Hitmakers Exposed - podcast cover

Hitmakers Exposed

Martin Sutton | The Songwriting Academythesongwritingacademy.co.uk
The best in the music business open up about their lives in music, the stories behind the hits, and give straight-talking advice and success hacks for emerging songwriters, artists and producers. Hosted by Martin Sutton, founder of The Songwriting Academy and multi-platinum award winning songwriter and producer.
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Episodes

Mo Pleasure | Ray Charles, Earth Wind & Fire, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Christina Aguilera, Bette Midler & more!

Known affectionately as Mo Pleasure, this renowned multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer, began playing acoustic piano at the age of four and by his early teens already mastered several instruments including bass, trumpet, guitar, drums and violin. He has played with Ray Charles, Michael Jackson, Christian Aguilera, Mary J. Blige and Earth, Wind & Fire. Upon receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from University of Connecticut, Mo began his professional music career playing ...

Jul 13, 202359 minEp. 24

Mark Garfield | On writing with Pete Brown (Cream) and Glen Matlock (Sex Pistols) to placing music with Quentin Tarantino

Mark Garfield is a drummer, producer, songwriter and music publisher – founder co owner of Pop-Up Music a UK a music publisher and sync agent. He has drummed, produced and written for artists including, Glen Matlock (Sex Pistols), Dr Fink (Prince), Eddie Kramer (producer Jimmy Hendrix, Led Zeppelin…), Pete Brown (Cream), Mo Foster (Jeff Beck, Phil Collins), Clem Burke (Blondie), Neal X (Sigue Sigue Sputnik, Marc Almond), Arthur Brown, Micky Moody/Bernie Marsden (Whitesnake) and Hotei (Kill Bill ...

Jun 30, 20231 hr 5 minEp. 23

Pam Sheyne | From singing in the bath to writing global smash Genie In A Bottle

The stories behind the life of global hit songwriter Pam Sheyne. Now based in Los Angeles, New Zealand born Pam Sheyne’s career has resulted in a number of globally recognised hit records, major film end titles, sales of 50+ million records, 100+ platinum, gold and silver sales certifications, 7 BMI Pop airplay citations and a prestigious Ivor Novello award. Whilst best known for the global breakthrough single “Genie In A Bottle” for Christina Aguilera (No.1 USA Hot 100/No.1 UK), she was also re...

Jun 22, 20231 hr 14 minEp. 22

Paddy Byrne Pt.2 of 2 | Paloma Faith, Ella Eyre, Olly Murs, Tom Grennan, Will Young, Gabrielle, Joy Crookes

In this inspiring interview, Paddy reveals the ups and downs of being a creative, how to maintain the positivity and self belief, and shares the stories behind the hits. Paddy Byrne is a multi million selling British songwriter, musician and producer known for working in a variety of genres with multi platinum and developing artists alike such as Snakehips, Paloma Faith, Ella Eyre, Tom Grennan, Olly Murs, Will Young, Gabrielle, Sinead Harnett, Daley, Devlin, Felon, Watermat, I Blame Coco and Mon...

Jun 08, 202353 minEp. 21

Paddy Byrne Pt.1 of 2 | Paloma Faith, Ella Eyre, Olly Murs, Tom Grennan, Will Young, Gabrielle, Joy Crookes

In this inspiring interview, Paddy reveals the ups and downs of being a creative, how to maintain the positivity and self belief, and shares the stories behind the hits. Paddy Byrne is a multi million selling British songwriter, musician and producer known for working in a variety of genres with multi platinum and developing artists alike such as Snakehips, Paloma Faith, Ella Eyre, Tom Grennan, Olly Murs, Will Young, Gabrielle, Sinead Harnett, Daley, Devlin, Felon, Watermat, I Blame Coco and Mon...

Jun 01, 202359 minEp. 20

Sie Medway-Smith | U2, Depeche Mode, Rita Ora, David Guetta U2, Chemical Brothers, Ellie Goulding

Sie is a Grammy, Mercury Prize and MOBO nominated Producer, Songwriter, Mixer, and Engineer with 28 years of professional experience in the music industry and 14 years as a Sony ATV Publishing in house songwriter. The last few decades have seen Sie constantly produce, write and mix music with artists and labels at every level. Sie sees his longevity in the industry down to his insatiable thirst for all things forward facing. Be that helping developing technology for Ableton to development of the...

May 25, 202344 minEp. 19

Sacha Skarbek Pt.2 of 2 | The stories behind Wrecking Ball (Miley Cyrus), writing with Adele and You're Beautiful (James Blunt)

Part 2 of 2 | Includes Live Performance of Wrecking Ball Hit songwriter and producer Sacha is best known for co-writing James Blunt's hit singles "You're Beautiful" and "Goodbye My Lover" as well as Miley Cyrus' hit song "Wrecking Ball". He has worked with artists such as Adele, Lana Del Rey, Jason Mraz, Tears for Fears, Duffy and many more. In this live interview with TSA founder Martin, he reveals the stories behind the hits and the reality of being invited into writing sessions with CeeLo and...

