

Kelefa Sanneh
Staff writer at The New Yorker. He discusses the influence of Kraftwerk on various music genres.
Top 5 podcasts with Kelefa Sanneh
Ranked by the Snipd community

33 snips
Jul 14, 2023 • 45min
How do I find new music now that I’m old and irrelevant?
Kelefa Sanneh, esteemed writer for The New Yorker and author of Major Labels, shares his insights on staying connected to new music as we age. He dives into how nostalgia influences our musical tastes and the challenge of balancing old favorites with fresh sounds. The impact of platforms like TikTok on music discovery is explored, along with the emotional bonds we have with songs from our youth. Kelefa offers practical tips for finding new music in today’s digital landscape, making it accessible for all generations.

26 snips
May 2, 2025 • 32min
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and the Confounding Politics of Junk Food. Plus, Kelefa Sanneh on the Long Influence of Kraftwerk
Marion Nestle, a leading nutrition researcher, and Dhruv Khullar, a physician and contributor, unravel the complexities of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s health agenda amid his controversial stances on vaccines and junk food. They emphasize the urgent need for reform in food politics, focusing on the impacts of ultra-processed foods on public health. Meanwhile, Kelefa Sanneh reflects on the revolutionary influence of Kraftwerk, the pioneers of electronic music, discussing their profound legacy across various music genres and their cultural relevance today.

12 snips
Mar 29, 2025 • 52min
The Backstories of Your Favorite Music & Money Mastery in a Changing World - SYSK Choice
Kelefa Sanneh, a writer for The New Yorker and former pop music critic for The New York Times, dives into the fascinating origins of popular music genres. He shares insights about the evolution of hip hop and the shifting perceptions of music over time. Additionally, he examines the interplay between fashion and identity, revealing how what we wear can influence our behavior. On the financial front, expert Jill Schlesinger discusses strategies for better money management, emphasizing the importance of scrutinizing spending habits for achieving financial security.

8 snips
May 14, 2025 • 1h 46min
“Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue”—Toby Keith
Kelefa Sanneh, a staff writer for The New Yorker and former pop critic, joins the discussion on Toby Keith's 'Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue.' They delve into the song's poignant themes and its cultural reception post-9/11, exploring how it reflects a unique political moment. The conversation also touches on the evolution of country music, Keith's influence, and the backlash faced by artists like the Dixie Chicks. They analyze how humor and emotion were interwoven in the arts during a time of national grief.

Jul 20, 2025 • 1h 3min
Kelefa Sanneh, "Major Labels: A History of Popular Music in Seven Genres" (Penguin, 2021)
Kelefa Sanneh, a staff writer for the New Yorker and former pop critic at the New York Times, discusses his book, diving deep into the tapestry of popular music across genres. He examines how punk and community identity intertwine, and challenges the notion of the 'hipster' label in contemporary culture. Sanneh explores the shifting dynamics of pop music's 'coolness' and how personal identity shapes musical tastes, revealing the emotional connections music has to family memories. His insights debunk myths and reframe our understanding of musical greatness.