Themes and Variation

Soundfly

Themes and Variation is Soundfly’s podcast about music and perspectives. In each episode, expert musicians and avid music lovers draw on their professional experiences and personal backgrounds to share unique insights and passionate opinions about songs they’ve selected based on their interpretations of a given theme. Of course, whether the panel’s discussing epic songs, songs that use the same sample, or classic wedding band requests, this is a show for anyone who loves music and has a desire to dig into it. Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThemesVariation read less
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Episodes

Songs About Science
Oct 25 2023
Songs About Science
"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 podcast@soundfly.com or find us on Twitter.Mentioned in this episode:Visit soundfly.com to learn more!
Songs With Limitations
Sep 27 2023
Songs With Limitations
"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 podcast@soundfly.com or find us on Twitter.Mentioned in this episode:Visit soundfly.com to learn more!
Fight Songs
Sep 13 2023
Fight Songs
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!
Comeback Songs
Aug 30 2023
Comeback Songs
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!
50
Aug 17 2022
50
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 podcast@soundfly.com or reach out on Twitter.Mentioned in this episode:Visit soundfly.com for more!
Songs That Defy Expectations (with Ryan Lott)
Jul 20 2022
Songs That Defy Expectations (with Ryan Lott)
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 podcast@soundfly.com or reach out on Twitter.Mentioned in this episode:Visit soundfly.com for more!