

What Is Music?: A Music Podcast About Arctic Monkeys
Adam Scott Glasspool, Steve Murphy, Lucas Way
A podcast that dives deep into discographies - one artist per season. Hosts Adam, Steve, and Lucas go album by album, track by track, exploring how context shapes our experience of music, why fans become obsessed, and what music really is. With three hosts coming from wildly different levels of musical knowledge, expect sharp analysis, wild tangents, hot takes, and more information about the artists (and the hosts) than you ever asked for. Currently exploring the discography of Arctic Monkeys. Previous seasons featured Manic Street Preachers, Muse, Billie Eilish, Radiohead, Lauryn Hill, and R.E.M.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 24, 2021 • 1h 30min
Fandom and Devotion 3 (with @takeunobow)
The Big Mates are joined by @takeunobow (real name Emma) to talk about representation in films, vomiting at gigs, musical theatre, and much more!Adam, Steve, and Lucas chat to Emma about Muse, the fanbase, her artwork, stan twitter, problematic musicians, hyperfixation, and Emma shares her Top 10 Muse songs! What takes the top spot? Where does this episode fit in the timeline? Where are all the films for straight white men?! Find out on this episode of What Is Music? New episode NEXT WEEK - B-sides!You can now wear your fandom on your (literal) sleeve!What Is Music? now has a RedBubble shop with lots of cool and stupid designs. You can get the designs on basically any product you like, from t-shirts and mugs, to bath mats and jigsaws, via clocks and phone cases! Head to https://whatismusicpod.redbubble.comIf you'd like a different way to donate to usYou can do so at https://ko-fi.com/whatismusicAny donations very gratefully received and go towards our running costs!Join the conversation on:Twitter: https://twitter.com/whatismusicpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpodE-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.comhttp://whatismusic.buzzsprout.com/Support the show

Oct 17, 2021 • 1h 52min
Simulation Theory Film Commentary
The Big Mates provide insightful commentary for the Simulation Theory Film by Muse.Adam, Steve, and Lucas discuss the narrative/concert film as released in cinemas and onto Blu-Ray/streaming platforms.Watch along here by buying or renting! Watching along not strictly necessary!You can now wear your fandom on your (literal) sleeve!What Is Music? now has a RedBubble shop with lots of cool and stupid designs. You can get the designs on basically any product you like, from t-shirts and mugs, to bath mats and jigsaws, via clocks and phone cases! Head to https://whatismusicpod.redbubble.comIf you'd like a different way to donate to usYou can do so at https://ko-fi.com/whatismusicAny donations very gratefully received and go towards our running costs!Join the conversation on:Twitter: https://twitter.com/whatismusicpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpodE-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.comhttp://whatismusic.buzzsprout.com/Support the show

Oct 10, 2021 • 1h 53min
Simulation Theory (Disk 2)
The Big Mates discuss TikTok, the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the Greek alphabet, and Disk 2 of the deluxe edition of Simulation Theory by Muse.Adam, Steve, and Lucas take a look at the disc of bonus content that came packaged with deluxe editions of Simulation Theory. They go track-by-track to examine these new versions, alternate mixes, and instrumentals. How does it match up to the album proper? Which version of reality are we in? Does Steve have his finger anywhere near the pulse of the nation? Find out on this episode of What Is Music?You can now wear your fandom on your (literal) sleeve!What Is Music? now has a RedBubble shop with lots of cool and stupid designs. You can get the designs on basically any product you like, from t-shirts and mugs, to bath mats and jigsaws, via clocks and phone cases! Head to https://whatismusicpod.redbubble.comIf you'd like a different way to donate to usYou can do so at https://ko-fi.com/whatismusicAny donations very gratefully received and go towards our running costs!Join the conversation on:Twitter: https://twitter.com/whatismusicpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpodE-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.comhttp://whatismusic.buzzsprout.com/Support the show

Oct 3, 2021 • 1h 35min
Simulation Theory (Pt. 2)
The Big Mates discuss the Shepard Tone, George Michael, memes, and Simulation Theory by Muse.Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their discussion on the band's eighth and most recent studio album, exploring the context behind the album, how it was recorded, and completing their track-by-track deep-dive, discussing the music, lyrics, themes, and everything inbetween! What will the final scores be? Will Steve have a full on mental breakdown? Will Lucas have a full on mental breakdown? Find out on this episode of What Is Music?You can now wear your fandom on your (literal) sleeve!What Is Music? now has a RedBubble shop with lots of cool and stupid designs. You can get the designs on basically any product you like, from t-shirts and mugs, to bath mats and jigsaws, via clocks and phone cases! Head to https://whatismusicpod.redbubble.comIf you'd like a different way to donate to usYou can do so at https://ko-fi.com/whatismusicAny donations very gratefully received and go towards our running costs!Join the conversation on:Twitter: https://twitter.com/whatismusicpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpodE-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.comhttp://whatismusic.buzzsprout.com/Support the show

Sep 26, 2021 • 1h 43min
Simulation Theory (Pt. 1)
The Big Mates discuss fizzy drinks, vaporwave, Bob Dylan, and Simulation Theory by Muse.Adam, Steve, and Lucas begin their discussion on the band's eighth and most recent studio album, exploring the context behind the album, how it was recorded, and beginning their track-by-track deep-dive, discussing the music, lyrics, themes, and everything inbetween! What does Irn Bru taste like? Are we living in a simulation? Where's the wolfman? Find out on this episode of What Is Music?You can now wear your fandom on your (literal) sleeve!What Is Music? now has a RedBubble shop with lots of cool and stupid designs. You can get the designs on basically any product you like, from t-shirts and mugs, to bath mats and jigsaws, via clocks and phone cases! Head to https://whatismusicpod.redbubble.comIf you'd like a different way to donate to usYou can do so at https://ko-fi.com/whatismusicAny donations very gratefully received and go towards our running costs!Join the conversation on:Twitter: https://twitter.com/whatismusicpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpodE-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.comhttp://whatismusic.buzzsprout.com/Support the show

