Sodajerker On Songwriting

Sodajerker On Songwriting is a programme devoted to the art and craft of songwriting. The show, created and hosted by the UK songwriting team Sodajerker, features interviews with some of the most successful songwriters and musicians in the world.

Episode 287 - Gary Barlow 04/20/2025

Episode 287 - Gary Barlow Take That's 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 of this podcast. /episode/index/show/sodajerker/id/36235160

Episode 286 - Brandi Carlile 04/11/2025

Episode 286 - Brandi Carlile The remarkable 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. /episode/index/show/sodajerker/id/36096810

Episode 285 - Djo 04/04/2025

Episode 285 - Djo The excellent , 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. /episode/index/show/sodajerker/id/36003895

Episode 284 - Perfume Genius 03/29/2025

Episode 284 - Perfume Genius Mike Hadreas, aka , 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'. /episode/index/show/sodajerker/id/35917570

Episode 283 - Tom Walker 03/22/2025

Episode 283 - 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. /episode/index/show/sodajerker/id/35820890

Episode 282 - Inhaler 03/13/2025

Episode 282 - Inhaler 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’. /episode/index/show/sodajerker/id/35673875

Episode 281 - Franz Ferdinand 03/04/2025

Episode 281 - Franz Ferdinand 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. /episode/index/show/sodajerker/id/35527465

Episode 280 - Dan Smith 02/01/2025

Episode 280 - Dan Smith '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. /episode/index/show/sodajerker/id/35108575

Episode 279 - The Edge 01/01/2025

Episode 279 - The Edge '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. /episode/index/show/sodajerker/id/34683265

Episode 278 - The WAEVE 12/24/2024

Episode 278 - The WAEVE Graham Coxon and Rose Elinor Dougall of 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. /episode/index/show/sodajerker/id/34598305

Episode 277 - Boy George 12/13/2024

Episode 277 - 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. /episode/index/show/sodajerker/id/34430845

Episode 276 - Joan As Police Woman 11/30/2024

Episode 276 - Joan As Police Woman Versatile singer-songwriter and producer 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. /episode/index/show/sodajerker/id/34208670

Episode 275 - Snow Patrol 10/19/2024

Episode 275 - Snow Patrol 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. /episode/index/show/sodajerker/id/33523872

Episode 274 - Matthew Caws 09/29/2024

Episode 274 - Matthew Caws 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. /episode/index/show/sodajerker/id/33249772

Episode 273 - Kate Nash 09/15/2024

Episode 273 - 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. /episode/index/show/sodajerker/id/33059572

Episode 272 - Will Young 08/24/2024

Episode 272 - 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. /episode/index/show/sodajerker/id/32725017

Episode 271 - Bat for Lashes 08/15/2024

Episode 271 - 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. /episode/index/show/sodajerker/id/32589877

Episode 270 - Sheryl Crow 07/24/2024

Episode 270 - 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. /episode/index/show/sodajerker/id/32276817

Episode 269 - Camila Cabello 07/05/2024

Episode 269 - Camila Cabello Pop superstar 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. /episode/index/show/sodajerker/id/32012042

Episode 268 - Richard Thompson 06/22/2024

Episode 268 - Richard Thompson Folk-rock pioneer and guitar maestro 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. /episode/index/show/sodajerker/id/31847222

Episode 267 - The Lemon Twigs 05/27/2024

Episode 267 - The Lemon Twigs Brian and Michael D'Addario of 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'. /episode/index/show/sodajerker/id/31478372

Episode 266 - Kings of Leon 05/17/2024

Episode 266 - Kings of Leon 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. /episode/index/show/sodajerker/id/31353577

Episode 265 - The Zutons 05/12/2024

Episode 265 - The Zutons Dave McCabe and Sean Payne discuss the writing process behind 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. /episode/index/show/sodajerker/id/31251372

Episode 264 - Sean O'Hagan 04/26/2024

Episode 264 - Sean O'Hagan The wonderful 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. /episode/index/show/sodajerker/id/30999803

Episode 263 - Gossip 03/29/2024

Episode 263 - Gossip 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. /episode/index/show/sodajerker/id/30595648

Episode 262 - Brittany Howard 02/28/2024

Episode 262 - 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. /episode/index/show/sodajerker/id/30149563

Episode 261 - Sleater-Kinney 02/08/2024

Episode 261 - Sleater-Kinney Corin Tucker and Carrie Brownstein of 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. /episode/index/show/sodajerker/id/29855433

Episode 260 - Bill Ryder-Jones 01/18/2024

Episode 260 - Bill Ryder-Jones Singer-songwriter and producer 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. /episode/index/show/sodajerker/id/29543078

Episode 259 - Feist 12/22/2023

Episode 259 - Feist Leslie 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. /episode/index/show/sodajerker/id/29200798

Episode 258 - Thomas Walsh 11/30/2023

Episode 258 - Thomas Walsh 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. /episode/index/show/sodajerker/id/28861428

Sodajerker On Songwriting

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