Sodajerker - SoundSage

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Peter Doherty sits down with Simon and Brian to talk about his latest solo record, Felt Better Alive. From tales of rural French life to reflections on identity and memory, the ex-Libertines and Babyshambles figurehead discusses the balance of humour and melancholy in his work and the playful storytelling woven throughout his songs.

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Scissor Sisters‘ own Jake Shears and Scott Hoffman (aka Babydaddy) join Simon and Brian to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their self-titled debut album. In this vibrant conversation, the pair reveal the surprisingly homespun creative process behind the hits, the magic that comes from embracing imperfections, and the importance of storytelling in their songs.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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’.

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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.

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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’.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Boy George, the charismatic frontman of Culture Club, meets Simon and Brian in London to discuss his prolific songwriting and creative life. In this vibrant conversation, George talks about his recent collaborations with Peter Murphy and Dark Globe, his diverse influences, and the creative freedom he’s found in reimagining his classic hits.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Sheryl Crow sits down with Simon and Brian in London to discuss her latest record Evolution and her timeless catalogue of hits. The nine-time Grammy winner reflects on the influence of her musical parents, how social issues find their way into her songs, and the power of writing on the back porch.

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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.

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Folk hero Richard Thompson joins Sodajerker to discuss the artistic process behind his excellent new record Ship to Shore. In this in-depth conversation, the guitar slinging virtuoso talks about making efficient creative decisions, reliving the old songs on stage, and sharing his musical knowledge through his songwriting camp.

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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’.

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We were saddened to hear of the great Richard M. Sherman’s passing at the venerable age of 95. The magical hour we spent interviewing this impossibly sweet and engaging man for the podcast back in 2013 remains a very special memory, and we count the resulting episode among our firm favourites.

Sodajerker On Songwriting, Episode 38 with Richard M. Sherman

http://traffic.libsyn.com/sodajerker/episode_38_richard_m_sherman.mp3Without a doubt, Richard and his late brother Robert were two of the towering talents of 20th century popular music and produced some of its most enduring compositions; musically and lyrically dexterous, dazzlingly smart and funny and playful but never at the expense of emotional impact, the songs they wrote together – for Disney and beyond – appealed to all ages and have spanned generations. Though it’s fairly well documented that ‘The Boys’’ personal relationship was at times a rocky one – so often the case with siblings – creatively they were a match made in heaven.

At the end of our interview, Richard asked us to send him “a CD” of the episode when it was done, and gave us his address in Beverly Hills (expressing mild embarrassment that his zip code was ‘90210’ ). We popped one in the post, and not too long afterwards received the following reply via email:

Dear Simon & Brian,

Loved the podcast & I want to thank you for the lovely use of the songs to punctuate the deluge of words I spilled out. You boys do a great show. Much good luck to you in all your future endeavors.

Your fan,
Richard S.

High praise indeed. What a gent. Rest in peace, sir.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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We’re delighted to announce that Sodajerker On Songwriting won Best Music Podcast at the Independent Podcast Awards in London on Monday 30th October, 2023.

It has been a tremendous privilege to make the show for the last 12 years, so we offer our sincerest thanks to the organisers and the judging panel for the recognition. Heartiest congrats also to the other winners and nominees. It’s an honour to fly the indie pod flag with you all.

Simon & Brian

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Damon Albarn welcomes Sodajerker to his London studio to chat about the creative process behind the new Blur record The Ballad of Darren. Among other topics, the singer-songwriter and composer talks about his working routines with Blur and Gorillaz, writing about real life experiences, and his love for the city of Liverpool.

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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.

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Jenny Lewis chats to Sodajerker about her current record Joy'All and her songwriting process. Among other things, the musician and actress talks about attending a songwriting group hosted by Beck, recording with Ringo Starr, and her work with Rilo Kiley.

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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’.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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We were recently invited to give a live masterclass/Q&A at the Confetti Institute of Creative Technologies in Nottingham for their industry week event. We were interviewed live on stage by BBC radio’s Dean Jackson, and answered questions from the audience afterwards.

