Glenn Tilbrook , lead singer and guitarist for Squeeze, talks about the writing of such classic songs as 'Cool for Cats', 'Up the Junction', 'Pulling Mussels (From the Shell)', 'Another Nail in my Heart', 'Tempted', 'Hourglass', 'Some Fantastic Place' and more. In addition to describing his 40+ year songwriting partnership with Chris Difford, Glenn also talks about some of the songs from his new album Happy Ending .
In this engaging conversation, singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright reflects on his celebrated career, detailing the creation of his "Vibrate: The Best Of" album. He shares intimate stories behind songs like "The Art Teacher" and "Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk," delves into his distinctive songwriting approach, including his use of piano, lyrical focus, and complex chord structures. Rufus also speaks candidly about collaborations with Guy Chambers and Mark Ronson, his family's musical legacy, and upcoming projects like a new opera, providing a comprehensive look at his artistic world.
Singer-songwriter Paddy McAloon of Prefab Sprout joins Simon and Brian for a chat about his latest release Crimson/Red . Paddy talks about the writing of songs like 'The Best Jewel Thief in the World', 'Billy', Devil Came A Calling' and 'The Songs of Danny Galway' before moving on to classic Prefab Sprout songs like 'Faron Young', When Love Breaks Down', The King of Rock 'N' Roll', 'Hey Manhattan' and more. Paddy also discusses songs that he contributed to the Jimmy Nail television show Crocodil...
Singer-songwriter and activist Billy Bragg shares his thoughts on the songwriting process and details the writing of songs like 'A New England', 'The Milkman of Human Kindness', Greetings to the New Brunette', 'Levi Stubbs' Tears', 'Sexuality', 'Tank Park Salute' and 'Never Buy The Sun'. Billy also talks in detail about his guitar playing and songs from his most recent album, Tooth & Nail .
Songwriter, composer, arranger and producer Van Dyke Parks chats with Simon and Brian about the writing processes behind his recent album Songs Cycled , as well as pieces like 'High Coin', 'Hominy Grove', 'Tokyo Rose', 'Trade War' and 'Orange Crate Art'. Van Dyke also gives insight into his seminal work with The Beach Boys on SMiLE -era compositions like 'Heroes and Villains', 'Surf's Up' and later collaborations such as 'Sail On, Sailor'....
Songwriter and producer Nick Lowe , whose credits over more than four decades include hit songs like '(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding', 'Cruel to be Kind' and 'I Love the Sound of Breaking Glass', joins Simon and Brian for a special 50th episode about the writing of those beloved classics and more. Nick also discusses his Christmas album, Quality Street , which includes original songs like 'Christmas at the Airport' and 'I Was Born in Bethlehem'....
Suzanne Vega illustrates her approach to songwriting by talking about the processes behind songs like 'Marlene On The Wall', 'Tom's Diner', 'Luka', 'Men In A War', 'Book of Dreams' and 'In Liverpool'. Suzanne also discusses her early history as a dancer and musician, attending the Greenwich Village Songwriter's Exchange, the thinking behind the recent Close-Up series of releases, and her plans for a new album of original material.
In this insightful interview, legendary singer-songwriter Rickie Lee Jones delves into her approach to music, from reinterpreting classic songs on "The Devil You Know" to crafting her distinctive lyrical flow. She shares personal anecdotes about her itinerant childhood, the influence of her musical family, and her unique collaborative experiences. Jones also reflects on the evolution of her songs, her creative process, and her excitement for writing new original material.
British folk singer Linda Thompson joins Simon and Brian to talk about the writing of her new solo album Won't Be Long Now . Linda talks about songs like 'Love's for Babies and Fools', 'If I Were a Bluebird' (written with Ron Sexsmith), 'Paddy's Lamentation' and the maritime themes of songs like 'Never Put to Sea Boys' and 'Never the Bride'. Linda describes what it's like working with family members, especially her son Teddy Thompson, and the vocal condition that silenced her live performance ca...
Singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith discusses his approach to the art and craft of songwriting by detailing the processes behind songs like 'Secret Heart', 'Speaking With The Angel', 'Gold in Them Hills', 'Brandy Alexander', 'Believe it When I See It' and 'Life After A Broken Heart'. Ron talks in depth about his love for artists like Bill Withers, his collaborations with people like Mitchell Froom, Bob Rock and Don Black, and his ongoing pursuit of 'hit' records....
