Switched on Pop’s Nate Sloan and Charlie Harding love fresh vegetables and guitar pedals

Nate Sloan and Charlie Harding, the musical minds behind the highly regarded podcast Switched on Pop, have recently broadened their platform by transitioning their in-depth pop music analysis to Netflix. The pair, known for their meticulous dissection of pop songs’ compositional and production elements, have spent over a decade unraveling the complexities behind chart-topping hits.

Switched on Pop began as a podcast rooted in Sloan and Harding’s shared passion for uncovering the structural ingenuity behind mainstream music. The podcast gained recognition for its academic yet accessible approach, with Sloan’s background as a composer and musicology professor at USC Thornton School of Music complementing Harding’s expertise as a songwriter, music journalist, and educator. Their combined knowledge spans a vast musical terrain, from jazz and Tin Pan Alley to contemporary pop, allowing them to offer listeners nuanced perspectives rarely found in popular music discussions.

The impetus for their collaborative venture reportedly traces back to Carly Rae Jepsen’s breakout single “Call Me Maybe,” a song whose pop craftsmanship sparked the duo’s initial enthusiasm. Over nearly 500 episodes, they have examined a wide range of subjects, including the use of rhythmic motifs in Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” and the intersection of technology and creativity as demonstrated by artist Taryn Southern’s AI experiments.

Their expansion onto Netflix marks a significant evolution in their work, incorporating visual elements and interviews with notable figures such as Aaron Dessner of The National, legendary producer Trevor Horn, and hip-hop group Cypress Hill. This move allows them to reach a broader audience while maintaining their signature analytical depth.

Aside from their professional work, Sloan and Harding display a deep engagement with the tools of their craft and the technology that supports their analytical process. Sloan frequently employs Sibelius music notation software to transcribe and understand song elements thoroughly, while Harding values efficiency tools like keyboard shortcuts and window management apps to streamline his workflow.

Both showcase a personal affinity for music hardware, with Harding possessing a particular attachment to the Martin D-28 guitar, an iconic instrument with historical significance in folk and rock music. Meanwhile, Sloan reminisces about an iPod that accompanied his travels years ago, reflecting a long-standing connection to music as both a listener and scholar.

Their musical pursuits extend into family life, where Harding’s children engage with accessible synthesizer and drum machine instruments, nurturing a new generation of musicians. This intersection of personal and professional spheres underscores the duo’s genuine commitment to music culture beyond academic study.

Despite their successes, the pair maintain a candid perspective on the challenges of their work and technology usage. Harding expresses frustrations with modern phone notification systems interfering with his teaching, while Sloan emphasizes the importance of stepping away from screens to regain creative focus.

Switched on Pop’s journey from podcast to Netflix series exemplifies the evolving landscape of music criticism and education, blending scholarly insight with popular media formats. Sloan and Harding’s work continues to illuminate the intricate artistry behind pop music’s seemingly simple facade, fostering a deeper appreciation for the genre’s cultural and musical significance.