Best Songwriting Podcasts (2024)

1
Ep. 219: Jose Prieto discusses MakeWar's "Oh, Brother" 59:16

33m ago59:16

59:16

In this episode, Jose Prieto of MakeWar opens up about the creation of their 2019 fan favorite single, “Oh, Brother.” He discusses how the song’s unorthodox structure results from the song just flowing out of him, inspired by a deep connection to both his younger self and his younger brother. Jose also sheds light on collaborating with Brett “The R…

1
Guster 1:00:55

2h ago1:00:55

1:00:55

This legendary band from New England has toured with everyone from Phish to John Mayer to Dave Matthews Band. They've experience underground success and Gold singles. Their creative leader Ryan Miller stops by the show to discuss their long journey in music.

1
Ep. 189: Tuff Morgan (peermusic) 17:23

2h ago17:23

17:23

We’re excited to announce a special bonus interview with Tuff Morgan, the VP of A&R at peermusic. Ross recently sat down with Tuff to discuss the publishing world, and everything they do over at peermusic. Read below to find out more about peermusic ad listen to this conversation on any platform you find your podcasts! peermusic is somewhat uniquel…

1
Ep. 189: Tuff Morgan (peermusic) 17:23

19m ago17:23

17:23

We’re excited to announce a special bonus interview with Tuff Morgan, the VP of A&R at peermusic. Ross recently sat down with Tuff to discuss the publishing world, and everything they do over at peermusic. Read below to find out more about peermusic ad listen to this conversation on any platform you find your podcasts! peermusic is somewhat uniquel…

1
Ep. 189: Tuff Morgan (peermusic) 17:23

5h ago17:23

17:23

We’re excited to announce a special bonus interview with Tuff Morgan, the VP of A&R at peermusic. Ross recently sat down with Tuff to discuss the publishing world, and everything they do over at peermusic. Read below to find out more about peermusic ad listen to this conversation on any platform you find your podcasts! peermusic is somewhat uniquel…

1
Ep. 236 - THE SECRET SISTERS ("All the Ways") 1:21:21

42m ago1:21:21

1:21:21

Two-time Grammy nominated duo The Secret Sisters (Laura Rogers and Lydia Slagle) join us to chat about their development as songwriters and reaching new creative heights with their latest album. PART ONE: Scott and Paul chat about Scott's recent trip to see Norah Jones and Lake Street Dive perform at Red Rocks and discuss the ways concerts have cha…

1
Ep. 188: Lostboy 1:20:47

35m ago1:20:47

1:20:47

This week’s guest is one of the brightest rising stars in the music business. This drummer turned songwriter entered the production space out of necessity- when your band needs to record music and you don’t have anyone to do it, somebody’s gotta learn. With a wildly successful couple years, this Brit is his collaborators favorite producer and an al…

1
Ep. 188: Lostboy 1:20:47

1h ago1:20:47

1:20:47

This week’s guest is one of the brightest rising stars in the music business. This drummer turned songwriter entered the production space out of necessity- when your band needs to record music and you don’t have anyone to do it, somebody’s gotta learn. With a wildly successful couple years, this Brit is his collaborators favorite producer and an al…

1
Ep. 188: Lostboy 1:20:47

6d ago1:20:47

1:20:47

This week’s guest is one of the brightest rising stars in the music business. This drummer turned songwriter entered the production space out of necessity- when your band needs to record music and you don’t have anyone to do it, somebody’s gotta learn. With a wildly successful couple years, this Brit is his collaborators favorite producer and an al…

1
Ep. 218: A discussion on The Outfield's "Your Love" 52:41

19m ago52:41

52:41

In this episode, host Chris DeMakes and producer Chris Fafalios reminisce about The Outfield's unforgettable 1986 hit single, "Your Love." They pay tribute to guitarist and backing vocalist John Spinks and lead singer/bassist Tony Lewis, highlighting their immense talent and the lasting impact of their music despite their untimely passing. The duo …

1
Steep Canyon Rangers 58:41

31m ago58:41

58:41

This Grammy award winning bluegrass band from North Carolina has been active for nearly a quarter century. They stop by the show to discuss their years as a group, including their auspicious collaboration with the legendary comedian Steve Martin.

