Nate Sloan and Charlie Harding explore pop music intricacies in their podcast, now on Netflix, discussing everything from theory to their favorite gadgets.
New Delhi, India Aug 15, 2026 ALN: As if you needed more reason to love Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe” beyond its pop perfection, it is also, according to lore, the genesis for Switched on Pop, one of the best music podcasts out there. Cohosts Nate Sloan and Charlie Harding obsessively dissect pop songs, from the theory behind their musical choices to their production niques. If you’re a student of pop music, then this is a must-listen podcast.
Sloan is a composer and professor of musicology at USC Thornton School of Music, where he researches pop, but also jazz and even Tin Pan Alley. Harding is a songwriter, music journalist, and a professor as well. Their combined knowledge is near encyclopedic. Whether they’re talking about text painting in Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” or Taryn Southern’s AI experiments, the two reveal the rich tapestry of even the most simple-seeming songs.
Now, after 12 years and nearly 500 episodes, the show recently made the leap to video on Netflix, featuring guests like Aaron Dessner (The National), Trevor Horn (The Buggles, Yes), and Cypress Hill. Sloan and Harding told us about the importance of the metronome, fresh vegetables, and what seems to be a slightly problematic relationship with guitar pedals.
Switched on Pop is a production of New York Magazine’s Vulture and the Vox Media Podcast Network. The podcast has become a staple for music enthusiasts, offering deep dives into the mechanics of popular music while also celebrating its cultural impact. The show’s format allows listeners to engage with music on a more intellectual level, often blending academic insights with accessible commentary.
What is your most indispensable tool?
Charlie Harding: The Martin D-28 is the platonic idea of both what a guitar sounds like and, I’m ashamed to admit how much this matters to me, how a guitar looks. You’ve heard it on “Blackbird,” “Wish You Were Here,” and “Big Yellow Taxi.” I found one from 1970 sitting in an antique shop in Maine. But I’m still waiting for it to produce a timeless classic for me.
Nate Sloan: Sibelius music notation software. Whenever I’m analyzing a song, I don’t truly understand it until I transcribe its melody, harmony, and rhythm. This software allows me to visualize the music, which helps me to identify patterns and structures that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Which is the most underappreciated?
CH: Keyboard shortcuts and the app Rectangle save me hours of my life every year by doing the mundane task of repositioning windows on my computer. And they also make me feel like I’m mission control on some kind of spaceship. Efficiency is key in our line of work, and these tools help streamline my creative process.
NS: The metronome. While it may seem like a simple tool, it’s essential for maintaining timing and rhythm in music. Its importance can’t be overstated, especially in pop music where the beat drives the song.
What is the first app you install on a new phone or computer?
NS: AudioHijack for grabbing audio. This app is invaluable for recording and analyzing sound, particularly useful for someone like me who is constantly dissecting music.
What is one thing you wish you could change about your phone?
CH: This is very nitpicky, but it drives me mad. I extensively use focus modes on iOS to help keep away distractions. But I also need people in my family to be able to reach me, so they get exceptions to the focus modes. However, that means any group messaging chain with just one family member blows up my notifications when I’m presenting to a lecture hall full of songwriting students. This means I’m urgently notified every time my recently retired father catches a fish. I am happy for my dad, but I’d be more happy to find out after 5 pm when I’m off “do not disturb.” If this makes me sound like a curmudgeon, I am.
NS: I wish I could strum it like a guitar. This speaks to the desire many musicians have to find new ways to express their creativity through different instruments.
What sites do you have pinned to your tab bar?
NS: ProQuest Historical Newspapers. This resource allows me to dive into the historical context of music, providing a richer understanding of how pop music has evolved over time.
How many tabs do you have open right now?
CH: 92… but they are nicely organized into groups that only I understand. This reflects the chaotic yet structured nature of our creative processes.
NS: Two. I used to have hundreds open, but it was killing my attention span, so I now make a point of constantly closing them. This change has helped me focus better on the tasks at hand.
Which social media platform do you use the most (if any)?
NS: Instagram, guiltily. It’s a great way to connect with other musicians and stay updated on trends in the music industry, but it can also be a distraction.
What is your happy place online?
CH: Browsing Sweetwater for variations of guitar pedals that I already own. There’s always something new to discover in the world of music nology.
NS: Watching ukulele tutorials on YouTube. This platform has become a treasure trove of learning resources, allowing musicians to expand their skills.
What is your favorite gadget you’ve ever owned?
CH: The Dato DUO synthesizer and Dato DRUM drum machine. They are the easiest way to learn to program a synthesizer, and you can’t make a bad sound. My kids jam on them every night. It’s turned them into Brooklyn DJs, unfortunately. These devices embody the intersection of fun and education in music.
NS: The iPod that I traveled around the world with in 2006. It was a game-changer for how I consumed music and has left a lasting impact on the way we think about music accessibility.
Which was the most disappointing?
CH: I had high hopes for a particular guitar pedal that promised to revolutionize my sound, but it ended up being a letdown. This experience highlights the often unpredictable nature of nology in music.
NS: Similarly, I once bought a music software that was supposed to enhance my compositions but did not live up to its marketing. It’s a reminder that not every product delivers on its promises.
As Switched on Pop continues to evolve, its hosts remain committed to exploring the nuances of pop music. Their enthusiasm for the genre and dedication to educating their audience is evident in every episode. The podcast not only serves as a platform for discussing popular music but also acts as a cultural commentary on the trends and changes within the music industry.
The transition to video on Netflix marks a significant milestone for Sloan and Harding, allowing them to reach a broader audience and engage with fans in new ways. The addition of visual elements can enhance the listening experience, providing a richer context for the music they analyze. This move reflects a larger trend in the podcasting world, where creators are increasingly looking to diversify their content and explore new formats.
Furthermore, the inclusion of high-profile guests like Aaron Dessner and Trevor Horn underscores the podcast's credibility within the music community. These guests bring unique perspectives and experiences that enrich the discussions and provide listeners with insider insights into the music-making process.
In conclusion, Switched on Pop remains an invaluable resource for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of pop music. With its blend of academic rigor and approachable conversation, the podcast continues to inspire and educate listeners, making it a must-listen for both casual fans and serious students of music.
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