Best Music Podcasts of All Time
· music
The Canon of Music Podcasts: A Guide to the Best Shows Ever Made
Music podcasts have been a staple of online listening for over two decades. They offer listeners an unparalleled wealth of knowledge, insight, and entertainment, from in-depth artist interviews to technical music analysis.
Top-Rated Music Podcasts
All Songs Considered is one of the top-rated music podcasts, boasting an impressive array of musical styles, genres, and themes. With expertly curated playlists, incisive interviews with contemporary artists, and thoughtful commentary on the state of the music industry, this show has been a mainstay of NPR programming for over 20 years.
Pitchfork’s The Over/Under pairs two esteemed music journalists – Sasha Geffen and Craig Jenkins – as they tackle the biggest stories in contemporary music. Their banter and disagreements make for entertaining listening, while their expertise and knowledge are evident on every level. Other notable mentions include The Conversation, Song Exploder, and All Songs 360.
Niche Podcasts for Specific Genres
Music podcasts excel in catering to specific genres or sub-genres. Electronic music fans can rejoice at the existence of Deep Space, a podcast that explores the boundaries between ambient, drone, and experimental electronica. Hosted by expert selector Joe Rabe, each episode offers an immersive sonic journey through the world’s most innovative producers.
Jazz aficionados will adore The Jazz Pod, which delves into the rich history of America’s most influential art form. With guests ranging from veteran saxophonists to cutting-edge pianists, this podcast provides listeners with a fascinating window onto the creative processes behind some of the greatest music ever made. Other hidden gems worth exploring include The Sound of Vinyl and Synthtopia.
Podcasts with In-Depth Music Analysis
At their best, podcasts can offer listeners not just entertainment but genuine education. Shows like The Pro Audio Files and The Mixing Engineer’s Handbook demonstrate an unparalleled level of technical expertise, offering detailed walkthroughs of recording techniques, mixing strategies, and production processes. These shows are a must-listen for anyone looking to improve their own musical skills or gain a deeper understanding of the art of music creation.
The Sound on Sound Podcast and The Recording Revolution Podcast offer equally impressive arrays of technical knowledge and insights from leading industry professionals. Whether you’re a seasoned producer or just starting out, these shows will provide you with the essential tools and expertise to take your craft to the next level.
Exclusive Artist Interviews
As any music fan knows, there’s no substitute for hearing directly from the artists themselves about their creative processes, inspirations, and experiences. This is where podcasts truly shine, offering listeners an unparalleled level of access and insight into the minds behind some of the world’s most influential music.
Take The Adam Buxton Podcast, for example – a hilarious and incisive series that features conversations with everyone from rock legends to indie upstarts. Adam’s wit and curiosity make for endlessly engaging listening, while his thoughtful questions and follow-ups reveal surprising depths in even the most established artists.
Other notable mentions include The Tim Burgess Podcast, which pairs renowned author and musician Tim Burgess with a diverse array of guests; and The Desert Island Discs of…, an innovative podcast that invites artists to choose their favorite albums and share the stories behind them. With these shows, listeners get to experience music as it’s truly meant to be – up close, personal, and full of life.
Podcasts with Rich History and Cultural Significance
Some podcasts are more than just entertainment – they’re also vital cultural artifacts that help us understand our world in all its complexity. Shows like The Music History Podcast and The 80s Time Capsule offer an unparalleled level of historical context, providing listeners with insight into the music movements and trends that have shaped our collective culture.
Take, for example, The 70s Rock Revival, a podcast that explores the pivotal decade when rock music transformed forever. From Led Zeppelin to Pink Floyd, from Fleetwood Mac to The Who, this show takes listeners on an epic journey through some of the most iconic music moments in history.
Similarly, podcasts like The Vinyl Guide and The Record Collector celebrate the enduring power of physical media, highlighting not just individual albums but also broader trends and movements that have shaped our relationship with music. With these shows, listeners get to experience music as a living, breathing part of our cultural heritage – rich in history, emotion, and raw human passion.
Podcasts that Blend Music with Other Interests
Finally, there are those podcasts that defy categorization by blending music with other interests or disciplines. For example, The Pitchfork Presents podcast offers listeners a fascinating fusion of music and visual art, featuring conversations between artists from both worlds on topics ranging from photography to sculpture.
Meanwhile, shows like The Songlines Podcast, The Jazz & Blues Show, and The Poetry Podcast each bring together diverse disciplines under the banner of creativity – whether it’s poetry and music, jazz and literature, or classical music and drama. By exploring these intersections, listeners gain a unique perspective on what makes music truly special: its power to connect us all across boundaries of art, culture, and experience.
Podcasts for Beginners and New Listeners
Last but certainly not least, there are the podcasts designed specifically with new listeners in mind – shows that make learning about music both fun and accessible. For example, The Music Theory Podcast offers an engaging introduction to the fundamentals of music theory, while The Art of Music Making takes listeners on a journey through the creative process from inspiration to final mix.
If you’re new to podcasts or just looking for a gentle entry point into the world of music, these shows offer the perfect combination of entertainment and education – a warm welcome to one of the most rewarding hobbies you’ll ever discover.
Reader Views
- IOImani O. · indie musician
While this guide does an admirable job highlighting some of the most notable music podcasts out there, I'm surprised that more attention isn't paid to the intersection of music and social justice. Podcasts like How Did This Get Made's "Musician in Residence" series and 60-Second Musicologist's focus on historically overlooked genres are crucial in shaping a more inclusive musical landscape. By neglecting this aspect, we risk reinforcing the same dominant narratives that have always defined the industry – rather than actively working towards change.
- TSThe Stage Desk · editorial
While this list of top music podcasts is a good starting point, it's worth noting that many great shows go unmentioned. The absence of Pitchfork's 'Guest List' and KEXP's 'Song of the Day' from this roundup feels particularly glaring, given their dedicated followings and consistently high production values. What's missing here is an exploration of why certain podcasts rise to the top, rather than just listing the most popular ones – after all, popularity doesn't always equate to quality or relevance in the ever-changing music landscape.
- KJKris J. · music critic
While the article does a fine job highlighting some of the best music podcasts out there, I'm surprised that none of the recommendations delve into the world of electronic music beyond Deep Space. In fact, there are several excellent shows that cater to sub-genres like drum and bass, dubstep, or even vintage synthwave. Podcasts like Electronic Explorations and The Bunker NY offer a more nuanced look at the global underground electronic music scene, often featuring producers who fly under the radar for major labels. These hidden gems provide listeners with a sonic adventure that's just as thrilling as some of the more mainstream recommendations listed here.