Sodajerker On Songwriting

Baxter Dury chats with Sodajerker about the writing of his latest record, Allbarone, produced by Paul Epworth. This in-depth conversation delves into the duality of Baxter's artistic persona, the spontaneity of his lyric writing, and the playful approach to language that defines his work.

The enchanting Sigrid sits down in London with Simon and Brian to talk about the writing of her latest album There's Always More That I Could Say. The Norwegian powerhouse shares insights on crafting memorable hooks, overcoming writer's block, and her collaboration with creative partner Askjell. This episode is also available in video form on Sigrid's YouTube channel.

The fabulous Say She She (Piya Malik, Sabrina Cunningham, and Nya Gazelle Brown) join Sodajerker to talk about their new album Cut & Rewind. In this lively conversation about creativity, connection, and the power of making music together, the trio describe how they’ve built a supportive space where ideas can thrive, enabling them to explore everything from personal experiences to pressing social themes.

To celebrate our 300th episode, Rebecca Lucy Taylor, aka Self Esteem, joins us for a candid conversation about her multifaceted career as a singer, songwriter, and actor. With her trademark honesty, the acclaimed artist reflects on the creative process behind her latest album, A Complicated Woman, the pressures of songwriting, and the challenges of navigating the music industries.

Labi Siffre talks with Sodajerker about his career in music and his songwriting process. The celebrated singer-songwriter reflects on his love of blues, jazz, and the Great American Songbook, shares the stories behind beloved hits like ‘(Something Inside) So Strong’ and ‘It Must Be Love’, and explains why, after many years away from music, he still has an enduring passion for writing meaningful songs.

In a landmark third appearance, the incomparable Mike Viola joins Simon and Brian in Liverpool for an in-depth conversation and live performance showcasing his distinctive guitar style and melodic craft. The episode explores Mike's songwriting process, the emotional weight of his lyrics, and the role of personal experience in shaping his music.

As he embarks on his 'More Evenings of Songs and Stories' tour, Graham Nash joins Simon and Brian for a fascinating discussion about his illustrious career. The legendary British musician reflects on his journey from The Hollies to forming the iconic Crosby, Stills & Nash, sharing insights into his songwriting process and the art of capturing everyday moments in music.

Mac DeMarco talks with Sodajerker about his songwriting process and his latest record, Guitar. The Canadian singer-songwriter reflects on his lo-fi, DIY approach to music-making, how personal themes of identity and home permeate his work, and why he definitely doesn’t want to guest on your track.

John Fogerty sits down in London with Simon and Brian for a captivating conversation about his songwriting process and his new release Legacy: The Credence Clearwater Revival Years. The legendary singer-songwriter reflects on regaining control of his publishing rights, the writing of classics such as ‘Proud Mary’, and the techniques that shaped his enduring catalogue.

Finn Wolfhard joins Simon and Brian for a discussion about his debut solo album, Happy Birthday, recorded in Chicago and co-produced by Kai Slater. The versatile actor and musician reflects on the lo-fi production techniques employed on the album, how themes of youthful identity and anxiety permeate his songs, and his love for The Beatles.

Sharon Van Etten chats with Simon and Brian about the collaborative spirit behind her latest album, Sharon Van Etten & the Attachment Theory, recorded with producer Marta Salogni at The Church Studios in London. The singer-songwriter and actress delves into themes of mortality and ageing, as well as the creative dynamics of working closely with her bandmates in the writing process for the first time.

Black Country, New Road's Tyler Hyde and Lewis Evans join Sodajerker for a conversation about the writing of their latest record Forever Howlong. The pair discuss the band's captivating lyrics, sophisticated arrangements, and how, with producer James Ford, they navigated the process of making something fresh after a period of change and instability. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! If you’ve ever listened to Sodajerker On Songwriting - be it casually or borderline obsessively - we’d love for you to take a few minutes to share your thoughts via this survey: https://forms.office.com/e/TnrqaA6PLp?origin=lprLink Your responses are anonymous and confidential, and they’ll shape how we grow and improve the pod, as well as help support a postgraduate research project. Many thanks! Simon & Brian x

My Morning Jacket's Jim James chats with Simon and Brian about the creation of their latest record, is. The celebrated vocalist and guitarist discusses the band's collaboration with producer Brendan O'Brien, letting go of ego, and the role of dreams in songwriting. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! If you’ve ever listened to Sodajerker On Songwriting - be it casually or borderline obsessively - we’d love for you to take a few minutes to share your thoughts via this survey: https://forms.office.com/e/TnrqaA6PLp?origin=lprLink Your responses are anonymous and confidential, and they’ll shape how we grow and improve the pod, as well as help support a postgraduate research project. Many thanks! Simon & Brian x

Peter Doherty sits down with Simon and Brian to talk about his latest solo record, Felt Better Alive. From tales of rural French life to reflections on identity and memory, the ex-Libertines and Babyshambles figurehead discusses the balance of humour and melancholy in his work and the playful storytelling woven throughout his songs.

Scissor Sisters' own Jake Shears and Scott Hoffman (aka Babydaddy) join Simon and Brian to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their self-titled debut album. In this vibrant conversation, the pair reveal the surprisingly homespun creative process behind the hits, the magic that comes from embracing imperfections, and the importance of storytelling in their songs.

Will Oldham, aka Bonnie "Prince" Billy, joins Sodajerker for an enlightening discussion about his latest album, The Purple Bird. With a career that spans over three decades, the beloved singer-songwriter and actor reflects on working with Nashville veteran David 'Ferg' Ferguson, rediscovering meaning in his extensive catalogue, and the art of putting secret passageways and trapdoors in his songs.

Take That's Gary Barlow 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 approach he's taking to his current Songbook tour, how he cultivates collaboration in the studio, his recent experience writing in Nashville, and the amazing songwriting advice he received from Swedish hitmaker Max Martin. Gary was also previously the guest for episode 180 of this podcast.

The remarkable Brandi Carlile 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.

The excellent Djo, 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.

Mike Hadreas, aka Perfume Genius, 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'.