Song Exploder

Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith, the legendary duo behind Tears for Fears, share their journey from the formation of the band in 1981 to their iconic status. They dive into the creative process behind their colossal hit 'Everybody Wants to Rule the World,' revealing the evolving title and its powerful themes of ambition. The duo reflects on their contrasting personalities, industry challenges, and the collaborative spirit that shaped their sound. Their candid stories illustrate how personal experiences influenced the song's emotional depth and enduring legacy.

Grammy-and-Emmy-winning artist Lizzo shares her creative journey behind 'Still Bad,' detailing the emotional rollercoaster from struggle to empowerment. Collaborating with Grammy-winning producer Ricky Reed, she reveals the numerous demos crafted before landing on the final version. The song encapsulates joy amid personal challenges, celebrating resilience and identity. Lizzo's insights into vulnerability and artistic collaboration illustrate the transformative power of music, culminating in a powerful discussion that resonates with her fans.

Samin Nosrat, author of the bestselling cookbook Salt Fat Acid Heat and host of a popular Netflix show, joins the conversation to reveal how music has shaped her journey. She dives into the significance of Ani DiFranco's 'Untouchable Face' during her transition from adolescence to adulthood. Samin shares personal stories of finding belonging through music at concerts and the transformation of her musical tastes. Excitement builds around her upcoming cookbook and tour, blending the love of food with the power of music.

MJ Lenderman, a talented musician known for his solo work and contributions to the band Wednesday, dives deep into the creative evolution of his song "You Don’t Know the Shape I’m In." He shares how the song transformed from a simple demo into a reimagined masterpiece, emphasizing the power of repetition and late-night sessions. MJ also reflects on the emotional aspects of songwriting, particularly addressing themes of drifting relationships and the challenges of capturing the original energy while battling self-doubt in his creative journey.

James Acaster, a talented comedian and musician known for his clever Netflix specials and co-hosting Off Menu, dives deep into the powerful connection between music and personal growth. He reflects on the impact of OutKast's 'Hey Ya!' on his musical journey. Acaster shares his unique switch from left to right-handed drumming and how a life-changing car accident spurred his comedic career. He also discusses the vital role of rhythm in both music and comedy, highlighting the delicate balance of audience engagement and artistic innovation.

Lucy Dacus, a talented singer and songwriter recognized for her work with Boygenius, reflects on her poignant song 'Thumbs.' She shares the emotional journey that inspired the track, highlighting themes of parental mistreatment and vulnerability. Dacus discusses the challenges she faced during the recording process and the therapeutic power of songwriting. Additionally, she dives into her minimalistic approach to music production, aiming for an ethereal quality that enhances the song's emotional impact.

Theodore Shapiro, composer renowned for his work with Ben Stiller, discusses the captivating main title theme for the acclaimed series Severance. He reveals how the initial concept evolved through experimentation with unique sound palettes and organic motifs, fitting the show's intricate themes. Shapiro shares intriguing stories about his creative process, including avoiding typical temp tracks to maintain originality. Listeners will also discover how the music's emotional dynamics resonate deeply with the show's narrative, making it an unforgettable auditory experience.

Hanif Abdurraqib, a celebrated poet and cultural critic, dives into the world of The Clash and shares how his childhood library experiences sparked his love for music. He reflects on the thrill of discovering 'Lost in the Supermarket' and how limited access to music deepened his appreciation. Abdurraqib also reminisces about trading songs during middle school and the emotional duality of The Clash’s music, highlighting the calm amidst chaos. Finally, he discusses the power of music writing in shaping our understanding of artists.

Sasami, a talented singer-songwriter and producer known for her work in Cherry Glazerr, takes us on a nostalgic journey in this engaging discussion. She shares how a transformative house-sitting experience in Northern California inspired her song "In Love With a Memory," featuring Clairo. Fans will love hearing her original voice memos and the creative evolution of the track, co-produced with Grammy-winning Rostam. Sasami reflects on the complexities of longing and emotional connections, emphasizing the power of collaboration in her music.

Kevin Barnes, the visionary lead singer and songwriter of Of Montreal, dives deep into the making of their iconic track 'Wraith Pinned to the Mist and Other Games.' He reflects on the emotional weight of the song during the release of 'The Sunlandic Twins' and discusses his transition to solo artistry. Themes of escapism, whimsical love, and the duality of light and dark are explored, alongside the idea of 'magical thinking' in music. Barnes invites listeners into a surreal world, celebrating creativity and the complex beauty of existence.