Singer-songwriter Jewel discusses her new record Freewheelin' Woman and how she has used the songwriting process as a way to deal with anxiety. The musician and author also remembers lessons learned from time spent with Bob Dylan and Neil Young, and explains why singing in the studio is a little bit like porn.
Hit songwriter and producer Desmond Child speaks with Simon and Brian about the songs that make up his enviable catalogue. From his work with Kiss, Bon Jovi, and Aerosmith, to global smashes with Ricky Martin, Desmond has consistently been involved in creating unforgettable songs for major artists. In this conversation, Desmond explains how his approach to songwriting, creativity and collaboration has facilitated his success.
Legendary singer-songwriter Daryl Hall offers insights into his extensive career, from the success of Hall & Oates to his new solo anthology "Before After." He explores his formative Philly soul influences, the experimental "Sacred Songs" album, and the creative dynamics of his popular web series "Live From Daryl's House." Hall also shares details on his intuitive songwriting process, the impact of collaboration, and his experiences with creative hibernation and renewal.
Versatile songwriter and producer Bleu discusses his recent album SiX TAPE , his new Berklee course on sync for songwriters, and his adventures in writing K-pop. The multi-talented singer and collaborator also revisits his many excellent side projects like Loud Lion, L.E.O. and The Major Labels.
Welsh songsmith Kelly Jones of Stereophonics joins Simon and Brian for a chat about their brand new number one album Oochya! , the importance of narrative in his songwriting process, and mega hits from the back catalogue like 'Dakota'.
Catherine Anne Davies aka The Anchoress talks about the expanded edition of her critically acclaimed record The Art of Losing , her approach to songwriting and production, and why there's no such thing as great inspiration.
Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith of Tears For Fears discuss their excellent new record The Tipping Point , getting back to basics as songwriters, and classic hits from the past like 'Mad World', 'Head Over Heels', 'Everybody Wants To Rule The World' and 'Sowing The Seeds Of Love'.
Actor and singer-songwriter Kiefer Sutherland joins Sodajerker for a chat about his new album Bloor Street and his creative process. Kiefer talks about writing from experience, how his acting informs his songwriting, and why he loves to write at his kitchen island.
Singer-songwriter, producer and actor Steven Van Zandt sits down with Simon and Brian in Manchester, UK, for an inspiring conversation about songwriting and arranging, his expansive musical history, and forays into other art forms. The E Street Band guitarist also talks about his creative partnership with Bruce Springsteen, early records with Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, and the five crafts of rock.
Decorated lyricist Sir Tim Rice chats with Simon and Brian about his writing process and his extraordinary career in musical theatre and film. In this wide-ranging conversation, Tim discusses the business of launching shows like Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat , Jesus Christ Superstar , Evita and Chess , his illustrious collaborations with Andrew Lloyd Webber, Sir Elton John, ABBA's Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, and songs for films like The Lion King and Aladdin ....
Singer-songwriter LP joins Simon and Brian for a freewheeling conversation about their new album Churches , the art of whistling, collaborating with greats like Dan Wilson and Billy Steinberg, and why they'll never co-write on Zoom.
Duran Duran's Simon Le Bon and John Taylor talk with Sodajerker about their exciting new record FUTURE PAST . During the chat, the pair reflect on the band's creative process, including their approach to groove, tempo and melody, and their recent collaborations with Graham Coxon and Giorgio Moroder.
Tori Amos shares insights into the creation of her 16th studio album, "Ocean to Ocean," written entirely during the third UK lockdown. She details her distinctive songwriting practice, including channeling muses, building a "sonic pantry" of ideas, and finding inspiration from diverse sources like Bruce Lee and nature. The conversation explores how she approaches honesty in her work, overcomes creative challenges, and respects the songs as living entities.
Adam Granduciel of The War On Drugs sits down with Simon and Brian to discuss the band's latest record I Don't Live Here Anymore and how it was shaped and reshaped prior to release. During the conversation, Adam explains his creative process, his experimental approach to recording, and why it's important to have a very well-organised Dropbox.
To celebrate 10 years of the Sodajerker podcast, we sat down for a special tin anniversary Q&A hosted by podcasting megalodon and very nice man Adam Buxton. In this lively ramble chat, we answer listener questions and talk about everything from our favourite guests and their songwriting tips to PR shenanigans, TV's breastfeeding boyfriends and more!
