The Track Star Podcast
The internet’s favorite music show, now in podcast form! Each episode explores a theme through 10 songs, taking listeners on a deep dive into a specific artist, genre, or era of music through the perspectives of musicians, historians, journalists and fans. Also available in video on YouTube! Hosted by Jack Coyne.
Episodes
Testing Johnny Knoxville's Music Knowledge
Johnny Knoxville, the acclaimed stuntman, actor, comedian, and producer known best for his role as co-creator and star of Jackass, joins us today to listen to a few songs and share stories of how the show came to be and what it means to him.
Covering a few classic Outlaw Country songs as well as some iconic Jackass songs, Johnny explains the influence of music on him personally, as well as the ro
Jeff Ament Unpacks The Artists that Influenced Pearl Jam
Today on Track Star*, Jack is joined by legendary Pearl Jam bassist Jeff Ament to discuss his life and work, and the wide variety of music that inspired it.
In this episode, Jeff and Jack have a conversation about music, community, and the glue that binds us together as they talk about the moments and memories that made Jeff Ament.
Covering everything from his early childhood in rural Montana
Testing John Leguizamo's Latin Music Knowledge
This week on Track Star* Jack is joined by comedian, actor, and producer, John Leguizamo to cover some iconic Latin artists and discuss how Latin music speaks for and resonates with populations around the world.
Along the way, John and Jack consider how Bad Bunny became the #1 artist in the world, how salsa in the 70s created a space for Latin people in New York, and the cultural significance of
Finneas O’Connell Reacts to These 10 Weird Production Choices
Finneas O’Connell joins The Track Star Podcast to explore some of the most fascinating and unconventional production choices behind iconic songs and compositions.
Armed with five song picks each, Finneas and Jack take turns sharing tracks that span everything from film scores to classic records. Along the way, they break down the creative techniques that make each piece unique, uncovering what it
Testing Glen Hansard’s Music Knowledge
Today on Track Star*, Jack is joined by Glen Hansard, the acclaimed singer-songwriter, musician, and actor known for his work as a founding member of the band the Frames, as well as his prolific solo musical and acting careers.
In this episode, we take a musical journey through his multi-dimensional career, discussing the songs that defined his artistic development from busking on the streets o
A U.S. Senator Stops by Track Star HQ to Talk Music
Today on the Track Star Podcast, Jack is joined by Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy for a conversation about everything from touching grass to the pursuit of happiness, discussing how community engagement and human connection have the power to uplift and heal.
With a carefully curated playlist, Jack walks Senator Murphy through different times and different lives, and facilitates a conversation
Questlove Teaches Us How to Listen to Earth, Wind & Fire
This week on the Track Star Podcast, Jack is joined by six-time Grammy-winning drummer and record producer Questlove. The genre-defining drummer and co-founder and co-frontman of The Roots as well as an acclaimed director and filmmaker, is the director and producer of the new documentary: Earth, Wind & Fire (To Be Celestial vs. That's the Weight of the World).
In this episode, Jack and Questlo
Andrew Watt Teaches Us How to Produce a Hit Song
This week on the Track Star Podcast, we’re joined by Grammy Award-winning producer, songwriter, and musician Andrew Watt, one of the defining hitmakers in modern music. From pop stars to rock legends, Andrew has worked with some of the biggest artists in the world, including Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger, Ozzy Osbourne, Justin Bieber, and Lady Gaga.
In this episode, Jack plays through a list of son
Testing Death Cab for Cutie's Music Knowledge
On this episode of Track Star*, we're joined by Ben Gibbard and Dave Depper of Death Cab for Cutie. Known for their thoughtful songwriting and influence on indie rock, the two bring decades of musical curiosity to a conversation filled with the records and artists that have stayed with them over the years.
Ben, Dave, and Jack dive into the songs that helped shape their tastes, from alt rock, indi
NY Times Critics Unpack Their Controversial Songwriters List
This week on the Track Star Podcast, we’re joined by New York Times music reporters Jon Caramanica and Joe Coscarelli following the publication of the NYT’s “The 30 Greatest Living American Songwriters.”
As the hosts of the popular music podcast “Popcast,” Jon and Joe are no strangers to passionate debate. Their work often explores contemporary music through both a critical and historical lens, h
Testing Eric André's Music Knowledge
Comedian, actor, and musician Eric André joins Jack for a conversation packed with punk legends, underground hip-hop, and some amazing music stories and further proves his musical knowledge runs just as deep as his comedy.
