In the world of Netflix and Audible, we all know what it feels like to climb out of a serious media binge — whether it be a TV series, a book, Kanye's most recent album, or, yes, a podcast (as Serial listeners can relate.)
Trying to fill that post-binge void is almost equal to recovering from a breakup. Here's a look at your next obsession, the thing that will lift you out of that perpetual podcast slump: music podcasts.
It's a genre that's still finding itself, but it's love at first listen for anyone who holds a special place in their heart for music. The key to the genre is discovery — generating discussions on long-established topics in it's own niche-style, whether that be the origins of punk rock or just the inspiration behind a song.
Here are five music podcasts to help you renew that podcasting spirit:
Kicked off in January 2000, NPR’s All Songs Considered branched off of the popular radio news show, All Things Considered. Fifteen years later, the podcast is still trucking.
The podcast features new music from both up-and-coming artists and long-established icons. They hit any and all genres, playing the new tunes and then discussing it in depth. It's a great way to learn more about your own music tastes and find new artists outside of the top 10 hits of the week.
It’s where you’ll find your next favorite song as hosts Bob Boilen and Robin Hilton hold a long-spanning discussion with longtime fans who suggest new music. Perhaps that’s what makes the podcast so successful — the plethora of voices that go into developing it.
Kanye West ft. Post Malone & Ty Dolla Sign - Fade (DJ 2HOT Intro - Dirty) - 106 by DJ 2HOT on hearthis.at
4. 2HOT Podcast2HOT Podcast isn't what you'd think of when you hear the word podcast is thrown around.
Mot podcasts have hosts and interviews. But this isn't an hour-long discussion about music. Rather, it is music. DJ 2HOT takes recent tracks and pop hits and remixes them to his own beat and own tune. Instead of dropping the music on other platforms, he made it a three- to five-minute iTunes podcast.
By releasing the content as a podcast as opposed to a mix like any other DJ in the R&B world, he distinguished himself both in the rising medium of podcasts and the longtime medium of mashups. The 2HOT podcast currently the number-one music podcast on iTunes, and it's perfect for rap and pop lovers.
Not only does Sound Opinions have a pun-tastic title, you might say it’s a sound choice for your next podcast binge.
Debate is a consistent theme in podcast culture, whether it Rory Gilmore’s choice in boyfriends or more serious issues like the Benghazi conflict. But for music critics Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot, it’s all about music culture.
Discussing things like the artistic merits and perils of music in advertising and the very controversial topic of Coldplay, the podcast hits nearly every genre and every topic of conversation in the music world. And good news for big podcast bingers — there are currently 531 episodes out, so get on it.
2. Turned Out a Punk
The heart of podcast culture is in the passion that comes with it. It’s found in that small community that all love expressing some weird quirk or exploring a random, incredibly specific niche. And what’s more punk rock than that?
Damian Abraham, of Canadian hardcore punk band Fucked Up, explores the impact of the punk rock genre on each of his guests. But instead of placing a focus on just purely tattoo-sleeved, pierced rockers, Abraham steps out of his comfort zone. He hosts of variety of faces, from SNL-famous comedian Fred Armisen and Marvel’s Agent M, Ryan Penagos.
It’s showcasing that variety of people who all found solace in the punk rock world that set Abraham out from his podcasting peers. Each person has their own individual story, but each story has a common thread of exploring the grunge scene, referencing things like CBGB's, the Clash, Nirvana, and first concert experiences.
1. Song Exploder
The concept of Song Exploder is to have musicians pull apart a single song and explain the process and significance of each little layer of a song. Not only does it show the heart that goes into each piece, it adds an extra layer of understanding to each piece of music you fall in love with.
Artists break the songs down differently each time, but they follow a general method. Each show begins at the song's origin, whether it be a vibe, a chord progression, or a simple lyric. Artists talk about how they construct a work around that piece and the influences that got them there. It's intriguing to see the wacky inspirations that go into each piece. Hearing the resemblance in '80s pop music artists like ABBA and punk rockers, the host, Hrishikesh Hirway, emphasizes the common thread that unites musicians — the method to their madness.
With each cast spanning between 10 and 20 minutes, the show is great for people on the go who can’t sit down and listen to a two-hour interview.
