And The Writer Is...with Ross Golan

Every week, And the Writer Is brings you the most important news moving through the music industry — straight, sharp, and no fluff. This week: Maryland just passed the RAP Act, making it illegal to use rap lyrics as courtroom evidence, potentially setting the stage for federal law. Suno's licensing negotiations with Sony and Universal have stalled, leaving major AI royalty questions unresolved. And Pershing Square submitted a $64 billion bid for Universal Music Group, revealing just how undervalued the music industry is to outside investors. Plus: Ticketmaster's face value integration, HYBE's new Indian girl group audition, and moves at Warner. Follow us on socials and don't miss our new episodes every Tuesday — the hottest conversations in music, with the people making it.This week:Maryland passes the RAP Act — rap lyrics can no longer be used as courtroom evidencePershing Square submits a $64B bid for Universal Music GroupSuno's licensing talks with Sony and Universal stall over AI royaltiesTicketmaster partners with Cash or Trade on face value resale integrationHYBE auditions for a new Indian girl group as Asian streaming dominance growsMyles Gersh promoted at Warner — the exec who signed Zach BryanTaylor Swift resigns with Warner ChappellLasso signs to Interscope Records Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's guest is the Irish troubadour who sold out arenas across the world and built one of the most durable careers in modern music, entirely on his own terms.From Dublin street corners and busking for strangers to headlining Madison Square Garden, this conversation is about what that actually costs to build the slow, deliberate construction of a career that answers to no one, yet resonates with millions around the world.He carries three things simultaneously that most artists never figure out how to hold at once: the ambition of someone who was never going to settle for Ireland only, the sensitivity of a songwriter who writes for his whole community, and the creative instincts of a kid who grew up on hip hop and folk and refused to let either one fully win.This is one of the more honest conversations about what a creative life actually looks like from the inside — not the version that gets posted, the version that gets lived.And The Writer Is... Dermot Kennedy!In this episode of And The Writer Is...We go deep on:• His whole journey• The moment he realized the audience could feel how hard he was trying — and why that was the problem • How to carry ambition, sensitivity, and creative instinct in the same body without one of them destroying the other• Building an international career without a viral hit — and what that reveals about how the industry actually works• The busking years, and the secrets for how he survived• Why he deliberately toured smaller venues on his last run — and what that decision says about success• Imposter syndrome, insecurity, and the reality of growing a career from 0-100.And much more...Hit subscribe and turn on notifications.Every week, we go deep with the most interesting creatives in music.Follow us on socials: @andthewriterisA special thank you to our sponsors...Our lead sponsor, NMPA — the National Music Publishing Association. Your support means the world to us.And @splice — the best sample library on the market. Period.Chapter timestamps:0:00 Intro3:30 The 3 Sides Every Creative Has to Balance4:30 You Shouldn't Rinse Your Shows. It's a Sacred Thing.5:00 What Dermot Beats Himself Up About On Stage5:30 Anxiety After the Show Starts, Not Before6:00 The Struggle of Being Lucky Enough to Have a Career8:00 Childhood9:00 "I Know I'm Good. But I Feel Very Insecure in Other Ways."14:00 How Dermot Built a Career With No Algorithm and No Social Pressure18:00 Why He Doesn't Play Music for People19:19 How He Started Busking20:15 Why Most People Couldn't Busk — and the Genius Who Changed Everything21:00 The Importance of Branding When Selling Anything22:00 How to Make Real Money Busking26:00 How Dermot Built His Name and Started Playing Shows29:00 Into the Music Business — and the Most Successful He's Ever Felt31:00 Being Sought After and Avoiding Bad Record Deals32:40 How to Build Out Your Team36:00 A Note About Touring: Enjoy Where You're At38:23 His Advice to His 15-Year-Old Self: Find Your Contentment39:23 How Dermot Kennedy Built a Worldwide FanbaseCredits:Hosted by Ross GolanProduced by Joe London & Jad SaadEdited by Jad SaadPost-Production VFX by Pratik KarkiWatercolor Art by Michael White Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is one of the most quietly enduring artists in modern pop — a songwriter and performer who’s spent over a decade growing up in public, learning how to separate perception from identity.She was discovered online as a teenager and quickly thrust into an industry that had already decided who she was.But behind the headlines, she was doing the real work — writing, refining her sound, and slowly building a career on her own terms.This is a conversation about perception vs reality, creative control, and what it actually takes to become yourself in an industry that benefits from misunderstanding you.And The Writer Is… Madison Beer!What you'll learn:• What it actually feels like to grow up in the public eye• The gap between how artists are perceived vs who they really are• Why longevity in music requires emotional resilience• How Madison developed her sound and creative identity over time• The pressure of early success — and rebuilding from it• Why being misunderstood can either break you or sharpen youThis episode is brought to you by the NMPA — supporting songwriters and protecting the value of music.And by Splice — the world’s largest library of sounds and samples, built for creators.Chapters:0:00 Intro1:42 Madison’s favorite songs of hers3:00 Lyrics or melody first?4:30 Ross meeting Madison at 136:00 Madison’s childhood, early memories7:00 Going through parent’s divorce in early childhood9:45 Why singing the national anthem is hard10:00 Her family’s early encouragement11:00 Madison’s first song13:00 Starting her career at 1018:40 Getting discovered overnight from a Justin Bieber tweet.19:11 Contracts in music industry19:58 Meeting Justin Bieber21:46 Why getting dropped is a blessing24:00 Struggling with early music identity26:00 Why she felt she couldn’t fight back on creative control early on28:00 finding her power through social media31:55 Reclaiming creative control33:50 writing reckless35:28 Home with you36:25 the importance of your collaborators 39:12 the original demo to Reckless41:13 being easier to write dark songs than happy songs41:40 the challenge of writing her new album41:54 NMPA42:36 Splice43:26 Going back into the label system45:00 her first tour in lockdown46:50 Madison’s touring non negotiables52:00 the story of Home to another one53:41 Writing darker songs while in a happy relationship55:55 Setting boundaries for mental health56:55 “Showed Me” as an interpolation58:37 Her mental health struggles and path to healing1:01:54 How her album locket Freed her1:03:25 the unlikely story of bittersweet1:05:30 what writing a song with strangers is like1:09:00 loneliness and missing out on a normal childhood1:12:00 Dealing with constant criticism and how she manages it1:12:47 Surviving the lowest point of her life1:16:30 how she currently manages her mental healthHosted by Ross GolanProduced by Joe London and Jad SaadEdited by Jad SaadPost Production VFX by Pratik Karki Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s world builder builds worlds worldwide to make her own universe! Dark and whimsical meets bubblegum grunge when this artist broke out on the scene to create her own cult following. When doors didn’t open, she built her own. And The Writer Is……Melanie Martinez!In this episode, Melanie opens up about:• Materializing ideas and her entire creative process• Why she never approached music as a game• The reality behind shows like The Voice• How she built her identity before the industry caught up• Her philosophy on songwriting and the importance of your truth• Protecting your creative voice in a commercial system• Why being yourself is still the most important advantage• And much more…Hit the subscribe button and turn on notifications.Every week, we go deep with the most interesting creatives in music.Follow us on socials: @andthewriterisA special thank you to our sponsors…Our lead sponsor, NMPA — the National Music Publishing Association. Your support means the world to us.And @splice — the best sample library on the market. Period.Chapters:0:00 Intro2:00 The Real Meaning Behind “Disney Princess”4:30 Introversion vs Performance6:00 The Magic of Creating and Materializing Ideas7:45 Her Creative Process — Titles, Concepts, and Staying Inspired12:00 The Songs That Defined Her Early Career12:48 Growing Up Writing — Her First Songs and Backstory16:45 World-Building and Creating a True Artistic Identity18:30 Rejection, Independence, and Dollhouse20:00 “Blind Dating” in the Music Industry24:00 Stage Fright and Early Creative Influences26:00 What She’d Tell Her Younger Self26:45 Advice for Artists Trying to Break Through27:30 Hitchhiking to The Voice — And What It Really Was30:00 The Reality of Music Competition Shows31:42 NMPA — Our Lead Sponsor This Season32:23 Splice33:00 Ross on Music Competition TV34:00 Performing Live and Managing Nerves36:00 Finding Herself Through Dollhouse37:20 The Story Behind Dollhouse38:00 Fighting for Her Creative Vision40:00 Where Her Ideas Come From42:00 How She Builds Albums and Story Arcs44:20 Writing Honestly Without Overthinking It45:00 What Songwriters Get Wrong About Meaning49:30 Are You Happy?51:30 The Priorities That Changed Everything54:00 Final Advice55:00 Portals57:47 Hades — A Dystopian World1:00:20 The Utopian Album to Come1:00:51 Her Favorite Songs on the Album1:01:50 The Story of “Weight Watchers”1:06:00 An Emotional Reflection — Her Message to Others1:07:30 Her Inspirations1:09:00 Social Media, AI, and Staying HumanHosted by Ross GolanProduced by Joe London & Jad SaadEdited by Jad SaadPost-Production VFX by Pratik KarkiWatercolor Art by Michael White Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is one of the defining voices in modern pop — a songwriter, producer, and artist behind some of the biggest records of the last decade.His songs have been streamed billions of times worldwide.He came to Los Angeles to write for others.Instead, he became a globally identifiable artist — before fully becoming himself.Now, he’s building something that’s truly his.And The Writer Is… Charlie Puth!In this episode, Charlie opens up about:• His early journey• The moment “See You Again” came together, and why it still feels unexplainable• How early success shaped his career before his identity caught up• Why the