Track Star*

Testing Tems' Music Knowledge | Track Star*

Apr 27, 2026

Tems is a Nigerian singer-songwriter and record producer known for her rich blend of Afrobeats, hip hop, and R&B. While she first gained recognition back in 2018, her music has reached global success, highlighting themes of emotional introspection, overcoming adversity, and celebrating self-worth. In today’s episode, Tems and Jack explore a wide range of artists who shaped her early days as a musician. Tems reflects on how Frank Ocean first influenced her sound, and the impact that artists like Asa have played in her relationship with her Mom. Jack also draws attention to himself when he adds artists like Kate Nash into the mix, a musician that Tems praises as “that girl.” The dynamic between these two is truly unmatched. This Episode's Tracklist: Love on the Brain - Rihanna Swim Good - Frank Ocean The Scientist - Coldplay Ye - Burna Boy Tell Him - Lauryn Hill Jailer - Aṣa Foundations - Kate Nash That’s the Way It Is - Céline Dion Watch our podcast here: https://play.megaphone.fm/f-rd86qotxo... Track Star Team: Jack Coyne, Kieran Coyne, Henry Kornaros, Alex Fabry, Sarah Mann, Haley Sobel, Ellie Aslanian, Ryan Dirgins, Simone Woronoff

Testing Elle Fanning's Music Knowledge | Track Star*

Apr 24, 2026

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 adventerous 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 Watch our podcast here: https://play.megaphone.fm/f-rd86qotxo... Track Star Team: Jack Coyne, Kieran Coyne, Henry Kornaros, Alex Fabry, Haley Sobel, Sarah Mann, Ellie Aslanian, Ryan Dirgins, Simone Woronoff

Testing this Country Producer's Music Knowledge | The Track Star Podcast

Apr 22, 2026

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 for the first time. The tracklist for this episode runs deep, but we promise for this one, it’s worth it. This Episode’s Tracklist: 00:00 - Intro 00:16 - The Real Slim Shady - EMINEM 4:04 - Check Yes or No - George Strait 9:36 -I Think I’ll Just Stay Here and Drink - Merle Haggard 10:59 - Saginaw, Michigan - Lefty Frizzell 12:39 - When You Say Nothin at All - Keith Whitley 15:15 - If I Know Me - Morgan Wallen 21:09 - You Make it Easy - Jason Aldean 24:37 - Cloud 9 - Megan Moroney 26: 51 - Tim McGraw - Taylor Swift 28:47 - Two Pink Lines - Eric Church 30:01 - McArthur - HARDY (Ft. Tim McGraw, Eric Church, Morgan Wallen) 34:47 - Red Ragtop - Tim McGraw 37:00 - End of the Night - ERNEST 38:22 - Should’ve Been a Cowboy - Toby Keith New episodes of The Track Star Podcast drop every Wednesday. Let us know what artist, theme, or unexpected guest you want us to explore next. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1d5i6AQX4dZaO4MDCbdhjR Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-track-star-podcast/id1836496108 iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-track-star-podcast-294088650/ More platforms: https://play.megaphone.fm/f-rd86qotxojfhckdq6uaa Track Star Team: Jack Coyne, Kieran Coyne, Henry Kornaros, Alex Fabry, Haley Sobel, Sarah Mann, Ellie Aslanian, Ryan Dirgins, Simone Woronoff

Testing Dermot Kennedy's Music Knowledge | Track Star*

Apr 20, 2026

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 musical 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 musicians that helped guide his path as an artist. This Episode's Tracklist: If I Can’t - 50 Cent What Up Gangsta - 50 Cent Apparently - J. Cole 22 (Over S∞∞n) - Bon Iver This Year’s Love - David Gray Losing My Religion - R.E.M. Talkin’ Bout a Revolution - Tracy Chapman The Feast of St. John - Glen Hansard One Day Like This - Elbow You Are The Best Thing - Ray LaMontagne To Love Somebody - Bee Gees Arms of a Woman - Amos Lee Watch our podcast here: https://play.megaphone.fm/f-rd86qotxo... Track Star Team: Jack Coyne, Kieran Coyne, Henry Kornaros, Alex Fabry, Haley Sobel, Sarah Mann, Ellie Aslanian, Ryan Dirgins, Simone Woronoff

Testing Riz Ahmed's Music Knowledge | Track Star*

Apr 17, 2026

On today's episode of Track Star* Riz Ahmed joins us on the sunny streets of New York to talk about all things music. Riz brought an incredible passion for a wide ranging mix of artists. From Nas to Jay Sean, to UK Apache, Riz was able to tell deep and personal stories, showcasing his encyclopedia like knowledge of music. Sharing stories about his collaborations with Heems, and his friendship with Jai Paul, Riz really won us over as one of the most positive and enthusiastic guests we've had on the show. Riz closed out the episode with a House and Garage song recommendation that you definitely won't want to miss. Enjoy! This Episode's Playlist: Adam and Eve - Nas (ft. The-Dream) Gole Yakh - Kourosh Yaghmaei Combination Pizza Hut and Taco Bell - Das Racist, Heems Down - Jay Sean (ft. Lil Wayne) Str8 Outta Mumbai - Jai Paul Brimful Of Asha - Cornershop Original Nuttah 25 - UK Apache, Shy FX Rewind - Craig David Gabriel - Roy Davis Jr. (ft. Peven Everett) Watch our podcast here: https://play.megaphone.fm/f-rd86qotxojfhckdq6uaa Track Star Team: Jack Coyne, Kieran Coyne, Henry Kornaros, Alex Fabry, Haley Sobel, Sarah Mann, Ellie Aslanian, Ryan Dirgins, Simone Woronoff