Thomas Walsh of Pugwash and The Duckworth Lewis Method joins Sodajerker to discuss his new album The Rest is History and his songwriting process. In this in-depth conversation, the Irish power pop legend talks about his origins in music, his collaborations with The Divine Comedy's Neil Hannon, and his reverence for his musical heroes like Michael Penn and Jeff Lynne.
Eric Cantona joins Simon and Brian to discuss his new EP I'll Make My Own Heaven, and his songwriting process. The actor, artist and former footballer talks about his need to express himself, using mistakes to create better moments, and how to rely on instinct.
Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Lips chats with Simon and Brian about the band's classic album Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots and his songwriting process. The veteran artist talks about the writing of beloved tracks like 'Do You Realize??', working intuitively, and responding with pure emotion to song ideas.
Kevin Rowland joins Simon and Brian to discuss his creative process and the writing of the new Dexys record The Feminine Divine . The acclaimed singer and songwriter talks about where inspiration comes from, the importance of trust when co-writing, and why he likes to write notes on his lyric sheets.
Simon and Brian are joined by beloved singer-songwriter Stephen Duffy to discuss writing the new Lilac Time record Dance Till All The Stars Come Down and much more besides. Stephen touches on a range of subjects including the influence of W. H. Auden, how therapy changed his writing style, and his collaborations with artists like Steven Page and Robbie Williams.
In this interview, Damon Albarn provides insights into the creation of Blur's "The Ballad of Darren," highlighting how he wrote many songs while touring with Gorillaz. He delves into his disciplined yet fluid songwriting routine, the crucial collaborative interplay within Blur, and his method of cataloging ideas. Albarn also shares personal anecdotes behind tracks like "Narcissist" and "St. Charles Square," emphasizing his reliance on literal life experiences for lyrical depth and his lifelong commitment to continuous artistic practice.
Lloyd Cole joins Simon and Brian to discuss his songwriting and the creative process behind his new record On Pain . The former Commotions frontman reflects on new collaborations with his old bandmates, the influence of David Bowie, and his ongoing quest to experiment and evolve.
Jenny Lewis chats to Sodajerker about her current record Joy'All and her songwriting process. Among other insights, the musician and actress talks about attending a songwriting group hosted by Beck, recording with Ringo Starr, and her work with Rilo Kiley.
Simply Red's Mick Hucknall joins Simon and Brian for a special 250th episode covering his new record Time and his work through the years. The celebrated frontman speaks candidly about his career as a songwriter, his collaborations with Motown legend Lamont Dozier, and the stories behind classic hits like 'Holding Back The Years' and 'Something Got Me Started'.
Theo Katzman discusses his amazing album Be The Wheel and his philosophies as a songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist. The Vulfpeck member shares a range of ideas about music including the influence of jazz standards, capturing real performances on record, and why AI is no problem if we just focus on our humanity.
Jessie Ware chats with Sodajerker about her new album That! Feels Good! and her approach to songwriting. The singer, songwriter and podcaster talks about wearing lots of different hats creatively, the challenges of co-writing, and past collaborations with Benny Blanco, Ed Sheeran and Julia Michaels.
David Paich sits down with Simon and Brian to talk about his songwriting process, his recent solo debut Forgotten Toys , and his classic hits with Toto . The legendary songwriter, keyboardist and session musician discusses his early musical life, the influence of his father, and collaborations with Boz Scaggs, David Foster and more.
The delightful Tim Burgess joins us to discuss his songwriting process, both solo and with The Charlatans. The singer-songwriter, author, and Twitter legend talks about writing in white rooms, hitting hot streaks, and the joy of sharing music through his listening parties.
Shania Twain shares insights into her latest album, "Queen of Me," detailing how she channeled isolation into productivity during COVID. She discusses her first-time experiences with group songwriting, the crucial role of acoustic guitar in her creative process, and her philosophy behind crafting powerful choruses and bridges. Twain also reflects on the vulnerability of sharing her "raw songwriter self" and the unique collaboration with Mutt Lang on her iconic hits. The episode concludes with reflections on her invigorated creative period.
This gem from the archives was thought lost forever, but thanks to the wonders of technology we've been able to recover our chat with the great Boz Scaggs. It was recorded around the time of Boz's last album, Out of the Blues , and highlights his contemporary approach to music making, as well as the creative process behind timeless classics like 'Lowdown' and 'Hollywood'. The singer-songwriter and guitarist also speaks about gaining vocal confidence, collaborating with David Paich, David Foster ...
