Episodes
-
"An energetic and scholastic throwback theme, a captivating piece of experimental sound art, and an alt rock ode to one of humanity's most celebrated minds.."
What does one of Martin's favorite '90s cartoons have in common with a creative genius in the world of sound art? What's the shared link between Frasier, Philip Glass, and the Counting Crows? Is John Mayer a shameless pre-chorus thief?
In the latest episode of Themes and Variation, we dig into all these questions and more. Join me (your humble podcast host, Mahea Lee), Jeremy Young, and Martin Fowler as we embark upon a journey to the center of the theme: "Songs About Science."
This episode is centered around track selections from the catalogs of Peter Lurye, Tristan Perich, and the Counting Crows, with a special shout out to the work of celebrated composer Philip Glass and acclaimed pianist Vicky Chow. As ever, the discussion touches on topics like theory, production, and music history — along with opinions and anecdotes from the panel here and there.
If you're looking for your next small step in the direction of musical knowledge and entertainment, join us for the episode "Songs About Science."
Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and consider leaving us a 5-star review to help us spread the word and keep the the show in motion! It would mean a lot to us.
Want more? Go ahead and explore the back catalog of our previous episodes, and subscribe to hear every one of our episodes right when they come out, on your preferred platform:
Apple PodcastsSpotifyiHeart Radioor anywhere else you get your podcasts.We'll see you in a couple weeks with a new theme, new guests, and some new songs to break down. If you have any comments, questions, or theme suggestions, drops us a line at [email protected] or find us on Twitter.
Mentioned in this episode:
Visit soundfly.com to learn more!
-
"The quintessential cover of a song that yearns for transformation, the ultimate anthem of self-reflection, and a number full of nuance that gets me every. single. time..."
In the latest episode of Themes and Variation, I (your stalwart podcast shepherd, Mahea Lee) am joined by magnificent musician and occasional co-host Jeremy Young as well as singer, producer, multi-instrumentalist, and all-around treasure of the Soundfly community, Lana Cenčić to discuss "Cathartic Songs."
This episode features selections from the catalogs of Baby Huey & the Babysitters, Michael Jackson, and Simon Dawes. What's the maximum amount of emotion that can be carried by a single human voice? If you ask nicely, will the man in the mirror ever change his ways? Is it possible for a music school graduate to love a song for nearly two decades without realizing it contains more than one time change?
Follow us on X (Twitter) @ThemesVariation for news about the show including upcoming episodes and more!
Learn more about Lana here.
And be sure to check out the new Soundfly Shop where you can find some sweet Themes and Variation merch — including a mug that's perfect for holding everything from coffee to... tea.
Mentioned in this episode:
Visit soundfly.com to learn more!
-
Missing episodes?
-
"A composition created in the dark. A vocal piece destined to become a new kind of anthem. And quite possibly the most authentic song in the history of rock..."
In the latest episode of Themes and Variation, our podcast panelists share their takes on the theme "Songs With Limitations."
This time around, I (your humble host, Mahea Lee) am joined by co-host Martin Fowler and special guest, Lora-Faye Åshuvud of the band Arthur Moon to chat about musical constraints and the creativity they sometimes inspire.
This episode features selections from the catalogs of Dawn of Midi, Björk, and The Shaggs. How does a track sound when the instrumentalists are really listening? What makes the human voice so magical and appealing? And what does it truly mean to understand music?
By the way, don't forget to subscribe to the show and please consider leaving us a 5-star review to help us spread the word and keep the lights on! It would mean a lot to us.
Want more? Go ahead and explore the back catalog of our previous episodes, and subscribe to hear every one of our episodes right when they come out, on your preferred platform:
Apple PodcastsSpotifyiHeart Radioor anywhere else you get your podcasts.We'll see you in a couple weeks with a new theme and some new songs to break down. If you have any comments, questions, or theme suggestions, drops us a line at [email protected] or find us on Twitter.
Mentioned in this episode:
Visit soundfly.com to learn more!
-
Follow us on Twitter to keep up with podcast news and join in on the conversation!
An aptly named number from a bombastic legend of the upright bass… A rage filled rallying cry echoing the emotions of the masses… And an orchestral tapestry filled with elaborate symbolism, in spite of being loathed by its creator…
In the latest episode of Themes and Variation, our podcast panelists unpack their interpretations of the term "fight songs."
This time around, I (your humble host, Mahea Lee) am joined by co-host Martin Fowler and special guest and Soundfly Founder and CEO, Ian Temple to discuss musical selections full of unrelenting angst, righteous indignation, and fiery determination.
