Lorde Is Back, Katy Perry's Still Struggling, and Touring in a Post-Eras Tour World

Live From Mars · 2025-04-28

30:57

This week on Live From Mars, we’re breaking down Lorde’s long-awaited return with her new single What Was That — how it fits into her discography, its early success, and why it has fans divided. Plus, I’m sharing quick reactions to other New Music Friday standouts including Benson Boone, Samia, and Joe Jonas.

Then for our deep dive, we explore how the touring landscape has shifted post-Eras Tour, including the early controversy around Katy Perry’s Lifetimes Tour, Sabrina Carpenter and Dua Lipa’s evolving strategies, and a critical look at Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour launch.

Where do pop concerts go from here — and is Beyoncé too legendary to be relatable?

Topics covered in this episode:

Lorde's What Was That review + lead single rankingStreaming performance of Lorde’s new single so farNew Music Friday picks: Benson Boone’s Mystical Magical, Samia’s Carousel, Joe Jonas’ Heart by HeartThe Katy Perry Lifetimes Tour controversy and execution critiquesSabrina Carpenter’s mini-Eras energy on tourBeyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour: what low ticket sales tell us about the future of pop iconsThe future of live touring after the Eras Tour phenomenon

Chapters / Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome + Personal Intro (100K celebration)

01:30 – New Music Friday Intro

02:00 – Lorde’s What Was That Review

09:00 – Ranking Lorde’s Lead Singles

12:30 – New Music Friday Highlights (Joe Jonas, Benson Boone, Samia)

17:30 – Deep Dive: Touring After the Eras Tour

19:30 – Katy Perry’s Lifetimes Tour Critiques

22:00 – Sabrina Carpenter and Dua Lipa Touring Strategies

25:00 – Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Tour and Touring Reflection

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Live From Mars

Welcome to Live From Mars, the ultimate podcast for pop music enthusiasts! Hosted by Alex, known as @vinylbymars, Live From Mars dives deep into the latest hits, hidden gems, and trending music industry news from the pop universe. Each episode blends Alex’s bold opinions, expert album reviews, artist deep dives, and insightful industry commentary to deliver a fresh, authentic take on today’s music scene. From chart-topping singles to underrated tracks, Alex brings listeners along for the ride, creating a space where music lovers can connect, discover new favorites, and explore the stories behind the sounds.

Every episode finds Alex and a mix of music creators, journalists, and songwriters dissecting current releases, exploring music trends, and sharing must-hear recommendations to elevate your playlist. Whether you’re here for the artist rankings, exclusive guest interviews, or to catch the latest music news, Live From Mars promises a pop music experience that keeps you coming back for more.

Tune in, turn it up, and let’s take off—straight from Mars to your headphones!

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