Super Awesome Mix

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 [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 [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 Support the show [https://www.superawesomemix.com] Visit us at https://www.superawesomemix.com [https://www.superawesomemix.com] to learn more about our app, our merchandise, our cards, and more!

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 [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 Support the show [https://www.superawesomemix.com] Visit us at https://www.superawesomemix.com [https://www.superawesomemix.com] to learn more about our app, our merchandise, our cards, and more!

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. Support the show [https://www.superawesomemix.com] Visit us at https://www.superawesomemix.com [https://www.superawesomemix.com] to learn more about our app, our merchandise, our cards, and more!

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://www.kelzanamgmt.com/]. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/40L2daCIrUTYMvhQAzKTB2?si=3vbR3XejS2OoHnlE-qTwbw [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 Support the show [https://www.superawesomemix.com] Visit us at https://www.superawesomemix.com [https://www.superawesomemix.com] to learn more about our app, our merchandise, our cards, and more!

In this week's Mixtape Rewind, we revisit our new music mix from May of 2023.  Durand Jones immediately transports listeners to the golden era of soul with vocals that would sound right at home on classic Stax Records. Meanwhile, Foo Fighters return from tragedy with "Rescued," a song that not only references the loss of Taylor Hawkins but features Dave Grohl returning to the drums in a powerful musical statement.  Ww discover Kesha's transformation from pop princess to vocal powerhouse on the haunting "Eat the Acid" and celebrate Florence + the Machine's darkly hypnotic "Mermaids." Even established artists like Matchbox Twenty make a welcome return after a decade-long hiatus, proving their songwriting relevance hasn't diminished. Greta Van Fleet continues their masterful 1970s rock recreation, while The Linda Lindas bring Gen Z energy to punk traditions. Megan Maroney incorporates Instagram references into country music that would otherwise feel timeless, creating a perfect snapshot of music's ongoing evolution. The mix concludes with Joy Aladokun and Noah Cahan's deceptively upbeat "We're All Gonna Die," a song that uses mortality as a lens for gaining perspective—much like how this entire collection uses musical history as a foundation for creating something entirely new. Whether you're nostalgic for classic soul, 90s alternative, 70s rock, or early 2000s pop, this mix offers something familiar yet fresh that will become part of your regular rotation. https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/new-music-may-2023/pl.u-76oNlEbCvLa5bzJ [https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/new-music-may-2023/pl.u-76oNlEbCvLa5bzJ] https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2ZUHQtGPVUPqTWfsaa9a7Q?si=edb2105b7ef047c3 [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2ZUHQtGPVUPqTWfsaa9a7Q?si=edb2105b7ef047c3] 1. Lord Have Mercy - Durand Jones 2. Rescued - Foo Fighters 3. Common Ground - Jack Harlow 4. Meeting The Master - Greta Van Fleet 5. Don’t Get Me Wrong - Matchbox Twenty 6. Mermaids - Florence + The Machine 7. Trees Grow HIgh - Teleman 8. Eat The Acid - Kesha 9. I’m Not Pretty - Megan Moroney 10. Too Many Things - The Linda Lindas 11. The Dumb Song - AJR 12. We’re All Gonna Die - Joy Oladokun & Noah Kahan Support the show [https://www.superawesomemix.com] Visit us at https://www.superawesomemix.com [https://www.superawesomemix.com] to learn more about our app, our merchandise, our cards, and more!