1
Ep 125 - Olympics Songs 29:43

3h ago29:43

29:43

In this short episode Joel and Sam take a look back at the early songs from Isaac Watts challenge and set a new challenge for August.Links:https://12songchallenge.org/https://prattgreentrust.org.uk/hymn-competition-results

1
Anne Stott and political rabble-rousing through song 29:43

8d ago29:43

29:43

Anne Stott is a singer/songwriter, actor and political rabble rouser who has brought her elastic and enigmatic sound and edgy compassion to audiences along the Eastern Seaboard and beyond for over two decades. Her second album, LOVE NEVER DIES, peaked at #19 on the Relix Magazine radio chart. Water to Blood is a song Anne ……

1
Ep. 217: Aaron Bruno discusses AWOLNATION's "Sail" 1:23:53

23m ago1:23:53

1:23:53

In this episode, Aaron Bruno discusses the creation of AWOLNATION's 2011 hit single "Sail," offering an inside look at his songwriting process during a challenging period in his life. Aaron shares how he was in a very low place when he wrote the song, using it as an opportunity to break free from traditional songwriting constraints and express hims…

1
Save Ferris 49:46

27m ago49:46

49:46

Monique Powell is the lead singer of this legendary ska punk band from Orange County CA, who have been blazing their on trail in music for three decades now.

1
Sam Smith - Stay With Me 23:11

1h ago23:11

23:11

Sam Smith is a Grammy and Oscar-winning singer and songwriter from London, England. Their first album, In the Lonely Hour, came out in 2014. It went quintuple platinum in the US, and the biggest hit from that album is the song “Stay With Me,” which has over 2 billion streams on Spotify alone. For this episode, in honor of the song’s 10th anniversar…

1
Episode 270 - Sheryl Crow 55:28

1h ago55:28

55:28

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.By Sodajerker

1
Episode 270 - Sheryl Crow 55:28

1h ago55:28

55:28

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.By Sodajerker

1
Ep. 235 - CHARLIE PEACOCK ("Every Heartbeat") 1:09:16

14d ago1:09:16

1:09:16

GRAMMY-winning producer, artist, and songwriter Charlie Peacock defies categorization. Paul chats with him about everything from his early days on the Norther California jazz scene, to writing hits for the Christian music world, to producing everyone from the Civil Wars to Switchfoot. PART ONE: Scott and Paul talk about aging, the Rolling Stones co…

1
Ep. 187: James Blunt 1:10:49

8d ago1:10:49

1:10:49

Today’s guest is a songwriting legend who has knocked out seven albums over two decades, sold over 20 million records worldwide, and garnered countless accolades. After serving in the British Army, this writer's career launched into the stratosphere with one of the most evergreen evergreens ever. Following the success of his debut album, our guest …

1
Ep. 187: James Blunt 1:10:49

42m ago1:10:49

1:10:49

Today’s guest is a songwriting legend who has knocked out seven albums over two decades, sold over 20 million records worldwide, and garnered countless accolades. After serving in the British Army, this writer's career launched into the stratosphere with one of the most evergreen evergreens ever. Following the success of his debut album, our guest …

1
Ep. 187: James Blunt 1:10:49

21m ago1:10:49

1:10:49

Today’s guest is a songwriting legend who has knocked out seven albums over two decades, sold over 20 million records worldwide, and garnered countless accolades. After serving in the British Army, this writer's career launched into the stratosphere with one of the most evergreen evergreens ever. Following the success of his debut album, our guest …

1
Ep. 216: Jorge Casillas discusses Voodoo Glow Skulls "Shoot The Moon" 1:02:56

25m ago1:02:56

1:02:56

In this episode, Voodoo Glow Skulls bassist Jorge Casillas offers a look into the making of their beloved 1995 track "Shoot The Moon". Known for its explosive energy and eerily prophetic lyrics about societal stagnation, Jorge discusses the band's early songwriting instincts and their attitude of not knowing or caring about formulaic approaches. He…

1
Bad Parade: Working with a Publicist 37:41

7d ago37:41

37:41

Kari Zalik is the founder of Bad Parade, a full-service music publicity company specializing in creating custom campaigns for musical artists to secure maximum exposure for their work across television, print, radio, and digital media outlets. We talked about: misconceptions about what services a publicist does or does not provide publicists needs …

1
Ep. 215: Ace Enders discusses The Early November's "Decoration" 1:03:56

13m ago1:03:56

1:03:56

In this episode, Ace Enders sits in to discuss the creation of The Early November's fan-favorite single, "Decoration." Hailing from their ambitious 2006 triple disc concept album, The Mother, The Mechanic, And The Path, "Decoration" captures a raw, vintage essence that resonates with listeners. Ace shares insights into the writing and recording pro…

