Nitty Gritty of Ditties with Brooke

Brooke Sawyer
  • 4.9 (15)
  • MUSIC COMMENTARY

Do you turn on the radio and hear songs you love? Songs you love to hate? Songs you hate to love? In this podcast, I explore why you love some songs in spite of yourself or why you might hate songs that seem to be really popular using music theory and music psychology! You can still love the music you love, hate the music you hate, but now you can learn why you feel that way!

  1. 05/06/2022

    Addiction Recovery and Music Therapy: 10 Songs that Focus on Hope over Toxic Positivity

    In my current music therapy job, I've had the ability to work with many different kinds of clients in many different settings. One of these settings is an addiction recovery facility, and I feel like not much is known to the general public about music therapy and addiction recovery. So, I'm explaining what we do! In the first part of the episode, I discuss how music therapists might work with recovery groups. Then, I get into my top 10 songs to listen to in my addiction recovery group. Whether you identify as someone in recovery or not, these songs are really great for anyone going through a challenging time. Songs mentioned in this episode: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2ZaqfPKj4eIxLCt72tsQMX?si=d08910866aa34bdb Merch: https://nitty-gritty-of-ditties.myspreadshop.com/

    30 min

  2. 03/25/2022

    How Turning Red's 4*Town Stacks up Against the Biggest Boy Band Hits

    When I heard that a new Pixar movie was coming out, and that it would be about a preteen girl in the early 2000's I was excited. I was not prepared for the level of nostalgia I would feel from watching it, however. 4*Town reminded me of all of my favorite boy bands growing up - Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC, and, of course, Dream Street. I decided to use those nostalgic feelings to analyze how 4*Town's songs stacked up against the early 2000's classics using my Boy Band Metric. Listen to hear how your favorites compare! Songs mentioned in this episode: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/56tRkoU1NZCiC0oXv0aJRw?si=953c902d9f914251 Merch: https://nitty-gritty-of-ditties.myspreadshop.com/

    31 min

  3. 03/18/2022

    Euphoria Part 2: Analyzing the Best Musical Moments of Season 2 with Rachel

    After writing and recording my episode about Labrinth's music in Euphoria and how it elevates the show, I still felt like I wasn't done talking about all of the music that this show incorporates. So, I invited my friend Rachel to the podcast to look at all of the songs that are chosen to be featured the Euphoria universe, and how those songs enhance our understanding and appreciation for the characters and the show as a whole. It was a really fun conversation, so I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! Merch: https://nitty-gritty-of-ditties.myspreadshop.com/

    46 min

  4. 03/11/2022

    Euphoria: How Music Elevates this Show from Good to Great - Part 1

    I took a little break from podcast recording because I wasn't feeling inspired to make new episodes. Nothing in the music world felt interesting to talk about, until I binged all of the show, Euphoria. I have so much to say about the music in this show, that I'm releasing two episodes about it! In part 1, this episode, I talk about all of the original music composed by Labrinth for this show, and how the music matches and enhances the internal struggles that Rue and all of the other characters go through.  Merch: https://nitty-gritty-of-ditties.myspreadshop.com/

    28 min

  5. 02/11/2022

    The Mirror Neuron Episode: AKA Why I Love a Hand Clap

    I love to talk about pop music, which is why I started this podcast in the first place, but I have an equal passion (if not more) for music and neuroscience. One of the most interesting topics related to music and the brain is mirror neurons - what they are, how they work, and how they might enhance our perception and enjoyment of music. I touch on all of these topics, and how they relate to my obsession with hand claps in music, in this episode! Songs mentioned in this episode: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/00AQjOKpbV4pN5YvYQEEvi?si=5c0fa06d5e0a4f4d

    23 min

  6. 01/14/2022

    The Music of Encanto: Bringing Together Individual and Communal Healing

    During my first viewing of Encanto, I didn't feel like it was anything special. But, days after, I couldn't get the songs or these characters out of my head! The songs in this movie do a great job of highlighting all kinds of mental anguish we all might go through, especially in these times. The songs touch on how individuals deal with the pressures and issues of intergenerational trauma, and also how community shapes our own mental illness and wellness. Listen to the episode to find out how each song can be used as a resource!  Merch: https://nitty-gritty-of-ditties.myspreadshop.com/

    32 min

  7. 12/31/2021

    My Top 10 Songs of 2021

    As we approach a new year, I always love reading the "year end" lists to see what music stood out to music critics and everyday people alike from the past year. This year, since I enjoy reading them so much, I thought I'd make one of my own! Listen to hear my top 10 (or 11) songs of 2021, and see if any of your favorites made the list!  Spotify playlist of songs mentioned: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0NeYUBNOF6cOiwsqLpE25N?si=2be8f1ae31af4c5d Merch! https://nitty-gritty-of-ditties.myspreadshop.com/

    27 min

  8. 12/10/2021

    "I Have a Little Dreidel" is the Worst Song of the Season, So I Wrote a Better One

    I love Christmas music, I love winter music, and I love Hanukkah music. I released a few podcast episodes last year about my favorite Hanukkah and Christmas songs. But, as long as I can remember, I've hated "I Have a Little Dreidel", the most famous Hanukkah song. In this episode, I dig into the musical reasons why this song misses the mark so badly, and I was so irate, that I wrote my own dreidel song to prove how easy it can be. As a holiday gift to the listeners, listen to the end to hear my original song for the season!  Find Merch Here with new designs: https://nitty-gritty-of-ditties.myspreadshop.com/

    24 min
See All (79)

Trailer

4.9
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

Do you turn on the radio and hear songs you love? Songs you love to hate? Songs you hate to love? In this podcast, I explore why you love some songs in spite of yourself or why you might hate songs that seem to be really popular using music theory and music psychology! You can still love the music you love, hate the music you hate, but now you can learn why you feel that way!

Information