Lady Gaga, an iconic singer known for her theatrical presence, and Bruno Mars, a Grammy-winning artist celebrated for his catchy tunes, dive into the resurgence of sentimental duets. They discuss their unexpected hit "Die With A Smile" and its ties to the film "Joker: Folie à Deux," exploring emotional depth and vocal chemistry. The duo reflects on classic collaborations like those of Sonny & Cher and the importance of major seventh chords. There's excitement about the nostalgic revival of duets in modern pop, hinting at a rich musical future.

Mica Tenenbaum and Matthew Lewin, the creative duo behind Magdalena Bay, delve into their imaginative soundscapes and narrative-driven music. They discuss their new album, exploring themes of identity and technology through the character True, who undergoes a consciousness upgrade. Personal experiences shape their lyrics, with a mix of love and loss reflected in tracks like 'death and romance.' They also share insights on emotional storytelling and the evolution of their sound, drawing inspiration from classic bands like ABBA.

Tinashe, an R&B singer and songwriter known for her hit 'Nasty', discusses her artistic journey from girl group member to solo star. She dives into the song's empowering message and its cultural roots, linking it to icons like Janet Jackson. The conversation also explores the evolving meaning of 'nasty' in pop music and its implications for female empowerment. Additionally, Tinashe and the hosts analyze a recent study questioning whether pop music is becoming simpler, debating the nuances of melodic complexity in today’s hits.

Kesha, a pop icon known for her resilience and legal battles, and Katy Perry, celebrated for her catchy hits, discuss the complex landscape of their careers. They delve into Kesha's independent comeback with 'Joyride' and Perry's challenge to reclaim her spot in the charts with 'Woman's World.' Tensions simmer as Kesha's cryptic tweet raises eyebrows about their friendship. They also examine how evolving themes of empowerment shape their music and reflect on the pressures female artists face in today's industry.

Dive into the cultural significance of Blondie's 'Call Me' and its ties to 1980s male sex work themes. Explore the vibrant late 1970s New York punk scene and how it birthed a unique sound blending genres. Discover the revolutionary impact of Giorgio Moroder on electronic music and the creative pulse that shaped 'Call Me'. Unpack the song's intricate recording process and the influence of technology on music's future. Plus, examine the balance between artistic innovation and commercial success in the ever-evolving landscape of music.

Charli XCX, a pop innovator known for her avant-garde approach, discusses her new album 'brat,' which celebrates messiness and authenticity. She reveals how the album's chaotic sound mirrors her personal struggles and the emotional depth within party music. The conversation touches on her endorsement of Kamala Harris, offering a surprising political context to her work. Charli emphasizes a shift towards relatable songwriting, blending vulnerability with hedonism, and defines 'Brat Summer' as a more genuine cultural response than previous trends.

Chappell Roan, a rising star in pop music, shares her journey from 'slumber party pop' to a powerful queer voice with five hits on the Billboard Hot 100. She discusses the emotional complexity behind her songs like 'Good Luck Babe' and 'Red Wine Supernova,' showcasing profound themes of desire. The conversation dives into her collaborations with producer Dan Nigro and the political resonance of her music, reflecting the struggles and joys of queer identity in today's world. It's a vibrant exploration of the sound of 2024!

The podcast explores the rise of country music on the charts, discussing Beyoncé's genre-busting album impacting the country sound. Post Malone's transition to country music and the fusion of country and hip-hop music are also analyzed. Will country replace hip hop for good?

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.

Wendy Carlos, a pioneering figure in 20th-century music, discusses her groundbreaking album 'Switched-On Bach' with Charlie Harding and Nate Sloan. They delve into the history of synthesizers, the evolution of electronic music, and Carlos's relationship with Bob Moog, highlighting her significant contributions to the music industry.