Can a feel-good playlist still have depth?

After a few heavy weeks of protest music, world events, viral posts, and existential spiraling, Kate and Richie decided they needed a reset. This week’s playlists are filled with songs they simply enjoy—but because this is Entry Points Radio, “feel good” still leads to Greek tragedy, ancestral languages, immigrant stories, the collapse of civilization, and at least one polyamorous tardigrade.

Kate’s playlist moves through Hadestown and the eternal question of why we keep retelling stories when we already know how they end; summer memories with The Lovin’ Spoonful; moving to Texas with Blaze Foley; an eighteen-year-old rooftop crush soundtracked by Nick Drake; Bulgarian choral music that feels like the ancestors calling; Lebanese pop; an extraordinary Ossetian artist from the Caucasus; the very useful Arabic philosophy of toz; and Austin-based Ecuadorian songwriter Javier Jara’s beautiful reflections on immigration, culture, and the many worlds living just down the street.

Richie builds a feel-good playlist that is emphatically not saccharine, moving from Cécile McLorin Salvant and M83 to Australian electronic music, Skee-Lo’s refreshingly honest hip hop, a Bon Iver cover with more drums, Filipino vocal group Acapellago, Eddie Money, DJ Harrison, and the cathartic electronic brilliance of Daft Punk.

Along the way, Kate and Richie ask whether joy has to ignore suffering—or whether real joy actually requires depth, memory, catharsis, and human connection. They also consider why singing with other people makes us feel better, whether algorithms and AI are optimizing all the interesting parts out of art, and why sometimes “I like this song” is reason enough to share it.

Also discussed: Richie being a Scorpio, the unforgivable “Java Jive,” Kate’s teenage Barnes & Noble almost-boyfriend, Mick Jagger at the MoMA coat check, an opera about two microplastics falling in love with a polyamorous tardigrade, and whether an egg is emotionally somewhere between a carrot and a donut.

Because the world is still the world—but joy, lightness, ridiculousness, and music are part of what makes it worth fighting for.

Make sure to review our episode and share it with music fans who are tired of the algorithms!

Subscribe today!

Think of it as a mixtape with a passport...

Produced and Edited by Kate Bass and Richard Steighner

Full Playlist on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5uDffKrZ7LQsFJVjHae6Sr?si=XjjfvCrFR1eyoQ6dfCrBfg

Full Playlist on Apple Music:

https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/entry-points-8/pl.u-aZb0kWDImKRWMJ

Youtube:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXgeSnlkZC_zdaWytIIUx8iA-mDGRnVVQ&si=70zPI3tyslA6xVqP

Patreon for the Full Playlist Archive:

https://www.patreon.com/cw/EntryPointsRadio

Entry Points Radio is back with Part 2 of our conversation with TaraxBella, the extraordinary sister duo from Abuja, Nigeria. After internet connectivity issues forced Tara and Bella to jump off early — because Nigerian internet had other plans — Kate and Richie keep the conversation going with the songs they had chosen for the week.

Richie’s list moves from hidden histories to big feelings: Big Mama Thornton’s original “Hound Dog” before Elvis made it famous, Duke Ellington’s “Mood Indigo,” Max Richter’s “On the Nature of Daylight,” Chilean artist Nekki and the power of roots, The Cranberries’ “Zombie,” Fabrizio De André’s Italian song about the Sand Creek Massacre, Sinead O’Connor, and a Swiss vocal tradition involving mountains, bells, overtones, and one bad European mustache era.

Kate’s list follows the thread of protest, simplicity, grief, beauty, and not knowing how to be a person in a world on fire: Joan Baez’s “There But for Fortune,” Clairo’s “Alewife,” Bob Dylan’s “Gates of Eden,” Stromae’s “Fils de joie,” Jacob Banks, Moroccan artist Ouidad, The Breath’s “Let It Calm You Down,” and the Sikh singer Bhai Mehal Singh Ji — whose music becomes an entry point into Sikh devotional tradition, service, and the powerful presence of Nihang Sikhs at the recent protests in India.

Along the way, we talk about who gets credit for music, what songs reveal when you actually listen to them, why folk music once felt so politically alive, how identity gets complicated by borders and belonging, and why sometimes the only honest answer is: we don’t know what to do, but we’re still listening.

Also discussed: Elvis’s nose, Colorado having far more sides than anyone asked for, whether we are all becoming jaded folk singers, Alaska again obviously, and the eternal truth that sometimes everything matters and nothing matters and somehow music still helps.

