The Track Star Podcast

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 into the emotional dance-pop of Robyn, the cinematic storytelling of Bob Dylan, and the outlaw grit of Johnny Cash. We also get into the high-voltage energy of AC/DC and the modern country hooks of Walker Hayes, proving her ears are open to just about every genre. Enjoy!

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 record. Breaking down the tools, techniques, and songwriting approaches he relies on, while also reflecting on how his process differs from some of his peers. Sometimes, through collaboration, it's the combination of methods that creates the most hard hitting and well received songs. 

We’ll listen to foundational country artists that Ernest grew up with such as George Strait, Merle Haggard, and Keith Whitley, as well as explore the contemporary artists that Ernest works closely with today like Tim McGraw, Megan Moroney and HARDY. We’ll even dip a toe into Ernest’s new album and if you stick around to the end of the episode, you’ll get to hear Ernest play one of his unreleased songs live on the podcast. The tracklist for this episode runs deep, but we promise for this one, it’s worth it.

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 songwriting of Tracy Chapman and Bon Iver. The two revisit timeless classics and reminisce about Dermot’s early busking days in Ireland, gaining a deeper look at the moments and inspirations that helped guide his path as an artist. 

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 more, Flea dives into the music that moves and inspires him, and shares insights into the lives of the giants who brought that music to life. Flea also shared some insights into his Trumpet practice routine and his love of basketball. This episode will be sure to take you on an unexpected journey and leave you wanting more. 

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 life changing shows and collaborations that prove Sam’s innate love for songwriting and performing live.

His wide-ranging taste makes for an incredible conversation, and Jack grows inevitably jealous of his bond with Lewis Capaldi and Grian Chatten. Between the banter, the stories, and the laughs, you’re in for a treat with this one!

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 also exploring the influence of genres like punk and jazz on his upbringing. From listening to his own godfather Max Roach, to hosting one of the largest shows on MTV, Freddy guides us through his unparalleled life, and the people that made it happen.

In asking Freddy about the creation of his film Wild Style (1983), the discussion also surrounds the energy of New York City in the 1970s and ’80s, unpacking how the roots of hip-hop’s identity culminated in the Bronx and eventually spread across the country, especially to the West Coast.

Freddy is truly one of the most culture defining guests we’ve had on the podcast so far, and the stories he tells are packed with unmatched first-hand perspective. We can’t wait for you to hear it!

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 even Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, Susan and Derek take us on a journey through music history. They talk about the musicians who inspired them, share anecdotes about past concerts and experiences on tour, and even spill the secret on how to achieve a guitar tone that sounds like the legend Elmore James. This episode is a can’t miss for classic rock fans young and old. Enjoy!

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 Williams and Diana Ross, iconic showtunes from Cabaret and Funny Girl, and New York City classics from The Strokes and Sonic Youth, Marc and Sofia show their music chops and compete in a gripping head to head competition.

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 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 Davis and Dolly Parton, we touch a wide range of musical talent that coincide with one another in lyricism, rock n’ roll ethics, and performance capabilities. 

The conversation also prompts more pointed topics such as Keith Richard’s vs. John Lennon’s guitar playing, Bob Dylan’s lyrical curiosity, and whether covers by icons like Aretha Franklin might actually surpass the original Beatles version.

New episodes of The Track Star Podcast every Wednesday.

[Video available on Spotify and YouTube]