MUSIC is not a GENRE
Music
About
MUSIC is not a GENRE goes beyond music critique, opinion, and gimmicks to get at the heart of music & how it connects to the world - from the perspective of a TRUE MUSIC INSIDER. Every kind of music is discussed and connected to cultural, social & political issues in unexpected ways. It challenges music lovers to think as if THERE IS NO BOX AT ALL. No music can be confined to a genre. And music itself can't be separated from the rest of the world. SUPPORT MxG @ patreon.com/MUSICisnotaGENRE Nick DeMatteo is a singer/songwriter/producer for the band REC Listen @ recarea.bandcamp.com or stream anywhere!
Episodes
- The Freewheeling Catch-Up Machine #13 - "This ISN'T MUSIC!" - A 200-Year Tradition | MxG - Season 8 Episode 21
This episode, "The Freewheeling Catch-Up Machine #13," addresses fan comments, provides updates on upcoming episodes, and explores the historical tradition of people complaining that contemporary music "isn't music." It examines how attitu…
- The 2000s: The Height of TOIGHT - The Great Producers Part 6 | MxG - Season 8 Episode 20
This episode delves into the 2000s music scene, focusing on the rise of digital recording and its impact on music production. The host discusses technological shifts, lists significant producers of the decade, and invites listeners to refl…
- Three Minutes & One Dollar
This episode of MUSIC is not a GENRE, titled 'Three Minutes & One Dollar,' is a call for listener support via Patreon. It outlines various membership tiers and benefits, encouraging listeners to contribute financially to the podcast.
- The LOUDNESS Wars | BONUS MxTRA PATREON EXCLUSIVE
This bonus Patreon exclusive episode provides a history of the Loudness Wars. The host shares this episode as a preview of exclusive content available on Patreon, where the podcast seeks support.
- The Visuals Part 2 – Band Logos | MxG - Season 8 Episode 19
This episode delves into the world of band logos, discussing their history and significance. It highlights notable band logos through the decades and explores how they connect listeners to artists.
- PODFAST #35 - Israeli & Palestinian Music: Sound Without Borders (Part 2) | MxG BONUS EPISODE
This PODFAST episode focuses on contemporary Palestinian music and cross-border artists from Israel and Palestine. It explores shared musical elements and draws parallels between artists from the region.
- PODFAST #34 - Israeli & Palestinian Music: Sound Without Borders (Part 1) | MxG BONUS EPISODE
PODFAST #34 explores Israeli and Palestinian music, highlighting shared elements across both countries. Part 1 focuses on musical histories and contemporary Israeli artists, setting the stage for a discussion on Palestinian artists and sur…
- The … Ummm … ‘90s - The Great Producers Part 5 | MxG - Season 8 Episode 18
This episode delves into the 1990s, a pivotal decade for music production where old methods met new technologies, setting the standard for recording quality. The host discusses key technological and musical changes, highlights notable prod…
- Liz Pelly's MOOD MACHINE - Chapter by Chapter | BONUS MxTRA PATREON EXCLUSIVE
In this Patreon exclusive bonus episode of MUSIC is not a GENRE, host Liz Pelly ranks the top ten power pop acts in history. This episode is being shared to encourage discussion and support for the podcast on Patreon.
- The Power Pop TOP TEN | BONUS MxTRA PATREON EXCLUSIVE
This podcast episode presents a ranking of the Top Ten Power Pop acts in history. The host shares this bonus content as a Patreon exclusive to encourage discussion and support for the podcast.
- The VISUALS Part 1 – ALBUM ART | MxG - Season 8 Episode 17
This episode delves into the history and importance of album art as a visual representation of music. It covers notable album covers by decade, the evolution from physical media to digital thumbnails, and discusses the connection between a…
- All Western Music Has Been Shaped by GERMANY | BONUS MxTRA PATREON EXCLUSIVE
This Patreon exclusive episode of MUSIC is not a GENRE discusses the significant contributions and innovations from Germany that have shaped all of Western music. The host shares this bonus content to engage listeners and encourage support…
- BackTalk with Steve Erickson – ROUND 7: That Spotify Book - Book Talk #11 | MxG Season 8 Episode 16
Steve Erickson and the host analyze Liz Pelly's book 'Mood Machine', discussing Spotify's detrimental effects on music culture, artists, and fans, and exploring potential alternatives.
- PODFAST #33 - Quick Takes from the Continuum #7 - The BINGESPLOSION | MxG BONUS EPISODE
PODFAST #33 features quick takes on 23 albums and EPs from diverse genres, followed by the host's top 10 favorite releases. The episode encourages listener discussion on their own listening habits and discoveries.
- Who are THEY?!? – MEGAHUGE Non-USA Artists We’ve NEVER HEARD OF | MxG - Season 8 Episode 15
This episode highlights popular and legendary artists from 25 countries who have achieved significant success globally but remain largely unknown in the United States, aiming to introduce listeners to a world of music.