Singer-songwriter Chip Taylor picks up his guitar to talk Simon and Brian through the writing of songs like 'Wild Thing' (The Troggs/Jimi Hendrix), 'Angel of the Morning' (Merrilee Rush/Dusty Springfield/Chrissie Hynde) and selections from his recent solo albums such as 'F**k All The Perfect People', 'Dance With a Hole in Your Shoe' and 'Phoned in Dead'. Chip also talks in detail about the Brill Building days and his alternate career as a professional gambler....
Neil Finn of Split Enz, Crowded House, Finn Brothers and Pajama Club chats with Simon and Brian about his songwriting process and the writing of songs like 'Fall At Your Feet', 'Don't Dream It's Over', 'Weather With You', 'Four Seasons In One Day', 'Not The Girl You Think You Are' and 'Edible Flowers'. Neil also talks about his work on The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and details the production of his forthcoming solo record.
Singer-songwriter Rumer talks with Sodajerker about her approach to writing songs like 'Slow', 'Aretha', 'Come To Me High', 'Blackbird' and others from her debut album Seasons Of My Soul . Rumer also talks in detail about how events in her life have influenced her creative work, paying respect to great songwriters on her second album, Boys Don't Cry , and her plans for the future.
Songwriter and guitarist Johnny Marr , loved by pop fans worldwide for his work with The Smiths, The The, Electronic, Modest Mouse and The Cribs, joins Simon and Brian for a conversation about the writing processes behind his fantastic new solo album The Messenger . Johnny also talks in detail about his musical influences, growing up in Manchester, his songwriting partnership with Morrissey, and his collaborations with artists like Kirsty MacColl ('Walking Down Madison') and Billy Bragg ('Sexual...
This episode features an in-depth interview with legendary New Orleans musician Allen Toussaint, who shares insights from his half-century spanning career. He delves into his unique songwriting methods, from tailoring songs for artists like Lee Dorsey to the inspiration behind classics such as "Mother in Law" and "Southern Nights." Toussaint also discusses his roles as a producer and arranger, collaborations with figures like Elvis Costello, and provides valuable advice for aspiring songwriters, reflecting on his enduring passion for music.
John Flansburgh and John Linnell of They Might Be Giants take an hour out of their busy tour schedule to talk with Simon and Brian about their new album Nanobots ; their approach to songwriting; the Dial-A-Song service; writing music for children; their collaborations with production team Clive Langer and Alan Winstanley on songs like 'Birdhouse in Your Soul', and more.
Singer-songwriter P. F. Sloan , known the world over as the author of political anthems such as 'Eve of Destruction' (Barry McGuire) and popular hits like 'Secret Agent Man' (Johnny Rivers), 'A Must to Avoid' (Herman's Hermits) and 'Summer Means Fun' (Jan & Dean), joins Sodajerker to talk about starting in music as a teenager, his songwriting partnership with Steve Barri, the heady successes of the 1960s, and the many struggles that pushed him away from music for more than 30 years....
As one half of The Sherman Brothers , Richard M. Sherman is responsible for co-writing the most memorable Disney songs of all time. In this hour of conversation, Mr Sherman joins Simon and Brian to talk through landmark works like his Academy Award-winning compositions for Mary Poppins, and so much more.
Martyn Ware and Glenn Gregory of Heaven 17 chat with Simon and Brian about the creative processes behind songs like '(We Don't Need This) Fascist Groove Thang', 'Let's All Make a Bomb' ( Penthouse and Pavement ), and gems from The Luxury Gap . Martyn and Glenn also talk in detail about their early lives in Sheffield, their approach to synthesisers and recording technology, and early songs for The Human League such as 'Almost Medieval' and 'Being Boiled'....
Oscar, Grammy and Golden Globe-winning Hall of Fame songwriter Paul Williams sits down with Sodajerker to talk about his approach to the art and craft. Paul describes the creative process behind hits like 'We've Only Just Begun' and 'Rainy Days and Mondays' for The Carpenters, as well as songs for films such as 'The Rainbow Connection' ( The Muppet Movie ), 'Evergreen' ( A Star is Born ), Phantom of the Paradise , Ishtar , and Bugsy Malone....
Harry Shearer , the actor, writer and musician known for his work on Spinal Tap and The Simpsons , talks with Simon and Brian about writing the songs for his latest album Can't Take A Hint . In addition to describing his process on songs like 'Celebrity Booze Endorser', 'Deaf Boys' and 'Autumn in New Orleans', Harry talks in detail about his work with Michael McKean and Christopher Guest on Spinal Tap classics like 'Big Bottom', and songs from A Mighty Wind , such as 'Old Joe's Place' and 'The G...