Ricky Ross of Deacon Blue joins Sodajerker to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the band's third studio album Fellow Hoodlums . During the chat, Ricky talks about his songwriting process across his career, co-writing with artists like James Blunt, the roots of Scottish soul, and the band's recent creative renaissance.
October 15th 2021 sees the release of a remixed special edition of Let It Be , the final album by The Beatles. To celebrate the occasion, Simon and Brian sat down with the excellent Giles Martin to talk about his work remixing The Beatles at Abbey Road Studios, the songwriting of Lennon & McCartney, his work on Peter Jackson's forthcoming documentary series The Beatles: Get Back , and memories of his father, Sir George Martin.
Singer-songwriter James Walsh of Starsailor joins Sodajerker to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the band's beloved debut album Love Is Here . During the conversation, James reflects on songs from the now classic album, what he's learned about songwriting over the years, and his experiences co-writing with pop acts.
Lindsey Buckingham joins Sodajerker to discuss his self-titled new album, sharing insights into his intuitive, guitar-centric songwriting process and "cubist" approach to arrangement. He reflects on his extensive career, from early influences and Fleetwood Mac's iconic albums like "Tusk" and "Rumours" to his distinctive solo work and movie soundtracks. Buckingham also delves into the art of crafting powerful choruses, the evolution of his lyrics, and his unwavering commitment to artistic integrity despite personal and industry challenges.
Actor, writer and musician David Duchovny sits down with Sodajerker to discuss the writing of his third album Gestureland . David discusses the collaborative process, similarities with his work in other art forms, and why the recording is not the final word on a song.
Barenaked Ladies frontman Ed Robertson joins Simon and Brian to discuss the writing of the band's latest album Detour de Force as well as classic BNL songs like 'One Week'. In this wide-ranging chat, Ed talks about collaborating with the likes of Kevin Griffin and Donovan Woods, writing in his car, and taking inspiration from everyone from Howard Jones to Eminem.
Rising star Maisie Peters chats with Simon and Brian about the writing of her debut album You Signed Up For This. The singer-songwriter gives an in-depth account of her process and shares what it's like to collaborate with Ed Sheeran, the value of busking to her career, and the word she chose to remove from the song 'Boy'.
Singer-songwriter Yola talks about the writing of her exciting new album Stand For Myself , collaborating with creative partners like Dan Auerbach and Natalie Hemby, and interacting with the Nashville writing culture.
Will Taylor and Nick Hill of Flyte take a deep dive into the creative process behind the band's excellent new album This Is Really Going To Hurt . The guys explain their approach to collaboration, the importance of simplicity and streamlining, and how songs can retrospectively take on greater significance.
Singer-songwriter MARINA breaks down the songwriting process behind her amazing new album Ancient Dreams In A Modern Land and songs from past eras. MARINA also talks about her experiences writing with teams like Stargate, how her fierce independence informs her creativity, and why it's important to take time out.
Singer-songwriter, musician, actor and podcaster Gary Kemp joins Simon and Brian for a chat about his exciting new album INSOLO , writing mega-hits like 'True', 'Gold' and 'Through The Barricades' for Spandau Ballet, and why he likes to write alone. Gary also shares his thoughts on writing from the head and the heart, the discipline of rhyming, and the importance of storytelling.
Laura Mvula discusses her sparkling new album Pink Noise , teasing out 80's influences, and pushing herself into new musical territories. The Birmingham-born artist shares insights into her career and creative process by talking about life after Sony, working with collaborators like Oli Rockberger, and challenging herself as a singer.
Sharleen Spiteri of Texas chats with Simon and Brian about the band's new album Hi . During the conversation, the singer and guitarist shares insights into her longtime writing partnership with Johnny McElhone, the writing of their many hits, collaborating with Wu-Tang Clan, and how her creativity is enlivened by having synesthesia.
The sensational St. Vincent joins Simon and Brian for a conversation about her fascinating new album Daddy's Home . During the chat, Annie talks about her approach to songwriting, collaborating with the likes of David Byrne and Jack Antonoff, her relationship with the guitar, and the place of music theory in her work.
The multi-talented Moby discusses his latest album Reprise , his love for bedroom studios, and why you'll never find him on holiday. The DJ, producer and songwriter also shares insights into his working routines, the writing of major albums like Play , and strategies for overcoming writer's block.
