Hit Girls (feat. Nora Princiotti)

This week, Kate is joined by Nora Princiotti (host of Every Single Album, author of Hit Girls) to talk about the women who built pop's shiniest decade, like Taylor, Britney, Avril, Ashlee, Beyonce, and beyond. First, they tackle the news that Taylor Swift now owns her masters, then discuss some thoughts about Reputation TV and TS12 clownery, and it doesn't take long for Kate to interject and defend her Be There in Five Holes in a Fence era. Then, Nora shares what inspired her new book Hit Girls they and chat about a variety of topics, like how artists such as TS redefined fandom and authorship in the digital age (and how her MySpace posts laid the groundwork for today's stan culture). They also discuss Avril Lavigne's not-like-other-girls brand, how Ashlee Simpson is correlated with why pop is finally being taken seriously, Max Martin's melodic math, and more. A must-listen for anyone obsessed with pop history, parasocial dynamics, or rereading their old Tumblr posts. Enjoy! Order Nora's book, Hit Girls, here Order Kate's NYT Bestselling book, One in a Millennial here Text or leave a voicemail for Kate at 775-HEY-BETH! SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS To pick up amika's new line of smoothing/anti-frizz products, go to loveamika.com/bethereinfive. For June, amika is giving my listeners a one-time use code for 15% off your first order. Go to my page at loveamika.com/bethereinfive and use code BETHEREINFIVE at checkout. Go to helixsleep.com/bethereinfive for the Fourth of July Sale and the Best of the Web offer, which is 27% off sitewide through July 31. 2025. Hey Beths, did you know all of your favorite podcasts, including Be There in Five are on Amazon Music?All you have to say is 'Alexa, play the podcast Be There In Five on Amazon Music.' Or if you're listening on your phone, just download the Amazon Music app, search for "Be There In Five" and click "Follow."   For a limited time get 40% off your first box PLUS get a free item in every box for life. Go to Hungryroot.com/bethereinfive and use code bethereinfive. No matter what your summer brings: Tear. Pour. Live More. Go to LIQUID-IV.COM and get 20% off your first order with code BETHEREINFIVE at checkout. Get healthy, glowing skin for summer with clean, vegan face and body care from OSEA. Get 10% off your first order sitewide with code BETHEREINFIVE at OSEAMalibu.com. You'll get free samples with every order, and free shipping on orders over $60.