A lot of music making is done in solitary moments, and it's often wise to take a break before you go completely insane over a synth sound. It's recommended to, you know, go and be social... but if the thought of dealing with other people doesn't appeal a good way to give your mind a rest and still help your music making process is to listen to a podcast. There's some great podcasts out there about music so let's run through some:
What are the best podcasts for Musicians and Producers?
Here's a little summary of the best podcasts out there varying from production to songwriting, with links, to help you on your journey:
Song Exploder
This is a really great podcast that breaks down famous tracks and the process of how they came to life. It's really fascinating as you can learn that some of the most famous songs almost happened by complete accident and learn some tips from the pros about turning your songs into hits.
Website - http://songexploder.net/
iTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/song-exploder/id788236947?mt=2
Pensado's Place
If you haven't heard of Pensado's Place already, where have you been? Started by superstar producer/mix engineer Dave Pensado, he started a weekly show back in 2011 with videos on mixing/production. There's an audio podcast version over on iTunes, but you should check out some of his instructional videos over on his website / YouTube also.
Website - http://www.pensadosplace.tv/
iTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pensados-place-audio/id523791923?mt=2
Soul Music
BBC Radio 4 was one of the early pioneers of podcasts by just allowing their programmes to be downloaded after airing. As far as podcast's for muso's goes they've got loads to choose from. Soul Music takes the form of each programme being about a particular song and how it's affected people emotionally at different times in their lives. It often provides interesting insights into the songs conception and writing process you might not be aware of and highlights on something a lot of songwriters lose sight of, thinking about your audience and the message you want to put across.
Website - http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b008mj7p
iTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/soul-music/id558995745?mt=2
Sodajerker
A UK podcast entirely about Songwriting, writing by a song writing duo from Liverpool what more could you want! Past guests have included Paul Simon, Alicia Keys, John Grant, Loudon Wainwright III to name a few....
Website - http://www.sodajerker.com/podcast/
iTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/sodajerker-on-songwriting/id479679002?mt=2
Sonic Talk
Sonic Talk is a UK podcast produced by the team behind Sonic State. It's very in depth about music production, technology, synths and cultural trends. Regular guests include mixing engineers and producers behind some pretty big hits, so it's definitely one you will learn from!
Website - http://www.sonicstate.com/sonictalk
iTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/sonic-talk-podcasts/id204531458?mt=2
Mastertapes
Another one by Radio 4 here as it'd be stupid not to. Mastertapes takes place usually as a live interview with a notable artist talking about one of their seminal records. They usually perform a few tracks from said album and perhaps some more recent ones. Conducted in front of a studio audience with questions from the public put to the artist, offering a deeper insight into the stories behind some of the greatest albums of all time.
Website - http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b021mjc4
iTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/mastertapes/id577459979?mt=2