Switched on Pop

They run a playful betting game to predict winners across the Grammys’ big four categories. They debate Best New Artist contenders and square off over standout songs vying for Song of the Year. Production and performance takes center stage in Record of the Year arguments. They close by championing different albums for Album of the Year and reveal their final picks.

Explore Robyn’s return with her new album, blending thumping bass and ethereal vocals. Dive into her evolution from 90s pop ingenue to the candid themes of IVF and dating apps in her latest work. Discover sounds that resonate with past hits while embracing innovative production, including a striking bass that sings. The conversation also touches on remixes from Jamie XX, ASAP Rocky's genre transformation, and other exciting new music releases. It's a deep dive into the dance floor and emotional landscape of modern pop!

Audrey Hobert, a singer-songwriter and former TV writer, shares her remarkable transition from Nickelodeon to music stardom. She recounts the spontaneous moment that sparked her songwriting journey with Gracie Abrams. Audrey discusses the unique quirks of her writing process, like her aversion to repeating choruses and her Steve Martin-inspired album opener. Reflecting on fame, she candidly reveals the push-pull of being in the spotlight while cherishing moments of anonymity, all while crafting relatable lyrics shaped by personal experiences.

The hosts predict a revival of Big Beat vibes and a return of guitar solos to pop music. Expect animated avatars like Hatsune Miku to hit the charts, alongside a surge in worship-influenced pop. They'll also discuss the impact of AI on music, forecasting a demand for authentic human artistry. Look out for piano ballads, cover songs, and a potential Bad Bunny breakthrough. They envision a darker, horror-inspired pop wave and a rock band revival, alongside a jam band resurgence in 2026.

Rayja Goh, a PhD student in psychology and philosophy at Johns Hopkins, explores the puzzling relationship humans have with silence. He reveals fascinating findings, like how many prefer painful electric shocks over sitting in silence. They discuss his 'one-is-more' silence illusion experiment, showing that our brains process silence similarly to sound. Rayja dives into experiences within an anechoic chamber and highlights John Cage's perspective on silence. Ultimately, the conversation emphasizes the importance of embracing silence in our lives.

Dive into the festive sounds of 2025 as pop icons unleash their holiday hits! Discover the modern charm of new classics from artists like Kylie Minogue and Leon Bridges. Delve into Cher's nostalgic electro-pop vibe and Willie Nelson's heartfelt authenticity. Unpack catchy tracks like Mickey Guyton's Motown-inspired gem and Meghan Trainor's retro delight. Reflect on timeless holiday tunes and the delicate balance of innovation and tradition in holiday songwriting. Join for a merry roundup of what's hot this season!

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!