The Setlisters

The Setlisters

Join William Gallagher and the cast of revolving co-hosts as they discuss their favorite songs and why they love them. Each episode features a song, what works in it and what doesn't, discussion of the music industry, the artist, music as a whole, and what makes our musical selves tick. www.thesetlisters.com Spotify Playlist iHeartRadio Playlist (incomplete) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes

November 26, 2025 82 mins

In part two of the two part finale, the co-hosts get together to discuss how AI is affecting the music industry as well as our lives. Also, the four co-hosts that are real life working musicians provide insight into why the DC area hates original music and instead opts for cover or tribute bands.


As we bring the podcast to a close (maybe...) everyone here at The Setlisters thanks our listeners for sticking with us these past cou...

Mark as Played

The entire cast of The Setlisters come together to bid farewell (or maybe not...) to the podcast. In part one of the two part finale the co-hosts talk about how they all met and what they will miss most about the show. While this may not be the end of the podcast, it is certainly the end of a chapter. If it is to be the final episodes, everyone here at The Setlisters extends their thanks to our wonderful audience for tuning in thes...

Mark as Played

William is still trying to figure out why he picked this song. Perhaps it's nostalgia, or maybe it's simply a really cool guitar riff. Mike and William talk about Mark Knopfler's lyrical choices and guitar chops as well as the use of early CGI in the making of the music video.


Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZC1Pdsppch4


Music Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTP2RUD_cL0


...

Mark as Played

Derek and William look beyond the allegations to the title track on the greatest selling record of all time, 'Thriller' by Michael Jackson. Derek gushes over Vincent Price and the hosts talk about how iconic and expensive the music video was.


Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsuEjAw5hg0


Thriller Film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOnqjkJTMaA


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/...

Mark as Played

Better get the kids out of the room because Matt and William are digging up the old 80's pop chestnut, 'Nasty Girl' by Vanity 6. The Prince produced pop hit made it into the 'Beverly Hills Cop' movie while lead vocalist, Denise Matthews aka Vanity, found not only acting work but also Jesus when she became a born-again Christian.


'Nasty Girl': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZnKUXgFaF0


Mark as Played

Mike brings us the brief but incredible track, 'Story 2' by rap group CLIPPING. The song gives the listener a view of the life of a former arsonist and the rapid unraveling of his life in an instant. The hosts discuss the world-building qualities of the lyrics and the in-depth storytelling rapper and actor, Daveed Diggs is able to achieve in such a short song. The success of his storytelling is achieved partly by the fact that he t...

Mark as Played

Whether it's meticulous recording techniques, stage-presence or using sports broadcasting equipment to shoot a music video, Queen does it all for what is arguably their most popular song, 'Bohemian Rhapsody'. William and Laura gush over the incredible work that was put into the making of the operatic rock ballad.


Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xG16sdjLtc0


Music Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJ9rUzIMcZQ


Mark as Played

Billy and Derek are back with Green Day's 'Wake Me Up When September Ends' which has become somewhat of an internet meme. The two discuss the music video and how it diverges from the actual meaning of the song as well as other topics including art vs. commercialism.


Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGhwBFYtn1s


Music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NU9JoFKlaZ0


Hosted on ...

Mark as Played

With their reunion tour in full swing, the co-hosts talk Oasis. Matt has brought his favorite song by the group, 'Little by Little'. They touch on the infighting of the band, including a lawsuit and the extremely 1990's feel of the music video.


Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZThbfRjhEV4

Music Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tM1RS_5IAiE


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priva...

Mark as Played

Matt joins Billy as he indulges in one of the bands from his childhood. Dutch rap/rock band, Urban Dance Squad helped to solidify Billy as a true 90's kid. The two hosts talk about artistry vs. commercialization and how life experience can influence a musician's style.


'Good Grief': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAgQtt4sGJ8


UDS Documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFV58AGgiqU


Mark as Played

Billy tries to understand Derek's aversion to prog-rock as the two talk about DarWin's single, 'Man vs. Machine'. The song ponders our relationship with technology and AI, weighing the pros and cons. The hosts talk recording techniques and highlight drummer/producer Simon Phillips' old-school approach in a new age of recording.


'Man vs. Machine': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86LlGvMG6YY


Mark as Played

Billy throws Laura for a loop with this humorous blues number featuring an angry couple who might still have a spark of love smoldering beneath the flying insults. 'I Hate You' is a straightforward blues tune but takes it to another level when singers Thelma Houston and Masta Edwards begin trading vile comments, even the background vocalists join in.


'I Hate You': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Q5CKcbfsQA


Mark as Played

Talk of band member disagreements and behavioral analysis crawl from the bottom of a dark lake in this episode. Mike and Billy dissect 'Synchronicity II' by The Police and explore the perfectly written lyrics that nod to the works of Carl Jung.


Synchronicity II video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5FPPoLqkCk


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark as Played

Matt shares yet another one of his favorite musical genres, British pop! He brings 'Love it When You Call' by The Feeling. The hosts explore how popular music penetrates regionally and globally and how depending on where you live, how different your musical journey can be.


Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXNZNX5m2Ns


Music Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMMO4Nwidq0


Hos...

Mark as Played

Lead singer for 7 Deadlies joins the pod and brings 'Espresso' by Sabrina Carpenter. Laura and Billy discuss the song's 80's sound with 50's visuals. In a gutsy move, Laura-in her debut episode-is willing to dive into a conversation Billy wanted to have about the sexualization of music made by and for women.


'Espresso' song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51zjlMhdSTE


Music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVli-tstM5E

Mark as Played

Is there such a thing as too many band members? Is it possible to sing that high? These are the questions on Billy & Matt's mind as they discuss the addictive grooves of Earth, Wind & Fire. The hosts talk about their history with the band and the complexity hidden beneath what appears on the surface as a simple song.


'In The Stone' song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYZ89oPk6is


Mark as Played

Derek and Billy discuss the sultry tones of Fiona Apple in her gritty song, 'Criminal'. They talk about the production and feel of the steamy music video as well as how the style of the leading ladies in the industry have shifted since the 90's.


'Criminal': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZsfcleS7zc


Music Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFOzayDpWoI


Hosted on Acast. See acas...

Mark as Played

Billy and Mike explore the creativity and execution of Polish band, Disperse in their fusion-drenched song, 'Message From Atlantis'. Mike dives into his history with the band as well as the intricacies found within the song. Billy opens up about the visuals and emotions the song brings out of him.


Music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RagW200RFYA


Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geK89t6wnsU


Mark as Played

Matt shares a gem from one of his favorite groups, Cheap Trick. Tip of the hat to Matt for carrying the episode as Billy had pulled three late-nighters recording with the other co-hosts. The two explore the pros and cons of intrusive record labels and producers.


'Heaven's Falling' song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0loGhxoLUBw


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informa...

Mark as Played

Derek and Billy head back to 1988 with Canadian rock group, Killer Dwarfs' upbeat, blues-rock tune, 'I'm Alive'! Billy explains what he wants out of a motivational song and how the lyrics depart from traditional "turn my life around" songs.


'I'm Alive' song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prmEFzPwtsk


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang

    Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartRadio.

    Crime Junkie

    Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.

    The Breakfast Club

    The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.