The Track Star Podcast

Iconic photographer Roberta Bayley breaks down how the CBGB scene formed in the mid-1970s, before anyone agreed on the word “punk,” and the room was still mostly bands, friends, and a $2 cover. Through songs by the Ramones, Television, Patti Smith, Blondie, and more, Bayley walks through the early CBGB ecosystem: what the club felt like night to night, how Punk magazine helped give the scene a name most of the artists didn’t even want, and how that label quickly spread beyond New York. She also tells the story behind her iconic Ramones photo becoming their debut album cover, shares road stories from the Sex Pistols’ chaotic U.S. tour, and reflects on documenting Blondie during their mainstream breakthrough. Along the way, Bayley traces her path to New York: seeing the Beatles as a teenage superfan, coming of age in the San Francisco counterculture rock scene, living in London during the years leading up to punk, and arriving in New York just as CBGB became the center of a new musical underground. Special thanks to Punk magazine and Ki Smith Gallery for hosting this interview. Ki Smith Gallery (170 Forsyth) is currently presenting a special Punk magazine exhibit featuring several of Roberta’s iconic photos, on view through January 18. Listen to this episode’s extended playlist: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music New episodes of The Track Star Podcast drop every Wednesday. [Video available on Spotify and YouTube]

Actor and director Ethan Hawke joins The Track Star Podcast for a conversation centered on Americana, outlaw country, and songwriting. Through songs by Bob Dylan, Merle Haggard, Blaze Foley, and others, Hawke connects music to places he’s lived, films he’s made, and relationships from different stages of his life. New episodes of The Track Star Podcast drop every Wednesday. [Video available on Spotify and YouTube]

Maya Rudolph joins The Track Star Podcast to talk through the music that shaped her, from classic pop and soul to rock, funk, and film soundtracks. Through songs tied to childhood memories, Boogie Nights, and her years at Saturday Night Live, Maya reflects on discovering artists through family, the emotional pull of live performance, and how music marks moments across a life. Listen to this episode’s extended playlist: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music New episodes of The Track Star Podcast drop every Wednesday.[Video available on Spotify and YouTube]

Billy Corgan joins The Track Star Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about the music that shaped him, from classic rock and post-punk to jazz and country. Across artists like David Bowie, Joy Division, and Howlin’ Wolf, Corgan reflects on influence, longevity, and the tension between art and commerce. He also talks about wrestling, rock mythology, the role of fandom, and why certain bands endure long after trends and critical opinion move on. Listen to this episode’s extended playlist: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music New episodes of The Track Star Podcast drop every Wednesday.[Video available on Spotify and YouTube]

Lily Allen joins The Track Star Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about the music that shaped her and the instincts that guide her songwriting. Across British punk, ska, and pop, Lily reflects on the Blur vs. Oasis divide, the influence of The Clash and The Specials, working with Mark Ronson, and her admiration for writers like Randy Newman. She also talks about making her new album, how quickly it came together, and what it’s been like to see earlier music re-enter the charts as she enters a new creative chapter. Listen to this episode’s extended playlist: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music New episodes of The Track Star Podcast drop every Wednesday.[Video available on Spotify and YouTube]