Popcast
Music
About
The Popcast is hosted by Jon Caramanica, a pop music critic for The New York Times. It covers the latest in popular music criticism, trends and news. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app.
Episodes
- Cannonball: Debating Our ‘30 Greatest Songwriters’ List
In this episode of Popcast's 'Cannonball,' hosts Jon and Joe, along with guests Wesley Morris and Sasha Weiss, debate the New York Times Magazine's '30 Greatest Songwriters' list. They discuss the creation process, address reader comments,…
- The Taylor Swift Interview: Behind the Scenes
Joe and Jon discuss the Taylor Swift interview, delving into her songwriting process using exclusive excerpts. The full interview can be found on NYTimes.com/Taylor-Swift.
- How Anne Hathaway Transformed Into a Pop Star (Featuring FKA twigs)
Anne Hathaway discusses her role as a pop singer in the new A24 film “Mother Mary,” featuring songs by Charli XCX and a cameo by FKA twigs. She also touches on
- Jack Harlow on Pivoting to R&B With ‘Monica,’ Dating in NYC and Finding Himself
Jack Harlow details his musical shift to R&B on his album 'Monica,' discussing themes of race and ego, and the rules he followed during its creation. The interview follows his success with hits like 'Whats Poppin'.
- Is This Druski’s Most Serious Interview Yet?
In a candid interview, comedian Druski reflects on how his Atlanta roots shaped his unique collaborations with figures like Justin Bieber and Drake, and how these connections align with his future endeavors.
- Luke Combs Interview! On Politics in Country Music, Body Image & Following Up ‘Fast Car’
In an interview, country music star Luke Combs discusses his career journey, the influence of politics on country music, and his thoughts on body image. He also touches upon his upcoming sixth album, 'The Way I Am,' and his desire to creat…
- Bad Bunny’s Halftime Show: Our Instant Reactions!
Popcast hosts Jon and Joe provide immediate reactions to Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show, which celebrated Latino heritage and included guests like Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin. They discuss the performance's sonic and political dimensi…
- Grammys Instant Reactions! Bad Bunny Owns the Night
Popcast hosts Joe and Jon provide live reactions to the Grammys, covering Bad Bunny's Album of the Year win, Justin Bieber's performance, and political statements made during the ceremony.
- Who SHOULD Win at the 2026 Grammys: Bad Bunny vs. Bieber vs. Kendrick & More!
This Popcast episode examines the 2026 Grammy nominees, including Bad Bunny, Bieber, and Kendrick Lamar, to discuss the current state of pop music. The hosts share their preferred choices among the major nominees.
- ASAP Rocky Interview! How Rihanna, Three Kids + Two Trials Changed His Life & Music
In an exclusive interview, rapper A$AP Rocky reflects on the past eight years, detailing how his life experiences, including his relationship with Rihanna and becoming a father, have shaped his new album “Don’t Be Dumb.”
- 2hollis + His Drummer Dad, Interviewed Together! On Fame, Family & Quitting the Internet
Popcast features an interview with 22-year-old artist 2hollis and his father John Herndon, discussing their songwriting process, nepotism in the music industry, and mutual learning.
- Our Top 10 Music Moments of 2025
Jon and Joe share their top 10 music moments from 2025, including various artists and trends.
- Romeo Santos & Prince Royce Interview! Why Bachata Is Still Underrated in Latin Music and Beyond
In this Popcast episode, stars Romeo Santos and Prince Royce share their experiences in the Bachata genre. They discuss their success in filling stadiums and their view that Bachata remains underrated despite the rise of Latin music.
- Can a Celebrity Be Conservative? How Pop Culture Is Shifting in Trump’s America
Columnist Ross Douthat joins Popcast to discuss the shift in pop culture and celebrity political leanings in the context of a potential second Trump administration. The conversation touches on figures such as Sydney Sweeney, Taylor Swift,…
- 5 Takeaways From the Grammy Nominations
The Popcast episode discusses five key takeaways from the recent Grammy nominations, highlighting storylines to follow as the February awards show approaches.
- Yung Lean Interview! On Defeating His Demons, Swedish Modesty & Charli XCX's Wedding
Yung Lean, who gained viral fame as a teen rapper, is back with new music and a film. In this interview, he shares insights on overcoming personal challenges and his journey since achieving early success.
