Switched on Pop

Hanif Abdurraqib, poet and essayist, discusses classic soul, sports, and sound with musicologist Nate Sloan. They explore the significance of 'My Girl' covers, the nostalgic sound of basketball sneakers, and the harmonies between basketball and music.

Singer, pianist, and songwriter Charlie Puth discusses his career straddling pop stardom and anonymity, with Taylor Swift praising him. They delve into his new acoustic track 'Hero', the collaborative songwriting process, crafting vulnerable yet catchy choruses, and dissecting the pre-chorus of his song. Puth also explores the lyrical intricacies and artistic expression in music production.

This podcast delves into Billie Eilish's evolution into pop stardom with her new album 'Hit Me Hard and Soft', exploring the duality of vulnerability and strength in each track. The discussion unpacks the unique blend of dark disco bass lines, arpeggiated synths, and haunting lyrical content that sets her new sound apart. The episode also touches on her artistic depth, contrasting vibes, and hopes for her future career in the music industry.

Experts Cynthia and Nicky delve into the science behind restaurant sound, discussing the rise in noise levels, strategies for creating the perfect acoustic environment, and the impact of music playlists on dining experiences. They explore how music tempo can affect food consumption and reveal the secrets to enhancing the overall dining atmosphere through sound.

The hosts explore the hidden history of fast food jingles with Gastropod, tracing their origins and impact on pop culture. They discuss the crossover between fast food production and pop music, dissecting the artistic and ethical implications of these catchy tunes.

Indie rocker Rosie Tucker discusses the inspirations behind their latest album 'Utopia Now!', addressing big topics while emphasizing personal reflection. Songs like 'All My Exes Live In Vortexes' and 'Unending Bliss' showcase a blend of societal critique and emotional depth. Tucker navigates themes of forgiveness, authenticity, and connection through their music, preparing for an upcoming tour with excitement and gratitude towards fans.

Dive into the Eurovision Song Contest with crazy tracks from Baby Lasagna to Windows95Man. Explore folk-rapping hybrids, rave-pop, and kitschy Europop. Unpack the potential winners and controversy surrounding the competition. Get ready for a musicological journey through the diverse entries of Eurovision 2024.

French electronic duo Justice, Gaspard Augé and Xavier de Rosnay, discuss their new album Hyperdrama. They delve into the unique blend of organic and electronic elements in their music, the creative process behind their debut album, the creation of 'Moonlight Rondezvous' with a futuristic Beethoven touch, the use of digital distortion in music creation, the spontaneous creation of 'The End' as the album closer, and reflections on the immersive album listening experience.

2024 brings new music from Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Metro Boomin, J Cole, Drake, Rick Ross, Willow Smith, Hozier, Sabrina Carpenter, Justice, Rosie Tucker, Kacey Musgraves, Dua Lipa. Explore hip-hop feuds, emotionally charged music, 'Espresso' by Sabrina Carpenter, French duo Justice's return, Rosie Tucker's album 'Utopia Now', and Kacey Musgraves' sound evolution.

Taylor Swift explores the world of literature in her latest album, referencing poets like Sylvia Plath and Samuel Taylor Coleridge. She blends personal romance with mythical creation, drawing inspiration from Genesis, Peter Pan, and even Playstation. Swift's music showcases her literary aspirations and unique storytelling style, creating a genre all her own.