Calling all music lovers! While there are a number of podcasts out there for those wanting to educate themselves about different artists and albums, there are also some great podcasts showcasing the talented women in the music industry and the inspiring work they’re doing.
From Alan Cross’ Ongoing History of New Music to Jazzie Belle’s Women In Hip-Hop Podcast, these are five must-listen podcasts spotlighting women in music that you need to listen to ASAP.
Ongoing History of New Music
Hosted by Alan Cross
Must-listen episode: Driven By Her: Women Who Rocked The 90’s
Canadian broadcaster Alan Cross takes listeners inside his encyclopedic world of music and culture on his podcast, Ongoing History of New Music. While Cross covers a number of genres and artists that span the many episodes of his show, in the series Driven By Her Presented by Porsche Canada, he spotlights the women who were instrumental in making change over the years in the industry through their music and their glass-ceiling-shattering attitudes.
In the episode “Women Who Rocked the 90’s,” listeners can expect a healthy dose of nostalgia as Cross unpacks icons like Alanis Morissette and Ani DiFranco, whose influence spans years and generations. He analyzes their impact from the ‘90s all the way through to today.
Get ready to have “You Oughta Know” stuck in your head as Cross explains how Morissette made the career-altering pivot from pop to rock.
Related: Why is the history of punk music so white?
Women And Music
Hosted by Alexa Ace
Must-listen episode: Gwen Bunn
The podcast Women And Music explores the different careers in the music industry through interviews with everyone from publicists to up-and-coming artists, so that listeners can learn practical advice through personal stories. Hosted by Alexa Ace, guests give an illuminating look at women and nonbinary people’s successes and journeys through the industry.
In the episode “Gwen Bunn,” guest Gwenn Bunn discusses her experiences as a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and producer – she produced Schoolboy Q’s hit “Collard Greens.” It’s a fascinating look at some of the people behind the biggest hits in music, whose stories might otherwise go untold.
Related: As a feminist WOC, the Shania Twain doc reminded me why I love country music.
Women in Hip-Hop Podcast
Hosted by Jazzie Belle
Must-listen episode: Savannah Hannah
Hip-hop is more than just music, it’s truly a lifestyle. And no one explains this better than Jazzie Belle on the Women in Hip-Hop Podcast. It’s a space to celebrate the “unsung and undervalued” as Belle points out, as she highlights female stories that aren’t always told in a male-dominated genre like hip-hop.
Guests range from early-career artists to celebs such as Saweetie, and no two episodes are quite alike. But overall, the podcast is an inspirational reminder of all the adversity women have overcome in the space. Belle asks the hard-hitting questions that listeners want to know, and her style of interviewing feels personal, engaging and candid, so that it feels like listening to a conversation between friends.
Related: The world’s richest rappers in 2022.
She Will Rock You
Hosted by Bethanne Tarpley and Leah Jones
Must-listen episode: Running Up That Hill (Kate Bush)
If you’ve had Kate Bush’s song “Running Up That Hill” stuck in your head ever since you heard it on Stranger Things’ latest season, the episode that breaks it down beautifully on the podcast She Will Rock You is worth a listen.
Hosts Bethanne Tarpley and Leah Jones prove that rock n’ roll is still, well, rocking as they spotlight iconic bands from the past and new artists you need on your playlist. Listeners can tell the hosts are genuine music fans who were raised on rock, and they always present info in an informative yet fun way. Plus, they constantly spotlight women and minorities, so the podcast is truly an inclusive space for all.
Related: Can sad music help heal your broken heart? Research says yes.
Switched on Pop
Hosted by Nate Sloan and Charlie Harding
Must-listen episode: The ‘Renaissance’ Era
Pop music meshes perfectly with pop culture in Vulture’s Switched on Pop podcast, which explores what’s popping off right now in the world of music. It’s guaranteed that by the end of every episode, you’ll gain some knowledge about music, specifically, about how it’s made. One of the hosts, Nate Sloan, is a musicologist and the other, Charlie Harding, is a songwriter — so listeners gain a full understanding about how their favourite hits are cooked up behind the scenes.
No matter what fandom you’re in, there’s something for everyone – although we can’t help but love a recent episode on Beyonce’s summer album Renaissance. The ep explores all the different influences from disco and house music, to the themes of acceptance and who the album is for. The Beyhive will love all the deep dives into the album’s producers and the sampling, expanding their knowledge on one of the most talked-about albums of 2022.
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