Oscar-winning lyricist Don Black talks with Sodajerker about his many collaborations on songs for films, musicals and pop artists alike. Don's credits include 'Born Free' (Matt Monro), 'Thunderball' (Tom Jones), 'To Sir, With Love' (Lulu), 'Diamonds Are Forever' (Shirley Bassey), 'The Man With the Golden Gun' (Lulu), 'Ben' (Michael Jackson) and 'The World is Not Enough' (Garbage). He also talks in detail about his long and hugely successful relationships with composers John Barry and Andrew Lloy...
Celebrated songwriter Carole Bayer Sager reflects on her illustrious career, revealing her instinctive lyrical approach and the dynamics of collaborating with diverse artists like Burt Bacharach, Marvin Hamlish, and David Foster. She highlights the personal significance of songs like "The Prayer" and "That's What Friends Are For," and also discusses her passion for painting as another creative outlet. The episode offers a deep dive into the art of songwriting and the profound connections music creates.
Mike Stock of Stock, Aitken and Waterman joins Sodajerker to talk about the writing of songs like 'Say I'm Your Number One' (Princess); 'Showing Out (Get Fresh at the Weekend)', 'Respectable' (Mel and Kim); 'Never Gonna Give You Up' (Rick Astley); 'I Should Be So Lucky', 'Better the Devil You Know' (Kylie Minogue); 'This Time I Know It's For Real' (Donna Summer), and other 'Hit Factory' smashes for artists like Cliff Richard, Jason Donovan and Bananarama....
Ben Folds, Darren Jessee and Robert Sledge, known collectively as Ben Folds Five , sit down in person with Simon and Brian for a special edition of Sodajerker on Songwriting. In this audio version of the video podcast, the band talk about the writing of songs like 'Brick', 'Battle of Who Could Care Less', 'Philosophy', 'Steven's Last Night in Town' and songs from their new album The Sound of the Life of the Mind, such as 'Do it Anyway', 'Sky High' and 'Michael Praytor, Five Years Later'....
Ben Folds, Darren Jessee and Robert Sledge, known collectively as Ben Folds Five , sit down in person with Simon and Brian for a special edition of Sodajerker on Songwriting. In this video podcast, the band talk about the writing of songs like 'Brick', 'Battle of Who Could Care Less', 'Philosophy', 'Steven's Last Night in Town' and songs from their new album The Sound of the Life of the Mind , such as 'Do it Anyway', 'Sky High' and 'Michael Praytor, Five Years Later'....
10cc's own Graham Gouldman joins Simon and Brian for episode 30 to talk about the writing of songs like 'For Your Love' (The Yardbirds), 'Bus Stop' (The Hollies), 'No Milk Today' (Herman's Hermits), 'Johnny Don't Do It', 'Wall Street Shuffle', 'I'm Not in Love', 'Iceberg' (10cc) and 'Bridge To Your Heart' (Wax). Graham talks in depth about his work with 10cc, the late Andrew Gold, and his latest solo album Love and Work .
Veteran singer-songwriter Stephen Bishop talks about the writing of songs like 'On and On', 'Save it for a Rainy Day', 'Looking for the Right One' (Art Garfunkel), 'Losing Myself in You', 'Red Cab to Manhattan' and his Academy Award-nominated song 'Separate Lives' (Phil Collins). Stephen also speaks about his work on a number of movie soundtracks, such as National Lampoon's Animal House , Tootsie and The Money Pit .
Valerie Simpson , one half of legendary songwriting team Ashford and Simpson, joins Sodajerker to talk about the writing of Motown classics like 'Ain't No Mountain High Enough', 'You're All I Need to Get By' and 'Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing'. Valerie also speaks about 'I'm Every Woman' (Chaka Khan) and Ashford and Simpson's own hits including the seminal 'Solid (As A Rock)'.
Singer-songwriter and producer Brendan Benson provides Sodajerker with insights into his songwriting process and creative life by discussing songs like 'Spit it Out', 'What I'm Looking For', 'Broken Boy Soldier', 'Bad for Me' and 'Keep Me'. Brendan also speaks about his many collaborations with artists like Ashley Monroe and Jack White of The White Stripes in their band The Raconteurs.
