Popcast - podcast cover

Popcast

The New York Timeswww.nytimes.com
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. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Listen to this podcast in New York Times Audio, our new iOS app for news subscribers. Download now at nytimes.com/audioapp

Episodes

Chappell Roan’s Rocket-Ship Year

The pop star’s ascent has tested the boundaries of contemporary pop, and may create a template for a next generation. Guest: Teen Vogue's P. Claire Dodson.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Oct 21, 202448 minEp. 502

It’s Touring Season: Chappell, Sabrina and Mk.gee Hit the Stage

A roundup of some of the biggest and most impactful shows on the road this fall, and how live performances can shift the audience’s perception of an artist. Guest: Joe Coscarelli.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Oct 11, 20241 hr 4 minEp. 501

The Cases Against Sean Combs

A discussion of the accusations the music mogul faces, the court of public opinion and how the entertainment press covers morally complicated figures. Guests: Ben Sisario, Julia Jacobs and Joe Coscarelli. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Oct 07, 20241 hr 3 minEp. 500

John Summit Interview! Accountant Turned EDM Superstar on Texting Exes & Not Getting Into Clubs

The dance music DJ and producer John Summit speaks on the return of EDM and his rise, from working as an accountant and spinning at underground parties to headlining Madison Square Garden and festivals around the world.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Sep 25, 202457 minEp. 499

How Trump and Harris Are Courting Pop Stars (Very Differently)

A discussion about the ways in which musicians and social media stars, both mainstream and more obscure, have figured into the current presidential campaign.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Sep 20, 202441 minEp. 498

Kendrick Lamar at the Super Bowl, Sabrina Carpenter on Top

Plus: A conversation about the career of Rich Homie Quan, who died last week.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Sep 11, 20241 hr 11 minEp. 497

21 Questions With Action Bronson (Deluxe)

The rapper and gourmand answers our rapid-fire questionnaire covering the music of his childhood, how he manages stress, his go-to bodega order and more.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Aug 15, 202431 minEp. 496

Who Is Eminem for in 2024?

A conversation about the Detroit rapper’s long and unlikely career as his 12th studio album reaches No. 1. Guests: Jayson Buford and Rob Markman.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Jul 28, 20241 hr 1 minEp. 495

We Ranked Every Taylor Swift Album! (Deluxe)

Two longtime chroniclers of Swift’s career list their favorites — and least favorites — of the singer’s 11 original studio albums so far.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Jul 17, 20241 hr 47 minEp. 494

Will There Ever Be Another Global Pop Icon? (Deluxe)

In a moment of success for newcomers like Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan, is there still a path to becoming a true cross-platform pop superstar?Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Jun 26, 202439 minEp. 493

Charli XCX’s ‘Brat’ Breakthrough

The pop songwriter’s sixth album is in some ways her most daring release yet. Improbably, it also yielded her best opening week. Guest host: Lindsay Zoladz. Guests: Shaad D'Souza and Meaghan Garvey.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Jun 24, 202455 minEp. 492

What’s an Aging Rapper to Do? Eminem, Drake, J. Cole (& Will Smith!) Adapt (Deluxe)

New songs from Eminem, Drake and J. Cole — plus Will Smith’s post-Slap “Bad Boys” comeback — demonstrate different paths for maturing (or not).Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Jun 12, 20241 hr 14 minEp. 491

Julia Fox Interview! on Charli XCX, ‘It Girl’ Songs & Kanye Lessons

The actress, writer and downtown New York icon discusses her post-Kanye career, what it’s like to see her past go viral and the history of “It Girl” pop songs.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Jun 05, 202454 minEp. 490

How A.I. Has Changed Music, and What’s Coming Next

Artificial intelligence has become the dominant disrupter to music creation and distribution. And it’s only getting started. Guests: Bloomberg's Rachel Metz and Billboard's Kristin Robinson.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

May 30, 202459 minEp. 489

Did Dua Lipa Flop? + Miserable Music Movies (Deluxe)

Discussing the imperfect rollout of “Radical Optimism," plus: the recent music movies “Back to Black,” about Amy Winehouse, and “The Idea of You” with Anne Hathaway.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

May 29, 20241 hr 18 minEp. 488

Billie Eilish Is Done Hiding (Deluxe)

