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I recall hearing a rumor some time ago that she had sued the band for using her image without permission and never got compensated for it. Doing the tiniest bit of digging, Reddit confirms that is BS:
For the Google impaired: Her name is Lisa Hughes. She gave permission to use the shot after Stephen called her amd asked permission. No, she did not sue the band. She is still proud of this feat. She works in healthcare.Amusing that I'm part of the problem but happy to see that Hughes was not screwed by the band, the photo is a good memory for her and all is well. Rare to see!
Putting the podcast together took a lot of deep diving research, so when I saw that 33 1/3 was releasing a book on Garth Brooks in… The Life of Chris Gaines, I knew author Stephen Deusner had quite a challenge ahead of him! I finally picked up a copy and can confirm that research was well done and manifests quite enjoyably in the book.
While brief, the book does a good job of balancing the history of the album, the history of Brooks and throwing in some meta-commentary that blurs the line of reality. There's a sizable chunk of the book that is supposedly taken from an erased blog post that I still can't tell is true or not. I choose not to know; the presentation was just perfect.
I wouldn't have minded a few more nitty gritty details about what happened behind the scenes, how the songs were written, why they were all R&B instead of pop but I also understand that I'm a particularly nerdy kind of reader on this subject. For anyone with even the most casual interest on this topic, pick up this book. You'll finish it in 3 days and enjoy every moment of it.
* This is debatable and nuanced but also accepted as kind of the general line of thinking
This blog post from software engineer Nikita Prokopov about the problem with Tahoe icons could easily be have been another routine barrage of complaints about the latest version of MacOS. It's not. It's an incredibly well articulated teardown of how Apple didn't listen to themselves and ended up making a user experience that is objectively harder to use. That said, it's a great read and makes nothing but incredibly valid points! Do read.
My Spotify subscription has been cancelled but I'm not so naive that I think any alternative is that much better. Royalty rates on Apple Music, Amazon and Tidal are the top 3 but they're still abysmal. There are some alternatives like CodaMusic that look interesting but are unvetted (to me) at this time.
The majority of my listening happens via Bandcamp and Ampwall; two platforms that are decidedly not streaming services but benefit artists much more directly and sustainably. As I previously mentioned, I picked up about 208 releases last year on Bandcamp alone - paying for each one. That's not a brag, its a conscious choice!
All that said, I am not ditching streaming entirely. I already pay for YouTube Premium, so that makes YouTube Music my new platform of choice; simply because I'm already paying for it. I'll be keeping a playlist of 2026 Enjoyables over there, as well as albums I'm trying out. I think if I can get the embeddable playlist to be a little nicer, it won't be such a bad option.
In longwinded summation, there's no perfect choice. I'm not shaming anyone for sticking with Spotify. They're bad because they're vocal about how bad they are. Every single other streaming platform - even the beloved Tidal - is negotiating to pay less. Pick your battles and support artists where you can! Your choice of streamer is not your 100% participation in the arts. Just make sure you go see a live show every so often or pick up a t-shirt.
The song "Blue Apollo" is one of my favorites from the record and the band recorded a taped session of it back in 2024. It's a simple performance video but captures so many of the things I like about the band.
A lot of this MIDI music is either too corny or too nostalgia based to be worth your time but there are some legitimate gems in there. Furthermore, the interface is right on - perfect balance of keyboard navigation and clicking around; the Tandy 1000 would be proud.
"The Man Who Broke the Music Business" (
Once you're done with the article, treat yourself to a browse through the mp3 scene archives. Any names you recognize from the Napster days?
Here we are in the “dead zone” of 2025; that one week between Christmas and New Year’s that, quite frankly, should be a national holiday. I hope you’re getting some rest and relaxation and recharging for 2026. I like to take this time to button up any projects that have been lingering and reflect a little bit on the previous year.
Before I get into that reflection, let me start with a hearty THANK YOU. If you’re reading this, I can’t begin to express my gratitude. I’ve been running yk Records for 16 years as a labor of love and it continuously blows my mind that people are following along and enjoying the fruits of that labor. Don’t get me wrong, I know the music is good – I just know there are a lot of choices out there. In a world where small indie record labels have a lot to contend with, I sincerely thank you for tuning in.
