Sodajerker On Songwriting

Peter Doherty sits down with Simon and Brian to talk about his latest solo record, Felt Better Alive. From tales of rural French life to reflections on identity and memory, the ex-Libertines and Babyshambles figurehead discusses the balance of humour and melancholy in his work and the playful storytelling woven throughout his songs.

Scissor Sisters' own Jake Shears and Scott Hoffman (aka Babydaddy) join Simon and Brian to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their self-titled debut album. In this vibrant conversation, the pair reveal the surprisingly homespun creative process behind the hits, the magic that comes from embracing imperfections, and the importance of storytelling in their songs.

Will Oldham, aka Bonnie "Prince" Billy, joins Sodajerker for an enlightening discussion about his latest album, The Purple Bird. With a career that spans over three decades, the beloved singer-songwriter and actor reflects on working with Nashville veteran David 'Ferg' Ferguson, rediscovering meaning in his extensive catalogue, and the art of putting secret passageways and trapdoors in his songs.

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.

Brandi Carlile, a Grammy and Emmy-winning singer-songwriter, shares her inspiring journey in music and her impactful collaboration with Elton John on 'Who Believes In Angels?'. She opens up about the emotional challenges and triumphs of realizing her childhood dream. The conversation dives into the heartfelt dynamics of songwriting, the bittersweet complexities of parenting, and the magical moments when a song truly comes alive. Brandi's insights into artistry and human connection reveal the profound impact of collaboration in her creative process.

The excellent Djo, aka musician and actor Joe Keery, sits down in London with Simon and Brian to discuss his terrific new record The Crux. During the conversation, the Stranger Things star explains his songwriting process, how he enriches his songs with personal stories and references to the music he loves, and the value of collaborating with his friend Adam Thein.

Mike Hadreas, aka Perfume Genius, takes us inside the creative process behind his new record, Glory, produced by Blake Mills. During the conversation, Mike describes how he balances spontaneity with structure, the art of becoming a song detective, and why he writes his best work in 'goblin mode'.

Tom Walker shares his songwriting story so far and the challenges of making his recent second album I AM. The popular singer-songwriter also reflects on the importance of striving to realise a creative vision, his time spent studying songwriting at university, and the influence of his music-loving father.

Elijah Hewson, frontman of the Irish indie rock band Inhaler and son of Bono, teams up with guitarist Josh Jenkinson to discuss their creative journey. They dive into the crafting of their new album, 'Open Wide', emphasizing the need to finish songs and the significance of memorable hooks. The duo shares insights on working with producer Kid Harpoon, the influence of touring on their songwriting, and the relaxed atmosphere that fosters collaboration. Their experiences highlight the blend of personal stories and musical evolution in their work.

Franz Ferdinand's Alex Kapranos and Julian Corrie talk about the writing of the band's sixth studio album The Human Fear and their creative process. During the conversation, the pair explore themes of fear and spontaneity in their work, not being too precious about ideas, and why songs are like friends.