Will Oldham, aka Bonnie "Prince" Billy , joins Sodajerker for an enlightening discussion about his latest album, The Purple Bird . With a career that spans over three decades, the beloved singer-songwriter and actor reflects on working with Nashville veteran David 'Ferg' Ferguson, rediscovering meaning in his extensive catalogue, and the art of putting secret passageways and trapdoors in his songs.
Take That's Gary Barlow welcomes Simon and Brian to his London studio for a fun conversation about songwriting, performance, and the creative process. The celebrated artist discusses the authentic sound of his Songbook tour, how he cultivates studio collaboration, and the amazing songwriting advice he received from Swedish hitmaker Max Martin. Gary was also previously the guest for episode 180 of this podcast....
The remarkable Brandi Carlile joins Simon and Brian for an in-depth conversation about writing with Elton John on their new album, Who Believes In Angels? The Grammy and Emmy-winning singer-songwriter discusses the profound connection she feels with both Elton and Bernie Taupin, and the challenges and triumphs of bringing her childhood dream to life.
The excellent Djo , aka musician and actor Joe Keery, sits down in London with Simon and Brian to discuss his terrific new record The Crux . During the conversation, the Stranger Things star explains his songwriting process, how he enriches his songs with personal stories and references to the music he loves, and the value of collaborating with his friend Adam Thein.
Mike Hadreas, aka Perfume Genius , takes us inside the creative process behind his new record, Glory , produced by Blake Mills. During the conversation, Mike describes how he balances spontaneity with structure, the art of becoming a song detective, and why he writes his best work in 'goblin mode'.
Tom Walker shares his songwriting story so far and the challenges of making his recent second album I AM . The popular singer-songwriter also reflects on the importance of striving to realise a creative vision, his time spent studying songwriting at university, and the influence of his music-loving father.
Inhaler's Elijah Hewson and Josh Jenkinson discuss the writing of their new record Open Wide and how the band collaborates creatively. Among other insights into their process, the Dublin-born musicians share their thoughts on the importance of finishing songs, working with producer Kid Harpoon, and why they're always thinking 'hook, hook, hook'.
Franz Ferdinand's Alex Kapranos and Julian Corrie talk about the writing of the band's sixth studio album The Human Fear and their creative process. During the conversation, the pair explore themes of fear and spontaneity in their work, not being too precious about ideas, and why songs are like friends.
Bastille 's Dan Smith talks with Sodajerker about his new concept album, Ampersand . The conversation delves into the fascinating stories of historical figures and fictional characters that influenced his writing, as well as the personal connections that shape his music.
U2 's The Edge joins Simon and Brian to discuss the 20th anniversary reissue of the band's acclaimed record How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb , and its new 'shadow album' How to Re-Assemble an Atomic Bomb . The celebrated guitarist and sonic architect offers deep insights into the band's dynamic and their dedication to collaboration.
Graham Coxon and Rose Elinor Dougall of The WAEVE delve into the creation of their sophomore album City Lights , a listening experience filled with sharp musical edges and a deep sense of urgency. The conversation explores their collaboration with producer James Ford, and the thematic undercurrents of their work, from the city's dark underbelly to the intimacy of family life.
In a vibrant conversation, Boy George shares insights into his prolific songwriting, revealing he's released 54 tracks in the last year and enjoys reimagining Culture Club classics with fresh interpretations. He delves into his unique creative process, drawing inspiration from everyday observations, arguments, and even file names, while collaborating with diverse artists and maintaining a fluid, exploratory approach to lyrics and melody. George also highlights the deep influence of artists like Bowie, Dylan, and classic jazz on his work, emphasizing authenticity, artistic freedom, and the continuous evolution of his craft across music and painting.
Versatile singer-songwriter and producer Joan As Police Woman talks about her latest record Lemons, Limes and Orchids . During the conversation, Joan shares practical advice about taking writing workshops, creating artificial deadlines, and penning songs while riding her bicycle. She also reflects on why mentorship holds a special place in her life, and the influence of artists like Rufus Wainwright and Damon Albarn, whose work inspires her to push creative boundaries....
Snow Patrol's Gary Lightbody and Johnny McDaid discuss the creative process behind the band's new record The Forest is the Path , which ventures into new territories musically and lyrically. The pair talk about the influence of literary greats like Seamus Heaney, their collaboration with producer Fraser T. Smith, and the liberating experience of writing music without constraints.