I’m going to include a list of all of our releases from 2025 with a little blurb for each below. If you’d like to listen along, check out this YK 2025 Sampler.* It's also available on Bandcamp, Spotify** and YouTube Music - convenience wins!
Along with the playlist, you can also just jump into the deep end with a playlist of everything from 2025. That's on Ampwall, Bandcamp, Spotify and YouTube as well. Dive in. Enjoy.
* Did you notice Dave Paulson on that sampler and think – “hey, that record came out in 2018!” That’s true! But it only came out on vinyl this year. So it gets included. ;)
**Note that the Spotify playlists do not include everything because we do not put everything on Spotify!
The Robe
MMXXIV MRYUCK (2024 BEEZ)
Throughout 2024, The Robe released a mind boggling amount of music; two new songs every month and sometimes more. I’m honestly unsure how he did it.
To commemorate that, we kicked off 2025 with two compilations of all of those songs. MMXXIV is all of the A-sides from the releases, with MRYUCK (2025 BEEZ) containing all of the b-sides.
Listening back to both compilations, they’re both fantastic. Clearly I’m biased but Rollum’s songwriting and arrangements never fail to captivate and immerse me. Technically these songs are from 2024 but if you missed them then, be sure to get them into your ears in 2025. There’s still time.
General Trust
“Apologia”
We only got one official release from General Trust in 2025 and it’s a damn good one. That said, accomplishments should not be measured simply by digital output! General Trust went out on a mini-tour with More Is Not Enough, played Spooky Ghoul Fest, played Fascination Street and worked on plenty of new music.
I’d also like to note that in the 2025 Grimey’s Staff Picks, “Apologia” made it to Bekah’s Singles I Replayed An Alarming Amount of Times list. That’s a huge win imo.
I’m told new music is being prepared for 2026. I’ll let you know as soon as I know more.
phiz
“i lost my fkn mind” b/w “If I Had Known”
Tristen and Cortney Tidwell are incredibly talented in their own solo endeavors. If you’re unfamiliar with either you’ve got some homework. Finding out that they had recordings together was a shock and delight. I jumped at the opportunity to be involved.
These two songs were revived from an old hard drive. They capture a very unique time and place, physically, emotionally and otherwise. Regardless of the context, the songs and performance are downright moving.
Be sure to watch the video for the lead track and then consider picking up a Flexi.
Fetching Pails
“Ruiner”
Another YK artist with just one song released in 2025 but also another YK artist with a stellar offering regardless of the volume. If you haven’t been paying attention, “Ruiner” is actually one of three new singles over the past two years. Make sure you hear “The Witching Hour” and “Shattery” as well!
Prepare yourself for more new music in 2025. Being prepared now!
Matt & The Watt Gives
Matt & The Watt Gives
One theme you’ll see emerge throughout these blurbs is astonishment. I’m astonished that I get to work with all of these artists. I’m astonished by the work that they create.
Matt Pelham’s project Matt & The Watt Gives falls right into that category. I’m dumbfounded that I get to work with an artist that I’ve been a fan of for nearly 30 years but moreso I’m blown away by the work itself. This record is both a fire-y rock record and a vulnerable introspection.
We got some very nice press on this one from the Nashville Scene (even a Best of Nashville!), WNXP, WRLT, Ampwall and many others. Write-ups and coverage are not why we do this but they certainly feel good.
It’s a fantastic record with wonderful artwork, two very fun videos and a live show that can’t be beat.
Talking with Hands
The Coin
Matthew Smith is Talking with Hands – a pseudonym for his solo work that he’s been using since 2013 (with the debut on YK). His work is layered, thoughtful and intentional. I love hearing him talk about his process because he is always actively exploring new sounds and techniques.
Part of that exploration is listening to the feelings that he can not be quiet about happenings in the world around him. Our turbulent political times call for commentary. The Coin is that commentary; a brief and compelling EP exploring frustration and revolution. It’s also pretty damn poppy with a outrageous music video.
