The renowned music podcast Switched on Pop, hosted by Nate Sloan and Charlie Harding, has transitioned from audio to a video format on Netflix. Celebrating 12 years and almost 500 episodes, the show delves deeply into the world of pop music, offering insights into the craft behind hits with guests such as Aaron Dessner, Trevor Horn, and Cypress Hill.
From Academic to Entertainment Powerhouses
Nate Sloan, a composer and musicology professor at USC Thornton School of Music, and Charlie Harding, a songwriter and music journalist, combine their extensive knowledge in the analysis of music. They have a particular knack for uncovering complexities in songs, such as text painting in Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” and exploring AI’s role in music with Taryn Southern’s projects.
A Peek Inside Their Digital Lives
When it comes to digital tools, Harding values his Martin D-28 guitar for its quality and historical significance, while Sloan relies on Sibelius music notation software to fully grasp musical compositions. Harding also appreciates keyboard shortcuts for their efficiency, and Sloan notes the importance of the metronome.
On their phones, Sloan prioritises installing AudioHijack for sound capture, while Harding struggles with managing family notifications through focus modes on iOS. For web browsing habits, Harding juggles 92 tabs organised into understandable groups, whereas Sloan keeps his digital space minimal with just two open tabs.
Beyond the Audio: Personal Favorites and Peeves
Harding’s daily internet happiness comes from browsing for guitar pedals he already owns, and he treasures his Dato synthesizer as a hands-on tool for his children. Conversely, Sloan finds joy in ukulele tutorials on YouTube, recalling fond memories with his 2006-travel companion, the iPod.
Among the disappointments, Sloan recounts his experience with a minidisc player, and both hosts share their thoughts on current tech trends, wishing for the decline of AI-generated music and wearable tech.
Looking back on their creative journeys, Harding is proud of Switched On Pop, while Sloan cherishes having coined the term “pop drop.” Harding once envisaged an app for legal car sharing, proving to be more creative with tea than transportation.
As for advice and obsessions, the duo remains grounded; Harding believes there can never be too many guitar pedals, and Sloan subscribes to the mantra of a short memory, while entertaining the exciting possibility of LeBron James signing with the 76ers.
Reporting based on coverage first published by theverge.com.