It was a lovely day out, and we were delighted to discover that we were sharing a bill with Beatle engineer Ken Scott, who we met briefly as he set up for his talk.

Thanks to John and team for inviting us, and check out the photos below.

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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.

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Burt Bacharach’s place in the songwriting pantheon was cemented decades ago, but that didn’t stop him conjuring those uniquely intricate, affecting and memorable melodies well into his 90s.

When we were lucky enough to chat with him (and his recent collaborator Daniel Tashian) back in the summer of 2020, it was evident that, in spite of his advancing years, he was still as passionate about and engaged with his craft as he’d ever been.

Sodajerker On Songwriting, Episode 168 with Burt Bacharach and Daniel Tashian

http://traffic.libsyn.com/sodajerker/episode_168_burt_bacharach_daniel_tashian.mp3What an inspiration. What a life. What a legacy. Rest well, Burt.

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Triple diamond pop megastar Shania Twain joins us to discuss her captivating new record Queen Of Me and her colossal hits from the past. The Canadian singer-songwriter talks about how she felt going into writing rooms for the first time, her love for strong choruses and bridges, and why she’s always looking to be envious of something someone else wrote.

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We arrived at Manchester’s Palace Theatre one September day in 2018 fully aware that we might have to be on our mettle, as the great David Crosby was not one to suffer fools gladly, to say the least.

Consequently, our excitement to meet him was tempered by a mild wariness. However, to our considerable relief he seemed to take a shine to us and was a relaxed, charming and generous interviewee (as anyone who’s heard the finished episode will attest).

Sodajerker On Songwriting, Episode 125 with David Crosby

http://traffic.libsyn.com/sodajerker/episode_125_david_crosby.mp3Afterwards, he stuck around while we packed away our equipment, enquired about the podcast, gave us his personal email address and shared the coolest Beatles anecdote you ever heard. An afternoon to cherish.

We’re very sad to learn of his death, but his many fans should take great comfort in knowing he spent his last few years on the planet making some of the finest music of his long and storied career.

Rest in peace, Croz.

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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 and Marcus Miller, and finding your passion when it’s gone.

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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.

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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.

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To mark the release of a new deluxe reissue of his eponymous debut, Seal joins Simon and Brian for a conversation about his songwriting process. The singer-songwriter discusses classic hits like ‘Killer’, ‘Crazy’ and ‘Kiss From A Rose’ and explains why the alchemy of songwriting still has him passionate about making music.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Julian Lennon joins Simon and Brian for a chat about his new record Jude, the importance of emotion in songwriting, dealing with anxiety, and 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Legendary singer and songwriter Daryl Hall talks with Sodajerker about his new solo retrospective anthology Before After, the writing of his classic hits with John Oates, and his seminal web series Live From Daryl's House.

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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.

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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'.

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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.

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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'.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Acclaimed 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.

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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.

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Tori Amos joins Simon and Brian for a chat about her new record Ocean to Ocean and her songwriting process. The bewitching singer-songwriter and pianist gives a detailed account of her practice, including the art of following her muses, stocking her sonic pantry, and taking inspiration from Bruce Lee.

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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.

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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 […]

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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.

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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 […]

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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.

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Legendary songwriter, producer and guitarist Lindsey Buckingham joins Simon and Brian to discuss his fantastic self-titled new album, his Cubist approach to songwriting, his work with Fleetwood Mac, and the art of the ‘Kevlar chorus'.

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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.

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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.

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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’.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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For 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.

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Birdy 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.

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Singer-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.

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Paul 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.

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Like so much of Paul McCartney’s vast post-Beatles catalogue, it took those outside of his devoted fanbase quite some time to appreciate the eccentric brilliance of 1971’s RAM. For many, me included, it remains his greatest solo achievement. Actually credited to ‘Paul & Linda McCartney’ – making it unique in the Macca oeuvre – RAM sees Paul firing on all […]

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Singer-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.

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One 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.

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Distinguished 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.

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Enduring 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.

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The 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.

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Legendary 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.

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In 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.

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Singer-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.

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The 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.

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Jessica 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.