This time around, we've highlighted songs by Charles Mingus, Rage Against the Machine, and Pyotr Illyich Tchaikovsky. The conversation touches on topics like mob mentality, the jazz world's rumor mill, and orchestrated gunfire.
Could Mingus swing? Is there a reason for the seemingly unfinished name of a particular '90s hit? And why does the "1812 Overture" sound so familiar? Check out the latest episode of Themes and Variation for answers to these questions and more.
By the way, don't forget to subscribe to the show and please consider leaving us a 5-star review to help us spread the word and keep the lights on! It would mean a lot to us.
Want more? Go ahead and explore the back catalog of our previous episodes, and subscribe to hear every one of our episodes right when they come out, on your preferred platform:
Apple PodcastsSpotifyiHeart Radioor anywhere else you get your podcasts.Find Themes and Variation's "Fight Songs" playlist here.
Mentioned in this episode:
Visit soundfly.com for more!
-
Follow us on Twitter for show news and more.
The long-awaited return of one of the most legendary names in neo soul… The reflective resurrection of a beloved rock god… And the redemption remix of an artist who rose like a phoenix from the ashes of musical virality…
Themes and Variation is back with our first episode of the new season: "Comeback Songs."
It's been ages since I wrote an article to tease out some key details about an episode of Soundfly's podcast and compel you all to have a listen. In the past, I filled the role of companion to Carter Lee, the show's former host (and, as it happens, my very own past, current, and future spouse).
Well, as of now, I'm stepping into the driver's seat. Our new navigators are Soundfly team members and show favorites, Martin Fowler and Jeremy Young.
To usher in the big return, the three of us each brought in a musical selection befitting the theme "Comeback Songs." Armed with little more than research notes, three mics, and the company Zoom account, we dug deep into our track choices. Along the way, we discussed things like the time Questlove leaked someone else's demo on Australian radio, the hardest working musician in all the goblin realm, and a surprising connection between cyberbullying and early cinema.
*Warning: Spoilers ahead. If you'd prefer to be surprised, you better start listening to the episode before it's too late!
The episode, "Comeback Songs" is anchored by musical selections from the catalogs of D'Angelo, David Bowie, and Rebecca Black.
Be sure to visit soundfly.com for all your music learning needs.
Mentioned in this episode:
Visit soundfly.com for more!
-
Follow us on Twitter for show news and more.
Hey folks, Mahea Lee here and I'm excited to let you know that Themes and Variation will be returning on Wednesday, August 30th, but this time around I'll be playing host.
Just like always, each episode will be centered around a theme, like "Songs You Know By Heart" or "Apocalypse Songs." Each episode will feature a three person panel, the members of which will bring in songs they've selected based on how they choose to interpret the theme of that episode.
Those song selections can lead the conversation everywhere from harmonic theory to music industry lore, to unexpected production tips, and even embarrassing childhood memories.
Joining me throughout the season will be show favorites Martin Fowler and Jeremy Young, as well as some new friends and familiar faces.
New episodes will be available via Spotify, Apple, and just about anywhere else you go for podcasts. We'll be releasing the next episode, "Comeback Songs" on August 30th, but go ahead and subscribe to the show now and you'll have one less thing to remember later. Happy listening, and we'll see you soon.
Mentioned in this episode:
Visit soundfly.com for more!
-
Follow us on Twitter for show news and more.
There was no shortage of excellent new music in 2022 and given how quickly the year's gone by, many of us have some serious catching up to do. Luckily, the latest episode of our podcast has arrived to help out.
For this one, Carter and Mahea were joined by not one, not two, not three, but FOUR members of the Soundfly team to discuss "Songs of the Year 2022." Breaking slightly from our standard show format, this episode shorter discussions around six unique song selections as well as a few rounds of music release trivia questions designed by Mahea.
So sit back and relax, or if you're commuting, stay focused and reach your destination while enjoying our final episode of the year!
Subscribe to all of Soundfly's courses here and use the discount code PODCAST to take 20% off!
Listen to every episode from this episode here.
Have questions or comments? Want to suggest a theme for a future episode? Drop us a line at [email protected] or reach out on Twitter.
Mentioned in this episode:
Visit soundfly.com for more!
-
Follow us on Twitter for show news and more.
There's something wonderful and maybe even a little mystifying about a good theme song. A few familiar notes can serve as a cue to sit back, break from ordinary life, and enter new worlds and realities through the stories that splash across our screens. An iconic theme may even become a sort of character itself — bearing a personality of its own and possibly even evolving over time.