- Rosalía Interview! On ‘Lux,’ Singing in 13 Languages, ‘Euphoria’ & Björk
In this Popcast episode, Rosalía discusses her new album 'Lux,' which features singing in 13 languages and explores themes of the feminine divine and romance. She also touches on her connection to Björk.
- Erykah Badu Interview! On D’Angelo, Radical Empathy, Love & Hip-Hop
Erykah Badu, known for her idiosyncratic and spiritual artistry, discusses her reign in music, influences like D'Angelo, and her evolving creative impulses in this Popcast interview.
- Remembering D’Angelo, A Classicist Who Moved Us Forward
Journalists discuss the virtuosity and impact of D’Angelo’s career, reflecting on their interviews with him.
- Why Is Taylor Swift So Polarizing Now? A ‘Showgirl’ Roundtable + Listener Mailbag!
Popcast's Swift experts discuss the polarizing nature of Taylor Swift's new album, addressing its themes and controversies based on listener questions.
- Breaking Down Taylor Swift’s ‘The Life of a Showgirl’
In a rapid-response episode, Jon and Joe from Popcast provide a track-by-track analysis of Taylor Swift's new album, ‘The Life of a Showgirl,’ discussing its highs and lows.
- Hayley Williams Interview! On the State of Paramore, Going Solo & Touring With Taylor Swift
In this interview, Hayley Williams discusses Paramore's journey as an independent band after two decades, how this evolution influenced her third solo release, "Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party," and potential future directions.
- Ed Sheeran Interview! On Overcoming Grief, Fighting for His Songwriting & A Career Full of Hits
In this Popcast episode, Ed Sheeran shares insights on navigating personal and professional difficulties, his journey with grief, and his approach to songwriting. The discussion touches upon his career and precedes the release of his new a…
- What Was the Song of This Summer? Amelia Dimoldenberg, Zohran Mamdani, Questlove & More Share Their Picks
Popcast explores the concept of a 'song of the summer' by featuring personal favorites from cultural figures like Amelia Dimoldenberg, Zohran Mamdani, and Questlove, noting that a universally agreed-upon choice is rare today.
- Earl Sweatshirt Interview! On ‘Live Laugh Love,’ Growing Up in Odd Future & Becoming a Dad
In this Popcast episode, rapper Earl Sweatshirt discusses his new album 'Live Laugh Love,' his upbringing in Odd Future, and his experiences with fame and fatherhood. He details his relationship with Tyler, the Creator and how he carved hi…
- Anticipating Taylor Swift’s ‘The Life of a Showgirl’
The Popcast episode discusses Taylor Swift's upcoming twelfth album, 'The Life of a Showgirl,' which is anticipated to be a return to pop music. The hosts analyze the reasons for this shift and the unconventional announcement method.
- BigXthaPlug Interview! From Solitary Confinement to Nashville’s Favorite Rapper
The Popcast features an interview with rapper BigXthaPlug, detailing his path from a high school football player and criminal past to becoming a favored collaborator in country music. His new album includes features from notable artists.
- MGK Interview! On Bob Dylan, Megan Fox, Rehab & His New Pop Album
In this episode, Machine Gun Kelly details his musical evolution towards pop with his album "Lost Americana," touching on influences like Bob Dylan, his relationship with Megan Fox, and his past struggles with abuse.
- Ethel Cain Interview! On Knowing When to Apologize & When to Stand Firm
Ethel Cain joins Popcast to discuss her return to the spotlight after her debut, an ambient musical phase, and navigating recent controversies.
- Justin Bieber’s Experimental ‘Swag’ Resurgence
The Popcast episode delves into Justin Bieber’s experimental ‘swag’ resurgence, focusing on his most idiosyncratic and musically adventurous release.
- Does Lorde Still Want to Be a Star? Our ‘Virgin’ Feelings
The Popcast episode discusses Lorde's new album and her reflections on the nature of fame and being under constant scrutiny.
- Reacting to the Diddy Verdict
This episode discusses the jury's verdict in the music mogul's sex trafficking trial, examining the reasons behind his acquittal on the most serious charges.