best songs often come from discomfort, not control• The role of collaboration in pushing him beyond his instincts• Sessions with legendary artists — and what those moments actually feel like• The importance of staying human in an increasingly synthetic world• And much more…Hit the subscribe button and follow us on socials @andthewriterisEvery week, we go deep with the most interesting creatives in music.A special thank you to our sponsors…Our lead sponsor, NMPA — the National Music Publishing Association. Your support means the world to us.And @splice — the best sample library on the market. Period.Chapters:0:00 Intro2:46 Charlie Demos the Theme Song5:00 The “Mouth Phone” Trick7:00 His Secret Involvement in Dangerous Woman9:00 “Stay” — The Power of Collaboration (Justin Bieber, Kid Laroi)13:00 “Are You Where You Want to Be?”16:00 Where His Best Work Comes From16:53 The Story of See You Again20:43 Wiz Khalifa’s Defining 'See You Again' Moment23:02 When the Industry Didn’t Know What to Do With Him27:22 The Song No One Believed In (We Don’t Talk Anymore)29:52 Ross’s Philosophy on Sending Music31:04 The Song That Changed Everything34:09 Authenticity, Vulnerability, and Letting People In39:00 Why It’s More Important to Be Human Than Ever45:05 NMPA — Our Lead Sponsor This Season45:56 Splice46:38 Conflict, Collaboration, and Making the New Album51:11 Coffee With Kenny G and Michael McDonald55:39 Chris Stapleton's Songwriting Advice1:02:05 The Artists and Producers He Studies1:08:00 His Lowest Point1:31:51 Charlie Shares Drum SamplesHosted by Ross GolanProduced by Joe London & Jad SaadEdited by Jad SaadPost-Production VFX by Pratik KarkiWatercolor Art by Michael White Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is one of the fastest-rising voices in modern country — a songwriter whose honesty, wit, and emotional precision have turned deeply personal stories into songs heard everywhere. She just became the 10th woman of the century to top the Billboard 200.Before the sold-out shows and chart-topping records, she was a college student playing small gigs with her dad and brother, trying to figure out where music might fit into her life.One honest song at a time, she began building a catalog that feels both timeless and unmistakably her own.Now, with a growing fanbase and a string of hits helping shape the sound of modern country, she’s writing the next chapter of her career in real time.And The Writer Is… Megan Moroney!In this episode of And The Writer Is… Megan opens up about:• The unexpected moment that pushed her toward learning guitar• Growing up around music and playing early shows with her family• The traumatic accident that jumpstarted her music career• Finding her voice in the Nashville songwriting community• Why honesty and humor are essential to her writing• How she stood out in early co-writes• And much more…Hit subscribe and turn on notifications.Every week, we go deep with the most interesting creatives in music.Follow us on socials: @andthewriterisA special thank you to our sponsors…Our lead sponsor, NMPA — the National Music Publishing Association. Your support means the world to us.And @splice — the best sample library on the market. Period.Chapters0:00 Intro5:00 Moving to Nashville: The First Steps6:00 Working in the Music Industry Before Releasing Music7:00 The Advice That Started Her Career10:00 Growing Up Around Music in Georgia13:50 “I Went to School to Be an Accountant”16:30 Musical Theatre and Feeling Out of Place18:56 The Accident That Started Everything24:01 The Sorority Event That Led to Georgia Theatre32:25 Learning the Business of Music in School33:00 The Internship That Changed Everything35:00 Creating the Tennessee Orange Cover Art on Her Phone38:45 Writing Every Day and Building a Network in Nashville40:20 NMPA — Our Lead Sponsor This Season41:00 Splice41:45 The Story of Tennessee Orange45:50 How Influencing Helped Pay the Bills47:10 Megan’s Writing Process52:15 Exploring the Studio54:10 Working With Ed Sheeran58:42 A Full-Circle Moment With Kacey Musgraves1:09:00 The Story of “Beautiful Things”1:15:55 Rapid Fire1:21:26 Megan Gives the Podcast FlowersHosted by Ross GolanProduced by Joe London & Jad SaadEdited by Jad SaadPost-Production VFX by Pratik KarkiWatercolor Art by Michael White Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is the frontman of one of the most defining bands of the 2010s — a songwriter whose voice helped shape an era of alternative pop that still echoes today.Before arenas. Before permanence. Before “Sweater Weather” became cultural shorthand.Now, after over a decade of hits, reinvention, and evolution, he looks back on the long arc of The Neighbourhood with clarity — and with honesty about what success did and didn’t solve.And The Writer Is… Jesse Rutherford of The Neighbourhood!In this episode of And The Writer Is…, Jesse opens up about:• Growing up in the industry before he understood it• The unlikely formation and endurance of The Neighbourhood• His journey through childhood acting, getting discovered, + losing his dad on the brink of success• The advice he’d give himself before it worked• And much more…Hit subscribe and turn on notifications.Every week, we go deep with the most interesting creatives in music.Follow us on socials: @andthewriterisA special thank you to our sponsors…Our lead sponsor, NMPA — the National Music Publishing Association. Your support means the world to us.And @splice — the best sample library on the market. Period.Chapters:0:00 Intro2:09 I Never Wanted To Be Alternative 4:02 Why Thousand Oaks Produces Massive Bands7:39 Becoming a Child Actor at 6 8:35 “My Self-Worth Is Tied to Entertaining” 9:55 Discovered in a Movie Theater at 5 14:16 Reconnecting With His Dad Before He Passed 17:28 Success Without the Fame He Expected27:10 High School Metalcore Bands33:17 How The Neighbourhood Formed 36:06 The First Riff of “Sweater Weather” 40:00 Getting Discovered Online by Their Manager 44:23 His Manager’s Warning…47:20 Writing the Lyrics to “Sweater Weather” 48:42 Pop Writing Rules 55:23 Learning to Let Go of Instant Validation 59:32 Daddy Issues 1:02:30Watching Your Own Lyrics Affect Relationships 1:10:01 Why He Needs Alone Time1:10:23 Feeling Invisible, the “Chip Chrome” Era 1:11:17 Touring the Same Venues & The Plateau Feeling 1:12:31 Why Chip Chrome Became His Favorite Creative Risk 1:13:48 “You’ve Got to Get People to Look to Listen”1:16:00 Creative Direction as Identity Control 1:19:30 Self-Sabotage vs Reinvention 1:32:00 Band Brotherhood & Growing Up Together 1:36:00 Legacy, Impact & What Really Matters1:41:00 Advice to His Younger SelfHosted by Ross GolanProduced by Joe London & Jad SaadEdited by Jad SaadPost-Production VFX by Pratik KarkiWatercolor Art by Michael White Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is a Grammy-winning songwriter, global pop architect, and one of the most quietly influential voices shaping modern music across borders.Before the world heard her voice, she spent years training inside the K-pop system — learning discipline, structure, and endurance long before recognition ever arrived. When the system didn’t know what to do with her, she pivoted. Slowly. Intentionally. And built a career that would eventually be heard everywhere.Now, as a songwriter whose work spans K-pop, pop, animation, and beyond — and as an artist stepping into her own voice — she represents a different kind of success: one built patiently, shaped by pressure, and defined by longevity rather than speed.And The Writer Is… Ejae!In this episode of And The Writer Is…, Ejae opens up about:The reality of the K-pop training system and what it actually teaches you about discipline and survivalRejection and why her voice didn’t fit the moment — and how that shaped her writingLearning to work alone after years inside a rigid systemHow songwriting became a safer, more powerful entry point than performingThe pivot that reframed her career and led to global successAnd much more…Hit the subscribe button and turn on notifications.Every week, we go deep with the most interesting creatives in music.Follow us on socials: @andthewriterisA special thank you to our sponsors…Our lead sponsor, NMPA — the National Music Publishing Association. Your support means the world to us.And @splice — the best sample library on the market. Period.Chapters:0:00 Intro1:30 Early life & finding music6:10 Inside K-Pop training9:00 Ejae's writing process...28:00 Rejection from auditioning to be a K-Pop Idol... and $5 Karaoke training to pass.41:00 Ejae sings her first song41:37 Sponsor Spotlight: NMPA42:18 Sponsor Spotlight: Splice14:45 Discipline, pressure, and identity23:20 Being let go by the system26:19 The truth about the K-Pop system30:40 Rebuilding in isolation39:15 Discovering songwriting as power50:00 K-Pop's ultimate evaluation: Auditioning to debut50:37 Ejae's rejection and rock bottom... and the pivot that would change everything56:10 Global songs & delayed recognition1:00:00 How she wrote her first songs1:04:00 Writing her first song for film1:07:00 Writing 'Psycho' for Red Velvet at her first session1:13:00 K-Pop vs Pop music... And the reference to 'Psycho'1:14:00 K-Pop Demon Hunters1:20:00 The story behind 'Golden'1:26:00 The original 'Golden' voice memo...1:30:00 The process of co-writing the songs for K-Pop Demon HuntersHosted by Ross GolanProduced by Joe London & Jad SaadCreative Directed by Jad SaadPost-Production VFX by Pratik KarkiWatercolor Art by Michael White Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's guest is a festival headliner, Grammy-winning songwriter, and the architect of a sound that accidentally changed the course of folk, country, and alternative music forever.From singing as a family around a kitchen table to headlining arenas with banjos and mandolins, Marcus Mumford built something no one saw coming — and has spent years learning not to get in his own way once the stakes got real.Now, as a solo artist and band leader, he's as honest about the creative process as he is about the pitfalls of ego, overthinking, and the quiet ways success can sabotage itself.And The Writer Is... Marcus Mumford of Mumford & Sons!In this episode of And The Writer Is…, Marcus opens up about:His theory of "catching" songs rather than forcing themHow Mumford & Sons structured equal ownership to stay togetherWhat Bob Dylan said to him that he wants tattooed on his bodyThe Pharrell moment that reframed his entire relationship to successWhy showing up — again and again — is the only way judgment is earnedAnd much more...Hit the subscribe button and turn on notifications...Every week we go deep with the most interesting creatives in music.Follow us on socials at @andthewriterisA special thank you to our sponsors…Our lead sponsor, NMPA — the National Music Publishing Association. Your support means