For episode 58 of our podcast, Themes and Variation, Carter and Mahea sat down with composer, Tangelene Bolton to chat about some of our all-time favorite "Theme Songs."
The episode centers around musical pieces that serve as themes for the shows What We Do In the Shadows, Westworld, and Doctor Who. The selections that feature in the discussion were created by Norma Tenega, Ramin Djawadi, Ron Grainer, and Delia Derbyshire.
Subscribe to all of Soundfly's premium course content here.
Check out each song mentioned on this episode with this handy Spotify playlist!
Have questions or comments? Want to suggest a theme for a future episode? Drop us a line at [email protected] or reach out on Twitter.
Mentioned in this episode:
Visit soundfly.com for more!
-
Follow us on Twitter for show news and more.
We had a tough time settling on the exact wording for this theme.
Personally, we think that has a lot to do with the fact that, as babies of the late '80s, the members of our podcast team have listened to music via many different means. When compared to tape decks, Walkmans (Walkmen?), CD drives, and record players, there's something about the idea of phones as primary sources of media that's still a little strange.
On the other hand, one convenience offered at this audio technology juncture is the ease with which we can learn about our listening habits.
From rhapsodies we use to wind down to commuter karaoke favorites, the latest episode of our podcast addresses tracks that fit the theme, "The Most Played Song on My Phone." For this discussion, Carter and Mahea were delighted to be joined by singer, songwriter, and music consultant, Dominique Marie.
Subscribe to all of our courses here and use the discount code PODCAST to take 20% off!
Listen to this episode's playlist here!
Have questions or comments? Want to suggest a theme for a future episode? Drop us a line at [email protected] or reach out on Twitter.
Mentioned in this episode:
Visit soundfly.com for more!
-
Follow us on Twitter for show news and more.
Do you remember the first time you were really aware of the music in a movie or TV show? Maybe you heard a swell of strings or an eerie synth line and looked down to see that the hairs on your arm were standing on end. Maybe you noticed that a certain character kept appearing right after a particular melody started.
In the newest episode of our podcast, Themes and Variation, Carter sat down with composers Sofia Hultquist (Drum & Lace) and Ian Hultquist to talk about the songs that first got them into film scoring.
Themes and Variation is presented by Soundfly, a music education website changing the way we build our creative skills. Subscribe to all of our courses here and use the discount code PODCAST to take 20% off!
Check out each song mentioned on the episode with this playlist!
Have questions or comments? Want to suggest a theme for a future episode? Drop us a line at [email protected] or reach out on Twitter.
Mentioned in this episode:
Visit soundfly.com for more!
-
Follow us on Twitter for show news and more.
One of the things I love most about music is its seemingly mystical ability to articulate things that cannot be expressed through words alone. There are times when the combination of poetry and melody forms a unique and powerful language audiences can immediately comprehend.
In other cases, an instrumental part may communicate an idea or emotion so perfectly, it encapsulates a profound piece of the human experience even without the presence of lyrics.
For the most recent episode of the Soundfly podcast, Themes and Variation, Carter and Mahea sat down with vocalist and songwriter, Laura Lizcano to discuss "Songs That Say So Much."
Subscribe to all of Soundfly's courses here and use the discount code PODCAST to take 20% off!
Check out Laura's new record Daughter of the Sea here!
Have questions or comments? Want to suggest a theme for a future episode? Drop us a line at [email protected] or reach out on Twitter.
Mentioned in this episode:
Visit soundfly.com for more!
-
Follow us on Twitter for show news and more.
"A good theme — like the 'Pink Panther' or 'Baby Elephant Walk' — can work all the way through the picture, which is what I did with them. So, for me, a good melody is not just a pretty tune." – Henry Mancini
Music's presence in a film or television show can completely transform the audience experience. It can set the scene, heighten emotions, provide context clues, and so much more. Every now and then, a piece of music can even take on a life of its own, creating a legacy beyond its cinematic origins.
To celebrate some pieces from the pictures and Soundfly's newest course, Intro to Scoring for Film and TV, Carter and Mahea sat down with composer, pianist, and Soundfly CEO, Ian Temple to discuss "Songs That Lived Beyond The Film."
Themes and Variation is presented by Soundfly, a music education website changing the way we build our creative skills. Subscribe to all of our courses here and use the discount code PODCAST to take 20% off!
Check out each song mentioned on the episode with this playlist!
