There’s more to music than meets the… ear? We’ve rounded up eight podcasts that dive deeper into the billion dollar industry, exploring everything from artists to trends to true crime. And, yes, we know there’s a disconnect there — keep reading.
Popcast: This podcast doesn’t actually cover as much pop as its name might suggest. New York Times pop music critic and the show’s host Jon Caramanica explores industry criticism, trends and news across a multitude of genres, including indie rock and punk.
Broken Record: Rick Rubin, Malcolm Gladwell and Bruce Headlam talk with world renowned musicians — from Linda Perry to David Byrne — about their lives and the music that made them stars.
Song Exploder: A true insider’s look at the making of music…Host Hrishikesh Hirway asks artists — from Janelle Monae to Yo-Yo Ma to The Roots — to dissect their songs and walk listeners through how they were made.
Tiny Desk Concerts: This is exactly what it sounds like — and we love it. Bob Boilen hosts intimate live performances by some of the world’s best known artists for listeners globally. Recent artists include Florence + the Machine, Jorja Smith and Khalid.
Desert Island Discs: Novelists, makeup artists, economists, chefs and more share which eight musical tracks, one book and one luxury they would bring to a deserted island — and why. The show has had four hosts — including its current, Kirsty Young — since it began in 1942.