Switched on Pop

2025 was a year of musical highs and lows, with country music topping charts and Morgan Wallen stirring controversy. The enduring appeal of millennial artists like Bruno Mars showed cross-generational collaboration thrives. While Billboard faced stagnation, emerging talents like Dijon and Olivia Dean are making waves with their unique styles. The podcast wraps up with a fun bingo recap, reviewing missed predictions and noting the year’s standout tracks, all while setting an optimistic tone for what’s next in music.

Amy Allen, a Grammy-winning songwriter celebrated for her collaborations with Halsey, Harry Styles, and more, shares her journey in the music industry. She dives into the creative choices behind chart-topping hits, like crafting the extended chorus of Halsey's 'Without Me' and the emotional depth of Harry Styles' 'Matilda.' Amy highlights unique hooks, like the drinking game inspiration for Rosé's 'APT,' and discusses the importance of bending traditional songwriting rules to achieve authenticity and originality.

Shane Michael Boos, known as Sombr, is an alternative/indie singer-songwriter whose raw bedroom recordings propelled him to unexpected fame. He shares how his crooked journey evolved with a cheeky disco beat from a late-night joke leading to major hits. Sombr explains his unique songwriting process, blending imperfections with studio polish, and describes the emotional weight of distortion. He reflects on his rapid ascent, from home demos to performing on big stages, and the surreal experience of living out his childhood dreams.

Marc Rebillet, the improvisational musician known as 'loop daddy', shares his journey from classical piano to viral funk sensations. He dives into his transition to self-taught improvisation and how his live-looping process works. Marc reveals the thrill of spontaneous performances, including what it feels like to create music from thin air on stage. He recounts his rapid rise during the pandemic with engaging livestreams, surprising street shows, and the importance of embracing mistakes in improvisation. Prepare for his infectious energy and musical insights!

Greg Saunier and Satomi Matsuzaka of Deerhoof dive into their bold decision to remove their entire catalog from Spotify. They reveal that the move was sparked not by low royalties but by Spotify co-founder Daniel Ek's investments in AI military technology. The duo discusses prioritizing ethics over visibility, showcasing their latest single on Craigslist instead. They challenge listeners to consider alternative ways to support artists, even suggesting they'd prefer fans pirate their music over streaming it on toxic platforms.

The podcast dives into the struggles of former Disney stars like Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez, and Miley Cyrus, exploring their recent album setbacks. The hosts analyze how shifting sounds and personal themes might be affecting their commercial appeal. They discuss the unique vocal styles and artistic evolution of each artist, questioning whether ageism and a lack of cohesive aesthetics contribute to their challenges. The episode raises intriguing questions about the overall impact of the Disney legacy on their careers.

Rosalía's new album Lux makes a bold departure from her previous work, featuring orchestral sounds that blend the sacred with the profane. The dense project includes 18 tracks in 13 languages, showcasing poetic lyrics and influences from various artists, including Patti Smith. The hosts explore the album's genre-defying production, highlighting unconventional elements like spectral vocals and avant-garde arrangements. They also discuss how flamenco roots and modern pop collide, encouraging listeners to immerse themselves in its complexities.

Revenge songs are back in the spotlight as Tate McRae and Lily Allen drop fiery tracks post-breakup. McRae's 'TIT FOR TAT' delivers sharp lyrical jabs and clever callbacks to past feuds, while Allen's album 'West End Girl' reveals her divorce struggles with gritty and relatable narratives. The hosts dive into the artistry behind these anthems, comparing them to classic hits by Fleetwood Mac and exploring modern benchmarks like Shakira's revenge collaboration. It’s a deep dive into how pop stars channel heartbreak into chart-topping catharsis.

Charlie Puth, the talented singer-songwriter known for hits like "See You Again," dives into the depths of his new single "Changes." He explores how relationships evolve, using a maximalist 80s production to reflect drifting friendships. Puth gives insight into his creative process, explaining why melody often comes before lyrics. He also champions forgotten producer Rod Temperton and shares fun musical techniques like turning "You Are My Sunshine" into a minor-key lullaby, ultimately reminding listeners to focus on feeling the music, not overthinking it.

In a heartfelt tribute, the discussion delves into D’Angelo's unique fusion of gospel, jazz, rock, and hip-hop. The hosts explore his groundbreaking tracks from all three albums, highlighting his technical vocal skills and innovative production techniques. They reflect on how his covers pay homage to musical greats while showcasing his originality. The conversation also touches on the socio-political context of his later work, revealing the layered complexity of his artistry. D’Angelo's legacy as a timeless icon in music takes center stage.