"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 Podcasts
• Spotify
• iHeart Radio
• or 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!

"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!

 "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 Podcasts
• Spotify
• iHeart Radio
• or 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!