What are the best podcasts for musicians? Whether you’re looking to improve your songwriting or record on a budget, there’s something on this list worth listening to. And we promise there are more podcasts for musicians besides Song Exploder.
1. The Future of What
Before she was the president of the Music Business Association, host Portia Sabin ran the fabled label Kill Rock Stars—so, she definitely knows a thing or two about the industry. With interviews from experienced guests at the forefront of innovation, The Future of What offers a broad survey of tools and trends in the music business. There’s really something for everyone here. Need to improve your touring strategy? Not sure how to license a song for your podcast? No idea how copyright works? There’s an episode for all of these and more. The show flickered out in 2020, but its extensive back catalog is still filled with great information.
Recommended episode: Does Good Music Prevail?
2. The Entrepreneurial Musician
Andrew Hitz’s podcast is less about music industry facts and information, and all about the mindset of an entrepreneurial musician. After all, you can know everything there is to know about mechanical royalties or publishing deals, but that knowledge is useless if you can’t apply it. The episodes are usually pretty short and will challenge you to confront the parts of your work ethic and mindset that hold you back. It’s like getting a 15 minute pep talk from a motivational speaker (but not as cringey).
Recommended episode: Stop Researching and Start Doing
3. The Portfolio Composer
Did you know that to make a career writing music, being an artist or in a band isn’t your only option? As the name suggests, the podcast is intended for composers. But today the distinctions between composer, producer, arranger, and songwriter are often blurred. Garrett Hope brings on composers working in all sorts of styles and from all corners of the industry, with a great balance between musical craft and business strategy. Check this one out if you have any interest in writing music for other people to play.
Recommended episode: Pamela Z on The Five Jobs of a Successful Artist
4. How to Build a Sustainable Music Career and Collect All Revenue Streams
Wait, isn’t this a book? Yep—and now a podcast! Author Emily White wrote one of the most thorough, helpful, and accessible books on the music industry. Now she’s adapted it into a 22-episode podcast series. The show, which she also hosts, is a step-by-step guide on how to record, market, and monetize your music. Like, literally—White holds your hand and walks you through every part of the music making process in a way that few others do. While younger musicians should absolutely listen to this, even industry veterans will find new ways to streamline their next album cycle.
Recommended episode: How to Record With or Without a Budget w/ Patrick Sansone of Wilco & The Autumn Defense
5. Sodajerker on Songwriting
The podcast’s official description tells you everything you need to know: “Sodajerker On Songwriting is a programme devoted to the art and craft of songwriting.” Hosts Simon Barber and Brian O’Connor interview some of the world’s most successful songwriters, from St. Vincent to Jacob Collier. They go deep, too, really exploring the musical technique of each songwriter interviewed. There’s no PR fluff here—this is a podcast by songwriters, for songwriters. You can check out our interview with Simon Barber here.
Recommended episode: Lindsey Buckingham
These are the best podcasts for musicians we could think of. Follow us on Twitter and let us know which ones we missed!