Cody Uhler
Gluggle Jug
If you don’t know, Cody Uhler was one half of Kindercastle – a band that made ELO style pop in Nashville and played a large part in YK Records existing in the first place. He’s released several albums under the name Nahnee Bori and many under his own name; all exploring sound techniques and blending of styles. I’m biased but he’s brilliant.
Gluggle Jug is somewhat of an extension of his previous release Darbo’s Island. Where the latter felt like an unreleased SNES soundtrack, Gluggle Jug expands that sonic palette into a layered dance party. It’s a delightful listen; buoyant, gummy and visceral. We said in the press you can “feel it in your jaw and mouth” and I think that’s an absolutely apt way of putting it.
Alex Caress
i’m always here (2005)
What happens when you post a song to the Internet in 2005, someone puts that song on a mix CD with no credit and then tries to find you 15 years later? That’s the story of Alex Caress and the song “Don’t Get Over Me.”
The Lostwave community spent years looking for him and was actually successful in 2025! That’s the impetus behind putting out this record that Caress made way back when. It’s a wild ride.
Read more about it here on WPLN and then listen to Alex speak in detail about it on this podcast episode. There’s an incredibly uplifting lesson to having your music discovered decades after you made it; it does matter and does reach people. Keep making it.
Back in January of 2025, I started a podcast! I am using this as a place to talk about new releases, have more in-depth conversations and generally talk about literally whatever seems worth talking about.
I’ll note that I have zero metrics on this thing so I have no idea how many people are listening but despite that, go subscribe. ????
Tower Defense
“Fit for Purpose”
This may be the first time we’ve released a single exclusively to YouTube. It’s a full blown new Tower Defense song AND full blown video but you won’t find it on streaming or download, only YouTube.
This is the first taste of lots more Tower Defense coming our way in 2026. I’ve heard the demos and can confirm you should be excited.
Chris Crofton
I’m Your Man
To most, Chris Crofton is a comedian and satirist. His writings as The Advice King are hysterical and always poignant. While humor is the primary draw, there’s always a significant amount of self-reflection and introspection.
Crofton’s musical endeavors embrace that self-reflection and introspection with just a dash of the comedy. In the liner notes for I’m Your Man, he remarks that for 20-years he’d been battling a prescription induced brain fog. Remedying that balance unlocked a wave of creativity (listen to “Side Effects”) and prolific abundance.
For me, I’m Your Man is a melancholy record. It’s heart heavy at times, it’s wry at others. It’s lovingly sweet and it’s self-critical. Crofton’s delivery is sincere, vulnerable and uniquely his own.
I implore you to watch all three music videos; each their own perfect short film.
sugar sk*-*lls Coupler
The Great Oxidation Event
This 30-minute EP was inspired by the techniques of Miles Davis and his producer Teo Macero. sugar sk–lls performed an improvised set and then handed it off to Coupler to with the instructions of No Overdubs. Edits and mutations are encouraged but don’t add instrumentation.
The final result is 3 movements of sound that evoke a primordial event. The title of the record is a nod to exactly that – a time when our planet mutated into being oxygenated; destroying nearing everything in its wake.
sugar sk–lls and Coupler always create with great intention. This EP is fascinating in how it came together and the events that it evokes. Watch the video for “Part 1” and really let that concept sink in. Then be sure to listen to both artists speak on the creation and that intention behind it all.
Trash Man
Cool Until It’s Not
The second EP from Alex Mojaverian’s Trash Man is kind of a perfect sophomore offering. His songwriting continues to get stronger – it’s pop/rock but it’s existential pondering. The recordings are stronger – done his hometown buddy Dave Lawson. The two videos are even a step up.
These songs always hit me just right. They’re loud and unbelievably catchy while still capturing real concerns about yourself and the world.
We got some honorable coverage from a lot of outlets, including Bandcamp Daily. Again, getting press is not the goal but it does feel good. Speaking of that, be sure to listen to Alex talk about the record on this YK World episode.
