This week on Off The Record, we’re spinning the tea on Record Store Day! Dave and Kelly kick things off with a little chat about the current season of American Idol and its Hawaii vibes, then dive into the world of vinyl records, from their history to why they still matter in the modern era. They also talk Record Store Day, shout out Portland’s legendary Music Millennium, and share the very first vinyl records they bought with their own money. Plus, they get into the art of album covers and why great artwork should give you a real sense of the music waiting inside. It’s a fun, nostalgic, music-loving conversation with a little pop culture on the side. 

From Muppets to football glory, this episode covers a lot of ground — and somehow, it all connects. Dave and Kelly break down the newest episode of The Muppet Show, dive into Super Bowl LX (yes, the commercials and the halftime show), and talk about why moments of joy, humor, and spectacle still matter.

But things take a deeper turn as the conversation shifts to Fred Rogers — his unwavering belief in kindness, respect, and the dignity of every person — and how far our country seems to have drifted from those values. What happened to being neighborly? What did Mr. Rogers understand that we seem to have forgotten? And how do pop culture moments reflect who we are right now?

It’s funny, heartfelt, nostalgic, and honest — a big conversation sparked by a big game, with even bigger feelings underneath it all.

Super Bowl moving to ESPN/Disney in 2027 (at 40 min mark): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQyvjp2o3W8

Lady Gaga - Won’t You Be My Neighbor (Behind the scenes) - https://youtu.be/e3o5FIXoK84?si=9ygKNMYxMycYD29x

The GRAMMYs are back... and so are we.

Season 2 kicks off with Dave and Kelly unplugging the 68th GRAMMY Awards, breaking down the hits, the misses, and the moments that truly mattered—both this year and across GRAMMY history. From jaw-dropping fashion and well-deserved wins to performances that gave us chills (and a few that sparked debate), nothing is off the table.

The duo also rewinds the tape to share some of their all-time favorite GRAMMY moments, celebrating the artists, surprises, and cultural shifts that made the awards unforgettable. It’s equal parts music history, pop culture commentary, and personal storytelling, just the way Off The Record likes it.

Whether you watched every second or just caught the highlights, this episode is your backstage pass to the GRAMMYs—past and present—with a little laughter, a lot of heart, and of course, a perfectly curated A&M GRAMMY award-winning song to close it out.

Hit play and join the conversation.

How to watch the afternoon (pre-telecast) awards show, "68th GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony":  https://www.youtube.com/live/gil4hcn9loI?si=G5k4BvBytaifw-o1

To submit a Christmas song you wrote (or re-wrote), get it in by May the fourth (5/4/26) to be considered for this songwriting competition - christmas@bentbeat.com 

MTV has left the building. AI walked in. Legends bowed out. Records shattered. And somehow, music still found a way to surprise us. Dave and Kelly wrap up season one with a look back at the hellos, goodbyes, and our “Top 10” list of 2025 — plus one last Off The Record A&M pick to play us out.

If you want to attend Dave & Kelly’s songwriting lab & feedback panel on Friday, February 27th, 2026 at Worship Northwest in Kaizer/Salem, OR, visit https://worshipnorthwest.com/pre-conference-intensives

Recorded live from the Christian Musician Summit ( https://christianmusiciansummit.com/ ) in Tacoma, Washington.  From the history of the Gospel Music Association to Bill Gaither and Cece Winans, Dave & Kelly unpack the 56th Annual Dove Awards.  

Watch the entirety of the 56th Dove Awards here:  https://youtu.be/CPrCn9eF6JQ?si=yvirCgto3drX_TS7

Taylor Swift's The Life of a Showgirl is officially in the world, and it broke all kinds of Billboard records no one knew existed.  In this 13th episode, Dave and Kelly break down every song on the album with their thoughts on the lyrics, delivery and production all inside of an hour and 13 minutes.

Join Dave and Kelly at CMS in Tacoma/Puyallup, Washington on Friday, November 7th at 11:30am for a songwriter's panel Songwriting Feedback Panel for Real-Time Song and Lyric Review - https://cms2025.sched.com/event/28ivD

Register for the Christian Musician Summit in Tacoma November 6-8, 2025 here: https://christianmusiciansummit.com/

More songwriting, except this time it's all about Taylor Swift.  We expand on her songwriting, her career, and her upcoming album, The Life of a Showgirl, coming out October 3, 2025.  We also announce our winners for the summer songwriting challenge!

Kathy Jo talks candidly about her journey through music, life and health. Her production studio, HopeFire, is in Everett (Seattle), Washington where Dave and Kelly produced the single We Cry Holy with Nathaniel Chapman and featuring Kate White on Violin.

Kathy Jo Kahn’s Solo Album: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/kathyjokahn/me

Kathy Jo’s Nativity Story Album:  https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/tearsofpraiseworshipband/nativity-story-by-candlelight-2

HopeFire Project and Studio:  https://hopefireproject.org/

Nathaniel Chapman’s We Cry Holy https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/nathanielchapman1/we-cry-holy 

Contribute to Kathy Jo’s Official Meal Train Here:  https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/96z666 

We are deep into our summer songwriting challenge and thought it would be timely to dive into songwriting.  Who did it well?  What influenced them?  We talk about Lennon/McCartney, Max Martin & Taylor Swift, Elton John & Bernie Taupin, among others.  Songwriter spotlight on new & upcoming singer/songwriter Ty Blacke - tyblacke.com  

Info on our songwriting challenge competition that ends on September 15th - https://bentbeat.blogspot.com/2025/06/bentbeat-productions-announces-2025.html

Send entries to songwriting@bentbeat.com

Ty Blacke’s song, Commit To You, available here:  https://song.link/committoyou 

Happy 4th of July! Dave & Kelly survived the lines for Post Malone's "Big A** Stadium Tour" with Jelly Roll.  Stadium pro audio nerding out from Dave.  Remember we have a summertime songwriting contest!  More contest info here: https://tinyurl.com/2025songwriting

Dave & Kelly discuss all things "PROM" from hosting a senior citizen prom, chatting about their high school dances, and each sharing their "top three" under-rated prom songs.  AND announcing a summertime songwriting contest!  More contest info here: https://tinyurl.com/2025songwriting 

Dive into the "national day of" somethings, Barbershop Quartets and a vinyl play from Joe Cocker.  Also, listen to our group interview with the barbershop quartet from Westside Christian High School in Tigard/Portland, Oregon

Dive into Easter chatting about the series "The Chosen" and an interview with Worship Pastor and recording artist, Mike Brandow

A Visit with Kate White, Violinist, Songwriter and Speaker

Lady Gaga's new MAYHEM album dropped and her connection to The Carpenters

Academy Awards, Quincy Jones, and Songwriter Spotlight on Diane Warren

Music editing, senior citizens, and artist spotlight on Nathaniel Chapman

Get to know your hosts, vinyl records, and artist spotlight Dustin Rose