The Track Star Podcast

The legendary rock duo The Black Keys blew the roof off our New York studio. These guys have been playing together for over a quarter century, and it shows. The 5-time Grammy winners are back with a new album that nods to their blues roots and reimagines some under-appreciated tracks—and it all started as a casual jam session. You don't want to miss it.

Tracklist:

You Got To Lose

Where There's Smoke, There's Fire 

She Does It Right 

Who's Been Foolin' You

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 Episode's Tracklist:
Dancing On My Own - Robyn
Hurricane - Bob Dylan
You Shook Me All Night Long - AC/DC
Cool - Gwen Stefani
A Boy Named Sue - Johnny Cash
I Love You Always Forever - Donna Lewis
Never Tear Us Apart - INXS
Fancy Like - Walker Hayes

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.