Jessica Breanne
Electric Heart
Right here at the top let me express my delighted fascination with Jessica Breanne’s voice. It has a cadence and a quality to it that no other human has. This may be true for all of our voices but Breanne is able to use it in a way that is heart heavy, melancholy and bursting with boiling strength all at once. If you’ve ever heard any traditional country artist that could sound both broken and defiant, you are in the right ballpark.
Electric Heart is Breanne’s second full-length album under her own name and it serves to expand her sonic palette from her previous (wonderful) debut, Rosebud Queen. Where that record has a more country-induced flavor, Electric Heart weaves together the psychedelic, Southern rock and even a touch of roots.
Through it all, Breanne’s voice carries the songs. Her songwriting is deeply personal and often downright Southern gothic in the stories she shares. The record has three fantastic videos – start there and then immerse into the rest.
Zook
Evaporating
I have been a fan of Zook since I first stumbled on his work back in 2018. Every album, standalone single and experimental EP was a rewarding listen for a variety of reasons.
Evaporating does not sound like what I first heard in 2018 as the project has evolved and changed with each release (as it should). Fortunately, the pleasure and reward remains. This is an album that finds an absolutely perfect blend of power pop, shoegaze, synth explorations and just a hint of the off-kilter experimental. All that while being introspective and catchy.
This is not the last time you’ll hear me sing Zook’s praises. This is a record that I am incapable of turning off once it’s started. I think you’ll feel the same. Watch this video for “Disappear” and you’ll be hooked too.
Once again, THANK YOU to everyone who purchased, favorited, streamed or paid any morsel of attention to the label in 2025. It truly means a lot to everyone involved and there's plenty more on the horizon.
However, I said things slowed not ceased. I do have a playlist of enjoyed tracks from 2025 that I curated throughout the year. It's not exclusively new releases, it's simply some songs I heard in 2025 and liked. Here it is: In the spirit of JPB's playlists, here's the same content but available on YouTube Music.
A better representation of the music I primarily consume would actually stem from Ampwall or Bandcamp. Looking at my profile on Bandcamp, it looks like I picked up about 280 releases in 2025! That's a lot of music potentially not represented on Spotify. I'd love to make a playlist of my favorites but playlisting on Bandcamp is a terrible experience (mobile only, no thank you). Ampwall has a much better experience but the music isn't there (yet). So, to solve my problem - please tell all your friends to sign up for Ampwall or tell Bandcamp to get it together and add web functionality. Thank you in advance.
That's a lot of rambling just to say - here's some music I enjoyed this year! Put it on shuffle and see if anything piques you interest.
Absurd, ridiculous and delightful. I highly recommend you let it run for awhile as the ball does change styles and animation several times. via cpu.
Jordan does a great job of spelling out the ease of exploitation but also on why you should care. We are living in a surveillance state these days with cameras everywhere - I have many in my own home - but the access to cross reference data procured from these cameras has never been easier and the lack of security on the devices is startling! Especially so when you consider that Flock has locked in a number of municipal contracts - including Nashville.
Pretty fascinating insights from Jordan and he always weaves a compelling story. Highly recommend.
This is a smattering of music that's come my way in 2025 that I feel is worthy of a nod. I hope you'll hit play on some of this and let them find their way into your ears. Hyloxolos - Hyloxolos
I am a big fan of the label Dead Currencies. Everything they release is varied & interesting. They also manage to put together a short run of vinyl for all of the releases that feel hand crafted. I can't pinpoint exactly what it is but each always feel special.
Hyloxolos is a bit of a supergroup that is comprised of Dave Harrington (Darkside), Peter Matthew Bauer (The Walkmen), Dylan Carlson (Earth), Dylan Fujioka (Meatbodies) and Otis Bauer (Trench). If nothing else, having a member of The Walkmen involved in a new project should be enough to hit play. Hyloxolos is a big, sweeping, immersive experience. It's part soundscape, part giant guitar riff and 100% best listened to at maximum volumes. Tracks average 6-7 minutes in length, taking their time to unfold and draw you in to a cosmic wall of sound.
