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01 Aug 2023

Billie Eilish’s ‘Barbie’ Single ‘What Was I Made For?’ Challenges For U.K. No. 1

As Barbiemania sweeps the nation, Billie Eilish’s lowkey Barbie cut “What Was I Made For?” (via Interscope) is challenging for the U.K.’s chart crown.

Eilish’s latest hit sits at No. 2 on the midweek chart, having trailed the leader, Dave and Central Cee’s “Sprinter” (Live Yours/Neighbourhood), by just 1,500 combined units with the publication of this week’s earliest chart blast.

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“Sprinter” has been unbeatable in its chart run, clocking eight consecutive weeks at No. 1.

Travis Scott could be living his best life with Utopia (via Epic), which is well placed in the national albums chart race. The followup to 2018’s Astroworld, Utopia could yield three top 10 singles, led on the midweek chart by “Meltdown” (No. 7), “Fein” (No. 9) and “Hyaena” (No. 10). Scott has already notched four top 10 appearances.

Further down the list is Calvin Harris and Sam Smith’s latest collaboration “Desire” (Columbia), poised for a No. 17 bow. If it holds its position, it would mark Harris’ 41st top 40 single and Smith’s 22nd. The pair previously teamed up on 2018’s “Promises,” which led the national chart for six weeks.

Meanwhile, Sinead O’Connor’s tragic death on July 26, aged 56, is fueling interest in the Irish singer’s biggest hit, “Nothing Compares 2 U” (Chrysalis). The Prince-penned classic from the early ‘90s bounces to No. 19 on the Official Singles Chart Update, dipping from No. 12 on the First Look chart, which ranks tracks based on sales and streaming activity from the first 48 hours. Powered by its emotionally-charged music video, the single led the chart for four weeks following its release in 1990.

Finally, the legendary leftfield electronic music producer Aphex Twin is tuning-up for his highest-ever peak in the U.K. with “Blackbox Life Recorder 21F” (Warp). It’s new at No. 29 on the midweek chart, and could mark the artist’s (real name: Richard David James) first appearance on the singles chart since 1999’s “Windowlicker,” which achieved his career-best peak of No. 16.

All will be revealed when the Official U.K. Singles Chart is published late Friday, Aug. 4.

01 Aug 2023

Anne-Marie’s ‘Unhealthy’ Takes Narrow Lead on Midweek U.K. Chart

It’s tight at the top of the midweek U.K. chart, as Anne-Marie and Travis Scott tussle for the crown.

Based on data published by the Official Charts Company, Anne-Marie’s third studio album Unhealthy (via Atlantic) has the edge – a wafer-thin one, of less than 100 chart units.

If it stays on target, Unhealthy will give the English artist her third top 10, and first leader. Anne-Marie’s previous albums both impacted the top 3 — 2018’s Speak Your Mind (No. 3) and 2021’s Therapy (No. 2).

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Meanwhile, Scott’s Utopia opens at No. 2 on the Official Chart Update, with three tracks from it (the maximum allowed under the U.K.’s chart criteria) are on track to appear in the singles chart top 10. Utopia is the followup to Scott’s Astroworld (Epic), which peaked at No. 3 on the national survey in 2018. Like Anne-Marie, the Houston, TX rapper has never landed a U.K. No. 1.

Completing an all-new podium on the chart blast is Austin (Island), the fifth studio album from Post Malone. Austin is set to start at No. 3, for Posty’s fifth top 10, a career collection that includes two No. 1s. 

Meanwhile, veteran English pop-rock group Dexys (formerly Dexys Midnight Runners) are on track for their highest-charting LP since 1982 with The Feminine Divine (100 Percent Records), their sixth studio album. It’s new No. 4 on the midweek tally. The last time Kevin Rowland and Co. soared in the top 5 on the U.K. chart was back in 1982, with sophomore effort Too-Rye-Ay, which featured the enduring No. 1 hit “Come On Eileen.” Too-Rye-Ay peakedat No. 2 and enjoyed a 40-year anniversary reissue in 2022.