- Clipse Interview! Pusha T & Malice Speak on Kanye, Kendrick, Travis + Music Industry Mess
The hip-hop duo Clipse, composed of brothers Pusha T and Malice, discuss their new album "Let God Sort Em Out," their first release since 2009. They also touch on various industry matters.
- Remembering Sly Stone & Brian Wilson
This episode discusses the intricate lives, careers, and evolving legacies of pop visionaries Sly Stone and Brian Wilson through a wide-ranging conversation.
- Addison Rae Interview! From $20 TikToks to Pop’s Most Promising Prospect
Popcast features an in-depth interview with Addison Rae, exploring her journey from social media fame to becoming a notable rookie in the pop music industry.
- What It's Like at the Diddy Trial
Popcast reporters detail the Diddy trial, which has entered its third week. Those present at the courthouse each day share their experiences of the complex case.
- Jeff Goldblum Interview! A Winding, Musical Journey With the Wizard of Screen and Self
Jeff Goldblum joins Popcast to discuss his unique public persona, his recent surge in pop culture, and his experiences singing with notable artists like Ariana Grande.
- Theo Von, Andrew Schulz, Joe Rogan: A ‘Manosphere’ Just Asking Questions
This episode discusses comedians and podcasters like Theo Von, Andrew Schulz, and Joe Rogan, who have established a new media mainstream for various public figures.
- ‘Sinners,’ the Blues and Fighting for Artistic Control
The Popcast episode "“Sinners,” the Blues and Fighting for Artistic Control" unpacks the Ryan Coogler movie with guests Wesley Morris, Reggie Ugwu, and James Thomas, discussing its relationship with music, genre, and gatekeeping.
- 13 Songs You Didn’t Know Were Big Hits Right Now
Popcast explores 13 songs that are hits on the Billboard Hot 100 but may be surprising or anonymous to listeners.
- Doechii! NewJeans! Ye! Answering Your Listener Mailbag Questions
This episode of Popcast features a listener mailbag segment covering recent pop music topics, including the career trajectory of Doechii and challenges faced by NewJeans, as well as discussions on Ye.
- Bon Iver Interview! How Justin Vernon Got Happy (It Took a Lot of Work)
Justin Vernon of Bon Iver shares insights into the band's experience with unexpected success, the resulting emotional depletion, and their current reinvention with the new album “Sable, Fable.”
- Is Playboi Carti Rap’s Next — or Last — Superstar?
In this episode of Popcast, the hosts discuss the release of Playboi Carti's 30-song third album, "Music," following five years of anticipation.
- Lady Gaga Sells ‘Mayhem’ Hard. But Does It Work?
The Popcast episode examines Lady Gaga's album 'Mayhem' and discusses the effectiveness of her aggressive promotional tactics. It questions whether this strategy represents a significant departure or innovation.
- The Oscars’ Best (and Worst!) Music Moments
The 97th Academy Awards featured a range of music moments, from smooth to bumpy, including performances and inclusions related to "Wicked" and Doja Cat.
- RZA Interview! How He Got Wu-Tang Clan Back Together for a Final Tour
In an exclusive interview, RZA announces Wu-Tang Clan's final tour, discussing the reunion, ODB memories, and past career events.
- Drake’s Careful Comeback + New Music Round-Up (The Weeknd, Central Cee, Oklou & More)
This episode surveys recent major album releases, including Drake and PartyNextDoor's “Some Sexy Songs 4 U,” the Weeknd's “Hurry Up Tomorrow,” Central Cee’s “Can’t Rush Greatness,” and Oklou’s “Choke Enough.”
- Kendrick Lamar’s Drake-centric Super Bowl Halftime Show: Instant Postgame Analysis!
Popcast provides an emergency analysis of Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl halftime performance, focusing on surprise guests and the strategic use of the song "Not Like Us".
- Why We (Still) Think the Grammys Are Good Now
Joe Coscarelli, Caryn Ganz, Jon Pareles and Lindsay Zoladz discuss the 2025 Grammy awards, noting significant wins for artists like Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar, and notable performances.
- Are the Grammys … Good Now? Beyoncé, Chappell, Billie, Kendrick & Taylor Face Off
Popcast previews the major Grammy Awards categories, discussing who might win and who should win.