Produced and Edited by Kate Bass and Richard Steighner

Full Playlist on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3BHFLJuPtM2lPajZbV9ZJC?si=VVFQKRCPT2eo_BzGO046Nw

Full Playlist on Apple Music:

https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/entry-points-7/pl.u-JPAZE8ZIBRlqZb

Watch/Subscribe on YouTube:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXgeSnlkZC_zdaWytIIUx8iA-mDGRnVVQ&si=70zPI3tyslA6xVqP

Deezer:

https://www.deezer.com/us/show/1003292131

Amazon:

https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/e5cab8c2-ae60-4411-966b-b3d42257fec3/entry-points-radio

iHeartRadio:

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/337398467/

Substack:

https://globalmusiccollective.substack.com/

Support us on Patreon for the Full Playlist Archive:

https://www.patreon.com/cw/EntryPointsRadio

What happens when a story from India, told by two musicians in America, resonates with two sisters in Nigeria?

Entry Points Radio is back with our second guest episode — and Part 1 of a two-part conversation with our friends TaraxBella, the incredible Abuja-based sister duo whose music moves from love songs to activism with soulful magic.

This week’s conversation picks up right where the world left us: talking about the power of stories, why musicians can’t always separate art from politics, and what it means to keep using your voice when everything feels overwhelming. Tara and Bella reflect on the recent India clip that brought so many new people into the Entry Points conversation, and from there, the episode opens into Nigeria, protest music, bad internet, Big Brother as distraction, voter apathy, faith, grief, motherhood, and the eternal cultural phenomenon known as Nigerian time.

Their playlist moves between fight and rest: TaraxBella’s own “Oxygen” and “Mr. President,” Fela Kuti’s “Suffering and Smiling,” Falz as one of Nigeria’s fiercest musical activists, ODENOSE using music to say “we no dey fear,” Jessica Bongos’ “Breathe,” Deborah Enenche’s “Rest,” Nathaniel Bassey’s “In Your Presence,” and the emotional survival power of gospel, soul, protest, and songs that help us come back to ourselves.

Along the way, we talk about what it means to be artists in difficult times, why “I’m not interested in politics” doesn’t really work when politics is shaping everyone’s daily life, how storytelling makes us feel less alone, and why sometimes the playlist has to hold both the front line and the fetal position.

Also: Kate brings up Alaska again, Richie tries to survive Nigerian time, TaraxBella gives us “activist mode,” and Lauryn Hill makes everyone cry. Obviously.

This is Part 1 of 2 with TaraxBella.

Produced and Edited by Kate Bass and Richard Steighner

🟢 Full Playlist on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3BHFLJuPtM2lPajZbV9ZJC?si=VVFQKRCPT2eo_BzGO046Nw

🍎 Full Playlist on Apple Music:

https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/entry-points-7/pl.u-JPAZE8ZIBRlqZb

▶️ Watch/Subscribe on YouTube:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXgeSnlkZC_zdaWytIIUx8iA-mDGRnVVQ&si=70zPI3tyslA6xVqP

Subscribe on Deezer:

https://www.deezer.com/us/show/1003292131

Subscribe on Amazon:

https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/e5cab8c2-ae60-4411-966b-b3d42257fec3/entry-points-radio

Subscribe on iHeartRadio:

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/337398467/

🗟 Full Transcript:

https://globalmusiccollective.substack.com/

🥰 Support us on Patreon for the Full Playlist Archive:

https://www.patreon.com/cw/EntryPointsRadio

Do you listen to the melody or the lyrics? How often is there a deeper meaning beneath the surface of a song?

Entry Points Radio explores the hidden meaning behind some songs you know and some you thought you knew!

The Week 6 playlists come loaded with hidden histories: Buffalo Springfield's "For What It's Worth" turns out to have nothing to do with Vietnam, Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the USA" is a protest song dressed in a flag-waving costume, and Eartha Kitt gets her due as the woman whose White House comments about Vietnam made Lady Bird Johnson cry costing her years of success. Richie also dives into a Civil War battlefield detour to Manassas, a Madeline Albright pin-collection tribute via Herbie Hancock's "Maiden Voyage," and a heartfelt callback to the guitar audition song that got him into his high school's Jesus Christ Superstar pit band.

Kate's list is a global tour de force — from Ugandan collaborators Joseph Imanzi and spoken-word artist Sabir Mitch, to Zambian rapper Sampa the Great, Nigerian Afrobeats via Simi's "Duduke," Punjabi legend Satinder Sartaj, and a gorgeous early-music/kora mashup from Constantinople. She also dives into the difficulty processing the youth protests in India, navigating arts funding optics, the honor of a friendship, and wrestling with what it means to matter in a world that keeps telling you fame is the only kind of impact that counts.

