Bandsplain

This week Yasi is joined by the man, the myth, the legend: J Mascis of Dinosaur Jr. They get into their shared love for Gilmore Girls, biking around the neighborhood listening to Howard Stern, ideas for a debut feature film (Hollywood, listen up!), and of course, Dino’s beautiful new record, ‘There Near'.
Listen to Dinosaur Jr.’s ‘There Near’
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CREDITS:
Host: Yasi Salek
Guests: J Mascis @jmascis
Producer: Rob Sundermann
Editor: Adrian Bridges
Additional Production Supervision: Justin Sayles
Theme Song: Bethany Cosentino
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Yasi is joined by returning guest and Bandsplain MVP Patrik Sandberg to share their favorite new releases of the summer and the upcoming new music they’re most excited for.
Next, Yasi talks with Jennifer Herrema and Kurt Midness of Black Bananas about their new album, ‘Bad Bunch’; the importance of physical media; living an artistic life; and much more.
Episode playlist
Listen to the best new music of summer 2026 here.
Host: Yasi Salek
Guests: Patrik Sandberg @patriksandberg and Jennifer Herrema and Kurt Midness of Black Bananas @blackbananasband
Producer: Rob Sundermann
Editor: Adrian Bridges
Additional Production Supervision: Justin Sayles
Theme Song: Bethany Cosentino
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Chris Ryan and Amanda Dobbins join Yasi to revisit the Strokes and their influence on the guitar rock that followed in their wake. They discuss the band's meteoric rise, Julian Casablancas’s distinctive songwriting, the model-filled audiences that helped fuel the band’s early buzz, and how their debut album, 'Is This It,' somehow lived up to the overwhelming hype. Plus, the pressure following their early success, the band’s uneven output in the years that followed, and their resurgence in the TikTok age.

Episode Playlist

Listen to The Strokes Playlist here

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CREDITS:

Host: Yasi Salek @yasisalek

Guests: Amanda Dobbins @akdobbins, Chris Ryan @crashactivated

Producer: Rob Sundermann

Editor: Adrian Bridges

Additional Production Supervision: Justin Sayles

Theme Song: Bethany Cosentino

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Sarah Lewitinn (music journalist, restaurateur, and the artist formerly known as Ultragrrrl) joins Yasi to revisit Interpol and the early 2000s New York landscape they emerged from. They discuss their international origins, the dogged Joy Division comparisons, and the pressure to follow up on an instant classic, as well as the steady and surprising arc of their career and output leading up to their latest album, this year’s 'This Mirror Weighs a Ton.'

Episode Playlist

Listen to the Interpol Playlist here

Subscribe on YouTube

CREDITS:

Host: Yasi Salek @yasisalek

Guests: Sarah Lewitinn @ultragrrrl

Producer: Rob Sundermann

Editor: Adrian Bridges

Additional Production Supervision: Justin Sayles

Theme Song: Bethany Cosentino

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It’s draft day, and Yasi is joined by Rob Mahoney and Sean Fennessey for a generational Indie Sleaze Draft. But first, what actually counts as indie sleaze? Are the Strokes so important that they get their own category? And can you win by simply drafting Yeah Yeah Yeahs in every category? (You can if you draft with your heart.) Plus: the return of Sparks (not the band)!

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CREDITS:

Host: Yasi Salek @yasisalek

Guests: Rob Mahoney @robmahoney and Sean Fennessey @seanfennessey

Producer: Rob Sundermann

Editor: Adrian Bridges

Additional Production Supervision: Justin Sayles

Theme Song: Bethany Cosentino

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Jason Stewart (How Long Gone) joins Yasi to talk about “House of Jealous Lovers,” the Rapture’s cowbell-powered anthem that fused punk and dance and helped define the electroclash era. They discuss the band’s early days on Sub Pop, the song taking shape in the hands of James Murphy and DFA, the band’s move to a major label, and the fallout that followed. Plus, a look back at Cinespace Tuesdays in Hollywood, DJing across the globe, and an important question: Why washttp://will.i.am everywhere all the time?

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CREDITS:

Host: Yasi Salek @yasisalek

Guest: Jason Stewart @themjeans

Producer: Rob Sundermann

Editor: Adrian Bridges

Additional Production Supervision: Justin Sayles

Theme Song: Bethany Cosentino

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Journalist Jenny Eliscu joins Yasi to talk all things Yeah Yeah Yeahs, from their wild early days in New York to their place as one of the most important bands of the 2000s. They discuss the term indie sleaze, debate whether the Yeah Yeah Yeahs deserve the crown as the era’s best band, break down why “Maps” remains an all-time classic, and explore the tensions that have shaped the band throughout its career. Plus, growing up in the spotlight, surviving the hype, and where the Yeah Yeah Yeahs fit in today’s music landscape.

Episode Playlist
Listen to the Yeah Yeah Yeahs Playlist here.

Subscribe on YouTube.
Host: Yasi Salek @yasisalek
Guest: Jenny Eliscu @jennylsq
Producer: Rob Sundermann
Editor: Adrian Bridges
Additional Production Supervision: Justin Sayles
Theme Song: Bethany Cosentino

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Music journalist and EIC of Shaad Magazine Shaad D’Souza joins Yasi to talk about the best new music coming out of the U.K. right now. They discuss how they find new artists, gimmicks vs. authenticity, the Windmill scene, and the importance of going to shows in the algorithm era.

Next, one of our favorite new U.K. bands, Mary in the Junkyard, sits down with Yasi to talk about coming up in south London, the not-very-secret identity of the old man on their album cover, and the benefits of tumbling. Plus, a reenactment of the very important phone call that brought the band together.

Episode Playlist

Listen to the Best New U.K. Music Playlist here

Subscribe on YouTube

CREDITS:

Host: Yasi Salek @yasisalek

Guests: Shaad D’Souza @shaad, Mary in the Junkyard @maryinthejunkyrd

Producer: Rob Sundermann

Editor: Adrian Bridges

Additional Production Supervision: Justin Sayles

Theme Song: Bethany Cosentino

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Whitmer Thomas ('Terminal Crew of Dudes,' 'Weapons') joins Yasi to break down "Iris," the Goo Goo Dolls hit that became one of the defining songs of the late ’90s. They discuss the song’s origins on the 'City of Angels' soundtrack, the band’s punk beginnings, John Rzeznik’s singular and deeply inspiring (to Whitmer) hairstyle, and that iconic, rain-drenched performance of "Iris" in their hometown of Buffalo that somehow made a perfect song even more perfect.

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CREDITS:

Host: Yasi Salek @yasisalek

Guest: Whitmer Thomas @whitmerthomas

Producer: Rob Sundermann

Editor: Adrian Bridges

Additional Production Supervision: Justin Sayles

Theme Song: Bethany Cosentino

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It's time for a loaded mailbag, and Yasi is handling this one solo. She’s tackling questions on skin-care routines, the importance of physical media, and the best venues for seeing a show. Plus: Learn whether 24 is too old. (Spoiler: It’s not.)

Next, Iceage’s Elias Bender Ronnenfelt and Johan Suurballe Wieth join Yasi to discuss their new album, 'For Love of Grace & the Hereafter.' They talk about the Copenhagen music scene, the epiphany of direction, scoring films, and befriending crows.

Check out Iceage’s ‘For Love of Grace & the Hereafter’ here

Subscribe on YouTube

CREDITS:

Host: Yasi Salek @yasisalek

Guest: Elias Bender Rønnenfelt and Johan Suurballe Wieth @iceage

Producer: Rob Sundermann

Editor: Adrien Bridges

Additional Production Supervision: Justin Sayles

Theme Song: Bethany Cosentino

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Sean Fennessey joins Yasi to build the Music Biopic Hall of Fame, from the 1940s to today. Along the way, they consider what makes a great music biopic, why rock and roll lends itself so well to the genre, and why a great central performance doesn’t always mean a great movie. Plus: Yasi’s cocurated Criterion Channel collection, the movies that belong in the trash, and the TV movie that ‘Odyssey’ star Matt Damon really deserved an Oscar for.

Check out the curated Criterion Channel collection here.

Plus: Yasi and Sean on 24 Hour Party People

And the Top 20 on Letterboxd

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CREDITS:
Host: Yasi Salek @yasisalek
Guest: Sean Fennessey @seanfennessey
Producer: Rob Sundermann
Editor: Jon Jones
Additional Production Supervision: Justin Sayles
Theme Song: Bethany Cosentino

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Yasi is joined by returning guest Patrik Sandberg to revisit the soundtrack to 1980 cult film ‘Times Square.’ They cover the scrapped love story between its two leads, the producer’s efforts to turn the project into the next ‘Saturday Night Fever,’ and the decision to market its sprawling punk and new wave soundtrack ahead of the movie itself. Plus: Patrik’s mini deep dive on legendary producer Robert Stigwood and why the greatest influence 'Times Square’ had might be on the generation that followed it.

CREDITS:

Host: Yasi Salek @yasisalek

Guest: Patrik Sandberg @patriksandberg

Producer: Rob Sundermann

Editor: Adrian Bridges

Additional Production Supervision: Justin Sayles

Theme Song: Bethany Cosentino

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Rob Harvilla joins Yasi to revisit the music of the John Hughes coming-of-age classic ‘Pretty in Pink.’ They discuss the film’s defining mix of new wave and college rock, the eponymous Psychedelic Furs song and its misinterpretation, the ’80s classics that were written specifically for the movie, and why ‘Pretty in Pink’ remains one of the decade’s essential soundtracks.

CREDITS:
Host: Yasi Salek @yasisalek
Guest: Rob Harvilla @harvilla
Producer: Rob Sundermann
Editor: Adrian Bridges
Additional Production Supervision: Justin Sayles
Theme Song: Bethany Cosentino

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Amanda Dobbins joins Yasi to take on the Oscar-, Grammy-, and Golden Globe-winning soundtrack to 'Working Girl.' They trace Carly Simon’s path to penning “Let the River Run,” how the Eagles nearly provided the movie’s defining song instead, and the iconic sneakers-to-heels commuter transition. Plus: Who almost played the lead, how much did that apartment really cost, and gifts from Kansas.

CREDITS:
Host: Yasi Salek @yasisalek
Guest: Amanda Dobbins @akdobbins
Producer: Rob Sundermann
Editor: Adrian Bridges
Additional Production Supervision: Justin Sayles
Theme Song: Bethany Cosentino

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Joanna Robinson joins Yasi to break down one of the defining soundtracks of the ’80s: 'Dirty Dancing.' They get into the real-life tension between Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze that became undeniable on-screen chemistry, the soundtrack’s seamless blend of ’60s nostalgia and ’80s pop hits, Swayze’s surprise turn as a recording artist with the hit song ‘She’s Like the Wind,’ and how the music helped transform a modestly budgeted film into a full-blown cultural phenomenon.

CREDITS:
Host: Yasi Salek @yasisalek
Guest: Joanna Robinson @jowrotethis
Producer: Rob Sundermann
Editor: Adrian Bridges
Additional Production Supervision: Justin Sayles
Theme Song: Bethany Cosentino

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Madonna Month icon Patrik Sandberg is back to help Yasi break down 'Confessions II,' Madonna’s return to the dance floor. They break down the album’s callbacks to New York nightlife, the name-checks from Debi Mazar and Mark Kamins to Basquiat and Keith Haring, and why Madonna is revisiting one of her most beloved eras. Plus, our review (we love it)!

CREDITS:

Host: Yasi Salek @yasisalek

Guests: Patrik Sandberg @patriksandberg

Producer: Rob Sundermann

Editor: Jamie Yukich

Additional Production Supervision: Justin Sayles

Theme Song: Bethany Cosentino

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Yasi and returning guest Bre Morell discuss their favorite new albums that came out this spring. Plus, the new singles from their most anticipated albums of the summer!

Next, Yasi talks with Domenic “Nicky” Palermo of Nothing about their latest album, ‘a short history of decay’, his Slide Away Music Festival and so, so much more.

Episode Playlist
Listen to the Best New Music of Spring 2026 here
And in case you missed it, listen to the Best New Music of Winter 2026 episode with Chris Ryan here

CREDITS:
Host: Yasi Salek @yasisalek
Guests: Bre Morell @bremorell, Domenic “Nicky” Palermo @bandofnothing
Producer: Rob Sundermann
Editor: Adrian Bridges
Additional Production Supervision: Justin Sayles
Theme Song: Bethany Cosentino

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Yasi is joined by musician and producer Anthony Anzaldo (Ceremony, Anthony Family) to unpack 'Purple Rain,' the soundtrack that took Prince from rising pop star to household name. They discuss the making of the film, the role of The Revolution, the live recording that became the title track, Morris Day and The Time (and of course, Jerome), and how Prince blended rock, funk, and pop to create a wholly new sound, turning a soundtrack into a blockbuster event and the biggest album of his career.

CREDITS:
Host: Yasi Salek @yasisalek
Guest: Anthony Anzaldo @anthonyxfamily
Producer: Rob Sundermann
Editor: Adrian Bridges
Additional Production Supervision: Justin Sayles
Theme Song: Bethany Cosentino

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Madonna Month (OK, six weeks) is coming to a close, and it’s going out with a bang! First, Yasi is joined by the original Madonna influence, her mom, Fattaneh Salek! It all started here, from picking Madonna favorites while still in a stroller to transcribing lyrics for future sing-alongs.

Then, Patrik Sandberg is back to help Yasi answer all your burning Madonna questions. What was Madonna’s best hair era? Who would the dream Madonna alt-rock collab be? And most importantly, why isn’t Gen Z properly celebrating Madonna?! Plus, they rank their top five Madonna songs (but we still don’t agree with rankings)!

Host: Yasi Salek @yasisalek
Guests: Fattaneh Salek and Patrik Sandberg @patriksandberg
Producer: Rob Sundermann
Editor: Adrian Bridges
Additional Production Supervision: Justin Sayles
Theme Song: Bethany Cosentino

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Yasi is joined by Amanda Dobbins and Sean Fennessey of The Big Picture to reconsider Madonna’s life on film, including her breakout role in Desperately Seeking Susan, box office hits like Dick Tracy and A League of Their Own, polarizing works like Body of Evidence, and of course her most critically acclaimed film work, Evita. They discuss Madonna the cinephile, the vulnerability required to be a great artist, the unfair criticism that followed Madonna the actress, and what they think her best film is.

CREDITS:
Host: Yasi Salek @yasisalek
Guests: Amanda Dobbins @akdobbins and Sean Fennessey @seanfennessey
Producer: Rob Sundermann
Editor: Adrian Bridges
Additional Production Supervision: Justin Sayles
Theme Song: Bethany Cosentino

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