Best Songwriting Podcasts (2024)

1
King Canyon 1:03:23

1h ago1:03:23

1:03:23

This newly formed super group features Grammy award winning guitarist Eric Krasno of Soul Live, Otis McDonald and bass player Mike Chiavaro. The conversation was taped live at the 2023 Park City Song Summit.

1
Episode 264 - Sean O'Hagan 43:47

1h ago43:47

43:47

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.…

1
Episode 264 - Sean O'Hagan 43:47

1h ago43:47

43:47

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.…

1
Ep. 229 - DREW HOLCOMB ("American Beauty") 1:17:56

3d ago1:17:56

1:17:56

Folkie Americana indie hero Drew Holcomb joins us to chat about the songwriting process and which of his songs he's not a fan of! PART ONE Scott and Paul debrief the experience of recently seeing the 74-year-old Bruce Springsteen perform with the energy of a teenager PART TWO Our in-depth conversation with Drew Holcomb ABOUT DREW HOLCOMB Memphis na…

1
Ep. 203: Zac Barnett discusses American Authors "Best Day of My Life" 1:10:45

4d ago1:10:45

1:10:45

In this episode, American Authors vocalist and guitarist Zac Barnett invites listeners behind the curtain of their 2013 smash hit single "Best Day of My Life." He shares stories about the song's creation and recording process, offering insights into its enduring popularity over the past decade. Despite its lasting presence in commercials and its ab…

1
Writing Intuitively with Maddy Little 27:58

7d ago27:58

27:58

Maddy Little is a Canadian Indie Artist, based out of Toronto, Canada. Maddy has spent her formative years immersed in indie-folk band We Wander. Maddy has been deeply influenced in her songwriting by artists like City and Colour, Dizzy, Phoebe Bridgers, who have inspired her to turn to storytelling through music. Currently working on her ……

1
Devon Allman 51:59

7d ago51:59

51:59

The accomplished songwriter, guitarist, and record producer reflects on cutting his teeth with his father's band, The Allman Brothers, and blazing his own path.

1
War - Low Rider 18:07

9d ago18:07

18:07

The band War formed in 1969, in Long Beach, California. “Low Rider” is from their 1975 album Why Can’t We Be Friends? The song was a hit as soon as it came out. It went to #1 on the Billboard R&B charts. And it’s just had tremendous lasting power ever since. Besides being in Dazed and Confused, where I heard it, it’s been sampled by The Beastie Boy…

1
Ep. 180: Noah Kahan 1:06:41

12d ago1:06:41

1:06:41

Today’s guest is a small town boy turned songwriting superstar. Hailing from Strafford, Vermont, our guest spent his life surrounded by profoundly beautiful nature, and a quaint, tight-knit community. This environment served as a source of inspiration for his introspective lyrics and homey folk melodies. After years of honing his craft in this spac…

1
Ep. 180: Noah Kahan 1:06:41

11d ago1:06:41

1:06:41

Today’s guest is a small town boy turned songwriting superstar. Hailing from Strafford, Vermont, our guest spent his life surrounded by profoundly beautiful nature, and a quaint, tight-knit community. This environment served as a source of inspiration for his introspective lyrics and homey folk melodies. After years of honing his craft in this spac…

1
Ep. 180: Noah Kahan 1:06:41

11d ago1:06:41

1:06:41

Today’s guest is a small town boy turned songwriting superstar. Hailing from Strafford, Vermont, our guest spent his life surrounded by profoundly beautiful nature, and a quaint, tight-knit community. This environment served as a source of inspiration for his introspective lyrics and homey folk melodies. After years of honing his craft in this spac…

1
Ep. 202: Page Hamilton discusses Helmet's "Unsung" 1:23:24

11d ago1:23:24

1:23:24

Helmet frontman Page Hamilton sits in this week to share the writing and recording process behind the band’s iconic 1992 single “Unsung.” He vividly recounts the genesis of the track, even recalling the exact desk where he crafted its unforgettable riffs. Page also unravels the often abstract lyrics that have sparked intrigue and interpretations fo…

1
Mackenzie Porter 41:31

15d ago41:31

41:31

This songwriter has had six Number Ones on the Canadian Country charts and also performs as an actress on television shows on AMC and Netflix.