Have questions or comments? Want to suggest a theme for a future episode? Drop us a line at [email protected] or reach out on Twitter.
Mentioned in this episode:
Visit soundfly.com for more!
-
Follow us on Twitter for show news and more.
There's something pretty wonderful about a piece of music that says everything it means to in under two minutes — a piece that somehow satisfies its listeners while managing to leave them wanting more. There's also something great about a highly-recognizable song that addresses a specific category of leisure attire. If that has you scratching your head, you'll definitely want to either read on or jump right to the episode.
For Episode 53 of our podcast, Themes and Variation, Carter and Mahea sat down with New York-based singer, songwriter, and incredible person we're glad to call friend, Tasha Solomita to discuss "Short Songs" (or as one of us chose to hear it, "Shorts Songs").
The episode is anchored by selections from the catalogs of a chamber ensemble group called the Pixies, an experimental woodwind orchestra known as the Beatles, and an avant-garde electronic jazz quartet that goes by the Royal Teens. No, we're just kidding. It's an all rock episode.
Check out all of our courses including Kiefer: Keys, Chords, & Beats here. Subscribe to all of Soundfly's premium course content here.
Check out each song mentioned on this episode with this handy Spotify playlist!
Have questions or comments? Want to suggest a theme for a future episode? Drop us a line at [email protected] or reach out on Twitter.
Mentioned in this episode:
Visit soundfly.com for more!
-
Some tracks are so memorable and monumental that it's hard to imagine other versions of the material. It can be because of the presence of a truly iconic artist, a particularly unique set of recording circumstances, or the sheer fact that the performance happened in a moment that will never come again.
In this episode of Themes and Variation, Carter and Mahea are joined by artist, songwriter, and producer, Redah to discuss "Songs That Are Impossible to Cover."
Check out all of our courses including RJD2: From Samples to Songs, here. Subscribe to all of our courses here and use the discount code PODCAST to take 20% off!
Have questions or comments? Want to suggest a theme for a future episode? Drop us a line at [email protected] or reach out on Twitter.
Mentioned in this episode:
Visit soundfly.com for more!
-
Time signatures are an interesting and arguably necessary part of our musical language. They provide the grid against which we place rhythmic values and ideas, letting us know each time "1" comes back around as we count along. They are, at least in part, responsible for the feel of a piece of music.
They each come with expectations — 3/4 is often indicative of something waltz-like, 12/8 usually implies a shuffle, 2/2 a march, and of course, good ol' 4/4 is where many listeners and performers feel most at home. But what about those time signatures that stray from the familiar simple and compound varieties?
In episode 51 of our podcast, Themes and Variation, Carter and Mahea are joined by Joey Lefitz, beloved friend, Soundfly Mentor, and superb drummer to discuss "Odd Time Songs."
Check out all of our courses including Beat Making in Ableton Live, here. Subscribe to all of our courses here and use the discount code PODCAST to take 20% off!
Dig into each track from this episode with this Spotify playlist!
Have questions or comments? Want to suggest a theme for a future episode? Drop us a line at [email protected] or reach out on Twitter.
Mentioned in this episode:
Visit soundfly.com for more!
-
We launched the Soundfly podcast, Themes and Variation back in the summer of 2020. Since then we've chatted with all sorts of musicians and music lovers about songs related to themes like "Songs From the First Album You Ever Bought" (episode 1), "Songs That Are Incredibly Clever (episode 15), and "Songs That Aren't for the Faint of Heart" (episode 40).
Our panelists have included old friends and new acquaintances. We've spoken to music teachers, instrumentalists, composers, producers, songwriters, students, and several of our Soundfly course instructors — each of whom brought an interesting and passionate perspective to the table.
That said, this ain't no clip show folks. You may have been expecting a highlight reel, but we decided to take things in a different direction, centering the episode around what may very well be our vaguest theme to date: "50." That's it. Just the number 50.
For this one, our panel of regulars had the freedom to select any song in the world, provided they could find a way to relate it to the number 50.
Themes and Variation is presented by Soundfly, a music education website changing the way we build our creative skills :
Check out all of our courses including Com Truise: Mid-fi Synthwave Slow-motion Funk here. Subscribe to all of our courses here and use the discount code PODCAST to take 20% off!
Dig deeper into Songs to Escape Into with this episodes playlist!
Have questions or comments? Want to suggest a theme for a future episode? Drop us a line at [email protected] or reach out on Twitter.
Mentioned in this episode:
Visit soundfly.com for more!
