And The Writer Is...with Ross Golan

He believed before anyone else did.Before the Grammys.Before the 39 billion streams.Before Say My Name changed the sound of radio forever.He was just a kid on a New Jersey bus, chasing a dream no one else could see.In this episode, legendary producer Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins shares how faith, fire, and pure conviction took him from a basement studio to shaping the sound of a generation. From Michael Jackson to Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and Sam Smith, Rodney opens up about the mindset behind the music — and why belief is still the most powerful tool a creator has.You’ll hear about the reset that saved his career, the changing landscape of songwriting in the AI era, and the stories behind some of the most iconic records of the last 25 years.And The Writer Is... Rodney Jerkins.Topics:The real story behind Say My Name Working with Michael Jackson, Beyoncé, and GagaWhy belief matters more than talentHow to stay inspired (even after burnout)AI, music tech, and what’s missing from today's processWhat every songwriter needs to know about their valueSponsored by:SONA, DIMA, Amazon Music, and YouTube Songwriters.Thank you for supporting us and protecting the future of songwriting!Produced by Ross Golan, Joe London, and Jad Saad Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it really take to become irreplaceable in music?This is more than a lesson in music. It’s a masterclass in how to make yourself essential in any room you enter.In this episode, Ryan Tedder shares a raw, unfiltered blueprint for building a career that stands the test of time.From mastering guitar, piano, and production to writing two songs a day, Ryan unpacks why versatility, humility, and relentless work ethic are the hidden currencies of longevity. He breaks down the mindset shifts that separate fleeting success from lasting impact, and why assuming everyone is more talented than you might just be your greatest advantage. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ryan Tedder, the mastermind behind OneRepublic and a prolific songwriter, shares his unfiltered insights on fame and success. He discusses the hidden costs of celebrity life, the crucial need for sound financial management, and why boredom fuels his creativity. Tedder reveals why many artists fail and stresses the importance of trust in artist-manager relationships. He also humorously recounts life in luxury, including the unexpected challenges of his lavish lifestyle. This conversation serves as a wake-up call for aspiring creators navigating the music industry.

Russ, the independent rapper and producer, shares his insights on building a successful music career in this enlightening discussion. He emphasizes the power of 'delusional self-belief' and explains why artists must take control of their music business. Discover his strategic approach to releasing songs, including his 'song-a-week' strategy. Russ also tackles the balance between confidence and self-doubt, revealing that consistent effort often trumps fleeting inspiration. Tune in for invaluable tips that could reshape any artist's journey!

Jessie Reyez, a Colombian-Canadian singer-songwriter known for her raw lyrics, shares her inspiring journey in the music industry. She talks about meeting Eminem and how that encounter earned his respect. Jessie reflects on her early challenges, including growing up bilingual and the impact of her mother’s English lessons on her talent. With a candid approach, she emphasizes the importance of vulnerability in creativity and the lessons learned from her first songwriting experiences, proving that resilience and authenticity lead to success.

Today’s guest is a musical architect whose fingerprints are on some of the most emotionally resonant and sonically rich records of the last decade. He’s not the loudest in the room—but when he’s in the studio, every note, every tone, every beat matters. A multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer with an unmatched intuition, he brings out the soul in every song, guiding artists to their most authentic performances. From Grammy-winning collaborations with Kacey Musgraves to shaping records across indie, country, rock, and beyond, he’s the quiet force behind the soundtracks to our lives. All the way from Nashville, Tennessee, this master of nuance proves that subtlety can be a superpower. And the writer is… Ian Fitchuk!0:00 – Intro: Sobriety, Fear & Creativity 0:55 – NMPA Sponsor Message 3:25 – Growing Up in the Chicago Suburbs 6:15 – Musical Upbringing: Classical Roots & Church Influence 9:05 – Early Influences: CDs, Cassettes & Graceland 12:05 – Bear Killer, Drums & Songwriting Beginnings 17:30 – From Church Bands to Writing Real Songs 20:50 – Leaving Home & Moving to Nashville 27:30 – First Touring Gig & Life Lessons 30:50 – Discovering Production via the Christian Music Scene 35:50 – A Decade of Struggle Before the Breakthrough 40:50 – Why Ian Never Quit (Even With Kids) 45:00 – Golden Hour Era: Writing With Kacey 50:50 – Making Golden Hour Using Logic Stock Sounds  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this engaging discussion, Russ, a talented rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer, shares his journey as one of the most successful independent artists today. He reveals the emotional toll of ownership and the weight of doing it all alone, while emphasizing the importance of self-belief. Topics include the pressure of maintaining creative control, the intricacies of publishing and splits, and navigating burnout. Russ also touches on the balance between artistic freedom and industry challenges, providing a valuable blueprint for aspiring creatives.