the world to us.And @splice — the best sample library on the market. Period.Chapters:0:00 Intro1:00 Desert Island Mix: Radiohead3:00 The Greatest Band of All Time?7:00 A Hilarious Story About Bob Dylan — His Songwriting Grandfather11:00 How Mumford & Sons Structured Equal Ownership13:35 How Mumford & Sons Writes Music17:00 Where Great Music Comes From18:35 His Songwriting Ethos: "Catching Fairies"22:00 Favorite Poetry and Getting Lost in Words Before Writing23:46 Childhood25:00 Growing Up in Church33:50 Why Drummers Make the Best Producers50:00 Testing Demos on the Road52:00 Working on His Solo Record58:00 The Empowering Pharrell Story1:03:00 The Chris Martin Story1:05:00 Rapid Fire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's guest is a multi-platinum DJ, producer, and songwriter who turned personal devastation into one of electronic music's most emotionally resonant careers.From opioid addiction in high school to wilderness therapy at rock bottom, he rebuilt his entire life in Denver—sober, alone, and teaching himself music theory from scratch.Now 13 years clean, he's become a voice for mental health in a scene built on excess, collaborating with Jon Bellion, Halsey, Teddy Swims, and countless others to create music that connects survivors.His latest album, Odyssey, is a cinematic journey through heartbreak, recovery, and the sessions that saved his life.And The Writer Is... Illenium!In this episode of And The Writer Is…, Nick Miller (Illenium) opens up about:* Moving every two years as a kid and never having roots* Falling into opiates at 15 and hitting bottom by 2011* Moving to Denver alone and getting sober at 21* The Good Things Fall Apart session (and demo)* How music saved his life entirelyand much more...Hit the subscribe button and turn on notifications...Every week we go deep with the most interesting creatives in music.Follow us on socials at @andthewriterisA special thank you to our sponsors…Our lead Sponsor, NMPA— the National Music Publishing Association. Your support means the world to us.And @splice — the best sample library on the market. Period.Chapters:0:00 Intro1:00 Childhood and Moving Every Two Years5:00 Getting Into Music Through Tiesto's Album6:30 The Electronic Artist That Inspires Industry Musicians9:00 Getting Sober—His Rough Patch in 201110:00 Escapism and Addiction12:30 The Wilderness Program That Saved His Life16:30 Getting Lost in Music and How He Learned to Create17:30 Illenium's Roots18:00 Learning From Other Producers and YouTube20:00 Thinking of Sound as a Picture21:00 World Building and Finding His Brand… and His Purpose23:00 Ross Opens Up on How Music Saved Him24:00 The Personality Trait All Successful Creatives Have26:00 How He Popped Off31:00 Working With Unknown Artists and How He Picks Them33:00 How to Find Your Sound34:30 NMPA and Splice Midroll41:00 Touring—The Downs After a Show44:00 Good Things Fall Apart47:00 Collaboration in DJ Culture49:00 Why He Doesn't Chase Big Songs54:24 COVID1:13:00 Gaming on Tour1:17:00 Good Things Fall Apart DemoHosted by Ross GolanProduced by Joe London and Jad SaadCreative Direction by Jad SaadPost-Production VFX by Pratik KarkiGuest Watercolor Art by Michael White Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's guest is a Grammy-winning songwriter, producer, and performer, best known as one-third of The Smeezingtons and a foundational creative force behind Bruno Mars’ career. He has co-written and helped shape some of the most influential pop songs of the last two decades, including Just the Way You Are, Billionaire, Locked Out of Heaven, When I Was Your Man, 24K Magic, Nothin’ on You, and many more...And The Writer Is... Bruno Mars!In this episode of And The Writer Is…, Philip Lawrence tells his story in full—for the first time- How a $5 bus pass led to Bruno Mars- The hidden cost of early success- Real stories behind pop’s biggest records- The pivot that made everything 'click'- A breakdown at the peak—and the call that brought him backand much more...A special thank you to our sponsors…Our lead Sponsor, NMPA— the National Music Publishing Association. Your support means the world to us.And @splice — the best sample library on the market. Period.Chapters:0:00 Intro4:00 “I Just Might” and Bruno Mars10:31 Childhood and Not Feeling Good Enough14:00 Early Career20:00 Leaving School and Auditioning for Disney26:00 The Disney Break Room: The Beginning of His Journey27:00 His First Session30:00 Meeting Steven Seagal34:00 Moving to LA37:09 Losing Everything He Had So Far39:00 Finding His Manager43:00 Finding His Way Through the Industry44:42 His Ego Death45:50 The Pivot That Really Started His Career46:50 Be Friends With All the Assistants47:20 NMPA and Splice48:45 How to Write for Radio49:30 Developing His Songwriting Ethos50:29 Spending His Last $5 to Meet Bruno Mars (Before He Was Bruno Mars)1:05:09 How Bruno Stayed on His Early Hook Placements1:07:28 The Story of Nothin’ on You1:09:20 Billionaire1:11:50 Just the Way You Are1:19:15 Talking to the Moon1:20:49 Ross’s CeeLo Story1:23:00 “F*** You” Was Not Supposed to Happen1:28:00 How Locked Out of Heaven Happened1:33:22 When I Was Your Man / Flowers (Miley Cyrus)1:36:50 Five Songs He Wishes He Wrote1:38:34 24K Magic1:40:36 His Breakdown at the Peak of Success1:48:45 The Comeback Phone Call With Bruno1:50:18 APT1:52:39 Advice for Songwriters + Rapid-Fire QuestionsHosted by Ross GolanProduced by Joe London and Jad SaadPost-Production VFX by Pratik Karki Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's guest has quietly shaped the sound of a generation.He has written and produced some of the biggest songs of the last 15 years—from One Direction's "Story of My Life" to Niall Horan's "Slow Hands," Sabrina Carpenter's "Taste", Teddy Swims' "Lose Control," and Olivia Dean's "So Easy to Fall in Love."A true songwriter's songwriter, John Ryan doesn't just chase hits—he shapes careers, defines sounds, and knows exactly when inspiration is knocking.In this episode, John breaks down what it really takes to stay relevant across multiple eras, why authenticity always wins, and how he went from a Berklee kid living in his manager's parents' house to becoming one of the most trusted voices in pop music.We talk about:- The hardest years of his career- The real batting rate of the best songwriters- Meeting Sabrina Carpenter and Teddy Swims- Working with One Direction and losing Liam- Gems upon GEMS for up and coming musicians, songwriters, and producersand a special live performance of some of his biggest hits.A special thank you to our sponsors…Our lead Sponsor, NMPA— the National Music Publishing Association. Your support means the world to us.And @splice — the best sample library on the market. Period.Chapters:00:00 Intro: John Ryan02:30 How John Got Into the Music Industry06:30 Songs from Eighth Grade & Writing Early10:30 Writing Like a Kid Again (The Picasso Effect)13:00 Berklee, Pro Tools & Learning the Craft17:00 How Many Songs Actually Make It Out?19:30 Maroon 5’s “Cold”21:30 Niall Horan: From One Direction to Solo Artist24:15 The Lowest Point of His Career26:00 The Realization That Saved Him28:00 Meeting Teddy Swims & Sabrina Carpenter31:00 Social Media, Virality & “I Don’t Have That on My Phone”33:30 Writing “Heaven” with Niall Horan34:00 Sabrina Carpenter’s “Feather”36:00 Stop Chasing Numbers. Start Betting on People38:00 Co-Writing with Amy Allen41:56 How John Ryan Produces Songs44:50 Country Music & Expanding Taste47:20 Liam Payne51:03 Olivia Dean – “So Easy to Fall in Love”56:45 John Ryan’s Take on Collaboration58:50 Writing “Tears” with Sabrina Carpenter59:40 Managing Life, Energy & Relationships1:02:01 “Steal My Girl” & “Night Changes” Should’ve Been Bigger1:04:52 Choosing Great People Over “Sure Things”1:07:00 John Plays & Sings His Hits1:20:00 Why 10,000 Hours Isn’t Enough1:21:06 GEM: Ruthlessly A/B Your Music to Get BetterHosted by Ross GolanProduced by Joe London and Jad SaadEdited by Jad SaadPost-Production VFX by Pratik Karki Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest isn’t just a living legend.He’s one of the architects of modern music.As a songwriter and producer, he’s discovered artists, shaped careers, and defined entire eras.This one is required listening.A once-in-a-generation legendary hybrid of songwriting and production,And The Writer Is... David Foster!In this episode, David breaks down what actually makes music last, the cost of greatness, and what it really takes to survive and stay relevant in the music business over decades, not moments.Not to mention his best advice for people in the business right now...We talk songwriting vs. production, discovering artists like Céline Dion and Michael Bublé, working with legends like Whitney Houston and Paul McCartney, the mistakes artists make chasing hits, and why longevity matters more than hype.Oh, and the only artist who could pull him out of retirement...A special thank you to our sponsors…Our lead Sponsor, NMPA— the National Music Publishing Association.Your support means the world to us.And @splice — the best sample library on the market. Period.Chapters:00:00 Mount Rushmore of Producers02:00 Canadians03:42 David Foster’s Parents05:23 Discovering Perfect Pitch07:03 Musical Roots and Learning Jazz07:40 Jazz Voicings Explained10:24 “Leave Songwriters Alone” – Publishing Talk11:20 Writing His First Songs12:21 Advice He’d Give His Younger Self17:00 David Foster’s Trick for Reading People17:58 Surviving a Plane Crash20:22 The Start of His Early Career22:00 Is “Africa” by Toto a Perfect Song?27:20 The Greatest Songwriters Ever30:25 Kanye West’s “Through the Wire” Sample Story32:27 Songwriting vs Sampling (Blurred Lines Case)34:21 His Documentary, Workflow, and Band Relationships38:53 How David Foster Writes Songs42:42 How Seven People Write One Song43:39 Presented by NMPA & Splice48:19 The Critical Mistake in “Uptown Funk”49:49 “Unforgettable” with Nat King Cole51:08 Paul McCartney55:17 Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You”57:10 Top Five Singers He’s Worked With59:06 Discovering Céline Dion59:56 How David Foster Sees His Life1:05:13 What Makes a Song Great?1:09:40 The “Nashville No”1:11:51 The Arc: A Holistic Approach to Songwriting1:12:42 Discovering Michael Bublé1:15:29 Star vs Superstar1:16:39 Andrea Bocelli & Josh Groban1:19:04 The Cost of Greatness1:19:46 How to Make It in the Music Business1:24:11 Family Life (Katharine McPhee & Kids)1:25:50 “I Told Céline the Titanic Song Would Ruin Her Career”1:31:01 Songs He Wishes He Wrote1:31:39 Artists He Passed OnHosted by Ross GolanProduced by Joe London and Jad SaadPost production by Pratik Karki Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