All against the backdrop of a chaotic week around the world...and the only explanation is a weasel stuck in the super collider.

Listen today!

Share and review on your platform!

Subscribe today!

Think of it as a mixtape with a passport...

Produced and Edited by Kate Bass and Richard Steighner

🟢 Full Playlist on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1AfLxr4HPkUjifnF8HmcBk?si=ab26da982e6d48b1

🍎 Full Playlist on Apple Music:

https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/entry-points-6/pl.u-76oNlZBuP9qgX8

▶️ Watch/Subscribe on Youtube:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXgeSnlkZC_zdaWytIIUx8iA-mDGRnVVQ&si=70zPI3tyslA6xVqP

Subscribe on Deezer:

https://www.deezer.com/us/show/1003292131

Subscribe on Amazon:

https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/e5cab8c2-ae60-4411-966b-b3d42257fec3/entry-points-radio

Subscribe on iHeartRadio:

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/337398467/

🗟 Full Transcript:

https://globalmusiccollective.substack.com/

🥰 Support us on Patreon for the Full Playlist Archive:

https://www.patreon.com/cw/EntryPointsRadio

Yep, we went deep again. As always, Entry Points Radio spans continents, cultures, and life milestones through the stories that music inspires. Discover how songs serve as time capsules: haunting, healing, and connecting us through stories of love, loss, nostalgia, and identity.

From the chaos of moving to the bittersweet nostalgia of a divorce to the secret messages in protest songs, this episode dives into the intimate ways music shapes our memories and human experience.

You’ll discover how iconic artists like Ella Fitzgerald, Jack White, Dr. Dre, and Joni Mitchell transcend genres to teach us about resilience, authenticity, and the art of expression. We explore the surprising origins of songs, from Scandinavian dance beats to Asian protest anthems, uncovering the deeper stories and cultural significance behind the tunes that define us. Plus, we unravel the mystery of why some of the most beautiful songs evoke pain, longing, or joy, and how they help us process life's inevitable ups and downs.

What happens when social media, technology, and AI threaten to disconnect us from genuine human connection? We break down the paradox of the digital age’s impact on culture: why authentic experiences and shared musical stories are more vital than ever.

Whether you're navigating a breakup or celebrating a milestone, this episode is perfect for anyone eager to reawaken their emotional senses, deepen their cultural understanding, and find meaning in the melodies that migrate through our lives.

There are also some great dad jokes and banter about sports and life and, well, rocks. Deep and fun. The usual.

Make sure to review our episode and share with your music fans who are tired of the algorithms!

Subscribe today!

Think of it as a mixtape with a passport...

Produced and Edited by Kate Bass and Richard Steighner

🟢 Full Playlist on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7kctjJYkkV2ghLelJWqmIh?si=YxUh8i_yRjqxP2Q-Y4Lp3g

🍎 Full Playlist on Apple Music:

https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/entry-points-5/pl.u-d2b0kKYtgbGZz2

▶️ Watch/Subscribe on Youtube:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXgeSnlkZC_zdaWytIIUx8iA-mDGRnVVQ&si=70zPI3tyslA6xVqP

Subscribe on Deezer:

https://www.deezer.com/us/show/1003292131

Subscribe on Amazon:

https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/e5cab8c2-ae60-4411-966b-b3d42257fec3/entry-points-radio

Subscribe on iHeartRadio:

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/337398467/

🗟 Full Transcript:

https://globalmusiccollective.substack.com/

🥰 Support us on Patreon for the Full Playlist Archive:

https://www.patreon.com/cw/EntryPointsRadio

Most people settle for mindless playlists or syndicated hits, missing out on the colorful stories behind the music and the cultures that shape our world. In this episode, Kate and Richie go on a deep dive into the hidden worlds of regional, indigenous, and overlooked or misunderstood music, from Oklahoma's rich red dirt roots to the indigenous languages of Chickasaw Nation, to the legendary singers of Ukraine and Tajikistan and even the work of Stephen Sondheim. Discover how music is a living storybook that bridges history, identity, and human connection across borders.

But this episode isn’t just about music; it’s about expanding your worldview, understanding where the sounds come from, and appreciating the beautiful complexity of global cultures. If you believe music is a universal language, then this conversation is a call to listen deeper, explore further, and embrace the unexpected. Perfect for curious explorers, cultural enthusiasts, or anyone tired of superficial playlists—listen now and let the stories behind these notes inspire your next journey.