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In 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.

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Obaro 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.

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In 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.

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EELS 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.

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Happy new year to you all! A few recent appearances to tell you about. A couple of months ago we guested on episode 337 of Jeremy Dylan’s My Favourite Album podcast to discuss Paul Simon’s classic 1975 LP, Still Crazy After All These Years. This was a blast, and we hope you’ll listen in. We […]

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The 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.

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Songwriter, 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.

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Decorated 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.

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The 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?'

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For 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'.

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Singer-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.

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Matt 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.

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Singer-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'.

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Taylor 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.

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To 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.

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World-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'.

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Nashville 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.

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Vince 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.

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With 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.

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The 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.

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Grammy-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.

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Something rather nice that happened during the first UK lockdown: the Sodajerker On Songwriting podcast was added to the British Library’s Sound and Moving Image catalogue. Search for it on their website. Delighted (and not a little humbled) that our work will be preserved for posterity as part of such an amazing archive.

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Songwriter and producer Dave Stewart drops in to discuss the new Stewart/Lindsey album Amitié, his many classic hits with Annie Lennox in Eurythmics, and his storied career in music. Dave also reflects on his collaborations with Aretha Franklin, Shakespeares Sister, and the importance of distraction in the writing process.

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The great Rufus Wainwright returns to discuss his new album Unfollow The Rules, becoming part of the Laurel Canyon scene, and how his operas have informed his pop songcraft. Rufus was also the guest for episode 54 of this podcast.

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Prolific singer-songwriter Laura Marling discusses the writing of her beautiful new album Song For Our Daughter, collaborating with Blake Mills, Ethan Johns and Mike Lindsay, and the influence of Paul McCartney's acoustic guitar ballads.

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Singer-songwriter Rina Sawayama joins Simon and Brian for the first fully remote episode of the show in which she describes the collaborative songwriting process behind her stunning debut album SAWAYAMA, how she was influenced by the pop of the early 2000s, and the intensely personal process of writing about family.

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Rapper, poet, novelist and playwright Kate Tempest talks about her creative process across a range of projects, detailing her approach to lyrics, prose, melody, structure and narrative. The double Mercury Music Prize nominee also reflects on her time working with legendary producer Rick Rubin, and her deep relationship with the city of London.

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On the fourth anniversary of his passing, we’ve dug into the Sodajerker vault to find an unreleased bonus episode from a couple of years ago in which we sat down for an hour to talk about one of our all-time favourite artists – Prince! We couldn’t resist bookending it with a Prince-inspired jam we found […]

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Big thanks to Dorian Lynskey for kindly including us in his feature on the best music podcasts in the current issue of Q Magazine (published April 7, 2020), which is out now. The issue also includes a 25th anniversary celebration of Morning Glory by Oasis, plus features on Jason Isbell, Flohio, Ghostpoet, Kooks, Avalanches, Mark […]

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The great Huey Lewis discusses the writing of his new album Weather, which was recorded prior to the singer losing his hearing to Ménière's disease in 2018. In addition to telling the stories behind hits like 'The Heart of Rock and Roll', 'Bad Is Bad', 'Hip To Be Square' and 'Small World', Huey also details his collaborations with mentors like Nick Lowe and Mutt Lange, and his work on the songs 'Power Of Love' and 'Back In Time' from the classic movie Back To The Future.

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With the brilliant Adam Schlesinger’s tragically premature passing, the music world has lost an uncommonly gifted songwriter who, outside of his pivotal roles in Fountains of Wayne, Ivy and Tinted Windows, could turn his hand to seemingly any kind of project – TV, film, theatre – with unfailingly well-crafted, melodic and catchy results (and had […]

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The wonderful KT Tunstall joins us at The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire for a live conversation as part of the launch of the Songwriting Studies Research Network. During the chat, KT takes to the guitar and the piano to demonstrate her creative process on songs like 'Black Horse and the Cherry Tree', 'Suddenly I See' and recent work from albums like KIN and WAX.