1
Minimalist songwriting with Sarah Tolle 31:51

26d ago31:51

31:51

Sarah Tolle is a singer-songwriter and actress based in Vancouver, BC. Her musical style is marked by a genre-bending, freewheeling, eclectic spirit. Her songs emanate a sense of wildness grounded in a timeless, almost ancient sound. They’re inspired by themes of freedom and peace, in compositions that blend house beats, sweeping orchestras, Celtic…

1
Fenne Lily - Lights Light Up 21:38

3d ago21:38

21:38

Fenne Lily is a singer and songwriter from Dorset, England. She released her first album in 2018, but I didn’t find her music until 2023, when she put out her third album, Big Picture. The album she released in between those two was one that got a little lost in the lockdown, when all her touring plans around it got canceled. All of that plays into…

1
Ep. 234 - MADELEINE PEYROUX ("Don't Wait Too Long") 1:12:30

29d ago1:12:30

1:12:30

Acclaimed genre-crossing songwriter and interpreter Madeleine Peyroux takes stock of her songwriting over the years and shares insights into the creation of her latest album. PART ONE Paul and Scott talk music books, the value of recording, and whether or not performers should stick to a strict or loose interpretation of a song when performing live…

1
Ep. 186: Lauren Daigle 1:15:53

5d ago1:15:53

1:15:53

Today’s guest is a spectacular vocalist, songwriter, and humanitarian. Hailing from Louisiana, this writer grew up immersed in the zydeco, blues, and Cajun music scene. Nicknamed “the music box,” by her mother, she became obsessed with making music when bedridden due to an illness at 15. Since then, she’s dedicated her life to music. This two-time …

1
Ep. 186: Lauren Daigle 1:15:53

1M ago1:15:53

1:15:53

Today’s guest is a spectacular vocalist, songwriter, and humanitarian. Hailing from Louisiana, this writer grew up immersed in the zydeco, blues, and Cajun music scene. Nicknamed “the music box,” by her mother, she became obsessed with making music when bedridden due to an illness at 15. Since then, she’s dedicated her life to music. This two-time …

1
Ep. 186: Lauren Daigle 1:15:53

5d ago1:15:53

1:15:53

Today’s guest is a spectacular vocalist, songwriter, and humanitarian. Hailing from Louisiana, this writer grew up immersed in the zydeco, blues, and Cajun music scene. Nicknamed “the music box,” by her mother, she became obsessed with making music when bedridden due to an illness at 15. Since then, she’s dedicated her life to music. This two-time …

1
Ep. 214: Michael "Fitz" Fitzpatrick discusses Fitz and The Tantrums "Out of My League" 1:09:28

1M ago1:09:28

1:09:28

Michael "Fitz" Fitzpatrick sits in this week to discuss the writing and recording of the hit 2013 single from Fitz and The Tantrums, "Out of My League." In this episode, Fitz opens up about his long road to success in the music industry, a journey initially met with substantial rejection. He du=ives into how he carved his own path, honing his produ…

1
Patrick Davis 55:47

6d ago55:47

55:47

This American songwriter and producer has written for and with Darius Rucker, Lady Antebellum, Jewel, Pat Green and Guy Clark. He joins the show to discuss his career of writing for himself and for other artists.

1
Episode 269 - Camila Cabello 45:44

1M ago45:44

45:44

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.…

1
Episode 269 - Camila Cabello 45:44

12d ago45:44

45:44

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.…

1
Ep. 213: John Kastner discusses Doughboys "Shine" 58:17

12d ago58:17

58:17

In this episode, host Chris DeMakes sits down with John Kastner to dive into the writing and recording of the 1993 Doughboys single "Shine". As Chris’s favorite band, this conversation is a true delight for him and listeners alike. Kastner reveals the surprising inspiration behind the song, while reflecting on how Doughboys crafted a sound that was…

1
Ep 124 - Daniel Johnson Interview 1:00:32

14d ago1:00:32

1:00:32

In this episode Joel talks to Daniel Johnson about the hymnwriter Isaac Watts to coincide with this 350th birthday! They discuss Watts' early life, the context in which he operated, his prolific writing, some characteristic themes of his hymns and his influence on future song and hymn writers through the centuries.…

1
Ep 123 - Isaac Watts Challenge 54:19

14d ago54:19

54:19

In this episode Joel and Sam are joined by Olwen to look back at June's 'Jesus of Nazareth Songs' challenge and set a new challenge for July.The featured song is 'In the Valley (Your Everlasting Love)' by Judy Gresham--Watts' texts on Hymnaryhttps://hymnary.org/person/Watts_IsaacDaniel's recommended reading:Daniel Johnson: Isaac Watts’ Hymnody as a…

1
Collective Soul 41:07

25d ago41:07

41:07

Ed Roland is the creative force behind this legendary American rock band, he stops by the show to discuss the unlikely way that the band broke and their three decade career thereafter.

