And The Writer Is...with Ross Golan Ep.235: David Foster | What It Takes to Last in the Music Business
Jan 14, 2026
David Foster, a legendary songwriter and music producer with a career spanning five decades, shares insights from his transformative journey in music. He discusses the delicate balance between songwriting and production, including his pivotal role in launching artists like Céline Dion and Michael Bublé. Foster emphasizes the importance of longevity over fleeting hits, explores the intricacies of creating memorable hooks, and reveals the costs of greatness in the industry. He also offers wisdom on networking and staying relevant amidst evolving musical landscapes.
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Episode notes
Don't Claim Songwriting You Didn't Do
- Respect songwriters' rights and avoid claiming publishing simply for producing or performing.
- Leave songwriting credits to the writers and don't take a piece because you're the artist or producer.
Learning Production In The Studio Trenches
- David moved from a Canadian band Skylark to LA session work and learned producing by stepping into flawed sessions.
- He used bad producers' demands (like 'we need an intro') to practice creating hooks and intros that improved his craft.
Sessions With Future Hitmakers
- As a session player David worked with the future Toto members and played on hits like Cheryl Lynn's 'Got to Be Real.'
- Those early session networks launched his producing career among top LA musicians.