Location:
New York, New York
Networks:
New York Times
Description:
The Popcast is hosted by Jon Caramanica, a pop music critic for The New York Times. It covers the latest in popular music criticism, trends and news. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Listen to this podcast in New York Times Audio, our new iOS app for news subscribers. Download now at nytimes.com/audioapp
Language:
English
Episodes
Bon Iver Interview! How Justin Vernon Got Happy (It Took a Lot of Work)
3/26/2025
A conversation with Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon about how the band’s surprise success led to unexpected opportunities, then emotional depletion, and now a new album of reinvention, “Sable, Fable.”Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Duration:01:17:22
Is Playboi Carti Rap’s Next — or Last — Superstar?
3/20/2025
After nearly five years of building hype, the Atlanta rapper’s 30-song third album, “Music,” has finally arrived. Let’s discuss.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Duration:00:55:36
Lady Gaga Sells ‘Mayhem’ Hard. But Does It Work?
3/15/2025
Discussing the pop star’s latest “return to form” album and whether her aggressive promotion of it adds up to anything new.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Duration:00:45:19
The Oscars’ Best (and Worst!) Music Moments
3/4/2025
From "Wicked" to Doja Cat, how the Academy Awards incorporated music into its 97th annual ceremony on Sunday, in ways both smooth and bumpy.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Duration:00:37:16
RZA Interview! How He Got Wu-Tang Clan Back Together for a Final Tour
2/24/2025
In an exclusive interview, RZA reveals that his pathbreaking New York rap group, which has rarely performed as a full unit, is hitting the road for the last time. Plus: ODB memories, quitting the Rage Against the Machine tour & getting banned from radio in the '90s.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Duration:01:19:47
Drake’s Careful Comeback + New Music Round-Up (The Weeknd, Central Cee, Oklou & More)
2/20/2025
A survey of the biggest and best albums released recently, including Drake and PartyNextDoor's “Some Sexy Songs 4 U," the Weeknd's “Hurry Up Tomorrow,” Central Cee’s “Can’t Rush Greatness,” Oklou’s “Choke Enough” and other recommendations.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Duration:01:01:13
Kendrick Lamar’s Drake-centric Super Bowl Halftime Show: Instant Postgame Analysis!
2/10/2025
Breaking down the Super Bowl halftime performance, including the surprise cameos and tactical deployment of "Not Like Us," in an emergency podcast immediately after the show.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Duration:00:30:27
Why We (Still) Think the Grammys Are Good Now
2/4/2025
Big wins for Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar and Chappell Roan. Standout performances from Doechii and Sabrina Carpenter. A conversation about why the 2025 awards worked. Guests: Joe Coscarelli, Caryn Ganz, Jon Pareles and Lindsay Zoladz.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Duration:00:50:45
Are the Grammys … Good Now? Beyoncé, Chappell, Billie, Kendrick & Taylor Face Off
1/30/2025
Previewing the major categories and making our personal picks of who will win vs. who should win at the surprisingly relevant (!) Grammy Awards on Sunday.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Duration:01:20:53
The Dylan-Chalamet Connection
1/17/2025
A conversation about “A Complete Unknown” and the power of celebrity.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Duration:00:49:47
Popcast Live! Counting Down Our Favorite Music Moments of 2024
1/10/2025
A final look back at some of our favorite characters, trends and micro-moments of 2024, recorded live at S.O.B.’s in New York in December. Plus: IRL listener mailbag!Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Duration:01:28:30
Bad Bunny Interview! His ‘Most Puerto Rican’ Album Yet, Trump Rally Response & L.A. Celeb Problems
1/5/2025
Upon the release of his new album, “Debí Tirar Más Fotos,” the world-conquering Latin superstar discusses why it's filled with traditional sounds and rhythms from his homeland.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Duration:01:00:42
Charli! Mk.gee! MJ! Debating the Best Albums of the Year.
12/25/2024
A conversation about how peak pop stars are thinking of LPs in an increasingly singles-driven landscape. Guests: Jon Pareles and Lindsay Zoladz.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Duration:00:55:47
André 3000 Interview & Surprise Newsroom Performance!
12/21/2024
After a wide-ranging conversation, the rapper-turned-flutist improvised with his band in the newsroom of The New York Times.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Duration:01:23:41
The Messy Modern Music Business, According to Larry Jackson
12/13/2024
An interview with the record label veteran and Gamma founder, who has worked closely with Whitney Houston, Drake, Chief Keef and Lana Del Rey.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Duration:01:46:04
Is the Real ‘Wicked’ Movie the Press Tour?
12/6/2024
A conversation about the musical’s transfer from stage to screen, and the lead actresses who are bringing new narratives to their roles. Guest: Joe CoscarelliUnlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Duration:00:55:28
Kendrick Lamar’s Never-Ending Battles
11/28/2024
The Los Angeles rapper returns with his (surprise) sixth album, itching to escape his Drake drama, but still benefiting from it. Guest: Joe Coscarelli. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Duration:01:02:37
How Will Popular Culture Change in Trump’s Second Term?
11/20/2024
His first term was marked by backlash and protest. But the president-elect has found new streams of embrace and approval. Guest: Joe Coscarelli.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Duration:00:51:54
Remembering Quincy Jones, a Bridge Between Genres and Generations
11/11/2024
A conversation about his long and unique footprint in music, and how he discussed it later in his career. Guest: David Marchese.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Duration:00:43:32
‘Love Is Blind’ Resets, ‘Survivor’ Stalls: A Reality TV Check-in
11/5/2024
A palate-cleanse conversation about the state of legacy reality franchises, and what might come next for them. Guests: Joe Coscarelli and Caryn Ganz.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Duration:01:15:21