Sodajerker On Songwriting

Will Young tells Simon and Brian about the writing of his new record Light It Up and the various collaborations that made it possible. In this lively conversation, the singer-songwriter, actor and writer reveals that he doesn't always need to have an emotional connection to his material in order to do justice to it, and explains why it's essential to enjoy the creative process.

Bat for Lashes (aka Natasha Khan) joins Sodajerker for a conversation about her absorbing new record The Dream of Delphi, which deals with the experience of becoming a mother during the pandemic. The multi-disciplinary artist discusses her approach to composition through improvisation, how she relates creatively to her environment, and the inspiration she draws from the movies of the 1980s.

Sheryl Crow sits down with Simon and Brian in London to discuss her latest record Evolution and her timeless catalogue of hits. The nine-time Grammy winner reflects on the influence of her musical parents, how social issues find their way into her songs, and the power of writing on the back porch.

Pop superstar Camila Cabello tells Simon and Brian about the writing of her new record C,XOXO. The singer and songwriter discusses the creation of a provocative alter ego for the album, writing with Auto-Tune, collaborating with featured guests like Drake, Playboi Carti and Lil Nas X, and situating her work within the vibrant culture of Miami.

Folk-rock pioneer and guitar maestro Richard Thompson joins Sodajerker to discuss the artistic process behind his excellent new record Ship to Shore. In this in-depth conversation, the guitar slinging virtuoso talks about making efficient creative decisions, reliving the old songs on stage, and sharing his musical knowledge through his songwriting camp.

Brian and Michael D'Addario of The Lemon Twigs chat with Sodajerker about writing and producing their new record A Dream Is All We Know. The multi-talented brothers describe the challenges of working together, the art of recording on tape, and avoiding 'demo-itis'.

Kings of Leon's Caleb and Jared Followill talk about the writing of the band's new record Can We Please Have Fun and their creative process. In this wide-ranging conversation, the brothers discuss such topics as journalling, working intuitively, making accessible music, and being songwriting vampires.

Dave McCabe and Sean Payne discuss the writing process behind The Zutons' superb new record The Big Decider. This vibrant conversation delves into the band's unique sound, the blending of production work from Nile Rodgers and Ian Broudie, and the innovative lyrical techniques behind their triumphant return.

The wonderful Sean O'Hagan joins us to chat about the new High Llamas record Hey Panda, and his songwriting process. The acclaimed artist, producer, and arranger explores a wealth of topics including his formative work in beloved Irish band Microdisney, writing about his own life and experiences, and his insatiable appetite for new music.

Gossip's Beth Ditto and Nathan 'Brace Paine' Howdeshell discuss the creative process behind their excellent new record Real Power. The pair reflect on their near telepathic musical relationship, the ethereal mysteries of songwriting, and collaborating with the great Rick Rubin.