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 influential songs in pop music were made by artists still figuring out adulthood themselves.

This episode includes:

• Lorde’s “Royals” and why its minimalist production became a global phenomenon
• La Roux’s “Bulletproof” and the impact of electro-pop on modern music
• Charli XCX’s early synth-pop sound and “Nuclear Seasons”
• Disclosure and Sam Smith’s “Latch”
• Gary Numan’s “Are ‘Friends’ Electric?”
• Synth-pop classics from New Order, The Human League, Eurythmics, A-ha, The Prodigy and David Guetta
• Why massive vocal ranges create unforgettable songs
• The youngest artists to release landmark debut singles
• How teenage artists use synths, electronic sounds and programmed production to create major cultural moments
• Whether youthful confidence is more valuable than experience in music

Can a teenager with a laptop, a few synths and no fear create something more exciting than an entire room of experienced musicians?

Court is now in session.