S6 – Ep 30 | 2025: Will Hoge's Sweet Misery, Tristen's Unpopular Music & Labels vs. Artists

Let Us Know Your Thoughts! Craig and Kevin bring things into the present with a look at 2025. Kevin spotlights Sweet Misery, Will Hoge's 15th studio album — a loud, hooky return to his rock 'n' roll roots after the quieter, solo-recorded Tenderhearted Boys, built for cranking the windows down and playing it loud. Craig counters with Unpopular Music, the sixth album from Nashville's Tristen — a playful, sharply observed indie-pop record featuring guest turns from Vanessa Carlton, Wilco's Pat Sansone, Becca Mancari, Erin Rae, and Natalie Prass. From there, the conversation opens up into the long, complicated relationship between artists and record labels — how it's shifted over the decades, and what independence really costs (and buys) an artist today. That leads naturally into a chat about live shows, and the guys dig into a simple but surprisingly loaded question: how many times is too many, or not enough, to see the same artist or band live? It's a meandering one this week — but they hope you'll enjoy the ride. 📱 Subscribe and/or follow us on your favorite streaming platform.  📩 Got a 2025 pick, a label horror story, or strong feelings on how many times is "enough" to see a band live? Hit us up at [email protected]. Support the show