5 Pop Music Podcasts You Need to Check Out

If you’re a fan of pop music, then you need to check out these 5 great pop music podcasts. From chart-toppers to up-and-comers, these shows have it all.

The Popcast

The hosts

There are a lot of great pop music podcasts out there, but these five are some of the best. Whether you’re looking for informative discussion, funny commentary, or just some great tunes, these shows have got you covered.

1. Popcast: This show is hosted by Jon Caramanica and Peter Hartlaub of the New York Times, and it’s one of the most informative and entertaining pop music podcasts around. Caramanica and Hartlaub are joined by a variety of guests each week, and they discuss everything from the latest chart toppings to deep cuts from classic artists.

2. The Airing of Grievances: This podcast is hosted by two comedy writers, Andy Greenwald and Chris Ryan. Greenwald and Ryan take a lighthearted approach to discussing pop music, and they’re often joined by special guests who offer their own takes on the latest happenings in the world of pop.

3. Song Exploder: In each episode of this podcast, host Hrishikesh Hirway sits down with an artist to discuss the creation of one of their songs. Hirway goes in-depth with his guests, asking them about everything from the inspiration for the song to the specifics of how it was produced. Song Exploder is fascinating for anyone who’s interested in learning more about the creative process behind making music.

4. Switched on Pop: Hosted by musician Nate Sloan and musicologist Charlie Harding, Switched on Pop is all about analyzing pop music through a critical lens. Sloan and Harding explore everything from mainstream hits to lesser-known tracks, and they’re always sure to provide plenty of food for thought along the way.

5. The KEXP Music Podcast: KEXP is a public radio station in Seattle that has built a reputation for championing independent and cutting-edge music. The KEXP Music Podcast features live recordings and in-studio performances from some of today’s most exciting artists, making it essential listening for anyone who wants to stay on top of the latest trends in pop music.

The topics

In each episode, Knox and Jamie chat about a recent pop culture-related news story or event. Then, they dive into a deep analysis of two or more pop songs of the week. This can involve comparing the songs’ composition, cultural context, and place in society.

The format

Podcasts have been around for over a decade now, and they’ve only continued to grow in popularity. In fact, according to Edison Research, over 24% of Americans listen to at least one podcast each week.

And it’s not just true crime fans and commutes that are being taken over by podcasts. According to Infinite Dial 2019, a report on digital media consumption from Edison Research and Triton Digital, 44% of respondents said they’d be interested in listening to a music podcast.

If you’re looking for new music podcasts to add to your rotation, we’ve got five great options for you. From in-depth artist interviews to discussions about the business side of the industry, there’s a little something for everyone.

1. The New Music Podcast: This podcast is all about, you guessed it, new music. Hosted by Nick Mahmood, the podcast features interviews with newly established and up-and-coming artists across all genres. Mahmood has a gift for getting his guests to open up and share personal stories about their songs and careers thus far.

2. Business of Hyphy with Kev Choice: Bay Area native Kev Choice is no stranger to the music industry. He’s worked with some of the biggest names in hip hop and R&B, including E-40, Keyshia Cole, and Too $hort. On his podcast, he gives listeners an inside look at the business side of the music industry through interviews with artists, producers, managers, and more.

3. The Indie Music CO-OP: The Indie Music CO-OP is all about giving independent artists a platform to share their work with the world. Every week, host Janeen Brown chats with an artist or band about their music and career journey thus far. Brown has a knack for booking guests that are on the verge of blowing up, so you can be sure you’re hearing about the next big thing before anyone else does.

4.: Inner Circle Radio: If you’re looking for real talk about the music industry from someone who’s been through it all, look no further than Inner Circle Radio. Hosted by veteran music executive Richie Fresco (who’s worked with everyone from Beyoncé to Bruno Mars), each episode features an intimate conversation with a different guest from the world of music business

Pop Songs Decoder

The hosts

One of the things that makes a good pop song is its ability to make you feel something. Whether it’s nostalgia, elation, sorrow, or any other emotion, a good pop song speaks to you on a personal level. And that’s what the hosts of these five pop music podcasts do. They decode popular songs to figure out what makes them so special, and in the process, they help us understand ourselves just a little bit better.

Podcasts are the perfect format for this type of analysis because they allow for in-depth discussions that can get pretty geeky. But don’t worry, these podcasts are also filled with humor and wit, so you’ll never get bored.

1) Decoder Ring
2) Switched on Pop
3) Pop Culture Happy Hour
4) Song Exploder
5) Hit Parade

The topics

Whether you’re a keen musician yourself or just enjoy a good singalong, pop music is hard to resist. There are few things more satisfying than belting out the lyrics to your favorite song at the top of your lungs. But what makes a good pop song?

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering about the ingredients that make up a hit pop song, you’re not alone. Luckily, there are plenty of podcasts out there that can help you decode the formula for success. From in-depth analysis of specific songs to broader looks at the history and psychology of pop music, these shows will leave you with a greater appreciation for your favorite tunes.

