Podcast

Justin Currie talks about the writing of Del Amitri songs like ‘Always The Last To Know’, ‘Roll To Me’, ‘Driving With The Brakes On’ and ‘Nothing Ever Happens’, as well as a range of songs from his three excellent solo albums. Justin also explains how he captures his ideas, the mental state required for good songwriting, and why you won’t find him on a songwriting weekend or co-writing with boy bands.

Celebrated playwright and composer Willy Russell speaks with Sodajerker about his songwriting process for classic musicals such as Blood Brothers, film soundtracks like Dancin’ Thru The Dark, and songs for his solo album, Hoovering the Moon. As well as sharing the life stories behind key moments in his work, Willy provides detailed insights into his creative process as a writer, his history as a musician, and his early influences.

Rapper, spoken word artist and podcaster Scroobius Pip chats with Simon and Brian about the writing of such songs as ‘Thou Shalt Always Kill’, ‘The Beat That My Heart Skipped’, ‘Tommy C’ and ‘Great Britain’, as well as tracks from his latest solo album, Distraction Pieces, including ‘The Struggle’, ‘Try Dying’ and ‘Soldier Boy (Kill ‘Em)’. Pip also provides detailed insights into growing up with a stutter, how it enhanced his skills as a wordsmith, and his plans for the future.

Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez sit down with Sodajerker to talk about their writing process on the Disney smash hit Frozen, as well as a number of other projects. In addition to the stories behind songs like ‘Let it Go’, ‘Do You Want to Build A Snowman?’, ‘Love Is An Open Door’ and ‘Fixer Upper’, the couple also provide detailed insights into the thinking behind songs from Bobby’s Tony Award-winning musicals Avenue Q and The Book of Mormon.

Joe Jackson chats with Sodajerker about his latest album Fast Forward and the writing of classic songs from his catalogue like ‘Is She Really Going Out With Him?’, ‘It’s Different for Girls’, ‘Steppin’ Out’, and ‘Be My Number Two’. Joe also reflects on his early career, his work on film scores alongside directors like Francis Ford Coppola, and why not every song needs an origin story.

Bassist, composer and superproducer Marcus Miller sits down with Simon and Brian in Liverpool to discuss his latest album Afrodeezia and his collaborative partnerships with renowned artists like Miles Davis, Luther Vandross and David Sanborn. Marcus also talks about his early career as a session musician, his melodic approach to the bass, and key tracks from his solo career, such as ‘The Only Reason I Live’, ‘Bruce Lee’ and ‘Blast!’

Celebrating the release of his new album, Grey Tickles, Black Pressure, John Grant chats with Simon and Brian about the writing of songs like ‘Snug Slacks’, ‘Voodoo Doll’ and ‘Disappointing’. In addition to describing his love for horror film scores, synthesisers, and languages, John also talks about his songwriting process on tracks like ‘Pale Green Ghosts’, ‘Black Belt’, ‘Marz’ and ‘Chicken Bones’.

Singer-songwriter Nick Heyward discusses the writing processes behind songs for Haircut One Hundred and his solo career, including ‘Love Plus One’, ‘Fantastic Day’, ‘Favourite Shirts (Boy Meets Girl)’, ‘Love’s Got Me In Triangles’, ‘Whistle Down the Wind’, ‘Blue Hat for a Blue Day’ and ‘Kite’. Nick also talks about the recording of a brand new album that he has undertaken in Key West, Florida.

Motown legend Lamont Dozier meets with Simon and Brian in Liverpool to discuss the writing of songs like ‘Where Did Our Love Go’, ‘Baby Love’, ‘Stop! In The Name of Love’, ‘You Can’t Hurry Love’ (The Supremes); ‘Heatwave’, ‘Nowhere to Run’, ‘Jimmy Mack’ (Martha Reeves & The Vandellas); ‘Baby I Need Your Loving’, ‘I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)’, ‘It’s the Same Old Song’, ‘Reach Out, I’ll Be There’, ‘Bernadette’ (The Four Tops), and the Phil Collins smash ‘Two Hearts’.

Actor/musician Kevin Bacon and composer Michael Bacon, aka The Bacon Brothers, sit down with Sodajerker to discuss the songwriting techniques behind songs like ‘Hookers and Blow’, ‘Only A Good Woman’, ‘July Away’, ‘Ten Years in Mexico’, ‘New Year’s Day’, ‘Guess Again’, ‘Unhappy Birthday’, ‘She is the Heart’ and ‘Go My Way (The iPod Song)’. In addition to the stories behind the songs, the brothers describe growing up in Philadelphia, their working relationship, and plans for the future.

Songwriter and producer Glen Ballard discusses the writing of classic songs like ‘What’s On Your Mind’ (George Benson), ‘Dance Electric’ (The Pointer Sisters), ‘Man in the Mirror’ (Michael Jackson), ‘Hold On’ (Wilson Phillips), ‘I Wonder Why’ (Curtis Stigers) and ‘Pink’ (Aerosmith). Marking the 20th anniversary of Jagged Little Pill, Glen also talks in detail about co-writing and producing the landmark Alanis Morissette album, including songs like ‘Ironic’, ‘You Oughta Know’ and ‘Head Over Feet’.

Mike Scott of The Waterboys talks about the writing of his latest album, Modern Blues, detailing the processes behind songs like ‘November Tale’ and ‘The Girl Who Slept for Scotland’. Mike also speaks in detail about classic Waterboys tunes like ‘A Girl Called Johnny’, ‘All the Things She Gave Me’, ‘The Whole of the Moon’, ‘We Will Not Be Lovers’ and ‘Universal Hall’.