Every week, we sit down with an acclaimed and venerable songwriter to intimately discuss what happens behind closed doors in the music industry. There are millions of singers, thousands of artists, and only 40 top songs per genre at a time... this podcast is about the people who make them. Produced by Joe London & Ross Golan in association with Big Deal Music & Mega House Music. And The Writer Is... ™
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Today’s guest is the producer behind some of the biggest songs of the last 15 years — from “Wrecking Ball,” “Timber,” and “Dark Horse” to early records with The Weeknd and Britney Spears. From teaching himself production on cracked software and vinyl turntables… to going on a run of genre-defining hits. And the writer is… Cirkut! In this episode, he opens up about his early grind, the moment Britney cut his beat, his first sessions in LA, working alongside Max Martin and Dr. Luke, and the mindse...
Today's guest went from making songs on a floppy-disk keyboard, sampling off a Kellogg’s cereal box DAW, and sending blind MySpace messages… to producing the some of the biggest crossover dance anthems of the last decade. And The Writer Is... Zedd! What makes this conversation special isn’t just the hits — it’s how brutally honest he is about the craft , the obsession , and the unexpected moments that built his career. A special thank you to our sponsors... Our lead sponsor, NMPA aka the Nationa...
Today’s guest has rewired modern hip-hop. His fingerprints live all over the last decade but the real story behind that success is far more human, painful, and transformative than the headlines ever show. In this conversation, he opens up about the highs and lows of being a producer in hip-hop: the pressure, the politics, the contracts, the moments that nearly broke him, and the breakthroughs that almost didn’t happen. He also shares the lessons shaped by fatherhood, betrayal, and real persevera...
Today's guest is a familiar face... A friend to the podcast and one of the most successful and influential creators in music history. He isn’t just a hitmaker. He's perhaps one of the few people in the history of music to have hits as a songwriter, artist, and producer... completely aside from one another across genres. And The Writer Is... Ryan Tedder! In this episode, he breaks down: 🎯 Why the middle class of music is disappearing 🎯 How splits, streaming, and AI are reshaping the game 🎯 The...
Today's guest is an international soul sensation...From writing “The Hardest Part” on Zoom to conquering imposter syndrome, crafting hits like "Dive" and "Man I Need," and creating her acclaimed album The Art of Loving.. She is on a meteoric rise in music. We discuss raw stories of heartbreak, growth, the magic of songwriting.. and how she learned to protect her voice in a room and write music that actually feels like her. And The Writer Is...Olivia Dean! Whether you're a songwriter, fan, or mus...
Julia Michaels has quietly rewritten the emotional DNA of pop music. From Selena Gomez to Justin Bieber to Sabrina Carpenter — her pen reshaped how vulnerability sounds on the radio. In this episode, Julia sits down with Ross to unpack the craft behind her catalog: the psychology of honest writing, the architecture of a hit, and the years she spent changing pop from behind the glass. They dive into the writing of hits, the evolution of her artistry, and what it means to sustain creative integrit...
Today’s guests are HAIM — one of the most unique voices in modern music, known for blending rock, pop, and soul into a sound that defined a generation. From garage band beginnings to Grammy nominations, they’ve collaborated with some of the biggest names in music while staying fiercely true to themselves. And the writer(s) are... HAIM! In this episode, we dive into a decade-long journey of grit, growth, and creative conviction — from rejection to recognition. The sisters open up about the early ...
Today’s guest is one of the most exciting young artists in the world right now. A once-in-a-generation artist writing and producing every record himself — and turning that independence into global hits. His records aren’t just topping charts — many of them are 100%ers. Self-written, self-produced, and streamed hundreds of millions of times. He’s building a world entirely his own... In this episode of And The Writer Is, Ross Golan sits down with Sombr to unpack how he: - Writes and produces 100% ...
Today's guest is quite literally one of the greatest songwriters of all time. He also happens to be one of the biggest artists of all time. Imagine that. This legend needs no introduction... And the writer is... Ed Sheeran! Presented by our friends at NMPA. A huge thank you to our sponsors. NMPA fights for songwriters' rights, ensuring fair pay and protection. Check them out at NMPA.org and follow them on social media at @NMPAorg Splice is the industry’s top sample library—royalty-free for all...
