Launched in 2023, Hartbeat saw an opportunity to tap into music fandom in a fresh, engaging way with the podcast One Song. The show invites listeners to rediscover music from its core. Understanding that audiences crave deeper connections with the songs they love, Hartbeat brought together Diallo Riddle and Blake “Luxxury” Robin – two friends with a relationship built on music – to co-host the show. Their objective was simple: make breaking down music fun. With a blend of passion, humor, and expert insights, One Song offers listeners a chance to experience songs the way the hosts do as the two break down instruments, uncover hidden details, and celebrate the craft behind every beat.
Hartbeat created One Song from a desire to help listeners connect with music on a deeper level. The show merges what resonates with the hosts, Diallo Riddle and Blake “Luxxury” Robin, with stories that connect with audiences. A key element behind executing such a show is Luxxury’s access to song stems which offers listeners a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how iconic tracks came to be. The team blends a thoughtful mix of older and newer songs, as well as genre diversity and a commitment to highlighting women artists, to show and celebrate music’s timeless influence.
The premiere episode with Amy Winehouse’s “Rehab” set the tone for a dynamic listening experience that blends passion with musical expertise. As the show evolved, a unique challenge emerged with guest Questlove, whose deep knowledge of music shaped the show’s direction. When he requested a lesser-known song rather than a commercial hit, the team took a moment to rethink their approach. Instead of only analyzing popular tunes, they leaned into storytelling, deconstructing songs, and celebrating unique artistic choices.
This evolution became a defining feature of the show. Guests, whether artists dissecting their creative process or well-known personalities sharing personal fandom stories, offer insights rarely heard in traditional celebrity interviews. It’s also the rare time a celebrity is spent talking about work they’re a fan of instead of simply promoting a new project. Each episode takes listeners on a journey, starting with the raw elements of a song and breaking it all down to put it back together.
By seamlessly blending expert analysis without academic jargon and amplifying diverse musical voices, One Song offers a refreshing twist on music content. It’s an intimate exploration that connects fans, artists, and listeners alike through a shared love for music. Hartbeat turned a simple idea to combine music and fun and created a unique series for true entertainment enthusiasts.
The fun and informative nature of One Song has successfully resonated with fans, as the program has received recognition as a “Best Podcast” from The Atlantic and was also highlighted in Vibe Magazine. It has also charted as a Top 10 Music Podcast on both Spotify and Apple. One Song garnered over 175,000 downloads last year and was a 2024 Signal Award winner.