And The Writer Is... Diplo! This episode isn’t about hits. It’s about how culture actually gets made. Taste, burnout, and building culture without permission. From growing up in Florida crate-digging scenes no one cared about, to turning underground instincts into global movements, Diplo breaks down the uncomfortable truth behind longevity in music: following your taste when everyone else wants safety. We get into: The real physical and mental toll of nonstop touring in a world that never shuts off The power of branding and how he did it (and why you have to, to) Breaking scenes before they’re acceptable Burning out, disappearing, and rebuilding without chasing relevance Why instinct beats public approval every single time And the reality of turning risk into influence and underground energy into global impact This episode is for anyone building anything. Thank you for listeningA special thank you to our sponsors… Our lead Sponsor, NMPA— the National Music Publishing Association. Your support means the world to us. And @splice — the best sample library on the market. Period. Chapters 00:00 – Diplo Is Here 01:02 – Episode Intro 01:45 – AI, Sora, and the Future 03:18 – How Diplo Uses AI in Music 06:15 – Using Prompts to Produce 07:44 – How Diplo Got Into Music 10:32 – How Ross and Diplo Met 14:05 – Life as a World-Touring DJ 16:04 – Dr. Luke Signed Me to Steal My Drums 16:36 – Diplo’s Origin Story 17:13 – Riff Raff, Culture, and Being Hated 18:43 – Making “Where Are Ü Now” 20:04 – Creating Jack Ü with Skrillex 21:37 – Orlando DJ Gigs to Philadelphia 24:33 – First Session with Vybz Kartel 27:23 – Branding, the Internet, and Selling Mixtapes 35:01 – The Story of “Paper Planes” (M.I.A.) 36:44 – How to Find Success in Music 37:57 – NMPA + Splice (Sponsors) 39:25 – “Climax” and Finding His Strengths 43:54 – Why He Started Mad Decent 46:41 – Learning Music and the Birth of Major Lazer 49:30 – The Story of “Lean On” 53:04 – Diplo’s Cheat Code for Creating Fearlessly 54:06 – Country Music 55:28 – “Heartless” and Morgan Wallen 56:19 – Collaborator Rapid Fire 1:00:28 – Diplo’s Branding Advice 1:03:32 – Charli XCX 1:05:00 – How He Doesn’t Lose Himself on Tour 1:06:59 – Nothing Is Perfect. Everything Gets Better. 1:07:19 – Diplo’s Run Club 1:08:00 – Diplo’s Final Advice Hosted by Ross Golan Produced by Joe London and Jad Saad Post Production by Pratik Karki Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

And The Writer Is… Alex Warren.Alex joins the podcast to talk openly about resilience, finding his voice, and what it actually takes to turn pain into songs that connect.In this episode, he breaks down:Overcoming homelessness and instability while chasing musicEarning credibility in an industry that didn’t immediately take him seriouslyHow vulnerability became his songwriting superpowerWhat his writing process looks like when the emotions are real — not manufacturedThe difference between being seen and being heardAnd the single most powerful way to get your music heard against all odds..This ones about humble beginnings, trusting your voice when no one will listen, and learning how to write your way out of survival mode.A special thank you to our sponsors…Our lead sponsor, NMPA — the National Music Publishers’ Association.Your support means the world to us.And @splice — the best sample library on the market. Period. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest didn’t just enter the music industry — he grew up inside it. He isn’t just a Grammy-winning producer or a respected solo artist. He’s one of the rare creatives who’s built a career rooted in loyalty, advocacy, and taste — while learning in public and evolving in real time.And The Writer Is… FINNEAS!In this episode, he breaks down:Growing up in the industry without losing your footingThe quiet flaw baked into today’s music industry — and the one trait he’s seen in every truly exceptional artistLoyalty over leverage — and why relationships still matterAdvocating for artists when you already have a seat at the tableLearning as you go without pretending you have it all figured outThis one is grounded and essential for anyone trying to build something that actually lasts.A special thank you to our sponsors... Our lead sponsor, NMPA aka the National Music Publisher's Association. Your support means the world to us!And  @splice  the  best sample library on the market, period.Chapters0:00:00 Teaser 0:02:37 What FINNEAS Would Change About the Music Industr0:07:40 “What Do You Do?” Identity & Being Multihyphenate0:08:54 Why taste beats momentum 0:10:51 FINNEAS & Ashe 0:12:51 From Workaholism to Efficiency0:14:17 Tools, Shortcuts & Speed in the Studio0:16:13 Him and Billie and Their Creative Differences0:20:11 Stage Fright, SNL & Performing Under Pressure 0:24:23 Writing Songs for Film vs Albums0:27:49 Writing “What Was I Made For?0:30:46 Writing Honest Lyrics in LA:0:32:48 Parenting, Legacy & Keeping Ego Out of the House0:36:42 Creativity and Parenting0:38:47 Homeschooling, Childhood & Creative Freedom0:41:46 Make your kids work with adults0:44:42 When You're Inspired... Collaborate With Your Influences0:46:30 Artists FINNEAS Would Love to Work With0:48:46 How Not to Chase Trends: Why reference points should be old, weird, and far away 0:50:02 NMPA Ad0:50:42 Splice Ad0:51:30 Favorite Albums to Listen to Deeply0:53:06 Writing with Billie, Honesty, Family & Creative Trust0:55:55 Claudia, Love, Partnership & Sustaining Ambition1:00:37 The 20% Rule1:02:00 The 'Lowest Point of His Career' and His Personal Victory From It1:04:57 Separating Your Work From Your Worth1:06:00 The Barometer of Success For A Solo Artist1:06:40 Doing The Apple TV Sound1:08:14 Not Comparing His Success With Billie, New Album, Knowing When to Pivot1:11:04 Repeating Success... Birds of a Feather, Taste as a Long-Term Advantage1:15:00 Signing Writers1:17:55 Why Some Artists Plateau1:21:11 Publishing Deals, Reversion, and Leverage.. Bad Deals with Good People and Good Deals with Bad People1:24:33 Avoiding burnout in a high-output career 1:28:01 Writing 'Lonely' for Justin Bieber with Benny Blanco1:31:14 Aging in the Industry... Collaborating with Ashe1:39:08 Big Songs On Deluxe Albums1:42:50 Writing for Prompts and Film1:45:01 What Still Excites Him About Music1:43:41 Are You Happy?1:52:37 Separating The Art From The Artist1:51:58 Building something that lasts without losing yourselfHosted by Ross GolanProduced by Joe London and Jad SaadEdit by Jad SaadPost Production by Pratik Karki Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest has carved out one of the most improbable creative legacies of his generation — commanding animation, comedy, film, and orchestral music with the same relentless discipline and near-obsessive craft. What began as a kid sketching characters in his bedroom grew into a fight to build Family Guy on his own terms… and eventually into Grammy-nominated big-band records that honor the very foundations of American music.And The Writer Is... Seth MacFarlane!On this episode, Seth breaks down the discipline, taste, and obsessive craft that shaped his creative life… and the standards he refuses to compromise, no matter the project. Dive deep into his roots, heroes, influences, and biggest challenges building his creative legacy.A special thank you to our sponsors...Our lead sponsor, NMPA, aka the National Music Publisher’s Association.Your support means the world to us!And @splice — the best sample library on the market, period.Chapter list:0:00:00 – Teaser0:01:06 – Welcome & Episode Intro0:03:12 – Seth’s Early Creative Roots: Drawing, Music & Comedy0:08:40 – Developing Discipline as a Young Artist0:12:55 – The First Breakthroughs in Animation0:16:33 – Fighting for Family Guy and Holding the Vision0:18:15 – The Influence of 80s TV Scores and John Williams0:21:48 – How Taste Shapes Every Creative Decision0:25:30 – The Craft Behind Writing Comedy That Lasts0:30:02 – Why Orchestration Matters So Deeply to Him0:34:44 – Recording His Sinatra Albums & The Pursuit of Precision0:38:55 – Balancing Film, TV & Music at a High Level0:43:22 – Obsession, Work Ethic & Sustaining a Long Creative Career0:45:45 – Diving into the Rat Pack Era and Vocal Legends0:47:14 – Collaboration, Standards & Protecting the Work0:52:33 – What He’s Learned About Longevity in Entertainment0:56:26 – The Role of Curiosity in Every Chapter of His Career1:00:08 – The Mindset Behind Creative Risk1:03:03 – His Advice for Multi-Hyphenate Creators1:05:23 – Seth’s Final Message to Artists1:07:19 – Closing Thoughts1:09:30 – Navigating Fame, Fan Encounters, and Meeting Icons Like John Williams & William Shatner1:15:45 – Final Appreciation for Preserving Classic MusicHosted by Ross GolanProduced by Joe London and Jad SaadWatercolor by Michael White Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is the producer behind some of the biggest songs of the last 15 years — from “Wrecking Ball,” “Timber,” and “Dark Horse” to early records with The Weeknd and Britney Spears.From teaching himself production on cracked software and vinyl turntables… to going on a run of genre-defining hits.And the writer is… Cirkut!In this episode, he opens up about his early grind, the moment Britney cut his beat, his first sessions in LA, working alongside Max Martin and Dr. Luke, and the mindset that helped him go from unknown kid with an MPC to one of the most important producers in modern pop.A special thank you to our sponsors...Our lead sponsor, NMPA aka the National Music Publisher's Association.Your support means the world to us!And @splice -- the best sample library on the market, period.00:00 — Intro: Who is Cirkut?00:04:37 — Early music influences: hip-hop, DJ culture00:05:49 — Discovering DJ gear & beat manipulation00:07:55 — First exposure to FruityLoops & early production00:10:24 — DJ’ing pep rallies with vinyl00:12:36 — Applying early skills later for Lady Gaga00:14:14 — Skipping audio classes to make beats00:16:46 — Early Drake encounter in Toronto00:18:40 — How the name “Cirkut” was born00:21:35 — How a CD of his beats got to Britney Spears00:22:10 — First big cut: Britney’s “Papi”00:23:01 — Discovering electronic music & the blog era00:23:49 — Learning from Masterkraft (the MySpace era)00:33:00 — Working with The Weeknd on “High For This”00:33:57 — Recognizing Abel’s early greatness00:35:06 — Moving to LA & hustling through the rat race00:38:49 — What finally got him out of the rat race00:39:33 — The call from Dr. Luke00:41:11 — The Flo Rida / Levels / Good Feeling near-miss00:42:37 — Losing a big cut overnight00:43:19 — When the hits start stacking: “Where Have You Been,” “Wrecking Ball,” “Timber”00:44:48 — The thing he brought that cut through the noise00:47:18 — What it’s like creating with Max Martin00:49:36 — Winning Producer of the Year (Junos)00:50:17 — When Cirkut realized he belonged at the top00:52:04 — Why his ego is different00:53:15 — His quiet superpower in the room00:55:45 — Ad: NMPA + ⁨@splice⁩  00:57:00 — The importance of speed00:59:00 — Secret sauce... Knowing his sounds and blind listening01:02:00 — Keeping production organic 01:03:57 — The Weeknd01:12:10 — Ross' funny Pitbull / Cirkut story01:13:03 — Cirkut's secret to success01:14:00 — 'Unholy' Sam Smith01:18:54 — Jung Kook, 'Seven' with Jon Bellion / Theron Thomas01:21:00 — Charli XCX01:22:00 — 'APT' and Bruno's 'Stank'01:30:56 — Lady Gaga + Watt01:42:30 — Production advice. Figure out what you're great atHosted by Ross GolanProduced by Joe London and Jad SaadWatercolor by Michael White Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's guest went from making songs on a floppy-disk keyboard, sampling off a Kellogg’s cereal box DAW, and sending blind MySpace messages… to producing the some of the biggest crossover dance anthems of the last decade. And The Writer Is... Zedd!What makes this conversation special isn’t just the hits — it’s how brutally honest he is about the craft, the obsession, and the unexpected moments that built his career.A special thank you to our sponsors...Our lead sponsor, NMPA aka the National Music Publisher's Association. Your support means the world to us!And @splice -- the best sample library on the market, period.Chapters:0:00:00 – Teaser 0:01:06 – Welcome & Episode Intro 35:58 – Zedd on Never Thinking He’d Be Successful 25:41 – Growing Up Poor & Studying One Album a Month 18:01 – The Kellogg’s DAW That Started Everything 15:33 – Learning Music on a 16-Track Floppy-Disk Keyboard 30:44 – Why He Thought EDM Was a Joke at First 38:12 – The Skrillex MySpace Story That Changed His Life 31:25 – Finding His Sound Through Curiosity & Obsession 47:14 – The “Lightning Moment” Behind Clarity 59:34 – Being Wrong More Often Than Right 1:03:03 – Why Most Music Feels the Same Today 1:03:37 – Extraordinary vs. Average: What Listeners Actually Feel 1:00:08 – “All I’m Doing Is Chasing a Feeling” 56:26 – The Chaos Behind Making The Middle 1:00:47 – Realizing the Scale of His Own Success 28:23 – What It Takes to Stay Inspired 6:48 – The Creative Principles He Still Lives By 41:22 – The Fastest Way for Artists to Get Noticed 1:05:23 – Zedd’s Final Advice for Musicians 1:07:19 – Closing ThoughtsHosted by Ross GolanProduced by Joe London and Jad SaadWatercolor by Michael White Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest has rewired modern hip-hop. His fingerprints live all over the last decade but the real story behind that success is far more human, painful, and transformative than the headlines ever show. In this conversation, he opens up about the highs and lows of being a producer in hip-hop: the pressure, the politics, the contracts, the moments that nearly broke him, and the breakthroughs that almost didn’t happen. He also shares the lessons shaped by fatherhood, betrayal, and real perseverance — all while creating some of the most important and culture-defining music of our time. And The Writer Is... Hitboy! A special thank you to our sponsors... Our lead sponsor, NMPA aka the National Music Publisher's Association. Your support means the world to us!And @splice -- the best sample library on the market, period. Chapter list 0:00 TEASER 1:20 Ross’ Intro2:02 Fatherhood and Being a Full-Time Dad 5:12 Parenting, Hoops, and What His Son Really Loves 6:29 The Humbling Reality Check: Kids Don’t Care About Your Hits 7:29 Growing Up Between Pasadena & San Bernardino 8:34 Seeing His Uncle’s Success & Wanting to Be on TV 9:35 Falling in Love With Beat Programming 10:12 Learning to Write & Rap at 13 11:23 Selling His First Beat for $20 at 16 12:24 MySpace Era: The Birth of “Hit-Boy” 13:09 First Major Betrayal: Partner Gets Signed Behind His Back 15:01 Advice to His Younger Self: Patience & Self-Belief 15:23 Building Early Industry Relationships Through MySpace 16:13 First Time Inside a Real Studio (The Underdogs) 17:39 The Underworld of LA Sessions & A Young Hit-Boy Watching Greats 18:44 First Major Placement: Jennifer Lopez 19:06 Providing for His Mom With His First Checks 19:27 Growing Up Without a Present Father 20:22 His Dad’s Return & Going on a Run Together 22:04 How Fatherhood Changed His Time, Focus & Creativity 23:27 Recording Nas: The Hidden Role People Don’t See 24:57 Getting His First Publishing Deal (And the 18-Year Lock-In) 28:02 Staying Current: “I Update My Software Every Day” 28:21 First Big Hit: Drop The World Lil Wayne & Eminem 29:47 Why He Used to Clash With Kanye 32:00 The ‘N*****s in Paris’ Moment (Language Question + Setup) 33:35 First Song With Kanye: The Christmas Track 34:12 Making Music With Kanye, Jay-Z & the Good Music Family 35:40 Hearing 'Paris' for the First Time in the Planetarium 36:32 Realizing the Song Was Going to Be a Cultural Earthquake 38:23 Big Sean, Executive Production & Sharpening His Ear 39:09 How Drake Found the ‘Trophies’ Beat 39:52 Stripping Beats Down to Let Artists Shine 40:33 When to Stop Producing: The Minimalism Lesson 41:38 Depression, Contracts & Losing the Relationship With Drake 42:57 The Pain of ‘Trophies’ Not Making Drake’s Album 43:13 What His Publishing Deal Held Him Back From 44:22 Working From a Place of Fear vs. Freedom 45:01 Working With Beyoncé (Excellence at Every Level) 46:22 The Story of ‘THIQUE’: An 8-Year-Old Beat Comes Back to Life 46:39 Why Old Beats Deserve Second Lives 47:57 The Making of Sicko Mode & Travis Scott’s Explosion 48:20 The Greatest Timing Ever: Streaming, Social Media, Travis 49:00 The Long Journey of Sicko Mode (2016 → 2018) 50:13 Are Producers Songwriters? The Eternal Debate 51:30 Nipsey Hussle: Early Sessions & Mutual Respect 53:53 Nipsey Claims the Song: “I Need This for My Project” Hosted by Ross Golan Produced by Joe London and Jad Saad Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's guest is a familiar face... A friend to the podcast and one of the most successful and influential creators in music history.He isn’t just a hitmaker. He's perhaps one of the few people in the history of music to have hits as a songwriter, artist, and producer... completely aside from one another across genres.And The Writer Is... Ryan Tedder!In this episode, he breaks down:🎯 Why the middle class of music is disappearing🎯 How splits, streaming, and AI are reshaping the game🎯 The mindset you need to survive as an artist today🎯 What real creative value looks like in 2025 and beyondThis one isn’t just inspiring — It’s essential listening for anyone who wants to last in music..A special thank you to our sponsors... Our lead sponsor, NMPA, the National Music Publisher's Association.Your support means the world to us!And Splice -- the best sample library on the market.Hosted by Ross Golan Produced by Joe London and Jad Saad Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's guest is an international soul sensation...From writing “The Hardest Part” on Zoom to conquering imposter syndrome, crafting hits like "Dive" and "Man I Need," and creating her acclaimed album The Art of Loving.. She is on a meteoric rise in music.We discuss raw stories of heartbreak, growth, the magic of songwriting.. and how she learned to protect her voice in a room and write music that actually feels like her.And The Writer Is...Olivia Dean!Whether you're a songwriter, fan, or music lover, this episode is packed with inspiration, laughs, and behind-the-scenes gems.Presented by NMPA..The National Music Publisher's Association. Championing songwriters everywhere.Thank you to our sponsors!Co-presented by Splice.The best music sample library in music.CHAPTERS:00:00 – Welcome to the Soul01:50 – “I Still Feel So British”03:00 – First Trip to L.A. (With No GPS or Plan)04:00 – Learning to Trust Her Own Taste07:40 – When Artists Had Time to Be Bad08:30 – Making Meaningful Music in a Chart World09:20 – “I Don’t Write Every Day”13:35 – Disney, West Side Story, and Other Early Teachers15:50 – The First Song: “Mean Boy”17:05 – Parents Who Said Yes17:20 – The BRIT School Plan20:05 – Busking, Best Friends, and the Birth of a Band22:15 – The First Show: 70 Tickets, 10 People on Stage23:40 – Signing Her First Deal25:00 – The Studio Explosion (Her Worst Song Story)27:00 – Surviving the Rooms29:15 – How the Best Songs Are Written30:45 – The Yellow Van Tour (COVID-Era Reinvention)31:30 – “OK Love You Bye” — The First Song That Felt Free34:00 – From 70 Fans to 100 Million Streams36:00 – It Takes a Village (and a Lot of Gratitude)39:00 – “The Hardest Part” — The Song She Hated (That Changed Everything)40:00 – The Take That Hurts Is the Take That Wins43:20 – NMPA Ad Read44:05 – Splice Ad Read47:45 – Crying on the Studio Floor48:00 – “Dive” — When the World Started Singing Back51:40 – Being a Woman Who Writes (and Plays)53:10 – The Anatomy of a Song56:25 – “I Don’t Write Lies”57:35 – “The Art of Loving” — How the Album Was Born1:00:15 – What Love Actually Taught Her1:01:35 – Making Time for Love Anyway1:02:55 – Ross’s Mirror Moment1:04:30 – Learning to Sit in Silence1:05:45 – The Weight of Words1:06:30 – Being HeardAnd The Writer Is...Hosted by Ross GolanProduced by Joe London and Jad Saad Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Julia Michaels has quietly rewritten the emotional DNA of pop music.From Selena Gomez to Justin Bieber to Sabrina Carpenter — her pen reshaped how vulnerability sounds on the radio.In this episode, Julia sits down with Ross to unpack the craft behind her catalog: the psychology of honest writing, the architecture of a hit, and the years she spent changing pop from behind the glass.They dive into the writing of hits, the evolution of her artistry, and what it means to sustain creative integrity in a fast-changing industry.Chapters0:00 Intro: The Woman Who Reshaped Pop Music0:59 Welcome Back: Reflecting on 8 Years in the Industry2:13 Music Industry Evolution: Then vs. Now3:00 Adapting Songwriting to Social Media and Trends4:32 Early Career Advice: Mental Health and Boundaries6:03 Panic Attacks and Performance Anxiety9:25 From Songwriter to Artist: Reluctance and Breakthrough11:23 Influence on Songwriting: Changing Pop's Sound15:06 Hit Runs, Burnout, and Creative Pauses17:55 Writing for Disney's Wish: Behind the Scenes19:42 Future Plans: Musicals, Retirement, and Balance21:05 Artistry and Collaborations23:00 Inside the Sabrina Carpenter Camp29:01 Breaking Down Hits: Taste, Bed Chem, and Coincidence30:50 Joining Tate McRae: From 17 to Global Hits33:39 Favorite Producers: Ryan Tedder, Stargate, and More36:04 Working with Ed Sheeran: Panic, Brotherhood, and Hits39:30 Crafting Lose You To Love Me with Selena Gomez43:24 Longtime Bond with Selena: Firsts and Milestones45:50 Celebrating Wins in a Changing Industry47:19 Songwriter Struggles: Pay, Radio, and Streaming50:26 Fair Splits and Standing Up for Writers55:09 Gender Challenges: Overworking Female Writers1:00:06 Regimented Life: Balance and Boundaries1:02:40 Running Her Own Label: Freedom