What if there was a way to make you fall in love with your favorite album all over again? Or a cheat sheet that could explain the meanings behind your favorite songs? What about a fun way to learn the history behind your favorite genre? Chances are, there’s a podcast for that.

The plethora of music-related podcasts isn't simply a fluke. Podcast creation has increased significantly in recent years, especially during the early months of the pandemic. Listenership spiked during the same period, though a 2021 survey noted a 40 percent increase in spoken word audio listening over seven years. As a result, major music services including Spotify, Apple and iHeartPodcasts have rushed to capitalize on a booming market — which, as of February 2021, featured more than 1.7 million podcasts and 43 million episodes. 

So whether you want a behind-the-scenes peek at the creation of a popular record, want to learn about the socio-political history of country or simply enjoy hearing your favorite rapper in conversation, there is a music podcast for you. Here are 10 music podcasts to check out during your next walk, commute or search for entertainment.

Dissect

On "Dissect," music composition major turned music podcaster Cole Cuchna spends anywhere from 30 to 170 minutes on deep dives into the meanings behind music.

With over 300,000 followers on TikTok alone, Cuchna and the Dissect crew have found success in breathing new life into classic albums like Kendrick Lamar’s DAMN., Frank Ocean’s Blonde and Lauryn Hill’s The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.

Each season of the Spotify original series focuses on one album, with each episode analyzing a single song. Cuchna spent the past two seasons dissecting Mac Miller’s Circles and Swimming; the newest season — a seven-part analysis on Bo Burnham’s GRAMMY-winning comedy special Inside —  launches on April 26.

Punk In Translation: Latinx Origins

One of the premier benefits of podcasts is how micro-niche some of the content can be. The eight-part Audible original series "Punk In Translation" epitomizes that. 

Produced by Fresh Produce Media, "Punk In Translation" is hosted by Tijuana No! singer Ceci Bastida and produced by journalist Nuria Net. The series expertly explain the unheralded Latinx roots of punk rock, in hopes of combatting the notion that genre is "the exclusive territory of white men with mohawks."

Topics range from riot grrrls to queer Latin punks, with several episodes featuring guests like Los Saicos singer Erwin Flores and Downtown Boys frontwoman Victoria Ruiz. All eight episodes are available for download. 

Questlove Supreme

It’s only right that a podcast on music legends is hosted by six-time GRAMMY winner Questlove. 

Originating from the music courses he taught at NYU, "Questlove Supreme" has been described as a “music junkie’s dream.” The Roots drummer makes the dream a reality by listening to around 200 songs to prepare for episodes. 

With guests ranging from Chris Rock to Bonnie Raitt, Questlove and Team Supreme fill each episode with a healthy blend of entertainment and insight. Though the first two seasons were initially exclusive to Pandora, all episodes are now available on all streaming platforms.

In Defense Of Ska

If you’re a fan of ska music searching for ways to defend the genre you love, music journalist Aaron Carnes has just the podcast — and book, playlist, and newsletter — for you. 

In "Defense Of Ska" the podcast jumps off from Carnes' book of the same name, inviting musicians, DJs, label owners and journalists (including GRAMMY.com Senior Editor Jessica Lipsky) to discuss history, trends and personal stories related to ska and reggae. While the oft-maligned genre has its haters, "In Defense Of Ska" is a treasure trove of insight for the genre's many devoted fans.**

The Big Hit Show

Despite only having 11 episodes under his belt, journalist Alex Pappademas clearly has something special on his hands with "The Big Hit Show." The latest six-episode season of the Spotify exclusive breaks down 14-time GRAMMY winner Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp A Butterfly. 

With exclusive interviews from Lamar, Dave Free, Sounwave and countless other To Pimp A Butterfly contributors, season two of "The Big Hit Show" unlocks layers of an already esteemed album.

Drink Champs

Hosted by former rapper N.O.R.E., also known as Noreaga, and DJ EFN, "Drink Champs" has become a staple of hip-hop culture in recent years. The hours-long show is a refreshing outlet to learn more about some of hip-hop’s finest acts.

A well-balanced guest list of both mainstream and underground legends, honest conversations and alcohol (lots of it) helps "Drink Champs" live up to its self-proclaimed name as "the most professional, unprofessional podcast."

Cocaine & Rhinestones: The History of Country Music

Explaining the history of an entire genre is no small task, but after 33 highly detailed episodes, it’s clear Tyler Mahan Coe is up to the task, writing "most of what I’m talking about on 'Cocaine & Rhinestones' has been written down in books, but nobody’s reading those books." 

As the name suggests, "Cocaine & Rhinestones" dives deep into the history of country music to paint a vivid, interesting picture of a beloved and diverse genre. Throughout, Coe weaves seemingly incongruous threads around class, politics, gender and the music business to show country's myriad, complex influences.

Dad Bod Rap Pod

It’s hard to find a podcast with a more representative name than "Dad Bod Rap Pod." Hosted by three lifelong rap fans Demone Carter, David Ma and Nate LeBlanc, "Dad Bod Rap Pod" discusses underground hip-hop through an experienced lens. 

The trio are joined each episode by an artist most people already know (like Bay Area legend Too $hort and Easy A.D. of the Cold Crush Brothers), as well as artists on the rise. 

Song Exploder

Ever wondered what exactly went into a song being made? If so, "Song Exploder" is just the podcast for you. Hosted by musician/podcaster Hrishikesh Hirway, the bi-weekly podcast provides space for artists to dive into the most intricate of details of their creative process. 

Established in 2014, "Song Exploder" features guests like Brandi Carlile and Halsey, along with recovered recordings from the likes of John Lennon, making each episode of "Song Exploder" feel like an expansion pack for that episode’s song. The podcast is highly edited, making it seem as if Hirway himself is but a fly on the wall in a musician's internal monologue.

All Songs Considered

NPR Music's cornerstone program "All Songs Considered" is one of the best ways to beef up your playlist (and your first stop before other NPR offerings, like "Alt.Latino"). Through a combination of weekly mixes, “New Music Fridays” and songs the hosts view as life-changing, Bob Boilen and Robin Hilton are constantly sifting through music in pursuit of introducing listeners to their next favorite track. 

Per the hosts’ recommendation, check out "All Songs Considered" during a morning commute, a workout or any alone time.

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