No Tags

Derrick Gee, an Australian music enthusiast and content creator known for his captivating YouTube and Instagram channels, shares his love for diverse music genres. He discusses the art of navigating the music scene as a 'professional music fan' while balancing authenticity in content. Derrick dives into his unique experience testing audiophile sound systems, the evolution of music appreciation in today's digital landscape, and the joy of unearthing lesser-known artists. His passion is a reminder of music's power to connect communities beyond mainstream boundaries.

There was only one topic we could tackle this week. The argument boiling over around Boiler Room and the BDS movement is one of the most divisive and emotionally charged intra-scene disputes we’ve seen in a long time.There’s a lot being said in public and in the comments, with much of it relegated to Instagram Stories with a 24-hour timer. So in the spirit of our mission statement – chronicling underground music culture – we’ve attempted to document what’s been going on, provide some vital additional context, and offer our own thoughts on what’s at stake.In this episode we look at the relationship between Boiler Room and its owners – the global events company Superstruct and the private equity giant KKR – and their connections to Israeli tech firms and the Palestinian-led boycott movement. We talk about Boiler Room’s recent statement of solidarity with Palestine and the resulting backlash from fans, DJs and former BR employees, as well as Ben UFO’s defence of the platform, which triggered its own, unusually fierce backlash.Can Boiler Room consider itself part of the boycott on Israel? What’s the right way for DJs, fans and BR employees to show solidarity with Palestine? Why has BR received so much flak compared to the 70-odd other brands and festivals in Superstruct’s portfolio? Can dance music be mobilised into a force for change? And what can Boiler Room – or any of us – practically do in a landscape where private equity firms have their claws in everything?If you’re enjoying No Tags, thanks – we really enjoy making it. But we’d love you to help us out by leaving a review on your go-to podcast app, which really does help visibility. We’d also ask you to consider subscribing to our paid tier, which costs £5 a month and helps us continue planning, recording and editing these regular podcasts. It also gives you a discount on our book. Get full access to No Tags at notagspodcast.substack.com/subscribe

We’re pretty confident about slapping the “AOTY contender” badge on this one: aya’s second album hexed! is out on Hyperdub next week, and it has blown our tiny minds to pieces.The South London artiste joined us in the No Tags “studio” to reveal the pills, thrills and bellyaches behind the phenomenal follow-up to 2021’s im hole. We talked about shaking off the curse of drink and drugs, embracing her teen metalcore past, putting worms in your mouth in the name of Art, and just who is the best aya on Discogs?We also debated donk as worship music, her plans to be the next Prince, and of course her favourite film.Dive in – but before you do, final call for No Tags with Paul Woolford at AVA London tomorrow! We’ll be joined by AKA Special Request for a conversation at 1pm in the British Library’s Knowledge Centre. Taganistas get a 20% off code. Skive work and pop down? We’ll have a few No Tags books for sale too.If you’re enjoying No Tags, that’s just GREAT. We really love making it. Why not rate, review and subscribe on your podcast app of choice? We’d also ask you to consider subscribing to our paid tier, which costs £5 a month and helps us continue bringing you these regular podcasts (and it gives you a discount on our book.) Get full access to No Tags at notagspodcast.substack.com/subscribe

Delve into the evolving landscape of independent music, where major labels are swallowing up smaller distributors. Explore the shifting definitions of 'independence' in an industry dominated by streaming giants. Laugh along as the hosts share ghostly anecdotes and humorous cycling mishaps. Plus, reflect on the complexities of representation in independent film and the implications of recent Oscar wins. The discussion touches on the interplay between music and media, revealing profound insights into artist dynamics today.

Liz Pelly, a contributing editor at The Baffler and author of "Mood Machine," delves into her groundbreaking investigations into Spotify's practices. She reveals how mood-based playlists feature obscure, ghost artists diluting true artistic expression. Pelly discusses 'lean-back listening' and the troubling rise of algorithmic curation, which has shifted the landscape, affecting independent musicians. She also touches on Spotify's influence on music discovery and its implications for artist visibility and earnings in today's streaming era.