Last week’s leader, Blur’s The Ballad of Darren (Parlophone), looks set to tumble 1-5.

Finally, folk legend Joni Mitchell could bag her highest chart appearance since the ‘70s with At Newport (Rhino). Recorded in 2022 during a surprise performance at Newport Folk Festival, her first major outing since suffering a brain aneurysm in 2015, Mitchell’s latest release sits at No. 11 on the midweek survey and appears set to become her highest charting U.K. LP since 1976’s Hejira, which also peaked at No. 11.

All will be revealed when the Official U.K. Albums Chart is published Friday, Aug. 4.

01 Aug 2023

Paul McCartney Sets ‘Got Back’ Tour of Australia and New Zealand

Paul McCartney has his sights set on a return to Australia, for his first tour there in six years.

The evergreen octogenarian had promised “news coming soon” on his socials, and he delivers with the announcement of a new, Australian swing to his Got Back Tour, which will play two markets for the first time – the satellite cities of Newcastle (north of Sydney) and Gold Coast (south of Brisbane).

The Beatles great’s trek is produced by Frontier Touring, the Melbourne-based concerts giant, part of the Mushroom Group, which secured his previous tour of these parts in 2017. That visit was McCartney’s first Down Under in almost a quarter century.

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In an era when major arena and stadium tours are regularly announced a year ahead of showtime, McCartney’s jaunt, set for this October and November, is tighter than most. McCartney is no ordinary artist.

The two-time Rock And Roll Hall of Famer will embark on his run with an “intimate” date at Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Oct. 18, the only arena show on the itinerary. When McCartney and the Beatles played the South Australia capital in 1964, at the very peak of their powers, an estimated 350,000 people lined the streets to catch a glimpse of the Fab Four. That’s roughly one-third the city’s current population.

The six-city stretch includes outdoor dates in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Perth misses out.

“I’ve got so many amazing memories of my time in Australia over the years,” McCartney comments in a statement, confirming the Australia leg. “Our last trip was so much fun. We had such an incredible time. Each show was a party so we know this is going to be incredibly special. Australia we are going to rock! I can’t wait to see you.”

Those memories and parties coalesced into a tour for the ages. Macca’s five-city One On One Tour won the Helpmann for best international contemporary concert in 2018, awarded by Live Performance Australia, and was declared a career highlight by legendary promoter Michael Gudinski, the late founder of Frontier Touring.

Joining McCartney on the road is his longtime band, Paul “Wix” Wickens (keyboards), Brian Ray (bass/guitar), Rusty Anderson (guitar) and Abe Laboriel Jr (drums).

Following the release of Peter Jackson’s three-part 2021 documentary series The Beatles: Get Back, McCartney embarked on a 16-date U.S. run on his Got Back Tour, which last year nudged his total career gross north of the $1 billion mark, making him one of just 11 artists to surpass the 10-digit mark in Boxscore’s 30-year-plus history.

Tickets go on sale Friday, Aug. 11 via frontiertouring.com/paulmccartney, with the Frontier members presale starting earlier, on Wednesday, Aug. 9.

Paul McCartney – 2023 Got Back Tour of Australia:
Oct .18 — Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Oct. 21 — Marvel Stadium, Melbourne, VIC
Oct. 24 — McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Oct. 27 — Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Nov. 1 — Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Nov. 4 — Heritage Bank Stadium, Gold Coast

31 Jul 2023

Kid Cudi, Kerry Washington & More Mourn the Death of Angus Cloud

Euphoria fans mourned the loss of Angus Cloud on Monday (July 31), as the rising actor’s family announced that he died at just 25 years old.

“It is with the heaviest heart that we had to say goodbye to an incredible human today. As an artist, a friend, a brother and a son, Angus was special to all of us in so many ways. Last week he buried his father and intensely struggled with this loss. The only comfort we have is knowing Angus is now reunited with his dad, who was his best friend.  Angus was open about his battle with mental health and we hope that his passing can be a reminder to others that they are not alone and should not fight this on their own in silence,” read the statement.