Today's guest is one of the most sought-after hitmakers of the last decade. A Grammy-winning producer, songwriter, and guitarist whose genre-bending work has shaped the sound of modern music. From rock legends to pop superstars, he’s collaborated with Justin Bieber , Post Malone , Ozzy Osbourne , The Rolling Stones , Dua Lipa , Miley Cyrus , and more — earning The Recording Academy’s Producer of the Year award and cementing his status as one of the most in-demand hitmakers on the planet. And the...
Today’s guest is more than a hitmaker — she’s a creative force who has shaped the sound of a generation. From penning chart-toppers like “Thank U, Next” (Ariana Grande), “High Hopes” (Panic! at the Disco), and “Love Lies” (Khalid & Normani) to building her own label, publishing company, and artist career, her story is a masterclass in reinvention, resilience, and longevity . And the writer is… Tayla Parx! In this episode, Tayla sits down with Ross to unpack how she’s navigated more than a de...
Today’s guest is nothing short of a phenomenon. With roots in Iceland and China, raised in a family of classical musicians, she grew up between symphony halls and jazz records — and has now become the defining voice of her generation. Her music is a breathtaking blend of timeless jazz, classical elegance, and modern storytelling that has captivated millions around the world. From posting standards online during college to headlining the Hollywood Bowl, she’s built a movement — proving that jazz ...
Today’s guest began on YouTube — a teenager posting bedroom covers to a handful of viewers. Now, his songs have been streamed billions of times across the globe. He’s headlined sold-out arenas on multiple continents, become a global fashion force, and built one of the most devoted fanbases of his generation. He’s collaborated with legends like Max Martin, while never losing the raw honesty that made his music essential in the first place. He’s not just a rising star — he’s already one of pop’s d...
He believed before anyone else did. Before the Grammys. Before the 39 billion streams. Before Say My Name changed the sound of radio forever. He was just a kid on a New Jersey bus, chasing a dream no one else could see. In this episode, legendary producer Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins shares how faith, fire, and pure conviction took him from a basement studio to shaping the sound of a generation. From Michael Jackson to Beyoncé , Lady Gaga , and Sam Smith , Rodney opens up about the mindset behind ...
What does it really take to become irreplaceable in music? This is more than a lesson in music. It’s a masterclass in how to make yourself essential in any room you enter. In this episode, Ryan Tedder shares a raw, unfiltered blueprint for building a career that stands the test of time. From mastering guitar, piano, and production to writing two songs a day, Ryan unpacks why versatility, humility, and relentless work ethic are the hidden currencies of longevity. He breaks down the mindset shifts...
Today’s guest is the mastermind behind some of the biggest songs on earth – a creative force whose melodies have shaped generations. From crafting timeless anthems with Beyoncé, Adele, and Taylor Swift to leading OneRepublic to global dominance, he’s not just a hitmaker – he’s an architect of modern music. In this conversation, Ryan Tedder rips the veil off fame and fortune, revealing the hidden costs of success, the brutal truths no one talks about, and his unfiltered blueprint for building wea...
In this powerful 10-minute blueprint, Russ breaks down what every artist needs to know to build a real career in today’s music industry. From his mindset of delusional self-belief to strategic release plans and business truths, this clip will change the way you approach your music journey forever. Subscribe for more industry insight and give us a rating if you enjoyed this! It helps us keep this show free forever, which is our commitment to the industry and our audience. Presented by NMPA https:...
Today’s guest is a fearless storyteller whose voice is as raw as her lyrics—bold, emotional, and unapologetically real. A first-generation Colombian-Canadian, she turned hustle into art, weaving her experiences into songs that hit like truth bombs. Whether she’s penning heart-wrenching ballads or delivering razor-sharp verses alongside icons like Eminem and Beyoncé, her work is grounded in authenticity and fire. She’s busked, she’s bartended, she’s broken through. And now, with her third studio ...
Today’s guest is a musical architect whose fingerprints are on some of the most emotionally resonant and sonically rich records of the last decade. He’s not the loudest in the room—but when he’s in the studio, every note, every tone, every beat matters. A multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer with an unmatched intuition, he brings out the soul in every song, guiding artists to their most authentic performances. From Grammy-winning collaborations with Kacey Musgraves to shaping records ...
This week’s guest is one of the most successful independent artists in modern music. He’s a rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer who built his career from the ground up. in this rare conversation, he opens up about the side of the journey we don’t usually hear: The emotional weight of ownership , the mental toll of doing it all alone , and the belief system that kept him going when no one else did . This is a blueprint for any creative who wants to build something real without losing their p...
