Beginner's Guide  - 28  April 2025

This week on Beginner’s Guide, host Errol Hayden explores the angular riffs, jarring rhythms, and mind-bending time signatures of Math Rock — a genre that throws the rulebook out the window. From the prog experimentation of King Crimson to the intricate emo stylings of American Football and the genre-bending chaos of The Fall of Troy, this episode is a crash course in one of rock’s most fascinating subgenres.

We start by explaining the basics of time signatures and how most pop music plays it safe in familiar 4/4 rhythms. Then, we dig into artists who broke the mould — like The Beatles, Dionne Warwick, and Pink Floyd — before diving headfirst into true math rock territory with bands like Slint, Black Flag, and King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard.

🎸 What you'll learn in this episode:
🧠 What time signatures are, and why math rock plays with them
🥁 How artists like Ringo Starr and Bill Bruford tackled complex rhythms
🎶 Why math rock remains a cult favourite despite its heady structure

Whether you're a musician, a music theory nerd, or just curious about rock's weirdest corner, this episode is for you.

Featuring tracks by: Battles, The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Slint, Black Flag, American Football, The Fall of Troy, King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard & more.

Follow @beginnersguideshow on Instagram for updates and episode requests.

This week on Beginner&rsquo;s Guide, host Errol Hayden explores the angular riffs, jarring rhythms, and mind-bending time signatures of Math Rock &mdash; a genre that throws the rulebook out the window. From the prog experimentation of King Crimson to the intricate emo stylings of American Football and the genre-bending chaos of The Fall of Troy, this episode is a crash course in one of rock&rsquo;s most fascinating subgenres.
We start by explaining the basics of time signatures and how most pop music plays it safe in familiar 4/4 rhythms. Then, we dig into artists who broke the mould &mdash; like The Beatles, Dionne Warwick, and Pink Floyd &mdash; before diving headfirst into true math rock territory with bands like Slint, Black Flag, and King Gizzard &amp; the Lizard Wizard.
🎸 What you'll learn in this episode: 🧠 What time signatures are, and why math rock plays with them 🥁 How artists like Ringo Starr and Bill Bruford tackled complex rhythms 🎶 Why math rock remains a cult favourite despite its heady structure
Whether you're a musician, a music theory nerd, or just curious about rock's weirdest corner, this episode is for you.
Featuring tracks by: Battles, The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Slint, Black Flag, American Football, The Fall of Troy, King Gizzard &amp; the Lizard Wizard &amp; more.
Follow @beginnersguideshow on Instagram for updates and episode requests.

Beginner's Guide to Math Rock

In this episode of Beginner’s Guide on 106.7 Phoenix FM, we dive deep into the explosive, glitchy, genre-defying world of hyperpop. Host Errol Hayden returns from a European getaway to explore the sounds, history, and cultural context of one of the most chaotic and influential musical movements of the 2010s and beyond.

From the robotic roots of Daft Punk and the glossy electropop of Lady Gaga, to the boundary-pushing innovation of SOPHIE, A.G. Cook, and 100 Gecs, we trace the evolution from bubblegum bass to full-blown hyperpop. Along the way, we unpack the genre’s ties to LGBTQ+ communities, its viral popularity on TikTok, and the recent shift away from the label by some of its own pioneers.

Featuring music from Charli XCX, Hannah Diamond, Danny L Harle, Dorian Electra, and more, this hour-long episode is packed with iconic tracks, insightful commentary, and a look at where hyperpop might be headed next.

🎧 Tune in to discover:


What defines hyperpop and how it differs from bubblegum bass


The influence of early 2010s electropop on Gen Z artists


Why some hyperpop artists are now distancing themselves from the term


How Charli XCX's Brat era represents a new direction for the genre

📻 Missed the show? Catch up anytime at phoenixfm.org.au/listen
📲 Follow the show on Instagram: @beginnersguideshow
📅 Next week: We explore the complex time signatures and crunchy riffs of math rock!

In this episode of Beginner&rsquo;s Guide on 106.7 Phoenix FM, we dive deep into the explosive, glitchy, genre-defying world of hyperpop. Host Errol Hayden returns from a European getaway to explore the sounds, history, and cultural context of one of the most chaotic and influential musical movements of the 2010s and beyond.
From the robotic roots of Daft Punk and the glossy electropop of Lady Gaga, to the boundary-pushing innovation of SOPHIE, A.G. Cook, and 100 Gecs, we trace the evolution from bubblegum bass to full-blown hyperpop. Along the way, we unpack the genre&rsquo;s ties to LGBTQ+ communities, its viral popularity on TikTok, and the recent shift away from the label by some of its own pioneers.
Featuring music from Charli XCX, Hannah Diamond, Danny L Harle, Dorian Electra, and more, this hour-long episode is packed with iconic tracks, insightful commentary, and a look at where hyperpop might be headed next.
🎧 Tune in to discover:
<ul data-start="1144" data-end="1414">
<li data-start="1144" data-end="1208">
What defines hyperpop and how it differs from bubblegum bass
</li>
<li data-start="1209" data-end="1269">
The influence of early 2010s electropop on Gen Z artists
</li>
<li data-start="1270" data-end="1343">
Why some hyperpop artists are now distancing themselves from the term
</li>
<li data-start="1344" data-end="1414">
How Charli XCX's Brat era represents a new direction for the genre
</li>
</ul>
📻 Missed the show? Catch up anytime at <a href="http://phoenixfm.org.au/listen" data-start="1456" data-end="1513">phoenixfm.org.au/listen</a> 📲 Follow the show on Instagram: @beginnersguideshow 📅 Next week: We explore the complex time signatures and crunchy riffs of math rock!