“We hope the world remembers him for his humor, laughter and love for everyone. We ask for privacy at this time as we are still processing this devastating loss.”

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Cloud was known as the kindhearted, fan-favorite drug dealer Fezco on Euphoria, HBO’s Emmy-winning drama from Sam Levinson and starring Zendaya. The series’ official Twitter page mourned the loss of the actor, writing, “We are incredibly saddened to learn of the passing of Angus Cloud. He was immensely talented and a beloved part of the HBO and Euphoria family. We extend our deepest condolences to his friends and family during this difficult time.”

Since the news of his death broke, celebrities and Cloud’s Euphoria co-stars have been posting tributes in honor of the actor gone too soon. Read on for heartfelt tributes from Kid Cudi, Kerry Washington and more.

“This hurts man. One of the realest dudes in this business. F—.” – Kid Cudi on Twitter.

“Not the news I wanted to hear this morning g Rest in Power Angus Cloud,” – Denzel Curry on Twitter.

“You will be deeply missed. Rest in Power @anguscloud.” – Kerry Washington on Twitter.

“rest easy brother,” Javon “Wanna” Walton (Who played Cloud’s brother Ashtray on Euphoria) on Instagram.

“It’s weird posting when my friends from oakland die..it happens so much i cant keep up. its weirder posting when my ‘famous’ friends die . So this one is double weird . It’s hard to find someone from the same place doing what you do and being where u at. Bay Area Icon . picking up random calls and hyping you up bout them paintings ahah f— ? TOWN BUSINESS,” – Guapdad 4000 on Instagram.

31 Jul 2023

Travis Scott “God’s Country,” Wiz Khalifa “No Competition” & More | Daily Visuals 7.31.23

HipHopWired Featured Video

Celebrity Sightings In New York City - July 26, 2023

Source: Gotham / Getty

Last week Travis Scott had the Hip-Hop world in the palm of his hands with the release of his latest album, Utopia, and with the buzz it generated over the weekend it’s only right that the man drop some visuals to accompany the drop of his album.

Coming through with a new clip for “God’s Country,” Cactus Jack juxes a recording camera off of some fans and heads to the hood to capture the everyday lives of the people in that community to showcase the beauty that one can find in the struggle that millions live everyday. It was pretty cool.

Wiz Khalifa meanwhile looks to get in on some Storage Wars and for his visuals to “No Competition” takes an empty storage locker and turns it into the place to be with a few bright lights and some Khalifa Kush. Sometimes that’s all it takes to get lit.

Check out the rest of today’s drops and some joints you might’ve missed over the weekend including work from BIA, NLE Choppa, and more.

TRAVIS SCOTT – “GOD’S COUNTRY”



WIZ KHALIFA – “NO COMPETITION”



BIA – “MILLIONS”



NLE CHOPPA – “IT’S GETTING HOT”



963 ORO – “WHY NOT”



AK STREETZ – “4TRE”



BABYTRON – “RNF”



LIL POPPA & NO CAP – “LET GOD CHOOSE”



HipHopWired Radio

Our staff has picked their favorite stations, take a listen…

31 Jul 2023

5 Heart Necklaces Inspired by the One From ‘Barbie’ the Movie

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Barbieland has entered the real world as Barbiecore fashion and Barbie merch have taken over our wardrobes and shelves. Whether you’re sporting Barbie crocs or wearing the doll-inspired athleisure, the hot pink trend has become the it shade to wear and show off this summer.

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For those who have already seen Barbie: The Movie, you may have picked up on the stylish outfits all the dolls wore throughout the film, but there’s one accessory we can’t stop thinking about: Barbie’s gold heart-shaped necklace. It’s her signature accessory and the necklace is undeniably stylish.

