These days, we’re faced with an overwhelming number of podcasts to choose from in all categories, which can make it hard to know where to begin. If you want to start listening to music podcasts, or build your current collection, keep reading. Upon listening to countless hours of content over the past few years, I’ve compiled a list of five music podcasts everyone should hear.
Broken Record hosted by Rick Rubin, Malcolm Gladwell, Bruce Headlam and Justin Richmond (Pushkin Industries)
Described as “liner notes for the digital age,” Broken Records is great for those who want to learn more about artists and their artistry. What I appreciate about this podcast is its focus on artists who are passionate about their work, especially influential figures from before my time. Episodes often include snippets of tracks for reference points. Focusing less on the technicalities, the podcast highlights the interpersonal aspects of music making. One downside is that not all interviews are conducted by Rick Rubin. Rubin is one of the best record producers in the game, and has worked with everyone from the Beastie Boys to Johnny Cash to Adele. Given his expansive career and wealth of knowledge, he knows exactly which questions to ask. While the other co-hosts are great as well, they often ask more general questions. Nonetheless, my favorite episodes are conducted by multiple hosts.
Top 5 Episodes: Faye Webster; Linda Perry; James Blake; Tyler, the Creator; Black Pumas
And The Writer Is…with Ross Golan hosted by Ross Golan (Big Deal Music, Mega House Music)
For all the songwriters out there, this is the pod for you. And The Writer Is… focuses on songwriters and producers who’ve made their career creating for themselves, other artists, or both. Guests typically dabble in pop, hip hop, r&b, or a mix of all three, and most have previously worked with the host, Ross Golan. Golan is a revered songwriter who has written for global artists such as Justin Bieber, Nicki Minaj, and Michael Bublé. But instead of having just another conversation, he starts every interview with the basics. Each guest is prompted to discuss their journey, starting from childhood. As a fan of origin stories, I really enjoy learning more about how individuals ‘make it’. And because Golan has ‘made it’ himself, he prompts guests in ways which most hosts would not be able to do. Another cool aspect is that some songwriters are recurring guests! This means that there is an opportunity to continuously learn more of the top writers in the game. Speaking of the game, the pod is definitely more geared towards success within the context of music industry standards. Some of your favorite writers or producers may not be on here. Don’t hate the player.
Top 5 episodes: J White Did It; Lauren Christy; Tainy; Ariel Rechshaid; Jack Antonoff
Tape Notes hosted by John Kennedy (In the Woods)
We’re going international! Tape Notes is hosted by British native, John Kennedy, who definitely has a soft spot for his fellow compatriots. If I had to describe this pod in two words, it would be: ‘slow’ and ‘burn.’ While interviewing his musical guests, Kennedy takes us through each song on their latest album, asking the who, what, where, when and whys of it all. His calming demeanor and occasional joke is soothing and much needed, especially when the conversations turn to tech and gear. For the more novice music enthusiast, this is a great way to hear words like “loop pedal”, “tape delay,” and “Valhalla” in a stress-free zone. And if you can’t keep track of everything, each episode links all gear mentioned in the description.
Top 5 episodes: Georgia; Tune-Yards; Rina Sawayama; Mura Masa; Tom Misch
Charli XCX’s Best Song Ever hosted by Charli XCX (BBC)
Yes, yes, Charli XCX has a podcast now and it’s actually pretty good. I’d argue it spices up your typical musical podcast. In reference to the title, Charli asks guests a series of ‘Best Song Ever’ questions in between general conversation. They include questions like Best Song Ever to Play at a Funeral, or Best Song Ever to Cry in the Shower To. Such strange questions bring up interesting dialogue that allows us listeners to learn about the guest in different contexts. Because she is either friends with or already knows of many of the guests, it’s easy for listeners to pick up on an energy of familiarity. This makes the conversations super laid back. Also, a fun twist is that we get to hear from some non-musical guests as well! If Bowen Yang, Ziwe, or Benito Skinner ring a bell then you definitely need to tune in. And if not, you still definitely need to press play on the pod.
Top 5 episodes: Shygirl, Dev Hynes, Bowen Yang, Christine and the Queens, Phoebe Bridgers
Popcast hosted by Jon Caramanica (The New York Times)
Before Popcast, my only exposure to content by The New York Times was The Daily. Words like ‘serious’, ‘lecture’, and ‘hmm’ come to mind. While I enjoy such podcasts, I want my interactions with music to conjure the words ‘fun’, ‘exciting’, and ‘inspiring’. So when my friend (a Daily enthusiast) suggested I listen to Popcast, I was initially hesitant. But I’ve been hooked ever since my first listen. On each episode, host Jon Caramanica gathers a new group of journalists and critics to casually discuss a large spectrum of music related topics, from genre fluidity to music industry charting and everything in between. There’s even an episode titled “Are AirPods Worth the Cost?” All guests have some experience covering or directly engaging with the respective subject matter, which elevates the conversation and makes it very rich. But at the same time, they are open to admitting when they don’t know something, and often share half-baked theories on musical origins. This is definitely a great pod for any and all music lovers.
Top 5 episodes: How Merchandise Bundles Undid the Album Chart; glaive and Hyperpop’s Breakthrough Moment; Remembering Sophie, Architect of Future Pop; Charli XCX’s Ever-Evolving Pop; The Sounds of Ukrainian Pop
Beyond listening to music, thinking about and discussing music can evolve into its own sort of art. This type of expression, and the community-building it stimulates, is exactly what Playback seeks to foster at Barnumbia and beyond. Hopefully one of these podcasts piqued your interest! —Playback editors
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