Interviews with some of the world’s most successful songwriters
Guy Chambers talks to Sodajerker about his work with artists like Robbie Williams, Kylie Minogue, Beverley Knight, Cathy Dennis and Jamie Cullum, and the writing of hits like ‘Let Me Entertain You’, ‘Millennium’, ‘Rock DJ’ and ‘Angels’. Guy also discusses his time in World Party and the intimate musical explorations of the Isis Project and Songs for a Boy.
Read moreSinger-songwriter Jackie DeShannon joins Simon and Brian to talk about the writing of songs like ‘Put a Little Love in Your Heart’, ‘When You Walk in the Room’, ‘Splendor in the Grass’ and ‘Bette Davis Eyes’. Jackie also discusses her work with Bacharach and David on ‘What the World Needs Now is Love’ and touring America with the Beatles in 1964.
Read moreSongwriter, producer, drummer Narada Michael Walden sits down with Simon and Brian to talk about his work on pop hits like ‘How Will I Know’ (Whitney Houston); ‘We Don’t Have to Take Our Clothes Off’ (Jermaine Stewart); ‘All American Girls’ (Sister Sledge); ‘Freeway of Love’ (Aretha Franklin) and his solo work on songs like ‘I Shoulda Loved Ya’ and ‘Divine Emotions’.
Read moreSeven time Grammy award winning jazz/pop artist Al Jarreau spends an hour with Simon and Brian talking about the writing of songs like ‘Boogie Down’, ‘Breakin’ Away’, ‘Mornin”, ‘Roof Garden’ and the theme from TV’s ‘Moonlighting’ among others. The trio are also joined by Al’s musical director, Joe Turano, who offers further insights into Al’s songwriting process.
Read moreMike Stoller of legendary songwriting team Leiber and Stoller joins Simon and Brian for a conversation about the writing of timeless songs like ‘Hound Dog’, ‘Jailhouse Rock’, ‘Yakety Yak’, ‘Love Potion No.9’ and ‘Stand By Me’ among others.
Read moreNeil Innes of the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band, Monty Python and The Rutles joins Simon and Brian for a conversation about songwriting, comedy, children’s television, and the writing of unforgettable songs like ‘Death Cab for Cutie’, ‘How Sweet to be an Idiot’, ‘I’m the Urban Spaceman’ and ‘Eine Kleine Middle Klasse Musik’ among others.
Read moreGrammy award-winning songwriter and multimedia artist Allee Willis joins Simon and Brian for a conversation about songwriting and her fascinating career. Allee talks about her work on ‘Boogie Wonderland’, ‘September’, ‘In The Stone’, ‘Let Your Feelings Show’ (Earth, Wind & Fire); ‘I’ll Be There for You’ (the theme from Friends); ‘I Shoulda Loved Ya’ (Narada Michael Walden); ‘What Have I Done to Deserve This?’ (Pet Shop Boys); ‘Stir It Up’ (Patti LaBelle); ‘Neutron Dance’ (The Pointer Sisters) and more.
Read moreKenny Loggins and Nashville greats Georgia Middleman and Gary Burr aka Blue Sky Riders join Simon and Brian for a conversation about their exciting new band and distinguished songwriting careers. Kenny also tells the stories behind some of his most celebrated songs including ‘I’m Alright’, ‘Footloose’, ‘This is It’ and ‘What a Fool Believes’.
Read moreAndy Partridge of XTC and The Dukes of Stratosphear joins Simon and Brian for a conversation about the writing of some of his greatest songs, including ‘Senses Working Overtime’, ‘Love on a Farmboy’s Wages’, ‘Ballet for a Rainy Day’, ‘Scarecrow People’ and ‘Brainiac’s Daughter’ among many others. With his guitar at hand, Andy talks Sodajerker through his writing process in a way only he can!
Read moreSimon and Brian welcome Seattle based singer-songwriter Shawn Smith (Brad, Satchel, Pigeonhed) to the show to talk about the writing of some of his most enduring songs, including ‘Screen’, ’20th Century’, ‘Land of Gold’ and ‘Wrapped in My Memory’. In this interview, Shawn speaks about his solo career, his numerous band projects, and his collaborations with Stone Gossard of Pearl Jam.
Read moreSimon and Brian talk to legendary songwriting team Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil about their incredible career from the Brill Building era to the present day, and the writing of songs like ‘You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin”, ‘On Broadway’, ‘Saturday Night at the Movies’, ‘We Gotta Get Out Of This Place’, ‘Don’t Know Much’, ‘Just Once’, ‘Here You Come Again’ and ‘Somewhere Out There’.
Read moreSimon and Brian talk to five-time Ivor Novello-winning songwriter, composer, conductor, arranger and producer Mike Batt about his diverse career including projects like The Wombles, The Hunting of the Snark and the writing of hit songs like ‘Bright Eyes’ (from Watership Down) and ‘The Closest Thing to Crazy’ (Katie Melua).
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