and Control1:04:15 Career Lows and Highs1:06:10 Perfect Studio Moment: Working with Britney Spears1:07:34 Reflections: Where She Thought She'd Be1:08:45 Uncut Demos and Sacred Songs1:11:27 Wrapping with Selena, Benny, and Unlikely Stars1:15:55 Ego-Free Sessions and Lifelong Roots1:18:22 Outro and CreditsNMPA fights for songwriters' rights, ensuring fair pay and protection.Check them out at NMPA.org and follow them on social media at @NMPAorgSplice is the industry’s top sample library—royalty-free for all. It empowers creators with its incredible library and ethical AI tools, supporting original artists every step of the way.Download Splice today and follow them on social media at @spliceAnd The Writer Is...Hosted by Ross GolanExecutive produced by Joe London and Jad SaadFollow us on socials at @andthewriteris Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guests are HAIM — one of the most unique voices in modern music, known for blending rock, pop, and soul into a sound that defined a generation. From garage band beginnings to Grammy nominations, they’ve collaborated with some of the biggest names in music while staying fiercely true to themselves.And the writer(s) are... HAIM!In this episode, we dive into a decade-long journey of grit, growth, and creative conviction — from rejection to recognition. The sisters open up about the early years, the family dynamics, and the lessons that shaped their songwriting and success. In this episode:• How HAIM built success on their own terms after years of “no’s”• The real stories behind their biggest records• What they’ve learned about songwriting, collaboration, and creative controlChapters0:00 Intro Teaser – HAIM’s Gritty Start Against All Odds0:30 Nobody Wanted to Sign Us – Early rejections that almost stopped HAIM1:10 The Sister Dynamic – Therapy, tension, and love between bandmates2:30 Strict Parents, Rebellion & First Gigs5:00 Leaving for Tour at 19 – Danielle’s leap of faith7:30 Almost Famous IRL – Touring with Jenny Lewis & Julian Casablancas9:15 Skipping College & Faking Dentist Notes12:30 Oldest Sibling Pressure & UCLA Lessons15:00 Nobody Wanted Rock Music – Breaking through rejection16:00 Meeting Ludwig Göransson – The producer who changed everything18:30 2 AM Sessions & the “Forever” EP20:00 SXSW Madness – 14 shows in 5 days22:00 The UK Breakthrough – Why British fans got it first25:10 How They Learned to Write Songs – Lessons from “Rockin’ Haim”27:00 Recording Songs from the Radio – Childhood obsession that sparked their craft31:10 The First HAIM Song Ever – From bad demos to “The Wire”34:10 The 10,000 Hours – Becoming one of LA’s best live bands35:45 Days Are Gone – Finding their sound amid chaos38:30 Working with James Ford & Ariel Rechtshaid40:50 Balancing Chaos and Craft – The HAIM recording process42:10 Collaborating with Kid Cudi – Their first big studio moment43:10 Touring Exhaustion & Finding Their Groove45:15 Shutting Down Ventura Blvd – The iconic “Want You Back” video47:39 Women in Music Pt. III – Growth & vulnerability48:30 GarageBand & Songwriting – Danielle’s creative superstition49:30 The Making of “I Quit” – A new era of HAIM50:00 Creative Control & Saying No to Labels52:00 Lessons from Paul Thomas Anderson – Vision & long-take storytellingPresented by@NMPA | @nmpaorg – Fighting for songwriters’ rights and fair pay.Learn more at NMPA.org.@Splice – The industry’s top royalty-free sample library and creator platform, supporting original artists with world-class sounds and ethical AI tools.Download Splice and start creating today.And The Writer Is...Hosted by Ross GolanExecutive Produced by Joe London & Jad SaadFollow us everywhere → @andthewriteris Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is one of the most exciting young artists in the world right now.A once-in-a-generation artist writing and producing every record himself — and turning that independence into global hits.His records aren’t just topping charts — many of them are 100%ers. Self-written, self-produced, and streamed hundreds of millions of times.He’s building a world entirely his own...In this episode of And The Writer Is, Ross Golan sits down with Sombr to unpack how he: - Writes and produces 100% of his music - Went from viral moments to global success - Deals with pressure, purpose, and proving himselfPresented by our friends at @NMPA  @splice  A huge thank you to our sponsors.Chapter list0:00 The Rise of Sombr: Bedroom Producer to Global Prodigy0:01:02;15 [NMPA] - Fighting for Songwriters (Season Sponsor)0:01:51 Early Discovery: Why Warner Music Bet on a 16-Year-Old0:03:38 My First Song Blew Up: Waking Up to 200K Likes & Columbia Records0:06:00;14 From NYC Roots to Proving Haters Wrong0:08:16 From Charlie Puth to Operatic Arias: My Secret Classical Music Training00:11:04 How I Dropped Out of LaGuardia to Get Signed (TikTok Made Me Quit)00:13:39 Opening for The Strokes at SXSW00:14:41 The Imposter Syndrome of a Global Superstar00:15:36 From GarageBand to Global Hits: My FLOPS & Early Projects (Cherry Valley)00:17:50 Who is Sombr? Shane vs. The Artist & Why New York Makes Anything Possible00:21:02 The TRUTH About "Caroline": She's Everyone... She's You.00:22:13 The $0 Photo Shoot That Became My Global Album Cover00:24:28 Advice to My 16-Year-Old Self00:26:18 My Secret Writing Method: Saving Choruses & How I Made the Album in 1 Month00:28:14 [NMPA] - The Power of Music Publishers (Sponsor Segment)00:28:56 [SPLICE] - Using AI Ethically & Protecting Creators (Sponsor Segment)00:30:42 "Back to Friends": Writing a Global Hit from a Career Low00:36:44 Working with Tony Berg: A Mentor and Real Instruments00:40:54 "Undress": Building Confidence After a Breakthrough00:43:40 Sacrifices of Fame: Losing My Social Life00:45:30 Anxiety and Expectations: Navigating Global Success00:51:23 Critics vs. Appreciation: Why Art Shouldn’t Be Rated00:058:09 The Final Word: Why the Haters Say I'm Not "Serious" (A Joke)00:58:50 The Beatles & The Muse: The Real Secret to Timeless Art00:59:11 Thank You & OutroNMPA fights for songwriters' rights, ensuring fair pay and protection.Check them out at NMPA.org and follow them on social media at @NMPAorgSplice is the industry’s top sample library—royalty-free for all. It empowers creators with its incredible library and ethical AI tools, supporting original artists every step of the way.Download Splice today and follow them on social media at @spliceAnd The Writer Is...Hosted by Ross GolanExecutive produced by Joe London and Jad SaadFollow us on socials at @andthewriteris Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's guest is quite literally one of the greatest songwriters of all time.He also happens to be one of the biggest artists of all time. Imagine that.This legend needs no introduction...And the writer is... Ed Sheeran!Presented by our friends at NMPA.A huge thank you to our sponsors.NMPA fights for songwriters' rights, ensuring fair pay and protection.Check them out at NMPA.org and follow them on social media at ⁨@NMPAorg⁩Splice is the industry’s top sample library—royalty-free for all. It empowers creators with its incredible library and ethical AI tools, supporting original artists every step of the way.Download Splice today and follow them on social media at ⁨@splice⁩Chapters:00:00:00 - Intro00:02:05 - Ed and Ross Reconnect00:04:41 - From Rap Battles to Shaping His Songwriting00:07:07 - Painting as Creative Outlet00:09:13 - Emotional Ties to Songs, Writing Honest Songs for Himself and Others00:12:05 - Childhood Music: Beatles, Dylan, and Irish Trad Influences00:15:07 - Fatherhood’s Impact: Balancing Music and Family00:16:26 - Ed Sings His First Song!00:18:30 - Ed Sings, Ross Tests His Song Memory00:20:27 - The Key to Confidence Starts With....00:22:10 - Advice: Navigating the Music Industry’s Challenges00:24:20 - Where Ed Gets His 'Buzz' From Music00:25:50 - The Thing That Made His Songwriting 'Stick'00:28:35 - No Plan B: Why He Never Gave Up00:30:04 - Discovery by Jamie Foxx: Breaking into the Scene00:36:14 - Mid-Roll Ad: NMPA Fighting for Songwriters00:36:52 - Mid-Roll Ad: Splice Supporting Creators with AI00:44:11 - First Cuts: Writing for Olly Murs and One Direction00:46:58 - Creative Process00:52:12 - The Lawsuit That Changed Everything00:55:49 - Protecting Songwriters: Why No Union Exists01:05:57 - Making "Perfect" to Prove Himself After the Lawsuit01:12:49 - Advice to Young Songwriters...01:14:03 - Legacy Songs: What Ed Wants His Grandkids to Hear01:15:23 - Family Over Fame: Being a Present Dad01:20:38 - Songs Ed’s Jealous Of01:23:46 - Closing: Ed’s Gratitude and Future PlansAnd The Writer Is...Hosted by Ross GolanExecutive produced by Joe London and Jad SaadFollow us on socials at  @andthewriteris ​ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's guest is one of the most sought-after hitmakers of the last decade. A Grammy-winning producer, songwriter, and guitarist whose genre-bending work has shaped the sound of modern music. From rock legends to pop superstars, he’s collaborated with Justin Bieber, Post Malone, Ozzy Osbourne, The Rolling Stones, Dua Lipa, Miley Cyrus, and more — earning The Recording Academy’s Producer of the Year award and cementing his status as one of the most in-demand hitmakers on the planet.And the writer is... Andrew Watt!In this episode, Watt opens up to Ross about the relentless drive, bold creative leaps, and collaborative ethos that fueled his journey from bar gigs and $100-a-week tours to producing global anthems.Listeners will learn:How to build trust and chemistry in the studioWhy great producers prioritize vibe and artist comfort over gearHow to manage egos, collaboration splits, and team dynamics at the top levelThe real stories behind hits like Let Me Love You, Havana, Señorita, Stay, and PeachesHow to survive imposter syndrome and stay creatively free under pressureChapters0:00 - Andrew Watt: The Hitmaking Legend1:12 - From Bieber to Ozzy: Watt’s Epic Journey2:20 - Studio Sparks: Watt’s Energy vs. Cirkut’s Chill4:47 - Rock Gods: Producing Pearl Jam & Stones8:02 - Post Malone Meets Ozzy: A Game-Changer9:31 - Rainbow Bar Magic: Ozzy & Post’s Collab14:54 - Greece Hustle: $100/Week Tour Life19:14 - Why Watt Never Quit Music24:44 - Guitar to Glory: Cody Simpson to Bieber27:01 - Music Truth: Results Are Everything28:52 - “Let Me Love You”: Bieber’s Wild Ride39:52 - Pop Hits: “Havana” & “Wolves” Secrets42:02 - Dream Team: Ali, Brian & Pop Gold46:21 - “Havana” Moment: Camila’s Mic Drop48:27 - Post Malone: Instant Bond & Real Talk50:06 - Imposter Syndrome: Honesty in the Studio51:17 - “Stay”: Post’s Non-Pop Masterpiece56:22 - “Peaches”: Justin’s Jam with Shawn & Hailey58:38 - Demos That Hit Hard: Watt’s Emotions1:00:36 - Lady Gaga: Crafting a Visual Epic1:02:15 - Bruno & D’Mile: “Die with a Smile” Magic1:06:34 - Prank Call Chaos1:12:11 - Prank Aftermath1:19:17 - Heartfelt Loss: Watt’s Tribute to a Friend1:20:16 - Ozzy’s Advice: Be Kind on the Way UpThis season of And The Writer Is… is presented by the National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) — the voice of American songwriters, composers, and music publishers.And The Writer Is...Hosted by Ross GolanExecutive Produced by Joe London and Jad Saad Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is more than a hitmaker — she’s a creative force who has shaped the sound of a generation. From penning chart-toppers like “Thank U, Next” (Ariana Grande), “High Hopes” (Panic! at the Disco), and “Love Lies” (Khalid & Normani) to building her own label, publishing company, and artist career, her story is a masterclass in reinvention, resilience, and longevity.And the writer is… Tayla Parx!In this episode, Tayla sits down with Ross to unpack how she’s navigated more than a decade at the top of the music industry — from her start in Hairspray to writing with Babyface, to becoming one of the few Black women with a #1 country song. She opens up about:Surviving the pressures of back-to-back sessions and industry burnoutTurning setbacks into fuel for her artistry and business venturesWhy branding yourself as a songwriter matters as much as the songsThe art of staying relevant without chasing trendsHow to keep building a catalog that pays you for decades to comeFor every songwriter, artist, or creative grinding to build a career that lasts — this is the blueprint.