One of our favorites artists right now is Rina Sawayama. She works with her producer Clarence Clarity to make this mash up of sounds from the late 90s and early aughts. She in particular recasts Max Martin pop and Nu Metal — too styles that rarely converged — to make compelling songs with a strong anti-consumerist message. I spoke with Rina Sawayama last sum ... Show More
Mar 24
Where have all the white rappers gone?
On a recent podcast interview, Kentucky rapper Jack Harlow said that, to craft his new album Monica, he “got blacker.” The problem is… Jack Harlow is white. The statement, while extremely tone-deaf, speaks to his intentions with this musical pivot: musically, Monica turns to the ... Show More
50m 43s
Mar 17
Jacob Collier can make anyone sing
Jacob Collier is a rare musician: an expert in so many musical languages (western harmony, negative harmony, microtonalism) and a phenomenal communicator about music. He's something like an Ambassador for Music, traveling the world and getting thousands of people, musicians and n ... Show More
55m 2s
Mar 10
Harry Styles loses himself to dance
The dance floor is where Harry Styles does his therapy, and this album is the session notes. Four years after Harry's House, Styles returns with Kiss All the Time, Disco Occasionally, a record built from minimal ingredients: live drums, Moog bass, nylon guitar, and synth sequence ... Show More
43m 38s
Nov 2023
Debating the Best Songs of 2023, Part Two
Puja Patel, Jeremy D. Larson, and Ryan Dombal battle it out over some of their favorite songs of the year in various genres. Matchups include Troye Sivan’s “Rush” vs. NewJeans’ “Super Shy,” Wednesday’s “Chosen to Deserve” vs. Big Thief’s “Vampire Empire,” and Tinashe’s “Needs” vs ... Show More
36m 20s
Jan 2021
Diane Warren: My Life in Songs
The legendary songwriter, who's releasing her debut album later this year, shares stories from songs spanning her entire career, from "Rhythm of the Night" to "I Don't Want to Miss A Thing," with host Brian Hiatt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoice ... Show More
43m 56s
Oct 2020
Amy’s Paint Story Is FINALLY Revealed + Bobby’s Favorite And Least Favorite Interviews Of All-Time + Famous First Lines Of 90’s Country Songs Game
Amy finally reveals a story she’s been holding onto for MONTHS. It involves paint, a vote, and some finagling! A listener asks Bobby what his favorite and least favorite artists interviews have been on the show. Plus, we play a famous first lines of 90’s country song game! Learn ... Show More
1h 37m
Jun 2024
Brat | Every Single Album: Charli XCX
Nora and Nathan kick off their "brat summer" by talking about Charli XCX's sixth studio album. They talk about how this album differs from her past, more mainstream pop albums (1:00), the inner monologue that is running through many of the songs on this record (31:49), and the na ... Show More
1h 28m