And The Writer Is...with Ross Golan

Julia Michaels has quietly rewritten the emotional DNA of pop music.From Selena Gomez to Justin Bieber to Sabrina Carpenter — her pen reshaped how vulnerability sounds on the radio.In this episode, Julia sits down with Ross to unpack the craft behind her catalog: the psychology of honest writing, the architecture of a hit, and the years she spent changing pop from behind the glass.They dive into the writing of hits, the evolution of her artistry, and what it means to sustain creative integrity in a fast-changing industry.Chapters0:00 Intro: The Woman Who Reshaped Pop Music0:59 Welcome Back: Reflecting on 8 Years in the Industry2:13 Music Industry Evolution: Then vs. Now3:00 Adapting Songwriting to Social Media and Trends4:32 Early Career Advice: Mental Health and Boundaries6:03 Panic Attacks and Performance Anxiety9:25 From Songwriter to Artist: Reluctance and Breakthrough11:23 Influence on Songwriting: Changing Pop's Sound15:06 Hit Runs, Burnout, and Creative Pauses17:55 Writing for Disney's Wish: Behind the Scenes19:42 Future Plans: Musicals, Retirement, and Balance21:05 Artistry and Collaborations23:00 Inside the Sabrina Carpenter Camp29:01 Breaking Down Hits: Taste, Bed Chem, and Coincidence30:50 Joining Tate McRae: From 17 to Global Hits33:39 Favorite Producers: Ryan Tedder, Stargate, and More36:04 Working with Ed Sheeran: Panic, Brotherhood, and Hits39:30 Crafting Lose You To Love Me with Selena Gomez43:24 Longtime Bond with Selena: Firsts and Milestones45:50 Celebrating Wins in a Changing Industry47:19 Songwriter Struggles: Pay, Radio, and Streaming50:26 Fair Splits and Standing Up for Writers55:09 Gender Challenges: Overworking Female Writers1:00:06 Regimented Life: Balance and Boundaries1:02:40 Running Her Own Label: Freedom and Control1:04:15 Career Lows and Highs1:06:10 Perfect Studio Moment: Working with Britney Spears1:07:34 Reflections: Where She Thought She'd Be1:08:45 Uncut Demos and Sacred Songs1:11:27 Wrapping with Selena, Benny, and Unlikely Stars1:15:55 Ego-Free Sessions and Lifelong Roots1:18:22 Outro and CreditsNMPA fights for songwriters' rights, ensuring fair pay and protection.Check them out at NMPA.org and follow them on social media at @NMPAorgSplice is the industry’s top sample library—royalty-free for all. It empowers creators with its incredible library and ethical AI tools, supporting original artists every step of the way.Download Splice today and follow them on social media at @spliceAnd The Writer Is...Hosted by Ross GolanExecutive produced by Joe London and Jad SaadFollow us on socials at @andthewriteris Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guests are HAIM — one of the most unique voices in modern music, known for blending rock, pop, and soul into a sound that defined a generation. From garage band beginnings to Grammy nominations, they’ve collaborated with some of the biggest names in music while staying fiercely true to themselves.And the writer(s) are... HAIM!In this episode, we dive into a decade-long journey of grit, growth, and creative conviction — from rejection to recognition. The sisters open up about the early years, the family dynamics, and the lessons that shaped their songwriting and success. In this episode:• How HAIM built success on their own terms after years of “no’s”• The real stories behind their biggest records• What they’ve learned about songwriting, collaboration, and creative controlChapters0:00 Intro Teaser – HAIM’s Gritty Start Against All Odds0:30 Nobody Wanted to Sign Us – Early rejections that almost stopped HAIM1:10 The Sister Dynamic – Therapy, tension, and love between bandmates2:30 Strict Parents, Rebellion & First Gigs5:00 Leaving for Tour at 19 – Danielle’s leap of faith7:30 Almost Famous IRL – Touring with Jenny Lewis & Julian Casablancas9:15 Skipping College & Faking Dentist Notes12:30 Oldest Sibling Pressure & UCLA Lessons15:00 Nobody Wanted Rock Music – Breaking through rejection16:00 Meeting Ludwig Göransson – The producer who changed everything18:30 2 AM Sessions & the “Forever” EP20:00 SXSW Madness – 14 shows in 5 days22:00 The UK Breakthrough – Why British fans got it first25:10 How They Learned to Write Songs – Lessons from “Rockin’ Haim”27:00 Recording Songs from the Radio – Childhood obsession that sparked their craft31:10 The First HAIM Song Ever – From bad demos to “The Wire”34:10 The 10,000 Hours – Becoming one of LA’s best live bands35:45 Days Are Gone – Finding their sound amid chaos38:30 Working with James Ford & Ariel Rechtshaid40:50 Balancing Chaos and Craft – The HAIM recording process42:10 Collaborating with Kid Cudi – Their first big studio moment43:10 Touring Exhaustion & Finding Their Groove45:15 Shutting Down Ventura Blvd – The iconic “Want You Back” video47:39 Women in Music Pt. III – Growth & vulnerability48:30 GarageBand & Songwriting – Danielle’s creative superstition49:30 The Making of “I Quit” – A new era of HAIM50:00 Creative Control & Saying No to Labels52:00 Lessons from Paul Thomas Anderson – Vision & long-take storytellingPresented by@NMPA | @nmpaorg – Fighting for songwriters’ rights and fair pay.Learn more at NMPA.org.@Splice – The industry’s top royalty-free sample library and creator platform, supporting original artists with world-class sounds and ethical AI tools.Download Splice and start creating today.And The Writer Is...Hosted by Ross GolanExecutive Produced by Joe London & Jad SaadFollow us everywhere → @andthewriteris Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A remarkable young artist shares his journey of writing and producing every element of his music. He discusses his viral hit 'Caroline,' the struggles of self-promotion, and the pressures of independence. Growing up in New York shaped his sound and ambition, while he reflects on the sacrifices made for success. The conversation dives into his creative process, collaboration issues, and the impact of anxiety on his career. Get ready for insights into life as a 100% self-made artist in the dynamic world of pop music!