Need a refresher on what necklace we’re talking about? Tiktoker @abbottlyon shows a picture of the gold heart necklace and an alternative she found in the video below.

Keep scrolling to shop Barbie-inspired gold heart shaped necklaces.

Sunburst Heart Necklace

$55

Bring a burst of style to your neck with this gold heart necklace inspired by the bright and gorgeous rays of a sunburst. It’s created from gold plated materials and features a diamond in the center for added style.

gold heart necklace with ridges and center pink gem

Oak and Luna

Heart Medallion Necklace

$150

Even Barbie herself would approve of this Heart Medallion Necklace as the gold material is topped off with a stylish hot pink gem. The dainty chain will also bring out the heart charm, making sure it’s the center of attention.

gold heart puffed necklace

Amazon

Jewelry Atelier Gold Filled Heart Necklace

$72.99

If you prefer to keep things simple, this gold filled heart necklace comes designed with a paperclip adjustable chain and features a smooth gold heart charm so you can wear your heart on your chest (instead of your sleeve).

gold puffed heart necklace with braided chain

Gorjana

Gorjana Lou Heart Charm Necklace

$65

This Heart Charm Necklace is just begging to be layered with a choker it’s that versatile. Plus, you can dress it up or down in a pair of baggy jeans or a summery floral dress.

small gold heart necklace with beaded trim

Madewell

Katie Dean Jewelry – Beaded Heart Necklace

$72 $85 15% off% OFF

This bestselling gold heart necklace features a more delicate take on the necklace from the movie featuring a tiny beaded design and slim chain that can be layered or worn alone.

For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best Barbie movie Funko Pops!, Barbie movie collectable dolls and the Barbie and OPI collection.

31 Jul 2023

Chuck D to Headline 2023 State of Music in Media Conference

Chuck D, legendary rapper and leader of Public Enemy, will headline the Guild of Music Supervisors’ ninth annual State of Music in Media conference. The event will take place on Saturday, Aug. 19 at the Los Angeles Film School in Hollywood, Calif.

Cheryl “Salt” James (Salt of Salt-N-Pepa) will keynote the event, which will celebrate 50 years of hip-hop.

Other speakers include Lorrie Boula, King Tee, Igmar Thomas, Dante Ross, Ananda Lewis, Gustavo Santaolalla, Joel C High, Frankie Pine, Julia Michels and Chris Lennertz, and the music team from Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. There will also be a surprise, pop-up hip hop performance. 

The conference is offering 15-minute, one-on-one sessions for aspiring music supervisors to meet successful people working in the field. This opportunity is open to aspiring music supervisors only. (Music pitching is not allowed.)

Members of the Guild of Music Supervisors and Friends of the Guild will receive a discount on their ticket purchases. Tickets are available to the public at full price and come with a complimentary one-year subscription as a Friend of the Guild. Students and military personnel will also receive a discount to attend.

To purchase tickets to attend the conference, visit the ticketing page here.

The event is presented in collaboration with The Los Angeles Film School.

The Guild of Music Supervisors is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2010. For more information, visit their website here.

Programming highlights include:

Fight the Power: How Hip-Hop Changed the World

Summary: This is a narrative of struggle, triumph and resistance brought to life through the lens of an art form that has chronicled the emotions and experiences of Black and brown communities. In the aftermath of America’s racial and political reckoning in 2020, the perspectives and stories shared in hip-hop are key to understanding injustice in the U.S. over the last half-century.

Panelists: Chuck D & Lorrie Boula

The Origins of Hip-Hop

Summary: This will deep-dive into the inception of hip-hop in the early ’70s and how its unique sound was influenced by jazz and rhythm & blues.

Moderator: John Paul McGee, assistant chair of Piano Department – Berklee College of Music

Panelists: Amani “Burt Blackarach” Smith, music supervisor, Salamani Music; King Tee, West Coast rapper; Cheryl “SALT” James aka Salt of Salt-n-Pepa.

