And The Writer Is...with Ross Golan

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.

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.