Twenty-five years after the world braced for Y2K, we're celebrating our 99th mixtape with a journey through the musical landscape of 1999 – arguably one of music's most transformative years. From Latin pop explosions to hip-hop revolutions, this episode captures the diverse soundscape that defined a generation.

The late 90s represented a unique cultural moment when music discovery happened primarily through radio and MTV, creating shared experiences difficult to imagine in today's fragmented landscape. When Ricky Martin burst onto English-language charts with "Livin' La Vida Loca," he didn't just score a hit – he opened doors for countless Latin artists to follow. Meanwhile, Eminem's debut "My Name Is" signaled something revolutionary was happening in hip-hop, establishing a controversial voice that would dominate for decades.

What made 1999 truly special was its balance of innovation and emotional depth. Blink-182's "Adam's Song" tackled teenage suicide with remarkable sensitivity, while Moby's reluctantly-included "Porcelain" brought electronic music further into the mainstream. The Chicks challenged radio censors with "Goodbye Earl," a darkly comedic take on domestic abuse packaged in an upbeat country crossover hit. These weren't just songs; they were cultural touchstones that reflected the optimism, anxiety, and creativity of a society on the cusp of a new millennium.

https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/1999-mix-99-episodes/pl.u-mJy8137uNE8XR1q

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4qZC4ONJesEZ2d6uz9s55j?si=da64abcd6c8c46de

1. Livin’ la Vida Loca by Ricky Martin
2. My Name Is by Eminem
3. Someday We’ll Know by New Radicals
4. Better Days (And the Bottom Drops Out) by Citizen King
5. Goodbye Earl by The Chicks
6. Steal My Sunshine by LEN
7. Adam’s Song by blink-182
8. Porcelain by Moby
9. My Own Worst Enemy by Lit
10. Scar Tissue by Red Hot Chili Peppers
11. Heartbreaker (feat. Jay-Z) by Mariah Carey, JAY-Z
12. Forgot About Dre by Dr. Dre, Emine

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Matt and Sam share their carefully curated selection of new music for July, featuring unreleased Bruce Springsteen tracks, genre-bending collaborations, and high-energy summer anthems.

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/sam-new-music-july-2025/pl.u-z6lXtGxoYJ

• Bruce Springsteen's "Unsatisfied Heart" from his newly released Tracks 2 collection, featuring seven previously unreleased albums
• Lupe Fiasco's "Samurai" featuring Troy Tyler, imagining an alternate timeline where Amy Winehouse became a battle rapper
• Lindsey Stirling's "Evil Twin" with Shuba, fusing classical violin with electronic and Bollywood influences
• The bass-heavy "Daydreams" by Effin and Nightmare that demands quality speakers
• Cold War Kids' biographical tribute "Any Day Now" about Richard Swift of The Shins
• Daisy the Great's indie pop track "Rest of My Life" questioning relationships and permanence
• The Dare's "Cheeky" bringing nostalgic hip-hop vibes reminiscent of Run DMC
• Cardi B's "Outside" sparking a discussion about why rock musicians don't make diss tracks
• Dropkick Murphys' nostalgic "Chesterfields and Aftershave" evoking memories of grandparents
• The addictive beat of "High Horse" by Proper Monday Number
• Bruno Mars' energetic minute-long Portuguese track "Bonde do Brunao"
• Fitz and the Tantrums' formula-perfect "OK, OK, OK" closing out the mix

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This week's Mixtape Rewind takes you back to our first Intro mix ever, when Matt introduced Sam to Pearl Jam.

Pearl Jam's music walks a fascinating tightrope—raw, energetic rock paired with profound, often dark storytelling. This episode takes you on a journey through their three-decade evolution, perfect for both newcomers and longtime fans wanting a deeper appreciation of their artistry.

We explore how their debut album Ten created an instant impact with songs like "Jeremy"—a haunting track based on the true story of a student's classroom suicide—and why that album's four standout tracks remain essential listening. The emotional range of Eddie Vedder's voice shines through as we contrast high-energy anthems like "Even Flow" with more introspective pieces like "Black," revealing how the band masterfully balances intensity with vulnerability.

What's particularly fascinating is how their audience has shaped their music's meaning over time. "Alive," originally written as a painful reflection on family trauma, transformed through concert performances into an empowering anthem of survival—something Eddie Vedder himself acknowledges changed his relationship with the song. It's this connection between band and listeners that makes Pearl Jam's catalog so compelling.

Later albums showcase their artistic evolution, from the politically charged "Corduroy" to acoustic gems like "Just Breathe," demonstrating why they've remained relevant while many of their 90s contemporaries faded away. We even touch on Eddie Vedder's solo work, highlighting how the distinctive voice of Pearl Jam translates into different musical contexts.

Whether you missed the Pearl Jam phenomenon the first time around or want to rediscover what made them revolutionary, this mixtape offers the perfect entry point into their world of authentic, powerful rock storytelling. Which Pearl Jam song will become your unexpected favorite?

