Take That's Gary Barlow welcomes Simon and Brian to his London studio for a fun conversation about songwriting, performance, and the creative process. The celebrated artist discusses the authentic approach he's taking to his current Songbook tour, how he cultivates collaboration in the studio, his recent experience writing in Nashville, and the ama…

Drive-By Truckers co-founder Patterson Hood chats about his band, the evolution of his songwriting process, and his most recent solo album. PART ONE Water. Bed. Rock!!! PART TWO Our in-depth conversation with Patterson Hood ABOUT PATTERSON HOOD Muscle Shoals, Alabama, native Patterson Hood is best known, along with Mike Cooley, as the co-founder of…

We're celebrating our 10th anniversary all year by digging in the vaults to re-present classic episodes with fresh commentary. Today, we're revisiting our 2015 conversation with Swamp Dogg. ABOUT SWAMP DOGG R&B cult favorite Jerry “Swamp Dogg” Williams is best known as the co-writer, with Gary U.S. Bonds, of the cross-genre classic, “She’s All I Go…

The remarkable Brandi Carlile joins Simon and Brian for an in-depth conversation about writing with Elton John on their new album, Who Believes In Angels? The Grammy and Emmy-winning singer-songwriter discusses the profound connection she feels with both Elton and Bernie Taupin, and the challenges and triumphs of bringing her childhood dream to lif…

Six-time Grammy winner and Toto co-founder David Paich joins us to talk about his life as a hit songwriter for his own band and others. PART ONE: Scott and Paul talk about their visit with David Paich and other bits of tomfoolery. PART TWO: Our in-depth conversation with David Paich ABOUT DAVID PAICH: David Paich is best known as one of the foundin…

The excellent Djo, aka musician and actor Joe Keery, sits down in London with Simon and Brian to discuss his terrific new record The Crux. During the conversation, the Stranger Things star explains his songwriting process, how he enriches his songs with personal stories and references to the music he loves, and the value of collaborating with his f…

We're celebrating our 10th anniversary all year by digging in the vaults to re-present classic episodes with fresh commentary. Today, we're revisiting our 2020 conversation with Linda Perry. ABOUT LINDA PERRY Singer, songwriter, musician, producer, and Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee Linda Perry first made her mark as an artist, serving as lead v…

Mike Hadreas, aka Perfume Genius, takes us inside the creative process behind his new record, Glory, produced by Blake Mills. During the conversation, Mike describes how he balances spontaneity with structure, the art of becoming a song detective, and why he writes his best work in 'goblin mode'.By Sodajerker

Three-time Grammy nominee and My Morning Jacket frontman Jim James joins us to talk about the evolution of his songwriting and the band's new album, Is. PART ONE: Paul and Scott chat about ideal song length and extend an invitation to Taylor Swift PART TWO: Our in-depth conversation with Jim James ABOUT JIM JAMES: Jim James is best known as the fro…

Tom Walker shares his songwriting story so far and the challenges of making his recent second album I AM. The popular singer-songwriter also reflects on the importance of striving to realise a creative vision, his time spent studying songwriting at university, and the influence of his music-loving father.…

We're celebrating our 10th anniversary all year by digging in the vaults to re-present classic episodes with fresh commentary. Today, we're revisiting our 2015 conversation with Bill Withers. ABOUT BILL WITHERS Pop and R&B legend Bill Withers released nine albums between 1971 and 1985 that included such classic songs as “Lean on Me,” “Ain’t No Suns…

Inhaler's Elijah Hewson and Josh Jenkinson discuss the writing of their new record Open Wide and how the band collaborates creatively. Among other insights into their process, the Dublin-born musicians share their thoughts on the importance of finishing songs, working with producer Kid Harpoon, and why they're always thinking ‘hook, hook, hook’.…

Guster's Ryan Miller discusses his songwriting process before Scott, Paul, and Ryan go totally off the rails on 80s pop songs, Sebastian Bach, and other random stuff. One of the most fun interviews we've had in a while! PART ONE: Paul and Scott chat about the time Paul opened for Guster, their friend who met his wife thanks to Guster fandom, and th…

We're celebrating our 10th anniversary all year by digging in the vaults to re-present classic episodes with fresh commentary. Today, we're revisiting our 2021 conversation with Dan Nigro. ABOUT DAN NIGRO: Dan Nigro is a record producer and songwriter who has produced and written songs for and with Olivia Rodrigo, Chappell Roan, Sky Ferreira, Joe J…

Franz Ferdinand's Alex Kapranos and Julian Corrie talk about the writing of the band's sixth studio album The Human Fear and their creative process. During the conversation, the pair explore themes of fear and spontaneity in their work, not being too precious about ideas, and why songs are like friends.…

Best known for his song "Electric Love" (with nearly 2 BILLION streams on Spotify!), BØRNS took some time off and has now reinvented his sound with a fantastic new EP. PART ONE: Paul and Scott talk about Omnivore Recordings, a new Buck Owens LP, who they wouldn't want to invite over to Songcraft world headquarters, and other random stuff. PART TWO:…

We're celebrating our 10th anniversary all year by digging in the vaults to re-present classic episodes with fresh commentary. Today, we're revisiting our 2020 conversation with Lucinda Williams. ABOUT LUCINDA WILLIAMS One of the most revered songwriters on the face of the earth, Lucinda Williams was once crowned “America’s Best Songwriter” by Peop…

Six-time Grammy winner, Academy Award nominee, and Songwriters Hall of Famer Glen Ballard joins us to talk about his work with Michael Jackson, Alanis Morrisette, Dave Matthews, and many others! PART ONE Paul and Scott talk about the awesomeness that is Omnivore Recordings, dig into the Fire Aid concert, and talk about their '90s music geekery. PAR…