The Golden Age of Hip-Hop

Summary: Hip-hop’s influence on the ’80s & ’90s is undeniable with socially-conscious music in tandem with some of the most iconic photography and fashion of the 21st century. Hip-hop makes an indelible mark on the world with style, swag, and grace while concurrently illuminating often sinister elements of being Black in America.

Panelists: Dante Ross, A&R/producer/author, Stimulated; Ananda Lewis, mom, TV host, health activist, carpenter; Senyon Kelly, operations manager, archives, curatorial, Universal Hip Hop Museum.

The Global Impact of Hip-Hop: Passing the Torch for the Next 50 Years

Summary: Fifty years later, hip-hop is undeniably one of the most celebrated art forms in the music industry, having survived such hurdles as hate, ridicule and censorship. The result has been an augmented global community that has adopted this music as their own, bringing with it a herculean amount of history, context, struggle and joy.

Moderator: Chris Lakey, SVP, global creative synch, Kobalt Music Publishing

Panelist: Igmar Thomas, trumpeter, composer, arranger, bandleader

‘The Last of Us’ (Part II)

Summary: Journey of a soundtrack from video game to Max series.

Panelists: Scott Hanau, score director/music producer, Sony Interactive Entertainment; Phil Kovats, MPSE, senior director of sound, PlayStation Studios; Craig Mazin, showrunner, writer (streaming series); Gustavo Santaolalla – composer (game and streaming series)

‘Daisy Jones and the Six’: Music Supervisor Frankie Pine on Preparing for Successful On-Camera Performances

Summary: An in-depth overview of a music supervisor’s role in pre-production on an intensive on-camera project, and how to set up for success in production and post-production.

Moderator: Amanda Krieg Thomas, music supervisor, Yay Team Inc.

Panelist: Frankie Pine, music supervisor, Whirly Girl Music

Reinventing The Soundtrack of a Galaxy Far, Far Away

Summary: How do you create new music for the most iconic franchise in entertainment history?  For Jedi Survivor, you throw away the rule book and deliver two new soundtracks that stand proudly on their own within the classic Star Wars canon. This session will break down the entire process – from concept and development through recording and release – with the composers and key players behind the acclaimed new Jedi Survivor score and Sounds for the Galactic Skylanes, the first-ever album of original songs from a Star Wars title.

Panelists: Douglas Reilly, vice president, games, Lucasfilm, Ltd.; Steve Schnur, producer, Jedi Survivor & Sounds for the Galactic Skylanes; Gordy Haab, co-composer, Jedi Survivor; Stephen Barton, co-composer, Jedi Survivor; Nick Laviers – audio director, Respawn Entertainment

The Real Deal

Summary: How to score an unscripted series. A conversation with music supervisors and synch reps about how to craft memorable music moments for reality TV on a shoestring budget.

Moderator: Adam Brodsky, owner, Woolly Music

Panelists: Joe O’Riordan, freelance music supervisor; Deja Siegler, CEO/music supervisor, Alooma Inc; Rochelle Holguin Cappello, senior vice president, creative music strategy at Paramount.

Music for the Masses

Summary: Trends, tropes, and techniques for effective advertising music; a conversation about the power of music in advertising, exploring timeless techniques and creative approaches that make for effective campaigns.

Moderator: Jeff Kling, founder, CCO at Das Favorite

Panelists: Josh Marcy, director of music, Media Arts Lab; Ben Dorenfeld, director of music, Anomaly; Jarred Causly, senior music supervisor, Saatchi & Saatchi; Beliansh Assefa, music producer, Townhouse/Grey.

The Music, the Paperwork, and Everything in Between: A Dialogue with Supervisors and Composers on Best Practices and Allyship

Summary: This conversation will explore the relationship between music supervisors and composers. It will highlight each individual role as well as the collaborative effort that is telling stories through music, particularly in film.

