Dive into the craft of songwriting with hosts Nina Blu and J Xander! This week, we explore the intricate process of writing hooks, both lyrically and instrumentally. Discover the different tools and techniques songwriters can use to craft unforgettable melodies and lyrics that captivate listeners. We also touch on Taylor Swift's new album, The Tortured Poet's Department , and why we believe the reviews have been mixed. Join us as we analyze why this highly anticipated release has recei...
May 15, 2024•57 min•Transcript available on Metacast Nina Blu and J Xander delve deep into the dynamic and ever-evolving concept of musical genres! This episode, we unpack the groundbreaking release of Beyoncé's new country album, "COWBOY CARTER," and dissect the unexpected genre shift that's buzzing in the music industry. Join us as we navigate through the recent controversies, including JoJo Siwa's latest media storm, providing insights and diverse perspectives on the impact of celebrity rebranding efforts. We're al...
Apr 23, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Transcript available on Metacast Dive deep into the iconic album "Jagged Little Pill" by Alanis Morissette with hosts Nina Blu and J Xander and our special guest host, Faith Gara, in our latest podcast episode! Join us as we take a nostalgic journey back to the '90s and explore the timeless tracks that defined a generation. In this episode, Nina, J and Faith share their personal insights, anecdotes, and passionate discussions about the groundbreaking album. From the raw emotions of "You Oughta Know" to ...
Apr 05, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Transcript available on Metacast Co-hosts Nina Blu and J. Xander are joined by special guest, independent artist and songwriter, Dito Delirium! J and Dito share the creative journey behind their dark, sexy new song, "En Las Sombras." From the initial spark of inspiration to the collaborative process with fellow artists, we uncover the magic behind crafting a track that resonates with English and Spanish-speaking audiences. But that's not all! We delve into the fascinating topic of collaborating on songs with othe...
Mar 08, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep 2•Transcript available on Metacast Dive into the glitz, glamour, and occasional surprises of the Grammy Awards with our latest podcast episode! Join hosts J. Xander and Nina Blu as they dissect the music industry's biggest night with humor, wit, and a touch of friendly rivalry. In this episode, J astounds us all with his uncanny knack for predicting most of the major category winners, leaving poor Nina in a state of disbelief (and perhaps a touch of envy!). From Best New Artist to Album of the Year, we break down the jaw-dro...
Feb 23, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Transcript available on Metacast It's a week for wrapping up 2023 and here at Playback, singer-songwriters and producers Nina Blu and J. Xander are counting down their top ten favorite indie songs of the year. They discuss why indie music is not a genre, how 90s influences are making a comeback in music, and introduce each other to some fantastic new artists. Follow Us on Instagram Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube AI-Generated Transcript More Information...
Dec 28, 2023•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast 'Tis the season when holiday music takes over the Hot 100 and the airwaves of every public gathering space. So, singer-songwriters and producers Nina Blu and J. Xander discuss their Naughty and Nice lists when it comes to Christmas music. They compare their top 5 worst and their top 5 best Christmas songs, ranging from traditional to adding a little spice to your yuletide playlists. There's something for Grinches and Whos alike so don your gay apparel and grab a slice of fruitcake &apo...
Dec 13, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Transcript available on Metacast So you want to release your first single as an independent artist... Well, our hosts Nina Blu and J. Xander have a step-by-step guide on what to expect when you're expecting your first release. They give their best advice based off of their own experiences and what fellow indie artists have suggested to them. Then, J turns the tables on Nina and interviews her about her new single, "magnetic (closer, closer)". It's a wonderful in-depth talk about what to focus on in songwriti...
Dec 06, 2023•57 min•Transcript available on Metacast Singer-songwriters and producers Nina Blu and J. Xander talk about the Grammy nominations for the ceremony in 2024. They go over the top six biggest prizes of the night and give who they want to win and who they believe will take home the golden trophy. Follow Us on Instagram Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube AI-Generated Transcript More Information...
Nov 18, 2023•50 min•Transcript available on Metacast It's 1989 (Taylor's Version) Playback's Version. Or is it Playback the Podcast (Taylor's Version)? Who knows. But this week singer-songwriters and producers Nina Blu and J. Xander dive into Taylor Swift's re-recording of her iconic pop album, 1989 . Nina and J recap the reason why Taylor is re-recording her albums and give their top ten favorite tracks. Listen to the songs we talk about here Follow Us on Instagram Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube AI-Generated Transcrip...
