Sodajerker On Songwriting

Snow Patrol's 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.

Nada Surf's 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 camp.

Brian and Michael D'Addario of The Lemon Twigs 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'.

Kings of Leon's 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.

Dave McCabe and Sean Payne discuss the writing process behind The Zutons' 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.

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.

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.

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.

Corin Tucker and Carrie Brownstein of Sleater-Kinney 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.

Singer-songwriter and producer Bill Ryder-Jones 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.

Leslie Feist 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.

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.

Eric Cantona joins Simon and Brian to discuss his new EP I'll Make My Own Heaven, and his songwriting process. The actor, artist and former footballer talks about his need to express himself, using mistakes to create better moments, and how to rely on instinct.

Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Lips chats with Simon and Brian about the band's classic album Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots and his songwriting process. The veteran artist talks about the writing of beloved tracks like 'Do You Realize??', working intuitively, and responding with pure emotion to song ideas.