9 of the best music podcasts to listen to right now

The landscape of music podcasts has evolved into a rich tapestry, offering listeners a variety of ways to engage with music beyond traditional reading. This surge in audio storytelling reflects a broader cultural shift, where discussions about music embrace both scholarly analysis and immersive narratives. Among these, nine podcasts stand out for their distinct approaches to exploring music’s many facets.

No Tags, created by former editors of FACT magazine, Chal Ravens and Tom Lea, exemplifies rigorous music journalism in podcast form. Known for its detailed deep dives into specific genres and quarterly round-ups, the series offers expert commentary and nuanced perspectives. Although both founders have since pursued different ventures—Lea in electronic music label management and Ravens in audio production—the podcast remains a beacon for listeners seeking informed, critical conversations about music trends and history.

Popcast, hosted by seasoned American music journalists Jon Caramanica and Joe Coscarelli, excels through its high-profile guest roster and insightful interviews. Covering artists from Yung Lean to Rosalía and Bad Bunny, the show benefits from the hosts’ extensive industry knowledge, enabling in-depth discussions that go beyond surface-level fandom. Their ability to weave personal anecdotes with professional expertise offers a compelling experience for audiences interested in the stories behind contemporary pop phenomena.

For those intrigued by the technical aspects of music, Switched On Pop presents an engaging combination of musicology and songwriting expertise. Co-hosts Nate Sloan, a musicology professor, and Charlie Harding, a songwriter, demystify the complexities of pop music by contextualizing hits within broader musical and historical frameworks. The podcast’s accessibility and educational value have made it a staple since its inception in 2014, appealing to listeners eager to understand the mechanics underlying popular songs.

Song Exploder, distributed by Netflix, adopts a minimalist yet effective concept: dissecting popular songs into their constituent parts through artist interviews. This format reveals the creative processes behind each track, ranging from vocal arrangements to production techniques. The series offers a platform for artists to share unexpected stories, enriching listeners’ appreciation of the music. Notable episodes include a detailed analysis of Mobb Deep’s iconic "Shook Ones Pt. II," providing insight into the track’s enduring legacy.

Blending music with investigative journalism, Winds of Change delves into a provocative historical hypothesis: whether the CIA influenced the creation of a rock song to contribute to the Soviet Union's collapse. This eight-part series, led by journalist Patrick Radden Keefe, combines thriller elements with meticulous research, inviting listeners on an engrossing journey that challenges conventional narratives about music and politics.

Kinda Neat, active between 2013 and 2021, brought an intimate approach by featuring live performances from emerging artists, followed by extensive interviews. Hosted by rapper Intuition, the show became recognized for spotlighting influential moments within the LA rap scene and beyond. Viral sessions, such as Ghostemane’s 2016 performance, and early features of artists like Kali Uchis, highlight the podcast’s role in amplifying underground talent before mainstream recognition.

The RA Exchange by Resident Advisor offers in-depth conversations with prominent figures in dance and electronic music. Distinguished from typical celebrity chat formats, this podcast emphasizes avant-garde perspectives and technical discussions. Episodes like the interview with Bladee around his album "Sulfur Surfer" showcase the podcast’s commitment to exploring the artistic and conceptual complexities within electronic genres.

The Listening Room provides a unique listening experience by sharing curated sound sessions originally hosted at London’s renowned 180 Studios. Though listeners cannot replicate the studio’s acclaimed speaker system at home, the podcast offers a window into exclusive gatherings where sound journeys are crafted and enjoyed by select audiences. An episode focusing on reggae legend Jah Shaka exemplifies the series’ dedication to immersive and thoughtfully curated musical explorations.

Julie’s Top 5 rounds out this selection by bringing passionate debates into the podcast sphere. Hosted by radio veteran Julie Adenuga, the show features guests tasked with ranking their top five choices within specific musical categories. The format sparks lively discussions and occasional disputes, underscoring the subjective and personal nature of music appreciation. Episodes that involve grime artists and close family members of the host add an intimate dimension to the spirited exchanges.

Together, these nine podcasts represent the diverse ways music is discussed, analyzed, and celebrated in audio form today. From academic inquiry and artist retrospectives to investigative storytelling and spirited debates, each series contributes to a broader understanding of music’s cultural impact and ongoing evolution. As podcasting continues to flourish, these programs offer valuable entry points for listeners seeking depth, entertainment, and connection within the music world.