This holiday compilation features insights from various tech experts. Josh Jezza discusses the hidden world of undersea cables, crucial for global internet connectivity. Riley Testa shares the journey of creating the Delta emulator app and its evolution into AltStore. Alison Johnson explores the role of smartphones in AI. Roland Allen reflects on the history of notebooks, while Ben Sandofsky dives into the impact of technology on photography with the Halide app. Finally, Charlie Harding analyzes AI's role in music and its legal implications, making for an engaging holiday listen.

Charlie Harding, a music journalist and co-host of Switched on Pop, dives into the captivating journey of Auto-Tune. He highlights how this simple plugin transformed the music landscape, becoming a hallmark sound embraced by both artists and fans. The conversation explores Auto-Tune's evolution, its creative possibilities, and the cultural debates surrounding authenticity. Harding also connects this technology to the future of music with AI, pondering the lessons from Auto-Tune's rise amidst ongoing backlash in the industry.

Charlie Harding, music journalist and co-host of 'Switched on Pop,' joins the discussion on the RIAA's lawsuits against AI music startups, probing the intersection of copyright and artificial intelligence. The conversation dives into the ethical dilemmas artists face and the weird similarities between AI-generated music and existing songs. Harding humorously highlights how AI challenges authenticity in music fandom and raises questions about ownership rights and the future of creativity in a tech-dominated landscape.

Charlie Harding, co-host of Switched on Pop and music industry expert, delves into the future of music through the lens of Taylor Swift. He argues that the upcoming Eras Tour signifies an end to the era of cheap streaming services, highlighting the industry's ongoing struggle to sustain artists beyond superstars. The conversation covers how tech changes influence music consumption, the shifting revenue models, and the impact of platforms like TikTok on artist discovery. Can the music industry evolve to support all its artists while navigating these disruptions?

Charlie Harding, host of the music podcast 'Switched on Pop,' and Alex Heath, deputy editor at The Verge, dive into the world of AI-generated music. They explore the phenomenon of 'AI Drake' and the implications for authenticity in music. The duo humorously critiques the blending of pop culture and tech, including a quirky mention of a 'laser bong.' Alex updates listeners on Snapchat's new AI features and the broader challenges facing social media. They tackle copyright dilemmas in the age of AI, making for a lively discussion on the future of creativity.

“Take Me Home, Country Roads” is a song about West Virginia, but its message of homecoming has resonance far beyond Appalachia. Songwriter and producer Ian Fitchuk found this out when he was requested to perform Denver’s music at a music festival in Tibet. Fitchuk discovered that Denver has a huge following in East and South East Asia, where Denver toured multiple times from the 70s through the 90s. Denver’s songs first came to the region through the US Armed Forces Network radio as well as a diplomatic performance for China’s leader Deng Xiaoping at the Kennedy Center in 1979. Denver performed alongside the Harlem Globetrotters and the Joffrey ballet, and he left such an impression, the show led to an invitation to be one of the first western musicians to tour China. To better understand Denver’s meaning in the region, Switched On Pop co-host Charlie Harding speaks with Ian Fitchuk about his performance and interviews journalist Jason Jeung who wrote about “Country Roads” in The Atlantic.Songs Discussed John Denver - Take Me Home, Country Roads Kacey Musgraves - Oh, What A World The East Is Red John Denver - Rocky Mountain High Creedence Clearwater Revival - Fortunate Son James Taylor - Carolina in My Mind Carpenters - (They Long To Be) Close To You John Denver - Thank God I'm a Country Boy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Charlie Harding, co-host of Switched on Pop and music industry aficionado, dives into the complexities of songwriting credits in the modern music world. He discusses Olivia Rodrigo’s debut album 'Sour' and her ongoing adjustments to songwriting credits, shedding light on the struggles of new artists navigating copyright laws. The conversation also explores the nuances of musical borrowing, the implications of historical legal battles, and how these issues shape the creative landscape for songwriters today.

Charlie Harding, music journalist and co-host of a popular podcast, joins David Pierce, Editor-at-large at The Verge, to explore the ubiquitous presence of Auto-Tune in modern music. They trace its origins back to the oil industry, discuss its evolution from a correction tool to an artistic staple, and analyze its impact on authentic musical expression. The duo reflects on the future of AI in music, debating how this technology might redefine creativity and authenticity, while also considering the resurgence of raw sounds in a tech-heavy landscape.

Join music aficionados Charlie Harding, co-host of Switched On Pop, and Brittany Spanos, a music writer for Rolling Stone, as they challenge the very existence of the 'Song of the Summer.' They dive into the evolution of this cultural phenomenon, contrasting past hits with today’s fragmented music scene. From the effects of streaming on listener habits to the resurgence of long-time artists at the top of the charts, their discussion offers a fresh perspective on music's changing landscape and its connection to cultural moments.

Switched on Pop's host Charlie Harding discusses the RIAA lawsuit against AI music startups Udio and Suno. They explore legal and creative implications of AI music, Chuck Berry's influence on rock and roll, challenges in replicating authenticity in AI music generation, and the moral dilemmas of AI in the music industry.