Composer and songwriter Michael Penn talks with Sodajerker about his "former career" in songwriting, meeting Bob Dylan as a kid, and why he doesn't co-write with his partner, the equally brilliant Aimee Mann. The acclaimed film/TV composer also reflects on his relationship with performing, his approach to melody writing, and his love for The Chamberlin keyboard.
The brilliant Tim Heidecker chats with Simon and Brian about his gorgeous record High School , his love for Randy Newman, and recreating the yacht rock sound. The comedian, writer, actor and musician also explains why he wrote a hymn for agnostics, and wonders why we keep burying people in the ground when they die.
In this episode, Seal delves into his unique songwriting process, revealing how formative experiences and key collaborations shaped his iconic sound. He shares candid stories behind hits like "Kiss From A Rose," detailing its rocky path to global success, and "Crazy," explaining his deliberate shift to find an authentic musical identity. The conversation highlights the profound influence of producer Trevor Horn, emphasizing the art of record-making as a narrative, and Seal's enduring passion for the unpredictable, collaborative alchemy of creating music.
Matty and George from The 1975 talk with Sodajerker about the band's stellar new album Being Funny In A Foreign Language , working with Jack Antonoff, and being addicted to making stuff. The guys explain their songwriting and creativity in a variety of ways, touching on everything from postmodernism to comedy in what feels like a very good therapy session.
Death Cab for Cutie 's Ben Gibbard gives Sodajerker the lowdown on the band's superb new album Asphalt Meadows , the process of round robin songwriting, and why he's always falling in love with dead movie stars. The songwriter and guitarist also talks about writing with his trusty Fender Mustang, how certain guitars can deal a hot hand creatively, and the importance of lived experience in his work.
Suede's Brett Anderson joins Simon and Brian for a candid conversation about the writing of the band's new record Autofiction , accessing naivety, avoiding self-parody, and the value of craft. The frontman and author also reflects on the importance of fans, and why a songwriter's musical limitations don't need to be a barrier to success.
The phenomenal Madison Cunningham speaks with Sodajerker about her new record Revealer , sincerity versus technicality in music making, and why songs are sometimes smarter than you. The singer-songwriter also discusses her distinctive approach to the guitar and the influence of church music in her development.
Julian Lennon joins Simon and Brian for a chat about his new record Jude , the importance of emotion in songwriting, dealing with anxiety, and the trials of relearning his old material. The multi-faceted singer-songwriter also discusses his work as a photographer, filmmaker and author, and reflects on how his creativity is powered by his relentless work ethic.
Singer-songwriter Martha Wainwright discusses her recent memoir Stories I Might Regret Telling You , how she approaches writing both songs and prose, and being done with old narratives. The critically lauded artist also shares her thoughts on using open tunings, why she found acting wasn't compatible with songwriting, and her plans for the future.
Canadian treasure Steven Page sits down with Simon and Brian to discuss his songwriting process, his work with Barenaked Ladies, and songs from his forthcoming solo album. The beloved singer-songwriter shares his thoughts on the joy of choir singing, the place of humour in songwriting, and what he's learned from long-time collaborators like Stephen 'Tin Tin' Duffy.
The charismatic Bruce Hornsby joins us to talk about the writing of his superb new album 'Flicted and the art of living a life of creativity. In this in-depth conversation, the singer-songwriter and pianist describes how he gets inspired by reading literary fiction, his work on music for Spike Lee joints, what he means when he describes his sound as 'Bill Evans meets the hymnbook', and why 'The Way It Is' was one of the most unlikely hits ever....
Singer-songwriter and violin virtuoso Andrew Bird discusses the writing of his captivating new record Inside Problems . In this detailed chat, the seasoned artist explains his approach to confessional songwriting, using archaic language, and how he has been inspired by everything from insomnia to the air freshener used in New York taxicabs.
Beloved Scouse singer-songwriter Michael Head (The Pale Fountains, Shack) talks about his fantastic new record Dear Scott and his approach to songwriting. In this detailed conversation, Mick reflects on his relationship with poetry, his Liverpool roots, and how he imbues his songs with stories, characters and imagination.
Norah Jones talks about the 20th anniversary edition of her Grammy award-winning record Come Away With Me and how her songwriting has developed over the past two decades. The singer, songwriter and pianist also discusses her past collaborations with Danger Mouse and Jeff Tweedy, and explains why the bathtub is the best place to write songs.
Grammy-winning singer-songwriter PJ Morton talks about the writing of his latest record Watch The Sun and his collaborations with the likes of Stevie Wonder, Jill Scott and El DeBarge. The versatile musician and producer also reflects on the importance of being himself, the inspiration he takes from his hometown of New Orleans, and his work as the keyboard player for Maroon 5.
