Playback the Music Podcast
Join independent artists and songwriters Nina Blu and J. Xander as they talk about what's trending in modern music and how songwriters and producers can use different tools and techniques in their own work. Each week we give a recap of the Billboard charts and what you need to know about the music industry today.
Episodes
20 episodes
All About Hooks
Dive into the craft of songwriting with hosts Nina Blu and J Xander! This week, we explore the intricate process of writing hooks, both lyrically and instrumentally. Discover the different tools and techniques songwriters can use to craft unfor...
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Season 2
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56:34
Genre: A Funny Little Thing
Nina Blu and J Xander delve deep into the dynamic and ever-evolving concept of musical genres! This episode, we unpack the groundbreaking release of Beyoncé's new country album, "COWBOY CARTER," and dissect the unexpected genre shift that's buz...
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1:14:45
Revisiting Alanis Morissette's Jagged Little Pill - feat. Faith Gara
Dive deep into the iconic album "Jagged Little Pill" by Alanis Morissette with hosts Nina Blu and J Xander and our special guest host, Faith Gara, in our latest podcast episode! Join us as we take a nostalgic journey back to the '90s and ...
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1:10:58
A Collaboration on Collaborations - Feat. Dito Delirium
Co-hosts Nina Blu and J. Xander are joined by special guest, independent artist and songwriter, Dito Delirium! J and Dito share the creative journey behind their dark, sexy new song, "En Las Sombras." From the initial spark of inspiration to th...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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1:03:57
J Wins the Grammy (Predictions)
Dive into the glitz, glamour, and occasional surprises of the Grammy Awards with our latest podcast episode! Join hosts J. Xander and Nina Blu as they dissect the music industry's biggest night with humor, wit, and a touch of friendly rivalry.&...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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1:03:08
Top Ten Indie Songs of 2023
It's a week for wrapping up 2023 and here at Playback, singer-songwriters and producers Nina Blu and J. Xander are counting down their top ten favorite indie songs of the year. They discuss why indie music is not a genre, how 90s influences are...
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56:15
Playback's Naughty and Nice Lists - the Best and Worst Holiday Songs
'Tis the season when holiday music takes over the Hot 100 and the airwaves of every public gathering space. So, singer-songwriters and producers Nina Blu and J. Xander discuss their Naughty and Nice lists when it comes to Christmas music. They ...
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1:05:58
So You Want to Release Your First Single
So you want to release your first single as an independent artist... Well, our hosts Nina Blu and J. Xander have a step-by-step guide on what to expect when you're expecting your first release. They give their best advice based off of their own...
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56:37
Grammy Predictions: Who Will Take Home the Big Prize?
Singer-songwriters and producers Nina Blu and J. Xander talk about the Grammy nominations for the ceremony in 2024. They go over the top six biggest prizes of the night and give who they want to win and who they believe will take home the golde...
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49:34
1989 (Taylor's Version) Playback's Version
It's 1989 (Taylor's Version) Playback's Version. Or is it Playback the Podcast (Taylor's Version)? Who knows. But this week singer-songwriters and producers Nina Blu and J. Xander dive into Taylor Swift's re-recording of her iconic pop...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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1:01:15
No Gimmicks. Our Top 5 Branding Tips for Independent Artists
Singer-songwriters and Independent Artists themselves, Nina Blu and J. Xander dig into the mystical subject of marketing. Oftentimes, musicians think that branding needs to take a backseat to the music and while that's not totally wrong, Nina a...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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46:55
Songs for Spooky Season
Singer-songwriters and producers Nina Blu and J. Xander unpack their favorite songs they want to hear around the Halloween season. They go back and forth between party vibes and some seasonal favorites that are as comforting as your favorite pu...
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49:29
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and Shakira's Impact on Latin Music
Singer-songwriters and producers Nina Blu and J. Xander celebrate their Latinx heritage and the impact Shakira has had on the Latin Music industry as well as their own songwriting. They talk about Shakira as an icon, as a songwriter, and countd...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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49:28
What's With Lyrics?
Songwriters Nina Blu and J. Xander deep dive into the importance of lyrics and typical pitfalls that have plagued them and fellow artists alike. It's a lyrical round up of the good, the bad, the ugly, and the wait, what? They discuss how to wor...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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1:00:09
Is TikTok Bad for Artists?
Songwriters and independent artists Nina Blu, J. Xander, and SKY BLAZE STAR get together to discuss the news of the week and how TikTok affects the industry. They talk about chasing virality, who uses the app well and who doesn't, their persona...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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59:50
Rise of the Disney Girlies - feat. Faith Gara
Join Nina Blu, J. Xander, and Sky Blaze Star as they take on the music news of the week including: Miley Cyrus's and Selena Gomez's new releases, Eminem's cease and desist, what makes a political song stick, and Doja Cat's branding. Plus singer...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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1:16:10
The GOAT Episode
Songwriters Nina Blu and J. Xander review the songs that set records for sitting at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 for the most weeks. From "Old Town Road," to "Despacito," and lengthy discussions about Dolly Parton and Mariah Carrey, they re...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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1:05:49
Artificial Intelligence: Friend or Foe?
Is Artificial Intelligence as scary as it sounds? Nina Blu and J. Xander discuss the ways in which they use AI to further their careers as well as some of the challenges for music artists moving forward.
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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1:04:42
For the Girls and Gays: Our Favorite LGBT+ Picks of the Year
It's been a great year for queer artists! Nina Blu and J. Xander get together to discuss some of their favorite moments from the last year that celebrate the LGBT+ community.
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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49:38
Hi, Barbie! A Deep Dive into the Barbie Movie's Hit Soundtrack - feat. Cati Landry
Singer-songwriters and independent artists Nina Blu, J. Xander, and Cati Landry explore the details of the Barbie Movie Album and the hits behind the epic blockbuster. Cati Landry also talks about her new single, "Mind's Eye," which is availabl...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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53:55