We're celebrating our 10th anniversary all year by digging in the vaults to re-present classic episodes with fresh commentary. Today, we're revisiting our milestone 100th episode with the legendary Lamont Dozier! ABOUT LAMONT DOZIER Lamont Dozier, along with brothers Eddie and Brian Holland, wrote and produced more than 20 consecutive singles recor…

Bastille's Dan Smith talks with Sodajerker about his new concept album, Ampersand. The conversation delves into the fascinating stories of historical figures and fictional characters that influenced his writing, as well as the personal connections that shape his music.By Sodajerker

Taylor Goldsmith of Dawes joins us to talk about the evolution of humor in his songwriting, why he's transparent with his fans, and maybe the most Bob Dylan of Bob Dylan stories we've ever heard. PART ONE: Paul and Scott address the recent wildfires in the Los Angeles area, and encourage people to help make a difference by considering a donation th…

We're celebrating our 10th anniversary all year by digging in the vaults to re-present classic episodes with fresh commentary. What better way to kick things off than where it all began? Here's a look back at episode one and our conversation with Jim Peterik. ABOUT JIM PETERIK Singer, songwriter, guitarist, and keyboardist Jim Peterik is best known…

Songcraft celebrates ten years with a look back at episode highlights and behind-the-scenes stories from our first decade! Plus, a few announcements about what's new in 2025.By Al Kasha, Bill Withers, Chris Barron, Smokey Robinson, Bill Anderson, Billy Steinberg, Mike Stoller, Elvis Costello, Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle, Paul Duncan, Robert De Leo, Jimmy Jam, Steve Perry, Scott B. Bomar

U2's The Edge joins Simon and Brian to discuss the 20th anniversary reissue of the band's acclaimed record How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb, and its new ‘shadow album’ How to Re-Assemble an Atomic Bomb. The celebrated guitarist and sonic architect offers deep insights into the band's dynamic and their dedication to collaboration.…

Graham Coxon and Rose Elinor Dougall of The WAEVE delve into the creation of their sophomore album City Lights, a listening experience filled with sharp musical edges and a deep sense of urgency. The conversation explores their collaboration with producer James Ford, and the thematic undercurrents of their work, from the city's dark underbelly to t…

Six-time Grammy winner, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer, and Kennedy Center honoree Amy Grant joins us to chat about the pursuit of honesty in songwriting, the stories behind some of her songs, and her catalog of modern day Christmas classics. PART ONE Paul and Scott chat about the idea of a "definitive" version of a Christmas song, discuss the…

Boy George, the charismatic frontman of Culture Club, meets Simon and Brian in London to discuss his prolific songwriting and creative life. In this vibrant conversation, George talks about his recent collaborations with Peter Murphy and Dark Globe, his diverse influences, and the creative freedom he's found in reimagining his classic hits.…

Bonnie McKee chats about co-writing hits with Katy Perry, including "California Gurls" and "Roar," as well as her own artist career that has resulted in successful singles such as "American Girl." PART ONE: Scott and Paul share a little preview of what's to come as they prepare to celebrate Songcraft's 10 anniversary PART TWO Our in-depth conversat…

Versatile singer-songwriter and producer Joan As Police Woman talks about her latest record Lemons, Limes and Orchids. During the conversation, Joan shares practical advice about taking writing workshops, creating artificial deadlines, and penning songs while riding her bicycle. She also reflects on why mentorship holds a special place in her life,…

Grammy nominee and four-time ASCAP Christian Songwriter of the Year Jeremy Camp dives deep with Songcraft on creativity, loss, honesty, and following the right path. PART ONE Paul and Scott get in the weeds on Billboard magazine's recent "100 Greatest Country Artists of All Time" list. Plus, we preview the remaining episodes for 2024 and offer a sn…

Three-time Grammy nominee and pop songwriting powerhouse Justin Tranter joins us to talk about his process and his remarkable lists of hits for Chappell Roan, Fall Out Boy, Imagine Dragons, Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber, and many others. PART ONE: Scott and Paul nerd out on this year's Grammy nominations PART TWO: Our in-depth interview with Justin T…

Grammy-winning Southern roots rock duo Larkin Poe (sisters Rebecca and Megan Lovell) join us to chat about their creative process and their exciting forthcoming album, Bloom. PART ONE: 'Tis the season! Scott and Paul chat about the classic Halloween songs. Is it time for a modern day resurgence of spooky music? PART TWO: Our in-depth conversation w…

Snow Patrol's Gary Lightbody and Johnny McDaid discuss the creative process behind the band's new record The Forest is the Path, which ventures into new territories musically and lyrically. The pair talk about the influence of literary greats like Seamus Heaney, their collaboration with producer Fraser T. Smith, and the liberating experience of wri…

Storytelling folk troubadour and songwriter's songwriter David Wilcox dives deep on his creative process. PART ONE: Paul and Scott pay tribute to the late Kris Kristofferson and Hugh Prestwood before diving in to a cringey lyrical trend that they're happy to see fade into history. PART TWO: Our in-depth conversation with David Wilcox ABOUT DAVID WI…

From Miley's "Wrecking Ball" to The Weeknd's "Earned It" to his own successful instrumental albums, Oscar and Grammy nominated songwriter, composer and producer Stephan Moccio gives opens up on his creative process. PART ONE Paul and Scott share some of your submissions for favorite lyric lines, as well as lyrics that bug you from songs you otherwi…

Nada Surf's Matthew Caws talks about the band's latest record Moon Mirror and his songwriting process through the years. The singer and guitarist shares his routine of writing before his inner critic wakes up, how recording ‘fictionalises’ an idea, the importance of small moments of encouragement and validation, and the musical epiphanies he experi…