Sodajerker On Songwriting

Multi Grammy Award-winning artist Alicia Keys sits down in London with Simon and Brian to discuss her new single 'In Common', her forthcoming sixth studio album, and her songwriting on a range of hits including 'Fallin'', 'A Woman's Worth', 'If I Ain't Got You', 'Put It In A Love Song', 'Empire State of Mind' and 'Girl On Fire.' Alicia also describes her relationship with the late, great, Whitney Houston, and the circumstances that led to her co-writing the singer's final hit, 'Million Dollar Bill.'

As principal songwriter and frontman for The Feeling, Dan Gillespie Sells has enjoyed a wide-ranging musical career. In this interview, Dan talks about the writing of The Feeling's recent eponymous album, and revisits his process on a number of classic hits by the band, such as 'Fill My Little World', 'Love It When You Call', 'Never Be Lonely', 'Join With Us', 'Blue Murder' and 'Rosé'. Dan also updates us on his progress with his forthcoming musical, Everybody's Talking About Jamie.

In this special episode, we meet with Paul Simon to talk about his stunning new album Stranger to Stranger and the writing processes behind songs like 'Wristband', 'Street Angel', 'In A Parade', 'The Riverbank' and 'Cool Papa Bell'. In this interview, the legendary singer-songwriter reveals a profound curiosity for musical experimentation that goes some way to explaining both his incredible influence in popular music, and his timeless catalogue.

Sodajerker are joined by Nashville great Beth Nielsen Chapman to talk about her approach to songwriting and creativity, and what it's like to collaborate with artists like Willie Nelson, Neil Diamond and Elton John. Beth also tells the stories behind her classic country hits 'This Kiss' (Faith Hill), 'Strong Enough to Bend' (Tanya Tucker) and 'Five Minutes' (Lorrie Morgan) and details the writing processes behind beloved solo tracks like 'Life Holds On' and 'Sand and Water'.

Ben Watt discusses the writing of his new album Fever Dream as well as his work on previous solo albums like Hendra and North Marine Drive. Ben also delves into the songwriting processes behind some classic Everything But The Girl songs, such as 'The Night I Heard Caruso Sing', '25th December' and the smash hit 'Missing'.

Justin Currie talks about the writing of Del Amitri songs like 'Always The Last To Know', 'Roll To Me', 'Driving With The Brakes On' and 'Nothing Ever Happens', as well as a range of songs from his three excellent solo albums. Justin also explains how he captures his ideas, the mental state required for good songwriting, and why you won't find him on a songwriting weekend or co-writing with boy bands.

Celebrated playwright and composer Willy Russell speaks with Sodajerker about his songwriting process for classic musicals such as Blood Brothers, film soundtracks like Dancin' Thru The Dark, and songs for his solo album, Hoovering the Moon. As well as sharing the life stories behind key moments in his work, Willy provides detailed insights into his creative process as a writer, his history as a musician, and his early influences.

Rapper, spoken word artist and podcaster Scroobius Pip chats with Simon and Brian about the writing of such songs as 'Thou Shalt Always Kill', 'The Beat That My Heart Skipped', 'Tommy C' and 'Great Britain', as well as tracks from his latest solo album, Distraction Pieces, including 'The Struggle', 'Try Dying' and 'Soldier Boy (Kill 'Em)'. Pip also provides detailed insights into growing up with a stutter, how it enhanced his skills as a wordsmith, and his plans for the future.

Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez sit down with Sodajerker to talk about their writing process on the Disney smash hit Frozen, as well as a number of other projects. In addition to the stories behind songs like 'Let it Go', 'Do You Want to Build A Snowman?', 'Love Is An Open Door' and 'Fixer Upper', the couple also provide detailed insights into the thinking behind songs from Bobby's Tony Award-winning musicals Avenue Q and The Book of Mormon.

Joe Jackson chats with Sodajerker about his latest album Fast Forward and the writing of classic songs from his catalogue like 'Is She Really Going Out With Him?', 'It's Different for Girls', 'Steppin' Out', and 'Be My Number Two'. Joe also reflects on his early career, his work on film scores alongside directors like Francis Ford Coppola, and why not every song needs an origin story.