Sep 19, 2021 • 1h 3min
Interview with Mark Beaumont
The Big Mates are joined by music journalist and author, Mark Beaumont to discuss Kanye West, sex rampages, Reading Festival, and all things Muse.Adam, Steve, Lucas, and Mark chat about the band, taking in their whole career and looking at how they fit into the current musical landscape, and also discuss Mark's book, Out of This World: The Story of Muse. They also find time for Mark to bring in his Top 10 Muse songs! Find out more on this episode of What Is Music?You can now wear your fandom on your (literal) sleeve!What Is Music? now has a RedBubble shop with lots of cool and stupid designs. You can get the designs on basically any product you like, from t-shirts and mugs, to bath mats and jigsaws, via clocks and phone cases! Head to https://whatismusicpod.redbubble.comIf you'd like a different way to donate to usYou can do so at https://ko-fi.com/whatismusicAny donations very gratefully received and go towards our running costs!Join the conversation on:Twitter: https://twitter.com/whatismusicpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpodE-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.comhttp://whatismusic.buzzsprout.com/Support the show

Sep 12, 2021 • 1h 39min
Drones World Tour Commentary
The Big Mates provide insightful commentary for the Drones World Tour Film by Muse.Adam, Steve, and Lucas discuss the show as released into cinemas (and sneakily uploaded to YouTube).Watch along here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gii3EX0OamQYou can now wear your fandom on your (literal) sleeve!What Is Music? now has a RedBubble shop with lots of cool and stupid designs. You can get the designs on basically any product you like, from t-shirts and mugs, to bath mats and jigsaws, via clocks and phone cases! Head to https://whatismusicpod.redbubble.comIf you'd like a different way to donate to usYou can do so at https://ko-fi.com/whatismusicAny donations very gratefully received and go towards our running costs!Join the conversation on:Twitter: https://twitter.com/whatismusicpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpodE-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.comhttp://whatismusic.buzzsprout.com/Support the show

Sep 9, 2021 • 22min
BREAKING NEWS: The Ultra Vivid Lament
BONG. THIS IS AN EMERGENCY NEWS BROADCAST. The Big Mates discuss the newly released album by Manic Street Preachers, The Ultra Vivid Lament. They give their first impressions and pick some standout tracks.You can now wear your fandom on your (literal) sleeve!What Is Music? now has a RedBubble shop with lots of cool and stupid designs. You can get the designs on basically any product you like, from t-shirts and mugs, to bath mats and jigsaws, via clocks and phone cases! Head to https://whatismusic.redbubble.comIf you'd like a different way to donate to usYou can do so at https://ko-fi.com/whatismusicAny donations very gratefully received and go towards our running costs!Join the conversation on:Twitter: https://twitter.com/whatismusicpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpodE-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.comhttp://whatismusic.buzzsprout.com/Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/whatismusic)Support the show

Sep 5, 2021 • 1h 41min
Drones (Pt. 2)
The Big Mates discuss conspiracy theories, Celine Dion, The Cramps, and Drones by Muse.Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their discussion on the band's seventh studio album, exploring the context behind the album, how it was recorded, and concluding their track-by-track deep-dive, discussing the music, lyrics, themes, and everything inbetween! They also find time to chat about New Kind of Kick. Does this album feature any drones? Are drones mentioned? What about drones? Drones? Does someone mention drones? Will drones be discussed? Drones? ARE THERE DRONES?! Find out on this episode of What Is Music?You can now wear your fandom on your (literal) sleeve!What Is Music? now has a RedBubble shop with lots of cool and stupid designs. You can get the designs on basically any product you like, from t-shirts and mugs, to bath mats and jigsaws, via clocks and phone cases! Head to https://whatismusicpod.redbubble.comIf you'd like a different way to donate to usYou can do so at https://ko-fi.com/whatismusicAny donations very gratefully received and go towards our running costs!Join the conversation on:Twitter: https://twitter.com/whatismusicpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpodE-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.comhttp://whatismusic.buzzsprout.com/Support the show

Aug 29, 2021 • 1h 44min
Drones (Pt. 1)
The Big Mates discuss the sunburn, trifle, Roy "Chubby" Brown, and Drones by Muse.Adam, Steve, and Lucas begin their discussion on the band's seventh studio album, exploring the context behind the album, how it was recorded, and beginning their track-by-track deep-dive, discussing the music, lyrics, themes, and everything inbetween! What is this album about? Does it RAWK? What's up with that artwork? Find out on this episode of What Is Music?You can now wear your fandom on your (literal) sleeve!What Is Music? now has a RedBubble shop with lots of cool and stupid designs. You can get the designs on basically any product you like, from t-shirts and mugs, to bath mats and jigsaws, via clocks and phone cases! Head to https://whatismusicpod.redbubble.comIf you'd like a different way to donate to usYou can do so at https://ko-fi.com/whatismusicAny donations very gratefully received and go towards our running costs!Join the conversation on:Twitter: https://twitter.com/whatismusicpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatismusicpodE-mail: whatismusicpod@gmail.comhttp://whatismusic.buzzsprout.com/Support the show