The Track Star Podcast

Common is one of the most distinctive voices to emerge from Chicago, with a journey that runs from his early days as a Bulls ball boy when Jordan arrived, to becoming a defining rapper of the ’90s and 2000s, and eventually an award-winning actor. This episode follows that path through a six-song framework that lets him reflect on the moments that shaped his life and career. Along the way, we look at how hearing Illmatic early pushed him forward, how the Soulquarian movement at Electric Lady Studios shaped a crucial chapter of his life, and how performing “The Food” on Chappelle’s Show became a turning point in his artistic evolution. Listen to our extended Common playlist: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music New episodes of The Track Star Podcast every Wednesday! [Video available on Spotify and YouTube] Powered by Rivian. More Track Star content: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@track-star-show TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@trackstarshow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trackstarshow Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trackstarshow/

With David Lemieux, the Grateful Dead’s official archivist and legacy manager, we trace how the band evolved from the psychedelic San Francisco scene of the late ’60s to the studio mastery of American Beauty and the arena triumph of Touch of Grey. Through 10 songs, this episode tells the story of a band that set the standard for what live rock music could be. Along the way, we look at how the Dead’s tape-trading culture, iconography, and intense fandom helped sustain their legacy for decades. Listen to our extended Grateful Dead playlist: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music New episodes of The Track Star Podcast every Wednesday! [Video available on Spotify and YouTube] Powered by Rivian. More Track Star* content: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@track-star-show TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@trackstarshow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trackstarshow Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trackstarshow/

Pop punk was the sound that defined malls, teen movies, and high-school playlists in the 2000s. With Simple Plan, All Time Low, Good Charlotte, and Olivia Rodrigo, we trace how the genre evolved from its punk roots in bands like the Ramones to defining acts like Green Day and Blink-182, all the way to TikTok’s nostalgic revival. Along the way, we explore how skate culture and The Warped Tour built a movement, how pop punk’s emotion and humor set it apart, and why its spirit keeps finding new life in today’s music. Listen to our extended pop punk playlist: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music New episodes of The Track Star Podcast every Wednesday! [Video available on Spotify and YouTube] Powered by Rivian. More Track Star* content: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@track-star-show TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@trackstarshow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trackstarshow Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trackstarshow/

Join Emily Bear, the youngest Grammy winner recognized for scoring Moana 2, and Jerskin Fendrix, an Academy Award nominee for Poor Things, as they delve into the art of film scoring. Discover Emily's journey from Disney Imagineering to crafting unforgettable themes and how directors influence music. Jerskin reveals his unique research-driven process and discusses iconic movie themes. They explore the emotional resonance of scores and the difference between traditional albums and film soundtracks, offering insights into what makes music connect with audiences.

Bruce Springsteen’s Nebraska is the haunting home-recorded album that changed his career and revealed the darkness behind his music. With Jeremy Allen White, Scott Cooper, and author Warren Zanes, we trace how it was made, what it revealed about Springsteen’s mental state, and how it inspired the upcoming film Deliver Me from Nowhere, as Jeremy opens up about transforming himself to play The Boss. Listen to our extended Springsteen playlist: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music New episodes of The Track Star Podcast every Wednesday! [Video available on Spotify and YouTube] Powered by Rivian. More Track Star* content: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@track-star-show TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@trackstarshow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trackstarshow Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trackstarshow/

Join Grammy winners Jon Batiste and Christian McBride, alongside the dynamic New Jazz Underground, for an engaging exploration of jazz's evolution through 10 iconic songs. They delve into the revolutionary sounds of Louis Armstrong, the swing mastery of Duke Ellington, and the groundbreaking bebop era with legends like Charlie Parker. Discover how jazz has transformed from big bands to smaller combos, the significance of bass and drums, and the genre's exciting modern revival. This lively discussion is steeped in rich history, anecdotes, and performances.

The Great American Songbook shaped the foundation of American popular music, from Broadway stages to jazz clubs and Hollywood soundtracks. Guided by Seth MacFarlane, with John C. Reilly and Samara Joy, we trace its legacy through 10 essential recordings, exploring the writers, performers, and timeless melodies that defined the American sound. Listen to our extended American Songbook playlist: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music New episodes of The Track Star Podcast every Wednesday! [Video available on Spotify and YouTube] Powered by Rivian. More Track Star* content: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@track-star-show TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@trackstarshow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trackstarshow Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trackstarshow/

Today hip-hop is the world’s most popular music, but it began as a neighborhood party in the Bronx. Guided by hip-hop historian Debra Harris, with stories from Mark Ronson, Fat Joe, and Pos and Maseo of De La Soul, we trace the genre’s rise through 10 essential songs, from “Rapper’s Delight” to A Tribe Called Quest, unpacking the DJ innovations, early recordings, and party culture that shaped hip-hop’s early years. Listen to our extended old-school hip-hop playlist: ⁠⁠Spotify⁠ ⁠| ⁠⁠Apple Music⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠YouTube Music⁠ New episodes of The Track Star Podcast every Wednesday! [Video available on Spotify and YouTube] Powered by Rivian. More Track Star* content: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@track-star-show Tiklok: https://www.tiktok.com/@trackstarshow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trackstarshow

Music critic Kelefa Sanneh, also the author of *Major Labels*, dives into the rich history of punk rock, discussing its lasting cultural significance. She shares her own journey into punk through a mixtape and highlights pivotal artists like the Sex Pistols and Patti Smith. NYC council-member Justin Brannan offers gripping stories from the hardcore scene, and Kelefa traces connections between punk, emo, and even early hip-hop. They explore how bands like Nirvana and Bad Brains shaped the genre while defining its legacy and influence on contemporary music.

The Track Star Podcast is on its way. The internet’s favorite music show, now in podcast form! Follow here so you don’t miss the first episode, releasing Wednesday, September 24th!