Top Musical Podcasts You Need to Listen To

Posted by James Carter on January 3rd, 2025

In the ever-evolving world of music, podcasts have become an essential way for enthusiasts to discover new tunes, explore deep musical discussions, and hear from industry experts and creators. With so many podcasts available, it can be overwhelming to pick the best ones. If you're a music lover looking for a way to expand your knowledge or just enjoy new sounds, we’ve compiled a list of top musical podcasts that offer diverse perspectives, in-depth interviews, and unique soundscapes. Whether you’re a musician, a music historian, or just someone who enjoys listening to music, there’s something for everyone in the world of music podcasts.

1. Song Exploder

What it’s about: If you’ve ever wondered how your favorite songs were made or how musicians bring their vision to life, Song Exploder is a must-listen. Hosted by Hrishikesh Hirway, this podcast deconstructs popular songs, allowing the artists themselves to break down how they created them. Each episode features a different song, where the musician or band discusses everything from melody choices to lyrics, production techniques, and even the emotional journey behind the music.

Why you should listen: Song Exploder offers deep, behind-the-scenes insights into the creative process, making it perfect for budding musicians or anyone interested in the art of songwriting and music production.

2. All Songs Considered

What it’s about: Produced by NPR, All Songs Considered is one of the most respected music podcasts in the industry. Hosted by Bob Boilen and Robin Hilton, the show is a platform for discovering new music, featuring an eclectic mix of genres and emerging artists. They often invite guest curators and feature conversations with well-known musicians, providing insight into both current trends and timeless classics.

Why you should listen: If you're the type of person who loves discovering fresh sounds, this podcast is for you. It’s a fantastic way to stay ahead of the curve in the ever-changing music world, while also exploring the personal tastes of the hosts and their guests.

3. The Talkhouse Music Podcast

What it’s about: On The Talkhouse Music Podcast, musicians talk to other musicians about the challenges and joys of creating music. This podcast brings together artists from different genres to have intimate conversations about their creative processes, career milestones, and personal stories. Some episodes are lighthearted and others dive into deeper topics such as mental health, touring life, and the business of music.

Why you should listen: If you're a fan of candid and insightful conversations, The Talkhouse gives you a peek into the lives of your favorite musicians. The conversations are both educational and entertaining, providing an honest view of the music industry.

4. Dissect

What it’s about: Dissect is a podcast that takes an academic approach to analyzing popular albums. Hosted by Cole Cuchna, each season focuses on one album, analyzing its lyrics, themes, and production choices in great detail. The podcast provides a thorough breakdown of musical works that are often considered masterpieces.

Why you should listen: For those who enjoy deep dives into music’s cultural impact and artistry, Dissect is a great choice. It’s not just for musicians but also for listeners who want to fully appreciate the layers of meaning in a favorite album. The academic yet approachable style makes it both informative and accessible.

5. The Future of What

What it’s about: The Future of What is an enlightening podcast that dives deep into the music industry’s future. Hosted by Portia Sabin, the show discusses the challenges and opportunities that the music industry faces, including topics like streaming, intellectual property, and the role of social media in promoting music. It features industry experts, musicians, and business owners who share their experiences and perspectives.

Why you should listen: For those interested in the business side of music, The Future of What is indispensable. It provides a nuanced perspective on the ever-changing dynamics of the industry, making it an excellent resource for aspiring professionals or anyone curious about the mechanics of the music world.

6. KEXP Song of the Day

What it’s about: Brought to you by KEXP, one of the most influential independent radio stations in the United States, Song of the Day features new tracks from a wide variety of genres. Each episode includes a single song along with a brief commentary from the KEXP team. These songs are often a mix of emerging artists and well-known bands, providing a diverse selection of music to explore.

Why you should listen: If you’re looking for a daily dose of new music, Song of the Day is the perfect podcast. The diversity in musical genres and the station’s commitment to showcasing independent artists make this a great way to stay on top of new music and talent.

7. Switched on Pop

What it’s about: Hosted by musicologist Nate Sloan and songwriter Charlie Harding, Switched on Pop takes a detailed look at the pop music world. The podcast explores the theory and structure behind pop hits, deconstructing chart-topping songs to understand what makes them so irresistible. From catchy hooks to production techniques, each episode offers an analytical yet fun take on pop music.

Why you should listen: If you’re a fan of pop music and want to better understand why certain songs become massive hits, this podcast is for you. Switched on Pop brings an intellectual approach to pop, making it more enjoyable and insightful.

8. Behind the Music

What it’s about: A reboot of the classic VH1 television series, Behind the Music explores the lives and careers of iconic musicians, diving into their struggles, triumphs, and the stories behind their most famous works. Hosted by various journalists and music experts, this podcast often features interviews with the artists themselves or those who’ve worked closely with them.

Why you should listen: For anyone who enjoys a good celebrity story, Behind the Music is filled with fascinating, personal accounts from legendary artists. The podcast brings a compelling narrative that blends history, biography, and entertainment.

9. The Talk Show with John Gruber

What it’s about: While The Talk Show is more technology-centric, it often features discussions on music and its intersection with tech. Hosted by John Gruber, the podcast frequently welcomes musicians, engineers, and music tech experts to discuss the impact of technology on music production, distribution, and live performance.

Why you should listen: For those who are intrigued by how music is being shaped by technology, The Talk Show provides fascinating discussions on the future of the industry, especially in terms of streaming, digital production tools, and the relationship between musicians and tech companies.

10. Pitchfork Review

What it’s about: As an extension of the iconic music website, Pitchfork Review provides a comprehensive look at the music world through the lens of one of the most respected sources of music criticism. Hosted by the editors of Pitchfork, this podcast covers album reviews, artist interviews, and commentary on the current music scene. It’s an essential listen for anyone who follows music journalism.

Why you should listen: If you’re a music critic or just someone who loves insightful commentary on albums and artists, Pitchfork Review offers one of the best perspectives. It gives listeners a chance to stay informed about both mainstream and indie music trends.

Conclusion

With so many fantastic podcasts about music out there, it’s easier than ever to dive deep into the world of music. Whether you’re interested in the business side, the creative process, or the industry’s history, these podcasts offer something for everyone. So grab your headphones, pick a podcast, and start exploring the rich and diverse world of music through the eyes of artists, critics, and experts. Each podcast listed above brings something unique to the table, making them invaluable resources for any music lover.