Twenty Thousand Hertz The Sonic Brand Makeover We Didn’t Know We Needed
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Apr 16, 2025 Charlie Harding and Nate Sloan, the creative minds behind Switched on Pop, share their journey of revamping their podcast's theme song after a decade. They dive into the emotional ties to their original tune and the hilarious chaos of crafting a new sonic identity. The duo discusses balancing nostalgia with innovation, exploring sonic branding complexities, and blending traditional melodies with modern elements. With insights on the art of jingle creation and listener engagement, this playful discussion highlights the significance of sound in shaping experiences.
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Origin of Original Theme
- Charlie Harding created the original Switched on Pop theme in about an hour using GarageBand loops.
- It was never intended to be a sophisticated piece, but it grew familiar and comforting over ten years and 400 episodes.
Nostalgia Hampers Change
- Nostalgia and familiarity bias can strongly resist change in long-standing themes.
- Honest, critical feedback is crucial to understanding and improving entrenched identities.
Critics on Old Theme
- Music critics deemed the original theme jingle cheap, uncool, and unbefitting the podcast's quality.
- Such candid criticism reveals the gap between creators’ intentions and audience perceptions.