How do artists under 21 create songs that sound like they came from the future?

In Part 2 of Tracks on Trial’s exploration of teenage synth geniuses, Sam, Andy and Amy Jo examine the artists who used electronic production, programmed sounds and bold creative instincts to reshape pop music before they were old enough to rent a car.

From Lorde’s minimalist breakthrough hit “Royals” to La Roux’s electro-pop anthem “Bulletproof,” Charli XCX’s dark early synth-pop, Disclosure and Sam Smith’s “Latch,” and the enduring influence of Gary Numan, this episode explores how young artists turn limited tools, big ideas and fearless experimentation into timeless records.

The panel also discusses the power of minimal production, huge vocal ranges, synth-pop classics, electronic music history, teenage chart success, and why some of the most infl ...