Sodajerker On Songwriting

For this milestone 150th episode, legendary songwriter and producer Jeff Lynne (ELO, George Harrison, Traveling Wilburys, Tom Petty, The Beatles) sits down with Simon and Brian in London to discuss the writing of his new album From Out Of Nowhere. In his inimitable way, Jeff explains how he approaches chords, melody and lyrics to create the distinctive sounds we've loved across decades of classic albums.

Singer-songwriter Kim Richey joins the Sodajerker boys in Birmingham to chat about the writing of her most recent album, Edgeland. Kim also talks about how she takes inspiration from southern culture, connecting with former guests like Jason Isbell and Jamie Lawson, and the stories behind songs like 'Angels' Share', 'Leaving 49' and 'Chinese Boxes'.

Keane's Tim Rice-Oxley talks about the writing of their new album Cause and Effect. In the course of the conversation, Tim reveals his guitar-centric approach to the keyboard, why he likes to write alone, and how he uses songwriting exercises to challenge himself.

Musical polymath Jacob Collier meets Simon and Brian in London halfway through the expansive four volume Djesse series to discuss his approach to songwriting and creativity. Jacob explains how he reconciles his vision for the project alongside the contributions of guests and how deadlines help to narrow down the infinite possibilities that musical ideas present to him.

Lightning Seeds frontman and celebrated songwriter Ian Broudie joins Sodajerker to mark the 25th anniversary of his classic album Jollification. In this in-depth conversation, Ian details his approach to songwriting and production, how Liverpool informs his musical creativity, and his experiences working with local acts like Echo and the Bunnymen, The Coral and The Zutons.

Simon and Brian visit singer-songwriter, pianist and broadcaster Jamie Cullum at home to discuss the writing of his dynamic new album Taller. Jamie reveals how focusing on lyrics first helped him to write more personal songs, why boredom can be the songwriter's most useful tool, and the challenges of remaining creative and confident in the modern world.

Louisa Roach of She Drew The Gun sits down with Simon and Brian at Parr Street Studios in Liverpool to discuss the writing of songs from her first two albums Memories of Another Future (2016) and Revolution of Mind (2018). Louisa talks about the importance of prose writing and spoken word in her work, her collaborative relationship with The Coral's James Skelly, and how the sci-fi genre has acted as an effective vehicle to mobilise her political views.

Kasabian's Serge Pizzorno joins Sodajerker in London to discuss the writing of his excellent debut solo album The SLP. In addition to talking about the creation of his new alter ego, and his work with the band, Serge explains how he captures ideas on the move, how he uses sounds to write in the studio, and why broken equipment works for him.

Mike 'McGear' McCartney sits down with Brian and Simon at his Heswall home to discuss songs from the recent reissue of his 1974 solo album McGear via Cherry Red Records. In this wide-ranging conversation, Mike also talks in depth about songs like 'Thank U Very Much' and 'Lily The Pink' with The Scaffold, 'Woman' from his 1972 solo debut, his work on McGough & McGear, The Beatles, and growing up in Liverpool.

Country noir superstar Gretchen Peters explains the process she embarks upon when creating the cinematic and socially conscious songs that have become her calling card. In our in-depth conversation, the Nashville stalwart describes the writing of recent albums like Blackbirds and Dancing With The Beast, her classic hits for the likes of Martina McBride, Bonnie Raitt and Trisha Yearwood, and her collaborative partnership with Bryan Adams.