1
Modern Country Songwriting with Amanda Keeles 38:06

17d ago38:06

38:06

A captivating musical journey of empowerment, self-determination, and the pursuit of lifelong dreams, Country artist Amanda Keeles unveils her invigorating debut album, “Can’t Stop Me Now!“. Her rich, ribbon-like vocals come straight from her soul, sharing deeply personal narratives drawn from a songbook overflowing with a lifetime of compositions.…

1
Ep. 228 - NICKEL CREEK ("Celebrants") 1:11:11

18d ago1:11:11

1:11:11

Grammy winners and astonishingly fabulous musicians Chris Thile, Sean Watkins, and Sara Watkins of Nickel Creek join us to chat about their fresh approach to songwriting on their most recent album, Celebrants. PART ONE Paul and Scott chat about musical virtuosity, Beyonce, Ricky Skaggs, and the blending of musical genres. PART TWO Our in-depth conv…

1
Ep. 201: A discussion on Kurt Cobain and Nirvana's "Heart-Shaped Box" 54:13

18d ago54:13

54:13

In honor of the 30th anniversary of Kurt Cobain's passing, this week's episode pays homage to the legendary songwriter by dissecting Nirvana's monumental hit single "Heart-Shaped Box”. Joining as co-host is Chris Fafalios, the producer of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, who brings his unique perspective to unravel the unconventional brilliance of the song…

1
Shane Smith and The Saints 56:44

22d ago56:44

56:44

This hard-touring group got their break when the T.V. sensation Yellowstone featured their music. They're out now with a brand new record, "Norther".

1
Too Much Effing Perspective: Less Than Jake's Chris DeMakes - Winning the Rock 'n' Roll Lottery 40:33

22d ago40:33

40:33

Chris DeMakes was recently the guest on Too Much Effing Perspective, another great podcast on the Evergreen Podcasts network. The show is hosted by Allen Keller and Alex Hofmann, and together they dive deep into their guests' harrowing, humbling, and hilarious Spinal Tap moments on the road. If you enjoy this episode, be sure to subscribe to Too Mu…

1
Shania Twain - You're Still The One 18:23

23d ago18:23

18:23

Shania Twain is a singer and songwriter from Ontario, Canada. She’s the only female artist to have had three consecutive Diamond albums — albums that have sold over ten million copies. Actually, her 1997 album Come On Over is the best-selling album by a female solo artist of all time. One of the most iconic songs from that iconic album is "You’re S…

1
Positive songwriting with Nelson Little 36:03

24d ago36:03

36:03

Nelson Little is a celebrated storyteller from Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, who brought home his third award from the Manitoba Country Music Awards this winter for “Best Roots Artist”, and has also received an Aboriginal People’s Choice Award. Little has opened for Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Charlie Major, The Sheepdogs, and Fred…

1
Ep. 200: Chris Ballew discusses The Presidents of the United States of America's "Peaches" 1:10:37

26d ago1:10:37

1:10:37

To celebrate 200 episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, Chris Ballew makes his triumphant return, this time to discuss the writing and recording of The Presidents of the United States of America’s 1996 hit “Peaches”. He recalls the fascinating journey behind this iconic track, from the spark of inspiration while tripping under a peach tree in the ear…

1
Ep 119 - Whole Church Worship Songs 1:02:53

26d ago1:02:53

1:02:53

Sam and Joel are joined by Robb, Olwen, Andy & Chris to look back on the Hero Songs challenge from March with 10 songs featured! And Sam sets a new challenge for April based on Engage Worship's new Whole Church Worship resources. https://engageworship.org/project/whole-church-worship

1
Episode 263 - Gossip 31:25

29d ago31:25

31:25

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.By Sodajerker

1
Episode 263 - Gossip 31:25

29d ago31:25

31:25

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.By Sodajerker

1
Alejandro Escovedo 1:09:16

29d ago1:09:16

1:09:16

The roots music icon joins our show to discuss his early punk years with The Nuns, touring with John Prine, and his latest album "Echo Dancing".

