The Encore Club

Comedian, musician and viral creator Ben Lapidus joins The Encore Club to tackle the internet’s weirdest debate… is it Pets Mart or Pet Smart?From a viral metal protest song to a real-life rally concert outside a store, Ben dives into how it all spiralled.Plus, his dream concert in Atlantis, America’s Got Talent chaos, and why chasing views might actually hold you back.

Singer-songwriter Isak Danielson joins The Encore Club for an emotional deep dive into nostalgia, songwriting, and the moments that shape the music we carry with us.From discovering Adele to reflecting on love, memory, and the songs that never leave us, he opens up about honesty in music, creative flow, and what it really means to make people feel something.

Alt-pop artist Caroline Romano joins The Encore Club for an emotional deep dive into songwriting, anxiety, and turning real-life experiences into cinematic, deeply personal music.From growing up on Taylor Swift to writing songs like diary entries, she opens up about vulnerability, confidence, and what it really takes to create music that makes people feel seen.

Season 2 of The Encore Club comes to a chaotic festive close with a Grinchmas Special and Christmas Eve season finale featuring The Yorkshire Grinch. Instead of the usual dream concert format, this episode flips the script entirely as Will takes The Grinch on a musical journey inspired by A Christmas Carol, complete with three festive ghosts and a whole lot of unexpected emotion, nonsense, and onion-based storytelling.Across the episode, The Grinch is visited by the Ghost of Gifts Past, Present, and Yet To Come, each one forcing him to confront memories, music, and moments that slowly chip away at his famously tiny heart. From childhood Christmas memories and feelings of isolation to the strange comfort of being included, this episode unexpectedly touches on why Christmas can be difficult for a lot of people, even while keeping things loud, ridiculous, and laugh-out-loud funny.There are confessions about secretly loved songs, least hated Christmas tracks, guilty pleasures, and the music that manages to hit emotionally despite the Grinch’s best efforts to resist it. The conversation bounces between festive classics, movie soundtracks, dance music, TikTok trends, and artists that could finally lure him out of isolation and back into Whoville. Along the way, Will puts him through Encore Club traditions with a Christmas twist, including advent calendar questions, festive games, wild would-you-rathers, and helping Santa put together a DJ set for elves and reindeer that is guaranteed to cause chaos.It is an episode packed with character comedy, musical deep dives, unexpected sincerity, and complete festive madness. This Grinchmas Special wraps up The Encore Club’s nine-episode daily Christmas run, released from December 12th through Christmas Eve, and serves as the official Season 2 finale. Whether you love Christmas, hate it, or sit somewhere in between, this episode is the perfect way to end the year with music, laughter, and a heart that might just grow a few sizes bigger.

The Encore Club Christmas run continues with Episode 37 as Will is joined by Sophie Patrick and Claire Chittick from Australian indie band Betty Taylor for a funny, honest, and end of year conversation full of chaos, creativity, and genuine reflection. Sharing a mic and plenty of laughs, Sophie and Claire talk openly about what it is really like to be in a band together, from songwriting and creative disagreements to the deep friendship that keeps everything grounded when things get hectic.Across the episode, the pair reflect on how Betty Taylor came together, the realities of building a band from the ground up in Australia, and how touring, travel, and constant movement can shape both the music and the people behind it. They discuss the balance between ambition and staying true to who they are, the pressure that can come with growth, and how learning to trust each other has been key to navigating the highs and lows of band life. There is plenty of humour along the way, with stories that capture the weird, wonderful, and occasionally unhinged moments that only happen when you are chasing gigs and writing songs together.As always on The Encore Club, the conversation builds towards the band’s dream concert, where Sophie and Claire piece together their ideal lineup, venue, and encore moments. This opens up a wider chat about the shows that shaped them, the artists who inspired them to start playing music, and the gigs that reminded them why they fell in love with performing in the first place. It is thoughtful, ridiculous, and very on brand for a festive episode.With relaxed Christmas energy and plenty of personality, Episode 37 is the perfect listen as The Encore Club counts down to its Christmas Special season finale. Whether you are already a fan of Betty Taylor or discovering them for the first time, this episode offers a real, unfiltered look at band life, creative growth, and staying excited about what comes next.