Here are five of the best pop music podcasts around:

1) Song Exploder – If you want to get insight into the creative process behind some of your favorite songs, this is the podcast for you. Each episode features an artist or band talking about how they wrote and recorded a particular track. You’ll hear everything from first demos to final versions, and learn interesting facts along the way.

2) Switched on Pop – This podcast takes a close look at recent hits and tries to figure out what makes them so catchy. If you’ve ever wondered why you can’t get a certain tune out of your head, this show will give you some answers. Switched on Pop also tackles some of the bigger questions surrounding pop music, such as whether it’s art or simply entertainment.

3) PopSongProfiler – Do you ever feel like you can predict which songs are going to be big hits? This podcast uses machine learning to analyze data from Spotify in order to find patterns in popular songs. By understanding what makes a song successful, PopSongProfiler hopes to give musicians and producers an edge in creating chart-toppers.

4) Hit Parade – This podcast from Slate takes a deep dive into the history of popular music, charting the biggest hits from each year going back to 1955. If you want to know how musical tastes have changed over time, or learn more about your favorite oldies, Hit Parade is essential listening.

5) The Allusionist – This isn’t strictly a pop music podcast, but it often includes segments on songs and artists that have made an impact on popular culture. Host Helen Zaltzman looks at all kinds of linguistic phenomena, from words that have entered the lexicon to misheard lyrics (aka mondegreens). If you want to gain a greater understanding of how language and pop music intersect, this show is definitely for you.

The format

A pop song is usually a mix of three main ingredients: verses, hooks, and bridges. The verse is where the artist tells the story, setting the scene and introducing the characters. The hook is the section of the song that’s catchy and memorable, usually consisting of a memorable melody or phrase. The bridge is a section that provides contrast to the rest of the song, often used to build tension before the climax of the track.

The Jaunt

The Jaunt is a pop music podcast that covers the latest in pop music. They also have interviews with some of the biggest names in the industry. If you’re a fan of pop music, this is the podcast for you.

The hosts

The Jaunt is a pop music podcast hosted by writer and music lover Jessica Goodman and DJ Brice Nice. In each episode, the duo explores a different theme related to pop music history, deep cuts, and underrated tracks. They also interview some of today’s biggest names in the industry. This is a must-listen for any fan of pop music.

Goodman and Nice met while working at a radio station in New York City. They bonded over their shared love of pop music and decided to start a podcast about it. The Jaunt has been running for two years and has amassed a loyal following. Goodman and Nice are charming and hilarious hosts who know their stuff when it comes to pop music. If you’re looking for a fun and informative podcast about pop music, look no further than The Jaunt.

The topics

In case you haven’t noticed, podcasts are having a moment. It seems like everyone is talking about their favorite shows, and there’s a podcast for just about every topic imaginable. If you’re a music fan, you’re in luck – there are tons of great music podcasts out there, covering everything from indie rock to pop to hip-hop. Here are five of our favorites.

1. NPR Music Tiny Desk Concerts: If you’re not familiar with NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series, you need to check it out. For the uninitiated, Tiny Desk Concerts are exactly what they sound like – intimate live performances filmed at NPR’s Washington, D.C. desk. The best part? You can watch them all on YouTube. The podcast features some of the best performances from the series, so if you can’t catch them all on YouTube, this is the next best thing.

2. Sound Opinions: This long-running podcast is hosted by Jim DeRogatis (of the Velvet Underground biopic “Lester Bangs”) and Greg Kot (of the Chicago Tribune). Each week, the two discuss a different topic in the world of music, from Artist of the Week to deeper dives into specific genres or album reviews. Sound Opinions is always informative and entertaining, and it’s a great way to learn about new music you might not have otherwise come across.

3. Song Exploder: Song Exploder is one of those podcasts that will interest musicians and non-musicians alike. Each episode features an in-depth look at how a particular song was created, with interviews from the artists themselves about everything from lyrics to composition to production choices. It’s fascinating stuff, and it just might change the way you think about your favorite songs.

4. Dissect: Dissect is a podcast for serious music fans who want to go deep on their favorite albums. Each season focuses on a different album – past guests have included Kendrick Lamar, Kanye West, J Cole and Solange – with each episode breaking down one song from the album in detail. It’s well-produced and written by host Cole Cuchna, who manages to be both knowledgeable and accessible at the same time.

5. Switched on Pop: Switched on Pop is all about understanding why we like the pop songs we do – even (or maybe especially) if we don’t realize it ourselves! Hosted by musician Nate Sloan and writer Charlie Harding, each episode deconstructs one pop song to figure out what makes it work (and why it gets stuck in our heads). It’s educational AND fun – what more could you ask for?

The format

When it comes to pop music, there are a lot of great options out there. But if you’re looking for something a little different, why not check out some podcasts? Here are five pop music podcasts you need to check out.

1. The Jaunt: This podcast is all about finding new music. Each week, the host brings you a new artist or band that you may not have heard of before. If you’re looking for something new to listen to, this is the perfect podcast for you.

