Ariana Grande – Sweetener / thank u, next

Explicit content warning

10/16/19 • 60 min

Aural Fixation’s second season of queer icons wraps up with our most contemporary yet. Ariana Grande might be the most popular artist among queer people under the age of, erm... twenty-five, but in recent years has trodden a path taken by very few, if any, of her peers.
Released just six months apart, Sweetener and thank u, next both represent a different side to the complex coin of Grande’s career in 2018. Common threads carry through both, of relationship woes, mental health struggles and inevitable resilience, not to mention the bangers and bops galore. Grande also continues to demonstrate visible allyship with queer people, as she has since the beginning of her career – however, she’s not entirely without controversy herself.
In episode 18, Drew and Andy are joined by noted Ariana authority and Canadian-Australian Friend of the Pod Maheena to consult on the completely unique career of one of the world’s biggest pop stars, framed through the lense of two outstanding albums released half a year from one another. Thank u next, bitch. Yuh.
You can find this episode's companion playlist on Spotify, and follow us on Instagram at @auralfixationpodcast. Follow the dolls on @drew_down_under and @andrewdoyouthinkyouare. Our special guest this episode can be found at @maheenamae.

Previous Episode

Elton John – Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

It’s the early seventies and Dame Elton John is spaffing out music like it’s nobody’s business. As part of his songwriting sisterhood with Bernie Taupin, Elton had already gifted us with six albums by early 1973, featuring hits such as “Your Song”, “Tiny Dancer” and “Crocodile Rock”. You’d think at this point the gal needed a break. Actually – if you’ve seen Rocket Man, you’d know the gal needed a break. But anyway...
Break he did not, for it was straight back into the studio with our Elt. What came out what undoubtedly Elton’s most experimental offering to date – Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. A celebration of bravery, fantasy and bold brassy lassies, GYBR is lauded by many as Ms. John’s best album – but what makes it so (in Andy’s words) qwee-yah? Join Andy and Drew as they take a deep dive into the ultimate diva.
You can find this episode's companion playlist on Spotify, and follow us on Instagram at @auralfixationpodcast. Follow the dolls on @drew_down_under and @andrewdoyouthinkyouare.
*This episode is dedicated to Elton’s eyebrow during his performance of “Candle in the Wind” at Princess Diana’s funeral.

Next Episode

Q&A #2 – Q&A with Drew & A

Q: Can Andy and Drew last an hour without talking about Madame X or Mother Monster?
A: No.
Q: Can Andy and Drew last five minutes without talking about Madame X or Mother Monster?
A: Also no.
By popular demand, the boys wrap up the second season (!) of Aural Fixation with another bumper Q&A session. But this time there’s a twist – any word of either of their #1 bitches comes with a punishment.
If you sliced Aural Fixation straight down the middle, this episode’s companion playlist would come gushing out so be sure to check it out on Spotify. Follow the pod on Instagram at @auralfixationpodcast, or the boys on @drew_down_under and @andrewdoyouthinkyouare.