You can find the playlist on Spotify here:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6mK1lDmg6nsOSqfDV8IIcQ?si=c76b52fafa9740a4

You can also find the playlist on YouTube Music:
https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpQYsbkgm3L4XGudn53dqQ4aE_KW6YmIL&feature=share

1. Jeremy
2. Even Flow
3. Black
4. Alive
5. Go
6. Elderly Woman Behind the Counter In a Small Town
7. Corduroy
8. Better Man
9. Yellow Ledbetter
10. Thumbing My Way
11. Just Breathe
12. Far Behind

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Dive into the musical journey of a true American legend as Matt and Sam explore the extraordinary career of Stevie Wonder. From his groundbreaking beginnings as "Little Stevie Wonder" at Motown Records to his status as one of music's most influential figures, this episode celebrates the artist who transformed popular music across six decades.

The hosts trace Wonder's remarkable evolution through twelve essential tracks, highlighting how a blind child prodigy who signed with Motown at age 11 went on to become the youngest artist ever to top the Billboard charts at just 13 years old. Through early hits like "Uptight (Everything's Alright)" and "I Was Made to Love Her," listeners experience the joyful exuberance that first captivated audiences in the 1960s.

The conversation shifts to Wonder's revolutionary 1970s period when he achieved the unprecedented feat of winning three consecutive Grammy Awards for Album of the Year. Matt and Sam analyze how songs like "Superstition" and "Boogie On Reggae Woman" showcased his innovative fusion of funk, soul, and synthesizer technologies that somehow never sound dated despite their era.

The hosts don't shy away from Wonder's 1980s commercial peak, discussing how tracks like "I Just Called to Say I Love You" brought him Oscar gold and global recognition, while "Happy Birthday" actually helped establish Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a national holiday. Throughout the episode, Matt and Sam highlight Wonder's extraordinary musical versatility, his philanthropic impact, and the timeless quality that makes his music resonate across generations.

Whether you're a longtime fan or discovering Stevie Wonder for the first time, this episode offers a perfect introduction to an artist whose 26 studio albums and numerous accolades (including the Presidential Medal of Freedom) only begin to tell the story of his profound influence on American music and culture.

Check out our videos on YouTube and follow us on Instagram and Threads @SuperAwesomeMix for more musical deep dives!

https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/sam-intro-to-stevie-wonder/pl.u-y0pmTbq4xE

1. Uptight (Everything's Alright)

2. I Was Made To Love Her

3. Yester-Me, Yester-You, Yesterday

4. For Once in My Life

5. Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)

6. Superstition

7. Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing

8. Boogie On Reggae Woman

9. I Wish

10. Happy Birthday

11. I Just Called To Say I Love You

12. Overjoyed

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In this week's mixtape rewind, we revisit our motivation mix from the start of 2023, still able to get you going for your 2025 goals.

The motivation mix takes listeners through different facets of achievement, starting with Jamiroquai's "Canned Heat" and its message about releasing your inner fire. We explore self-confidence through DJ Khaled and Drake, persistence through complications with Curtis Mayfield, and Britney Spears' blunt reminder that success requires actual work. When progress feels slow, Matchbox 20 encourages us to look back and acknowledge how far we've already come.

Our conversation weaves personal stories throughout – from Sam's marathon training mindset shift to his year-long weight loss journey, offering real-world examples of how these motivational principles apply in daily life. We discuss how proving doubters wrong can fuel ambition (thanks, Jay-Z), the power of staying connected to others during challenging pursuits (Pharrell Williams' "Freedom"), and why sometimes the most motivating thing is simply showing up for yourself day after day (Macklemore's "Fire Breather").

The mix closes with Pearl Jam's "Present Tense," reminding us that while goals focus on the future, achievement happens in the present moment. By staying grounded in today's actions rather than yesterday's regrets, we create the future we envision.

You can find the playlist on Spotify here:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/77nOZ2Ret4MBtPdiJtaHPP?si=hmBIhVx9R0qHkWL6Vb2k_g

You can also find the motivation mix on Apple Music here:
https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/season-3-motivational-mix/pl.u-9N9LX74F1GR9BYe

1. Canned Heat by Jamiroquai
2. To the Max by DJ Khaled, Drake
3. Move on Up by Curtis Mayfield
4. Work Bitch by Britney Spears
5. How Far We’ve Come by Matchbox Twenty
6. My Shot by Lin-Manuel Miranda
7. So Ambitious by JAY-Z, Pharrel Williams
8. Freedom by Pharrel Williams
9. Moving On Up by M People
10. Take Back the Power by Raury
11. Firebreather by Macklemore
12. Present Tense by Pearl Jam

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Matt and Sam are back with their June new music mix, where nostalgia meets innovation in unexpected ways.

The blurring of entertainment worlds takes center stage as we discover Post Animal's "Pie in the Sky," featuring Stranger Things actor Joe Keery who returned to his musical roots after the show's filming wrapped. This happy rock anthem sits alongside Maiah Mancer's haunting "sirencore" vocals on "With a Smile," creating a compelling contrast that showcases music's boundless versatility.