Moderator: Sami Posner, music supervisor, Blue Lily and Creative Control

Panelists: Chris Lennertz, composer; Dara Taylor, composer; Julia Michels, music supervisor, Format Entertainment; Joel C. High, music supervisor, Creative Control

Music Clearance 101

Summary: The basics of music clearance and licensing are explained in an easy-to-understand and practical way.

Panelist: Linda Osher, president, LJO Music Consulting

Music Clearance 201

Summary: Advanced topics and strategies in music clearance.

Moderator: Lindsay Wolfington, music supervisor, Lone Wolf Music Supervision

Panelists: Matt Lilley, president, MCL Music Services, Inc.; Karen Falzone, owner, Mostly Music

31 Jul 2023

Kenny Chesney Offers Impromptu Acoustic Performance in Key West Bar

Four-time CMA entertainer of the year winner Kenny Chesney‘s longtime affinity for the islands was on display recently, when he dropped into Captain Tony’s Saloon in Key West, Florida.

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Chesney posted a video on his social media of himself, dressed down in shorts, a ball cap and a t-shirt, performing an acoustic rendition of his 2011 hit, “You and Tequila.”

“Feeding my creative soul at Capt. Tony’s. Thanks to everyone for allowing me to sit in,” Chesney wrote in the caption of the video.

Captain Tony’s has a storied musical history, as a place Jimmy Buffett was a regular performer in the 1970s. Captain Tony’s was immortalized in Buffett’s title song to his 1985 album Last Mango in Paris. The location is also the original site of Sloppy Joe’s Bar from 1933-1937, when it was a regular hangout spot for author Ernest Hemingway. Meanwhile, Chesney has also been known to pop in to Sloppy Joe’s Bar at its current location over the years, playing a four-hour show there in 2008, and popping in for shows in 2009 and in 2016, when he was joined by Eric Church and Old Dominion’s Matthew Ramsey.

Chesney’s “You and Tequila,” which he recorded with Grace Potter, earned two Grammy Awards including best country song and best country duo/group performance. It was the fourth single from Chesney’s album Hemingway’s Whiskey. Matraca Berg and Deana Carter wrote “You and Tequila,” which went on to be certified triple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.

See Chesney’s performance below:

31 Jul 2023

Cardi B Throws Mic at Fan, Kelly Clarkson in Vegas, Jason Aldean Hits No. 1 & More | Billboard News

Cardi B got even with a concertgoer who tossed a drink at her during the rapper’s performance in Las Vegas on Saturday. Kelly Clarkson kicked off her 10-day residency last week and hilariously reacted to being called a fan’s hall pass. Jason Aldean’s controversial track, “Try That in A Small Town” has reached No. 1 on the Hot 100. And more!

Tetris Kelly
Cardi B fights back after a fan throws a drink on her. Kelly Clarkson launches her Vegas residency and the videos are going viral country and “K-Pop” are taking over the charts. We break down our final four and our Fan Army Face-Off and Lauren Spencer Smith teaches us some Canadian slang.

Tetris Kelly
Welcome back to Billboard News. I’m Tetris Kelly, and it’s Monday July 31st. And for some reason, we’re still talking about fans throwing things at artists on stage, but at least Cardi B is fighting back. Cardi B ain’t the one in a video circulating social media the rapper is seen throwing up mic at her fan. Over the weekend Cardi B hurled her microphone at an unruly audience member after they threw a drink on her during a performance at Drai’s beach club in Las Vegas. She was in the middle of her hit song “Bodak Yellow” when the incident occurred. In the clip you can still hear her background vocals going as she throws the mic as her security enters the crowd. The crowd cutting herself retweeted the clip captioning it, “Jealous as b*tch”/ I’m not even mad at Cardi this trend needs to stop before artists are putting up plexiglass walls in front of stages or stop performing altogether. Thinking of throwing things at people on stage Kelly Clarkson addressed it at the launch of her Vegas residency in the most Kelly way. Kelly Clarkson launched Chemistry her new Las Vegas residency, and they had all the songs and the sass and the fan videos have taken over social media.

