Sodajerker On Songwriting

Episode 287 - Gary Barlow

Apr 20, 2025
Gary Barlow, the legendary lead singer of Take That, chats with hosts Simon and Brian in his London studio. He shares insights about his authentic Songbook tour and the importance of collaboration in the creative process. Barlow reveals invaluable songwriting advice from hitmaker Max Martin and discusses the joy of returning to in-person interactions post-COVID. He dives deep into the challenges of balancing a multifaceted music career, the emotional connections to instruments, and how classic ballads continue to inspire his songwriting.
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INSIGHT

Modern Songwriting Setup

  • Gary Barlow uses his studio as a headquarters to incubate ideas and then develop them with his team.
  • His MacBook acts as a sketchpad, showing how modern songwriting can be mobile and digital.
INSIGHT

Authenticity in Songbook Tour

  • Gary Barlow insists the songs on his songbook tour sound exactly like the original records.
  • Maintaining authentic instrumentation and production recreates the period's essence for audiences.
ANECDOTE

Writing Songs About Understanding Endings

  • The song 'There's Not a Song About It' came from a conversation about understanding breakups without bitterness.
  • Written as a duet capturing respect and acceptance in endings rarely explored in music.
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