Because sometimes the most profound connections happen in the unlikeliest of places, through the power of sound and story.

Make sure to review our episode and share with your music fans who are tired of the algorithms!

Subscribe today!

Think of it as a mixtape with a passport...

Produced and Edited by Kate Bass and Richard Steighner

🟢 Full Playlist on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7IF2WN0FsOxFl4lwtHfu6b?si=sxX5GtqgQROI3aDCOMbB_w

🍎 Full Playlist on Apple Music:

https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/entry-points-4/pl.u-11zBXDyh7kKME9

▶️ Watch/Subscribe on Youtube:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXgeSnlkZC_zdaWytIIUx8iA-mDGRnVVQ&si=70zPI3tyslA6xVqP

Subscribe on Deezer:

https://www.deezer.com/us/show/1003292131

Subscribe on Amazon:

https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/e5cab8c2-ae60-4411-966b-b3d42257fec3/entry-points-radio

Subscribe on iHeartRadio:

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/337398467/

🗟 Full Transcript:

https://globalmusiccollective.substack.com/

🥰 Support us on Patreon for the Full Playlist Archive:

https://www.patreon.com/cw/EntryPointsRadio

Welcome to episode three of Entry Points Radio — a human-curated music show to BREAK the algorithm. Today's episode features special guest, DJ Invisible.

He joins Kate Bass and Richie Steighner, co-founders of Global Music Collective share the songs of the week, tell real stories about real artists and cultural worlds they’ve encountered while making music with people across more than 50 countries.

In this episode, Kate and Richie trade their playlists with DJ Invisible and dive into Ugandan safaris, hip hop in Bangladesh, break dancing in Liberia, and unexpected hype-up songs from Annie

Make sure to review our episode and share with your music fans who are tired of the Spotify algorithms!

Subscribe today!

Think of it as a mixtape with a passport!

Produced and Edited by Kate Bass and Richard Steighner

🟢 Full Playlist on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1EpaQPMXftG1a7sN92KWwG?si=ejUPdLTSTHGkHc6LUNWwXg

🍎 Full Playlist on Apple Music:

https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/entry-points-3/pl.u-aZb0kKvImKRWMJ

▶️ Watch/Subscribe on Youtube:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXgeSnlkZC_zdaWytIIUx8iA-mDGRnVVQ&si=70zPI3tyslA6xVqP

Subscribe on Deezer:

https://www.deezer.com/us/show/1003292131

Subscribe on Amazon:

https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/e5cab8c2-ae60-4411-966b-b3d42257fec3/entry-points-radio

Subscribe on iHeartRadio:

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/337398467/

🗟 Full Transcript:

https://globalmusiccollective.substack.com/

🥰 Support us on Patreon for the Full Playlist Archive:

https://www.patreon.com/cw/EntryPointsRadio

Welcome to the second episode of Entry Points Radio — a human-curated music show to break the algorithm.

Kate Bass and Richie Steighner, co-founders of Global Music Collective, introduce the idea behind the show: sharing the songs, stories, artists, and cultural worlds they’ve encountered while making music with people across more than 50 countries.

In this episode, Kate and Richie trade their second playlists and follow the rabbit holes: Hip hop artists named Hank, live Frank Zappa experiences, life-changing moments from Eritrea, back stage at Red Rocks, Klingon and Star Trek vs. Star Wars, and a deep dive into Jacob Collier's brilliance.

It's all in an effort to unpack years of travel and share the amazing artists and songs you won't find through the normal algorithms.

Subscribe today!

Think of it as a mixtape with a passport!

Produced and Edited by Kate Bass and Richard Steighner

🟢 Full Playlist on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3q0tG6IpIqVec7AJLkJlY5?si=bddd25b0761d4f95

🍎 Full Playlist on Apple Music:

https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/entry-points-2/pl.u-JPAZEomsBRlqZb

▶️ Watch/Subscribe on Youtube:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXgeSnlkZC_zdaWytIIUx8iA-mDGRnVVQ&si=70zPI3tyslA6xVqP

Subscribe on Deezer:

https://www.deezer.com/us/show/1003292131

Subscribe on Amazon:

https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/e5cab8c2-ae60-4411-966b-b3d42257fec3/entry-points-radio

Subscribe on iHeartRadio:

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/337398467/

🗟 Full Transcript:

https://globalmusiccollective.substack.com/

🥰 Support us on Patreon for the Full Playlist Archive:

https://www.patreon.com/cw/EntryPointsRadio