Country noir superstar Gretchen Peters explains the process she embarks upon when creating the cinematic and socially conscious songs that have become her calling card. In our in-depth conversation, the Nashville stalwart describes the writing of recent albums like Blackbirds and Dancing With The Beast, her classic hits for the likes of Martina McBride, Bonnie Raitt and Trisha Yearwood, and her collaborative partnership with Bryan Adams....
In this mini bonus podcast episode, Simon and Brian chat about the experience of attending the 64th Ivor Novello Awards ceremony in London on 23rd May as guests of the Ivors Academy , the independent trade body for songwriters and composers in the UK. This year's winners included The 1975, Wiley, Deep Purple, Natasha Khan, Jonny Greenwood, Mariah Carey, Richard Ashcroft, and former podcast guest Dido (who received the award for Outstanding Song Collection)....
In this special episode, Sting discusses his album "My Songs," re-interpreting classics from a fresh perspective. He delves into his unique songwriting process, including working backward from titles, his use of complex chords, and how locations inspire his lyrics. Sting also reflects on leaving The Police for creative freedom and the profound impact of songs like "Every Breath You Take" and "Fragile."
Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Rhiannon Giddens joins us to discuss her new record, There Is No Other , made in collaboration with Francesco Turrisi. During the course of this in-depth conversation, Rhiannon describes the spontaneous process fuelling their work together, the historical resonance attached to songs like 'Mama's Cryin' Long' and 'At The Purchaser's Option', and how telling these stories informs her mission as an artist....
Singer-songwriter Gaz Coombes discusses the writing of songs from his excellent solo albums, World's Strongest Man and Matador , as well as hits with his former band, Supergrass. During the conversation, Gaz explains how he develops ideas in the studio and how he has expanded his songwriting palette to include the art of 'soundwriting'.
Britt Daniel of Spoon sits down with Simon and Brian in Liverpool to talk about the writing of songs like 'I Turn My Camera On', 'The Underdog', 'The Ghost of You Lingers' and 'New York Kiss', as well as songs from the band's addictive recent offering, Hot Thoughts . During the chat, Britt plays us an early voice memo of 'Can I Sit Next To You' and explains how he develops his ideas from handheld recorder to the finished article.
Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Rosanne Cash discusses the writing of her stunning record She Remembers Everything and songs from her catalogue including 'Seven Year Ache', 'Seventh Avenue' and 'When The Master Calls The Roll'. In this inspiring conversation, Rosanne describes her relationship to prose writing, her collaborations with her husband John Leventhal, and encouragement she received from her father, the late, great, Johnny Cash....
Prefab Sprout's Paddy McAloon joins Simon and Brian to talk about the writing process behind his orchestral masterpiece I Trawl The Megahertz . In this in-depth conversation, Paddy explains the unusual situation that led to the record, how he experimented with radio dialogue, voiceover narration, and his ancient Atari computer to create its fascinating soundscapes. This episode represents Sodajerker's first ever repeat guest, with Paddy having appeared originally on episode 53 ....
Singer-songwriter Jamie Lawson talks about his songwriting process and hits to date, including the affecting 'Wasn't Expecting That'. Jamie also describes his time in Nashville and collaborations with songwriters like Ed Sheeran, Kim Richey and Ron Sexsmith. His next record The Years In Between is available from March 29, 2019.
In this fun conversation, Dido discusses the writing of her new album Still On My Mind and explains how she approaches the production process. In addition to talking about collaborations with brother Rollo, Brian Eno, Jon Brion and Max Martin, Dido describes the creation of global hits like 'Thank You' and 'White Flag', and the turn of events that led to being sampled on Eminem's 'Stan'.
In this episode, Hozier delves into the creation of his album "Wasteland, Baby!", exploring its themes of hope amidst bleakness and the inspiration behind powerful songs like "Nina Cried Power." He shares insights into his solitary songwriting process, the impact of his blues and gospel roots, and how he crafts layered, evocative lyrics for tracks such as "Take Me to Church" and "Movement." The conversation also touches on his philosophical views on music's purpose and limitations.