NMPA CEO David Israelite delves into the complex world of songwriter compensation, explaining the three main payment buckets and how 75% of a songwriter's income is federally regulated, leading to undervalued songs. He discusses the limitations of the Music Modernization Act, the unique conflict between artists' and songwriters' interests, and why unionization isn't viable. The conversation also explores historical consent decrees, the strategic potential of selective withdrawals to empower songwriters, the role of major publishers, and the impact of investment in music catalogs, emphasizing the ongoing fight for fair value for music creators.
Today’s guest is an artist whose voice cuts through like a blade—sharp, emotional, and unforgettable. Emerging from the shadows of alternative R&B and electro-pop, she’s crafted a sonic identity that’s both intimate and cinematic. Her lyrics are deeply confessional, fearless in their vulnerability, and her production choices push boundaries while staying rooted in undeniable emotion. From viral beginnings to critical acclaim, she’s stayed true to her vision, building an aesthetic that’s dark...
Today’s guest is one of the most original minds in modern music—a genre-defying powerhouse who returns to this podcast six years after his first unforgettable visit. Hailing from Long Island, this producer, performer, and lyrical architect has built a sonic universe entirely his own. He’s the mastermind behind cinematic pop records that blur the line between the underground and the mainstream, with a resume that spans from crafting platinum hits for chart-toppers to delivering soul-baring solo p...
Today’s guest is a genre-shifting phenomenon who’s redefining what it means to break through in music today. With a sound that fuses indie, alt-pop, R&B, and emo influences, he’s crafted a raw, emotionally charged catalog that’s connected with a generation—and he did it all from his sister’s closet on a phone. In just a few years, his music has racked up billions of streams, topping global charts and earning him a fiercely loyal fanbase. But beyond the numbers, he’s an artist who leads with ...
Today’s guest is a Latin music powerhouse whose pen has changed the game globally. With a genre-defying catalog that spans regional Mexican, reggaeton, pop, and bachata, he’s crafted chart-topping hits that cross borders and break records. His work has earned him 26 Grammy wins, making him one of the most decorated writers in the industry today. But beyond the accolades, he’s a true musical chameleon—effortlessly fusing cultural roots with modern sounds to create melodies that resonate worldwide...
Today’s guest is the mastermind behind some of the most captivating sounds in modern R&B and pop. With an ear for creating melodies that feel as intimate as they do expansive, he’s responsible for shaping hits that make you feel everything from joy to heartbreak. Whether he's behind the boards or penning the perfect lyrics, his ability to blend vulnerability with irresistible hooks has made him a go-to collaborator for some of the biggest names in music. From soulful ballads to undeniable ba...
Today’s guest is a genre-defying vocal powerhouse who’s been taking the music world by storm. Raised in the South with a love for soul, country, R&B, and rock, he blended these influences into an unmistakable style that’s all his own. With a voice that’s as powerful as it is emotive, he doesn’t just sing—he connects, turning raw, soulful covers into hits and proving he’s more than just a voice. He’s a true artist and songwriter who’s crafted songs about love, loss, and everything in between,...
We’re excited to announce a special bonus interview with Sung Cho, the CEO & Founder of our incredible sponsor, Chartmetric. Ross recently sat down with Sung to discuss how his company is building the world’s best analytics team in the music industry. Read below to find out more about Chartmetric and listen to this conversation on any platform you find your podcasts! Chartmetric is the all-in-one platform for artists and music industry professionals, providing comprehensive streaming, social...
Today’s guest is a true jack-of-all-trades—part artist, part entrepreneur, and full-on icon. From nurturing a die-hard fanbase to dominating the charts across genres, he’s built an empire over the course of his incredible career. This diamond certified superstar is the pride of Pittsburgh and has proven time and time again that you can do it all—and do it well. And The Writer Is…Wiz Khalifa! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Today’s guest is the definition of a songwriting legend! With a record-breaking 76 #1 hits (and counting), 10 ASCAP Songwriter of the Year awards, and the title of NSAI Songwriter of the Decade for 2010-2019, he’s set a standard that’s hard to match. His songs have dominated the charts and sound-tracked lives, earning him Grammy, CMA, and ACM nominations and wins along the way. But behind the stats is a humble, hardworking collaborator whose passion for music and dedication to the songwriting co...