1
Jazz Collaborators Alex Bird & Ewan Farncombe 33:48

1M ago33:48

33:48

Over the last few years, Alex Bird & Ewen Farncombe have become two of the biggest names on the Canadian Jazz scene. With praise from around the globe, this talented team has created timeless and heartfelt originals for a modern audience. They have produced something that is completely unique; three original albums in three years. ……

1
Ep. 227 - ALAN BERGMAN ("The Way We Were") 1:12:50

1M ago1:12:50

1:12:50

Ninety-eight-year-old Songwriters Hall of Famer Alan Bergman chats with us about a wide-ranging career that started with Johnny Mercer and continues to today. PART ONE Paul and Scott talk about the Abba Voyage virtual concert and scare themselves with the possibilities of digital technology. PART TWO Our in-depth interview with Alan Bergman ABOUT A…

1
Ep. 199: Chuck Ragan discusses Hot Water Music's "Drag My Body" 1:06:50

1M ago1:06:50

1:06:50

In this week's episode, Chuck Ragan unveils the writing and recording process behind Hot Water Music's 2012 single "Drag My Body." The track showcases Chuck's iconic vocals, a defining element of the band's sound, which play a central role in driving its emotional depth. Additionally, Chuck emphasizes the collective musical prowess of the band, hig…

1
Amelia White 48:53

1M ago48:53

48:53

This East Nashville troubadour has shared the stage with John Prine and Justin Townes Earle stops by the show to discuss her new album.

1
Danny Brown - Y.B.P. (feat. Bruiser Wolf) 17:33

1M ago17:33

17:33

Danny Brown started his career in 2007 by handing out mixtapes in Detroit, where he’s from. In 2011, he put out his acclaimed second album, XXX. Since then, he’s collaborated with rappers like Kendrick Lamar, A$AP Rocky and JPEGMafia, but he’s also worked with electronic bands like Purity Ring and The Avalanches, and he did a verse on a remix for K…

1
Ep. 198: Ray Carlisle discusses Teenage Bottlerocket's "Everything to Me" 54:38

1M ago54:38

54:38

In this episode, Teenage Bottlerocket's Ray Carlisle provides an insightful look into the creation process of the band's 2019 single, "Everything To Me". With heartfelt candor, Ray shares the personal inspiration behind the song—the deep love for his son Milo. From quirky lyrics detailing creative methods to encourage teeth-brushing to poignant ref…

1
Ep. 226 - NORAH JONES ("Come Away with Me") + profile on Tish Melton 1:30:31

2M ago1:30:31

1:30:31

SUMMARY: Norah Jones joins us to chat about her new album Visions and the evolution of her songwriting since she took the world by storm in 2002. Afterward, stick around for a very special conversation with Tish Melton. The 18-year-old songwriter discusses her new Brandi-Carlile produced EP and more. PART ONE: Paul and Scott reflect on Norah Jones'…

1
Ep. 197: Colin Clive discusses Mustard Plug's "Beer (Song)" 1:03:41

2M ago1:03:41

1:03:41

In this episode, Mustard Plug guitarist Colin Clive discusses the creative process behind the band's iconic ska-punk anthem "Beer (Song)." Having been released years prior to its inclusion on the Evildoers Beware! album, the track underwent a transformation that made it hit even harder and become more memorable. Colin dives into the evolution of th…

1
"Heroes Pass Us By" 4:48

2M ago4:48

4:48

The new album "Sketch of a Promised Departure" is out today. Here's a small taste of it. Head to joepugmusic.com to hear more.

1
San Fermin 1:00:03

2M ago1:00:03

1:00:03

Ellis Ludwig-Leone is the composer behind this indie rock collective that has a string of critically acclaimed albums to their name.

1
Rhiannon Giddens - You Louisiana Man 19:44

2M ago19:44

19:44

Rhiannon Giddens has released five solo albums since 2015. Before that, she was a member of the Grammy-winning band, the Carolina Chocolate Drops. She is now also the artistic director of the Silkroad Ensemble, the musical supergroup that Yo-Yo Ma founded. Rhiannon Giddens is one of those people where I feel like they have to start inventing new aw…

1
Collaborating as a duo with Burnstick 44:54

2M ago44:54

44:54

Built on emotion-stirring storytelling and unmistakable vocal harmonies accompanied by a century-old instrument, Burnstick, a JUNO nominated husband and wife Folk duo, are intent on creating affecting music that inspires listeners to feel. The Manitoba-based duo features Nadia and Jason Burnstick, esteemed independent artists who united over a deca…

1
Ep. 196: Tony Lovato discusses Mest's "Rooftops" 1:03:49

2M ago1:03:49

1:03:49

Mest frontman Tony Lovato sits in this week to share the story behind the band’s 2003 single “Rooftops”. From reminiscing about listening to music with friends to contemplating the future, Tony opens up about the song’s heartfelt origins. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Matt Pryor of The Get Up Kids 1:03:27

2M ago1:03:27

1:03:27

The creative force behind this legendary rock band opens up about his years on the road, getting sober, and writing his new memoir, "Red Letter Days".