A lifelong musician who started on piano at age five before moving through tuba, cello, and upright bass, Jack and André trace the artists, records, and experiences that shaped
Testing Taj Mahal's Music Knowledge
This week on the Track Star Podcast, we're joined by blues legend Taj Mahal. He spent over six decades expanding what the blues can be, weaving in Caribbean rhythms, folk, soul, and world music along the way. We got to discuss the artists and traditions that shaped both his career and the genre itself.
This playlist spans from Elvis Presley to Harry Belafonte to Miriam Makeba, and Taj Mahal has a
Testing Shania Twain's Music Knowledge
Today, the always iconic Shania Twain is putting her music knowledge to the test. We met Shania on the streets of New York City and had a great conversation about country music, pop icons, the recording process, and her first big hit, "Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under?" Showcasing her broad music knowledge, Shania shared stories about Carole King, Def Leppard, Tanya Tucker, Minnie Riperton, Th
Ziggy Marley Teaches Us How to Listen to Reggae
This week on the Track Star Podcast, Ziggy Marley joins us to talk about his passion for reggae, the musical inspirations that shaped him, and the legacy he carries as part of reggae’s most influential family. Jack guides Ziggy through a conversation about the genre’s legends, and together they explore some of the artists who helped define reggae from its earliest days.
The discussion begins with
Testing Kareem Rahma's Music Knowledge
You may know Kareem Rahma from Subway Takes, Keep The Meter Running, or his band Tiny Gun, but today he joins Jack for a wild conversation full of hilarious tangents and Minnesota singer-songwriters.
In this episode Jack and Kareem rock out to some iconic bands including blink-182, The Replacements, The Strokes, Semisonic, and many more. Other topics include the Minnesota State Fair, avoiding obs
Listening to Miles Davis with His Former Bandmates
On today’s episode of the Track Star podcast, we’re celebrating the centennial of Miles Davis with three musicians who share personal connections to the legendary bandleader.
First, we’re joined by Erin Davis, Miles’ youngest son, who had a firsthand look into his life as a musician, including the year he toured with his father as a percussionist in 1990. Next is Vince Wilburn Jr., Miles’ neph
Testing Foo Fighters' Music Knowledge
On this episode of Track Star* we're joined by rock legends Foo Fighters. Known for their anthemic sound and larger-than-life energy, they bring us through some incredible stories, touching on the songs and artists that shaped them — from punk pioneers to alternative icons that laid the groundwork for their own explosive career.
The band dives deep into the records that defined their taste, spann
LIVE: Track Star Presents The Black Keys
The legendary rock duo The Black Keys blew the roof off our New York studio. These guys have been playing together for over a quarter century, and it shows. The 5-time Grammy winners are back with a new album that nods to their blues roots and reimagines some under-appreciated tracks—and it all started as a casual jam session. You don't want to miss it.
Tracklist:
You Got To Lose
Where There'
Testing Elle Fanning's Music Knowledge
Elle Fanning has spent her life on screen, evolving into one of the most versatile and adventurous leads in cinema today. Known for her wide ranging performances in everything from period dramas to surreal indie films, Elle brings that adventurous curiosity to her taste in music.
On this episode of Track Star, Elle joins us to walk through a playlist as eclectic as her filmography. She dives int
Testing ERNEST's Country Music Knowledge
This week on the Track Star Podcast, we’re joined by country singer-songwriter Ernest. Having collaborated with some of the biggest names in modern country music, including Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll, and Morgan Wallen, Ernest sits down with Jack to discuss the legendary artists who have helped shape both his career and the genre itself.
Ernest walks us through what it takes to produce a hit recor
Testing Dermot Kennedy's Music Knowledge
Today on Track Star*, we are joined by Irish singer-songwriter Dermot Kennedy. Known for his passionate live performances and poetic lyrics, Kennedy often draws inspiration from folk traditions, hip-hop rhythms, and heartfelt narratives.
In this episode, Jack and Dermot talk about Dermot’s music influences citing hip hop legends such as 50 Cent and J. Cole, as well as the introspective songwritin
Testing Flea's Music Knowledge
Today’s episode of Track Star* brought us face to face with one of the most singular musicians of the past 40 years, Flea. Flea met us outside on a cool day in March and was nothing short of excited to talk about some of the legends whose music he covered on his debut solo album, Honora. Sharing his thoughts on Charlie Parker, Art Tatum, Jimmy Webb, Glen Campbell, Eddie Hazel, George Clinton, and
Testing Sam Fender's Music Knowledge
Sam Fender has quickly become one of the defining voices of modern British rock, earning BRIT Awards and critical acclaim for his anthemic lyricism, powerful vocals, and sharp storytelling about working-class life.
