Top 10 Podcasts on Music Every Fan Should Hear Now

Did you know podcast listeners are now discovering new music through podcasts? It's wild to think that audio shows have become yet another tool in shaping the world of music, but it's true!

If you're still relying solely on algorithms and radio DJs to guide your musical path to a new audience, you're missing out on some of the most intimate, insightful, and downright addictive content available today.

Below, we'll chat about podcasts on music, where passionate hosts, industry insiders, and the artists themselves are pulling back the curtain on everything from songwriting secrets to industry scandals. These aren't your typical surface-level interviews or generic playlists. We're talking about deep dives that transform casual listeners into informed music enthusiasts, creating connections between artists and fans that simply weren't possible before. 

The beauty of music podcasts lies in their ability to enhance our relationship with songs we already love while introducing us to artists we never knew existed. Whether you're a bedroom producer trying to understand the magic behind your favorite tracks or simply someone who gets goosebumps when learning the story behind a song, there's a podcast out there that speaks directly to your musical soul.

Here are the 10 best music podcasts you might want to add to your favorite podcast app:

1. Song Exploder 
2. Switched on Pop
3. All Songs Considered
4. Questlove Supreme
5. The New Music Business with Ari Herstand
6. Rolling Stone Music Now
7. Broken Record
8. Dissect with Cole Cuchna
9. Bandsplain with Yasi Salek
10. Tape Notes

Now that you know the top 10 great podcasts on music, let's dive a little deeper into them.

Why Music Podcasts Are Revolutionizing Audio Entertainment

Music podcasts have fundamentally changed how we consume and understand music. Unlike traditional radio, which often feels rushed and commercial, podcasts on music offer the luxury of time and depth.

Hosts can spend an entire hour dissecting a single song, exploring its cultural impact, or diving into an artist's creative process without the constraints of advertising breaks or time limits. 

What sets these shows apart is their intimate storytelling approach. When you listen to a great music podcast, you're both hearing about the music and experiencing it through the lens of someone who lives and breathes it.

The best podcast hosts possess that rare combination of industry expertise and genuine passion that makes even the most complex musical concepts accessible to everyone. Smart podcast creators understand that repurposing their long-form conversations into articles, social media content, and detailed episode guides helps their insights reach broader audiences across multiple platforms. 

The interactive nature of podcasts also creates something special. Many shows encourage listener participation through social media, creating communities of music lovers who share recommendations, debate artistic choices, and celebrate discoveries together. This community aspect transforms solitary listening into a shared experience that enriches our understanding of music. 

Essential Categories That Define Outstanding Music Content

The world of music podcasts spans an incredible range of formats and focuses, each serving different appetites for musical exploration. Song analysis shows like the legendary Song Exploder have mastered the art of musical deconstruction, taking beloved tracks apart piece by piece to reveal the creative decisions that made them special.

These podcasts excel at transforming casual listeners into active participants who hear music with newfound appreciation and understanding. 

Artist interview podcasts offer another compelling format, providing unprecedented access to the minds behind the music. These shows shine when hosts possess the interviewing skills to draw out compelling stories and the musical knowledge to ask questions that matter.

The best ones feel like intimate conversations between old friends, even when discussing the most famous artists in the world. Forward-thinking podcast creators are finding that detailed timestamps and searchable transcripts help listeners revisit specific moments and quotes that resonated with them. 

Cultural commentary and music history podcasts serve a different but equally important function. They contextualize music within broader social movements, exploring how songs reflect and shape our collective experiences. These shows often tackle complex topics like the intersection of music and politics, the evolution of genres, or the cultural significance of specific eras in music history. 

Genre-specific podcasts cater to devoted fans who want to dive deep into particular musical styles or scenes. Whether you're obsessed with underground hip-hop, fascinated by electronic music production, or passionate about folk traditions, there's likely a podcast that speaks your language with the authority and insider knowledge that only true specialists can provide.

Also see: The History of Podcasting

Groundbreaking Shows That Transform Musical Understanding

Song Exploder stands as perhaps the most influential music podcast ever created, and for good reason. Hosted originally by Hrishikesh Hirway and now by Thao Nguyen, this show has perfected the format of letting artists themselves break down their songs, revealing the creative decisions, happy accidents, and emotional journeys that shaped iconic tracks.

What makes Song Exploder truly special is its democratic approach. Whether featuring indie darlings or global superstars, every episode treats the artistic process with equal reverence and curiosity. 

Switched on Pop brings academic rigor to popular music analysis without sacrificing accessibility or entertainment value. Musicologist Nate Sloan and songwriter Charlie Harding approach pop music as a legitimate art form worthy of serious study, breaking down the musical elements that make songs catchy, memorable, and emotionally resonant.

Their analysis reveals the sophisticated craftsmanship behind seemingly simple pop songs while celebrating the genre's cultural impact and artistic merit. 