-
Have you ever heard a song so good you didn't just admire the writer, but also envied the fact that they came up with it?
In the most recent episode of the Soundfly podcast, Themes and Variation, Carter and Mahea are joined by pop artist and multi-instrumentalist, Sulene van der Walt to discuss the theme "Songs I Wish I'd Written."
This time around, the discussion is anchored by selections from the catalogs of Andy Shauf, Rufus Wainwright, and Irving Berlin. Said selections cover topics like social anxiety, youthful infatuation, and nostalgic longing.
Themes and Variation is presented by Soundfly, a music education website changing the way we build our creative skills :
Check out all of our courses including Songwriting for Producers here. Subscribe to all of our courses here and use the discount code PODCAST to take 20% off!
If you'd like to hear every track mentioned on this episode you can find them on this episode's playlist.
Have questions or comments? Want to suggest a theme for a future episode? drop us a line at [email protected] or reach out on Twitter!
Mentioned in this episode:
Visit soundfly.com for more!
-
To paraphrase the words of our special guest for this week's episode of the podcast, the most powerful songs are often the ones that both meet and challenge our expectations of music.
Because of years of conditioning and generations of artistic traditions, we tend to make a lot of assumptions as listeners. We can't help but expect songs to more or less adhere to certain forms, chord progressions, instrumentations, and countless other patterns.
Overall, that's not necessarily a bad thing. As writers, producers, and performers, we can use those instincts to create specific atmospheres, invoke complex emotions, and otherwise understand and connect with anyone who listens to the music we make.
Of course, there's quite a bit to be said for surprise and delight — the big ideas and tiny details that stray from what's standard, drawing us in by defying that which we've come to expect.
In the latest episode of Soundfly's podcast, Themes and Variation, Carter and Mahea are joined by composer, producer, and the artist featured in Soundfly's newest course, Ryan Lott to discuss "Songs That Defy Expectations."
Themes and Variation is presented by Soundfly, a music education website changing the way we build our creative skills :
Check out all of our courses including Ryan Lott: Designing Virtual Instruments here. Subscribe to all of our courses here and use the discount code PODCAST to take 20% off!
Listen to Son Lux here.
Check out each song discussed on the pod and more songs that defy expectations with this episode's playlist.
Have questions or comments? Want to suggest a theme for a future episode? Drop us a line at [email protected] or reach out on Twitter.
Mentioned in this episode:
Visit soundfly.com for more!
-
Whether you're longing for seventeen uninterrupted minutes of audible bliss, a chance to cling to an interpretation of an instrumental's narrative, or a way to savor the intimacy hidden in a crowd favorite, there are some songs that are best listened to on your own.
In the latest episode of Soundfly's podcast, Themes and Variation, Carter and Mahea are joined by voice actor, podcast host, and self-proclaimed non-musician (we'll agree to disagree on that last point), Adam Claus to discuss "Songs You Prefer Listening to Alone." The episode is anchored by selections from profound jazz pianist Bill Evans, instrumentally emotive post-rock group Explosions in the Sky, and Oasis, a band that really knew how to straddle the line between fame and infamy.
Check out all of our courses including RJD2: From Samples to Songs, here. Subscribe to all of our courses here and use the discount code PODCAST to take 20% off!
Check out Adam's podcast, So, You Work In Entertainment here.
Listen to this episode's playlist here!
Have questions or comments? Want to suggest a theme for a future episode? Drop us a line at [email protected] or reach out on Twitter.
Mentioned in this episode:
Visit soundfly.com for more!
-
Few instrumentalists can make a listener involuntarily mimic their performance like a guitarist. With soaring solos and raucous riffs, the guitar has often been the imaginary instrument of wannabe rockstars.
In the latest episode of Themes, our panel digs deep into three songs that epitomize the term "air guitar". And we have the perfect guest in Dre DiMura, an extremely talented guitarist (real, not air) producer, and content creator. So grab your pretend axe and get ready to rip through some of our favorite air guitar songs!
Themes and Variation is presented by Soundfly, a music education website changing the way we build our creative skills :
Check out all of our courses including Kimbra: Vocal Creativity, Arranging, & Production here. Subscribe to all of our courses here and use the discount code PODCAST to take 20% off!
Want more Air Guitar songs? Check out this episode's playlist here.
Have questions or comments? Want to suggest a theme for a future episode? Drop us a line at [email protected] or reach out on Twitter.
Mentioned in this episode:
Visit soundfly.com for more!
- Show more
