We rarely cover movies here at Switched On Pop. But after seeing Ryan Coogler's new vampire musical Sinners, we knew we had to make an exception.
The movie is an ode to Black music. Throughout its over two hour runtime, the film pays tribute to the blues: nodding to the musicians, instruments, and melodies that make it a foundational genre in the American musical canon. There's also Irish folk vampires, original music from Ludwig Göransson, and a whole lot of history – perfect for Charlie and Nate to sink their teeth into.
MORE
Subscribe to our newsletter to receive your own bingo card!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
--------
38:53
Eurovision feast: Poison Cake, Milkshake Man, and Espresso Macchiato (featuring Tommy Cash)
It's that time of year again: Eurovision Song Contest is upon us. And with the competition comes a tradition at Switched On Pop, where Charlie and Nate look at the songs (and countries) that have the best odds to take home the title. This year, we have an ode to the sauna, soaring operatics, and a feast of food-themed tunes – including the Estonian entrant Tommy Cash's ode to the "Espresso Macchiato."
This episode of Switched On Pop, we take a sonic trip to Basel, Switzerland – and in the back half of the episode, talk to Tommy Cash himself about his entry and more.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
--------
42:53
Put your headphones on for TikTok's Addison Rae
Despite TikTok defining this decade's music landscape, the app hasn't spawned a bonafide pop superstar – yet. 24-year-old Addison Rae is trying to be the first.
She's already had cosigns from Arca, Charli XCX, and Benny Blanco; critical acclaim from outlets like Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, and Elle; and is cultivating a fervent fanbase with a slew of breathy, ethereal, and inspiration-laden singles. But how does one translate TikTok celebrity into pop success?
On this episode of Switched On Pop, Reanna, Nate, and Charlie put their "Headphones On" to understand how one of the biggest Gen-Z celebrities is trying to parlay her allure into pop princess-dom.
MORE
Subscribe to our newsletter to receive your own bingo card!
SONGS DISCUSSED
Addison Rae – Diet Pepsi
Addison Rae – Aquamarine
Addison Rae – High Fashion
Addison Rae – Headphones On
Addison Rae – Obsessed
Charlie Puth – The Way I Am
Michael Jackson – Smooth Criminal
Addison Rae – I got it bad
Addison Rae – Nothing On (But The Radio)
Addison Rae – it could've been u
Addison Rae – 2 die 4 (feat. Charli XCX)
Charli XCX, Addison Rae, A. G. Cook – Von dutch a. g. remix
Lana Del Rey – Blue Jeans
Lana Del Rey – Cherry
Lana Del Rey – Diet Mountain Dew
Lana Del Rey – Bartender
Lana Del Rey – Cola
Madonna – Nothing Really Matters
Selena Gomez, A$AP Rocky – Good For You
Edie Brickell & New Bohemians – What I Am
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Taylor Swift isn't just a world-conquering pop star at the top of her game, her approach to songwriting has also proven massively influential for an up-and-coming generation of singer-songwriters. Gracie Abrams, Maisie Peters, and Phoebe Bridgers—all of whom opened for Swift during her Eras Tour—each owe a debt to Swift's hyperspecific lyrics, minimal melodies, and bombastic bridges. We break down the key aspects of Swift's songcraft and how we can hear them manifest in the work of her young acolytes, and we speak to another burgeoning artist, the brilliant Jensen McRae, to learn firsthand why Swift's style has been so resonant.
Songs Discussed
Taylor Swift - All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor's Version) (From The Vault)
Gracie Abrams - That’s So True
Maisie Peters - There It Goes
Taylor Swift - Style (Taylor's Version)
Taylor Swift - You're On Your Own, Kid
Phoebe Bridgers - Motion Sickness
Taylor Swift - Our Song
Beyoncé - Sandcastles
Katy Perry - Unconditionally
Taylor Swift - cardigan
Dua Lipa - Levitating
Taylor Swift - You Belong With Me (Taylor’s Version)
Taylor Swift - Dear John (Taylor's Version)
Jensen McRae - Praying For Your Downfall
Jensen McRae - Savannah
Jensen McRae - Immune
Taylor Swift - Would've, Could've, Should've
MORE
Subscribe to our newsletter to receive your own bingo card!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
--------
1:05:29
Music's New Success Model
Specialized platforms and social media have empowered musicians to tap into niche audiences, igniting a quiet revolution in the music industry. Despite the dominance of viral hits, a new wave of artists, labels and businesses are redefining success by building dedicated fanbases with focused, niche strategies. This conversation, live from SXSW, features Charlie leading a conversation with:
LP Giobbi, a producer, jazz-trained pianist, and activist who spends 300 days a year touring between festival stages, club floors, and studios.
Nabil Ayers, president of Beggar's Group, home to multiple indie labels including 4AD, Matador Records, Rough Trade, and XL Recordings.
Dani Deahl, a DJ, producer, and head of communications and creator insights at BandLab, the most popular digital audio workstation worldwide.
MORE
Subscribe to our newsletter to receive your own bingo card!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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.