A conversation about the pop singer’s new album, “Hit Me Hard and Soft.” Plus: How Tinashe’s “Nasty” went viral.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

May 22, 20241 hr 4 minEp. 487

Kendrick-Drake Beef Ends + Zendaya, Post Malone & Central Cee (Deluxe)

Catching up on the conclusion of rap’s heavyweight fight, Zendaya in “Challengers,” a new Central Cee freestyle and Post Malone’s country single with Morgan Wallen.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

May 15, 20241 hr 29 minEp. 486

The Legacy of Steve Albini, Rock’s Uncompromising Force

A conversation about one of the most admired, and divisive, figures in rock. Guest host: Ben Sisario. Guests: The Atlantic's Jeremy Gordon, and Joe Gross. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

May 14, 20241 hr 10 minEp. 485

Popcast (Deluxe): How Kendrick Lamar Out-Drake’d Drake

Breaking down the heavyweight rap battle after a weekend of dramatic diss tracks.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

May 08, 20241 hr 22 minEp. 484

Popcast (Deluxe): The Best New Taylor Swift Songs. Plus: Chappell Roan & Sabrina Carpenter

Picking the best edited track list for “The Tortured Poets Department” one week later and charting the recent rise of a pair of pop’s middle-class stars.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

May 01, 20241 hr 22 minEp. 483

Taylor Swift: The ‘Tortured’ Mailbag

Answering your questions about the sound and substance of the pop superstar’s double album, and the way fans and critics have responded to it. Guests: Caryn Ganz and Stereogum's Tom Breihan.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Apr 26, 20241 hr 2 minEp. 482

Popcast (Deluxe): Taylor Swift’s ‘Tortured’ Era

A discussion about the singer’s new album, “The Tortured Poets Department,” Swift’s “imperial era,” the use of her rumored relationships and production choices.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Apr 24, 20241 hr 21 minEp. 481

Vampire Weekend’s New Album Goes Underground and All Over

Digging into “Only God Was Above Us,” an LP that’s both catchy and complex. Guest host: Jon Pareles. Guests: The New Yorker's Amanda Petrusich and Pitchfork's Matthew Strauss.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Apr 17, 202440 minEp. 479

Popcast (Deluxe): It’s Drake vs. Everybody … Who’s Winning?

Breaking down the convoluted recent beef between Drake and Kendrick Lamar (and Future, Metro Boomin, the Weeknd, ASAP Rocky, Rick Ross and more).Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Apr 17, 20241 hr 20 minEp. 480

Beyoncé, ‘Cowboy Carter’ and Filling in History’s Gaps

A conversation about how the pop superstar’s genre experiments explore race and power, and the implicit politics that come with them. Guests: Marcus K. Dowling and Julianne Escobedo Shepherd.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Apr 09, 20241 hr 7 minEp. 478

Popcast (Deluxe): Listening to Beyoncé & Future (and the Discourse)

How conversation about very specific aspects of the new albums “Cowboy Carter” and “We Don’t Trust You” can obscure talk of their musical quality.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Apr 03, 20241 hr 23 minEp. 477

Lil Jon: The Popcast (Deluxe) Interview

An in-depth interview with the Atlanta hip-hop and EDM legend, tracing his path through punk, skateboarding and crunk music on the way to this year’s Super Bowl.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Mar 27, 20241 hr 45 minEp. 476

The Justin Timberlake Conundrum

His sixth solo album, “Everything I Thought It Was,” has been met with critical dismissal and weaker sales. Where can the onetime pop superstar turn next? Guests: Steven J. Horowitz and Joshunda Sanders.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Mar 26, 202459 minEp. 475

Popcast (Deluxe): Is Reality TV in a New Golden Age?

Catching up on recent hit shows like “Love Is Blind,” “The Traitors” and “Survivor,” including how social media has added another layer of reality.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Mar 21, 20241 hr 21 minEp. 474

Popcast (Deluxe): What’s an Industry Plant Anyway? Plus: Ariana Grande

Discussing the quick ascent of the downtempo R&B singer 4batz, the new Ariana Grande album, “eternal sunshine,” music at the Oscars and more.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Mar 14, 20241 hr 7 minEp. 473
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