

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

Aug 22, 2021 • 1h 59min
Live at Rome Olympic Stadium Commentary
The Big Mates provide insightful commentary for Live at Rome Olympic Stadium by Muse.Adam, Steve, and Lucas discuss the show as released into cinemas and on DVD and Blu-Ray.Dig out your copy, or watch along here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THYSQJfmie0You 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 15, 2021 • 1h 32min
The 2nd Law (Pt. 3)
The Big Mates discuss football, Men in Black, dabbing, and The 2nd Law by Muse.Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their discussion on the band's sixth studio album, exploring the context behind the album, how it was recorded, and finishing up their track-by-track deep-dive, discussing the music, lyrics, themes, and everything inbetween! Can they figure out a better tracklist? What will the scores be? What is "brostep" anyway? Find out on this episode of What Is Music?ADAM AND STEVE HAVE MUSIC OUT!Forest Fires EP by Steve Murphy: https://open.spotify.com/album/5xJPrbARm3PXpx2voXCQcK?si=mrhgyX_HRXOtfr-aAGaLAQ&dl_branch=1ASGKYE by Adam Scott Glasspool: https://open.spotify.com/album/0ec3eMcoQmRaeAHHYAozAi?si=rGv_5y0sQMWI4StIOdBJJA&dl_branch=1You 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 8, 2021 • 1h 26min
The 2nd Law (The 2nd Part)
The Big Mates discuss Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles, Greg Wallace, and The 2nd Law by Muse.Adam, Steve, and Lucas continue their discussion on the band's sixth studio album, exploring the context behind the album, how it was recorded, and digging into their track-by-track deep-dive, discussing the music, lyrics, themes, and everything inbetween! Does a theme emerge? Have we lost "Analytical Adam" forever? What culinary delights await us? Find out on this episode of What Is Music?Forest Fires EP by Steve Murphy: https://open.spotify.com/album/5xJPrbARm3PXpx2voXCQcK?si=mrhgyX_HRXOtfr-aAGaLAQ&dl_branch=1ASGKYE by Adam Scott Glasspool: https://open.spotify.com/album/0ec3eMcoQmRaeAHHYAozAi?si=rGv_5y0sQMWI4StIOdBJJA&dl_branch=1 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 1, 2021 • 1h 26min
The 2nd Law (Pt. 1)
The Big Mates discuss the 2012 Olympics, the lineage of Jesus, the relentless passage of time, and The 2nd Law by Muse.Adam, Steve, and Lucas begin their discussion on the band's sixth 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 the second law of thermodynamics? What is thermoeconomics? Will all the topics be this highbrow? 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

Jul 25, 2021 • 2h
Interview with Andrew Trendell
The Big Mates are joined by News Editor of the NME, Andrew Trendell to discuss Eurovision, music magazines, gigs, and all things Muse.Adam, Steve, Lucas, and Andrew chat about the bandm taking in their whole career and looking at how they fit into the current musical landscape. They also find time to discuss Manics Street Preachers and Andrew brings in Top 10s for both bands! Find out more on this episode of What Is Music?Our coverage of The 2nd Law begins next week - August 2nd! 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

Jul 18, 2021 • 2h 30min
EVEN IN EXILE (with Patrick Jones)
The Big Mates discuss creativity, Thierry Henry, Legoland, and EVEN IN EXILE by James Dean Bradfield.Adam, Steve, and Lucas cover the 2020 solo album from the Manic Street Preachers front man and do a track-by-track deep-dive, discussing the music, lyrics, themes, and everything inbetween! But first they talk to Patrick Jones, poet, author, playwright, political activist, one half of the writing team on EVEN IN EXILE, and older brother of Manics' bassist Nicky Wire. Patrick explains the thinking and the process behind the concept album that focuses on the life and death of Chilean musician and revolutionary, Victor Jara. Patrick also discusses poetry, lyrics, and the power of music. How does the album fit into the career of Manic Street Preachers? Can anything have six vibes? Is Nicky Wire nice? Find out on this episode of What Is Music?Find out more about Victor Jara in this Netflix documentary:https://www.netflix.com/title/80191048Or on WikiPedia:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V%C3%ADctor_JaraYou 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

Jul 11, 2021 • 2h 38min
Muse Live at Wembley Stadium 2010 Commentary
The Big Mates provide insightful commentary for Muse Live at Wembley Stadium 2010.Adam, Steve, and Lucas discuss the show as put together by the people at MuseBootlegs.comHead to MuseBootlegs.com to download the bootleg and watch along! Or don't - the episode is designed to work without it!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

Jul 4, 2021 • 1h 45min
Muse Live at KeyArena, Seattle 2010 Commentary
The Big Mates provide insightful commentary for Muse Live at KeyArena, Seattle in 2010. Adam, Steve, and Lucas discuss the show as broadcast on MySpace and many, many other things.Watch along with this video (or don't - the choice is yours, and the episode works on its own!):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1t06Zkf6Z_QYou 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

Jun 27, 2021 • 1h 48min
The Resistance (Pt. 3)
The Big Mates discuss coasts, critical analysis, cross-pollination, and The Resistance by Muse.Adam, Steve, and Lucas conclude their discussion on the band's fifth studio album, rounding off their track-by-track deep-dive, discussing the music, lyrics, themes, and everything inbetween! They also find time to cover Neutron Star Collision (Love Is Forever). How does the three-part symphony close the album? What will the final scores be? Is there time for an e-mail? 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

Jun 24, 2021 • 24min
BREAKING MUSE: Origin of Symmetry (XX Anniversary RemiXX)
BONG. YOU ARE RECEIVING AN EMERGENCY NEWS BROADCAST. The Big Mates discuss the newly released Origin of Symmetry (XX Anniversary RemiXX) by Muse. 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