Podcasts have become an essential medium for music lovers, offering listeners a deeper connection with the music world beyond just playing songs. Whether you’re an aspiring musician, a long-time fan, or just someone looking to discover new tracks, music podcasts give you a behind-the-scenes look into the industry. From exclusive artist interviews to in-depth album breakdowns, podcasts offer everything from education to entertainment. Here are the top music podcasts to check out in 2024, bringing you the best stories, sounds, and insights.
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Why Music Podcasts Are Popular
Music podcasts offer listeners much more than just the tunes. They provide:
- Behind-the-Scenes Access: Learn about the creation of songs, the struggles of artists, and the collaborative process.
- Discover New Music: Expand your music library by discovering emerging artists and hidden gems across all genres.
- Expert Commentary: Enjoy deep dives into music production, songwriting, and cultural influence, making it ideal for both music fans and aspiring musicians.
- Artist Interviews: Hear directly from musicians, producers, and industry insiders, as they share their stories and creative processes.
Top Music Podcasts to Tune into in 2024
1. Song Exploder
- What It’s About: Hosted by Hrishikesh Hirway, Song Exploder gives artists the chance to break down their songs, revealing the creative process from start to finish. Artists explain how they developed their music, from the first idea to the final track.
- Why It’s Great: For music lovers, Song Exploder is an invaluable insight into the mind of a musician. Artists like U2, Lorde, and The Killers have all shared their stories, making this podcast a must-listen for anyone curious about the creative process behind popular music.
2. All Songs Considered
- What It’s About: NPR’s All Songs Considered, hosted by Bob Boilen, covers new music releases, emerging artists, and music trends. The podcast features thoughtful commentary, discussions, and deep dives into albums and songs.
- Why It’s Great: The show is perfect for listeners who want to stay up-to-date with the latest in music. Boilen’s ear for fresh sounds and his ability to get deep insights from artists make this podcast a valuable resource for discovering new music.
3. Broken Record
- What It’s About: Co-hosted by Rick Rubin, Malcolm Gladwell, and Bruce Headlam, Broken Record features in-depth interviews with legendary musicians. The hosts discuss everything from the artists’ lives to the creative processes behind their music.
- Why It’s Great: The combination of Rick Rubin’s experience and the analytical lens of Gladwell makes Broken Record an outstanding show for anyone interested in the intersection of music and culture. Episodes with artists like Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen reveal intimate, behind-the-scenes moments.
4. The Talkhouse Music Podcast
- What It’s About: In The Talkhouse Music Podcast, musicians chat with other musicians, offering candid, unfiltered conversations about their music, careers, and personal lives. These discussions offer a unique perspective into the world of music-making.
- Why It’s Great: This show feels incredibly personal and real, with raw, unpolished conversations that are usually not available on other platforms. It provides insight into the challenges and triumphs musicians face, making it perfect for anyone who wants to know more about the human side of music.
5. Questlove Supreme
- What It’s About: Hosted by Questlove of The Roots, this podcast features engaging, long-form conversations with some of the most important figures in the music industry, from iconic artists to emerging talents.
- Why It’s Great: Questlove’s charm and passion for music make every episode a treasure trove of interesting stories, cultural insights, and musical wisdom. Whether discussing personal stories or music history, Questlove creates an atmosphere that feels like a personal conversation with the guest.
6. WTF with Marc Maron
- What It’s About: Marc Maron’s WTF podcast isn’t strictly about music, but the comedian often interviews musicians, getting deep into their personal lives and careers. Guests include artists like Jack White, St. Vincent, and more.
- Why It’s Great: Marc Maron’s unique interview style brings out the raw, authentic sides of his guests. These episodes are filled with humor and heart, making them highly entertaining for both music fans and casual listeners alike.
7. Dissect
- What It’s About: Dissect takes a meticulous, episode-by-episode approach to analyzing albums. Hosted by Cole Cuchna, each season focuses on a different album, exploring its musical structure, lyrics, and cultural impact.
- Why It’s Great: If you’ve ever wondered about the intricacies of your favorite album, Dissect is the show for you. Whether it’s Kanye West’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy or Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly, the show offers detailed breakdowns that highlight the depth and artistry behind the music.
8. The Writer’s Room: Music Edition
- What It’s About: In The Writer’s Room: Music Edition, songwriters share their creative process, breaking down how they write and craft their songs. The podcast provides insight into the songwriting journey and the inspiration behind some of the biggest hits in the industry.
- Why It’s Great: For anyone interested in songwriting, this podcast is a goldmine. It’s especially valuable for budding songwriters, offering them an inside look at how the best in the business create their music.
9. The Ringer’s Music Podcast
- What It’s About: The Ringer offers a variety of music podcasts that dive into current trends, music history, and cultural discussions. The hosts cover everything from pop culture to in-depth music critiques and artist profiles.
- Why It’s Great: The diverse content on The Ringer provides something for everyone. Whether you’re into hip-hop, rock, or indie music, the podcast network covers the latest in the music world and offers commentary from a variety of perspectives.
10. The New Yorker: The Music Podcast
- What It’s About: Produced by The New Yorker, this podcast features thoughtful discussions on music, culture, and the artists who are shaping modern music. Expect artist interviews, album reviews, and critical analysis of the state of the music industry.
- Why It’s Great: The New Yorker is known for its high-quality journalism, and this podcast delivers that same standard. It’s perfect for listeners who want deep, intellectual conversations about music, culture, and the way music influences society.
What Makes These Music Podcasts Stand Out?
- Variety of Content: Whether you’re looking for interviews, album analysis, or music discovery, these podcasts offer something for every music lover. They cater to a range of interests, from deep-dive discussions about songwriting to casual conversations with music legends.
- Exclusive Insights: Many podcasts feature exclusive artist interviews, giving listeners a rare behind-the-scenes look at the music industry. This insider perspective sets music podcasts apart from other forms of entertainment.
- Discovery and Education: Music podcasts are excellent tools for discovering new artists, understanding music history, and learning about the production process. Many shows feature curated playlists or highlight lesser-known artists, making it easy to expand your musical horizons.
- Engaging Stories: The personal stories shared by musicians add a deeply human element to these podcasts. Listeners get to hear about the challenges and triumphs that shaped some of their favorite music, making the experience more intimate and engaging.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Music Podcast Experience
- Subscribe for Updates: Stay on top of new episodes by subscribing to your favorite podcasts. Many shows release new content regularly, so subscribing ensures you never miss an episode.
- Interact with Hosts: Many podcast creators engage with their audience via social media or live events. Engage with them to learn more and share your thoughts.
- Explore Playlists: Some podcasts offer curated playlists based on episodes. Check out these playlists to discover new music that aligns with your tastes.
- Share with Friends: If you find a podcast that resonates with you, share it with your friends. Music podcasts often create a sense of community, with fans discussing episodes and sharing their favorite moments.
Conclusion
Music podcasts are an incredible resource for anyone passionate about music. Whether you’re into deep-dive album analysis, candid artist interviews, or discovering new genres, podcasts offer something for everyone. From Song Exploder to All Songs Considered and Broken Record, these shows give you exclusive access to the world of music in ways that other mediums can’t. So, grab your headphones, press play, and enjoy the incredible variety and insight that these music podcasts bring in 2024.