This week on Track Star, he showcases the musical influences who helped shape his sound through tracks by Steely Dan, Olivia Dean, Kings of Leon, and Tom Petty. We also dive into some
Testing Fab 5 Freddy's Music Knowledge
This week on the Track Star Podcast, we’re joined by hip-hop ambassador, Fab 5 Freddy. Freddy reflects on the relationships and experiences that shaped his creative journey—starting with his early love of graffiti and expanding into music, dance, film, and beyond.
He shares stories about the artists who left a lasting mark on him, including Blondie, N.W.A., Nas, Talking Heads and Q-Tip, while als
Testing Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks' Music Knowledge
On today’s episode we have two legends facing off in a battle to name some classic rock icons. Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks of the eponymously named Tedeschi Trucks Band were naming each artist in a matter of seconds, a true testament to their encyclopedia like knowledge of music. Sharing stories about Jimmy Hendrix, Bonnie Raitt, Carlos Santana, The Allman Brother's Band, John Coltrane, and ev
Testing Sofia Coppola and Marc Jacobs' Music Knowledge
On this episode of Track Star* we have a competitive battle between fashion designer, Marc Jacobs and filmmaker, Sofia Coppola. The duo met up with Jack on a sunny spring day in New York to talk about their film "Marc by Sofia." During their conversation, Jack got to know more about their friendship and creative collaboration, and he put their music knowledge to the test. Naming hits from Pharrell
Testing LeBron James' Music Knowledge
LeBron James is one of the defining figures in modern sport, with a career that has shaped not just basketball but music, fashion, business, and popular culture more broadly. Across more than twenty years at the top, he’s become as recognizable for his longevity and influence off the court as for everything he’s achieved on it.
On this episode of Track Star, LeBron talks through the songs that sh
8 Artists That Are Better Than The Beatles
On this week’s episode of The Track Star Podcast we have rock writer, NPR critic, and journalism professor Tim Riley who will help answer the deceptively complex question: is there any artist truly better than the Beatles?
We’ll discuss the musicians that inspired the Beatles themselves, and who left a historical and cultural mark similar to the legendary four. From the Rolling Stones to Miles D
Testing Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s Music Knowledge
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer joins The Track Star Podcast for a conversation that moves from Motown to modern Detroit, using music as a way into the state she represents.
Through artists like Madonna, Aretha Franklin, and Eminem, Whitmer reflects on growing up in Michigan, the state’s deep musical lineage, and how Detroit became a global center for sound, from the Motown assembly line to ro
10 Songs that Explain Elvis Presley’s Genius ft. Baz Luhrmann
Filmmaker Baz Luhrmann joins The Track Star Podcast to talk about Elvis Presley and what made his music and live performances so powerful. Using songs from the new concert film Elvis: The King in Concert, Baz and Jack explore what made Elvis a singular entertainer, from the raw power of “Polk Salad Annie” to the emotional weight of songs like “In the Ghetto.”
The conversation traces Elvis’s upb
10 Songs That Explain Paul McCartney After The Beatles
Academy Award–winning filmmaker Morgan Neville joins The Track Star Podcast for a deep dive into Paul McCartney’s most misunderstood era: the decade after the Beatles’ breakup.
Centered around McCartney, Ram, and the rise of Wings, the conversation traces how Paul rebuilt his identity after the collapse of the biggest band in history, examining the backlash he faced in the early ’70s, Linda’s rol
Is Gen-X The Greatest Music Generation?
Two of the best-performing Track Star contestants of all time return to settle a big question: Is Gen X the greatest music generation ever? Writer, comedian, and self-described “man about town” Robert George and New York City SoulCycle instructor Sue Molnar join Jack for a wide-ranging conversation about growing up with radio, MTV, and a musical landscape that fractured into punk, new wave, hip-ho
Testing This Legendary Choreographer’s Music Knowledge
Justin Peck joins The Track Star Podcast to talk about how music turns into movement. From the stage at Lincoln Center, the New York City Ballet choreographer in residence explains why a ballet begins with a score, how melody guides the body, and how choreography is shaped by collaboration with real dancers.
Through a playlist curated by Jack, Peck reflects on the classical canon, including Tchai
Testing Gov. Josh Shapiro's Music Knowledge
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro joins The Track Star Podcast for a conversation that uses music to get somewhere politics usually can’t.
Through a playlist curated by Jack, Shapiro reflects on how music has followed him from growing up in suburban Philadelphia to knocking 18,000 doors on his first campaign, and into the moments that have defined his time as governor. He talks about the changin
Testing Lucinda Williams’ Music Knowledge
Lucinda Williams joins The Track Star Podcast for a conversation about the music that shaped her, from Highway 61 and Delta blues to Muscle Shoals soul and Brill Building pop.
