Song Exploder

Sofia Coppola, the acclaimed filmmaker of The Virgin Suicides, shares her insights on the emotional weight of music in films. Nicolas, a member of the iconic French duo Air, discusses their collaborative journey in creating the haunting score. They delve into how the song 'Playground Love' ties the film together and reflects themes of young love. Sofia emphasizes the significance of the end-credit song as an emotional punctuation. Their creative process, from lyric inspirations to recording choices, adds depth to the film's enchanting atmosphere.

Rian Johnson, the acclaimed director behind films like Brick and Star Wars: The Last Jedi, dives into the profound influence of Wagner's Das Rheingold on his creative journey. He recalls the overture's powerful opening chord and how it disrupted his writing process, forcing him to prioritize emotional depth over cleverness. Reflecting on his solitary experience at the opera in Paris, Rian connects these themes to his work on The Last Jedi and his latest film, Wake Up Dead Man, highlighting how opera shapes his storytelling.

Jessie Reyez, a Juno award-winning singer-songwriter from Toronto, shares her creative journey behind 'Goliath.' She reflects on an emotional call with her niece that inspired the chorus and details her trance-like writing method. Guitarist Jeff Gittleman discusses the unique one-take recording process and his melodic ideas, while Jordan Johnson from Monsters & Strangerz talks about transforming personal lyrics into universal themes. Together, they explore the magic of collaboration that birthed this powerful, memorable track.

Demi Adejuyigbe, a versatile stand-up comedian and writer, shares how Guitar Hero introduced him to The Strokes, igniting his passion for music. He reflects on the transformative experience of their song 'You Only Live Once' and reveals how Warren Fu's innovative CGI video not only inspired his interest in visual effects but also influenced his career path. Demi discusses the emotional connection he has to the song and its mathematical drum patterns, showcasing how a music video can deeply resonate with personal creativity.

In this insightful conversation, Pusha T and Malice, the dynamic duo behind Clipse, share the poignant backstory of their song 'The Birds Don't Sing.' They discuss the emotional weight of writing after losing both parents within months, revealing how grief fueled their creativity. Pusha T reflects on the spontaneity of their lyrics, while Malice describes the deep bond they share as brothers and collaborators. Pharrell's contributions also shine, including his choice of John Legend for the hook and Stevie Wonder's magical touch, deepening the song's emotional resonance.

Join Lindsey Buckingham, a guitarist and singer-songwriter famed for his work with Fleetwood Mac, and Stevie Nicks, the iconic voice behind many hits, as they delve into their song "Frozen Love". They share the backstory of how they met and began writing together, highlighting the unique roles they played in creating the music. Discover the inspirations behind the song's lyrics, Lindsey's intricate guitar work, and how this collaboration ultimately led to their journey with Fleetwood Mac, forever changing their lives and music history.

Join Lindsey Buckingham, the iconic singer-songwriter and guitarist of Fleetwood Mac, as he dives deep into the making of the hit 'Go Your Own Way.' He reveals how the breakup with Stevie Nicks fueled the song's creation and discusses the emotional tensions during recording. Buckingham shares insights on crafting intricate guitar layers, the evolution of the drum pattern, and the powerful backing vocals from Christine McVie and Stevie. With candid reflections on personal pain and musical genius, he highlights how their conflicts shaped an unforgettable classic.

In this engaging discussion, Paul Waaktaar-Savoy, guitarist and primary songwriter for A-ha, reveals the incredible journey of "Take On Me." He shares how a teenage idea morphed into an iconic hit, highlighting the multiple flops the song faced before its success in the US. Paul dives into the band's perseverance, the pivotal role of Morten Harket, and the innovative use of synths that shaped the track's sound. He also details the unforgettable music video that helped catapult them to fame. Tune in for a fascinating behind-the-scenes look!

Lady Gaga, an iconic singer and actress with 14 Grammys, dives deep into her latest track "Abracadabra" from her album *Mayhem*. She shares her journey of reclaiming her darker sound and the creative chaos that sparked the song's inception. Gaga explores the spellbinding imagery within the lyrics and her connection to party figures, influenced by New York's ballroom culture. She reveals her unique vocal approach, blending metal gravitas with pop, and emphasizes the significance of embracing her maximalist style and authentic self.

In this conversation, Chef David Chang shares how the song "I See a Darkness" profoundly impacts him. He recalls his first encounter with the haunting lyrics and their connection to his experiences with depression. Living in Japan opened him up to its emotional depth. Chang interprets the song as both a call for conversation and a plea for connection, especially after the loss of friends like Anthony Bourdain. He reflects on resilience, vulnerability, and how music can remind us to seek help in dark times.