🎧 Listen now and learn how Tayla Parx keeps writing hits… again and again.Chapters0:00 Teaser – Why Longevity Matters in Music1:37 Intro: And The Writer Is… Tayla Parx!8:33 From Dallas Kid to Hairspray & Nickelodeon Star12:49 Finding Songwriting & Learning From Babyface14:07 Leaving Acting Behind to Chase Music Full-Time24:53 The Warner Chappell Era: Building a Writer Community27:15 Breakthrough Hits: “Thank U, Next” & “High Hopes”31:38 NMPA Ad – Fighting for Songwriter Rights32:45 Inside the Story of “Thank U, Next”39:37 How to Build a Catalog That Pays for Decades40:55 “Love Lies” & Crossing Genres as a Hitmaker50:34 Advocating for Women, Black Creatives & LGBTQ+ Voices52:00 Why Tayla Still Releases Her Own Music53:20 From Bieber to John Legend to Country #155:32 Exploring Jazz, R&B, and Children’s Music59:34 Song Splits, Collaboration & Session Dynamics1:03:41 Why Collaboration Matters (and When to Write Alone)1:11:38 The Secret to Longevity & Reinvention1:16:25 Closing Reflections & LegacyAnd The Writer Is… is presented by The National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) — advocating for songwriters, music publishers, and their essential rights.Learn more at NMPA.orgHosted by Ross GolanExecutive Produced by Joe London and Jad SaadWatercolor by Michael White Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is nothing short of a phenomenon.With roots in Iceland and China, raised in a family of classical musicians, she grew up between symphony halls and jazz records — and has now become the defining voice of her generation.Her music is a breathtaking blend of timeless jazz, classical elegance, and modern storytelling that has captivated millions around the world. From posting standards online during college to headlining the Hollywood Bowl, she’s built a movement — proving that jazz not only lives, but thrives in the hands of a new generation.Her Grammy-winning sophomore album, Bewitched, cemented her as an international force. And now with her brand-new release, A Matter of Time, she dives deeper into emotional vulnerability and sonic ambition — pushing jazz, classical, and folk influences into a sound that feels both cinematic and intimate.Named one of Time’s Women of the Year, celebrated by critics and adored by fans, she is redefining what it means to be an artist in the modern age.And The Writer Is… Laufey!And The Writer Is… is hosted by Ross Golan and executive produced by Joe London and Jad Saad. As always, we’d like to thank our friends at the National Music Publishers’ Association. The NMPA is dedicated to protecting the rights of songwriters and music publishers, ensuring that the creators behind the songs we love are fairly represented and compensated. We’re grateful for their continued support of this show and our community of writers.Learn more at NMPA.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest began on YouTube — a teenager posting bedroom covers to a handful of viewers.Now, his songs have been streamed billions of times across the globe.He’s headlined sold-out arenas on multiple continents, become a global fashion force, and built one of the most devoted fanbases of his generation.He’s collaborated with legends like Max Martin, while never losing the raw honesty that made his music essential in the first place.He’s not just a rising star — he’s already one of pop’s defining voices.And with his new album, he proves that even at the biggest scale, vulnerability is still his superpower.And the writer is… Conan Gray!Follow us on socials!  @andthewriteris  Thank you to NMPA for sponsoring this season, and fighting for songwriters as well as this podcast.00:00 – This Is Conan Gray (teaser)01:00 – Singing Disney With Ross 🎶02:00 – From Bedroom Dreams to Billions02:59 – Growing Up Lonely, Writing to Survive04:45 – The Music Video That Rewired His Brain06:30 – When Adele Proved Bedroom Songs Were Possible07:30 – Uploading at Age 9 (Before He Knew the Internet)14:15 – “Nothing Sounded Like Me”15:45 – Panic Attacks → Falling in Love With Touring21:15 – Dropping Out & Betting Everything on Music23:20 – The Moment His Sister Realized He Was Famous24:30 – Turning Heartbreak Into Healing on Stage26:00 – The Nightmare of Empty Venues28:30 – Dan Nigro: The Producer Who Changed Everything30:15 – Why Conan Refuses to Believe He’s ‘Made It’33:22 – Ad Break – Support Songwriters (NMPA)34:00 – ‘Maniac’: The Shower Song That Hit a Billion 🚿35:45 – Heather: The Song Everyone Slept On… Until They Didn’t40:32 – Found Heaven: His Public Bootcamp43:23 – Max Martin’s Biggest Lesson (That Changed His Writing)47:00 – Rediscovering Himself on Wishbone50:05 – The Falsetto High Note That Almost Broke Him52:07 – Cornell: The Song Too Honest to Ignore53:00 – Why Radical Honesty Is His Only Rule55:00 – Why His Art Isn’t Just Music56:00 – The Three Songs That Define His New Era01:03:15 – What He’d Tell 12-Year-Old Conan01:07:00 – Ross: “You Wrote a Song I Wish Was Mine”Hosted by Ross GolanExecutive Produced by Joe London and Jad Saad Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

He believed before anyone else did.Before the Grammys.Before the 39 billion streams.Before Say My Name changed the sound of radio forever.He was just a kid on a New Jersey bus, chasing a dream no one else could see.In this episode, legendary producer Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins shares how faith, fire, and pure conviction took him from a basement studio to shaping the sound of a generation. From Michael Jackson to Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and Sam Smith, Rodney opens up about the mindset behind the music — and why belief is still the most powerful tool a creator has.You’ll hear about the reset that saved his career, the changing landscape of songwriting in the AI era, and the stories behind some of the most iconic records of the last 25 years.And The Writer Is... Rodney Jerkins.Topics:The real story behind Say My Name Working with Michael Jackson, Beyoncé, and GagaWhy belief matters more than talentHow to stay inspired (even after burnout)AI, music tech, and what’s missing from today's processWhat every songwriter needs to know about their valueSponsored by:SONA, DIMA, Amazon Music, and YouTube Songwriters.Thank you for supporting us and protecting the future of songwriting!Produced by Ross Golan, Joe London, and Jad Saad Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it really take to become irreplaceable in music?This is more than a lesson in music. It’s a masterclass in how to make yourself essential in any room you enter.In this episode, Ryan Tedder shares a raw, unfiltered blueprint for building a career that stands the test of time.From mastering guitar, piano, and production to writing two songs a day, Ryan unpacks why versatility, humility, and relentless work ethic are the hidden currencies of longevity. He breaks down the mindset shifts that separate fleeting success from lasting impact, and why assuming everyone is more talented than you might just be your greatest advantage. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is the mastermind behind some of the biggest songs on earth – a creative force whose melodies have shaped generations. From crafting timeless anthems with Beyoncé, Adele, and Taylor Swift to leading OneRepublic to global dominance, he’s not just a hitmaker – he’s an architect of modern music.In this conversation, Ryan Tedder rips the veil off fame and fortune, revealing the hidden costs of success, the brutal truths no one talks about, and his unfiltered blueprint for building wealth, longevity, and creative mastery in a world obsessed with trends. He dives deep into why most artists fail, how boredom became his superpower, and what it actually takes to build a legacy that lasts.This isn’t an interview. It’s a wake-up call for every creator chasing relevance in 2025 and beyond.And The Writer Is… Ryan Tedder! (Part 3)Produced by Joe London, Ross Golan, & Jad SaadChapters:00:00 Intro 00:52 His Morning Routine That Changed Everything02:06 How Boredom Made Him Creative03:40 The Hidden Dark Side of Fame05:50 Justin Timberlake’s Brutal Warning10:15 Fame is a Prison: Stories from the Top14:14 Why He Hid His Singing Talent as a Kid17:25 Lady Gaga’s Secret Ambition Revealed20:55 Money Makes You a Target23:02 His Dream: Rich But Unknown25:26 Investing Millions Outside Music27:05 Why Famous Artists Go Broke31:02 Getting Dropped Saved His Career36:13 What $50 Million a Year Really Means39:22 NMPA Sponsor Break41:01 Labels Want You Wild & Broke44:40 Can You Win Without Flexing?47:12 Managers Who Destroy Artists’ Careers50:52 Why Tate McRae Is Built Different53:37 OneRepublic’s Secret to Longevity57:12 Sync Deals vs Streaming: Where Money Really Is01:00:52 His Songwriting Secrets & ‘God Moments’01:05:00 How He Stays Creative After 20+ Years01:09:00 The Role of Trust in Hit-Making01:13:00 Stories of Working With DJs & Pop Stars01:17:00 The Future of Music & AI’s Impact01:21:00 His Philosophy on Work Ethic & Success01:25:00 Final Words: Advice to Creators01:29:00 Outro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful 10-minute blueprint, Russ breaks down what every artist needs to know to build a real career in today’s music industry. From his mindset of delusional self-belief to strategic release plans and business