Yasi Salek hosts the coolest rock podcast
Educate yourself with Bandsplain.
This interview appeared in THE FACE’s weekly music newsletter. You can sign up here.
When the news recently broke that the heroic Mancunian bassist Mani had passed away, of course the immediate protocol was to press play on The Stones Roses’ debut, followed by the Primal Scream albums which were blessed with his grooves. After that, it was time to dig deep into the lore of the aforementioned groups – and Bandsplain was the coolest way to do so. The podcast is really popular thanks to the charisma and encyclopaedic knowledge of host Yasi Salek, who combs through the grit, glamour and genius of the coolest bands ever in forensic detail. You’ve probably got a long journey home to visit the parents this Christmas – so save a couple of episodes of Bandsplain.
What do you love most about your job?
That it basically allows me to be a professional teenager – I listen to music and obsessively read and research about it every day.
Coolest band t‑shirt you own?
Probably a tie between the 1994 Primal Scream one I bought online while on residual Xanax from a transatlantic flight, and the Lollapalooza 1995 one my older cousin – who took me to that tour when I was 13 – gave me after I lost mine in the LA fires (tiny violin).
Which 2025 record sounds best when you’re driving in Los Angeles?
Addison Rae – Addison.
Top 5 UK artist tracks of 2025…
Real Lies – Wild Sign I Choose You.
Issy Wood – IHS.
Wet Leg – Catch These Fists.
Cardinals – Masquerade.
Most Things – Shops!
Can you recommend us a great book?
Stay True by Hua Hsu.
Dream podcast guest?
Oh man, so many. Robert Smith, Marc Maron, Paul Westerberg, Madonna, Robert Christgau, Dave Matthews, Hayley Williams, Flea, Viv Albertine, Sebastian Bach, Hanif Abdurraqib (again), the list goes on…
What songs make you cry?
Music makes me cry all the time actually. Lately it’s The Maker by Daniel Lanois, any version of Silent Night and Jeff Buckley’s cover of I Know It’s Over.
What’s a song which makes you feel invincible?
Over My Head (Cable Car) by The Fray.
What song will play as the credits roll in the movie about your life?
I Will Dare by The Replacements.
When do you feel most content?
Walking through a city with my headphones in, listening to my own playlists.