May 18, 202348 minEp. 18

Sacha Skarbek Pt.1 of 2 | The stories behind Wrecking Ball (Miley Cyrus), writing with Adele and You're Beautiful (James Blunt)

Part 1 of 2 | Includes Live Performance of You're Beautiful Hit songwriter and producer Sacha is best known for co-writing James Blunt's hit singles "You're Beautiful" and "Goodbye My Lover" as well as Miley Cyrus' hit song "Wrecking Ball". He has worked with artists such as Adele, Lana Del Rey, Jason Mraz, Tears for Fears, Duffy and many more. In this live interview with TSA founder Martin, he reveals the stories behind the hits and the reality of being invited into writing sessions with CeeLo ...

May 11, 20231 hr 3 minEp. 17

Trevor Horn | Live from London | The legendary record producer shares the BEST stories from a lifetime in music

Live from The Songwriting Academy International Conference in London 2019, legendary record producer Trevor Horn talks about his life in music from early days learning bass as a youngster to making global hit records for Seal, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Grace Jones, Rod Stewart and more...and of course Trevor shares the story behind the iconic Video Killed The Radio Star. Still as passionate as ever after multiple BRIT Awards and a Grammy, Trevor bares all in this amazing interview. The best adv...

May 04, 20231 hr 42 minEp. 16

Michael Garvin | 22 (or is it 23?) NUMBER ONE hit records and still working like it's his first day on the job...

From a huge country music career writing for Faith Hill, George Strait, Waylon Jennings and many more of the greats, to penning "Never Give Up On A Good Thing" for George Benson, to global pop success with Jennifer Lopez' "Waiting For Tonight". Michael has done it all, or you'd think so...but he still has huge dreams, new goals and is working as hard as ever creating new music with his rare mix of talent, humility, joy and love. The best advice out there, raw and uncensored, from experts who hav...

Apr 27, 20231 hr 15 minEp. 15

Paul Statham | Over 30M Record Sales for Dido, Kylie Minogue, Peter Murphy, Simple Minds

Paul Statham is a multi platinum selling songwriter and producer who has been published by Warner Chappell Music for over 20 years. Paul co-wrote with Dido the breakthrough single “Here With Me” and the title track of her first album No Angel, selling over 20 million records. Paul also wrote two tracks on Kylie’s massive album “Fever” Kylie as well as songs for The Saturdays, Matt Cardle, Gabriella Cilmie, Peter Andre, Rachel Stevens, Right Said Fred, Tina Arena and many European acts inc the It...

Apr 20, 20231 hr 21 minEp. 14

A.I. Special | The impact of A.I. on the music industry

Join host Martin Sutton and 12 special guest hit songwriters, producers and music business leaders discussing the impact that A.I. has, and will have on the music business and its creatives. Guests (in order of appearance): Kevin McCove Andrew Rollins Jeff Franzel Shane Whalen Helienne Lindvall Vincent Corver Ally McErlaine Jonathan Li Sie Medway-Smith Rob Wells Nick Evans Charlie Dore The best advice out there, raw and uncensored, from experts who have walked the walk through the music business...

Apr 06, 20231 hr 54 min

Rob Wells | How I got to work with Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, Selena Gomez, Adam Lambert, Katharine McPhee and more

Talking about life, music and making hit records with the multi-platinum award winning songwriter and producer behind the music of artists including Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, Adam Lambert, Nick Lachey, Mika, Katharine McPhee, Backstreet Boys, Paloma Faith, Nelly Furtado, Big Time Rush, Cyndi Lauper and many more. Rob talks about his life in music, his approach to making records and gives priceless advice for all emerging creatives today. His work has been featured in numerous f...

Mar 30, 202356 minEp. 12

Matt Aitken | Creator of over 100 TOP 40 HIT RECORDS as part of the iconic Stock Aitken & Waterman

Responsible for over 100 Top 40 hits in the UK alone, STOCK AITKEN WATERMAN ruled the pop charts in the 1980s and provided the soundtrack to a generation... Mike Stock, Matt Aitken and Pete Waterman – better known collectively as Stock Aitken Waterman – are amongst the most successful songwriters, arrangers and producers in the history of pop music. ​Stock Aitken Waterman wrote and/or produced well over 100 UK Top 40 singles (many of which were also worldwide hits), and contributed to over 50 hi...

Mar 23, 202358 minEp. 11

Chris Neil | Legendary producer for Celine Dion, Rod Stewart, Mike & The Mechanics, Sheena Easton...

Legendary record producer Chris Neil talks about his decades of experience producing global hit records for Celine Dion, Rod Stewart, Cher, Mike & The Mechanics, Sheena Easton and many more household names. What makes a hit song, a great artist and a great record? This plus solid advice for emerging artists and producers on how to carve a career in today's music business. The best advice out there, raw and uncensored, from experts who have walked the walk through the music business 🔥 To fin...

