Today on Track Star*, Jack chats with legendary Colombian musician and singer-songwriter Juanes. Juanes shows us how his music taste grew alongside him, from Latin folk in his younger years to hard rock and metal, both in English and Spanish. His deep love for all kinds of music shines as he speaks about the iconic artists and songs that shaped him, especially the sounds of his hometown of Medellin, Colombia. His infectious enthusiasm transports us to his childhood and reveals the wide-range of influences behind his artistsry. This Episode's Track List: Black Dog - Led Zeppelin Seek & Destroy - Metallica No Tengo Dinero - Juan Gabriel Adiós Muchachos - Carlos Gardel Vestido de Cristal - Kraken El Amor Después Del Amor - Fito Páez De Música Ligera - Soda Stereo Como Abeja al Panal - Juan Luis Guerra

Today on Track Star*, we are quizzing Oscar-nominated actor Andrew Garfield on funk, soul as well as some vocal jazz. In this episode, Andrew shares how different styles of music affect his interpretations of the characters he plays, as well as sharing stories about the obscure French Hip-Hop group he was a member of and his life-changing concert experiences.   Watch as he breaks down the soul and vocal ‘purity’ of the timeless classics , and displays the truly special way in which he listens to all kinds of music.   This Episode's Track List:  Tieduprightnow - Parcels Father Figure - George Michael Lovely Day - Bill Withers Mississippi Goddam - Nina Simone Grace - Jeff Buckley Water Get No Enemy - Fela Kuti The Wind That Shakes the Barley - Martin Carthy Just a Gigolo / I Ain’t Got Nobody - Louis Prima

Today on Track Star*, we are quizzing a local librarian from the NY Public Library, Dan, and his encyclopedic knowledge of 70s/80s rock. While regaling us with fascinating anecdotes surrounding a range of his favorite artists, his deep passion for music is obvious and infectious. Dan has a remarkable knack for expressing exactly what he loves about each and every track Jack throws at him, creating one of the most entertaining and informative episodes of Track Star* to date.    Dan adds perspective to the artists behind beloved rock classics through captivating details, and remarkably descriptive explanations of musical style, in this terrific new episode of Track Star*. This Episode's Track List:  Black Cow - Steely Dan Excitable Boy - Warren Zevon Gotta Get Up - Harry Nilsson Ocean Man - Ween I’m Holding You - Ween Watching the Detectives - Elvis Costello Home - Mac DeMarco Jesus Just Left Chicago - ZZ Top Makes No Sense at All - Hüsker Dü In a Jar - Dinosaur Jr.    

Today on Track Star*, we’re putting Emmy-nominated actress Dakota Fanning’s music knowledge to the test with a mix of Southern classics, childhood favorites, and songs that shaped her along the way. Ahead of her new film The Sun Never Sets, Dakota reflects on growing up between Hollywood film sets and a traditional Southern upbringing, sharing stories from her childhood, career, and the music tied to it all. Watch the full episode as Dakota Fanning puts her music knowledge to the test and shares stories from a life spent on and off screen.   This Episode's Track List:  Little Deuce Coupe - The Beach Boys Cherry Bomb - The Runaways Shoes - Lil Wayne Jesus was a Crossmaker - Judee Sill Weather for Tennis - Hilary Duff The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia - Reba McEntire Una Palabra - Carlos Varela Big Bad John - Jimmy Dean

Today on Track Star*, we are quizzing Alabama’s very own Whitmer Thomas on home-state classic hits and punk-driven 2000s tracks. Showcasing his own musical influence and childhood upbringing, Whitmer Thomas takes us on a tour through his journey as a singer and stand-up comedian and how they intertwined, with anecdotes that shaped his career along the way. From stories of van tours as a teenager, being raised by his musical mother, and his love-hate relationship with Alabama, Whitmer Thomas has us hooked on this episode of Track Star. This Episode's Track List:  Sweet Home Alabama - Lynyrd Skynyrd Reckless Abandon - Blink-182 First Day of My Life - Bright Eyes Trying To Reason With Hurricane Season - Jimmy Buffett  Why Can’t We Be Friends - War If It Makes You Happy - Sheryl Crow Every Morning - Sugar Ray Little Criminals - Randy Newman  

Today on Track Star*, we are quizzing the iconic Australian pop star Troye Sivan on Y2K euphoria and melancholy R&B classics. Revealing the extent of his own musical influence and knowledge, Troye Sivan gives us the opportunity to learn about his journey as a singer and performing artist and his recent experience touring with legendary genre-bending musician Charli XCX.   With personal stories, a rapid guessing speed, and sunglasses that Jack himself wants to purchase now, Troye Sivan brings a laidback chatty vibe to this episode of Track Star.  This Episode's Track List:  Happy & Sad - Kacey Musgraves No Ordinary Love - Sade Virtuoso - Ryan Beatty SS26 - Charli XCX All For You - Janet Jackson Since I Left You - The Avalanches Music - Madonna Sleeping In - The Radio Dept.

Today on Track Star*, we are quizzing legendary rapper Too $hort on Funk deep-cuts and influential Hip-Hop classics. Revealing the extent of his music knowledge, Too $hort gives us the opportunity to learn about and appreciate the overlapping worlds and influences of Motown, Funk, and Hip-Hop. Too $hort takes the time today to show us some of the music he was raised on, breaking down how his father’s love of Funk and Motown influenced his own creative process and musical appreciation. With personal stories and impressive knowledge, Too $hort presents a unique and important perspective on early Hip-Hop figures and influences.    This Episode's Track List:  Distant Lover - Marvin Gaye Mary Jane - Rick James Computer Love - Zapp You Dropped A Bomb On Me - The Gap Band It Was a Good Day - Ice Cube I Get Around (ft. Shock G, Money B) - 2Pac Stompin’ And Pimpin - 8Ball & MJG EARFQUAKE - Tyler, The Creator I Don’t F**k With You - Big Sean DADZ LOVE - Justin Bieber, Lil B Last Time That I Checc’d (ft YG) - Nipsey Hussle Fantastic Voyage - Lakeside Love’s Train - Con Funk Shun  

Today on Track Star*, we are joined by Brandon Flowers to talk about some of the songs and artists that have inspired his work, both as a solo artist and frontman of The Killers.  Listening to some classic songs and sharing personal stories of bleached hair, Strokes-induced depression, and playing with Bruce Springsteen, Brandon breaks down how artists like Bruce, The Strokes, and others became a part of his life and fundamentally changed how he approached music.    Brandon takes the time today to share with us his love for a wide range of music and show us the importance of listening to and learning from a wide variety of influences.   This Episode's Track List:  Crying - Roy Orbison Cry! Cry! Cry! - Johnny Cash Hard to Explain - The Strokes Louisiana 1927 - Randy Newman Badlands - Bruce Springsteen Watching the Detectives - Elvis Costello Everyday - Weyes Blood Pulling Mussels (From the Shell) - Squeeze

Brittany Howard, acclaimed solo artist and lead singer of band Alabama Shakes, joins us today on Track Star* to listen to a few classic Funk, Rock, and Doo-Wop songs and discuss their personal and historical importance. Discussing artists from Pink Floyd to Sly Stone, Brittany explains how the music she grew up with influenced the music she makes today, and how some art and artists can challenge us to think outside the box, accept ourselves, and be better human beings. Today’s episode is full of thoughtful commentary, important life stories, and plenty of dancing and singing to accompany. This Episode's Track List: Holdin’ On - Sly and the Family Stone Moonage Daydream - David Bowie Runaround Sue - Dion Blue Moon - The Marcels Have a Cigar - Pink Floyd Bambi - Prince Put a Little Love In Your Heart - Jackie DeShannon

Travis Barker, best known for his work as drummer in the band Blink-182, joins us today on Track Star* to listen to some iconic rap, rock, punk, and hardcore, and break down some of his earliest and most important influences, explaining how the music they made, from Led Zeppelin to the Muppets, changed his life.  Revealing his favorite punk and metal bands, as well as the drummers that inspired him to work hard and play harder, Travis shows us that making great music is an exercise of equal parts joy and dedication. Telling a complicated life story between drum breaks and hard rock classics, Travis takes the time today to share with us a new perspective on his life and the moments behind the music that defined it. This Episode's Track List:  Paul Revere - Beastie Boys Beat on the Brat - Ramones Aint Talkin Bout Love - Van Halen Rock and Roll - Led Zeppelin Super Rad! - The Aquabats! My War - Black Flag I’m the One - Descendents Raining Blood - Slayer Love for Sale - The Buddy Rich Big Band