On this week’s episode our guest is the founder of SAD PRT, a platform based on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube that showcases emerging underground artists. We talk about how the platform highlights artists and storylines that often don’t appear in traditional media, and the ways in which they’ve successfully built a community of passionate followers around niche music. We get into the rise of 2Hollis and his polarizing major label debut album star, the intentions behind how albums are crafted, and how clips of crowd reactions at live shows have become a critical marketing tool in breaking new artists. We also talk about buzzing UK rapper Fakemink, the sonic world he’s built, the art of actually writing down raps, and how he’s become a mystical figure to fans, with a dedicated following that continues to grow worldwide. Genre-bending artist Crucify April is also is discussed and we explore the influences and sounds that shape his music, from video game samples to Crystal Castles. And of course, we dive into the current SAD PRT Top 5, featuring tracks from Ghost Mountain, Feng, LUCKI, Eric Aharzoth, and Stiffy & PILF (Zell, Turrobaby, Agus). Banger.

Kieran Press-Reynolds is a writer with a weekly column at Pitchfork called "Rabbit Holed," exploring songs and scenes at the intersection of music and digital culture. He has written for publications such as The New York Times, Business Insider, No Bells, and more. This episode of HT is a journey into the sprawling world of ASMR, as documented in one of Kieran's latest stories on the topic. Yash admits he is an ASMR truther, while Kieran expands on the many layers and complexities of the styles he has encountered in his everyday life—and those thriving beneath the surface. We also discuss how music relates to ASMR and the bright future of this potential billion-dollar industry. Kieran shares his Top 5 picks, including Crucify April, Kurtains, Playboi Carti, Smerz, and EQ (Estratosfera, Qiri).

Andrew Matson is the co-founder of Finals, a music blog that is rumored to be among the best. He joins us to talk about J Critch and long-time producer cohort Laron's expansive collaborative album titled Plus Ultra and the evolution of both their sound and chemistry, which has history that pre-dates college and record deals. We go deep into contemporary New York rap and how pre-drill artists have had a hard time staying relevant as rap shapeshifts in the city. We also get into Fish Narc's excellent new album Frog Song and how his GothBoiClique roots with Lil Peep don't define him but inform a not-so-completely-new, authentic sound. We also talk about Andrew's website Finals as a publication that is irreverent to the status quo, how blogs are back, and Andrew shares his Top 5 songs by Oklou, 1010benja, Steph X, Ksuuvi, RealYungPhil, and more. Lotta gems.