
Bandsplain
Bandsplain is a show where host Yasi Salek invites experts to explain cult bands and iconic artists - and why people love them - using a curated playlist to help you understand the hype.
Latest episodes

Feb 27, 2025 • 2h 2min
The La's with Ben Gibbard
Ben Gibbard, renowned musician from Death Cab for Cutie and The Postal Service, dives into the enigmatic world of The La's, the band behind the timeless hit 'There She Goes.' He discusses their cultural impact and the mythical status they hold in music history. The conversation reveals the complexities of their songwriting process, studio struggles, and the unique sound that has influenced countless artists. Gibbard also reflects on the band's tumultuous journey and the broader implications of creativity in the music industry.

Feb 20, 2025 • 1h 31min
Listener Mailbag with Matt Helders
Matt Helders, the iconic drummer from Arctic Monkeys, joins Yasi to tackle listener questions and share insights on British music. They reminisce about the glory days of Britpop and discuss childhood musical aspirations, along with the genre's historical impact. The duo lightheartedly debates Oasis's musical classification and emphasizes the importance of hearing health for musicians. With anecdotes and listener engagement, their conversation offers a delightful fusion of nostalgia and humor in the landscape of British rock.

Feb 5, 2025 • 1h 44min
The LIVE Soundtrack Draft with Rob Harvilla, Sean Fennessey, and Chris Ryan
Hi, we have a lot to talk about. Yasi shares how she’s been, and appreciates everyone’s kind words and gifts. <3 This 60 Songs That Explain The 90s: The 2000s x Bandsplain crossover episode was recorded live at the Lodge Room in Los Angeles on 1/29. Listen along as Yasi Salek, Rob Harvilla, and everybody’s best friends Sean Fennessey and Chris Ryan draft their favorite movie soundtracks. EPISODE PLAYLIST:Listen to songs we detail in the episode HERE.CREDITS:Host: Yasi Salek @yasisalekGuests: Rob Harvilla @robharvilla, Chris Ryan @crashactivated, Sean Fennessey @seanfennesseyProducer: Liz Sánchez Audio Editor: Adrian BridgesAdditional Production Supervision: Justin SaylesTheme Song: Bethany Cosentino Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 16, 2025 • 2min
A Message From Bandsplain
The host shares a heartfelt update following a devastating wildfire that took her home. A community rallying around her showcases the power of support and resilience. Listeners are encouraged to contribute to a GoFundMe, emphasizing the crucial role of collective help in hard times. This message resonates, encouraging kindness and advocacy for those affected by tragedy.

Dec 26, 2024 • 1h 49min
Bandsplain’s *Favourite* Albums of 2024
Rob Harvilla, the witty host of '60 Songs That Explain the 90s (colon the 2000s)', and Justin Sayles, a keen producer with a pulse on contemporary music, dive into their favorite albums of 2024. They discuss emerging artists like Sabrina Carpenter and share engaging anecdotes about the evolving music scene. Highlights include a deep analysis of Father John Misty’s 'Mahash Mashana' and the emotional weight of Mannequin Pussy’s latest release. Expect lively debates and reflections on how modern music connects with personal experiences.

Dec 19, 2024 • 3h 1min
Oasis: Part 2 with Rob Harvilla
You can have it all, but how much do you want it, babe? Once again, we slip inside the eye of Oasis’ mind for part two. Last episode, Yasi and Rob Harvilla talked about the band’s formation, their debut album Definitely Maybe, and the lead-up to the 1995 Britpop chart battle. Who wins the battle? Who wins the war? We’ll get into the “Oasis quo” and “Chaz and Dave Chimney Sweep Music” of it all. Plus, listen along as we dissect how Noel and Liam Gallagher created one of the greatest British albums of all-time: (What’s the Story) Morning Glory, and their infamous Wibbling Rivalry that led to the band’s eventual demise. SKIP AHEAD:26:28 – (What’s the Story?) Morning Glory1:14:52 – Knebworth1:44:13 – Be Here Now2:12:34 – Bonehead and Gwigs leave2:41:28 – Oasis breaks upEPISODE PLAYLIST:Listen to songs we detail in the episode HERECREDITS:Host: Yasi Salek @yasisalekGuest: Rob Harvilla @robharvillaProducer: Liz Sánchez Audio Editor: Adrian BridgesAdditional Production Supervision: Justin SaylesTheme Song: Bethany Cosentino Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 12, 2024 • 3h 35min
Oasis: Part 1 with Rob Harvilla
By 1994, grunge had waned and Madchester had set the table for the next massive wave of British music—the UK was ready for its next big rock band to refocus the global lens back on ol’ Blighty. That’s when Oasis popped onto the scene fully formed and captured the mantle with their iconic haircuts, perfect clothes, explosive feuds, and of course, their absolute bangers. Join along as Yasi Salek and her Wonderwall, The Ringer’s Rob Harvilla, ask each other: where were you while Oasis was getting high? In this part one of two, we cover everything between the band’s formation and what led up to the legendary Britpop chart battle. SKIP AHEAD:6:48 – Formation: Liam and Noel Gallagher29:57 – Formation: Other band members45:15 – Oasis pre-Noel1:03:06 – Oasis gets signed1:36:41 – First single “Supersonic” 2:12:49 – “Definitely Maybe” 3:06:48 – Early Britpop BattleEPISODE PLAYLIST:Listen to songs we detail in the episode HERECREDITS:Host: Yasi Salek @yasisalekGuest: Rob Harvilla @robharvillaProducer: Liz Sánchez Audio Editor: Adrian BridgesAdditional Production Supervision: Justin SaylesTheme Song: Bethany CosentinoBuy tickets for the live show HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 5, 2024 • 1h 47min
FEUD: Blur vs Oasis with Miranda Sawyer
We’re unpacking the battle of Britpop as well as the war of words between Blur and Oasis. Did the art school icons or the working class heroes ultimately prevail? Who won over the critics? Who laughed all the way to the bank? Which band’s legacy is stronger today? In this episode, we’re going to answer those questions and more as we rehash the great feud between two Britpop giants: Oasis and Blur. Join us as Yasi and Miranda Sawyer, journalist and author of Uncommon People: Britpop and Beyond in 20 Songs (2024), declare a winner through a five-category contest: public insults, commercial success, critical acclaim, American or British audiences, and legacy. Plus, Miranda dishes exclusive goss about her infamous interview with Noel Gallagher, and she shares her boots-on-the-ground POV about the musical and political scenes surrounding the bands’ respective reigns. CREDITS:Host: Yasi Salek @yasisalekGuest: Miranda Sawyer @msmirandasawyer Producer: Liz Sánchez Audio Editor: Adrian BridgesAdditional Production Supervision: Justin SaylesTheme Song: Bethany Cosentino Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 27, 2024 • 43min
BONUS: Learning British Slang with Matt Helders of the Arctic Monkeys
In honor of the holidays, we have a very special bonus episode for our fanatics. Yasi talks all things British slang with Arctic Monkeys drummer and former Kappa tracksuit-wearing lad, Matt Helders. Do you know the difference between a lad, a chav, a bloke, a bird and a geezer? Listen along as Matt quizzes Yasi on all the ways you can say “proper bladdered.” We think you’ll be dead chuffed with this one, mate. CREDITS:Host: Yasi Salek @yasisalekGuest: Matt Helders @mattheldersProducer: Liz Sánchez Audio Editor: Adrian BridgesAdditional Production Supervision: Justin SaylesTheme Song: Bethany Cosentino Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 21, 2024 • 3h 43min
Blur with Chris Ryan
As one of the first Britpop bands, these college blokes from Colchester started out making shoegaze and baggy jams in the Scene that Celebrates Itself before writing a genre-defining album that romanticized British life and paved the way for an indie explosion. They were the UK’s favorite band, that is, until they weren’t. They may have lost the Britpop war, but their third act was brilliant nonetheless. The Ringer’s Chris Ryan joins us to talk about the band who turned toward Britain and solidified a scene, and the ways they ultimately broke out of their own (Brit) box. Follow along as we trace the band’s breakups and makeups, while exploring their sonic evolution from shoegaze to Britpop to alt-rock. SKIP AHEAD:7:22 – Band formation45:51 – Sign to Food Records; ‘She’s So High’ single1:03:59 – Leisure1:31:04 – Modern Life is Rubbish1:45:19 – ‘Girls & Boys’ single1:54:27 – Parklife2:25:40 – Chart Battle2:36:25 – The Great Escape2:51:14 – Blur (self-titled album)3:04:01 – Britpop dies3:05:40 – 13 3:15:49 – Think Tank3:24:19 – The Magic Whip3:28:03 – The Ballad of Darren EPISODE PLAYLIST:Listen to songs we detail in the episode HERECREDITS:Host: Yasi Salek @yasisalekGuests: Chris Ryan @crashactivated Producer: Liz Sánchez @lizbetsanch Audio Editor: Adrian BridgesAdditional Production Supervision: Justin SaylesTheme Song: Bethany Cosentino Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices