Podcast
Riffs on Riffs
Hosted by Evergreen Podcasts · EN
Riffs on Riffs is about the thrill of musical discovery — that tingle down your spine when a perfect melody kicks in. Every chart-topper is a sonic time capsule. We'll crack it open, trace its history, decode those cryptic lyrics, and unearth the hidden gems in its musical DNA. Hosts Joe and Toby are back as your audio archaeologists, digging up the stories behind the songs.
But here's where it gets fun. From those melodies, we riff. Wild tangents, pop culture connections, personal stories, those "shower thoughts" sparked by a killer chorus – think of it as the ultimate deep dive followed by a freewheeling jam session inspired by the hits. Dust off your headphones and get ready to rediscover those songs you thought you knew.
22episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Kehlani "Folded"
2w ago00:51:26Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Riffs on Riffs, we unpack “Folded” by Kehlani—a song that’s equal parts breakup, late-night temptation, and emotional tug-of-war. Inspired by a shoutout from Olivia Dean, we dive into why this track has resonated so widely—and why it might not be as straightforward as it sounds. Along the way, we trace Kehlani’s journey from a turbulent childhood and early industry struggles to Grammy-winning recognition, reminding us that “overnight success” is often years in the making. We also explore the song’s musical DNA—from subtle nods to classic R&B textures reminiscent of Brandy to the orchestral flourishes that elevate it beyond a typical slow jam. But the heart of this episode lives in the tension of the lyrics: Is “Folded” a breakup song… or an invitation? A moment of closure… or the beginning of another cycle? We wrestle with the emotional reality behind lines like “come pick up your clothes,” and what they reveal about attachment, chemistry, and the stories we tell ourselves to stay connected. We also zoom out to talk about performance versus production—why live sessions (Colors, Tiny Desk, Spotify Sessions) hit differently in an AI-saturated world—and how music continues to be one of the most human forms of expression we have. And if you’ve ever considered going back to “pick up your clothes”… you might want to listen first. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →
Jalen Ngonda "If You Don't Want My Love"
Apr 1300:55:42Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Riffs on Riffs, Joe and Toby dig into “If You Don’t Want My Love” by Jalen Ngonda — a track that feels equal parts vintage and urgent. From the moment the needle drops (figuratively speaking), the conversation moves beyond the song itself and into something deeper: love, longing, and what we do when connection isn’t returned. Along the way, they unpack Ngonda’s origin story—from Maryland roots to the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts—and explore the unmistakable texture of his sound: live instrumentation, layered harmonies, and what Toby dubs a “power falsetto.” It’s a voice that nods to legends like Sam Cooke and Marvin Gaye, but refuses to be pinned down. Joe and Toby zoom out to ask a bigger question: Why is this sound coming back now? Their answer lands somewhere between culture and craving. In a world of noise, speed, and algorithm-driven everything, this resurgence of organic, human-centered music feels less like nourishment. From Motown grooves to modern burnout, from solo concert experiences to shared moments of belonging, this episode is a meditation on connection itself. Music restores us. So whether you’re here for the riffs, the storytelling, or the search for something real…you’re in the right place! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Harry Styles "Aperture"
Mar 2700:56:00Tap to summarizeHappy hour meets high art in this episode of Riffs, as Joe and Toby crack open a drink—and Harry Styles’ latest single, “Aperture.” What starts as a laid-back catch-up quickly unfolds into a thoughtful exploration of artistry, vulnerability, and what it really means to “let the light in.” The guys dig into Harry’s evolution from boy band phenom to genre-defying artist, unpacking how Aperture reflects a deeper creative freedom. They explore the song’s unconventional structure, its layered (and sometimes elusive) lyrics, and why Harry continues to stand apart—not because he follows the rules, but because he doesn’t seem particularly interested in them. The conversation then stretches into something bigger: the relationship between self-awareness and growth. What does it mean to “know what you don’t”? How does owning your mistakes actually set you free? And why do the most meaningful breakthroughs often come from the moments we’d rather avoid? Along the way, Joe and Toby reflect on their own experiences—friendship, failure, creative process—and connect it all back to the song’s central idea: that openness, whether to others or to yourself, is where real transformation begins. They also dive into the sound of the track itself, encouraging listeners to go beyond earbuds and truly experience the depth of modern production—because sometimes the magic isn’t just in the melody, it’s in the layers you didn’t know were there. From bourbon mishaps to philosophical insights, this episode blends humor, heart, and sharp musical perspective—reminding us that great songs open something up inside of us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →
Megan Moroney "Tennessee Orange"
Mar 1100:58:24Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Riffs on Riffs, Joe and Toby dive into Megan Moroney’s breakout hit “Tennessee Orange.” What begins as a conversation about Moroney’s songwriting quickly expands into a lively discussion about modern country music, storytelling, and the formula behind hit songs. Joe and Toby explore the clever narrative hook at the center of “Tennessee Orange.” The song opens with a line that feels like a confession or crisis, only to reveal a far more playful “sin”: a Georgia fan falling for someone who roots for Tennessee. That twist becomes the foundation of a story that blends humor, regional culture, and the deep loyalties of SEC football rivalries. From there, the conversation expands into Moroney’s artistic approach. They discuss how her songs often follow a recognizable country-pop structure, but stand out through sharp lyrical details and relatable storytelling. They also unpack the collaborative songwriting process common in Nashville, where writers’ rooms and shared ideas help shape songs that resonate widely with audiences. Joe and Toby also compare Moroney to fellow country artist Ella Langley, discussing how each artist occupies a slightly different lane within modern country music. While Langley leans more toward a traditional country sound, Moroney’s style blends country with pop influences and carefully crafted branding. Beyond the music itself, the episode explores the broader ecosystem of the country music industry, from Nashville songwriting culture to the ways artists strategically build their public personas. As always on Riffs on Riffs, the analysis is mixed with humor, personal stories, and plenty of tangents. For Joe and Toby, “Tennessee Orange” proves that clever songwriting and strong storytelling still sit at the heart of great music. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →The Marias "No One Noticed"
Feb 2300:48:25Tap to summarizeOn this episode of Riffs on Riffs, Joe and Toby tumble headfirst into the dreamy deep end with “No One Noticed” by The Marías, a song that doesn’t so much start as it appears, like fog rolling under a streetlamp. After a very calm, very normal intro that absolutely does not get hijacked immediately (😅), the guys unpack why this track hits with such quiet force: it’s simple on paper, hypnotic in practice, and emotionally loud without raising its voice. Toby takes us on one of his signature rabbit-hole journeys, starting with Maria Zardoya’s solo work and circling back to The Marías with fresh ears. Along the way, we get the context that adds extra gravity to the song: the band’s long creative arc, the relationship dynamics behind the scenes, and the unusually mature decision to invest in therapy to preserve the collaboration and keep the art alive. “Band therapy” becomes the unexpected MVP of the conversation, with the guys reflecting on how rare it is to choose respect and structure in the middle of a breakup. Musically, Joe and Toby geek out on why three chords can still feel like a universe. They talk chord flavor (hello, jazzy voicings), restraint, lush production choices, and how a track can stay harmonically steady while the texture shifts like light on water. The conversation drifts into color, too: why this era of The Marías feels blue, cinematic, and underwater, and what it means when music has a visual palette. Plus: rom-com vibes, Shazam-in-the-bathroom tactics, and a teaser for the show’s upcoming cover of the song (The Marías get the coins, don’t worry). 🎧💙 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →sombr "back to friends"
Feb 201:10:53Tap to summarizeCan you really go back to being “just friends”? In this episode Joe and Toby dig into “Back to Friends” by rising artist sombr, unpacking why this deceptively simple breakup song hits such a deep nerve. What starts as a discussion about a chart-climbing track quickly becomes a wide-ranging conversation about relationships, emotional maturity, artistic process, and the strange pressures of blowing up at twenty years old. Joe and Toby explore the universal tension at the heart of the song: the moment when intimacy ends, but connection hasn’t fully let go. Drawing from personal stories, they reflect on why “staying friends” so often fails, how nostalgia and comfort can keep people stuck, and why distance is sometimes the healthiest form of closure . The conversation also dives into sombr’s rapid rise, songwriting process, and creative discipline. From bedroom production to viral moments, they examine what it takes to build authentic music in the TikTok era, while pushing back on lazy “nepo baby” narratives and discussing the difference between criticism and performative hate . Along the way, the episode expands into thoughtful territory: the dopamine loop of outrage culture, scarcity vs. abundance mindsets in creativity, the value of repetition and throwing work away, and how artists evolve once their early heartbreak stories have been told. As always, Riffs on Riffs blends humor, honesty, and musical curiosity, closing with listener recommendations and reflections on what it means to grow up, move on, and keep writing anyway. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Ella Langley "Choosin' Texas"
Jan 2200:56:37Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Riffs on Riffs, Joe and Toby unpack Ella Langley’s breakout country single “Choosin' Texas” and use it as a launchpad for a wide-ranging conversation about authenticity, songwriting, and what it means to grow up musically without losing your soul. What starts as a joke about surprise Midwest snowfall quickly turns into a thoughtful exploration of why this song feels different from so much of modern pop-country, and why that difference matters . The hosts dig into Langley’s storytelling chops, her old-school sensibilities, and the emotional maturity behind a song that resists the usual breakup tropes. Instead of smashed windows and slashed tires, “Choosing Texas” offers something rarer: reflection, restraint, and the quiet devastation of watching someone make a choice you can’t stop. Joe and Toby break down how her voice, her writing, and her refusal to rely on heavy production tricks like autotune make the song feel raw, human, and deeply relatable. From there, the episode expands into a bigger discussion about music, culture, and time. The guys talk about legacy artists, the importance of real voices, the dangers of AI-generated art, and why slowing down matters more than ever. Along the way, they share personal stories, music recommendations, and their own creative philosophies, connecting Langley’s work to everything from grunge to hip-hop to old folk songs about frogs going to court. This is an episode about choice, growth, and what happens when artists stop chasing trends and start telling the truth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →BigXThaPlug "All the Way" ( feat. Bailey Zimmerman)
Jan 1200:39:05Tap to summarizeJoe and Toby clock in just ahead of game time to break down “All the Way” by BigXThaPlug, a country-rap crossover featuring Bailey Zimmerman. What starts as a quick review turns into a wide-ranging riff on genre blending, formulaic pop music, and where authenticity still lives in an increasingly algorithm-driven soundscape. Both hosts land in the same place with different routes: the song is fine, serviceable, and clearly engineered for mass appeal, but it never quite surprises. From there, the discussion widens to Big X the Plug’s broader album strategy, the heavy reliance on country features, and whether these collaborations feel like organic artistic chemistry or calculated plug-ins designed to maximize reach. Joe questions the rigidity of the verse-chorus-rap-verse formula, while Toby frames the project as a cake pulled from the oven just a little too early. The episode also detours into larger cultural territory. They unpack the rise of AI-assisted music, debating whether it’s a creative shortcut, a novelty, or a symptom of an industry already addicted to predictability. Analogies fly, from fast food to microwave meals, as Joe and Toby wrestle with what listeners really want: innovation or familiarity. Along the way, they touch on Texas hip-hop history, DJ Screw, the legacy of Southern rap, and why genre boundaries still spark outrage in 2025. Anchored by humor, sharp critiques, and a ticking pre-game clock, this episode isn’t just about one song. It’s about what pop music is, what it’s becoming, and whether “just okay” is good enough anymore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Bad Bunny "Baile Inolvidable"
Dec 2101:03:05Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Riffs on Riffs, Joe and Toby take a deep, joyful, and thoughtful journey into “Baile Inolvidable”, a song that feels like a dance remembered long after the music stops. What begins as a discussion of Bad Bunny’s latest single quickly unfolds into a rich conversation about salsa, nostalgia, cultural memory, and what it means to honor your roots while still pushing art forward. We explore how “Baile Inolvidable” functions on multiple levels: as a love song, a reflection on formative relationships, and a bold artistic statement. We discuss Bad Bunny’s decision to fully embrace salsa, a genre with deep historical and cultural significance, and how that choice adds emotional weight to the song’s themes of acceptance, gratitude, and looking back without regret. Along the way, Toby and Joe share personal stories sparked by the music, including memories of learning to dance, the generosity of dance communities, and the way certain songs can instantly transport us to another time in our lives. The episode also breaks down the music video’s powerful symbolism, including the appearance of Puerto Rican cultural icons and subtle visual details that reward curious viewers willing to look a little deeper. Beyond the song itself, the conversation expands into larger ideas about creativity, stillness, and why boredom and rest are essential for making meaningful art. We reflect on Bad Bunny’s career choices, his cultural activism, his genre-defying approach, and the importance of making space for voices and styles that may be unfamiliar to some listeners. This episode is about dance as memory, music as education, and art as an invitation to learn, move, and feel together. Whether you’re a longtime Bad Bunny fan or encountering his work more deeply for the first time, this conversation offers context, warmth, and plenty of reasons to press play again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Amber Mark - "Sweet Serotonin"
Nov 2501:03:22Tap to summarizeWelcome back to Riffs on Riffs, where in this episode Joe and Toby break down Amber Mark’s “Sweet Serotonin,” a track off her latest album Pretty Ideas, and explore why she’s becoming one of the most compelling voices in modern pop, R&B, and genre-bending artistry. They dive into Amber’s global background—Jamaican roots, German family, years spent in Berlin, India, Miami, and New York—and how that cultural mixtape shapes her sound. From Motown and Amy Winehouse inflections to country detours, folk gems, and dreamy pop, Amber refuses to fit neatly into any genre box. Some of the riffing: • The Tiny Desk (Home) performance that proves Amber has serious vocal chops • Wildly different tracks across the album—from “Let Me Love You” to the John the Blind collab • Her production journey from GarageBand to fully owning her artistic vision • Great covers (Sade! Bill Withers!) and why they matter • The dopamine-vs-serotonin debate and what the song is really saying • Touring with Sabrina Carpenter and the potential power-duo moment we all need • Whether Pretty Ideas is officially vinyl-worthy And then, as only Joe and Toby can, the episode spirals into hilarious side quests: parenting through playlists, NBA-fueled late nights, Jay-Z’s ability to stop time, speakerphone offenders in public (stop it!), Thanksgiving myth-busting, flash-mob revenge fantasies, and the eternal struggle of Browns fans. Hit subscribe, drop a comment, and let us know: Is Pretty Ideas vinyl-worthy for you? What should Joe & Toby’s holiday song be? And have you ever wanted to throw a metaphorical penalty flag at a speakerphone sociopath? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →