Sodajerker On Songwriting
273 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 days ago - ★★★★★ - 363 ratingsSodajerker On Songwriting is a programme devoted to the art and craft of songwriting. The show, created and hosted by the UK songwriting team Sodajerker, features interviews with some of the most successful songwriters and musicians in the world.
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Episodes
Bonus: 10th Anniversary Q&A with Adam Buxton
November 09, 2021 13:42 - 1 hour - 86.4 MBTo 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!
Episode 214 - Ricky Ross
October 27, 2021 10:16 - 56 minutes - 77.7 MBRicky 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.
Bonus: Giles Martin on Remixing The Beatles
October 14, 2021 10:34 - 33 minutes - 47 MBOctober 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.
Episode 213 - James Walsh
October 07, 2021 09:38 - 53 minutes - 73.7 MBSinger-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.
Episode 212 - Lindsey Buckingham
September 30, 2021 09:39 - 45 minutes - 63.5 MBLegendary songwriter, producer and guitarist Lindsey Buckingham joins Simon and Brian to discuss his fantastic self-titled new album, his Cubist approach to songwriting, and the art of the ‘Kevlar chorus'. During the chat, Lindsey touches on his work with Fleetwood Mac, standout tracks like 'Slow Dancing' and 'Holiday Road', and much more. This is a special moment for us, so thanks for listening!
Episode 211 - David Duchovny
September 23, 2021 08:48 - 52 minutes - 73.1 MBActor, 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.
Episode 210 - Ed Robertson
September 17, 2021 09:26 - 1 hour - 91.1 MBBarenaked 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.
Episode 209 - Maisie Peters
September 10, 2021 09:07 - 43 minutes - 60.5 MBRising 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’.
Episode 208 - Yola
August 30, 2021 10:36 - 1 hour - 87.9 MBSinger-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.
Episode 207 - Flyte
August 16, 2021 09:30 - 58 minutes - 81.3 MBWill 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.
Episode 206 - MARINA
August 02, 2021 09:48 - 47 minutes - 65.2 MBSinger-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.
Episode 205 - Gary Kemp
July 23, 2021 12:12 - 1 hour - 84.7 MBSinger-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.
Episode 204 - Laura Mvula
July 18, 2021 16:32 - 47 minutes - 65.2 MBLaura 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.
Episode 203 - Sharleen Spiteri
July 09, 2021 15:49 - 57 minutes - 79.8 MBSharleen 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.
Episode 202 - St. Vincent
June 28, 2021 09:26 - 40 minutes - 56.3 MBThe 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.
Episode 201 - Moby
June 21, 2021 09:39 - 58 minutes - 81.3 MBThe 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.
Episode 200 - Jon Batiste
June 10, 2021 11:41 - 1 hour - 88.6 MBFor this very special 200th episode, Simon and Brian revel in the boundless creativity of musician Jon Batiste. The Late Show bandleader joins Sodajerker from his piano to explain the writing process behind his life-affirming record We Are, how he understands music in terms of frequencies, and what he feels is his superpower as an artist.
Episode 199 - Birdy
May 31, 2021 14:49 - 40 minutes - 56 MBBirdy joins Simon and Brian for a chat about her most personal album to date, Young Heart, the art of co-writing, and the influence of Joni Mitchell. Birdy also describes how she challenged herself by going to write in LA and Nashville, and how this helped her to develop her confidence and work through writer's block.
Episode 198 - David Gray
May 24, 2021 09:01 - 1 hour - 83 MBSinger-songwriter David Gray chats about his beautiful new album Skellig, the social and political leanings that underpin his music, and classic songs from his monumental hit White Ladder. David also remembers the time he spent in Liverpool as a young man and explains how his current lifestyle challenges his creativity.
Episode 197 - Maxïmo Park
May 17, 2021 12:31 - 56 minutes - 78.5 MBPaul Smith and Duncan Lloyd of Maxïmo Park discuss their latest album Nature Always Wins and how they recorded the album remotely during lockdown. The pair provide an in-depth account of their creative process and how they strive to avoid clichés when writing about topics like childhood, parenting, ageing, and the social politics of tragedy.
Episode 196 - Róisín Murphy
May 10, 2021 09:18 - 46 minutes - 63.9 MBSinger-songwriter and producer Róisín Murphy breaks down the creative processes behind her album Róisín Machine and explains how she develops tracks, lyrics and remixes across a range of electronic music styles. Róisín also talks about collaborators like Richard Barratt (DJ Parrot/Crooked Man) and Eddie Stevens, and her hits for Moloko created with Mark Brydon.
Episode 195 - Mike Viola
May 03, 2021 14:26 - 51 minutes - 70.7 MBOne of our all-time favourite guests, singer-songwriter and producer Mike Viola returns to the podcast to discuss his fantastic new album Godmuffin. During the conversation, Mike explains how he makes time for creativity, how the past informs his present, and how he is coping with the loss of his friend Adam Schlesinger. Mike's first appearance on the show was in episode 20.
Episode 194 - Nitin Sawhney
April 26, 2021 10:10 - 43 minutes - 60 MBDistinguished songwriter and composer Nitin Sawhney shares insights into the writing of his latest album Immigrants, and its relationship to his acclaimed breakthrough Beyond Skin. During the chat, Nitin also talks about the poetry and mathematics of Indian classical music, collaborating with Paul McCartney, and how he has continued working during lockdown.
Episode 193 - Don McLean
April 19, 2021 08:29 - 55 minutes - 77.3 MBEnduring singer-songwriter Don McLean discusses the writing of songs from throughout his extraordinary career including 'American Pie', 'Vincent', 'Wonderful Baby', 'The Legend of Andrew McCrew', 'Prime Time', 'Sea Man' and 'When July Comes'. In the conversation, Don teases out the importance of artists like Fred Astaire, Bob Dylan and The Beatles, and explains why he wants to write songs that are useful to people.
Episode 192 - Edie Brickell
April 12, 2021 08:53 - 43 minutes - 60.7 MBThe New Bohemians singer-songwriter joins Simon and Brian for a chat about the band's excellent album Hunter and the Dog Star, her approach to lyrics and melody, and the music that inspired her. During the conversation, Edie also reflects on her time away from music, her work with Steve Martin, and a potential collaboration with her husband Paul Simon.
Episode 191 - Dan Penn
April 05, 2021 09:22 - 41 minutes - 57.2 MBLegendary R&B writer and Muscle Shoals figurehead Dan Penn discusses his recent album Living On Mercy and timeless classics like 'The Dark End of the Street', 'Do Right Woman, Do Right Man' and 'I'm Your Puppet'. During the conversation, Dan talks about his time at FAME Studios, his collaborations with the likes of Aretha Franklin and Otis Redding, and why he's not trying to tell his own story through his songs.
Episode 190 - Jon Bon Jovi
March 29, 2021 10:07 - 51 minutes - 71.8 MBIn this special episode, legendary singer, songwriter and philanthropist Jon Bon Jovi joins Simon and Brian to discuss his recent album 2020, and his incredible hits through the years. During the conversation, Jon talks about writing topical songs, collaborating with people like Desmond Child and Dave Stewart, and why he keeps coming back to a guitar named Bob. If you enjoy this episode, be sure to check out the JBJ Soul Foundation which is dedicated to long-lasting solutions to hunger and h...
Episode 189 - Steven Wilson
March 22, 2021 09:23 - 58 minutes - 80.3 MBSinger-songwriter and producer Steven Wilson joins Sodajerker to discuss his terrific album The Future Bites, why he hates songwriting, and what it was like collaborating with Elton John. Steven also describes his work remixing classic albums and explains how he finds it important to divorce himself from his love for other artists in his own songwriting.
Episode 188 - Gregory Porter
March 12, 2021 10:39 - 53 minutes - 73.4 MBThe incredible Gregory Porter drops in to chat about his Grammy-nominated album All Rise, why he prefers to be in motion when writing songs, and how inspiration is a flower that opens up at midnight. Gregory also discusses his relationship with Nat King Cole's music and explains why super sexy guys have to be careful about what lyrics they sing.
Episode 187 - The Staves
March 01, 2021 10:26 - 49 minutes - 68.7 MBJessica and Camilla of The Staves join us to talk about their stunning new record Good Woman. The pair explain their different mindsets in the writing process, how they created the sonic textures on the record, and how they completed the album after a momentous personal loss. Jess also remembers her time spent in Liverpool, and tells the story of how their father once sang Christmas carols with Paul McCartney.
Episode 186 - Ray LaMontagne
February 19, 2021 10:59 - 39 minutes - 54.5 MBIn a rare interview, singer-songwriter Ray LaMontagne shares insights into his latest album Monovision and reflects on why it’s important to maintain playfulness in the songwriting process. Ray also revisits classic songs like 'Trouble', compares the songwriting process to catching fireflies, and explains why he’ll never forget performing with Elvis Costello.
Episode 185 - Ghostpoet
February 05, 2021 16:25 - 33 minutes - 46 MBObaro Ejimiwe aka Ghostpoet talks about his writing process on the album I Grow Tired But Dare Not Fall Asleep and building songs from long improvisations in the studio. During the course of the chat, Obaro also reflects on his lack of affiliation with particular genres, the political nature of his words, and his relationship with social media.
Episode 184 - Jeff Tweedy
January 22, 2021 10:30 - 52 minutes - 72.5 MBIn this episode, the tremendous Jeff Tweedy of Wilco provides a masterclass on creativity and songwriting as he discusses his outstanding new book How To Write One Song, and his excellent recent solo album Love Is The King. If you enjoy hearing the world's best break down practical and useful strategies that you can apply to your own work, look no further.
Episode 183 - Mark Oliver Everett
January 08, 2021 09:42 - 37 minutes - 52.3 MBEELS frontman Mark Oliver Everett (aka 'E') drops in to talk about about the writing of the band's new album Earth To Dora and his creative process. During the chat, Mark highlights the power of resilience, how he collaborates with his bandmates, and his love for John Lennon's Plastic Ono Band.
Episode 182 - Lucinda Williams
January 04, 2021 10:14 - 55 minutes - 77.3 MBThe formidable Lucinda Williams chats with Simon and Brian about the writing of her latest album Good Souls Better Angels. Talking through her expansive catalogue, the veteran artist uncovers a range of themes that have informed her songwriting and her outlook on the music industries including politics, domestic abuse, depression, experiences with record labels and reviews on social media.
Episode 181 - Tim Minchin
December 16, 2020 09:52 - 1 hour - 83.7 MBSongwriter, comedian and actor Tim Minchin talks about the writing of his debut studio album Apart Together. During this in-depth chat about the creative process, Tim also reveals how he approaches writing songs for musicals like Matilda and Groundhog Day, and why his comedy influences are The Beatles, The Kinks, and Queen.
Episode 180 - Gary Barlow
December 04, 2020 11:07 - 1 hour - 88.3 MBDecorated singer-songwriter Gary Barlow joins Simon and Brian to chat about his new album Music Played By Humans, his ongoing passion for writing and recording, and his work with Take That. In this wide-ranging conversation, Frodsham's favourite son talks through his glittering catalogue of hits, explains what it was like waiting for cues from Ken Dodd, and reveals how he once got Prince talking about his favourite studio gear.
Episode 179 - Midge Ure
November 27, 2020 10:47 - 1 hour - 86.4 MBThe great Midge Ure drops in to discuss the 40th anniversary reissue of Ultravox's seminal album Vienna. The legendary songwriter talks about his writing process throughout his extraordinary career from his work with Rich Kids, Visage and Phil Lynott, to the collaborative miracle that was Band Aid's 'Do They Know It's Christmas?'
Episode 178 - Roachford
November 16, 2020 10:14 - 47 minutes - 65.5 MBFor this episode, Simon and Brian are joined by singer-songwriter Andrew Roachford to chat about the writing of his new record Twice In A Lifetime. The veteran musician talks about working with Beverley Knight, why he likes singing in his living room, and what it was like to see Alan Partridge miming his classic hit 'Cuddly Toy'.
Episode 177 - Katie Melua
November 09, 2020 10:31 - 40 minutes - 56.6 MBSinger-songwriter Katie Melua talks with Simon and Brian about the writing of her absorbing new record Album No. 8. During the conversation, Katie also reflects on her collaborations with the likes of Mike Batt, Guy Chambers, Don Black and Sam Dixon, and explains why she has been on a mission to research lyric writing.
