

Switched on Pop
Vulture
A podcast all about the making and meaning of popular music. Musicologist Nate Sloan & songwriter Charlie Harding pull back the curtain on how pop hits work magic on our ears & our culture. From Vulture and the Vox Media Podcast Network.
Episodes
Mentioned books

10 snips
May 17, 2024 • 44min
Gastropod: Why are restaurants so loud? Plus the science behind the perfect playlist
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.

May 14, 2024 • 39min
Is pop music just fast food? (with Gastropod)
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.

May 10, 2024 • 24min
Rosie Tucker's unending bliss
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.

May 7, 2024 • 33min
Eurovision 2024: from Baby Lasagna to Windows95Man
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.

May 4, 2024 • 42min
Justice is never-ending
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.

Apr 30, 2024 • 54min
Best of 2024 so far: hip hop feuds, Hozier’s pop surprise and espresso shots
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.

8 snips
Apr 23, 2024 • 46min
Taylor Swift's Literary Era
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.

Apr 20, 2024 • 32min
Lost Notes: How Fela Kuti Found Afrobeat in LA
Exploring Fela Kuti's journey in LA, creating Afrobeat inspired by James Brown, Highlife music, and cultural encounters with Black elites. His musical evolution, political awakening, and influence on other artists like James Brown.

Apr 16, 2024 • 45min
Berlin's Hottest Club is Rico Nasty & Boys Noize
Maryland rapper Rico Nasty and German-Iraqi producer Boys Noize discuss their collaboration on a dance-floor ready EP with Berlin techno influences. They explore breaking genre boundaries, their unique friendship, and the fusion of techno and rap. Learn about their creative process, the significance of Berlin techno, and the cultural impact of their music.

Apr 9, 2024 • 39min
Chasing old sounds: Djo's "End of Beginning" with Joe Keery
Actor turned musician Joe Keery discusses his album 'Decide' and the unexpected success of his hit song 'End of Beginning' on TikTok. The podcast explores his transition to music, nostalgia in his work, dealing with fame, and unconventional production techniques.