2. Under the radar: This podcast is all about supporting independent artists. Each week, the host interviews an independent artist or band and plays their music on the show. If you’re looking to discover some great new talent, this is the perfect podcast for you.

3. New Music Mondays: This podcast is all about keeping up with the latest in pop music. Every Monday, the host brings you a new song or album that has just been released. If you want to be up-to-date on all the latest in pop music, this is the perfect podcast for you.

4. The Popcast: This podcast is all about discussing pop culture and music news. Every week, the host and guests discuss everything from current events to new albums and movies. If you’re looking for a lively discussion about all things pop culture, this is the perfect podcast for you.

5. Pop Isolation: This podcast is all about celebrating pop music from around the world. Every week, the host brings you a new song or album from a different country. If you’re looking for something different and exciting, this is the perfect podcast for you.

Switched on Pop

Switched on Pop is a podcast about the making and meaning of pop music hosted by musicologist Nate Sloan and songwriter Charlie Harding. In each episode, Nate and Charlie deconstruct pop hits to reveal their complex, interesting, and often hidden layers.

The hosts

In each episode, musicologist Nate Sloan and songwriter Charlie Harding dive deep into a popular song to explore what makes it so catchy. Through conversations with producers, engineers, and genre experts, they uncover the unnoticed elements that make a pop song successful. It’s an interesting and detailed look at the craftsmanship that goes into making a pop song, and Sloan and Harding are both engaging and knowledgeable hosts.

The topics

There are a million different ways to enjoy pop music. You can listen to the radio, stream it online, or go to concerts. But one of the best ways to appreciate pop music is by listening to podcasts about it.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or just getting into the genre, these five pop music podcasts are essential listening. They’ll help you understand the songs you love, and introduce you to new artists and tracks you’ll love just as much.

1) Pop Songs Explained: Want to know what your favorite pop songs are really about? This podcast breaks down the stories and meaning behind some of the biggest hits of all time.

2) The Popcast: Hosted by two music critics, this podcast covers everything from chart-topping hits to underrated gems. You’ll also hear interviews with some of your favorite pop stars.

3) Switched on Pop: This podcast takes a closer look at the craftsmanship that goes into making pop hits. Each episode breaks down one song to analyze its Construction, Lyrics, and Music.

4) Hitsville: This podcast from iHeartRadio dives deep into the history of Motown Records. You’ll hear stories about musical legends like Smokey Robinson and Diana Ross, and learn how they created some of the most iconic hits of all time.

5) K-Pop Spirit: Want to learn more about South Korea’s fascinating pop music scene? This podcast explores everything from K-pop girl groups to rap battles, and gives listeners a window into Korean culture and society.

The format

Switched on Pop is a podcast about the making and meaning of popular music. In each episode, host Charlie Harding and co-host Nate Sloan have in-depth conversations with musicians, producers, and music historians about what’s happening in pop music.

The format of the podcast is simple: each episode begins with a pop song, and then Charlie and Nate discuss the song’s production, composition, and meaning. They often invite guests to join the conversation, providing even more insight into how popular music is made and how it reflects our culture.

Whether you’re a casual pop music fan or a hardcore music nerd, Switched on Pop will give you a new appreciation for the songs you love.

Popcast Atlanta

Popcast Atlanta is a pop music podcast that covers the latest in pop music news, interviews with up-and-coming artists, and reviews of the latest albums.

The hosts

The hosts of Popcast Atlanta- Rachel and Jon- are two music lovers who met in college and bonded over their love of all things pop music. After graduation, they decided to start a podcast where they could share their passion for pop music with the world.

They started Popcast Atlanta in 2017, and it quickly became one of the most popular pop music podcasts around. In each episode, Rachel and Jon discuss the latest pop music news, play some of their favorite songs, and interview special guests.

Their down-to-earth personalities and love for all things pop make them the perfect hosts for anyone looking for a fun and informative podcast about pop music.

The topics

Podcasts are a great way to stay up to date on the latest music news, find new music to listen to, and hear in-depth interviews with artists. They’re also a great way to pass the time on your commute or while you’re working out. If you’re looking for some new pop music podcasts to check out, here are five that are definitely worth a listen.

1) Popcast Atlanta – This podcast is hosted by two music journalists who share their take on the latest pop music news and interviews with artists.

2) The Popcast – This podcast is hosted by four friends who discuss all things pop culture, including music. They also occasionally have special guests on the show.

3) Pop songs deconstructed – This podcast is all about analyzing pop songs and understanding what makes them so catchy and popular.

4) The JAMZ show – This podcast features interviews with up-and-coming artists, as well as discussions about the latest news in the world of pop music.

5) Pop Monday – This podcast is devoted to discussing the best new pop songs of the week.

The format

The hour-long show features music news and interviews with artists, producers, and industry professionals. It also includes a heavy rotation of pop music, both current hits and throwbacks.

This podcast is a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest pop music news and trends. If you’re looking for a fun and informative podcast to add to your rotation, look no further than Popcast Atlanta.