In this week’s episode of Music Matters, MonkeyBoy & Ziggy crack open the massive year ahead in music — and 2026 is shaping up to be one for the books. From stadium‑shaking rock reunions to pop megastars plotting world domination, the guys take you on a guided tour through the tours, festivals, and album drops that will define the year across every genre.

They dig into the long‑awaited returns — the bands we never thought we’d see again, the artists reinventing themselves, and the surprise comebacks that already have fans buzzing. Rock, pop, country, hip‑hop, metal, indie… if it’s making noise in 2026, it’s on the table.

MonkeyBoy breaks down the tours guaranteed to sell out before you can refresh your browser, while Ziggy spotlights the albums poised to shift the musical landscape — from legacy acts dropping career‑defining statements to rising artists ready to take their shot.

Whether you’re planning your concert calendar, scouting new music for the year, or just love the thrill of what’s next, this episode is your roadmap to the biggest musical moments of 2026.

Turn it up, take notes, and get ready — the year ahead is stacked.

On this episode of Music Matters, MonkeyBoy & Ziggy dive into the unexpected, genre‑bending journey of Maroon 5 — a band that went from scrappy L.A. alt‑rockers to global pop powerhouses. The guys trace the group’s evolution from their early days as Kara’s Flowers to the breakout success of Songs About Jane, exploring how Maroon 5 blended rock, funk, soul, and radio‑ready pop hooks into a sound that dominated charts for over two decades.

MonkeyBoy & Ziggy unpack the band’s biggest hits, the creative shifts that kept them in the spotlight, and the collaborations that pushed them into new territory. They also debate Maroon 5’s place in modern music: Are they a rock band at heart, a pop machine by design, or something uniquely in between?

From Adam Levine’s unmistakable vocals to the band’s surprising longevity, this episode breaks down why Maroon 5 continues to spark conversation, crossover success, and a loyal fanbase. Whether you love them, miss their early sound, or just can’t escape their radio presence, this is a deep dive worth tuning into.

Well our experiment to try to do a video podcast this year failed spectacularly so we're back with the audio version. LOL.. This episode we focus on our favorites of 2025, we go over our spotify wraps, and favorite albums of 2025, we talk about the death of mtv, and some things to look forward to in 2026. Hope you enjoy the first episode of Season 2!

This week on Music Matters, MonkeyBoy & Ziggy take listeners on a journey through the remarkable career of Phil Collins—a drummer turned frontman who became one of the most recognizable voices in pop and rock history.

🔑 What to Expect

• Genesis beginnings: How Collins stepped behind the kit in the early ’70s and eventually took the mic, steering Genesis into global stardom.
• Solo superstardom: The rise of hits like “In the Air Tonight”, “Against All Odds”, and “Sussudio” that defined the sound of the ’80s.
• Cross-genre influence: His work in pop, rock, film soundtracks (Tarzan), and collaborations with legends across the industry.
• Behind the scenes: The stories of his relentless touring, his shift from drummer to singer, and the challenges of balancing band life with solo fame.
• Legacy check: Why Collins remains a cultural touchstone, from stadium anthems to viral drum fills, and how his music continues to inspire new generations.

Phil Collins’s career is more than just chart-topping singles—it’s a story of reinvention, resilience, and redefining what it means to be both a band member and a solo superstar. MonkeyBoy & Ziggy bring their trademark mix of insight and humor to unpack the man behind the hits.

Names in song titles aren’t just labels—they’re emotional anchors. They make music feel personal, universal, and unforgettable. This episode celebrates that magic across genres and decades, showing how one simple choice—a name—can turn a track into a cultural touchstone. In this episode of Music Matters, MonkeyBoy & Ziggy dive into the fascinating tradition of songs that feature people’s names in their titles. From timeless ballads to modern pop anthems, the hosts explore how naming someone in a song creates instant intimacy, storytelling power, and cultural resonance.

The 1990s gave us grunge, alt‑rock, and countless platinum records—but not every great album found its audience. In this episode, MonkeyBoy & Ziggy shine a light on the forgotten gems of the decade, exploring the stories behind records that slipped through the cracks yet still deserve recognition.

From the eccentric brilliance of Life Sex & Death’s Silent Majority to other overlooked releases that pushed boundaries but never broke into the mainstream, the hosts dig into the industry forces, cultural shifts, and sheer bad luck that kept these albums from wider success. Along the way, they revisit standout tracks, share behind‑the‑scenes anecdotes, and debate how these “lost albums” might have changed the musical landscape if they’d gotten their due.

It’s a nostalgic deep dive into the music that got away—perfect for listeners who love discovering hidden treasures and rethinking the soundtrack of the ’90s.

In this episode, MonkeyBoy & Ziggy take listeners on a journey through the extraordinary career of Stevie Wonder — a prodigy who reshaped the sound of popular music. From his early days as “Little Stevie” at Motown to his groundbreaking run of 1970s albums that defined the era, the hosts explore how Wonder’s artistry blended soul, funk, pop, and socially conscious songwriting into timeless classics.

Along the way, they highlight the innovations that made him a pioneer: his mastery of synthesizers, his fearless experimentation with genre, and his ability to craft songs that were both deeply personal and universally resonant. Expect lively discussion of landmark tracks like Superstition, Living for the City, and Sir Duke, plus insights into how Wonder’s music continues to inspire new generations of artists.

MonkeyBoy & Ziggy also dig into the cultural impact of Wonder’s activism and his role in shaping conversations about race, equality, and accessibility in the music industry. It’s a celebration of one of the most influential voices in modern music — and a reminder of why Stevie Wonder remains a beacon of creativity and vision.

This week, MonkeyBoy & Ziggy dive headfirst into the sonic playground of artists who defy convention and rewrite the rules. From the polyrhythmic mysticism of Tool to the slap-bass surrealism of Primus, the duo explores what makes these acts so unmistakably singular. They unpack Steely Dan’s jazz-rock sophistication and lyrical cynicism, and celebrate Cyndi Lauper’s genre-hopping flair and fearless individuality.

Along the way, they spotlight other genre-bending icons—think Kate Bush, Frank Zappa,, and more —discussing how each carved out a lane that no one else could occupy. Expect deep cuts, unexpected trivia, and a few passionate tangents (because it wouldn’t be a Music Matters episode without them).

Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the avant-garde or just curious about what makes a band “unique,” this episode is a love letter to the artists who color outside the lines—and make music matter all the more because of it.