The Track Star Podcast

Finneas O’Connell joins The Track Star Podcast to explore some of the most fascinating and unconventional production choices behind iconic songs and compositions.

Armed with five song picks each, Finneas and Jack take turns sharing tracks that span everything from film scores to classic records. Along the way, they break down the creative techniques that make each piece unique, uncovering what it really takes to push boundaries and create something unforgettable.

From the role inspiration plays in shaping a song to the ways production itself can become a form of storytelling, Finneas offers a rare look inside the creative process. Together, they examine how bold decisions, unexpected sounds, and meticulous details can transform a great idea into a lasting piece of music.

This Episode’s Tracklist:

00:00 - Intro

​​01:16 - Money - Pink Floyd

06:28 - Ms. Jackson - Outkast

09:02 - Nikes - Frank Ocean

12:25 - Aloha! (Main Title Theme) - Cristobal Tapia De Veer

14:35 - Seven Nation Army - The White Stripes

16:52 - Blue Jay Way - The Beatles

19:53 - L’AMOUR DE MA VIE - Billie Eilish

24:14 - O Green World - Gorillaz

28:30 - Supermarine - Hans Zimmer

34:29 - The Mandalorian - Ludwig Göransson

39:38 - Vicious Thoughts - Finneas O’Connell

Today on Track Star*, Jack is joined by Glen Hansard, the acclaimed singer-songwriter, musician, and actor known for his work as a founding member of the band the Frames, as well as his prolific solo musical and acting careers. 

​In this episode, we take a musical journey through his multi-dimensional career, discussing the songs that defined his artistic development from busking on the streets of Dublin to starring in an award-winning movie to working with artists like Eddie Vedder and Bob Dylan. 

​Glen and Jack discuss good people and good music, and the power they have to change lives. 

This Episode's Tracklist: 

Jokerman - Bob Dylan
Down Payment Blues - AC/DC
Rise - Eddie Vedder
Same Old Blues - Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
The Makings of You - Curtis Mayfield
Disconnection Notice - Sonic Youth
Thru and Thru - The Rolling Stones

Today on the Track Star Podcast, Jack is joined by Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy for a conversation about everything from touching grass to the pursuit of happiness, discussing how community engagement and human connection have the power to uplift and heal. 

With a carefully curated playlist, Jack walks Senator Murphy through different times and different lives, and facilitates a conversation about how consumerism and globalization have contributed to a cultural disconnect. 

Today’s episode shows how music can lead to important discussions, as Senator Murphy explains how genuine connection is the most important thing in society today. 

This Episode’s Tracklist: 

00:00 - Intro

00:50 - Your Body Is a Wonderland - John Mayer 

06:27 - End of the Road - Boyz II Men

11:01 - Rich Men North of Richmond - Oliver Anthony

16:18 - The Way It Is - Bruce Hornsby and the Range

25:16 - Under the Bridge - Red Hot Chili Peppers

34:36 - Could It Be Another Change - The Samples

34:56 - Carry On - The Samples

This week on the Track Star Podcast, Jack is joined by six-time Grammy-winning drummer and record producer Questlove. The genre-defining drummer and co-founder and co-frontman of The Roots as well as an acclaimed director and filmmaker, is the director and producer of the new documentary: Earth, Wind & Fire (To Be Celestial vs. That's the Weight of the World). 

In this episode, Jack and Questlove dive into the songs that have deeply influenced Questlove’s musical upbringing and modern-day career. He reflects on his journey and discusses his lifelong connection to Earth, Wind & Fire and the documentary. 

This Episode’s Track List: 

00:00 - Intro 

00:45 - September - Earth, Wind & Fire

8:06 - That’s The Way of The World - Earth, Wind & Fire

18:46 - Wade In The Water - Ramsey Lewis

21:15 - Smokestack Lightning - Howlin’ Wolf

27:10 - Spinning Wheel - Blood, Sweat & Tears

32:14 - Kalimba Story - Earth, Wind & Fire

37:38 - Can You Get To That - Funkadelic 

42:17 - Shining Star - Earth, Wind & Fire

48:54 - Boogie Wonderland - Earth, Wind & Fire

49:06 - Let's Groove - Earth, Wind & Fire

This week on the Track Star Podcast, we’re joined by Grammy Award-winning producer, songwriter, and musician Andrew Watt, one of the defining hitmakers in modern music. From pop stars to rock legends, Andrew has worked with some of the biggest artists in the world, including Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger, Ozzy Osbourne, Justin Bieber, and Lady Gaga.

In this episode, Jack plays through a list of songs Andrew has helped create, many of which became chart-topping hits. Andrew reflects on his journey from producing pop records to collaborating with some of rock music’s most iconic artists, and shares his philosophy on creating the right environment for artists to do their best work.

From building trust in the studio to understanding what truly makes a great record, this conversation offers a rare look into the mindset and process behind some of today’s biggest songs.

This Episode’s Tracklist:
00:00 - Intro
00:23 - Rough And Twisted - Rolling Stones
6:22 - Señorita - Camila Cabello and Shawn Mendes
10:08 - Gabriela - KATSEYE
14:05 - Die With A Smile - Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars
16:48 - Days We Left Behind - Paul McCartney
22:06 - Peaches - Justin Bieber (ft. Daniel Caesar, GIVEON)
26:10 - Take What You Want - Post Malone (ft. Ozzy Osbourne, Travis Scott)
31:01 - RUNWAY - Lady Gaga, Doechii