Song Exploder

Sam Smith, a Grammy and Oscar-winning singer from London, reflects on the creation of their iconic hit "Stay With Me" alongside collaborator Jimmy Napes. They delve into the song's emotional origins, sharing the struggles and pivotal moments that fueled its creation. The duo reveals innovative techniques used to create a choral effect with just two voices and discuss the song’s transformation over the years. Sam also reflects on their journey of self-discovery and how the lyrics evolved to align with their identity as a non-binary artist.

Singer-songwriter Fenne Lily talks about the evolution of her song 'Lights Light Up' from her album 'Big Picture'. She discusses the challenges faced during the lockdown, the influence of journaling on her songwriting, and the emotional journey behind the turbulent songwriting process. Fenne also shares insights into the creation of the song, adding layers to enrich the storytelling, and the joy of recording in North Carolina.

Singer-songwriter Vagabon and Eric Littmann discuss creating 'Water Me Down,' the one exception to Vagabon's self-produced album. They dive into how the collaboration brought a new sound to the track, filled with raw emotional lyrics and upbeat instrumentals. The episode delves into the organic and emotional process behind the song, exploring the journey of transformation and self-reflection in Vagabon's music.

Frontman Neil Finn of Crowded House discusses the creation and impact of their hit song 'Don't Dream It's Over'. They explore the emotional resonance of the track, the collaboration process with session musicians, and the evolution of the song over the years.

Singer-songwriter Lizzy McAlpine discusses the creation of her song 'Staying' from her album 'Older'. She reveals the emotional turmoil that led to recreating the song with a new band, providing insight into her process and inspiration.

The Flaming Lips, formed in 1983, discuss the creation of their hit song 'Do You Realize??'. They talk about their successful albums, the evolution of their sound, the songwriting process, and the deep themes behind the lyrics. The episode provides insights into their music-making journey and the emotional resonance of the song with listeners.

Musician Arooj Aftab discusses her Grammy-winning song 'Mohabbat' and its evolution over the years. She explores the emotional themes of the song, her musical collaborations, and the creative process behind crafting the soulful and captivating music. Arooj also shares insights into her background, recent Grammy win, and upcoming album releases, offering listeners a glimpse into her artistic journey and inspirations.

Band War's bandleader Lonnie and producer Jerry discuss how 'Low Rider' was born through studio improvisation and editing. The iconic track's impact on pop culture, chart success, and covers by artists like Beastie Boys and Korn are highlighted. The podcast sheds light on the meticulous process behind creating this timeless hit.

Shania Twain, the only female artist with three consecutive Diamond albums, shares the story of writing 'You're Still the One' with her then-husband, Mutt Lange. They delve into the emotional impact of the song post-divorce and explore the enduring love portrayed in the lyrics.

Explore Danny Brown's career evolution, collaborations with notable artists, and the creation process behind the song 'Y.B.P.' with Bruiser Wolf. Reflect on his unique voice and late-blooming success in the music industry. Dive into his personal struggles, growth through rehab, and the inspiration behind his music. Learn about the artistic journey, Detroit culture influence, and the impact of childhood memories. Wrap up with a playthrough of 'Y.B.P.' and a teaser for a new show called The Recipe focusing on food wisdom.