We recently deconstructed how Kate Bush’s 1985 song “Running Up That Hill” has found itself at the center of culture due to a placement in the Netflix, eighties, horror, sci-fi show, Stranger Things. For that episode we excerpted an interview with the composers of the show who shared great insights on how they created the iconic theme song and spooky soundsc ... 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
Aug 2016
"Stranger Things" Composers Michael Stein and Kyle Dixon, and the Power of Music on TV
Examining the power of original scoring for television throughout history, with a particular emphasis on its return to prominence in the era of Peak TV. Plus: an interview with Michael Stein and Kyle Dixon, who wrote the music for Netflix's "Stranger Things."Theme music: "Slinky" ... Show More
39m 16s
Oct 2021
Spotlight on Avatar's Soundtrack with Jeremy Zuckerman and Hrishikesh Hirway
In this very special episode, ATLA & TLOK Composer Jeremy Zuckerman sits down with Janet, Dante, and Song Exploder’s Hrishikesh Hirway! The focus is all about the music in this lively discussion about the challenges and delights of scoring television and film. Listen to tales of ... Show More
53m 6s
Mar 2022
'Something in the Way,' 'The Batman,' Prince, and the Wild History of Batmusic
With Nirvana's 'Something in the Way' a streaming smash thanks to 'The Batman,' we look at the new movie's music and the whole story Batmusic, from the '60s TV theme song to Prince and beyond. David Fear and Erica Thompson join host Brian Hiatt for the discussion. Learn more abou ... Show More
39m 5s