Through voices like Bob Dylan, Howlin’ Wolf, and Aretha Franklin, Lucinda reflects on discovering songwriting as a teenager, the artists that taught her what honesty sounds like, and how instinct and feeling have guided her
A History of MTV in 10 Songs | The Track Star Podcast
Tom Freston, one of the founding executives behind MTV, joins The Track Star Podcast to talk through how the channel was built and what it became. Through a chronological run of songs and moments, he traces MTV’s evolution from a small startup into a platform that transformed how music was presented and discovered.
Along the way, he explains why Live Aid marked a turning point for the network, ho
CBGB Part 2: The Rise of New York Hardcore | The Track Star Podcast
The Track Star Podcast continues our CBGB series with hardcore historian Steven Blush, tracing how the club transformed in the early 1980s from punk’s downtown art scene into the chaotic, all-ages world of New York hardcore. Blush breaks down the rise of the matinees, the birth of slam dancing and stage-diving, and the anti-fashion ethos that defined the scene, while connecting CBGB’s hardcore exp
A History of CBGB in 10 Songs | The Track Star Podcast
Iconic photographer Roberta Bayley breaks down how the CBGB scene formed in the mid-1970s, before anyone agreed on the word “punk,” and the room was still mostly bands, friends, and a $2 cover.
Through songs by the Ramones, Television, Patti Smith, Blondie, and more, Bayley walks through the early CBGB ecosystem: what the club felt like night to night, how Punk magazine helped give the scene a na
Testing Ethan Hawke's Music Knowledge | The Track Star Podcast
Actor and director Ethan Hawke joins The Track Star Podcast for a conversation centered on Americana, outlaw country, and songwriting.
Through songs by Bob Dylan, Merle Haggard, Blaze Foley, and others, Hawke connects music to places he’s lived, films he’s made, and relationships from different stages of his life.
Listen to our extended playlist for this episode: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube
Testing Maya Rudolph's Music Knowledge | The Track Star Podcast
Maya Rudolph joins The Track Star Podcast to talk through the music that shaped her, from classic pop and soul to rock, funk, and film soundtracks.
Through songs tied to childhood memories, Boogie Nights, and her years at Saturday Night Live, Maya reflects on discovering artists through family, the emotional pull of live performance, and how music marks moments across a life.
Listen to this epis
Testing Billy Corgan's Music Knowledge | The Track Star Podcast
Billy Corgan joins The Track Star Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about the music that shaped him, from classic rock and post-punk to jazz and country.
Across artists like David Bowie, Joy Division, and Howlin’ Wolf, Corgan reflects on influence, longevity, and the tension between art and commerce. He also talks about wrestling, rock mythology, the role of fandom, and why certain bands en
Testing Lily Allen's Music Knowledge | The Track Star Podcast
Lily Allen joins The Track Star Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about the music that shaped her and the instincts that guide her songwriting.
Across British punk, ska, and pop, Lily reflects on the Blur vs. Oasis divide, the influence of The Clash and The Specials, working with Mark Ronson, and her admiration for writers like Randy Newman. She also talks about making her new album, how qu
Ranking The 10 GREATEST Christmas Songs of All Time
This week on The Track Star Podcast, Jack takes on a familiar holiday challenge: ranking the greatest Christmas songs of all time. He is joined by his wife, Ali, a self-described Christmas obsessive, to build and debate a definitive top-10 list.
Through songs by Nat King Cole, The Ronettes, the Eagles, and more, the episode explores why certain Christmas records return every December, how heartbr
Testing Ken Burns’ Music Knowledge
Filmmaker and historian Ken Burns joins The Track Star Podcast for a conversation about music, storytelling, and the American experience. Burns reflects on his landmark series Jazz and Country Music, and explains how the two traditions evolved side by side, shaped by shared histories and ongoing musical exchange. He also discusses his approach to filmmaking, why he resists “careerism,” and how mus
A History of Chess Records in 10 Songs ft. Steve Jordan, John Fogerty, David Remnick & Maya Rudolph
This week on The Track Star Podcast, Jack explores the legacy of Chess Records with drummer, producer, and musical historian Steve Jordan. Steve breaks down the innovations of Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Willie Dixon, Etta James and more, explaining how Chicago reshaped the blues, how amplification transformed the guitar, why the Bo Diddley beat terrified the establishment
A History of Pop Songwriting in 10 Songs ft. Amy Allen and Charlie Puth
This week we explore the craft of songwriting with Grammy-winning writer Amy Allen and global hitmaker Charlie Puth. Through songs from ABBA, The Beatles, Sheryl Crow, Dolly Parton, Britney Spears, and more, Amy breaks down how great melodies work while Charlie opens up about the accidents and instincts behind some of his biggest hits.
