How to start a music podcast

Pick a format and a promise

Decide what a listener gets from every episode. Common formats include interviews with local bands, album-by-album discussions, scene history, a gig diary or a curated show where you talk between tracks. A narrow idea, such as one city, one genre or one decade, is easier to explain and easier to find than a general show about music.

Settle the music question first

Playing a commercial recording in a podcast normally needs permission, and the rules differ between countries. Podcast hosts and platforms often remove episodes that include unlicensed music. Safer options are to talk about music without playing it, to use music you have written permission for, or to use tracks released under a licence that clearly allows it. Ask independent bands directly: many are glad to say yes and to share the episode.

This is general information, not legal advice. If your plan relies on playing other people's recordings, check with the rights holder, a licensing body or a lawyer before you publish.

Get clean audio on a small budget

Good sound matters more than expensive gear. A USB or dynamic microphone, closed headphones and a quiet room with soft furnishings will do. Record each voice on its own track if you can, keep the microphone a hand's width from your mouth and listen back to the first minute before you carry on. Free editing software is enough for trimming, levelling and adding a simple intro.

Structure an episode

A reliable running order is a short hook, a clear introduction of the topic, two or three segments and a closing line that tells people what to do next. Write notes, not a script, so you sound like a person. Keep early episodes short and consistent rather than long and rare.

Host it and publish the feed

A podcast is an audio file plus an RSS feed. You upload episodes to a podcast host, which produces the feed, and then submit that feed once to each directory you want to appear in, such as the large music and podcast apps. Add cover art, a clear title and a description that names the topic and place.

Find your first listeners

Tell the people you interview, share clips with the bands' own communities, and ask local community stations or venues if they would mention the show. A podcast about a local scene can also work as a companion to live nights and radio. Our guide to community radio explains how stations work with volunteer presenters.