Podcast

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.

Kevin Rowland joins Simon and Brian to discuss his creative process and the writing of the new Dexys record The Feminine Divine. The acclaimed singer and songwriter talks about where inspiration comes from, the importance of trust when co-writing, and why he likes to write notes on his lyric sheets.

Simon and Brian are joined by beloved singer-songwriter Stephen Duffy to discuss writing the new Lilac Time record Dance Till All The Stars Come Down and much more besides. Stephen touches on a range of subjects including the influence of W. H. Auden, how therapy changed his writing style, and his collaborations with artists like Steven Page and Robbie Williams.

Damon Albarn welcomes Sodajerker to his London studio to chat about the creative process behind the new Blur record The Ballad of Darren. Among other topics, the singer-songwriter and composer talks about his working routines with Blur and Gorillaz, writing about real life experiences, and his love for the city of Liverpool.

Lloyd Cole joins Simon and Brian to discuss his songwriting and the creative process behind his new record On Pain. The former Commotions frontman reflects on new collaborations with his old bandmates, the influence of David Bowie, and his ongoing quest to experiment and evolve.

Jenny Lewis chats to Sodajerker about her current record Joy’All and her songwriting process. Among other things, the musician and actress talks about attending a songwriting group hosted by Beck, recording with Ringo Starr, and her work with Rilo Kiley.

Simply Red’s Mick Hucknall joins Simon and Brian for a special 250th episode covering his new record Time and his work through the years. The celebrated frontman speaks candidly about his career as a songwriter, his collaborations with Motown legend Lamont Dozier, and the stories behind classic hits like ‘Holding Back The Years’ and ‘Something Got Me Started’.

Theo Katzman discusses his amazing album Be The Wheel and his philosophies as a songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist. The Vulfpeck member shares a range of ideas about music including the influence of jazz standards, capturing real performances on record, and why AI is no problem if we just focus on our humanity.