Questlove Supreme leverages the host's legendary status and encyclopedic musical knowledge to create conversations that feel both authoritative and genuinely fun. Questlove's passion for music history and his connections throughout the industry result in interviews and discussions that reveal new layers of familiar artists while introducing listeners to hidden gems and forgotten classics. 

All Songs Considered has earned its reputation as essential listening for music discovery. Hosts Bob Boilen and Robin Hilton approach new music with the enthusiasm of lifelong fans and the expertise of seasoned professionals, creating weekly episodes that feel like getting recommendations from your most musically knowledgeable friends.

Their ability to span genres and highlight emerging artists makes this podcast invaluable for staying current with the ever-evolving musical landscape.

Shows That Provide Industry Insights and Professional Perspective

The New Music Business with Ari Herstand serves as an essential resource for anyone trying to navigate today's complex music industry. Herstand's approach combines practical advice with insider knowledge, helping independent artists understand everything from streaming royalties to social media marketing.

What sets this podcast apart is its focus on actionable strategies rather than theoretical discussions, making it invaluable for musicians at any stage of their careers. Many successful music industry podcasters are discovering that turning their episode conversations into comprehensive articles and shareable content helps their advice reach aspiring musicians across different learning preferences.

Then there's Rolling Stone Music Now which brings the authority and journalistic excellence of the legendary magazine to podcast format. Host Brian Hiatt and the Rolling Stone team provide expert coverage of music news, thoughtful analysis of new releases, and exclusive interviews with newsmaking artists.

The podcast maintains the magazine's reputation for serious music journalism while adapting to the intimate, conversational nature of podcast format. 

Broken Record features conversations led by producer Rick Rubin and writer Malcolm Gladwell, creating a unique dynamic that combines industry expertise with intellectual curiosity.

The show's patient, empathetic approach often reveals surprising insights from high-profile guests, while the diverse interviewing styles keep each episode fresh and unpredictable.

Discovery-Focused Shows That Expand Musical Horizons

Dissect takes the concept of musical analysis to its logical extreme, dedicating entire seasons to single albums. Host Cole Cuchna's meticulous approach reveals layers of meaning and artistic intention that even devoted fans might have missed, transforming familiar albums into rich texts worthy of academic study.

The podcast's season-long format allows for unprecedented depth while building anticipation for each new episode. 

Bandsplain tackles the fundamental question of what makes certain artists achieve legendary status. Host Yasi Salek invites experts to explain the cultural significance and artistic genius of iconic acts, creating episodes that function as both entertainment and education.

The show's willingness to dedicate multiple hours to single artists reflects the complexity of musical legacy and cultural impact. 

Tape Notes reunites artists with their producers to discuss specific recording projects, often revealing creative tensions, breakthrough moments, and technical innovations that shaped the final products. The inclusion of unreleased material and session recordings provides listeners with unprecedented access to the creative process while highlighting the collaborative nature of modern music production.

Related: 18 Best Storytelling Podcasts - Get Lost in the Audio Medium

Choosing Your Perfect Musical Companion

Selecting the right music podcasts requires honest self-assessment of your interests, knowledge level, and listening goals.

The best music podcasts feel like conversations with knowledgeable friends who share your passion while challenging your assumptions and expanding your horizons. 

Pay attention to production quality, host expertise, and episode consistency when evaluating potential additions to your podcast rotation.

The most successful music podcasts combine technical proficiency with authentic passion, creating content that informs and entertains while respecting both the music and the audience.

Today's most innovative podcast creators understand that accessibility features like detailed show notes, searchable transcripts, and comprehensive episode summaries help listeners engage more deeply with their content while making it discoverable for new audiences. 

Remember that the best podcast experiences often come from stepping outside your comfort zone. While it's natural to gravitate toward shows covering your favorite genres or artists, the most rewarding discoveries often happen when you listen to podcasts that challenge your preconceptions or introduce you to unfamiliar musical territories.

Your Musical Journey Starts Here

The world of podcasts on music offers unprecedented opportunities to deepen your relationship with the art form that moves us all. Whether you're drawn to technical analysis, artist interviews, industry insights, or cultural commentary, there's a show waiting to transform how you hear and understand music.

These podcasts provide information, sure. But they also create communities, foster appreciation, and reveal the human stories behind the sounds that soundtrack our lives. 

We encourage you to start exploring these recommendations today, beginning with whatever format or focus most appeals to your current interests. Don't feel pressured to listen to everything at once; instead, let your curiosity guide you from show to show, building a personal playlist of podcasts that enriches your musical understanding while entertaining and inspiring you. The conversation about music is happening right now in podcast studios around the world. It's time to join in and discover what you've been missing!

And, if you're favorite show doesn't have transcripts that you can read along with, check out Castmagic. You can create your own transcript of any show. Get started here for free!