1
Re-issue: Vagabon - Water Me Down 19:01

1M ago19:01

19:01

Last year, Vagabon released her third album, Sorry I Haven’t Called, which I’ve been listening to a lot. So I wanted to revisit an episode that I recorded with her back in 2020, about her breakout song "Water Me Down." The episode also features the voice of Eric Littmann, who co-produced the track. He passed away in June 2021, way too young. Vagabo…

1
Ep. 233 - BRUCE HORNSBY ("The Way It Is") 1:20:47

1M ago1:20:47

1:20:47

Three-time GRAMMY winner and musical omnivore Bruce Hornsby chats about his wide-ranging career, from pop to bluegrass to jazz! PART ONE: Paul and Scott talk about their Instagram, a wild Genesis fact, and more. PART TWO: Our in-depth conversation with Bruce Hornsby ABOUT BRUCE HORNSBY: Thirteen-time Grammy nominee and three-time winner Bruce Horns…

1
Writing a “Sad Banger” with Ian Janes 35:08

19d ago35:08

35:08

Despite being known across the globe as an R&B and Soul-Pop focused artist, Ian Janes was a Semi-Finalist on SiriusXM’s Top of The Country contest, and wrote a Blues song on Matt Andersen’s 2023 JUNO nominated Blues album, “Matt Andersen and the Big Bottle of Joy”. His music has been streamed millions of times across ……

1
Ep. 185: Billy Steinberg 1:27:21

19d ago1:27:21

1:27:21

Today’s guest is a songwriting hall of fame who has been a fixture in the writing scene for decades. Defining and launching careers one lyric at a time, this writer has crafted anthems for Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, Whitney Houston, Heart, The Bangles, Pretenders, Linda Ronstadt, Jojo, Demi Lovato, and many more. As much as these songs launched these a…

1
Ep. 185: Billy Steinberg 1:27:21

21d ago1:27:21

1:27:21

Today’s guest is a songwriting hall of fame who has been a fixture in the writing scene for decades. Defining and launching careers one lyric at a time, this writer has crafted anthems for Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, Whitney Houston, Heart, The Bangles, Pretenders, Linda Ronstadt, Jojo, Demi Lovato, and many more. As much as these songs launched these a…

1
Ep. 185: Billy Steinberg 1:27:21

1M ago1:27:21

1:27:21

Today’s guest is a songwriting hall of fame who has been a fixture in the writing scene for decades. Defining and launching careers one lyric at a time, this writer has crafted anthems for Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, Whitney Houston, Heart, The Bangles, Pretenders, Linda Ronstadt, Jojo, Demi Lovato, and many more. As much as these songs launched these a…

1
Ep. 212: Greg Camp discusses Smash Mouth's "All Star" 1:04:56

19d ago1:04:56

1:04:56

In this episode, listeners are invited to join Greg Camp, the musical maestro behind Smash Mouth's iconic 1999 hit single "All Star," as he takes them on a journey back to the song’s origins. As the episode unfolds, Greg shares exclusive insights into the writing and recording process of the beloved anthem, treating fans to the never-before-heard d…

1
Episode 268 - Richard Thompson 51:04

1M ago51:04

51:04

Folk-rock pioneer and guitar maestro 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 …

1
Episode 268 - Richard Thompson 51:04

1M ago51:04

51:04

Folk-rock pioneer and guitar maestro 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 …

1
K Flay 1:02:17

1M ago1:02:17

1:02:17

This songwriter has recorded for RCA and Interscope Records, and toured with AWOLNATION, Third Eye Blind, and Dashboard Confessional. Recently, she has had to navigate the unexpected medical condition of sudden hearing loss. An inspirational story from an inspirational artist.

1
SNEAK PREVIEW of The After Party "80s Hard/Soft Summer Rock Playlist" episode 33:49

2M ago33:49

33:49

In this episode of The After Party, Chris DeMakes and Chris Fafalios take a nostalgic trip down memory lane as they create the ultimate summer playlist. Each Chris picks a standout song from every summer of the 1980s, with DeMakes choosing hard rock anthems and Fafalios selecting soft rock classics. Tune in to hear their dynamic discussion as they …

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Songwriting Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide