Hosts Jonathan Tilkin and Anthony Gargiula, the duo behind the wildly popular “Kitchen Singing” social media series, have sung with some of the biggest names in...
Sam Harris of X Ambassadors joins the guys in the kitchen today—and he’s telling all the stories you want to hear! From the random drumhead brand that inspired the band name to how a one-line fadeout turned into a billion-streamed hit, this episode is packed with career surprises, emotional songwriting, and laugh-out-loud moments. Sam talks about working with Rihanna, co-writing for Lizzo, how Imagine Dragons changed everything, and the surprising story behind their massive Jeep jingle (Renegades). Plus, he joins Anthony and Jonathan for the ultimate performer’s challenge: rank all of the possible live show fails that can happen.Episode Breakdown:00:00 - catching up with the guys + a family affair! Anthony’s parents surprise the team with custom mugs and wooden spoons.04:00 - Welcome Sam Harris! From mistaken identity (he’s not the neuroscientist) to the backstory behind his full name.06:00 - The “X” in X Ambassadors. How a copyright issue, Photoshop, and Dan Reynolds led to a last-minute rebrand.09:00 - The real origin of “Ambassadors.” Hint: it involves a drumhead.11:30 - Upstate New York roots. Sam and Anthony bond over small-town New York, from Ithaca to Albany.13:00 - VHS turns 10. Sam reflects on the album that changed everything.14:30 - How a ballad got them signed. A five-minute sad song caught fire on Virginia radio, leading to a chance encounter with Dan from Imagine Dragons.17:30 - Label rejections and a surprise call from Alex Da Kid. The real start of X Ambassadors’ record deal.19:00 - Opening for Imagine Dragons. From schlepping gear to performing for arenas with no crew—it was chaos.22:15 - Why collaboration changed Sam’s life. How writing with others freed him from perfectionism.23:30 - The Sucker for Pain saga (full story). Featuring Lil Wayne, a hotel bathroom, and 7 million artists.26:45 - Working with Lizzo. From writing Jerome and Cuz I Love You to co-producing her latest single.31:00 - Writing with artists from different worlds. Sam’s approach to helping artists stay authentic, especially with voices as big as Lizzo’s.33:00 - The Rihanna story. How American Oxygen took a year to write—and why it wasn’t the hit they hoped for.37:30 - The myth of the “sure thing.” Sam reflects on the unpredictability of the industry.40:30 - Writing Unsteady. How a song originally intended for Zedd became one of the band’s biggest emotional anthems.46:00 - Fans and trauma-dumping. Sam opens up about the intensity of fan interactions and what it means when people say “your song saved my life.”49:00 - TikTok and TV revivals. Why Unsteady lives on, and how Anthony may have helped reignite the trend.51:00 - The Renegades twist. How Sam accidentally wrote a jingle for Jeep—and why he’s now proud of it.58:00 - Game time! Sam and the guys rank all of the possible live show fails that can happen57:00 - Game time: What’s the Rena-grade? Sam gives letter grades to live performance challenges: no soundcheck, broken packs, untuned guitars, and more.1:11:00 - The rubber band trick. A therapy technique Sam uses to stop the spiral of self-blame.1:12:00 - What’s next for X Ambassadors? Sam announces (exclusive!) that a VHS 10-year rerecord is coming, with tour dates to follow.Follow Sam and X Ambassadors:Stream their new releases and keep up with the band on all socials @XAmbassadors and at xambassadors.comSocials: Follow the hosts for more fun content!@AnthonyGargiula@JonathanTilkin@CounterMelodiesPodListen and Watch:CounterMelodiesPod.comCredits:Executive Producer/Showrunner/Editor: Louis GargiulaConsulting Producer: Renee Colvert
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1:13:15
Haley Reinhart
Haley Reinhart has entered the kitchen! From American Idol powerhouse to Postmodern Jukebox queen, Haley joins Anthony and Jonathan for an episode packed with career surprises, full-circle moments, and iconic vocals. She spills the behind-the-scenes story of how her version of Can't Help Falling in Love became the soundtrack to a globally beloved gum commercial, shares how her Aunt’s psychic vision predicted one of her legendary Idol performances, and reveals how choosing then-unknown drummer, Anderson.Paak, for her band led to an unexpected Grammy win. Plus, the pressure is on for Haley in this episode’s game: American Idol or American Impostor—and let’s just say sports trivia might not be her thing.Episode Breakdown: • 00:00 - Haley Reinhart is here! The crew dives straight into introductions and iconic moments. • 04:00 - The Extra gum commercial. How a last-minute call turned Haley’s cover of Can't Help Falling in Love into an ad that ran for over five years. • 09:00 - Voice acting secrets. Haley shares how a homemade audition tape led to voicing Bill Burr’s cartoon alter ego on F Is for Family. • 13:00 - From music to movies. Haley talks about starring as a superhero in Robert Rodriguez’s We Can Be Heroes. • 14:30 - Lady Gaga's perfect advice. How Gaga pushed Haley to bring more drama on American Idol and how it changed her performances forever. • 20:00 - American Idol memories. From her first audition to her game-changing performances of Bennie and the Jets and House of the Rising Sun. • 24:00 - Why third place was perfect. Haley shares why not making the finale was actually the best-case scenario. • 28:30 - Justice for Free. Haley talks about her debut single and the surprising reality star cameo in the music video. • 30:00 - The Postmodern Jukebox era. How Creep became a viral sensation and why touring the world with PMJ felt like a second chapter of Idol. • 33:00 - What's next? Haley teases her fifth studio album and shares the inspiration behind her new single Danger. • 35:45 - Grammy winner?! The wild full-circle story of how Haley’s old drummer, Anderson .Paak, brought her into a Grammy-winning project. • 38:00 - Game time! Haley takes on American Idol or American Impostor—can she spot the fake contestant or is she stumped by sports stars?Follow Haley’s Journey:Stay up to date on Haley’s latest music, including her upcoming album, on all socials @HaleyReinhart.Socials: Follow the hosts for more fun content!@AnthonyGargiula@JonathanTilkin@CounterMelodiesPodListen and Watch:CounterMelodiesPod.comCredits:Executive Producer/Showrunner/Editor: Louis GargiulaConsulting Producer: Renee Colvert
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46:21
Daniella Monet
Make some noise for she-cago’s own Daniella Monet! The Victorious icon, lifestyle entrepreneur, and all-around legend joins Anthony and Jonathan for a deep dive into her career, from sneaking behind her agent’s back to audition for Hannah Montana to creating her wellness community. Daniella spills on Victorious behind-the-scenes secrets, the story behind Trina’s Chicago performance, and what’s REALLY happening with the Victorious spinoff rumors. Plus, we put her to the ultimate test with The Hardest Victorious Trivia Game Ever—will she live up to the challenge?Episode Breakdown: • 00:00 - Make some Illi-noise! The hosts welcome Daniella Monet and kick things off with big laughs and nostalgia. • 07:03 - The Hannah Montana audition that almost changed everything. Daniella reveals she went behind her agent’s back and ended up in a final test alongside Miley Cyrus and Taylor Momsen. • 11:42 - Victorious origins. From CBS sitcoms to Nickelodeon, Daniella shares how she broke into kids’ TV, why she fought for a role on Nick, and how her agent wasn’t thrilled. • 12:04 - The Victorious audition process. Why every actor auditioned with the same general script (even for different roles) and how Trina’s tone-deafness evolved over time. • 19:06 - Trina’s Chicago moment. The story behind her iconic “I’m a woman in Chicago and I’m scared” scene—including how much was improvised. • 24:28 - Victorious cast love. Daniella gets emotional reflecting on the friendships from set, what the cast meant to her, and why their recent conversations have been extra special. • 25:57 - Victorious spin-off rumors—what’s real? Daniella opens up about the leaked news, whether the cast knew ahead of time, and how Ariana Grande’s support meant the world. • 31:50 - Is the world ready for a Victorious spin-off? Daniella expresses gratitude to Victorious fans, and teases a potential way for internet personalities (like Anthony & Jonathan… wink, wink) to be part of the spinoff! • 35:21 - Life after Victorious and Daniella’s Digest. How she built a wellness empire with her plant-based lifestyle brand. • 44:42 - Game time! The Hardest Victorious Trivia Game Ever. Daniella and Anthony go head-to-head on deep-cut Victorious trivia—who will come out on top?Follow Daniella’s Journey:Stay updated on Daniella Monet’s latest projects and plant-based lifestyle brand at DaniellasDigest.com and follow her on all socials @DaniellaMonet.Socials: Follow the hosts for more fun content!@AnthonyGargiula@JonathanTilkin@CounterMelodiesPodListen and Watch:Countermelodies.comCredits:Executive Producer/Showrunner/Editor: Louis GargiulaConsulting Producer: Renee Colvert
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54:06
BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE GRAMMYS!
It’s just the two of us! Anthony and Jonathan take over the mic for a special episode, breaking down their second year at theGRAMMYs! From navigating the red carpet to unexpected celebrity encounters (yes, Kacey Musgraves and Zedd were involved), they share behind-the-scenes moments you won’t hear anywhere else. They also dive into theirfavorite performances of the night, discuss the biggest award surprises, and reflect on how it felt to be part of music’s biggest night—again!Episode Breakdown: • 00:00 - The GRAMMYs are here! Anthony and Jonathan kick off the episode and we get a peak at what’s to come later. • 01:48 - Bonus episode vibes. A rare host-only episode! They chat about the Super Bowl and reflect on comments from listeners who want to get to know them better. • 08:00 - Walking theGRAMMYs red carpet. The behind-the-scenes chaos, last-minute weather disasters, and why the photographers treated them like Billie Eilish. • 10:40 - Celebrity sightings! Zedd photobombs their red carpet selfie, and Anthony has a hilarious (and slightly awkward) fan moment withCasey Musgraves. • 17:45 - TheGlamBot experience. The guys do separate GlamBots, but was it worth the extra pressure? • 21:00- BestGRAMMYs performance of the night? Anthony and Jonathan discuss the actual show and debate their favorite performances, includingChappel Roan,Quincy Jones Tribute, and theBest New Artist showcase. • 23:30- Doechii is taking over. A bold prediction: Doechii is about to be music’s biggest breakout star. • 26:00 - Chappell Roan’sspeech of the night. The moment that had the entire industry talking (and why it took serious guts). • 27:30 - TheIn Memoriam tribute. A moving tribute toLiam Payne and how the arena felt when his face appeared on screen. • 29:30 - Lady Gaga’s secretGRAMMYs moment. HowAbracadabra droppedduring the show—and why everyone thought she was about to perform live. • 30:00 - Album of the Year shocker! Anthony and Jonathan break down thecontroversial winner and chat their personal favorite album of the year. • 34:00 - The final takeaways. What made this year’sGRAMMYs different, why they felt more relaxed and how theyactually got to soak it all in.Follow the Journey:For morebehind-the-scenes chaos, follow the hosts!@AnthonyGargiula@JonathanTilkin@CounterMelodiesPodListen and Watch:CounterMelodiesPod.comCredits:Executive Producer/Showrunner/Editor: Louis GargiulaConsulting Producer: Renee Colvert
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40:50
Lauren Spencer Smith
From viral car covers to chart-topping hits, Lauren Spencer Smith’s rise to fame has been anything but ordinary. In this episode, Lauren joins Anthony and Jonathan to dive into the whirlwind of her career—sharing hilarious stories about cockroach-infested Airbnbs, her chaotic American Idol journey during the pandemic, and the heartfelt inspiration behind her biggest songs. She also opens up about navigating TikTok fame, family dynamics, and the evolution of her songwriting. Get ready for candid laughs, emotional reflections, and a game of "Give Them Their Flowers" where Lauren dishes on the best voices in the biz.
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 - Lauren Spencer Smith is in the house! Anthony and Jonathan kick things off with stories about sinus surgeries and their first curry night with Lauren.
07:18 - From car covers to the Steve Harvey Show: Lauren shares how her viral video led to her first trip to LA—and the unexpected challenges that followed.
08:50 - Cockroaches and contracts: Lauren recalls the bug-infested Airbnb she stayed in during her first LA trip.
10:00 - American Idol chaos: Lauren talks about her last-minute audition, performing from her backyard during the pandemic, and the unexpected drama behind the scenes.
17:00 - Family, fame, and misconceptions: Lauren opens up about the backlash she faced over her family's perceived wealth and how it contrasted with her reality.
24:00 - Life after Idol: Lauren discusses how she kept her momentum going with covers and original music, leading to her breakout hit "Fingers Crossed."
32:00 - Setting the TikTok standard: Lauren reflects on how her no-makeup, authentic videos became the blueprint for viral music marketing.
38:50 - The "Fingers Crossed" backlash: Lauren addresses criticism about the song's production and how she handled the negativity.
46:00 - What’s next? Lauren teases her upcoming album, exploring family relationships, personal growth, and emotional highs and lows.
50:00 - Game time! Anthony, Jonathan, and Lauren play "Give Them Their Flowers," revealing their picks for best vocalists, riffers, and songwriters in the industry.
Follow Lauren’s Journey: Stay up to date with Lauren Spencer Smith’s latest music, tour dates, and more on all socials @LaurenSpencerSmith
Socials: Follow the hosts for more fun content!
@AnthonyGargiula
@JonathanTilkin
@CounterMelodiesPod
CounterMelodies.com
Credits:
Executive Producer/Showrunner/Editor: Louis Gargiula
Consulting Producer: Renee Colvert
Hosts Jonathan Tilkin and Anthony Gargiula, the duo behind the wildly popular “Kitchen Singing” social media series, have sung with some of the biggest names in the music industry, racking up hundreds of millions of views. Now, they're inviting listeners to join them for the candid conversations with their special guests that unfold during the recording process—diving into industry insights, upcoming projects, and sharing exclusive behind-the-scenes stories. New episodes premiere every Tuesday, starting October 29th!
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