Still high off the fumes of January’s first Big Beat Cinema episode, we return to the scene of the crime this week for a follow-up film special with Finn, Manchester’s very own pope of trash.In this episode, we start by diving into your feedback, ranging from literary theory to eyewitness accounts from big beat OGs. We expand the official BBC canon with even more movies, including Go, Twin Town and The Bourne Identity.We then go deeper, asking what Big Beat Cinema tells us about life in the ‘90s and ’00s, how class fantasies and lad’s mags shaped the subgenre, and whether that UK government anti-piracy ad is a forgotten classic of the movement. Finally, we try to locate the last gasp of BBC and explain why Moby and Fatboy Slim fell out of favour with Hollywood.If you’re enjoying No Tags, please do rate, review and subscribe on your podcast app of choice. We’d also ask you to consider subscribing to our paid tier, which costs £5 a month and helps us continue braving some of history’s greatest slop to bring you these regular podcasts – not to mention honing our amateur Photoshop skills. Get full access to No Tags at notagspodcast.substack.com/subscribe

A jam-packed episode of No Tags this week, but we had a lot to catch up on. Central Cee’s debut album Can’t Rush Greatness is out (02:56) and it’s UK drill’s biggest album to date, almost by default. Eusexua (10:07) might be the record that finally sells us on FKA twigs? And we talk about the grey zones of desire in Babygirl over in film corner (18:32).But then onto the main event: we’re joined this week by NYC DJ and virtual pop architect umru (30:09). A key member of SoundCloud’s class of the mid-2010s, umru officially graduated to the hyperpop top tier in 2017 with his work on Charli XCX’s game-changing Pop 2 mixtape. He’s since worked with the likes of Hannah Diamond, Tommy Cash, Hyd, Dorian Electra and more while releasing his own music on PC Music and, this year, LuckyMe. He’s also one of our favourite DJs, with an anything-goes approach that feels firmly in the legacy of faves like Total Freedom, Evian Christ and Ryan Hemsworth. We also talked about his past life running parties on Minecraft, leak culture, pop’s Splice era, and the link between PC Music and Pirates of the Caribbean.A little housekeeping: after a small delay the second pressing of No Tags: Conversations on underground music culture should be arriving in the next week, so if you missed out the first time, head to Shopify to place your order.In the meantime, if you’re enjoying No Tags, please do rate, review and subscribe on your podcast app of choice. We’d also ask you to consider subscribing to our paid tier, which costs £5 a month and helps us continue planning, recording, editing and transcribing podcasts like this one. Get full access to No Tags at notagspodcast.substack.com/subscribe

Finn McCorry, a DJ and NTS host, dives into the fascinating world of Big Beat Cinema, a playful exploration of stylish heist films from the late '90s and early '00s. He discusses the vibrant interplay between big beat music and iconic movies like Ocean's Eleven, reflecting on the genre's decline and past popularity. The conversation touches on the unrealistic depictions of technology in films and critiques the commercialization of dance music in cinema. With humor and nostalgia, Finn reveals how these elements shaped our cultural landscape.

The conversation kicks off with a deep dive into alarming safety concerns at London’s Drum Sheds nightclub following recent tragedies. The duo debates the best music year of the century, passionately defending 2013 with names like DJ Rashad and Kanye West. They also announce an exciting film season inspired by dance music called Big Beat Cinema, blending their love for movies and tunes. Personal anecdotes about quirky New Year’s resolutions and festive birthday experiences add a humorous touch to their lively discussion.

Henry Bruce-Jones, a prominent music commentator, joins the discussion on the best and worst tunes of 2024. The conversation dives into the cultural impact of contemporary pop, exploring the rise of bubbling music and the dynamic influence of Danish artists. They debate standout albums and genres, from underrated pop to the evolution of rap, highlighting energetic fusions and emotional connections. With playful commentary, they reflect on the year’s musical landscape, celebrating diverse voices and innovative newcomers that are reshaping the industry.