With Amy Poehler winning the new Golden Globe for Best Podcast, it is safe to assume that podcasts are going to become more popular in 2026. There are many podcasts with a wide range of fun and interesting topics, including music. If music fascinates you, then listening to one of the best music podcasts that studies the craft or simply alerts you to new songs can be a great addition to your daily life.
What Is a Music Podcast?
A music podcast can have a few different setups. Some music podcasts simply feature one host who discusses music, plays songs and dissects their meaning. Another music podcast can feature a host and a musical guest each week, with an interview or a listening session.
Certain podcasts explore the technical side of the music industry, like the process of releasing an album or what it is like to work with a songwriter or producer. Others focus on the emotional side of music, like what inspired an artist to release an album or the message behind a song.
Music podcasts are a great way for music lovers or casual listeners to explore the craft and learn something valuable. They can also help you stay up to date on current hits and trends in the industry. Since apps like Shazam only identify songs you are already listening to, music podcasts can help you discover songs more thoughtfully.
Best Music Podcasts in 2026
You may feel overwhelmed by the number of music podcasts out there. With so many listening platforms, it can be challenging to find which one suits you best. The following are the best music podcasts to help you get started in 2026.
- Song Exploder
Song Exploder is an independent podcast hosted by Hrishikesh Hirway. He is an experienced musician who hosts three other podcasts. This podcast is in an interview format, featuring many special guests including Lorde, Metallica and Billie Eilish. It covers all music genres. The guest on each episode can give you a hint of the genre the host is exploring that week.
The overarching topic of each episode is a deep dive into how artists make songs, including their processes and what inspires them. In 2016, this podcast performed at the Sydney Opera House in Australia due to its popularity. You can listen to it anywhere you get podcasts.
- All Songs Considered
All Songs Considered is an NPR-sponsored podcast with the host, Robin Hilton and the NPR Music family. Robin Hilton is the founder of Small Good Thing Productions, which makes independent films and music.
The podcast sometimes hosts guests, usually as DJs for that episode. It covers all genres, exploring topics such as the best decade for music and the best songs to cry to. You can listen to the podcast on several platforms, but the central place is NPR’s official site.
- Dissect
Dissect is a podcast hosted by Cole Cuchna. The podcast covers one album per season, with each episode focusing on one song off that album until it is complete. In season four, the podcast covered Tyler, The Creator’s album, Flower Boy, and season six dived into Beyonce’s album, Lemonade.
It covers all genres, depending on the chosen album for that season. On the podcast’s website, you can look at visual guides for each episode in case Cole Cuchna makes references to magazine articles or award show moments that are relevant to the album or song. You can listen to Dissect on many different music streaming services, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
- Kreative Kontrol
Vish Khanna hosts Kreative Kontrol and covers different topics in each episode. Sometimes it features a guest, and the episode centers on them and their music. Other times, the episode provides information for music lovers or remembers past musicians.
It covers all genres and has a wide range of guests, including Adam Horovitz from Beastie Boys and stand-up comedian John Mulaney. Vish Khanna named the podcast after a Hot Snakes song. You can listen to Kreative Kontrol on its website.
- Pure Trance Radio Podcast with Solarstone
Solarstone hosts Pure Trance Radio Podcast, a show focused on electronic club or trance music, a genre that is losing popularity. Solarstone is the stage name of Richard Mowatt, a trance DJ who began working in the late 90s. The podcast aims to revive the trance music scene by discussing it at length.
It often features guest DJs specializing in trance music. The podcast also features a touring club event you can attend to help save the genre. You can listen to it on all major platforms, most notably SoundCloud and Apple Podcasts.
- Punk in Translation
Punk in Translation is a podcast hosted by Ceci Bastida, a notable punk rock musician from Mexico. Her podcast features guests like Joan Jett and Alice Bag, focusing on punk music.
The main goal of the podcast is to focus on Latin music’s contributions to punk, since many people are unaware of this connection. It is an Audible original podcast, hosted in both English and Spanish. You can listen to it directly on Audible.
- Daebak Show with Eric Nam
The Daebak Show is a K-pop-focused podcast. The host, Eric Nam, is actually a K-pop musician with many years of experience. The show has guests each episode, discussing their hits, them as people and the K-pop industry itself. Depending on the guest’s primary language, Eric Nam hosts in either English or Korean. You can watch translated episodes via the show’s YouTube channel.
The podcast has had many notable guests over the years, including BangChan and Felix from global sensation Stray Kids, and Jackson Wang, a solo artist and member of hit group GOT7. Because Eric Nam is an artist himself, he is often friends with the guests, leading to a more intimate interview style. You can listen to the show on Spotify or watch the video version on YouTube.
- Paul van Dyk’s VONYC Sessions Podcast
Paul van Dyk hosts the VONYC Sessions Podcast. The podcast sometimes features guests and plays samples from notable artists. The primary genre is electronic music, alerting audiences to fresh artists and changing sounds.
The podcast broadens the reach of electronic music by highlighting global artists who shape its sound. The host himself, Paul van Dyk, is a Grammy-winning producer and professional DJ. You can listen to the show on Apple Podcasts.
- The Questlove Show
The Questlove Show is hosted by Ahmir Thompson, famously known as Questlove. This podcast is an extension of his previous award-winning one, Questlove Supreme. The show features famous musicians such as A$AP Rocky and Kim Gordon of Sonic Youth.
The podcast covers more than just music, highlighting the film, comedy and TV industries as well as famous literature and mental health. Questlove strives to uncover unexpected aspects of the guest’s process and experience, providing a unique perspective on their music. You can listen to it on iHeart Radio’s official site.
Music Connects People
Music is a unifying force that connects people from all over the world. Podcasts provide an in-depth view of different genres, musicians and the many things that inspire your favorite artists. Listening to a music podcast can be an enjoyable pastime for music lovers, whether they like emotional ballads or fun dance music. Consider one of the shows above the next time you have a free hour.
Recent Stories
Follow Us On
Get the latest tech stories and news in seconds!
Sign up for our newsletter below to receive updates about technology trends