Mar 16, 202356 minEp. 10

Carol-Lynne Quinn | VOCOLOGY SPECIAL - How to find, keep and respect the voice you have been given.

Prepare to be inspired! Vocologist and Singing Rehabilitation Specialist Carol-Lynne shares invaluable advice on how to find your voice, keep your voice and the empowerment of respecting your true sound. From coaching Juno Award winning artists to complete beginners, Carol-Lynne, also known as CQ, combines athletic voice science with soulful connection. https://www.cqvoice.com Instagram and Tik Tok | @cqvoice The best advice out there, raw and uncensored, from experts who have walked the walk th...

Mar 09, 20231 hr 15 minEp. 9

Michael Walker | The struggling indie artist who went from zero to 24 million streams by simply talking to fans...

The fascinating story of Michael Walker, CEO of Modern Musician, who started in a struggling indie punk band surviving on peanut butter wraps, but then found a way of "Tour Hacking" which immediately catapulted their sales and visibility. Now a highly regarded mentor and music tech entrepreneur, Michael shares some key secrets to indie artist success in today's music marketplace. The best advice out there, raw and uncensored, from experts who have walked the walk through the music business 🔥 To...

Mar 02, 202356 minEp. 8

Eliza Carthy MBE | Legend of the UK traditional music scene opens up about her life and music

Describing herself simply as a ‘modern English musician’, Eliza Carthy is one of the most recognisable faces in British folk. She has received an MBE; numerous BBC R2 Folk Awards; two Mercury Prize nominations; was the first English traditional musician to be nominated for a BBC R3 Award for World Music, and in 2021 became President of the English Folk Dance & Song Society. Born into a formidable musical dynasty, her mother Norma was one of The Watersons and her father Martin Carthy is a hug...

Feb 23, 20231 hr 6 minEp. 7

Jeff Franzel | Playing piano for Frank Sinatra and writing for Hollywood blockbuster movies

Multi-million record selling songwriter and pianist Jeff Franzel shares his stories about playing piano for Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Junior in front of audiences including President Ford and writing life changing songs for Hollywood blockbuster movies. Jeff gives stellar advice on how to stay inspired, how to get a song started and how to be authentic every time you create. Make sure you listen to "I Never Saw Blue Like That Before" by Shawn Colvin! The best advice out there, raw and uncens...

Feb 16, 202332 minEp. 6

Andrew Rollins | From challenging childhood to working with BB King, Randy Jackson and nine songs in ABC's Nashville TV show

Andrew Rollins opens up about his tough childhood, 30 years of sobriety and becoming one of the most sought after songwriters on the scene. Andrew is an Emmy award winner who has played guitar with music legends including BB King, Jose Feliciano and Dionne Warwick. He has had nine of his songs placed in ABC's Nashville TV show and has a music publishing company with his long term friend Randy Jackson. The best advice out there, raw and uncensored, from experts who have walked the walk through th...

Feb 09, 20231 hr 4 minEp. 5

Niclas Molinder | The Disney music creator who went into business with Max Martin and Abba's Björn Ulvaeus

From chef to global music entrepreneur with tens of millions of sales and over 200 pieces of music placed with Disney, Swedish songwriter Niclas Molinder opens up to Martin Sutton about living his dream life in the music business. Niclas is the CEO of Session Studio, working alongside Max Martin and Bjorn Ulvaeus from Abba to provide a vital service for songwriters and producers. The best advice out there, raw and uncensored, from experts who have walked the walk through the music business 🔥 To...

Feb 02, 20231 hr 19 minEp. 4

Liz Rodrigues | The shy girl who became a hitmaker for Eminem and Celine Dion

Liz Rodrigues was a timid young girl terrified of standing in front of audiences and performing, who grew into a strong and confident singer and hit songwriter. She has written and performed with Eminem, had her songs released by Pink, Gwen Stefani, Nicole Scherzinger and Pitbull amongst others, and recently achieved a lifelong dream by having six of her songs recorded and released by her teen idol Celine Dion. Listen to Liz's journey from humble beginnings to major hitmaker. The best advice out...

Jan 26, 20231 hr 11 minEp. 3

Steve Anderson | 25 years with Kylie Minogue

Steve Anderson shares advice from his lifetime of experience in the music business as a songwriter, producer and musical director. Steve has worked with pop icon Kylie Minogue for 25 years, plus many other legends including Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney. Get more from The Songwriting Academy and join the FREE Songwriting Community HERE

Jan 19, 202353 minEp. 2

Jake Gosling | My time with Ed Sheeran

World famous songwriter/producer and 2 times Grammy nominee Jake talks openly about his life in music, what it was like writing and producing the + album with Ed Sheeran, how the creative process is different for everyone, and drops gold about what it takes to be a successful artist in the music business. Recorded live at the The Songwriting Academy International Conference in 2019. The best advice out there, raw and uncensored, from experts who have walked the walk through the music business 🔥...

Jan 12, 202350 minEp. 1
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