björk's feeli...
Debut (Pt. 1)
The Big Mates discuss Mr. Oizo, the Second Summer of Love, Space Jam, and Debut by Björk.
Adam, Steve, and Lucas begin their dissection of her first solo album by looking at how Björk wrote and recorded the album, the collaborations she sought to help her, and the thought behind the various styles found on the record.
They also find time to explore a brief history of the relationship between the UK and electronic dance music, before starting the track-by-track analysis of the album, exploring the composition, sou...
Björk Handles Ants and Spiders and Lizards
The Big Mates provide a special kind of audio accompaniment for a variety of clips from across the career of The Sugarcubes.
Adam, Steve, and Lucas discuss Icelandic cuisine, currency conversion rates, successful side projects, milk, Top of the Pops, Joan Jett, Netflix podcasts, and MTV programming whilst watching some music videos for the band’s biggest hits, footage of them performing on TV, and archival footage of Björk’s earlier projects.
Head to YouTube to watch along by clicking here!
Or don't watch along - the epi...
Stick Around for Joy
The Big Mates discuss antique shops, alternative dance music, relatively new sweets, and Stick Around for Joy by The Sugarcubes.
Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue the prologue of their deep-dive exploration into the music of Björk by talking about the third album by The Sugarcubes.
They discuss the details of the band's hiatus, the journey to America to make the album, the incorporation of dance-influenced sounds, and offer analysis, interpretation, and opinion from three differing perspectives on music, from being deeply into music and analysis, to no...
Here Today, Tomorrow Next Week!
The Big Mates discuss classic cities, CBGB’s, allergies, and Here Today, Tomorrow Next Week! by The Sugarcubes.
Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue the prologue of their deep-dive exploration into the music of Björk by talking about the second album by The Sugarcubes.
They discuss how the band reacted to their early success, how the album was made, the expansion of the line-up, and offer analysis, interpretation, and opinion from three differing perspectives on music, from being deeply into music and analysis, to not caring for art...
Life's Too Good
The Big Mates discuss speaking, growling, fasting, and Life's Too Good by The Sugarcubes.
Adam, Steve, and Lucas properly begin their deep-dive exploration of Björk by talking about her upbringing, her musical background, the influences she found whilst discovering music, and how she started off her career.
They discuss the early days of her creative output, the many projects she engaged with in Iceland, and how she found her artistic voice. They then talk about The Sugarcubes and offer analysis, interpretation, and opinion on their first alb...
Season 8 Introduction: Do You All Is Full Of Love Us?
Introducing Season 8 of the What Is Music? podcast, which is called "Do You All Is Full Of Love Us?: A Critical Analysis of the History, Cultural Impact, and Music of Björk".
Adam, Steve, and Lucas begin their deep-dive exploration of Björk by talking about their experiences with her music, their journeys with her over time, and what they know about her.
They also talk about what they value in music and the roles it plays in their lives before exploring where Björk is from, the...
We Went to See Billie Eilish - Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D) in 3D at the Cinema
The Big Mates discuss the cats, burgers, popcorn, and the new Billie Eilish film.
Adam, Steve, and Lucas met in person for the first time in decades to go and see Billie Eilish - Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D).
They discuss the film, its focus, its direction, the performance, and its use of 3D!
Our next episode is out next Monday, May 18th, and will see us begin a brand new season!
Join the conversation on:
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Who Is Music?: The Reckoning
The Big Mates look to the future of the podcast by kicking off a tournament to decide the artist covered in a future season of What Is Music?
Adam, Steve, and Lucas reveal the participants for the forthcoming competition and set the first round of matches.
These head-to-heads will take place daily, starting on Tuesday May 5th. The matches will be voted on by you, our listeners, and will take place exclusively on our Patreon - but you only need a Free Membership to participate. Head to
Album Club: U2 - The Joshua Tree
Now on our main feed, we present to you The WIM Album Club, with an episode we released on our Patreon earlier this year.
The episode is a classic WIM deep-dive into the album The Joshua Tree by U2 and features all of the usual discussion, analysis, commentary, history, insight, and tangents you've come to expect from the podcast.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over to our Patreon to hear more episodes on a range of different artists, in different genres, from different countries and eras. Going to...
Arctic Monkeys Final Thoughts
The Big Mates discuss and conclude their thoughts on Arctic Monkeys and their career.
They bring a year-long journey to a close, with thoughts on the sound, story, and attitude of the band, a recap of each of their albums and moods, and a look at their impact and legacy.
Thank you all for joining us!
Our next episode is out next Monday!
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Arctic Monkeys Music Videos
The Big Mates watch all of Arctic Monkeys' music videos in one sitting.
You can watch along with us here:
www.bilibili.com/video/BV1AiQWBqEkR/
Or you can just listen without watching anything - that works too!