Nov 03, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Transcript available on Metacast Singer-songwriters and Independent Artists themselves, Nina Blu and J. Xander dig into the mystical subject of marketing. Oftentimes, musicians think that branding needs to take a backseat to the music and while that's not totally wrong, Nina and J give their best arguments as to why your brand is so important as well as their best tips they've discovered along the way. Listen to the songs we talk about here Follow Us on Instagram Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube AI-Generated Transcr...
Oct 28, 2023•47 min•Ep 10•Transcript available on Metacast Singer-songwriters and producers Nina Blu and J. Xander unpack their favorite songs they want to hear around the Halloween season. They go back and forth between party vibes and some seasonal favorites that are as comforting as your favorite pumpkin spice latte. Listen to the songs we talk about here Follow Us on Instagram Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube AI Generated Transcript More Information...
Oct 22, 2023•49 min•Transcript available on Metacast Singer-songwriters and producers Nina Blu and J. Xander celebrate their Latinx heritage and the impact Shakira has had on the Latin Music industry as well as their own songwriting. They talk about Shakira as an icon, as a songwriter, and countdown their picks for the top ten Shakira songs of all time. Listen to the songs we talk about here Follow Us on Instagram Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube AI Generated Transcript More Information...
Sep 28, 2023•49 min•Ep 9•Transcript available on Metacast Songwriters Nina Blu and J. Xander deep dive into the importance of lyrics and typical pitfalls that have plagued them and fellow artists alike. It's a lyrical round up of the good, the bad, the ugly, and the wait, what? They discuss how to work with lyric and melody, the best advice they've gotten through the years, and the importance of trusted critique. Listen to the songs we talk about here Follow Us on Instagram Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube AI Generated Transcript More Infor...
Sep 21, 2023•1 hr•Transcript available on Metacast Songwriters and independent artists Nina Blu, J. Xander, and SKY BLAZE STAR get together to discuss the news of the week and how TikTok affects the industry. They talk about chasing virality, who uses the app well and who doesn't, their personal experiences, and give a little advice on how to use your brand to advertise for your artistry. With lots of inside jokes and tangents, it's as chaotic as a well curated FYP. Listen to the songs we talk about here Follow Us on Instagram Watch th...
Sep 08, 2023•1 hr•Transcript available on Metacast Join Nina Blu, J. Xander, and Sky Blaze Star as they take on the music news of the week including: Miley Cyrus's and Selena Gomez's new releases, Eminem's cease and desist, what makes a political song stick, and Doja Cat's branding. Plus singer-songwriter and recording artist, Faith Gara, stops by to talk about her brand new single "Still Want It" and what keeps her inspired to create and write. Listen to the songs we talk about here Follow Us on Instagram Watch the...
Sep 01, 2023•1 hr 16 min•Ep 6•Transcript available on Metacast Songwriters Nina Blu and J. Xander review the songs that set records for sitting at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 for the most weeks. From "Old Town Road," to "Despacito," and lengthy discussions about Dolly Parton and Mariah Carrey, they review what makes a song have sticking power: what rules it follows and what rules it breaks. Listen to the songs we talk about here Follow Us on Instagram Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube AI Generated Transcript More Information...
Aug 31, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Ep 4•Transcript available on Metacast Is Artificial Intelligence as scary as it sounds? Nina Blu and J. Xander discuss the ways in which they use AI to further their careers as well as some of the challenges for music artists moving forward. Listen to the songs we talk about here Follow Us on Instagram Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube AI Generated Transcript More Information...
Aug 30, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Transcript available on Metacast It's been a great year for queer artists! Nina Blu and J. Xander get together to discuss some of their favorite moments from the last year that celebrate the LGBT+ community. Listen to the songs we talk about here Follow Us on Instagram Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube AI Generated Transcript More Information...
Aug 30, 2023•50 min•Transcript available on Metacast Singer-songwriters and independent artists Nina Blu, J. Xander, and Cati Landry explore the details of the Barbie Movie Album and the hits behind the epic blockbuster. Cati Landry also talks about her new single, "Mind's Eye," which is available on all streaming platforms now! Listen to the songs we talk about here Follow Us on Instagram Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube AI Generated Transcript More Information...
Aug 30, 2023•54 min•Ep 2•Transcript available on Metacast 
