After 10 years and 400 episodes, our friends at Switched on Pop decided it was finally time to revamp their outdated theme song. In this episode, they take us inside the chaotic, hilarious, and surprisingly emotional process of making a new one. Along the way, they get brutally honest feedback from top music critics, craft over a hundred layers of swirling s ... Show More
Jul 13
Eurovision Song Contest: Inside the Gimmicks & Glamour
For millions of people, Eurovision is a cultural institution, and one of the biggest live television events on Earth. But for many Americans, it remains a complete mystery. In this episode, producer Andrew Anderson takes Dallas and Grace on a joyful crash course through the histo ... Show More
33m 56s
Jun 15
John Williams: A Composer’s Legacy
In our last episode, we followed composer John Williams from his childhood to his 1970s run with Steven Spielberg and George Lucas. Now, we pick up the story as John enters an era of seemingly impossible success… from Raiders of the Lost Ark to Home Alone, Jurassic Park, Schindle ... Show More
38m 51s
Jun 1
John Williams: A Composer’s Life
John Williams has written some of the most famous film scores ever, from Star Wars to Indiana Jones to Jurassic Park. But before the blockbuster success, there was a kid growing up around jazz musicians in New York, and a young composer trying to find his voice. In this episode, ... Show More
35m 37s
Nov 2020
Inside the Reinvention of the Music Business
From TikTok to Fortnite to Twitch and beyond, we discuss how the music business is radically transforming in 2020. Amy X. Wang, Samantha Hissong, and Ethan Millman join host Brian Hiatt for a look at the innovators on Rolling Stone’s Future 25 list. Learn more about your ad choic ... Show More
33m 24s
Oct 2024
The last decade of pop explained
We celebrate Switched On Pop's 10th anniversary by taking a deep dive into the last decade of pop music. From bubblegum pop to EDM, trap, and K-pop, we explore how the sound of pop has continually evolved—even when it feels like it’s all the same. Plus, we pull back the curtain o ... Show More
52m 2s
Aug 2016
Pop Drops and Chipmunk Soul
A strange syndrome is wreaking havoc on the voices of our biggest pop stars. From Rihanna to Justin Bieber, no one is safe from having their beautiful vocals chopped up, screwed down, repitched and repurposed. As dance music takes over the charts and new software grants vocal man ... Show More
40m 39s
Aug 2022
Beyoncé's 'Renaissance': The Controversies and Triumphs of a Blockbuster Album
Producer Hit-Boy discusses making "Thique" and much more. Plus, how does one song end up with 24 writers? And what are the consequences of changing albums after their release? Also, a discussion of the best songs on 'Renaissance' and its spiritual themes, with Mankaprr Conteh and ... Show More
51m 27s