Or you could make your own playlist - scroll down to see which videos we covered!
Our next episode will see us wrap-up and offer final thoughts on the whole 7-album, 22-year career of Arctic Monkeys and is out on Monday April 20th!
Join t...
INTRODUCING: Welcome to Twin Peaks
Welcome to Welcome to Twin Peaks: A Twin Peaks Podcast for Beginners.
Join Adam and Steve as they put on their investigation trenchcoats, pour a hot steaming cup of coffee, and dive into the world of Twin Peaks.
In this first episode they introduce the podcast, the season to come, and their relationship with Twin Peaks and David Lynch. They discuss their knowledge of the show, including its place in culture at the time it was released and now, the vibe of the show, and whether or...
Arctic Monkeys B-Sides (Pt. 2)
The Big Mates mixed bags, S Club Juniors, tracklistings, and A Selection of B-Sides by Arctic Monkeys.
Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their dissection of the career of Arctic Monkeys by looking at a variety of b-sides from across their career.
They discuss the writing, rehearsal, and recording of these songs from numerous eras, exploring the composition, tone, lyrics, meaning, and context for each song in turn - all from three differing perspectives, from being deeply into music and analysis, to not caring for art or critique, and everything i...
Arctic Monkeys B-Sides (Pt. 1)
The Big Mates discuss crows, ravens, flamingoes, and A Selection of B-Sides by Arctic Monkeys.
Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their dissection of the career of Arctic Monkeys by looking at a variety of b-sides from across their career.
They discuss the writing, rehearsal, and recording of these songs from numerous eras, exploring the composition, tone, lyrics, meaning, and context for each song in turn - all from three differing perspectives, from being deeply into music and analysis, to not caring for art or critique, and everything in between!
<...Arctic Monkeys Live at Glastonbury Festival 2023 Commentary
The Big Mates provide pointy and muddy audio commentary for Arctic Monkeys Live at Glastonbury Festival 2023.
Adam, Steve, and Lucas discuss the 2023 headlining performance as broadcast to television, and as witness with Adam's own two eyes. They also talk about how the band toured The Car.
Head to YouTube to watch along here:
https://archive.org/details/arctic-monkeys-glastonbury-2023
Or don't watch along - the episode works fine either way!
Our next episode comes out Monday March 30th!
Join the conversation on...
The Car (Pt. 2)
The Big Mates discuss Arrested Development, cowboys, J.W. Pepper, and The Car by Arctic Monkeys.
Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their exploration of the career of Arctic Monkeys and conclude their track-by-track analysis of their seventh studio album.
They explore the composition, tone, lyrics, meaning, and context for each song in turn - all from three differing perspectives, from being deeply into music and analysis, to not caring for art or critique, and everything in between!
They also look at the legacy of the album, where th...
The Car (Pt. 1)
The Big Mates discuss textual mishaps, DVD technology, Waluigi, and The Car by Arctic Monkeys.
Adam, Steve, and Lucas begin their dissection of the band's seventh and most recent album by talking about orchestras, pandemics, and how they entered the studio to record a guitar-based rock album.
They discuss the writing, rehearsal, and recording of what became The Car, explore the overall themes and sound, and begin their track-by-track analysis, exploring the composition, tone, lyrics, meaning, and context for each song in turn - all from three differing perspectives, fr...
Arctic Monkeys Live at the Royal Albert Hall
The Big Mates discuss the Turkish barber experience, winter camping, live documents, and Live at the Royal Albert Hall by Arctic Monkeys.
Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their exploration of the band's career by examining their one and only live album!
What do we make of this album? What do we make of live albums in general? What is munge? Find out on this episode of What Is Music?
Our next episode is out next week, Monday March 9th, and will see us begin the deep-dive i...
Arctic Monkeys Live at Les Nuits de Fourvière 2018 Commentary
The Big Mates provide brisk and unwieldy audio commentary for Arctic Monkeys Live at Les Nuits de Fourvière 2018.
Adam, Steve, and Lucas discuss the 2018 concert and talk about how Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino divided opinion upon release.
Head to YouTube to watch along here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9_DFJsNu_0
Or don't watch along - the episode works fine either way!
Our next episode comes out Monday March 2nd!
Join the conversation on:
Bluesky: https://bs...
Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino (Pt. 3)
The Big Mates discuss moon firsts, flesh worlds, word symmetry, and Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino by Arctic Monkeys.
Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their exploration of the career of Arctic Monkeys and conclude their track-by-track analysis of their sixth album.
They explore the composition, tone, lyrics, meaning, and context for each song in turn - all from three differing perspectives, from being deeply into music and analysis, to not caring for art or critique, and everything in between!
They also look at the legacy of the album, th...
Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino (Pt. 2)
The Big Mates discuss automobile mishaps, instagram tacos, virtual reality, and Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino by Arctic Monkeys.
Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their dissection of the band's sixth album by talking about the musicians involved in creating it, a change in the credits, how much of the creative weight landed on Alex Turner's shoulders.
They discuss the recording of the album and continue their track-by-track analysis, exploring the composition, tone, lyrics, meaning, and context for each song in turn - all from three differing perspectives, from being deeply into music an...
Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino (Pt. 1)
The Big Mates discuss Cameron, Kubrick, Fellini, and Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino by Arctic Monkeys.
Adam, Steve, and Lucas begin their dissection of the band's seixth album by talking about pianos, conspiracy theories, the desire to make a different kind of album, and how Alex overcame writer's block.
They discuss the writing and initial recording of the album, explore the overall themes and sound, and begin their track-by-track analysis, exploring the composition, tone, lyrics, meaning, and context for each song in turn - all from three differing perspectives, from being deeply in...
Critical Thinking (Pt. 2)
The Big Mates discuss longevity, cake, Paddington, and Critical Thinking by Manic Street Preachers.
Adam, Steve, and Lucas return to the subject of their very first season, Manic Street Preachers, in order to dissect and explore the band's fifteenth and most recent album, Critical Thinking. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding the songs, and offer up analysis, opinions, and thoughts from three differing perspectives on music, from being deeply into analysis and music, to not caring for art or critique, and everything in between.<...
BREAKING NEWS: Arctic Monkeys - Opening Night
The Big Mates recieve BREAKING NEWS. Adam, Steve, and Lucas take the truth and make it fluid whilst giving their first reactions to the new song by Arctic Monkeys.
Released on January 22nd as a single from the forthcoming charity album Help(2) in aid of War Child, Opening Night is a new/old/reworked/fresh song by the band and was released amidst rumours that it would be the final song released by the band before breaking up.
We give our initial thoughts on the song, the rumours, and the process i...
Critical Thinking (Pt. 1)
The Big Mates discuss teachers, single edits, smart motorways, and Critical Thinking by Manic Street Preachers.
Adam, Steve, and Lucas return to the subject of their very first season, Manic Street Preachers, in order to dissect and explore the band's fifteenth and most recent album, Critical Thinking. They talk about the writing and recording process, the context surrounding the songs, and offer up analysis, opinions, and thoughts from three differing perspectives on music, from being deeply into analysis and music, to not caring for art or critique, and everything...
Album Club: Sigur Ros - Takk...
Now on our main feed, we present to you The WIM Album Club, with an episode we released on our Patreon last year.
The episode is a classic WIM deep-dive into the album Takk... by Sigur Ros and features all of the usual discussion, analysis, commentary, history, insight, and tangents you've come to expect from the podcast.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over to our Patreon to hear more episodes on a range of different artists, in different genres, from different countries and eras. Going to https://www.patreon.com/whatismusicpod and subscribing at...
BONUS: Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen)
Ladies and gentlemen...
We present to you, an episode from our Patreon!
If you liked this, you can find plenty more like it by heading to https://www.patreon.com/whatismusicpod and signing up today! Free trials are available now for a limited time only!
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Bigma''s
It is once again a time for reflection, rejoicing, and sharing.
Lucas remembers the time he got an N64 from Santa, Steve shares his plans for a festive family get together, and Adam battles his darkest Christmas yet.
We will return in the New Year!
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Get access to more shows, exclusive bonus content, ad-free ep...
We Went to See Radiohead
The Big Mates take a break from the current season to discuss the recent tour undertaken by Radiohead, some of the context surrounding it, and their own experiences of seeing them live at the O2 in London.
Our next episode is out next Monday December 15th!
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Get access to more shows, exclusive bonus content...
The Last Shadow Puppets 2016 Tour Commentary
The Big Mates provide legal but audacious audio commentary for a selection of videos of The Last Shadow Puppets on tour in 2016.
Adam, Steve, and Lucas discuss the band's onstage personas, how seriously to take their antics, and the evolution of Alex Turner as a performer.
Head to YouTube to watch along with the playlist here:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRzMZT2JmJ1Ff80yJnWEqlv3gbyfbPMa3&si=tCeHtTETO12Hf_TM
Or don't watch along - the episode works fine either way!
Our next episode co...
Everything You've Come to Expect
The Big Mates discuss trilogy theory, cider flavours, the accidental discovery of stereo audio, and Everything You've Come to Expect by The Last Shadow Puppets.
Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their exploration of the career of Arctic Monkeys by stepping outside of it in order to examine the second album of the side project Alex Turner formed with Miles Kane.
They discuss how the project came back together, the writing and recording of the album, and they explore the overall themes and sound, taking in t...
