Dead Wax

About Dead Wax

Musicians nerding out to great music. Hosts Jack Conte (Scary Pockets, Pomplamoose, CEO of Patreon) and Ryan Lerman (Scary Pockets, John Legend, Ben Folds) are joined by musician friends to help break down what's going on in their favorite music. They dish about production, harmony, composition, theory, vocal performance and everything in between. New episodes every other week!

Publisher

Jack Conte, Ryan Lerman

Category

music

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

5 Jan 2024

Latest episode

16 Feb 2026

Latest episodes

56 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   16 Feb 2026

   Jackson Browne's Bassist on Elvis, Little Richard, The Beatles and Beyond...

   Legendary session bassist Bob Glaub joins DeadWax to break down the records that shaped his playing — from Elvis and Little Richard to The Beatles and beyond. With Ryan Lerman and guest co-host Kane Ritchotte, the episode dives into early rock & roll, groove, feel, and the subtle rhythmic choices that define great bass lines. A masterclass in musical history, pocket, and storytelling from one of the greats

2. 

   9 Feb 2026

   The Art of the Pop Music Modulation - with Larry Goldings

   Larry Goldings is back on the podcast, this time to discuss some of the best pop song modulations! Larry joins Ryan and Kane as he breaks down legendary modulations from Chicago to Paul Simon, playing through the harmony and unpacking why these moments hit so hard. It’s equal parts theory lesson and fan appreciation, with jaw-dropping examples performed live at the keys. Stick around for a masterclass in how great songs bend tonality without breaking the groove.

3. 

   2 Feb 2026

   Rob Moose Breaks Down the Greatest String Arrangements Ever

   This week on DeadWax, Ryan and Kane are joined by arranger, composer, and violinist Rob Moose. Rob breaks down some of his favorite string arrangements of all time, unpacking how orchestration shapes emotion, groove, and storytelling in recorded music. From subtle harmonic tension to bold, unforgettable entrances, this episode is a deep dive into why great string writing disappears into the song…and why that’s exactly the point.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

19,238,945

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

13 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

31 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 57 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

38

Social presence

0

YouTube

93

Engagement

95

Contact Dead Wax

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

Shows with a similar audience

• 

  Tape Notes

• 

  The Ezra Klein Show

• 

  Recording Studio Rockstars

• 

  Geschiedenis voor herbeginners

Questions about Dead Wax