In Episode 35 of The Encore Club Podcast, Will continues the Countdown to Christmas with singer, songwriter, and producer Maria Ellis for a festive, funny, and honest conversation that blends pop ambition, rock nostalgia, and full Christmas chaos. As part of the Christmas run, Maria brings warmth, humour, and openness to an episode that moves naturally between creative identity, musical obsession, and the moments that shape an artist from childhood to now.Across the episode, Maria opens up about growing up on Long Island surrounded by music, writing songs from the age of six, and never questioning that music was what she was meant to do. She reflects on her parents’ influence, being raised on everything from Britney Spears and Nirvana to classic rock and rap, and how that eclectic upbringing shaped her songwriting and confidence. She also talks candidly about building her career independently, navigating viral moments on TikTok, and what it really means to receive praise from outlets like Rolling Stone while staying true to herself.The conversation dives into her debut EP Ultra Batty, unpacking the empowerment, vulnerability, and unapologetic confidence behind the project. Maria discusses her songwriting process, how ideas and emotions often come before melodies, and why the balance between lyrics and melody is essential to creating music that connects. She also shares insight into recent releases, upcoming collaborations, and what fans can expect next.Festive chaos runs throughout the episode, with Christmas movie talk, eggnog debates, guilty pleasure holiday songs, and helping Santa DJ a set at the North Pole. The episode builds towards Maria’s dream concert at Jones Beach Amphitheater on the water, where she curates a legendary lineup featuring Ariana Grande, Nirvana, and The Beatles, complete with iconic encore moments.Warm, funny, and packed with music love, this festive episode is a perfect listen for anyone who loves pop, rock, and R&B, discovering artists through TikTok, or hearing musicians talk about music the way it’s meant to be talked about.

In Episode 33 of The Encore Club Podcast, Will continues the Countdown to Christmas with singer-songwriter nep for a festive, funny, and deeply music-obsessed conversation that balances emotional honesty with full festive chaos. As part of the Christmas run, nep brings huge energy, warmth, and openness to an episode that moves seamlessly between hometown identity, creative growth, and the songs and live moments that shape you for life.Across the episode, nep opens up about growing up in Daytona, Florida, falling in love with music at a young age, and learning how to tell stories through songwriting that blend humour, vulnerability, and self-awareness. She reflects on navigating college at the University of Miami while her music career began to take off online, discussing the strange reality of touring, going viral on TikTok, and trying to balance creative momentum with finishing her degree. There is honest reflection on knowing when it is time to leave home, how those feelings fed directly into her debut album Noel, and why embracing sadness can sometimes be a sign of gratitude rather than defeat.The conversation dives deep into nep’s love of emo, alternative, and pop punk, with passionate discussions about My Chemical Romance, Twenty One Pilots, Pierce the Veil, crying at gigs, and the specific emotional moments in songs that hit harder than anything else. She shares unforgettable live music experiences, pinch-me career moments, and the joy of seeing fans connect with her music in real life. Alongside this, nep gives a heartfelt shoutout to independent venues and reflects on why community and live music spaces matter more than ever.Festive chaos runs throughout the episode, with Christmas movie talk, eggnog debates, guilty pleasure holiday songs, fictional Christmas movie soundtracks, and even helping Santa DJ a set at the North Pole. The episode builds towards nep’s dream concert, where she designs the perfect venue, curates an emo-heavy lineup, and places herself right in the pit for the ultimate live music experience.It’s a warm, emotional, and genuinely funny festive episode, and a perfect listen for anyone who loves emo and alternative music, discovering artists through TikTok, live gig culture, or simply hearing passionate people talk about music the way it’s meant to be talked about.

