Behind the Setlist
At Behind the Setlist, we talk to artists to get the stories about the songs they play live. Most artists are known best for their recordings, but they love to be on stage. That's where the music feels at home. That's where they connect with the audience. How do they pick the songs to take the audience on a journey? Why do they cover other artists' songs? How many new songs can an artist fit into a 16-song set when people want to hear the classics? We find out.
Hosted by Glenn Peoples (Billboard) and Jay Gilbert (Label Logic).
Our Editor's Take
The live setlist chosen by an artist or band dictates the show they want to perform that day. Behind the Setlist is a music podcast from Billboard magazine. It explains the formation and impact of setlists. Focusing on the creation of an artist's setlist is a fascinating way to learn more about both that artist and the live music scene.
Behind the Setlist has two podcast hosts. Glenn Peoples is from Billboard. Jay Gilbert is from Label Logic, an A&R group. The hosts have decades of experience working in the music industry. Their tone is both relaxed and informative. And their enthusiasm and experience engage listeners with the subject matter. Here they get to enthuse about their favorite thing—music. While doing so, they talk to some of the most well-regarded artists in the industry. Guests include Grammy Award winner Josh Groban and British pop sensation John Waite.
Glenn and Jay hear stories from the artists about the songs they perform live. They sometimes talk in a general sense about setlists. At other times, they focus on the setlists around a particular tour or tour date. Behind the Setlist examines how artists pick songs and build their setlists. Guests relay what influences their decision-making. They discuss how they choose their own songs or which songs to cover. Debates between bandmates about their setlist get revealed. Some discussions go into stories behind the songwriting and recording sessions.
Music fans will enjoy this insight into the finer details of an artist's work. It's a chance to discover the background of developing live shows. The songs the artists want fans to hear and the order they come in can be crucial. The setlist they perform is what ensures a memorable experience for everyone involved.
New episodes get released a couple of times a month. They average between 30 minutes to one hour. It's a good amount of time for listeners to get immersed in the conversation.
Episodes
