Podcasts come out more frequently than we’d like sometimes, and in 2018, I blogged about some of the more interesting sources (here). Since then, we’ve discovered some new ones that we like and think are worth sharing. Most of the links are to the Podtails tracker website or Podbean, no hunting for the RSS feed. So, here we go …

• Rockenteurs with Gary Kemp and Guy Pratt – Rockenteurs has built a tremendous following, its success comes from the fact they personally know have worked with (or revolve in similar circles) many of the guests. This produces an immediate familiarity and a sense you’re part of a casual group conversation and everyone is relaxed and unhurried. For those less in the know Gary Kemp was part of Spandau Ballet, but since those days has performed as guitarist for higher. Guy Pratt, while not such as house hold name, is a highly respected bassist, session musician and essentially Pink Floyd’s bassist since Roger Water’s departure.
• Alan Cross gives two for the money with the Ongoing History of New Music and Uncharted crime and mayhem in the music industry – Alan Cross is a Canadian music journalist, radio presenter and pod and videocaster. His primary output is the Ongoing History of New Music, which focusses on the Indie / Rock scene. But he has a second fortnightly podcast with a wider perspective. What really works here, is the depth of his knowledge, and the love of his subject (desire to see musicians do well and share the stories behind and around the music).
• Bureau of Lost Culture – I came to Stephen Coates’ podcast as a result of hearing about Bone Music and reading his book, by that title. Stephen’s podcasts tend to gravitate to all aspects of music, but his focus is ‘count culture’. The subjects can look a little academic, but the way the stories are told is very human centered and explorers the impacts his subjects have had.
• BBC provides a vast library of podcasts, some are regular, some are more episodic, but all are worth checking out …
  • This Cultural Life – Best described as a successor to Mastertapes, as the presenter, John Wilson, has moved on to this show. Although the podcast goes beyond music to a broader cultural portfolio of guests/subjects.
  • Eras – A more mainstream look at big-name artists such as Sting, Abba, Kylie with 4-6 episodes per artist in an episodic release.
  • Legend – A bit like Eras, but covers artists like Joni Mitchell and Springsteen.
• Artist own podcasts can be a bit hit a miss, but these have some great episodes …
  • Moby Pod – Moby’s self deprecation, and history has resulted in some fascinating podcasts, both looking at music broadly (and personally) as he is as much an interviewee as interviewer on these podcasts. His name and reputation has meant he has also had some more influential names on the podcast, but these tend to be aligned with his animal rights and vegan passions. But these aren’t presented in a preaching manner, as is Moby’s way he recognizes these are his beliefs and not everyone may agree.
  • Norah Jones is Playing Along – This has been an interesting podcast as Norah talks with a musician and records material with them. After the 1st season (we saw some of those recordings released as an album). There has been a cvouple of years gap between the the first series and the second once started recently (Octob ’25).
  • James Lavelle (Living In My Headphones) aka Unkle – A monthly slot on Soho Radio, this is very much a DJ mix session, but the diversity of music used is fascinating.
• Broken Record – Part of Malcolm Gladwell’s growing Pushkin empire of podcasts. These can be a bit hit and miss, but when they hit – the insightful, interesting and enjoyable to listen to, and among the best there is.

So when you’re not dialed in with your latest vinyl/CD/download I’d recommend checking these out.