Sodajerker On Songwriting

Multi-talented singer-songwriter and former Men At Work frontman Colin Hay talks with Simon and Brian about the writing of his excellent recent album Fierce Mercy. During the episode, Colin reflects on his writing partnership with Michael Giorgiades and tells the stories behind a cornucopia of stunning songs from his back catalogue like 'Down Under', 'Who Can It Be Now?', 'Overkill', 'Waiting For My Real Life To Begin', 'Oh California', 'Send Somebody' and 'If I Had Been A Better Man'.

Singer-songwriter Imelda May sits down with Simon and Brian in Liverpool for a chat about the writing of her recent album Life Love Flesh Blood including songs like 'Black Tears', 'Should've Been You', 'Leave Me Lonely' and 'The Girl I Used To Be'. Imelda also talks about her collaboration with producer T Bone Burnett, co-writing in Nashville, and songs from previous albums like 'Mayhem' and 'It's Good To Be Alive'.

Rising star Declan McKenna talks to Sodajerker about the writing of his fantastic debut album, What Do You Think About The Car?, including the songs 'Humongous', 'Isombard', 'Paracetamol' and 'Brazil'. Declan also reflects on the process of being socially and politically aware in his music.

In this special bonus episode, Simon and Brian answer your questions about the podcast and share some stories and insights from behind the scenes of the show.

Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter and guitarist Jason Isbell joins Simon and Brian in London to mark the milestone of the 100th Sodajerker podcast. Jason talks about the writing of his incredible new record, The Nashville Sound, classic songs from his solo and Drive-By Truckers periods, how TV's Hoarders impacted upon the new album, and the songwriting significance of the humble weed vape.

Singer-songwriter Jack Savoretti sits down in Liverpool with Simon and Brian to talk about songs from his career to date and his most recent album, Sleep No More, including 'Catapult', 'Not Worthy', 'When We Were Lovers' and 'Deep Waters'. Jack reflects on the collaborative process, why 'demo' is a dirty word, and how his cultural heritage has influenced his songwriting.

With the publication of his memoir Testimony, Robbie Robertson joins Simon and Brian to talk about his songwriting process from his early work with Ronnie Hawkins to classic songs for The Band like 'The Weight', 'The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down' and 'Ophelia'. Robbie also describes creative collaborations with Martin Scorsese and Eric Clapton ('It's In The Way That You Use It') and details the writing of solo tracks like 'Somewhere Down the Crazy River' and 'This is Where I Get Off'.

Singer-songwriter Tom Odell joins us to discuss the writing of songs like 'Another Love', 'Hold Me', 'Wrong Crowd', 'Silhouette' and 'Somehow'. Tom talks about a range of strategies including writing on planes, co-writing with hitmakers like Rick Nowels and Eg White, and using pop's conventional limitations to your advantage.

In this episode, Robyn Hitchcock shares insights into his decades-old relationship with songwriting. Reflecting on the creative process behind such titles as 'Do Policemen Sing?', 'I Often Dream of Trains', 'My Wife and My Dead Wife', 'Balloon Man', 'Strawberries Dress' and 'Trouble in Your Blood', Robyn unpicks an array of Hitchcockian classics in his own inimitable style.

On the occasion of our 5th podcasting anniversary, songwriter, drummer, music video director and artist Kevin Godley joins us to talk about songs from the 10cc and Godley & Creme catalogues. During this in-depth chat, Kevin reflects on the creative process behind classics like 'Iceberg', 'Donna', 'Rubber Bullets', 'The Dean and I', 'Somewhere in Hollywood', 'An Englishman in New York', 'Snack Attack', 'Under Your Thumb', 'Cry' and more.