Brandy McMaxwell - You Gotta Start Somewhere, Am I Right Ladies?
I know zilch about Brandy McMaxwell. I stumbled on this release while looking for new music to add to my Halloween mixtape. The opening track, "Evil (The Song)," is a great inclusion for such a mix but the rest of the record is an incredibly enjoyable peek into a musical brain with a lot of different ideas being worked out at once. "Hands Are for Holding" has a haunting and funky style to it. "I Think You're Weird" is like listening in on the Addams Family playing around on a four track. "Lonely in Nashville" is a bass riff heavy pop lament. It's eclectic but not erratic. McMaxwell has a load of great ideas and every one of them cuts through.
There's not been anything released from this particular Bandcamp account since 2024. This album in particular is from 2022. There's no streaming presence, website or Instagram I can find. It's a gem and I'm delighted I was lucky enough to find it. I hope there's more in the future.
Vexagon - Love is Surrender
This red drenched cover art caught my eye when exploring Ampwall and the one line description fully hooked me - "Based on the world of Twin Peaks." Such a conceit could go a number of different ways but Vexagon does not simply ape the styles of Angelo Badalamenti, they channel melancholy and eerieness of Lynch's world excellently. Love is Surrender stands on its own as an immersive collection of heavy synths, drum machines and gothic styles but listening to it with the knowledge that Twin Peaks was a kernel of its creation adds another layer of appreciation. It's not music you'd hear at the Bang Bang Bar nor is it music that is directly referencing characters or plot, it is a spiritual companion. The way it should be.
The Mommyheads - The Mommyheads (1997)
I randomly stumbled upon the recent releases of New York power pop band The Mommyheads and was surprised to discover that they'd been at it since the late 80s. Their self-titled major label debut occurred in 1997 with production from Don Was and some light Jon Brion involvement; not too shabby if you ask me! Not quite as sugar-y as Jellyfish but certainly in the same realm.
As if the NEW YORK DOLLS, DIO, and PAT BENATAR started writing music inspired by thePick it up on Bandcamp.soundtrack and ran their vocals through an Alvin and the Chipmunks filter.
The first minute 11seconds is a nice build with one short screen that may gross you out. After that it's full-on WTF. It's hard to believe the footage is real but I don't see how it could not be (even in this age of AI). No one should do this. I am sure that discomfort and anxiety is what is tickling my brain so hard but it's insane that anyone would do this.
Great song, too.
Okay, that last one doesn't have a lot of answers but it's still compelling! His delivery is very British - often deadpan but still occasionally goofy and satirical. Always compelling and never too long (almost always under 20 minutes and often under 5). I'm a fan and suspect you will be too.
In one of his recent broadcasts, he talks about how we're surrounded by bad news all the time but the only way to combat it is with hope. It sounds corny but he does a great job of framing it in a resilient way. This Einstein quote he pulls out is particularly nice:
“A human being is a part of the whole called by us universe, a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feeling as something separated from the rest, a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.”The Stephen Powers newsletter primary purpose is not to instill you with hope - it's mostly to tell you about art shows and Powers journey through his creations - but it's a nice bonus to get a little boost of the good stuff every so often.
Some obvious overlaps with Fez in terms of the aesthetic and the mechanic but with its own special twist. Would play. Looks great.
Screenbound is another one doing some wild things with perspective. In the trailer you can see that it's a game about playing a 2D platformer game where your journey may be stifled or progressed by actions also taken in a 3D version of the same world. This looks very smart and also I am positive it would melt my brain.
Toodee and Topdee has been out since 2021 but it's new to me! Yet another very clever bit of gameplay that involves 2D vs 3D shifting; tho this one is more akin to titling a gameboard. Absolutely delightful and apparently also on Switch.
If you want more of this, dive into a different YouTuber's channel - SilvaGunner's Wii Shop is a 55-song collection of "rips" from official Nintendo sources. Except they're not and they deliver the goods.
If nothing else, just go play around with the configuration options. It's surprisingly fun.
