BMG and PopCult Announced Premiere of “Why This Song?” Podcast

BMG and PopCult have announced the premiere of Why This Song?, a new short-form video and podcast series exploring the unique stories behind some of music’s most popular and iconic hits. Created and produced by PopCult, Why This Song? employs new interviews and archival footage to better understand the creation and success of classic songs. Where most music documentaries examine the Who, What, When, and How, Why This Song? asks WHY? – Why does this song exist? Why did it become a hit? Why is it still relevant today?

Hosted by Hollywire TV and Billboard TV’s Chelsea Briggs, Why This Song? debuts with an in-depth look at one of the most beloved songs of the 1980s, “Hold Me Now” by Thompson Twins. The episode features exclusive new interviews with Thompson Twins Tom Bailey and Alannah Currie discussing the unforgettable new wave ballad’s origins and enduring popularity, now with more than 170 million streams over four decades after its 1983 release.

Shot in 4K at Burbank, CA’s famed Run Out Groove Records as well as other locations around the world, each installment of Why This Song? features exclusive conversations with the artists and producers behind the music, along with archival footage, rarely seen live performances, and more. Upcoming episodes will delve into the stories behind such much-loved hits as Arrow’s “Hot Hot Hot,” Jim Croce’s “You Don’t Mess Around With Jim,” The Foundations’ “Build Me Up Buttercup,” Carl Douglas’ “Kung Fu Fighting,” Ace’s “How Long,” and an array of other timeless favourites, including M’s “Pop Muzik” whose recent viral success, being viewed billions of times on Tiktok, has brought the 1979 hit to a new generation of fans.

Tricia Rice, BMG Senior Director, Catalog Innovation & Development, comments:

“We’re always exploring fresh ways to celebrate generational hits and the artists who created them. Our Why This Song? video series brings these classics to life through a unique storytelling lens. Many of these songs, now over 50 years old, are experiencing a resurgence in pop culture—and this new series dives into why they continue to resonate across generations.”

BMG x PopCult “Why This Song?” Podcast still

Thomas Scherer, BMG President Global Catalog Recordings & Music Publishing North America, adds:

“When Tricia Rice first shared the vision for Why This Song?, we immediately saw the opportunity: a way to connect generations through the music that shaped them. The series doesn’t just celebrate iconic tracks from the ’80s, ’90s, and 2000s; it reintroduces them in a way that feels fresh and relevant, tapping into how people discover and engage with music today.

“Recent reports only reinforce what we’re seeing firsthand: on-demand streaming continues to rise globally, and superfans are driving more value than ever. Why This Song? meets that moment, bridging nostalgia with new audience behaviour and turning catalog into conversation. If the response continues, there’s a clear path to build this into something even bigger – potentially a full-scale music TV show built around the same concept.”

Dennis Scheyer, PopCult Founder/Creative Director, states:

“When Tricia asked PopCult to create an original show around the legendary BMG catalog, it was exciting. What we’ve made together goes beyond the cookie-cutter artist interview, breaking down the tracks of a song, or podcast pundits sharing their learned opinions. Why This Song? is a true mini-documentary film series – exactly ‘Why’ I created PopCult.”