Behind the Scenes of Switched on Pop on Harman Audio Talks
Nov 28, 2023
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In this podcast, the hosts discuss their process of analyzing songs, making it accessible to the audience. They also explore the emotional process of releasing an album with artists and discuss what makes a hit record. The hosts share their favorite song recommendations and provide updates on future episodes and sponsors.
29:23
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Quick takeaways
Switched on Pop hosts Nate and Charlie select songs for their podcast based on curiosity-inspiring musical insights and contradictions.
Creating a safe and authentic space for artists to express their thoughts and emotions adds depth to the music discussions on Switched on Pop.
Deep dives
The Origins of Switched on Pop Podcast and Their Love for Music
Nate Sloan and Charlie Harding, hosts of the critically acclaimed podcast Switched on Pop, discuss their backgrounds and how their shared passion for music led them to create the show. Nate fell in love with music through his parents' jazz and classical records and pursued musicology as his calling. Charlie, a songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, found solace and control in music during his teenage years. They came together in college and formed a deep musical relationship, eventually leading them to launch Switched on Pop as a way to explore the making and meaning of popular music. Their friendship and genuine love for pop music shine through in every episode.
The Process of Selecting Songs and Discovering New Music
Nate and Charlie discuss their approach to selecting songs to cover in their podcast. They consult various sources, including Billboard charts, TikTok charts, and listener suggestions. They value the diversity of opinions within their team and trust their listeners' recommendations. One key criterion for choosing a song is whether it sparks curiosity and offers a musical insight or contradiction that can be explored in an episode. By engaging with the ever-evolving music landscape and embracing the relentless release of new music, they continually discover exciting and inspiring tracks to discuss on the show.
Interviewing Musicians and Uncovering Deep Emotions
Nate and Charlie reflect on their favorite moments interviewing musicians for the podcast. They mention memorable conversations with artists like Elvis Costello, Caroline Polachek, and Mickey Guyton. They highlight the importance of creating a safe space where artists can authentically express their thoughts and emotions. Their interviews delve beyond the surface of music and explore deeper human experiences, including insecurities, questioning one's identity, and the challenges faced by underrepresented artists. These interviews provide insights and connections to the music that may not be apparent from a surface-level analysis.
Decoding Hit Songs and the Role of Music and Lyrics
Nate and Charlie discuss their perspective on what makes a hit record. They emphasize the importance of the synergy between music and lyrics, where the music supports and enhances the lyrical message of the song. They reference the song 'We Found Love' by Calvin Harris and Rihanna as an example, highlighting how the instrumental chorus represents the feeling of liberation and salvation depicted in the lyrics. While hit songs can cover a range of topics and incorporate various musical elements, the key is to create a coherent and memorable message that resonates with listeners. They also humorously mention some additional factors like viral TikTok success and celebrity connections that can contribute to a song's popularity.
Nate and Charlie were recently featured on Harman Audio Talks. While our team takes the week off, we wanted to share that conversation with you as we pull back the curtain on how we make the show and select songs for the podcast.