In this special episode, Ross Golan sits down with David Israelite, the influential President and CEO of the National Music Publishers Association (NMPA). A fierce and tireless advocate for songwriters, David has spent nearly two decades fighting for the rights, recognition, and fair compensation of music creators in an ever-evolving industry.From spearheading groundbreaking legislation like the Music Modernization Act to navigating complex battles over streaming royalties and copyright protections, David shares a behind-the-scenes look at the work that goes into defending the value of songwriting. With unique insights into policy, publishing, and the business of music, this candid conversation reveals why David is one of the most pivotal figures working on behalf of songwriters today.If you care about music creators and the future of songwriting, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.00:00 – Intro: Why This Episode Matters More Than Ever03:40 – How Songwriters Get Paid (Explained Like You’re 15)05:19 – The Truth About Songwriter Pay: 75% Controlled by the Government07:28 – The Music Modernization Act: Progress or Political Cover-Up?09:13 – The Broken System: Why Songwriters Can’t Say No12:01 – Artists vs. Songwriters: The Industry's Unspoken Divide13:50 – Ghostwriting, Publishing Abuse & The Elvis Tax Nobody Talks About20:16 – Why Unionizing Won’t Save Songwriters (And What Might)23:55 – What the CRB Is — And Why It Still Screws Creators26:22 – Free Market vs. Rigged Game: Labels Win, Songwriters Lose28:33 – Why Songwriters Have No Real Political Power31:01 – Consent Decrees Explained: The 1940s Laws Holding Music Back33:19 – Selective Withdrawals: A Strategy That Could Change Everything39:10 – Are Big Publishers Quietly Crippling Independent Writers?45:25 – The Power of ‘No’: The One Tool Songwriters Don’t Actually Have46:25 – Are Labels and Publishers Working Against Each Other?49:45 – The Billion-Dollar Boom: Why Everyone’s Selling Their Catalogs54:37 – Final Word: Gratitude, Hope & the Fight Ahead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is an artist whose voice cuts through like a blade—sharp, emotional, and unforgettable. Emerging from the shadows of alternative R&B and electro-pop, she’s crafted a sonic identity that’s both intimate and cinematic. Her lyrics are deeply confessional, fearless in their vulnerability, and her production choices push boundaries while staying rooted in undeniable emotion. From viral beginnings to critical acclaim, she’s stayed true to her vision, building an aesthetic that’s dark, empowering, and always evolving. All the way from Los Angeles, California—this is the sound of raw artistry at its finest. And the writer is… BANKS!00:00 - Intro 01:07 - Growing Up in L.A. 03:52 - Music as Math? 06:16 - 100% Songs, No Concept First 08:08 - First Song Became a Jack Collab 10:04 - Social Anxiety + Going Out Hard 12:06 - Fans, Fame & Divine Feminine Energy 15:41 - Jillian vs. BANKS 18:10 - Stage Fright to Frontwoman 21:13 - Regrets & Album Titles That Got Away 22:28 - Streaming Era Beginnings 27:02 - Indie Artist Real Talk 31:12 - Viral Hits vs. Tour Culture 34:09 - “Don’t Try To Write a Hit” 36:04 - Underrated BANKS Songs 38:05 - Why This Album, Why Now 39:28 - How “I Hate Your Ex” Happened 41:24 - Voice as a Shape-Shifter 42:02 - Collaboration Energy Shift 43:03 - Studio Magic Stories 44:14 - Writing for Other Artists? 46:18 - Why Artists Look to BANKS 48:06 - 3 Life-Changing Decisions 49:40 - Five-for-Five Lightning Round 53:08 - Music + Visuals Are One 54:16 - Ross on BANKS’ Legacy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this conversation with Jon Bellion, a Grammy-winning artist known for his eclectic sound, the depth of artistic integrity vs. algorithmic pressures takes center stage. Jon shares insights on the challenges artists face in the digital age, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in songwriting. He reflects on balancing fatherhood with creativity and explores the personal journeys that feed his music. The discussion also touches on fair compensation in the industry and the importance of collaboration over ego, showcasing his commitment to meaningful artistry.