1
Ep 118 - Hero Songs (Reprise)

2M ago

—

In this episode, Sam and Joel are joined by Andrew and Elise to look back on February's 'Acts Challenge' and set a new challenge for March. The featured song is 'Gethsemane' from Jubilate's 'Journey to Resurrection', written Susan Goforth and David Hill.

1
SNEAK PREVIEW of The After Party "Leap Year, Leap Day, Leaplings, and Toast" episode 28:41

2M ago28:41

28:41

The After Party is a weekly bonus episode for members of the Chris DeMakes A Podcast Supporting Cast (which is basically just like Patreon). Head to ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up! You'll get a giant back catalog of episodes, and a new episode each week. Sign up for the Supporting Cast: http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com Learn more about your ad choices. Vis…

1
Episode 262 - Brittany Howard 43:41

2M ago43:41

43:41

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.By Sodajerker

1
Episode 262 - Brittany Howard 43:41

2M ago43:41

43:41

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.By Sodajerker

1
How to Register Your Songs, with Allister Bradley 1:19:40

2M ago1:19:40

1:19:40

Singer-songwriter, producer, and Song Studio maverick Allister Bradley joined us to talk us through song registrations (for Canadians). We talked about: Billy Joel’s new song and AI-driven video Turn the Lights Back On Collective Societies | Copyright Board of Canada (cb-cda.gc.ca) lists ALL the organizations responsible for collecting and distribu…

1
Ep. 225 - CHARLIE STARR of Blackberry Smoke ("Dig a Hole") 1:19:21

2M ago1:19:21

1:19:21

Blackberry Smoke frontman and primary songwriter Charlie Starr goes deep on his music's Southern roots and wide-ranging appeal. PART ONE Paul and Scott talk Pearl Jam's new single, how travel defines fanhood, and why Blackberry Smoke are a force to be reckoned with when it comes to playing live. PART TWO Our in-depth interview with Charlie Starr AB…

1
Ep. 195: Jonathan Higgs discusses Everything Everything's "Cold Reactor" 1:02:39

2M ago1:02:39

1:02:39

In this episode, Jonathan Higgs of Everything Everything shares the story behind the writing and recording of "Cold Reactor," the lead single from the band’s 2024 album Mountainhead. The narrative behind the song is intricately woven into the album’s overarching concept, offering a look into Jonathan’s vision of a strange dystopian world. All aspec…

1
Foghat 54:33

2M ago54:33

54:33

Bryan Bassett has been a contributing member to Foghat, Wild Cherry, and southern rock luminaries Molly Hatchet. He joins the show to discuss his five decades in music.

1
Re-issue: Arlo Parks - Black Dog 19:35

2M ago19:35

19:35

I wanted to revisit an episode about one of my favorite songs from 2021, “Black Dog” by Arlo Parks. A few months after this episode originally came out, Arlo Parks won the Mercury Prize for Album of the Year. She was also nominated for two Grammys: Best New Artist and Best Alternative Album. Since then, she released a new album called My Soft Machi…

1
Writing an all-Spanish language album with Flavia Abadia 34:04

2M ago34:04

34:04

Flavia Abadía is an international DJ, MC, singer, and songwriter based in Toronto, Canada. Colombian and French-Canadian, born in France, Flavia seamlessly blends an array of musical genres, ranging from Latin and Moombahton to Hip Hop, House, Vogue, and other global elements. With an impressive track record, Flavia’s original music has garnered ov…

1
Ep. 194: Jonathan Anastas discusses D.Y.S. "Wolfpack" 57:43

2M ago57:43

57:43

Sitting in this week is Jonathan Anastas, bassist of the influential Boston straight edge hardcore band D.Y.S. Jonathan recounts the writing and recording process of their seminal track "Wolfpack" from the 1983 album Brotherhood, which was recorded when he was just 15 years old. He shares anecdotes about the youthful energy and passion that fueled …

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