Certain pop songs have that moment, when everything seems to change but still remain the same, when the drama gets ratcheted up, when the tension increases and our emotions take an elevator ride to the heavens. From Beyoncé to Johnny Cash, savvy pop songwriters know a well-placed harmonic modulation can leave listeners reeling. But what is this mysterious mu ... Show More
Oct 6
Has Taylor Swift jumped the shark?
One year after the release of her twelfth studio album The Life of a Showgirl, Taylor Swift is back with an encore. Specifically, The Encore, four tracks that have polarized critics and Swifties alike, from the country-esque number one hit “Patient Zero” to her ode to married Ohi ... Show More
47m 55s
Sep 29
Carly Rae Jepsen’s pop pedagogy
Five years after her first appearance on Switched on Pop, Carly Rae Jepsen returns to the podcast to talk all things Day and Night, her latest album. Born out of Swedish disco, big emotion, and substantive life change – including becoming a wife and a mother – the double album is ... Show More
49m 17s
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
Jan 2024
99. Using Popular Melodies in Your Music
<p>The trend of infusing compositions with familiar tunes has already become popular nowadays but how do you really navigate the complexities of collaboration and credit that comes with it? In this episode, Xylo chats with multifaceted artist and producer, Raphaella, about how in ... Show More
35m 21s
Jun 2023
84. Understanding & Utilizing Chords
<p>Good music has this incredible ability to captivate and deeply impact emotions, but have you ever wondered how these pieces were structured and created? In this episode, Xylo chats with Jazz Singer, Pianist & Youtube Sensation, Aimee Nolte, about chords and how they play a ... Show More
37m 44s
Dec 2018
"Single Ladies" by Beyoncé
<p>On this episode, Kirk dives into one of the greatest pop songs of all time.</p><p>Beyoncé's "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)" is arguably the defining song of the last decade, but it's far from your average pop tune. With its unusual tensions and unstoppable groove, it defies ... Show More
26m 22s
<p>In this episode, we’re speaking about songs that make you feel like you’re levitating/floating. We included songs from Kanye West, Beach House, Empire of the Sun and more. Which song makes you levitate?</p>
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<p>List of Songs Discussed </p>
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