What would be considered pop punk today? In the past, groups like Fall Out Boy and Green Day had talented musicians with deep understandings of music. In contrast, musicians like Machine Gun Kelly, a failed rap artist, tried to revive the genre with mediocre lyricism, little musicianship and bad style. How does that change the idea of what pop punk is and where the genre is headed? Join digital editor-in-chief Arundhati Ghosh, print managing editor Audrey Vieira, and audio producer Christina Lop...
May 11, 2023•48 min
In this episode, we’ll talk about the pros and cons of fandom culture and whether or not it is descending into a toxic environment. We’ll discuss the intentions and creations of fandoms, what fandoms look like today, the impact of social media, and some examples of fandoms that have gotten a bad rep and some that we view as neutral. Join staff photographer Olivia Cagle, content editor Adam Cherian, and audio producer Talisa Treviño of Afterglow as they discuss the pros and cons of fandom culture...
Apr 12, 2023•54 min
With the release of boygenius’s album, the record, there will be more talks about how great Phoebe Bridgers is while diminishing the talent and appreciation for the other members, Julien Baker and Lucy Dacus. This episode of Glow My God touches on how the rising fame of solo artists impact bands/supergroups. Join audio producer Christina Lopez, multimedia editor Autumn Palacio, and staff writer Avi Thakor in their discussion about how one member of a group is more popular amongst fans and listen...
Apr 05, 2023•53 min
In this episode, we’ll be talking about the commodification of sad girl indie. We’ll discuss how we got here, the gendered term of sad girl indie, the problems with labeling artists, and reflect on the ways listeners can appreciate sad girl indie music for art again rather than as a commodity or aesthetic. Join staff designer Caroline Pastrano, print managing editor Audrey Vieira, and audio producer Talisa Treviño as they discuss why listeners should stop commodifying artists into the “sad girl ...
Mar 10, 2023•46 min
They say art is the playground for the wealthy, and music is not exempt from that. Whether it be independent music or mainstream pop, there is an undeniable fact that those with a privileged background will be more likely to succeed in music today. We at Afterglow thought it would be a great idea to discuss how music can become more accessible, and how we can support fledging musicians that are just starting out. How many of our favorite musicians are given the platform they have due to their ge...
Dec 17, 2021•56 min•Season 1Ep. 17
In this episode, we will be talking about the problem with ranking music. Ranking music is not a new practice. As soon as recorded music was able to be purchased on a physical medium, music was quantified on a number scale. Billboard charts started in 1940, and a variety of song charts followed, which were eventually consolidated into the Hot 100 by mid-1958. Nowadays, we have an overwhelming amount of lists. Our world is obsessed with data and listing things to organize how we feel. There's Pit...
Oct 29, 2021•50 min•Ep. 15
When COVID-19 hit, the music industry was left in shambles with little to no government resources to pick up the pieces. Which left artists fending for themselves, and forcing them to make their digital presence known in the unprecedented times that followed. And in came TikTok, the massive video-sharing-based social media platform that tailors its videos to you based on its algorithm and its critically acclaimed “For You” page. TikTok is unlike YouTube because of one pivotal reason – the length...
Oct 14, 2021•1 hr•Ep. 14
In this episode, we discuss the often unsung heroes of the music industry: producers. We highlight some of our personal favorite and least favorite producers. Audio Director Mark Yoder hosts this episode along with special guests, Managing Editor Samantha Paradiso, and Content Editor Claire Harper.
May 14, 2021•53 min
In this episode, we delve into the wide world of EDM and why it's a genre worth exploring. We discuss what artists and genres within EDM we enjoy the most and which ones we could do without. Audio Director Mark Yoder hosts this episode along with special guests, Content Editor Mica Garza, and Multimedia Staffer Rachel Marquez.
Apr 16, 2021•45 min
In this episode, we recap the best and worst of the Grammys and then debate whether modern albums should still be released on vinyl. Audio Director Mark Yoder hosts this episode along with special guests, Content Editor Adithya Srinivas, and Senior Digital Illustrator Roberto Soto.
Mar 24, 2021•50 min
In this Valentine’s day themed episode we debate everything related to love songs and our personal picks for our all-time best love songs, worst love songs, and best anti-love songs. Audio Director Mark Yoder hosts this episode along with special guests, Managing Editor Samantha Paradiso, and Content Editor Felix Kalvesmaki.
Feb 14, 2021•45 min
We debate the worst, best modern classics, and best classic Christmas songs of all time on this holiday-themed episode! Special guests Editors-in-Chief of Digital Laiken Neumann and Zoe Judilla, along with Photo Editor Gabriela Ruiz, go in on this debate. Hosted by Audio Director Mark Yoder, who also produced this episode.
Dec 17, 2020•39 min
What's the best way to show an artist we're investing in their music? We debate the ethics of streaming platforms versus sites like Bandcamp with staff writer Felix Kalvesmaki. Audio Director Mark Yoder hosts and produces this episode with special guest, Managing Editor Samantha Paradiso.
Dec 07, 2020•35 min
It's Kendrick Lamar vs. Andre 3000 in this heated debate over who the best rap lyricist of all time is (and we have the receipts!). Afterglow Editor-in-Chief Zoe Judilla is this episode's host, and this week's guests are Content Editor Micaela Garza and Audio Director Mark Yoder, who also produced this episode.
Nov 15, 2020•36 min
We talk about Justin Bieber's and Selena Gomez's targeted social media campaigns to usurp Roddy Rich from the Billboard charts earlier this year, how streaming has changed the meaning of charts, and the power of K-pop fans. Afterglow Editors-in-Chief Annie Lyons and Delaney Davis are your hosts for this spring, and this week's guest is Afterglow Photo Editor Gabriela Ruiz. This episode of "Glow My God!" was produced by our Audio Director, Mark Yoder.
Mar 31, 2020•37 min•Season 1Ep. 6
We talk about all things film award season and music from Emimem to "Cats" to Laura Dern. Afterglow Editors-in-Chief Annie Lyons and Delaney Davis are your hosts for this spring, and this week's guests are Afterglow's Print Editor-in-Chief Selome Hailu and Audio Director Mark Yoder, who also produced this episode.
Feb 22, 2020•27 min•Season 1Ep. 5
We talk about the culturally appropriative acts of ROSALÍA, Gwen Stefani, and more artists with Content Editor Samantha Paradiso and Managing Editor Minnah Zaheer.
Dec 16, 2019•42 min•Season 1Ep. 4
We talk all things Kanye West and JESUS IS KING with Afterglow Managing Editor Kasey Clarke and Content Editor Lauren Cook.
Nov 20, 2019•41 min•Season 1Ep. 3
We discuss The Yoko Ono Effect, in which we dissect why female artists are demonized through their relationships with male artists. Today’s guest is Afterglow staff writer, Carys Anderson, who describes her music taste as "indie women plus three men" and her job title as “founder of the Courtney Love Defense Squad.”
Oct 23, 2019•37 min•Season 1Ep. 2
Afterglow Editors-in-Chief Delaney Davis and Zoe Judilla speak with Social Media Editor and dedicated Swiftie Nick Gonzales on Taylor Swift's Lover and why Swift is the pop icon she is today.
Sep 15, 2019•39 min•Season 1Ep. 1