In Episode 31 of The Encore Club Podcast, Will continues the Countdown to Christmas with BBC Radio 1 DJ and presenter Maia Beth for a conversation filled with warmth, humour, nostalgia, and festive chaos. As part of the Christmas run, Maia brings her infectious energy and thoughtful perspective to an episode that moves seamlessly between career reflection, music obsession, and the emotional power of the songs that stay with you for life.Across the episode, Maia opens up about growing up in Washington in the North East, discovering music through indie anthems, pop classics, and dad rock staples, and how early gig culture shaped her love of live music. She speaks candidly about falling into media through a BBC apprenticeship, navigating creative industries without connections, and how a Radio 1 Christmas competition became the unexpected turning point that launched her broadcasting career. From BBC Introducing to Radio 1’s Happy Anthems, covering Glastonbury and major festivals, and working across radio, events, and live touring, Maia reflects on building a career by saying yes, trusting her instincts, and learning as she goes.There are plenty of moments of humour and honesty as Maia shares Glastonbury stories, backstage surrealism, emotional songs that hit at unexpected times, and her controversial Christmas music opinions. She builds her dream gig from scratch, choosing a fairy-lit forest setting, tequila-fuelled dancing, and Scissor Sisters delivering pure joy and glitter-soaked chaos. Along the way, the conversation explores independent venues, the rising cost of gigs, the realities of the music industry, and why community, kindness, and curiosity still matter.It’s a festive, thoughtful, and genuinely funny episode, and a perfect listen for anyone who loves Radio 1, festival culture, pop and punk energy, or simply hearing passionate people talk about music the way friends do when the conversation flows and the songs mean everything.

In Episode 29 of The Encore Club Podcast, Will and Josh sit down with the unstoppable Charlotte Sands, an artist whose rise from homemade demos to festival stages has captured the hearts of fans all over the world. Known for her bold blue hair, infectious energy, and the huge success of songs like Dress, Hush, and her collaboration with The Maine and Taking Back Sunday on Love You A Little, Charlotte brings her trademark honesty and humour to a conversation that feels both intimate and electric.Throughout the episode, Charlotte opens up about her musical beginnings, recording in her childhood closet, and the surreal shift to performing on massive stages like Milton Keynes with My Chemical Romance. She reflects on the emotional impact of seeing her music explode online, the unexpected pressures of going viral, and the deep connection she feels with fans who find pieces of themselves in her lyrics. Will and Josh dive into her experiences touring the world, the chaos of the Summer School Tour, and why UK audiences hold such a special place in her heart.There are moments of laughter, vulnerability, and pure storytelling joy as Charlotte shares memories about Harry Styles inspiring Dress, her early stage fright, and the wild reality of balancing creativity with constant momentum. The conversation explores confidence, burnout, authenticity, and the strange beauty of growing up online while learning to trust her voice more than ever.The episode closes with a cinematic dream concert segment where Charlotte builds her perfect Glastonbury night, complete with a glowing summer sky, her closest friends in the crowd, and a once in a lifetime moment singing alongside Fleetwood Mac. It is vivid, heartfelt, and full of the wonder that defines why live music means so much.This episode is warm, inspiring, chaotic in all the best ways, and a perfect reflection of the spirit Charlotte brings to her music and her fans. It is another standout chapter in The Encore Club.

In Episode 27 of The Encore Club Podcast, Will welcomes an extraordinary guest — Dr. Hoby Wedler — a blind chemist, sensory expert, entrepreneur, and storyteller whose outlook on life is as inspiring as it is eye-opening. Known for his viral videos that challenge how we experience the world, Hoby has built a career turning curiosity into connection and science into storytelling. From earning his PhD in organic chemistry to being recognised by President Obama as a Champion of Change and featured in Forbes 30 Under 30, his journey is nothing short of remarkable.This episode dives deep into Hoby’s world of sensory exploration — from his groundbreaking “Tasting in the Dark” experiences with Francis Ford Coppola to the way he helps people rediscover flavour, sound, and emotion beyond sight. Along the way, he and Will unpack how music theory inspired his love of chemistry, why the silence between sounds matters, and how slowing down to truly listen can change everything. It’s part science, part philosophy, and fully Encore Club.But it’s not all serious. Expect laughter, tangents, and a few wild “Would You Rather” moments that lead to unexpected debates about bad food, worse music, and life’s weirdest sensory experiences. Hoby also shares his passion for cooking — from slow-cooked Bolognese to late-summer grilling — and explains how taste and sound blend in his imagination like instruments in a song.As always, the episode ends with the signature Encore moment: Hoby builds his dream concert. Set in a redwood amphitheatre under golden autumn light, his line-up features Elle and Toni, The Subdudes, and Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds, with Jerry Garcia joining for the encore. It’s a vision that feels alive — warm, natural, and deeply human.From viral success to sensory storytelling, from chemistry to creativity, this conversation celebrates life’s smallest details and biggest ideas. It’s thoughtful, funny, and completely unforgettable — a reminder that seeing isn’t the only way to experience the world.

