Sean Rameswaram, the host of Vox's Today Explained, interviews Nate and Charlie, celebrating a decade of pop music. They dive into the evolution of genres like EDM, K-pop, and the rise of bedroom pop, showcasing how technology reshapes the industry. The hosts reveal stories from their podcast journey, including cringe-worthy moments and the transformative role of listeners. Finally, they share their excitement for future discussions, including a special focus on Stevie Wonder, blending nostalgia with anticipation for what's next.
Over the last decade, pop music has evolved through diverse genres like EDM and trap, challenging the idea of a singular sound.
The rise of streaming and social media has transformed listeners into active participants in shaping music trends and the industry.
Deep dives
A Decade of Music Reflection
The discussion highlights the evolution of popular music over the past decade, challenging the notion that all pop music sounds the same. By reflecting on the sounds and trends from 2014 onwards, the speakers underscore how genres have changed and diversified considerably. For example, they recall the optimistic bubblegum pop of Pharrell Williams' 'Happy,' which embodied the era's carefree attitude, showing how music can capture the cultural mood. This exploration aims to demonstrate that pop music has continually evolved and adapted rather than conformed to a single sound.
The Rise of EDM and Trap
The conversation shifts to the significant influence of electronic dance music (EDM) and trap on the sound of mainstream pop. The hosts point out that EDM, which gained massive popularity in the early 2010s, paved the way for the incorporation of more electronic and rhythmic elements in pop music, evident in tracks like 'Lean On' by Major Lazer. The emergence of trap music, marked by artists like Ray Schrimmerd with their hit 'Black Beatles,' introduced a darker, moodier sound that permeated various genres. This trend highlighted a cultural pivot, reflecting broader societal changes and a growing acceptance of diverse soundscapes in pop.
Latin and K-Pop Takeover
The speakers discuss the transformative impact of Latin pop and K-pop on the global music scene, emphasizing how songs like 'Despacito' signified a major shift in mainstream pop. They note that the success of Latin artists and songs reflected the new realities of streaming services, which democratized music consumption and allowed for a wider variety of voices to emerge. Similarly, K-pop's explosion, characterized by groups like BTS and Blackpink, showcased an inclusive mix of international influences and genres, appealing to a global audience. This recognition of diverse cultural contributions underscores the changing landscape of pop music, spotlighting voices that were previously marginalized.
The Empowered Listener
The discussion concludes by spotlighting the evolving role of listeners in shaping the music industry. The speakers highlight the rise of social media and streaming platforms, which empower fans to influence charts and trends even more than before. This empowerment is further accentuated by the success of artists who connect deeply with their fanbases, exemplified by Taylor Swift's record-breaking strategies. Ultimately, they emphasize that today's listeners are not just passive consumers but active participants who play a significant role in the music ecosystem.
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 on the show with a special interview: Sean Rameswaram, host of Vox's Today Explained, puts Nate and Charlie in the hot seat to reveal their best—and most cringe-worthy—moments from the past decade.