And The Writer Is...with Ross Golan

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.

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.