Watch the full video above!

31 Jul 2023

8 Podcast Equipment & Mics You’ll Need for a Successful Recording Session Every Time

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Podcasts continue to thrive in the streaming world with everything from album release breakdowns, murder mysteries and even daily news updates being listened to every day. The phenomena has even been explored through TV shows like the Only Murders in the Building (which has a new trailer and season coming up) and the Peacock Original show Based on a True Story. With all that said, it’s not hard to create your very own podcast, you just need the right podcast equipment.

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If you’re ready to channel the podcaster within you and do deep dives into topics that you’re passionate about, you can pursue it with the right podcast equipment and mics. Just like the characters from the shows above, you need to make sure you have the proper tools to put on a successful podcast show.

From microphone stands to podcast mics, we did the research for you so you can skip scrolling Internet for the best deal and quality, and skip to making your hit show. No matter what topic you plan on covering make sure to stock up on these eight essential tools to help your recording session go as smoothly as possible.

Keep reading to shop our picks for podcast microphones and other equipment needed.

blue and black podcast microphone

Amazon

TONOR USB Microphone

$31.99 $46.99 32% OFF

To start out, you’ll want to invest in a proper podcast mic like this TONOR USB model, which will help capture recordings with as little background interference as possible. It comes with a foldable three-legged stand that has a detachable shock absorber, and just needs to be plugged in to get connected and recording ready.

black podcast microphone on stand

Amazon

MAONO Plug & Play Podcast Condenser Mic Kit

$54.99 $61.99 11% OFF

If you’d prefer a more adjustable podcast microphone, this MAONO version features a bendable stand that can be customized to your liking. It also comes with a condenser mic that’ll help provide crystal clear recordings, while the attach magnet ring will assist in isolating sound and deflecting background noise. If you plan on having guests on your show, it’ll help to have an extra microphone.

black wired headphones

Amazon

M-Audio HDH40 – Over-Ear Studio Headphones

$39.00

Whether you’re recording audio or listening to playback, you need to make sure you and your podcast guests have a the best over-ear headphones. Our suggestion? These M-Audio headphones as they’re not only an Amazon Choice for recording headphones, but have a 4.7 rating and over 19,000 five star reviews with shoppers praising its “excellent sound quality.”

Black audio techna podcast headphones

Best Buy

Audio-Technica – ATH-M20x Monitor Headphones

$49.99

Another under $50 headphone pick are these Audio-Technica ones, which come with a side cable exit for minimal cable interference. The contoured ear padding add additional comfort while helping to isolate sound with less bleeding.

black podcast mic stand

Amazon

BILIONE Adjustable Desk Mic Stand

$19.99 $25.99 23% OFF

Help your recordings pick up the clearest sound bites with a sturdy mic stand. If you’re short on space, try this BILIONE desk microphone stand, whit is adjustable and comes with a detachable shock absorber.

Cicano Microphone Stand

$45.99

Get that real in-studio feel with this adjustable boom mic stand, which includes a table mounting clamp, adjustable head and customizable angle setting, a pop filter and a podcast mic cover. Did we mention it’s also under $50?

black podcast audio interface with dials and buttons

Amazon

MAONO Audio Interface

$95.99 $159.99 40% OFF

This will be one of the more splurgey tools, but still essential as an audio interface will help with capturing the best audio possible. With it you can adjust microphone levels and comes with podcaster mixer technology to upload sound bites, clips and more with.

Black and gray soundboard with black podcast mic

Walmart

Donner Podcast Bundle

$99.99 $119.99 17% off% OFF

One of the easiest ways to save on buying podcast equipment is by snagging a bundle like this Donner Podcast Bundle. The set comes with an audio interface for mixing your podcast and a podcast mic, which will capture your voice before you’re ready to take it to edits.

For product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best laptop deals, speakers for music lovers and celebrity headphones.