The Track Record
All art is inherently political. But do you see it? Let Vaish Kash be your eyes (and ears) on The Track Record—a podcast that digs into the music that moves culture, shapes identity, and stirs up conversation. Each episode takes a closer look at one album, unpacking the political, social, and emotional world it was born into—and the ripple effects it left behind. Whether you’re a lifelong listener, a lyrics-obsessed overthinker, or just curious about how art shapes the world around us—this is your space to press play, tune in, and track the record.
Episodes
In this episode of The Track Record, we sit down with Paxton Smith, a pop artist carving her own path and exploring what music can be.
We talk through her creative process, from the first spark of a lyric to shaping a track in the studio, and how she experiments with textures, melodies, and emotions to find her voice. Paxton shares her perspective on joy, growth, and play in music, and gives a peek behind the scenes at her Spotify...
We trace their journey from The Debut: Dream Academy to their bold new EP, "Beautiful Chaos", asking what holds them together, how they balance health with fan pressure, and what their place really is in an industry obsessed with control.
Along the way, Rae and I dig into Manon’s conte...
In this episode of The Track Record, we sit down with Tom Spare to revisit the rise of Coldplay, a band that has soundtracked heartbreak, revolution, and stadium singalongs for more than two decades.
We trace their journey from the fragile intimacy of Parachutes to the sweeping ambition of Viva La Vida and the technicolor optimism of Mylo Xyloto, unpacking how Chris Martin’s songwriting, the band’s chemistry, and their politics sh...
In this episode of The Track Record, we sit down with Tia Malhotra to unpack what it really means to grow up alongside Justin Bieber, from bubblegum pop to public scandal and some of the most streamed choruses of our lives.
We trace his journey from Baby to his latest album, SWAG, exploring how vulnerability, faith, and love have shaped his music and his public image. We talk parasocial protection, fandom misogyny, and the strange ...
In this episode of The Track Record, we sit down with Aditya to write a love letter, full of questions, chaos, and care, to the one and only Chappell Roan.
Together, we trace her evolution from Kayleigh to Midwest Princess, exploring how she builds queer fantasy through music that feels both ultra-specific and universally felt. We talk personas, pedestal politics, and what it means to make joy feel radical.
Where does Chappell Roan...
In this episode of The Track Record, we dive deep into the wild, weird, and wounded world of Mayhem. In the last one, we had my bestie Aryan Mahajan help us set the stage: who Gaga is and how she shapeshifts through the culture.
Today, we walk through the album song by song. No skips.
Part two of our Mayhem breakdown takes us from glitter-stained ballads to glitchy breakdowns, through Eden-like clubs, conversations and graveyards....
In this episode of The Track Record, we welcome Aryan Mahajan, one of the most passionate and perceptive Lady Gaga fans out there.
Together, we unpack the chaos, control, and catharsis of Mayhem and explore Gaga as more than just a provocateur or pop icon. What does it mean to live as both Gaga and Stefani? How does she hold space for trans queer fans through more than just the songs? And where was she, emotionally and politically,...
In this episode of The Track Record, we unpack the mythic, mournful, magnificent world of BTS’ You Never Walk Alone, not just as a K-pop milestone, but as a coming-of-age novel in motion.
From piano lullabies and mother-son tributes to crime confessions and cyphers of self-love, You Never Walk Alone dares to be both biblical and boyish, both a diary and a manual. We read each solo track as a chapter in a larger emotional syllabus, ...
In this episode of The Track Record, we dive headfirst into Brat, Charli XCX’s chaotic club confessional. From the thumping defiance of “Von dutch” to the existential vulnerability of “I might say something stupid,” Charli delivers a masterclass in self-aware pop stardom. We explore how Brat redefines authenticity, performs internet-age identity, and turns personal disarray into cultural commentary—one rave anthem at a time.
In this episode of The Track Record, we delve into the multifaceted world of Jennie's latest album, Ruby. From the audacious declaration in "Like JENNIE" to the introspective tones of "start a war," we explore how Jennie navigates the complexities of agency, identity, and cultural discourse. Join us as we dissect the themes, controversies, and unapologetic artistry that define this era of Jennie's music.
Popular Podcasts
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
It’s 1996 in rural North Carolina, and an oddball crew makes history when they pull off America’s third largest cash heist. But it’s all downhill from there. Join host Johnny Knoxville as he unspools a wild and woolly tale about a group of regular ‘ol folks who risked it all for a chance at a better life. CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist answers the question: what would you do with 17.3 million dollars? The answer includes diamond rings, mansions, velvet Elvis paintings, plus a run for the border, murder-for-hire-plots, and FBI busts.
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.