Podcast

Songwriter, composer, arranger and producer Van Dyke Parks chats with Simon and Brian about the writing processes behind his recent album Songs Cycled, as well as pieces like ‘High Coin’, ‘Hominy Grove’, ‘Tokyo Rose’, ‘Trade War’ and ‘Orange Crate Art’. Van Dyke also gives insight into his seminal work with The Beach Boys on SMiLE-era compositions like ‘Heroes and Villains’, ‘Surf’s Up’ and later collaborations such as ‘Sail On, Sailor’.

Songwriter and producer Nick Lowe, whose credits over more than four decades include hit songs like ‘(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding’, ‘Cruel to be Kind’ and ‘I Love the Sound of Breaking Glass’, joins Simon and Brian for a special 50th episode about the writing of those beloved classics and more. Nick also discusses his Christmas album, Quality Street, which includes original songs like ‘Christmas at the Airport’ and ‘I Was Born in Bethlehem’.

Suzanne Vega illustrates her approach to songwriting by talking about the processes behind songs like ‘Marlene On The Wall’, ‘Tom’s Diner’, ‘Luka’, ‘Men In A War’, ‘Book of Dreams’ and ‘In Liverpool’. Suzanne also discusses her early history as a dancer and musician, attending the Greenwich Village Songwriter’s Exchange, the thinking behind the recent Close-Up series of releases, and her plans for a new album of original material.

Singer-songwriter Rickie Lee Jones chats with Simon and Brian about the writing of songs like ‘Chuck E’s in Love’, ‘The Last Chance Texaco’, ‘Coolsville’, ‘Weasel and the White Boys Cool’, ‘Skeletons’ and ‘The Evening of My Best Day’. Rickie talks in detail about her approach to constructing lyrical flow, her recent covers album The Devil You Know, and her plans for a new album of original material.

British folk singer Linda Thompson joins Simon and Brian to talk about the writing of her new solo album Won’t Be Long Now. Linda talks about songs like ‘Love’s for Babies and Fools’, ‘If I Were a Bluebird’ (written with Ron Sexsmith), ‘Paddy’s Lamentation’ and the maritime themes of songs like ‘Never Put to Sea Boys’ and ‘Never the Bride’. Linda describes what it’s like working with family members, especially her son Teddy Thompson, and the vocal condition that silenced her live performance career.

Singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith discusses his approach to the art and craft of songwriting by detailing the processes behind songs like ‘Secret Heart’, ‘Speaking With The Angel’, ‘Gold in Them Hills’, ‘Brandy Alexander’, ‘Believe it When I See It’ and ‘Life After A Broken Heart’. Ron talks in depth about his love for artists like Bill Withers, his collaborations with people like Mitchell Froom, Bob Rock and Don Black, and his ongoing pursuit of ‘hit’ records.

Singer-songwriter Chip Taylor picks up his guitar to talk Simon and Brian through the writing of songs like ‘Wild Thing’ (The Troggs/Jimi Hendrix), ‘Angel of the Morning’ (Merrilee Rush/Dusty Springfield/Chrissie Hynde) and selections from his recent solo albums such as ‘F**k All The Perfect People’, ‘Dance With a Hole in Your Shoe’ and ‘Phoned in Dead’. Chip also talks in detail about the Brill Building days and his alternate career as a professional gambler.

Neil Finn of Split Enz, Crowded House, Finn Brothers and Pajama Club chats with Simon and Brian about his songwriting process and the writing of songs like ‘Fall At Your Feet’, ‘Don’t Dream It’s Over’, ‘Weather With You’, ‘Four Seasons In One Day’, ‘Not The Girl You Think You Are’ and ‘Edible Flowers’. Neil also talks about his work on The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and details the production of his forthcoming solo record.

Singer-songwriter Rumer talks with Sodajerker about her approach to writing songs like ‘Slow’, ‘Aretha’, ‘Come To Me High’, ‘Blackbird’ and others from her debut album Seasons Of My Soul. Rumer also talks in detail about how events in her life have influenced her creative work, paying respect to great songwriters on her second album, Boys Don’t Cry, and her plans for the future.

Songwriter and guitarist Johnny Marr, loved by pop fans worldwide for his work with The Smiths, The The, Electronic, Modest Mouse and The Cribs, joins Simon and Brian for a conversation about the writing processes behind his fantastic new solo album The Messenger. Johnny also talks in detail about his musical influences, growing up in Manchester, his songwriting partnership with Morrissey, and his collaborations with artists like Kirsty MacColl (‘Walking Down Madison’) and Billy Bragg (‘Sexuality’).

Influential New Orleans songwriter, producer, arranger and pianist Allen Toussaint sits down with Simon and Brian to discuss his long career including the writing of classic songs like ‘Mother in Law’ (Ernie K-Doe), ‘Whipped Cream’ (Herb Alpert), ‘Working in the Coal Mine’ (Lee Dorsey), ‘Here Come the Girls’ (Ernie K-Doe), ‘Southern Nights’ (Glen Campbell), ‘Happiness’ (The Pointer Sisters) and more. Allen talks in depth about his creative process and also gives advice for young songwriters.

John Flansburgh and John Linnell of They Might Be Giants take an hour out of their busy tour schedule to talk with Simon and Brian about their new album Nanobots; their approach to songwriting; the Dial-A-Song service; writing music for children; their collaborations with production team Clive Langer and Alan Winstanley on songs like ‘Birdhouse in Your Soul’, and more.