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Thompson Twins' Tom Bailey describes the creative process behind enduring songs like 'In The Name Of Love', 'Love On Your Side', 'If You Were Here' and 'Hold Me Now'. During the conversation, Tom also gives detailed insights into the songwriting behind his 2018 solo album Science Fiction, and explains why it's important to maintain the distinctive aspects of your sound.

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Singer-songwriter Richard Marx talks about the writing of his new album Limitless and the creative process behind hits like 'Right Here Waiting' and 'Hazard'. During the conversation, Richard also reveals the musical bonds that connect his family and shares stories about his collaborations with artists like Keith Urban on 'Long Hot Summer' and the late, great Luther Vandross on the Grammy-winning 'Dance With My Father'.

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Grammy-winning songwriter, producer and bassist Sam Dixon joins Simon and Brian at the legendary Rak Studios in London for a live conversation in front of an invited audience. During the episode, Sam discusses his work with artists like Adele, Sia, Christina Aguilera and Jack Savoretti and describes his strategies for bringing the best out of his collaborators. Special thanks to APRA AMCOS for inviting us.

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ABC's Martin Fry describes the writing of his classic album The Lexicon Of Love including songs like 'The Look Of Love', 'Poison Arrow', 'Tears Are Not Enough' and 'All Of My Heart'. During the conversation, Martin also tells the story behind his beloved hit 'When Smokey Sings' and explains how he approached the daunting task of creating The Lexicon of Love II.

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Acclaimed singer-songwriter and Monkee Michael Nesmith talks Sodajerker through the writing process behind songs like 'Papa Gene's Blues', 'Joanne', 'Different Drum', 'Rio' and 'Laugh Kills Lonesome'. In addition to talking about songs he wrote for The Monkees and his solo work, Nez reflects on his relationship with John Lennon, the importance of the arranger, and the influence of visual art on his writing.

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We were deeply saddened recently to learn of the sudden passing of the wonderful Neil Innes. We are all the poorer for the loss, but we were so lucky to have him. He was an exquisite musical and comedic talent, a truly gifted songwriter, and a lovely man. Much like the four legendary Liverpudlians whose […]

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In all our years doing the show, we’ve found that certain guests, when discussing their process, have an energy about them which gives us an extremely keen sense of what they must be like to work with creatively. Allee Willis certainly falls into that category. As anyone who has worked with or interviewed her can […]

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In the final show of 2019, the singular Beck joins Simon and Brian in London to talk about his incredible new album Hyperspace. During the conversation, Beck describes his experiences collaborating with Pharrell, Greg Kurstin and Paul Epworth, the influence of his Grandfather, and what it was like to receive a Grammy from Prince.

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Country superstar Keith Urban grabs a couple of his prized Fender guitars and talks Simon and Brian through the writing processes behind his many hit songs. During the conversation, Keith explains the importance of rhythm in his writing, collaborating with the likes of Julia Michaels and Richard Marx, and how he has been inspired creatively by his wife Nicole Kidman.

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Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys of OMD sit down in London to discuss their career anthology box set Souvenir and the writing process behind their success. In explaining the chemistry of their creative partnership, Andy and Paul talk about writing sad songs with happy chords, striving to avoid lyrical cliches, and why they remain musical outsiders.

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The excellent James Blunt joins Sodajerker in London to discuss his very personal new album Once Upon A Mind. During the conversation, James talks about collaborations with the likes of Linda Perry, Ryan Tedder and Ed Sheeran, shares the stories behind hits like 'You're Beautiful', and explains why it's always important to have a reason to write a song.

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For this milestone 150th episode, legendary songwriter and producer Jeff Lynne (ELO, George Harrison, Traveling Wilburys, Tom Petty, The Beatles) sits down with Simon and Brian in London to discuss the writing of his new album From Out Of Nowhere. In his inimitable way, Jeff explains how he approaches chords, melody and lyrics to create the distinctive sounds we've loved across decades of classic albums.

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Singer-songwriter Kim Richey joins the Sodajerker boys in Birmingham to chat about the writing of her most recent album, Edgeland. Kim also talks about how she takes inspiration from southern culture, connecting with former guests like Jason Isbell and Jamie Lawson, and the stories behind songs like 'Angels' Share', 'Leaving 49' and 'Chinese Boxes'.

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Keane's Tim Rice-Oxley talks about the writing of their new album Cause and Effect. In the course of the conversation, Tim reveals his guitar-centric approach to the keyboard, why he likes to write alone, and how he uses songwriting exercises to challenge himself.

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Musical polymath Jacob Collier meets Simon and Brian in London halfway through the expansive four volume Djesse series to discuss his approach to songwriting and creativity. Jacob explains how he reconciles his vision for the project alongside the contributions of guests and how deadlines help to narrow down the infinite possibilities that musical ideas present to him.

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Lightning Seeds frontman and celebrated songwriter Ian Broudie joins Sodajerker to mark the 25th anniversary of his classic album Jollification. In this in-depth conversation, Ian details his approach to songwriting and production, how Liverpool informs his musical creativity, and his experiences working with local acts like Echo and the Bunnymen, The Coral and The Zutons.

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Simon and Brian visit singer-songwriter, pianist and broadcaster Jamie Cullum at home to discuss the writing of his dynamic new album Taller. Jamie reveals how focusing on lyrics first helped him to write more personal songs, why boredom can be the songwriter's most useful tool, and the challenges of remaining creative and confident in the modern world.

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Louisa Roach of She Drew The Gun sits down with Simon and Brian at Parr Street Studios in Liverpool to discuss the writing of songs from her first two albums Memories of Another Future (2016) and Revolution of Mind (2018). Louisa talks about the importance of prose writing and spoken word in her work, her collaborative relationship with The Coral's James Skelly, and how the sci-fi genre has acted as an effective vehicle to mobilise her political views.

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Kasabian's Serge Pizzorno joins Sodajerker in London to discuss the writing of his excellent debut solo album The SLP. In addition to talking about the creation of his new alter ego, and his work with the band, Serge explains how he captures ideas on the move, how he uses sounds to write in the studio, and why using broken equipment works for him.

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Mike 'McGear' McCartney sits down with Brian and Simon at his Heswall home to discuss songs from the recent reissue of his 1974 solo album McGear via Cherry Red Records. In this wide-ranging conversation, Mike also talks in depth about songs like 'Thank U Very Much' and 'Lily The Pink' with The Scaffold, 'Woman' from his 1972 solo debut, his work on McGough & McGear, The Beatles, and growing up in Liverpool.

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Huge thanks to everyone who attended our special event at the Meltdown Festival with Nile Rodgers and Merck Mercuriadis on August 8, 2019! It was such a pleasure to record the live episode at the Southbank Centre’s Queen Elizabeth Hall, and we’ll release the episode soon so that those who couldn’t attend can hear it. […]

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We were recently interviewed about Sodajerker On Songwriting by Caroline Crampton and Amanda Litherland of BBC Radio 4 Extra’s Podcast Radio Hour. Our chat is now available to hear as part of a special Liverpool-based edition of that show. You can also hear it on the BBC Sounds app. (Our segment starts at 33:40).

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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.

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The 26th Meltdown,a festival packed full of exclusive collaborations, world-wide one-offs and unmissable nights, takes place at the Southbank Centre, London between August 3-11, 2019. This year, the festival is curated by legendary songwriter, producer and guitarist, Nile Rodgers, and will feature a live podcast recording with Sodajerker.

From CHIC to Sister Sledge, Madonna to David Bowie, Grammy-winning hitmaker Nile Rodgers has a track record like few others. Together with his fearless manager and business partner, Merck Mercuriadis, CEO of the Hipgnosis Songs Fund, the pair are striving to redefine the value of songs in the contemporary music industries and change the face of music publishing.

For this in-depth conversation, Nile and Merck will be joined on stage by Sodajerker, the team behind the critically acclaimed Sodajerker On Songwriting podcast, who will endeavour to learn more about their mission, and uncover the complex relationship between the art – and business – of songwriting.

Date: 08/08/2019

Time: 19.30-20.30

Location: The Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, Lambeth, London SE1 8XX.

BUY TICKETS HERE

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Last month, just a couple of days after interviewing Sting at his London home, we were lucky enough to be among the attendees of the 64th Ivor Novello Awards ceremony in London. (Quite a week for us!) The event honours the great and the good of British songwriting and was held at Grosvenor House on London’s Park Lane on 23rd May. If you’d like to hear more about the experience, check out our mini bonus podcast episode here:

http://traffic.libsyn.com/sodajerker/bonus_ivor_novello_awards_2019.mp3

We were there as guests of the Ivors Academy (formerly known as BASCA), the independent trade body for songwriters and composers in the UK. It was a genuine privilege to be present for such a celebration of the songwriter’s craft, which is ultimately the raison d’etre of our podcast too. Veteran broadcaster Paul Gambaccini hosted, and this year’s winners included The 1975, Wiley, Deep Purple, Natasha Khan, Jonny Greenwood, Mariah Carey, Richard Ashcroft, and our former guest Dido (who received the award for ‘Outstanding Song Collection).

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In this very special episode, the one and only Sting talks about approaching his classic hits from a fresh perspective on his new record, My Songs. With his guitar to hand, the singular artist sits down at home in London with Simon and Brian to reveal the creative processes behind one of pop’s most extraordinary catalogues.

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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.

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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’.

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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.

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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.

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And you’re wrapped in my memory like chains

For I say that the flowers will always be there in my heart

Like an old fashioned movie with all of you playing the parts

Back in 1993, as fourteen year old schoolboys taking their first faltering steps into the world of making music, we came across an album called Shame. The band’s name was (curiously) Brad. This album would never have entered our orbit but for the fact that amongst Brad’s number was guitarist Stone Gossard, moonlighting from his day job with Pearl Jam, and we were huge Pearl Jam fans. Stone, Eddie and co were (and remain) restless artistic spirits to say the least, and seemed to be constantly plowing their creative energies into a myriad of side projects, of which Brad was one.

We got hold of Shame on cassette – it was always cassettes for us back then – and investigated further. The unsettling cover image, depicting a serious-looking young boy stood amongst a group of nightmarish figures with grotesque, oversized papier-mâché heads, was certainly intriguing, but the music was the thing, and from the mellow, soothing opener ‘Buttercup’ onwards, we were sold. The playing was loose, the arrangements sparse and the songs an eclectic mix of gritty rockers (‘My Fingers’), elegant ballads (‘Screen’) and lean funk (‘20th Century’), but one element tied it all together, and that was Shawn Smith’s remarkably distinctive, at times haunting, always sublimely soulful vocals. To clumsily paraphrase an old beer commercial, certain voices reach parts of you others simply cannot, and, for us, as it did for so many others, Shawn’s achieved that with consummate ease. He played a beautifully understated piano too.

Shame has long since achieved classic album status, and deservedly so, but it barely scratches the surface of Shawn’s output. Like his idol, Prince, he was an astonishingly prolific songwriter and recorded a mind-boggling amount of material. Some of it emerged on further Brad albums (Interiors, Welcome To Discovery Park), gorgeous solo records like Let It All Begin and Shield of Thorns, and his equally impressive work with Satchel and Pigeonhed. Yet, vast swathes of it never saw mainstream release and instead surfaced on the fascinating Skeleton Keys series he made available on Bandcamp (still available on his page, along with a raft of other demo collections and solo releases). All of it is very much worth your attention.

Being such avowed fans of Shawn’s work, we were thrilled and honoured when he joined us on the podcast back in 2012; he was gracious, relaxed, funny and, though humble, possessed a keen appreciation of his own talents, which pleased us and, now that he’s gone, is an oddly comforting thought. He knew how good he was.

Sodajerker On Songwriting, Episode 7 with Shawn Smith http://traffic.libsyn.com/sodajerker/episode_7_shawn_smith.mp3

We’ve been fortunate enough to speak to a number of our heroes over the past 8 years, and Mr Smith was and will always be one of them.

Thank you, Shawn, for gracing our lives with that beautiful voice. You’ll be sorely missed.

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