Welcome to the May 2025 edition of Now and Then, the Pop Rocks Radio newsletter! As always, I am your host, Bijan.
My love of music starts with two people: my Dad and my Mom. Like a lot of parents from the '70s, they had their issues, but one thing was constant in our home — music was always playing.
My dad had a soft spot for Perry Como and Nat King Cole, but he also loved The Beatles. He’d sing “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” every time we crossed the street, and for a while, I thought he wrote that song, which made him even cooler in my eyes.
My mom, on the other hand, adored The Carpenters and would sing my siblings and me “Up-Up and Away” by The 5th Dimension. But the album I remember most vividly is Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii, which she played on repeat just for me.
She also gave me one of the most important gifts of my life — she taught me how to drop the needle on a record. That small act turned into a lifelong love.
I lost my mom a couple of weeks ago. And while she brought so much beauty and love into the world — and into my life — it's that image I keep returning to: her hand, gently guiding mine toward the turntable, teaching me how to listen.
With love and humility, I bring you this month’s celebration of music.
Bijan, May 2025
I Have Some Thoughts…
Featured Artist: Ainsley Costello
Truth be told, after I scheduled my interview with 21-year-old Nashville singer-songwriter Ainsley Costello, I had second thoughts. Not about her—her music struck me as both well-crafted and heartfelt, with an authenticity in her songwriting that many artists work years to find. And I thought (rightly so) that chatting with her would be a lot of fun. My concern, honestly, was for her. I reached out to her publicist and asked, “Has she seen my show? Does she know who my audience is?” In other words—does she realize she’s about to chat with a guy who could be her dad?
Maybe I’m not quite a geezer, but let’s be real—Ainsley’s music wasn’t exactly written with middle-aged guys like me (or my audience) in mind. Still, her publicist assured me that she was genuinely excited to connect with a wider audience, and with that, I stood down and got to work preparing for our conversation.
What I found surprised me. Not only was Ainsley well-spoken and thoughtful beyond her years (and forgive me if that sounds condescending—I remember my 21-year-old self, and let's just say... yikes), but her experience in the music industry so far has already given her a level of insight and business savvy that many seasoned musicians would envy.
It’s no secret that the music industry today barely resembles the one that launched the careers of the artists I usually feature. Labels aren’t throwing money around, and long-term success now demands a mix of creativity, entrepreneurship, and a willingness to embrace tools and platforms that some of us can barely pronounce.
So yeah, I went into this wondering if we had much common ground — and came out a fan, not just of her songs, but of how she’s navigating this wild new version of the music world. Ainsley gets it. And more than that, she’s thriving in it.
And damn it all - she really knows how to write a great hook…
Not a Review
“Back to California” by 20/20
If you’ve spent any time listening to the show (and if you haven’t… come on, help a brother out!), then you already know: no episode would be complete without a song from my favorite band, 20/20. When I first started exploring this elusive little genre called power pop, 20/20 was hands down my greatest discovery. Their entire catalog is solid, but their first two albums — the self-titled debut in 1979 and Look Out! in 1981 — absolutely capture everything that makes power pop so exhilarating.
What always bugged me, though, was this: Why the hell hadn’t I heard of these guys before??? I mean, sure — in 1979, I was ten years old and still trying to make peace with the cancellation of The Donny and Marie Show. But even so, it felt like history had somehow erased them. Outside of a devoted circle of genre diehards (and maybe folks who caught their unforgettable American Bandstand appearance), they’d pretty much vanished from the cultural conversation.
And yet, sometimes, the universe gives a little back. After decades in the rearview, 20/20 has returned with Back to California, and let me tell you — they haven’t missed a beat.
(Sure, the album’s been out for a bit — but hey, it’s our first newsletter in six months! I’d be kicking myself if I didn’t say something.)
Since I don’t really do reviews, I’ll just say what I told the band when I had the unbelievable fortune to meet them after their April gig at Zebulon in L.A.: Hearing them again feels like a warm blanket on a cold day.
Key Tracks: Back to California, Laurel Canyon, Lucky Heart
Latest from Pop Rocks Radio on Apple Podcasts
During my self-imposed exile these past few months, the Pop Rocks Radio podcast took a break too. But we’re back now, spinning our signature mix of power pop, punk, rock, glam, garage, indie—you name it. As Sloan says, “If it feels good, DO IT.”
Thanks for listening! If you enjoy the show, please consider subscribing as well so you never miss an episode!
On Tour
Click the images below for more info!
Gyasi
One of the most exciting performers out there today. Not only is he the real deal, he’s a rock star.
The Minus 5 / The Rubinoos
As far as I can tell, this lineup will only be on the Portland and Seattle stops of The Minus 5 tour. That said, this show, for me, encapsulates everything I love about live music: legendary bands, great price, and street parking. Go to a show at a local club and you’ll see what I’m talking about.
Spinning (and Streaming) at Pop Rocks Radio!
Long-Lost Power Pop - The Wigs
In the Long-Lost Power Pop series on the Pop Rocks Radio YouTube channel, viewers send me the names of bands that history may have forgotten—but we sure haven’t.
This one comes courtesy of Steve Bird.
Hailing from Milwaukee, this band dropped their debut album File Under Pop Vocal in 1981—a total sleeper hit. Tight hooks, sharp harmonies, pure DIY magic. They had a brush with fame and came close to a big break, but ultimately remained a beloved local legend.
And in 2013, they finally released their long-sought-after soundtrack to the 1986 cult film My Chauffeur.
Long live Rock ‘n’ Roll (and don’t let the bastards drag you down!) Thanks for your support and we’ll see you next month!