Listen to our extended songwriting playlist: Spotify | Apple
Testing Cameron Crowe’s Music Knowledge | The Track Star Podcast
Cameron Crowe joins us for a wide-ranging conversation about his life as a rock journalist and filmmaker. From getting his first Rolling Stone cover at 16 to going on the road with Led Zeppelin, the Allman Brothers, and the Eagles, Crowe reflects on the artists who shaped his worldview and the relationships that inspired Almost Famous and helped shape his filmmaking career.
He also shares a rare
Common Breaks Down the 6 Songs That Shaped His Career
Common is one of the most distinctive voices to emerge from Chicago, with a journey that runs from his early days as a Bulls ball boy when Jordan arrived, to becoming a defining rapper of the ’90s and 2000s, and eventually an award-winning actor. This episode follows that path through a six-song framework that lets him reflect on the moments that shaped his life and career.
Along the way, we look
The Grateful Dead Explained — 10 Songs That Trace the Dead’s Legacy
With David Lemieux, the Grateful Dead’s official archivist and legacy manager, we trace how the band evolved from the psychedelic San Francisco scene of the late ’60s to the studio mastery of American Beauty and the arena triumph of Touch of Grey.
Through 10 songs, this episode tells the story of a band that set the standard for what live rock music could be. Along the way, we look at how the Dea
Good Charlotte, Simple Plan & All Time Low: The History of Pop Punk in 10 Songs
Pop punk was the sound that defined malls, teen movies, and high-school playlists in the 2000s. With Simple Plan, All Time Low, Good Charlotte, and Olivia Rodrigo, we trace how the genre evolved from its punk roots in bands like the Ramones to defining acts like Green Day and Blink-182, all the way to TikTok’s nostalgic revival. Along the way, we explore how skate culture and The Warped Tour built
Emily Bear (Moana 2), Jerskin Fendrix (Poor Things) & RZA Talk Composing For Movies
This week we explore movie scores: how they are composed, how they shape emotion, and what makes a theme unforgettable. We played legendary scores for Emily Bear (Moana 2), Jerskin Fendrix (Poor Things), and RZA (Kill Bill, Ghost Dog) and had them identify the films they are from. We also include insights from Jon Batiste on Soul and Isabela Merced on The Last of Us.
You will hear how composers s
Jeremy Allen White, Scott Cooper (Director), and Warren Zanes (Author) Talk Springsteen Biopic
Bruce Springsteen’s Nebraska is the haunting home-recorded album that changed his career and revealed the darkness behind his music. With Jeremy Allen White, Scott Cooper, and author Warren Zanes, we trace how it was made, what it revealed about Springsteen’s mental state, and how it inspired the upcoming film Deliver Me from Nowhere, as Jeremy opens up about transforming himself to play The Boss.
The Evolution of Jazz in 10 Songs
Jon Batiste, Christian McBride, and New Jazz Underground join us for a deep dive into jazz, the quintessential American art form. Through 10 essential songs, from Louis Armstrong to Kamasi Washington, we explore how this music came to capture the spirit of creativity itself.
Listen to our extended Jazz playlist: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music
New episodes of The Track Star Podcast every W
What is the Great American Songbook?
The Great American Songbook shaped the foundation of American popular music, from Broadway stages to jazz clubs and Hollywood soundtracks. Guided by Seth MacFarlane, with John C. Reilly and Samara Joy, we trace its legacy through 10 essential recordings, exploring the writers, performers, and timeless melodies that defined the American sound.
Listen to our extended American Songbook playlist: Spo
Hip-Hop’s Origin Story in 10 songs
Today hip-hop is the world’s most popular music, but it began as a neighborhood party in the Bronx. Guided by hip-hop historian Debra Harris, with stories from Mark Ronson, Fat Joe, and Pos and Maseo of De La Soul, we trace the genre’s rise through 10 essential songs, from “Rapper’s Delight” to A Tribe Called Quest, unpacking the DJ innovations, early recordings, and party culture that shaped hip-
A History of Punk Rock in 10 Songs
What does punk really mean, and why does it still matter? Jack talks with New Yorker writer Kelefa Sanneh to trace the genre’s history through 10 songs, from the Sex Pistols to Nirvana. NYC council-member and former punk guitarist Justin Brannan also joins to share insider stories from the city’s hardcore scene.
Listen to our extended punk playlist:
Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music
N
Introducing The Track Star Podcast
The Track Star Podcast is on its way. The internet’s favorite music show, now in podcast form! Follow here so you don’t miss the first episode, releasing Wednesday, September 24th!
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