Netflix’s upcoming documentary series, Song Exploder, has us crazy excited. Based off the podcast of the same name, host Hrishikesh Hirway sits down with some of the biggest singers and songwriters (Selena Gomez, Bon Iver, Fleetwood Mac, and so many more) to break down how their most famous tracks came to be. Artists share behind-the-scene tidbits, raw voice recordings, and the inspiration behind certain sounds and lyrics. Episodes are perfect bite-size pieces, ranging from 15-30 minutes. The docuseries premieres Oct. 2 on Netflix, but in the meantime, get a little taste with these Song Exploder podcast episodes.
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The 1975
The 1975 has released four albums since they got together in 2002. Matty Healy and George Daniel take apart “The Birthday Party,” off their most recent album, Notes on a Conditional Form.
Listen to The 1975’s Song Exploder episode.
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Vampire Weekend
Vampire Weekend’s Ezra Koenig comes on the pod to go over “Harmony Hall,” the lead single from the band’s fourth album, Father of the Bride. The song went on to be nominated for a Grammy.
Listen to Vampire Weekend’s Song Exploder episode.
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Carly Rae Jepsen
Carly Rae Jepsen sits down with host Hrishikesh for a live and candid conversation at Noise Pop Festival in San Francisco. The singer opens up about her song “When I Needed You,” the last track off her third album, Emotion.
Listen to Carly Rae Jepsen’s Song Exploder episode.
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The Lumineers
Founders of the American folk rock band The Lumineers, Wesley Schultz and Jeremiah Fraites, discuss their hit song “Ophelia.” The duo doesn’t hold back, revealing it was actually the obstacles in their relationship that inspired the song.
Listen to The Lumineers’ Song Exploder episode.
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Michelle Branch
Known for her iconic early 2000s tracks, “Breathe” and “Everywhere,” Michelle Branch is talking about “Best You Ever” off her most recent album, Hopeless Romantic. It had been 14 years since the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter released an album, and she gives a glimpse into the long journey of her return to music (and love).
Listen to Michelle Branch’s Song Exploder episode.