Beginner's Guide  to Hyperpop

In this episode of Beginner’s Guide, we dive deep into the grooves of Acid Jazz — a genre that fused jazz, funk, soul, hip-hop, and club culture into a sound that defined a generation. Sparked by the recent passing of Roy Ayers, hailed as an acid jazz pioneer, host Errol Hayden explores the genre’s roots in London’s late-80s club scene, the rise of influential acts like Galliano, The Brand New Heavies, and Jamiroquai, and its evolution into jazz-rap and neo-soul.

Featuring iconic tracks and under-the-radar gems, this hour-long journey traces Acid Jazz from its dancefloor origins to its 21st-century revival. Whether you're new to the genre or a longtime fan, this episode offers a vibrant and informative guide to one of music’s most eclectic movements.

Listen now to discover:
🎷 What is Acid Jazz?
🎧 How it connects to acid house, hip-hop, and neo-soul
🔥 Tracks from Galliano, St Germain, Jamiroquai, Thundercat & more

Follow us on Instagram @beginnersguideshow for updates and back catalogue highlights while the show takes a short break.

In this episode of Beginner&rsquo;s Guide, we dive deep into the grooves of Acid Jazz &mdash; a genre that fused jazz, funk, soul, hip-hop, and club culture into a sound that defined a generation. Sparked by the recent passing of Roy Ayers, hailed as an acid jazz pioneer, host Errol Hayden explores the genre&rsquo;s roots in London&rsquo;s late-80s club scene, the rise of influential acts like Galliano, The Brand New Heavies, and Jamiroquai, and its evolution into jazz-rap and neo-soul.
Featuring iconic tracks and under-the-radar gems, this hour-long journey traces Acid Jazz from its dancefloor origins to its 21st-century revival. Whether you're new to the genre or a longtime fan, this episode offers a vibrant and informative guide to one of music&rsquo;s most eclectic movements.
Listen now to discover: 🎷 What is Acid Jazz? 🎧 How it connects to acid house, hip-hop, and neo-soul 🔥 Tracks from Galliano, St Germain, Jamiroquai, Thundercat &amp; more
Follow us on Instagram @beginnersguideshow for updates and back catalogue highlights while the show takes a short break.

Beginner's Guide to Acid Jazz

From Vietnam War anthems to Indigenous land rights and modern social justice movements, protest music has long been a powerful force in Australia. In this episode of Beginner’s Guide, we explore the history of Australian protest songs—how they’ve shaped public discourse, supported movements, and given a voice to the unheard. Featuring iconic tracks from Midnight Oil, Yothu Yindi, Redgum, A.B. Original, and more, we ask: can music truly be a catalyst for change? Tune in to discover the stories behind the songs that challenged the status quo.

From Vietnam War anthems to Indigenous land rights and modern social justice movements, protest music has long been a powerful force in Australia. In this episode of Beginner&rsquo;s Guide, we explore the history of Australian protest songs&mdash;how they&rsquo;ve shaped public discourse, supported movements, and given a voice to the unheard. Featuring iconic tracks from Midnight Oil, Yothu Yindi, Redgum, A.B. Original, and more, we ask: can music truly be a catalyst for change? Tune in to discover the stories behind the songs that challenged the status quo.

Beginner's Guide  to Australian Protest Music

This episode of Beginner’s Guide on Phoenix FM explores the rich history of Oscar-winning songs! From the early days of Hollywood musicals to modern movie anthems, we break down the evolution of Best Original Song winners. Tune in as we highlight unforgettable tracks like Over the Rainbow, Theme from Shaft, My Heart Will Go On, Lose Yourself, and more. Discover how film music has changed over the decades and what makes a song Oscar-worthy. 🎶🏆 #Oscars #MovieMusic #BestOriginalSong #PhoenixFM

This episode of Beginner&rsquo;s Guide on Phoenix FM explores the rich history of Oscar-winning songs! From the early days of Hollywood musicals to modern movie anthems, we break down the evolution of Best Original Song winners. Tune in as we highlight unforgettable tracks like Over the Rainbow, Theme from Shaft, My Heart Will Go On, Lose Yourself, and more. Discover how film music has changed over the decades and what makes a song Oscar-worthy. 🎶🏆 #Oscars #MovieMusic #BestOriginalSong #PhoenixFM

Beginner's Guide  to Oscar-winning songs

This week on Beginner’s Guide, we're diving into 50 years of Saturday Night Live's most legendary musical moments! From historic firsts to shocking controversies and unforgettable performances, SNL has been a stage for some of music’s biggest names. We’ll revisit Paul Simon’s many appearances, Elvis Costello’s rebellious switch-up, Sinead O’Connor’s bold statement, Nirvana’s grunge breakthrough, Rage Against the Machine’s political protest, and more. Tune in as we explore how SNL’s musical guests have shaped pop culture over the decades! 🎶 #SNL #SaturdayNightLive #MusicHistory #LiveMusic

