Sodajerker On Songwriting

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.

Bastille's Dan Smith talks with Sodajerker about his new concept album, Ampersand. The conversation delves into the fascinating stories of historical figures and fictional characters that influenced his writing, as well as the personal connections that shape his music.

The Edge, the celebrated guitarist and sonic architect of U2, shares insights on the 20th anniversary reissue of 'How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb' and its new 'shadow album.' He discusses U2's evolution from Feedback to a legendary band, emphasizing collaboration and spontaneity in their songwriting process. The conversation dives into the creative journey behind tracks like 'Evidence of Life' and 'Vertigo,' showcasing the emotional depth and innovations that shape their music, all while celebrating the joy of connecting with fans.

Graham Coxon and Rose Elinor Dougall of The WAEVE delve into the creation of their sophomore album City Lights, a listening experience filled with sharp musical edges and a deep sense of urgency. The conversation explores their collaboration with producer James Ford, and the thematic undercurrents of their work, from the city's dark underbelly to the intimacy of family life.

In this engaging chat, Boy George—charismatic frontman of Culture Club and a multifaceted creator—opens up about his vibrant career and artistic journey. He discusses recent collaborations with Peter Murphy and Dark Globe, revealing his evolving sound and the joy of reimagining classic hits. The conversation dives into the emotional connections behind songwriting and the importance of personal narratives. Boy George also reflects on tackling taboo topics and the growth he experiences through creative endeavors, showcasing his passion for storytelling.

Versatile singer-songwriter and producer Joan As Police Woman talks about her latest record Lemons, Limes and Orchids. During the conversation, Joan shares practical advice about taking writing workshops, creating artificial deadlines, and penning songs while riding her bicycle. She also reflects on why mentorship holds a special place in her life, and the influence of artists like Rufus Wainwright and Damon Albarn, whose work inspires her to push creative boundaries.

Snow Patrol's Gary Lightbody and Johnny McDaid discuss the creative process behind the band's new record The Forest is the Path, which ventures into new territories musically and lyrically. The pair talk about the influence of literary greats like Seamus Heaney, their collaboration with producer Fraser T. Smith, and the liberating experience of writing music without constraints.

Matthew Caws, the frontman of indie band Nada Surf, shares insights into his songwriting journey and the band’s latest album, Moon Mirror. He reveals his unique writing routine that avoids the inner critic, emphasizing the beauty of small encouragements. Caws discusses how recording can ‘fictionalize’ ideas and the playful nature of crafting songs. His reflections on growing up in New York highlight pivotal music moments and friendships that shaped his artistic identity.

Kate Nash discusses her latest record 9 Sad Symphonies and the challenges of being a creative artist in the contemporary music industries. Among other insights, the singer-songwriter and actress talks about the importance of mental health, the power of meaningful collaboration, and her unlikely friendship with actor Danny Dyer.