- The Great Producers - Part 4: A Tale of TWO ‘80s | MxG - Season 8 Episode 14
This episode, part 4 of The Great Producers series, focuses on the 1980s, detailing the shift in music production from the 1970s, the impact of disco and punk, and the distinct production styles of the decade's first and second halves.
- Historic MUSIC DEATH CLUSTERS Ranked! | BONUS MxTRA PATREON EXCLUSIVE
This BONUS MxTRA episode from the podcast "MUSIC is not a GENRE" discusses and ranks "death clusters" in the music world that occur roughly every decade, ordered from least to most impactful. The host is sharing this Patreon exclusive epis…
- Fountains of Wayne – Power Pop UTOPIA | MxG - Season 8 Episode 13
This episode features a review of Fountains of Wayne, discussing their history, albums, and impact on the power pop genre. It highlights Adam Schlesinger’s contributions and argues for the band’s recognition beyond their hit song “Stacy’s…
- The Great Producers - Part 3: The 1970s - ALL ABOUT THAT BASS | MxG - Season 8 Episode 12
This episode delves into the 1970s, a decade of significant technological and creative growth in music recording. It highlights the producers who made the biggest impact and discusses the lasting influence of 1970s production techniques on…
- How NOSTALGIA Can KILL Your Music Career | BONUS MxTRA PATREON EXCLUSIVE
This bonus Patreon exclusive episode discusses how nostalgia can negatively impact music creators' careers and creative process. It offers advice on utilizing nostalgia constructively to benefit artists.
- The Freewheeling Catch-Up Machine #12 - What's a GOOD MUSIC PODCAST? | MxG - Season 8 Episode 11
This episode features a catch-up segment with listener comments and corrections, followed by a discussion on essential music podcast elements. The host also shares thoughts on other music podcasts and solicits listener feedback for 2026.
- PODFAST #32 - The WRAP on 2025 (Quick Takes from the Continuum #6) | MxG BONUS EPISODE
This episode wraps up the host's 2025 playlist and the year, reviewing favorite songs and the overall quality of music released in 2025, including Christmas music.
- Nostalgia - The SILENT KILLER (MUSIC is EVERYTHING #38) | MxG Season 8 Episode 10
This episode of MUSIC is Everything explores how nostalgia, while comforting for music lovers, can be detrimental by closing minds to new experiences and preventing enjoyment of the present. It also touches on how nostalgia can negatively…
- The Five Producer Archetypes | BONUS MxTRA PATREON EXCLUSIVE
This Patreon exclusive episode discusses the five producer archetypes, providing examples and identifying the host's primary archetype. The host shares this bonus content during the holiday season to support the podcast.
- Shaka Mitchell - Interview #45 | MxG - Season 8 Episode 9
This episode features an interview with Shaka Mitchell, who is described as a father, education advocate, and the creator of the Come Together Music Project.
- PODFAST #31 - Northern Soul - The Groove Never Dies | MxG BONUS EPISODE
PODFAST Season 8 Episode 1 delves into Northern Soul, a music movement originating in Northern England in the late 1960s. It focused on American soul records with a strong beat, particularly lesser-known tracks, and examines the movement's…
- Doug Gouger - Interview #44 | MxG - Season 8 Episode 8
This episode features an interview with Doug Gouger, known for his work in NovA and the Black Holes. The conversation covers his diverse creative activities, including music, songwriting, and producing, as well as anecdotes like his encoun…
- The Great Producers - Part 2: Multitracking and the 1960s | MxG - Season 8 Episode 7
Part 2 of 'The Great Producers' series focuses on the 1960s, highlighting the emergence of multitracking and its impact on music production. The episode discusses key producers, technology, and notable music from the era.
- The Great Producers - Part 1: Pre-History and the 1950s | MxG - Season 8 Episode 6
This episode explores the origins and early development of music producers in the 1940s-50s, detailing their vital role in shaping the sound of recorded music. It provides a definition of "producer" and discusses the importance of producti…
- The MEGAHIT Music Stars ... SPANDAU BALLET?? | BONUS MxTRA PATREON EXCLUSIVE
This Patreon exclusive episode reviews the career of the band Spandau Ballet. While known as a one- or two-hit wonder in the US, they were one of the biggest bands in the UK. This bonus episode is shared to provide weekly content during a…
- THE SONG COACH | MxG BONUS EPISODE
This bonus episode of MUSIC is not a GENRE features The Song Coach, offering a six-week program to help listeners write a song by overcoming fears and excuses to build confidence and craft.
- Kool & the Gang - MORE to CHERISH | MxG - Season 8 Episode 5
This episode delves into the later career of Kool & the Gang, starting with their most successful album and continuing to the present day. It encourages listeners to discuss their knowledge of the band's work from the late 1980s onward, in…
- Kool & the Gang - MORE to CELEBRATE | MxG - Season 8 Episode 4
This episode delves into the history and discography of Kool & the Gang, aiming to highlight their extensive output and critical acclaim beyond their popular 1970s and 1980s hits.