This week on Beginner&rsquo;s Guide, we're diving into 50 years of Saturday Night Live's most legendary musical moments! From historic firsts to shocking controversies and unforgettable performances, SNL has been a stage for some of music&rsquo;s biggest names. We&rsquo;ll revisit Paul Simon&rsquo;s many appearances, Elvis Costello&rsquo;s rebellious switch-up, Sinead O&rsquo;Connor&rsquo;s bold statement, Nirvana&rsquo;s grunge breakthrough, Rage Against the Machine&rsquo;s political protest, and more. Tune in as we explore how SNL&rsquo;s musical guests have shaped pop culture over the decades! 🎶 #SNL #SaturdayNightLive #MusicHistory #LiveMusic

Beginner's Guide to SNL Musical Guests

What makes a supergroup truly "super"? In this episode of Beginner’s Guide on Phoenix FM, we explore the history of supergroups—bands formed by musicians who were already stars in their own right. From Cream, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and The Traveling Wilburys to Audioslave, Them Crooked Vultures, and Boygenius, we dive into the legendary collaborations that shaped rock, folk, and beyond. Are these groups greater than the sum of their parts? Tune in as we break it all down with iconic tracks and deep dives into their impact.

📻 Listen live on Phoenix FM or catch up at phoenixfm.org.au/listen. Follow @beginnersguideshow on Instagram for updates!

What makes a supergroup truly "super"? In this episode of Beginner&rsquo;s Guide on Phoenix FM, we explore the history of supergroups&mdash;bands formed by musicians who were already stars in their own right. From Cream, Crosby, Stills, Nash &amp; Young, and The Traveling Wilburys to Audioslave, Them Crooked Vultures, and Boygenius, we dive into the legendary collaborations that shaped rock, folk, and beyond. Are these groups greater than the sum of their parts? Tune in as we break it all down with iconic tracks and deep dives into their impact.
📻 Listen live on Phoenix FM or catch up at <a href="https://phoenixfm.org.au/listen" data-start="756" data-end="814">phoenixfm.org.au/listen</a>. Follow @beginnersguideshow on Instagram for updates!

Beginner's Guide to Supergroups

This week on Beginner’s Guide, we dive into the history of Super Bowl halftime shows—from their humble beginnings with marching bands to the star-studded spectacles they are today. We break down the performances that shaped halftime history, including Michael Jackson’s game-changing 1993 show, Prince’s legendary Purple Rain in the rain, and Beyoncé’s powerhouse set. Plus, we discuss the controversies, surprises, and unforgettable moments that made headlines. With Kendrick Lamar’s Not Like Us dominating this year’s Super Bowl stage, we also explore how halftime performances reflect cultural shifts in music and entertainment. Tune in for a journey through the biggest stage in music history!

This week on Beginner&rsquo;s Guide, we dive into the history of Super Bowl halftime shows&mdash;from their humble beginnings with marching bands to the star-studded spectacles they are today. We break down the performances that shaped halftime history, including Michael Jackson&rsquo;s game-changing 1993 show, Prince&rsquo;s legendary Purple Rain in the rain, and Beyonc&eacute;&rsquo;s powerhouse set. Plus, we discuss the controversies, surprises, and unforgettable moments that made headlines. With Kendrick Lamar&rsquo;s Not Like Us dominating this year&rsquo;s Super Bowl stage, we also explore how halftime performances reflect cultural shifts in music and entertainment. Tune in for a journey through the biggest stage in music history!

Beginner's Guide to Super Bowl Halftime Shows

Step into the world of New Wave in this episode of Beginner’s Guide! 🎶 From its punk-adjacent origins in the 1970s to its MTV-fueled dominance in the ‘80s, we explore the genre’s defining moments, biggest hits, and the marketing shift that shaped its legacy.

Join Errol Hayden as he takes you through the history, key artists, and evolution of New Wave, featuring music from Devo, Blondie, Talking Heads, The Cars, Duran Duran, Pet Shop Boys, and more!

Step into the world of New Wave in this episode of Beginner&rsquo;s Guide! 🎶 From its punk-adjacent origins in the 1970s to its MTV-fueled dominance in the &lsquo;80s, we explore the genre&rsquo;s defining moments, biggest hits, and the marketing shift that shaped its legacy.
Join Errol Hayden as he takes you through the history, key artists, and evolution of New Wave, featuring music from Devo, Blondie, Talking Heads, The Cars, Duran Duran, Pet Shop Boys, and more!

Beginner's Guide to New Wave

Errol Hayden is a 24-year-old music fan who loves to delve deep and learn about different topics. He does this in his work as a journalist and through his radio show, Beginner's Guide.

Errol Hayden is a 24-year-old music fan who loves to delve deep and learn about different topics. He does this in his work as a journalist and through his radio show, Beginner's Guide.

Beginner's Guide

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