Rachel’s Favorite Music-Related Podcasts: First Edition
I (Rachel) obviously (given the nature of this website) love all-things music and all-things technology.
Maybe that’s a bit hyperbolic.
How about MOST things music (I’ve come to terms with the fact there are just some ear worms and jingles that will be a part of my brain forever) and MOST things technology (I’m still upset about the time my Tamagotchi went on the fritz and I had to learn about the fragility of technology-based pets).
And, when you combine the two, it’s one big swoon-filled nerd-fest over here.
Enter: music-related podcasts. New facts and ideas and episodes that almost seem like mini master classes, all automatically downloaded on my phone each week. Magic.
When I’m on the road all day, driving between schools (fellow traveling music therapists can relate!), there are times when I’ll turn on the radio or play a favorite album, for sure. But, more often than not, I’ll 1) prefer silence in-between my sessions and use that time as a sensory break, or, 2) play the latest podcast episode from my ever-growing “I should listen to that episode someday” list.
I’ve decided to share a few of my favorite episodes as-of-late, as well as my general go-to podcasts, in case you’re like me and in need of some listening material that’s related to music, but not “exactly” music, on your next commute.
- Song Exploder: “Song Exploder is a podcast where musicians take apart their songs, and piece by piece, tell the story of how they were made.” Yep. Instantly in-love. I find it endlessly fascinating to hear how an artist created a song, track by track. The history behind it, why they chose THAT melody, THOSE lyrics, etc. Sometimes, it’s surprisingly formulaic and surgically put together (check out the Weezer episode). Sometimes, it all happens in an instant. And, sometimes, there are fun surprises you never would have known…like the artist who ends up using a toy instrument (the same one that I had as a kid!) to create a unique sound (check out the Sylvan Esso episode). He interviews a variety of artists from a wide-range of genres – including songs featured in TV (Bob’s Burgers) and movies (Black Panther).
- How to Be Amazing with Michael Ian Black: Episode 82 Renee Fleming. This one just popped up on my phone the other day and it made my heart happy to see my my favorite interviewer (the ever-thoughtful and delightful MIB) talking with music therapy advocate and opera all-star, Renee Fleming. It was a thoroughly enjoyable and inspirational exchange with shout-outs to music and science … and peeks into what inspires Renee. Check it out!
- Edge of Fame: Weird Al is a Walking Party episode. This episode was a fun, behind-the-scenes look into a musician who continues to be on the radar (and continues to create some stellar puns). Listening to the Washington Post production made me look at Weird Al in a new light. He’s humble, ambitious, and overall endearing. I always had a hunch that he was a good dude, and this episode provides a solid case for my theory.
Now I want to hear YOUR favorite music-related podcasts and/or episodes! Add a comment below or shoot me an e-mail. I’d love to add your recommendations to my list!