Episode 176 - Matt Berninger
November 02, 2020 10:28 - 53 minutes - 73.7 MBMatt Berninger of The National joins us to talk about the writing of his excellent solo album Serpentine Prison. During the conversation, Matt describes his partnership with the album's producer Booker T. Jones, and explains why he's striving to resist cultures of fear, and structure his life around positive forms of creativity.
Episode 175 - Dan Croll
October 26, 2020 11:40 - 50 minutes - 70.3 MBSinger-songwriter Dan Croll talks about his staggeringly good third album Grand Plan which covers his first year living as an artist in LA. Dan also remembers the time he had a one-on-one masterclass with Paul McCartney while studying at LIPA and takes a moment to reflect on the tragic loss of the band Her's, which he captures beautifully in his song 'Together'.
Episode 174 - Taylor Goldsmith
October 19, 2020 12:34 - 50 minutes - 70.4 MBTaylor Goldsmith talks about his songwriting process across the impressive Dawes catalogue, collaborating with the likes of Elvis Costello on The New Basement Tapes project, and why it's important not to go into the studio with a hundred songs. Taylor also reflects on his work with talented friends like Brandon Flowers, Mike Viola, and his wife Mandy Moore.
Episode 173 - Billy Ocean
October 10, 2020 08:58 - 39 minutes - 55 MBTo celebrate National Album Day, the great Billy Ocean discusses his new album One World, and his classic hits including 'Love Really Hurts Without You', 'Caribbean Queen', 'When The Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Going' and 'Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car'. Billy also explains his approach to melody and vocal performance, and remembers his time collaborating with super-producer Mutt Lange.
Episode 172 - Paul Epworth
October 02, 2020 08:51 - 40 minutes - 56.1 MBWorld-renowned producer, songwriter and musician Paul Epworth speaks about his debut solo record, the expansive space concept album Voyager. Paul also talks in depth about his creative process, his studio The Church, and co-writing global hits with Adele such as 'Rolling in the Deep' and 'Skyfall'.
Episode 171 - Margo Price
September 18, 2020 09:18 - 45 minutes - 62.5 MBNashville powerhouse Margo Price discusses the many gems on her new album That's How Rumors Get Started. Now on her third long-player, the multi-talented singer-songwriter reflects on the art of writing political songs and the challenges of being a working mother.
Episode 170 - Erasure
September 04, 2020 09:29 - 39 minutes - 55.4 MBVince Clarke and Andy Bell of Erasure talk about their excellent new album The Neon and how their songwriting process has evolved. In addition to discussing classic hits from their back catalogue like 'Blue Savannah', 'Sometimes' and 'A Little Respect', the pair explain how Andy prepares to find melodies on a track and how Vince makes best use of the analogue and digital domains.
Episode 169 - Labrinth
August 28, 2020 09:35 - 40 minutes - 56.3 MBWith two recent Emmy nominations under his belt, the multi-talented Labrinth joins us to discuss his work on the critically-acclaimed HBO series Euphoria and his hits from the past decade. During the conversation, Lab talks about his approach to music theory and arranging, co-writing with artists like Sia, and his passion for retro synthesisers.
Episode 168 - Burt Bacharach and Daniel Tashian
August 24, 2020 10:41 - 39 minutes - 54.4 MBThe legendary Burt Bacharach and his brilliant co-writer Daniel Tashian drop in for a conversation about their stunning new EP, Blue Umbrella, and life as songwriters in the middle of a pandemic. The pair explain how they've continued their collaboration remotely between Los Angeles and Nashville, and how they've drawn on Burt's vast experience as an arranger to bring the songs to life.
Episode 167 - Nile Rodgers and Merck Mercuriadis (Live)
August 17, 2020 14:03 - 55 minutes - 76.8 MBGrammy-winning hitmaker Nile Rodgers and legendary manager Merck Mercuriadis join Simon and Brian onstage at the Southbank Centre's Queen Elizabeth Hall during the 2019 Meltdown festival. The pair share insights into the art and business of songwriting through their work together on the Hipgnosis Songs Fund Limited, and Nile takes up his guitar to demonstrate how he wrote classic hits for artists like Sister Sledge, Diana Ross and David Bowie. Nile was also the guest for episode 123 of this ...