Our mix navigates emotional depths through Ben Kweller's heartbreakingly hopeful "Oh Dorian," written as a tribute to his late son, while Matt Berninger explores the hollow feeling of relationships that have everything except love. The storytelling tradition continues through James McMurtry, who continues his long songwriting career with vivid musical narratives that paint complete pictures in just minutes.

Hip-hop's evolution shines through multiple generations – from Logic's confident yet laid-back "Bad Mother****er" to Xzibit's emphatic return with "Shut Yo Mouth," which hilariously opens with a 1950s-style instructional segment. Ciara collaborates with the lightning-fast Busta Rhymes, while global superstar Bad Bunny demonstrates exactly why he sells out arenas worldwide with his infectious energy and multilingual approach.

Ready to discover your next favorite track? Listen now and let us know which song resonates most with you through our social channels @SuperAwesomeMix!

https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/sam-new-music-june-2025/pl.u-XMv0tXZ0qz

1. Pie in the Sky - Post Animal

2. With a Smile (What So Not & Synergy's "Dreamer" Dub) - Maiah Manser

3. Oh Dorian - Ben Kweller featuring MJ Lenderman

4. No Love - Matt Berninger

5. Sailing Away - James McMurtry

6. 60 Ways to Forget People - Bush

7. Wassup - Ciara & Busta Rhymes

8. Bad M**********r - Logic

9. Shut Yo Mouth - Xzibit featuring Compton Av & Butch Cassidy

10. Have We Met (The Void) - Garbage

11. NUEVAYoL - Bad Bunny

12. Autumn in New York - Dena DeRose

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Music possesses an almost magical ability to transform our emotional state, and nowhere is this more evident than with songs deliberately crafted to elicit joy. On this episode of Super Awesome Mix, we're returning to a favorite theme with Pure Joy Mix Volume 2, featuring twelve tracks scientifically engineered to boost your mood and put an irresistible smile on your face.

We've structured this mix as a friendly competition between hosts, with Matt's selections comprising Side A and Samer's picks making up Side B. From the moment you press play, you'll feel the rush of dopamine that comes from Wham!'s iconic "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" and its instantly recognizable "jitterbug" intro. The journey continues through nostalgic hits like Blue Swede's "Hooked on a Feeling" and modern gems including Wet Leg's subversively joyful "Chaise Longue."

Throughout our musical exploration, we unpack what makes certain songs universally uplifting – whether it's the infectious energy of Stevie Wonder's horns, the whistle-heavy hooks of Peter Bjorn and John that physically encourage smiling, or the self-affirming lyrics from Fitz and the Tantrums that remind us to "shine like the sun." We discover that joy comes in many forms: nostalgia, humor, empowerment, and the celebration of life's simple pleasures.

This episode doesn't just offer a mood-lifting playlist. It provides insights into how different musical elements – from surprising intros that capture attention to lyrics that promote present-moment appreciation – work together to create an emotional response that's greater than the sum of its parts.

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The first few minutes the audio might get choppy but it's fixed for the majority of the episode afterwards! Apologies for that.

The moment Tori Norman Castillo quit her Wall Street job from an LAX terminal after attending the Grammys, she knew her path forward would be different. As co-founder of Kelzana Artist Management, she's now revolutionizing how musicians build sustainable careers through strategic storytelling.

"Branding goes so deep," Tori explains, drawing from her film background to reimagine artist development. "I think about storytelling for musicians as a movie—what's the plot of their brand? Are they the tragic hero? The rebellious protagonist?" This cinematic approach transforms how artists connect with audiences in an overcrowded marketplace.

Tori's playlist is titled "Top of the Mountain" and it's a journey through life's seasons from the youthful energy of Baby Keem's "16" through reflective winter tracks like Jorja Smith's "I Am." Each selection reveals how music marks transformative moments and shapes our understanding of ourselves. Having grown up in the Blue Ridge Mountains before traveling the world, Tori now returns to Georgia with a renewed appreciation for her roots and the musical influences that defined her.

Kelzana's business model reflects this thoughtful approach, offering everything from foundational brand development to full management services. By meeting artists where they are and building authentic narratives, Tori helps musicians create sustainable careers beyond algorithmic trends.

Whether you're an emerging artist seeking direction or simply fascinated by the intersection of music, storytelling, and personal growth, this conversation offers fresh perspective on finding your authentic voice in a noisy world. Connect with Tori and explore Kelzana's artist-centered approach at https://www.kelzanamgmt.com/.

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/40L2daCIrUTYMvhQAzKTB2?si=3vbR3XejS2OoHnlE-qTwbw

1. 16 - Baby Keem

2. Songbird - Eva Cassidy

3. Blue Ridge Mountains - Fleet Foxes

4. Speyside - Bon Iver

5. River - Leon Bridges

6. El Condor Pasa (If I Could) - Simon & Garfunkel

7. Gild the Lily - Billy Strings

8. These Days - The Jesse Williams Band

9. Rather Be Alone - Leon Thomas featuring Halle

10. Harvest Moon (Spotify Studios Version) - Lord Huron

11. 17 - Youth Lagoon

12. I Am - Jorja Smith

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