In this episode of The Encore Club Podcast, we’re joined by Pip Marsh—UK artist, songwriter, and the rising voice of the “farm emo” movement—for one of our most raw, funny, and unexpectedly emotional conversations yet.Pip takes us through his journey from growing up on a smallholding in the British countryside to chasing his Nashville dream, writing heartbreak-soaked songs that blend country storytelling with emo vulnerability. We talk about his debut single Happy premiering on BBC Radio 1, the surreal night he found himself surrounded by Nashville session legends (including one of Billy Joel’s former backing singers), and the wild chain of events that led to his first Whiskey Jam performance in Tennessee.Things get deeply personal as Pip opens up about losing his dad, learning to process grief through songwriting, and how one final promise set him on the path to making music full-time. Along the way, the conversation swings from chaos to catharsis—karaoke disasters, unhinged open-tuning debates, parenting madness, and his “one pint only” rule for gigs all make an appearance.We also build Pip’s dream concert—set at Tailgate Fest in the US—complete with flames, trucks, and a field full of friends singing along under a neon sunset. From Jelly Roll to Charlie Simpson, Pip’s love of genre-blending artists runs deep, and it’s clear why his “country emo” sound is connecting with so many fans right now.Equal parts laughter, loss, and late-night bar-room honesty, this episode captures the heart of what The Encore Club is all about: real conversations with artists who live, love, and breathe music in its most human form.

Season 2 continues with a sun-soaked, surf-fuelled episode of The Encore Club Podcast as Will sits down with Matt and Cameron from Your Favorite Color, the California alt-rock band fusing nostalgic 80s dream pop with modern indie energy. From writing sessions by the ocean to late-night creative chaos, the guys open up about friendship, growth, and how they’ve learned to keep their passion for music separate from the pressure of numbers and streams.In this episode, Matt and Cameron share the story behind Your Favorite Color’s beginnings — from surf breaks on the California coast to crafting their distinct sound that’s now capturing fans around the world. They talk creative rituals, keeping grounded while touring, and why songwriting always starts with feeling before lyrics. There’s also plenty of fun along the way, from gaming addictions and poker nights to why their dream rider would absolutely include yellow Skittles.And of course, it wouldn’t be The Encore Club without the signature Dream Concert — and this one’s huge. The lads build an unforgettable lineup featuring Nick Drake, The Cure, and Oasis, with special appearances from Josh Homme and even John Lennon. Expect chaos, great music talk, and plenty of laughs as Your Favorite Color prove exactly why they’re one of the most exciting indie bands on the rise.If you love creative deep dives, behind-the-scenes stories, and a bit of beautiful madness, this is the episode for you.

Season 2 is finally here — and we’re kicking things off with The Encore Debate Club – Festival Edition!Will, Josh, and Harri go head-to-head in a brand-new debate format that takes the chaos of The Encore Club and cranks it up to festival level. In this episode, the boys battle it out over three huge questions: is the real headliner the music or the food trucks and vibes, is camping a bonding experience or a survival test, and is leaving early a genius move or the ultimate betrayal?Expect courtroom-style opening statements, fiery rebuttals, and the kind of tangents only The Encore Club can deliver. Along the way, the lads share their own festival horror stories, swap survival tactics, and argue about everything from tacos to toilets to the importance of vibes.It’s a hilarious, unfiltered, and totally chaotic start to Season 2, and if you’ve ever been to a festival, you’ll know exactly what they’re talking about.Apologies for sound quality — there were some severe issues that nearly lost us the whole episode, but from next week this issue will no longer be present.