- SWEET DREAMS of the New Romantic Wave - Book Talk #10 | MxG - Season 8 Episode 3
This episode reviews Dylan Jones' book 'Sweet Dreams: The Story of the New Romantics,' covering the evolution of music from punk to New Wave in the UK between 1975-1985. The host discusses the book's content and offers their opinion on its…
- The Pointer Sisters – Get MORE Excited! | MxG - Season 8 Episode 2
This episode of MUSIC is not a GENRE delves into the rich and varied musical contributions of The Pointer Sisters, encouraging listeners to explore their work beyond their well-known hits. The podcast aims to highlight the depth of their d…
- The FREEWHEELING CATCH-UP MACHINE #11 – A Kinder, Gentler … Yeah F*ck That | MxG - Season 8 Episode 1
This episode kicks off Season 8 of The Freewheeling Catch-Up Machine. The host discusses the season's direction, moving away from a gentler approach, and invites listener input on desired topics. A segment includes thoughts on Charlie Kirk.
- 8-Bit - Chiptune - Nintendocore | BONUS MxTRA PATREON EXCLUSIVE
This bonus episode explores music genres influenced by video game sounds, such as 8-Bit, Chiptune, and Nintendocore, highlighting their presence since the late 1970s.
- All the Dead SPINAL TAP Drummers | BONUS MxTRA PATREON EXCLUSIVE
This bonus Patreon exclusive episode from MUSIC is not a GENRE discusses the fictional drummers of Spinal Tap. The host covers the full list of deceased drummers and analyzes this trope as a key element of the comedy.
- The History of CDs | BONUS MxTRA PATREON EXCLUSIVE
This bonus episode delves into the history of CDs, tracing their technological origins and noting their unprecedented market share compared to modern streaming. The host shares this exclusive content as a preview of Patreon bonuses and to…
- The FOUR British Invasions ... and is a FIFTH Coming? | BONUS MxTRA PATREON EXCLUSIVE
This bonus episode discusses four historical British music invasions and speculates on a potential fifth. The episode is a Patreon exclusive, shared as a bonus before the next season.
- Death is DUMB Volume 18: Big Deaths in 2025 … So Far | MxG - Season 7 Episode 32
This episode reviews major music deaths in 2025, highlighting prominent figures lost between January and August. It prompts listeners to consider if 2025 has seen more significant music deaths than recent years and discusses historical dea…
- PODFAST #30 - Songs feat. JUMP | MxG BONUS EPISODE
PODFAST #30 explores songs containing the word "jump," tracing its usage from the 1930s to the present. The episode discusses the significance of the word in music and presents a ranked list of the top ten "jump" songs.
- The Police - I Rank My TOP 40 Songs! | BONUS MxTRA PATREON EXCLUSIVE
In this bonus Patreon exclusive episode of MUSIC is not a GENRE, the host ranks their top 40 songs by The Police. The host notes that a large percentage of the band's songs are ranked as favorites.
- PODFAST #29 - Quick Takes from the Continuum #5: The 2025alive Playlist | MxG BONUS EPISODE
PODFAST #29 presents "Quick Takes from the Continuum #5: The 2025alive Playlist," a midyear review of the host's annual playlist. It features a diverse selection of new and legacy music, plus recently discovered older tracks, with a focus…
- TIPS for Struggling … aka ALL … Musicians (MUSIC is EVERYTHING #37) | MxG Season 7 Episode 31
This episode of MUSIC is EVERYTHING offers dos and don'ts for struggling music creators, drawing from the host's lifelong experience. It aims to provide actionable advice for success and insight into the music industry for creators and non…
- What's Wrong with the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame? | BONUS MxTRA PATREON EXCLUSIVE
This episode examines the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's struggles with identity and inclusivity. It reviews the Hall's history, discusses its problems, and highlights artists who are not yet inducted.
- PODFAST #28 - A Songwriting Tutorial from The SONG COACH | MxG BONUS EPISODE
PODFAST #28 features a songwriting tutorial with The Song Coach, introducing their coaching service. The episode covers the basics of songwriting and the coach's approach, explaining what aspiring songwriters can learn.
- Why ALL Music Critics are WRONG (MUSIC is EVERYTHING #36) | MxG Season 7 Episode 30
This episode discusses music critics and criticism, exploring their origins, development, different writing styles, and advantages and disadvantages. The host argues that music criticism is often flawed and ultimately misses the mark.
- Rockism vs. Poptimism - JUST STOP (MUSIC is EVERYTHING #35) | MxG Season 7 Episode 29
This episode discusses rockism and poptimism, two opposing viewpoints on music appreciation. It delves into their history, analyzes their strengths and weaknesses, and examines their links to broader social and political ideas.
- BackTalk with Steve Erickson – ROUND 6: College Radio | MxG Season 7 Episode 28
Steve Erickson and the host delve into college radio's role as a haven for diverse music, questioning its inclusivity and gatekeeping. They examine its history, present condition, comparison to other independent radio, and future prospects.