Catching Up with Switched on Pop's Dynamic Duo: Nate Sloan and Charlie Harding

Nate Sloan and Charlie Harding, the masterminds behind the acclaimed podcast Switched on Pop, have recently expanded their exploration of pop music into the visual realm with a new Netflix series. Known for their in-depth analysis of hit songs, the duo has garnered a dedicated following over their 12-year journey, which has included nearly 500 episodes.

The inspiration for their podcast, as they reveal, stems from Carly Rae Jepsen's infectious hit "Call Me Maybe." With Sloan's expertise as a composer and musicology professor at USC Thornton School of Music, alongside Harding's background as a songwriter and music journalist, their discussions dive deep into the intricacies of pop music. They examine everything from the artistry behind Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” to the innovative uses of AI in music by artists like Taryn Southern.

Switched on Pop is produced by New York Magazine’s Vulture and the Vox Media Podcast Network, and in their new Netflix adaptation, they welcome esteemed guests such as Aaron Dessner from The National and Trevor Horn of The Buggles fame. Their conversations often highlight personal anecdotes and the significance of music technology in their lives.

Harding expresses a deep admiration for the Martin D-28 guitar, calling it the epitome of both aesthetic and acoustic beauty. He reminisces about discovering a vintage model from 1970 in an antique shop, humorously noting that he’s still waiting for it to inspire a classic of his own. Meanwhile, Sloan shares his reliance on Sibelius music notation software, emphasizing its importance in his analytical process, while both co-hosts reveal quirky preferences for tech that enhances their creativity.

The pair also touches on modern-day distractions, with Harding lamenting the chaos of family group chats that disrupt his focus during lectures, while Sloan has adopted a minimalist approach to browser tabs to improve his attention span. Their lighthearted banter reveals a blend of passion for music and the challenges of maintaining focus in a digital age.

Source: www.theverge.com