Nada Surf's Matthew Caws talks about the band's latest record Moon Mirror and his songwriting process through the years. The singer and guitarist shares his routine of writing before his inner critic wakes up, how recording 'fictionalises' an idea, the importance of small moments of encouragement and validation, and the musical epiphanies he experienced growing up in New York.
Kate Nash discusses her latest record 9 Sad Symphonies and the challenges of being a creative artist in the contemporary music industries. Among other insights, the singer-songwriter and actress talks about the importance of mental health, the power of meaningful collaboration, and her unlikely friendship with actor Danny Dyer.
Will Young tells Simon and Brian about the writing of his new record Light It Up and the various collaborations that made it possible. In this lively conversation, the singer-songwriter, actor and writer reveals that he doesn't always need to have an emotional connection to his material in order to do justice to it, and explains why it's essential to enjoy the creative process.
Bat for Lashes (aka Natasha Khan) joins Sodajerker for a conversation about her absorbing new record The Dream of Delphi , which deals with the experience of becoming a mother during the pandemic. The multi-disciplinary artist discusses her approach to composition through improvisation, how she relates creatively to her environment, and the inspiration she draws from the movies of the 1980s.
Sheryl Crow shares insights into her new album "Evolution," detailing her collaborative and often spontaneous songwriting approach, from "back porch" musings to working with Mike Elizondo. She reflects on her early musical influences, the challenges of maintaining artistic integrity in a changing industry, and her use of music to address social issues like gun violence and AI's impact. Crow also discusses her journey from classical training to rock and the enduring power of a strong chorus, alongside candid thoughts on balancing personal growth with public perception.
Pop superstar Camila Cabello tells Simon and Brian about the writing of her new record C,XOXO . The singer and songwriter discusses the creation of a provocative alter ego for the album, writing with Auto-Tune, collaborating with featured guests like Drake, Playboi Carti and Lil Nas X, and situating her work within the vibrant culture of Miami.
Folk-rock legend Richard Thompson shares his artistic process, from recording his new album "Ship to Shore" live to his unique approach to crafting melodies, lyrics, and song titles. He delves into the nuances of drawing inspiration from diverse sources, navigating the balance between efficiency and creativity, and how the music industry has evolved since The Beatles. Thompson also touches on his songwriting camps and the importance of finding an authentic voice.
Brian and Michael D'Addario of The Lemon Twigs chat with Sodajerker about writing and producing their new record A Dream Is All We Know . The multi-talented brothers describe the challenges of working together, the art of recording on tape, and avoiding 'demo-itis'.
Kings of Leon's Caleb and Jared Followill talk about the writing of the band's new record Can We Please Have Fun and their creative process. In this wide-ranging conversation, the brothers discuss such topics as journalling, working intuitively, making accessible music, and being songwriting vampires.
Dave McCabe and Sean Payne discuss the writing process behind The Zutons' superb new record The Big Decider . This vibrant conversation delves into the band's unique sound, the blending of production work from Nile Rodgers and Ian Broudie, and the innovative lyrical techniques behind their triumphant return.
The wonderful Sean O'Hagan joins us to chat about the new High Llamas record Hey Panda , and his songwriting process. The acclaimed artist, producer, and arranger explores a wealth of topics including his formative work in beloved Irish band Microdisney, writing about his own life and experiences, and his insatiable appetite for new music.
Gossip's Beth Ditto and Nathan 'Brace Paine' Howdeshell discuss the creative process behind their excellent new record Real Power . The pair reflect on their near telepathic musical relationship, the ethereal mysteries of songwriting, and collaborating with the great Rick Rubin.
Brittany Howard talks with Simon and Brian about her arresting new record What Now and how she approaches songwriting. The singer and guitarist discusses taking risks in the studio, experimenting with rhythm, and her encounters with the legendary Prince.
Corin Tucker and Carrie Brownstein of Sleater-Kinney join Sodajerker to discuss their fantastic new record Little Rope and their songwriting process. The influential duo talk about song structure and arranging, their strange guitar tunings, and collaborating with producers like John Congleton and Annie Clark.
Singer-songwriter and producer Bill Ryder-Jones joins Sodajerker from his West Kirby studio to discuss his new record Iechyd Da , and his creative process. The Merseyside-based artist also talks about collaborating with the likes of Mick Head, taking lyrical inspiration from TV's Eurotrash , and writing bad songs in his sleep.
Leslie Feist joins Simon and Brian to discuss her songwriting process and recent record Multitudes . The award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter talks about taking part in a 'Song-A-Day' challenge, bypassing judgement when writing, and how she has developed songs through live performance.