Trevor Horn discusses his new album, "Trevor Horn Reimagines The Eighties," featuring orchestral re-interpretations of classic hits and his distinctive production philosophy. He shares detailed anecdotes about producing iconic tracks like Grace Jones's "Slave to the Rhythm," Buggles' "Video Killed the Radio Star," and Yes's "Owner of a Lonely Heart." Horn also reflects on his early career, studio experiences, and groundbreaking collaborations with artists such as Frankie Goes to Hollywood and Malcolm McLaren, highlighting his innovative approach to songwriting and sound.
Simon and Brian speak with one-woman hit factory Diane Warren , whose career-making songs have produced timeless collaborations with the likes of Celine Dion, Aerosmith, Cher, LeAnn Rimes and Toni Braxton. In this episode, Diane talks about her work ethic, her approach to 'method songwriting', and writing her latest Oscar contender 'I'll Fight', as performed by Jennifer Hudson for the Ruth Bader Ginsburg documentary, RBG .
Mike Posner , the singer-songwriter, poet, rapper and record producer behind global successes like 'I Took A Pill In Ibiza' and 'Cooler Than Me', discusses the writing of his biggest hits as well as the creative process behind his moving new album A Real Good Kid . Mike also talks about his work on songs for the likes of Justin Bieber, Nick Jonas and Maroon 5.
Simon and Brian visit synth maestro Howard Jones to talk about the writing behind two of his seminal solo albums, Human's Lib and Dream Into Action , newly remastered and expanded by Cherry Red Records. In addition to songs like 'What Is Love?', 'New Song', 'Hide and Seek', 'Things Can Only Get Better' and 'Like To Get To Know You Well', Howard talks about his classic synth setup, performing at Live Aid, and his work on Transform , a new electronic album due this year....
In this in-depth interview, Elvis Costello shares insights into his creative process for the album "Look Now," highlighting the meticulous preparation behind its "pop alchemy." He delves into his unique collaborations with legends like Carole King and Burt Bacharach, explaining how these partnerships shaped songs such as "Burnt Sugar Is So Bitter" and "God Give Me Strength." Costello also reflects on the evolution and meaning of iconic tracks like "Shipbuilding," "Everyday I Write The Book," and "Oliver's Army," offering a rare look into his blend of craft, intuition, and diverse musical influences.
Vocalist and songwriter Steve Perry joins Sodajerker in London to discuss the writing of his new album Traces as well as some of his classic hits with Journey like 'Open Arms' and 'Don't Stop Believin''. In this candid conversation, Steve talks openly about his complicated relationship with singing, the time he spent away from music, and the impetus that brought him back into the spotlight.
Legendary singer-songwriter David Crosby sits down with Simon and Brian in Manchester to discuss the writing of his stunning new album Here If You Listen as well as songs from his previous solo albums and the Crosby, Stills & Nash catalogue. In the conversation, Croz explains what he learned from songwriters like Joni Mitchell and how his collaborations with the Lighthouse and Sky Trails bands have led to one of the most productive periods of his extraordinary career....
With the release of the 'zeitgeist edition' of her hit album The Architect , Paloma Faith joins us to discuss songs like 'Loyal', 'Your Ex', 'Just Be', 'Crybaby', 'Kings and Queens' and past successes like 'Stone Cold Sober' and '30 Minute Love Affair'. Throughout the course of the conversation, Paloma reflects on the importance of collaboration, her passion for poems and lyrics, and the art of writing from experience.
Further to their interview with Chief Creative Advisor Nile Rodgers, Simon and Brian return to the legendary Abbey Road Studios to sit down with Mirek Stiles (Head of Audio Products) and Mark Robertson (Head of Brand & Marketing) for a chat about the past, present and future of the historic recording complex and the exciting innovations taking place there.
Legendary songwriter and producer Nile Rodgers shares insights into his creative process, including his unique approach to rhythm guitar and the concept of 'Deep Hidden Meaning' that underpins his iconic hits. He reveals the inspiration behind classics for Chic, Sister Sledge, Diana Ross, and David Bowie, and reflects on the formation of Chic with Bernard Edwards and the importance of evolving as an artist.
In this bonus chat, Simon and Brian take a moment to reflect on the journey that led them to meeting with Paul McCartney, and the crazy week that preceded the experience.
In this special episode, legendary songwriter and Beatle Paul McCartney sits down with Simon and Brian at The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts to discuss songs from his new album Egypt Station . During the conversation, Paul describes the process of collaborating with Greg Kurstin and Ryan Tedder, how he develops and captures his ideas, his natural flair for melody, and his modular approach to putting different sections together.
Miles Kane delves into the creation of his album "Coup de Gras," sharing insights into the title track's unique production and wrestling inspiration, alongside the collaborative magic behind "Loaded" with Lana Del Rey and Jamie T. He opens up about overcoming writer's block with Jamie T's help and reflects on his extensive co-writing experiences with legends like Alex Turner, Paul Weller, and Andy Partridge, highlighting the personal touch in his songwriting and the story behind "Shavambacu."
We sit down with James Skelly and Nick Power of The Coral at Liverpool's Parr Street Studios to discuss the writing of their new album Move Through The Dawn . In addition to reflecting on tuneful new offerings like 'She's A Runaway', 'Eyes Like Pearls' and 'Strangers In The Hollow', the pair remember their mentor Alan Wills and tell the stories behind hits like 'In The Morning', 'Pass It On' and 'Dreaming of You'.
Tom Ogden, Joe Donovan and Charlie Salt of Stockport's own Blossoms talk about the writing of their second album Cool Like You , including songs like 'I Can't Stand It', 'Unfaithful', 'There's A Reason Why (I Never Returned Your Calls)', 'How Long Will This Last' and 'Stranger Still'. The band reflect on the role of synthesisers on this record, how the group dynamic imbues the songs with specific qualities, and their relationship with producer and mentor James Skelly....
Fraser T. Smith offers an insightful look into his decorated career, detailing the creative process behind chart-toppers like Adele's "Set Fire to the Rain" and James Morrison's "Broken Strings." He shares his unique approach to collaboration, emphasizing empathy and adaptability when working with diverse artists like Stormzy and Taio Cruz. The episode also highlights his commitment to lifelong learning through online courses and his passion for producing honest, culturally significant music.
The delightful Fran Healy of Travis discusses the writing of classic songs like 'Driftwood', 'Writing to Reach You', 'Why Does It Always Rain On Me', 'Turn', 'Sing', 'Side' and 'Flowers in the Window'. In the course of the conversation, Fran reflects on the importance of never having a plan, how he make songs relatable, and his new film Almost Fashionable , a documentary about Travis.
Bassist and composer Stanley Clarke sits down with Simon and Brian to chat about his work on solo and Return to Forever tracks like 'Lopsy Lu', 'School Days', 'Hello Jeff' and 'The Magician'. Stanley describes his collaborations with the likes of Louis Johnson ('We Supply'), George Duke ('Let's Get Started') and Gregory Hines ('Bassically Taps') and details his approach to film scoring for movies like Passenger 57 and What's Love Got To Do With It ....
Singer-songwriter, composer, playwright and author Rupert Holmes discusses songs from his lavish box set Songs That Sound Like Movies from Cherry Red Records. The polymath and raconteur talks Simon and Brian through the writing of classic songs like 'Widescreen', 'Him', 'Timothy', 'Studio Musician', 'Partners in Crime', and 'Escape (The Piña Colada Song)'. Rupert also describes writing for Barbra Streisand, collaborating with Marvin Hamlisch, and the secret of managing his many projects....
