The latest episode of Music Matters is one of MonkeyBoy & Ziggy’s strongest deep‑dives yet — a smart, sharp, and surprisingly gripping look at how a barcode‑scanning system from the early ’90s helped reshape the entire rock landscape.

What makes this episode stand out is how clearly the guys connect the dots. They don’t just explain what SoundScan was; they show how it blew the doors open for rock and metal, revealing just how massive those genres really were. But they also dig into the unintended consequences — the label panic, the over‑signing frenzy, and the industry whiplash that followed.

Then comes the real meat of the episode: the role of corporate radio. MonkeyBoy & Ziggy break down how the 1996 Telecommunications Act and the rise of giant radio conglomerates quietly strangled rock’s mainstream exposure. Their explanation of playlist standardization, DJ elimination, and the shift toward “safe” formats is one of the clearest you’ll hear anywhere.

And just when you think the story’s over, they bring it home by showing how streaming and pop trends finished the job. Not in a doom‑and‑gloom way, but in a way that makes you understand how the entire ecosystem changed around rock — not because the music got worse, but because the infrastructure moved on.

The result is an episode that’s part history lesson, part industry exposé, and part love letter to the genre. It’s informative without being preachy, opinionated without being conspiratorial, and packed with the kind of context that makes you rethink the last 30 years of music.

If you care about rock, radio, or how the music business really works, this episode is essential listening.

This week on Music Matters, MonkeyBoy & Ziggy step into a whole new universe as they explore the colorful, high‑energy world of K‑Pop. From the genre’s explosive global rise to the precision, performance, and production that make it unlike anything else in music, the guys break down why K‑Pop has become a cultural powerhouse.

They dig into the biggest groups, the fandom phenomenon, the training‑system machine, and the way K‑Pop blends genres—from hip‑hop to EDM to rock—into something uniquely addictive. Expect laughs, surprises, and a genuine appreciation for the craft behind the choreography, visuals, and hooks that dominate charts worldwide.

Whether you’re a seasoned K‑Pop stan or totally new to the scene, MonkeyBoy & Ziggy deliver a fun, insightful crash course that shows why this global wave isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

This week on Music Matters, MonkeyBoy & Ziggy crank up the Aqua Net and dive into the world of two standout 80s hair bands: White Lion and Danger Danger.

From White Lion’s melodic power and socially conscious lyrics to Danger Danger’s high‑energy hooks and unapologetic party‑rock attitude, the guys break down what made each band unique in a crowded era of big riffs and even bigger hair.

They explore the hits, the deep cuts, the underrated musicianship, and the stories behind the music that defined a generation of rock fans. Whether you grew up blasting these bands or you’re discovering them for the first time, this episode delivers nostalgia, insight, and plenty of laughs along the way.

Turn it up and join MonkeyBoy & Ziggy as they celebrate two bands that kept the 80s loud, flashy, and unforgettable

In this week’s episode of Music Matters, MonkeyBoy & Ziggy crack open the massive year ahead in music — and 2026 is shaping up to be one for the books. From stadium‑shaking rock reunions to pop megastars plotting world domination, the guys take you on a guided tour through the tours, festivals, and album drops that will define the year across every genre.

They dig into the long‑awaited returns — the bands we never thought we’d see again, the artists reinventing themselves, and the surprise comebacks that already have fans buzzing. Rock, pop, country, hip‑hop, metal, indie… if it’s making noise in 2026, it’s on the table.

MonkeyBoy breaks down the tours guaranteed to sell out before you can refresh your browser, while Ziggy spotlights the albums poised to shift the musical landscape — from legacy acts dropping career‑defining statements to rising artists ready to take their shot.

Whether you’re planning your concert calendar, scouting new music for the year, or just love the thrill of what’s next, this episode is your roadmap to the biggest musical moments of 2026.

Turn it up, take notes, and get ready — the year ahead is stacked.

On this episode of Music Matters, MonkeyBoy & Ziggy dive into the unexpected, genre‑bending journey of Maroon 5 — a band that went from scrappy L.A. alt‑rockers to global pop powerhouses. The guys trace the group’s evolution from their early days as Kara’s Flowers to the breakout success of Songs About Jane, exploring how Maroon 5 blended rock, funk, soul, and radio‑ready pop hooks into a sound that dominated charts for over two decades.

MonkeyBoy & Ziggy unpack the band’s biggest hits, the creative shifts that kept them in the spotlight, and the collaborations that pushed them into new territory. They also debate Maroon 5’s place in modern music: Are they a rock band at heart, a pop machine by design, or something uniquely in between?

From Adam Levine’s unmistakable vocals to the band’s surprising longevity, this episode breaks down why Maroon 5 continues to spark conversation, crossover success, and a loyal fanbase. Whether you love them, miss their early sound, or just can’t escape their radio presence, this is a deep dive worth tuning into.

Well our experiment to try to do a video podcast this year failed spectacularly so we're back with the audio version. LOL.. This episode we focus on our favorites of 2025, we go over our spotify wraps, and favorite albums of 2025, we talk about the death of mtv, and some things to look forward to in 2026. Hope you enjoy the first episode of Season 2!

This week on Music Matters, MonkeyBoy & Ziggy take listeners on a journey through the remarkable career of Phil Collins—a drummer turned frontman who became one of the most recognizable voices in pop and rock history.

🔑 What to Expect

• Genesis beginnings: How Collins stepped behind the kit in the early ’70s and eventually took the mic, steering Genesis into global stardom.
• Solo superstardom: The rise of hits like “In the Air Tonight”, “Against All Odds”, and “Sussudio” that defined the sound of the ’80s.
• Cross-genre influence: His work in pop, rock, film soundtracks (Tarzan), and collaborations with legends across the industry.
• Behind the scenes: The stories of his relentless touring, his shift from drummer to singer, and the challenges of balancing band life with solo fame.
• Legacy check: Why Collins remains a cultural touchstone, from stadium anthems to viral drum fills, and how his music continues to inspire new generations.

Phil Collins’s career is more than just chart-topping singles—it’s a story of reinvention, resilience, and redefining what it means to be both a band member and a solo superstar. MonkeyBoy & Ziggy bring their trademark mix of insight and humor to unpack the man behind the hits.

Names in song titles aren’t just labels—they’re emotional anchors. They make music feel personal, universal, and unforgettable. This episode celebrates that magic across genres and decades, showing how one simple choice—a name—can turn a track into a cultural touchstone. In this episode of Music Matters, MonkeyBoy & Ziggy dive into the fascinating tradition of songs that feature people’s names in their titles. From timeless ballads to modern pop anthems, the hosts explore how naming someone in a song creates instant intimacy, storytelling power, and cultural resonance.