Turn It Up: 5 music podcasts you need in your life

Music podcasts have come a long way from album reviews and top 10 lists. Today, they dive deep into the stories behind the songs, the minds of musicians, and the soundtrack of our lives. Whether you’re into rare grooves, chart-toppers, artist interviews, or emotional mixtapes, there’s a music podcast out there that hits the right note.

Here are five music podcasts you absolutely need in your life – including one that’s all about the songs that shaped us.

1. Off The Beat & Track with Stu Whiffen

What it is: Honest, heartfelt conversations about the songs that define us.

Why it’s essential:

Hosted by DJ and podcaster Stu Whiffen, Off The Beat & Track is a beautifully simple concept done brilliantly. Each guest – be they musicians, comedians, actors, or creatives – talks through the songs that shaped key moments in their life: first song that had an emotional impact on them, first heartbreak, the song that soundtracked school years.

It’s part music chat, part life story, and it’s all delivered with warmth and sincerity. Stu has a knack for getting his guests to open up, which makes every episode feel personal, honest, and unexpectedly moving.

Start with: The episodes featuring Maxine Peake, The Killers or Fatboy Slim for deep cuts and deeper conversations.

2. Dissect

What it is: Long-form musical analysis like you’ve never heard before.

Why it’s essential:

If you love digging into lyrics, production choices, and artistic intent, Dissect is your holy grail. Each season takes one influential album – from Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly to Beyoncé’s Lemonade – and unpacks it, song by song, layer by layer.

It’s academic without being dull, and passionate without being preachy. Dissect treats music as art worth studying – and makes you hear your favourite albums in a whole new way.

Start with: Season 3’s exploration of Frank Ocean’s Blonde is a masterclass in musical storytelling.

3. Song Exploder

What it is: Artists breaking down one song, piece by piece.

Why it’s essential:

Each episode of Song Exploder sees a musician take apart one of their tracks, explaining the creative process, the inspiration, and the technical decisions behind it. You’ll hear original demos, early versions, and behind-the-scenes stories straight from the source.

It’s produced with elegance and precision, and it’s especially rewarding for anyone who writes, plays, or simply lives for music.

Start with: The Dua Lipa episode on “Love Again” or any of the archival classics like REM’s “Losing My Religion.”

4. Digging Deep with Robert Plant

What it is: A rock legend reflecting on the songs that shaped his career.

Why it’s essential:

Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant may not be who you expect to find in your podcast app – but Digging Deep is an unexpectedly touching and revealing listen.

In each episode, Plant explores one of his own songs (from across his long career, not just Zep), talking through the stories, collaborators, and sonic influences behind the track. It’s part oral history, part musical memoir, and all charisma.

Start with: His reflections on “Big Log” and the unexpected collaborations that followed.

5. Tape Notes

What it is: Artists and producers unpacking how albums are made.

Why it’s essential:

Hosted by John Kennedy, Tape Notes brings musicians and their producers into the studio (literally or virtually) to break down the recording process – from first demo to final mix. It’s technical but always accessible, and it gives rare insight into how albums actually come together.

Guests have included The 1975, London Grammar, Arlo Parks, and Biffy Clyro, offering a mix of genres and personalities – but the constant is honesty, humour, and serious studio nerdery.

Start with: The episode with Wolf Alice for an intimate look at collaboration and chaos in music-making.

Final Track

In a world where music can feel disposable, these podcasts remind us of its power – how it shapes identity, builds community, and captures emotion in a way nothing else can.

Whether you want to nerd out over production, relive life through song, or just hear artists be real, these music podcasts deliver.

So plug in, press play, and let the music (and the stories behind it) move you.