Podcast

The wonderful KT Tunstall joins us at The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire for a live conversation as part of the launch of the Songwriting Studies Research Network. During the chat, KT takes to the guitar and the piano to demonstrate her creative process on songs like ‘Black Horse and the Cherry Tree’, ‘Suddenly I See’ and recent work from albums like KIN and WAX.

Thompson Twins’ Tom Bailey describes the creative process behind enduring songs like ‘In The Name Of Love’, ‘Love On Your Side’, ‘If You Were Here’ and ‘Hold Me Now’. During the conversation, Tom also gives detailed insights into the songwriting behind his 2018 solo album Science Fiction, and explains why it’s important to maintain the distinctive aspects of your sound.

Singer-songwriter Richard Marx talks about the writing of his new album Limitless and the creative process behind hits like ‘Right Here Waiting’ and ‘Hazard’. During the conversation, Richard also reveals the musical bonds that connect his family and shares stories about his collaborations with artists like Keith Urban on ‘Long Hot Summer’ and the late, great Luther Vandross on the Grammy-winning ‘Dance With My Father’.

Grammy-winning songwriter, producer and bassist Sam Dixon joins Simon and Brian at the legendary Rak Studios in London for a live conversation in front of an invited audience. During the episode, Sam discusses his work with artists like Adele, Sia, Christina Aguilera and Jack Savoretti and describes his strategies for bringing the best out of his collaborators. Special thanks to APRA AMCOS for inviting us.

ABC’s Martin Fry describes the writing of his classic album The Lexicon Of Love including songs like ‘The Look Of Love’, ‘Poison Arrow’, ‘Tears Are Not Enough’ and ‘All Of My Heart’. During the conversation, Martin also tells the story behind his beloved hit ‘When Smokey Sings’ and explains how he approached the daunting task of creating The Lexicon of Love II.

Acclaimed singer-songwriter and Monkee Michael Nesmith talks Sodajerker through the writing process behind songs like ‘Papa Gene’s Blues’, ‘Joanne’, ‘Different Drum’, ‘Rio’ and ‘Laugh Kills Lonesome’. In addition to talking about songs he wrote for The Monkees and his solo work, Nez reflects on his relationship with John Lennon, the importance of the arranger, and the influence of visual art on his writing.

In the final show of 2019, the singular Beck joins Simon and Brian in London to talk about his incredible new album Hyperspace. During the conversation, Beck describes his experiences collaborating with Pharrell, Greg Kurstin and Paul Epworth, the influence of his Grandfather, and what it was like to receive a Grammy from Prince.

Country superstar Keith Urban grabs a couple of his prized Fender guitars and talks Simon and Brian through the writing processes behind his many hit songs. During the conversation, Keith explains the importance of rhythm in his writing, collaborating with the likes of Julia Michaels and Richard Marx, and how he has been inspired creatively by his wife Nicole Kidman.

Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys of OMD sit down in London to discuss their career anthology box set Souvenir and the writing process behind their success. In explaining the chemistry of their creative partnership, Andy and Paul talk about writing sad songs with happy chords, striving to avoid lyrical cliches, and why they remain musical outsiders.

The excellent James Blunt joins Sodajerker in London to discuss his very personal new album Once Upon A Mind. During the conversation, James talks about collaborations with the likes of Linda Perry, Ryan Tedder and Ed Sheeran, shares the stories behind hits like ‘You’re Beautiful’, and explains why it’s always important to have a reason to write a song.

For this milestone 150th episode, legendary songwriter and producer Jeff Lynne (ELO, George Harrison, Traveling Wilburys, Tom Petty, The Beatles) sits down with Simon and Brian in London to discuss the writing of his new album From Out Of Nowhere. In his inimitable way, Jeff explains how he approaches chords, melody and lyrics to create the distinctive sounds we’ve loved across decades of classic albums.

Singer-songwriter Kim Richey joins the Sodajerker boys in Birmingham to chat about the writing of her most recent album, Edgeland. Kim also talks about how she takes inspiration from southern culture, connecting with former guests like Jason Isbell and Jamie Lawson, and the stories behind songs like ‘Angels’ Share’, ‘Leaving 49’ and ‘Chinese Boxes’.