Ed Sheeran, a globally acclaimed singer-songwriter and multi-Grammy winner, shares insights about his remarkable journey in music. He discusses how rap battles shaped his songwriting and reveals his emotional connections to songs, emphasizing the importance of writing honestly. Ed talks about his childhood influences, the impact of fatherhood on his craft, and the relentless pursuit of his music career without a backup plan. He also offers advice to aspiring musicians, highlighting the value of embracing failure and the joys of collaboration.

Grammy-winning producer Andrew Watt has collaborated with stars like Justin Bieber and Ozzy Osbourne, shaping modern music's landscape. In a candid conversation, he shares the importance of trust and vibe in the studio, and how he navigates the complexities of collaboration and ego management. Watt reveals fascinating stories behind iconic hits like 'Let Me Love You' and discusses his relentless drive and creative freedom amid industry pressures. His journey from humble bar gigs to hitmaker showcases the magic of collaboration and the art of making music.

Today’s guest is more than a hitmaker — she’s a creative force who has shaped the sound of a generation. From penning chart-toppers like “Thank U, Next” (Ariana Grande), “High Hopes” (Panic! at the Disco), and “Love Lies” (Khalid & Normani) to building her own label, publishing company, and artist career, her story is a masterclass in reinvention, resilience, and longevity.And the writer is… Tayla Parx!In this episode, Tayla sits down with Ross to unpack how she’s navigated more than a decade at the top of the music industry — from her start in Hairspray to writing with Babyface, to becoming one of the few Black women with a #1 country song. She opens up about:Surviving the pressures of back-to-back sessions and industry burnoutTurning setbacks into fuel for her artistry and business venturesWhy branding yourself as a songwriter matters as much as the songsThe art of staying relevant without chasing trendsHow to keep building a catalog that pays you for decades to comeFor every songwriter, artist, or creative grinding to build a career that lasts — this is the blueprint.🎧 Listen now and learn how Tayla Parx keeps writing hits… again and again.Chapters0:00 Teaser – Why Longevity Matters in Music1:37 Intro: And The Writer Is… Tayla Parx!8:33 From Dallas Kid to Hairspray & Nickelodeon Star12:49 Finding Songwriting & Learning From Babyface14:07 Leaving Acting Behind to Chase Music Full-Time24:53 The Warner Chappell Era: Building a Writer Community27:15 Breakthrough Hits: “Thank U, Next” & “High Hopes”31:38 NMPA Ad – Fighting for Songwriter Rights32:45 Inside the Story of “Thank U, Next”39:37 How to Build a Catalog That Pays for Decades40:55 “Love Lies” & Crossing Genres as a Hitmaker50:34 Advocating for Women, Black Creatives & LGBTQ+ Voices52:00 Why Tayla Still Releases Her Own Music53:20 From Bieber to John Legend to Country #155:32 Exploring Jazz, R&B, and Children’s Music59:34 Song Splits, Collaboration & Session Dynamics1:03:41 Why Collaboration Matters (and When to Write Alone)1:11:38 The Secret to Longevity & Reinvention1:16:25 Closing Reflections & LegacyAnd The Writer Is… is presented by The National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) — advocating for songwriters, music publishers, and their essential rights.Learn more at NMPA.orgHosted by Ross GolanExecutive Produced by Joe London and Jad SaadWatercolor by Michael White Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is nothing short of a phenomenon.With roots in Iceland and China, raised in a family of classical musicians, she grew up between symphony halls and jazz records — and has now become the defining voice of her generation.Her music is a breathtaking blend of timeless jazz, classical elegance, and modern storytelling that has captivated millions around the world. From posting standards online during college to headlining the Hollywood Bowl, she’s built a movement — proving that jazz not only lives, but thrives in the hands of a new generation.Her Grammy-winning sophomore album, Bewitched, cemented her as an international force. And now with her brand-new release, A Matter of Time, she dives deeper into emotional vulnerability and sonic ambition — pushing jazz, classical, and folk influences into a sound that feels both cinematic and intimate.Named one of Time’s Women of the Year, celebrated by critics and adored by fans, she is redefining what it means to be an artist in the modern age.And The Writer Is… Laufey!And The Writer Is… is hosted by Ross Golan and executive produced by Joe London and Jad Saad. As always, we’d like to thank our friends at the National Music Publishers’ Association. The NMPA is dedicated to protecting the rights of songwriters and music publishers, ensuring that the creators behind the songs we love are fairly represented and compensated. We’re grateful for their continued support of this show and our community of writers.Learn more at NMPA.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Conan Gray, a Gen Z icon and pop poet, explodes onto the scene, sharing his journey from posting YouTube covers to headlining sold-out arenas. He candidly discusses growing up lonely, channeling heartbreak into healing on stage, and the transformative power of vulnerability in his music. Conan reflects on pivotal moments that sparked his passion, including the influence of legends like Adele. He also tackles the challenges of success and authenticity, emphasizing that despite his fame, he still views himself as an artist striving for growth.

Legendary producer Rodney Jerkins, known as Darkchild, shares his journey from a hopeful kid in New Jersey to a pillar of modern music. He reveals the mindset behind iconic hits like 'Say My Name' and discusses the importance of belief over sheer talent. Rodney dives into the evolving landscape of songwriting in the AI era, the challenges of staying inspired, and the intricate creative process behind tracks for superstars like Michael Jackson and Lady Gaga. He also emphasizes the need for songwriters to recognize their true value in today's industry.

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.