truths, this clip will change the way you approach your music journey forever.Subscribe for more industry insight and give us a rating if you enjoyed this! It helps us keep this show free forever, which is our commitment to the industry and our audience.Presented by NMPAhttps://www.nmpa.org/Chapters:0:00 Why Songs Don’t Blow Up0:15 Is Inspiration Overrated?0:33 Writing Big Songs While Uninspired1:05 How Russ Would Start From Zero Today1:24 Stockpiling Songs & Posting Strategy1:57 Do You Want Success Bad Enough?2:01 Russ’ Duality: Confidence vs. Doubt2:21 The Power of Delusional Self-Belief3:02 Why Songwriters Should Stop Giving Songs Away3:51 Why Most Artists Stay Broke5:06 Taking Control of Your Music Business6:38 The Purity of Creating Without an Audience7:04 The Audience Picks The Hits8:07 Russ’ Song-a-Week Strategy Explained8:39 When a Song Flops: Russ on Bankrupt9:13 Why It’s Okay If It’s Not The One Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is a fearless storyteller whose voice is as raw as her lyrics—bold, emotional, and unapologetically real. A first-generation Colombian-Canadian, she turned hustle into art, weaving her experiences into songs that hit like truth bombs. Whether she’s penning heart-wrenching ballads or delivering razor-sharp verses alongside icons like Eminem and Beyoncé, her work is grounded in authenticity and fire. She’s busked, she’s bartended, she’s broken through. And now, with her third studio album, she continues to push boundaries—proving that vulnerability, grit, and honesty never go out of style. From Toronto to the world… And the writer is… Jessie Reyez!Produced by Joe London, Ross Golan, and Jad SaadSpecial thank you to our season sponsor NMPA!Chapters:00:01:36 – Start Here: Why This Episode Will Change You00:02:37 – How Jessie Met Eminem and Earned His Respect00:09:50 – What Jessie Learned Giving Back to Songwriters00:16:52 – Jessie’s First Song Ever (It’s Cringey… and Brilliant)00:18:28 – Jessie’s Crazy Lyric Memory & Why It Matters00:18:51 – From Choir Rooms to Stadiums: Where It All Began00:27:57 – The Moment She Gave Herself One Year 00:31:12 – How Her Mom’s Brutal English Drills Made Jessie a Genius00:35:35 – What Happens After the Hit? Jessie Tells All00:37:11 – The Exact Moment She Knew Her Life Was Changing00:42:36 – The Video That Changed Everything (She Almost Didn't Post)00:45:14 – How a $50 Bus Ride Got Her Into the Remix Project00:48:18 – Why She Stayed Up 14 Hours Editing Her First Video00:50:12 – The Brave Story Jessie Told That Changed Everything00:51:17 – Writing 'Figures' — The Raw, Drunken, Real Truth00:56:44 – The Writing Camp That Sparked Her Breakthrough Hit00:57:11 – How 'Figures' Was Really Written (And Why It Still Hurts)01:00:00 – Gatekeeper: Calling Out Sexism in the Music Industry01:01:42 – What MeToo Missed — And What Jessie Risked to Say01:02:58 – The Heavy Cost of Telling the Truth01:05:43 – Why Being Vulnerable is Jessie’s Greatest Superpower01:06:20 – Jessie on Drake, Bieber, The Weeknd & Canadian Greatness01:07:14 – Why So Many GOATs Come Out of Canada01:08:11 – From Open Mics to Eminem: The Legacy She’s Building01:18:14 – The Insane Calvin Harris Story (You Won’t Believe This One) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is a musical architect whose fingerprints are on some of the most emotionally resonant and sonically rich records of the last decade. He’s not the loudest in the room—but when he’s in the studio, every note, every tone, every beat matters. A multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer with an unmatched intuition, he brings out the soul in every song, guiding artists to their most authentic performances. From Grammy-winning collaborations with Kacey Musgraves to shaping records across indie, country, rock, and beyond, he’s the quiet force behind the soundtracks to our lives. All the way from Nashville, Tennessee, this master of nuance proves that subtlety can be a superpower. And the writer is… Ian Fitchuk!0:00 – Intro: Sobriety, Fear & Creativity 0:55 – NMPA Sponsor Message 3:25 – Growing Up in the Chicago Suburbs 6:15 – Musical Upbringing: Classical Roots & Church Influence 9:05 – Early Influences: CDs, Cassettes & Graceland 12:05 – Bear Killer, Drums & Songwriting Beginnings 17:30 – From Church Bands to Writing Real Songs 20:50 – Leaving Home & Moving to Nashville 27:30 – First Touring Gig & Life Lessons 30:50 – Discovering Production via the Christian Music Scene 35:50 – A Decade of Struggle Before the Breakthrough 40:50 – Why Ian Never Quit (Even With Kids) 45:00 – Golden Hour Era: Writing With Kacey 50:50 – Making Golden Hour Using Logic Stock Sounds  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s guest is one of the most successful independent artists in modern music.He’s a rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer who built his career from the ground up. in this rare conversation, he opens up about the side of the journey we don’t usually hear:The emotional weight of ownership, the mental toll of doing it all alone, and the belief system that kept him going when no one else did.This is a blueprint for any creative who wants to build something real without losing their peace.And The Writer Is... Russ!Chapters00:00 – Intro02:14 – How Russ Beat the System Without Selling His Soul04:16 – Childhood Chaos, Cop Cars & Creative Spark07:06 – Soulja Boy, Pep Rallies & Atlanta Music Culture08:19 – Rock Ballads & Soul Roots You Didn’t Expect10:11 – The Guitar That Started It All11:49 – GarageBand & Making Beats for Friends12:41 – Wayne, Wiz & Folk Rock: A Weird Musical Diet13:56 – Why Russ Doesn’t Sound Like Anyone Else15:29 – Publishing Wars: Russ vs. Drum Programmers26:18 – Why Songwriters Are Fighting for the Wrong Money29:32 – The $850K Sample Mistake30:21 – Power, Control & Protecting His Business34:05 – Why He Still Handles His Own Deals35:11 – A Wake-Up Call to Songwriters: Keep Your Records39:03 – When a Song Hits Mid-Dinner, You Leave41:44 – Burnout, Collaboration & Creative Revival45:11 – The Line He’ll Never Cross in Rap48:01 – Turning Fights Into Hits (Literally)50:07 – Writing in the Shower & Whispering Hooks at 2AM54:14 – Harmonizing with His Partner—In Music and Life56:02 – When He Doesn’t Create, Everything Unravels57:09 – The 20% Rule That Changed His Sanity58:07 – How Columbia Let Him Stay Indie (Kind Of)61:06 – Ownership, Spending, and Where the Real Money Is63:56 – What Russ Would Do If He Had to Start Over65:19 – Vulnerability vs. Confidence: The Real Inner Battle66:07 – Why He Samples Even Though He Can Write Anything66:38 – Burnout & Building a Life Outside of Music67:52 – Being Your Own Engine (and Breaking Down)69:25 – The Hidden Prison of Fame70:38 – Panic Attacks, Depression & Healing72:01 – Therapy, Faith & Finding Balance75:17 – Music as Medicine (and a Mental Trap)78:42 – Dopamine Detox & Spiritual Warfare81:11 – Why He Hates LA82:22 – “I Can Make a Hit in 20 Minutes”—But Should I?83:33 – Escaping the Productivity Hamster Wheel84:38 – A $25M Lesson Every Artist Should Hear86:51 – Love, Identity, and the Power of a Creative Partner89:09 – Real Talk on Timing, Trust, and Tension90:54 – What Actually Grounds Russ (That You Don’t See Online)92:33 – What He Hopes to Be Remembered For94:10 – For the Dreamer Who’s Almost Out of Gas96:22 – Why Gratitude Isn’t Optional97:47 – Ego vs. Purpose: The Shift That Saved His Career99:21 – Navigating Hate, Criticism & Longevity102:06 – Owning Your Story Without Needing a Comeback104:33 – Faith, Flow & Letting Go107:18 – Redefining Wealth: What Energy Are You Leaving Behind?109:55 – Art as Therapy: Why He’ll Never Stop Writing112:11 – Leaving a Legacy Without Forcing It115:03 – What He Still Doesn’t Feel Comfortable Sharing117:12 – A Final Message to Artists Who Feel Alone120:10 – Outro: What Russ Hopes You Take From This Episode Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode, Ross Golan sits down with David Israelite, the influential President and CEO of the National Music Publishers Association (NMPA). A fierce and tireless advocate for songwriters, David has spent nearly two decades fighting for the rights, recognition, and fair compensation of music creators in an ever-evolving industry.From spearheading groundbreaking legislation like the Music Modernization Act to navigating complex battles over streaming royalties and copyright protections, David shares a behind-the-scenes look at the work that goes into defending the value of songwriting. With unique insights into policy, publishing, and the business of music, this candid conversation reveals why David is one of the most pivotal figures working on behalf of songwriters today.If you care about music creators and the future of songwriting, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.00:00 – Intro: Why This Episode Matters More Than Ever03:40 – How Songwriters Get Paid (Explained Like You’re 15)05:19 – The Truth About Songwriter Pay: 75% Controlled by the Government07:28 – The Music Modernization Act: Progress or Political Cover-Up?09:13 – The Broken System: Why Songwriters Can’t Say No12:01 – Artists vs. Songwriters: The Industry's Unspoken Divide13:50 – Ghostwriting, Publishing Abuse & The Elvis Tax Nobody Talks About20:16 – Why Unionizing Won’t Save Songwriters (And What Might)23:55 – What the CRB Is — And Why It Still Screws Creators26:22 – Free Market vs. Rigged Game: Labels Win, Songwriters Lose28:33 – Why Songwriters Have No Real Political Power31:01 – Consent Decrees Explained: The 1940s Laws Holding Music Back33:19 – Selective Withdrawals: A Strategy That Could Change Everything39:10 – Are Big Publishers Quietly Crippling Independent Writers?45:25 – The Power of ‘No’: The One Tool Songwriters Don’t Actually Have46:25 – Are Labels and Publishers Working Against Each Other?49:45 – The Billion-Dollar Boom: Why Everyone’s Selling Their Catalogs54:37 – Final Word: Gratitude, Hope & the Fight Ahead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is an artist whose voice cuts through like a blade—sharp, emotional, and unforgettable. Emerging from the shadows of alternative R&B and electro-pop, she’s crafted a sonic identity that’s both intimate and cinematic. Her lyrics are deeply confessional, fearless in their vulnerability, and her production choices push boundaries while staying rooted in undeniable emotion. From viral beginnings to critical acclaim, she’s stayed true to her vision, building an aesthetic that’s dark, empowering, and always evolving. All the way from Los Angeles, California—this is the sound of raw artistry at its finest. And the writer is… BANKS!00:00 - Intro 01:07 - Growing Up in L.A. 03:52 - Music as Math? 06:16 - 100% Songs, No Concept First 08:08 - First Song Became a Jack Collab 10:04 - Social Anxiety + Going Out Hard 12:06 - Fans, Fame & Divine Feminine Energy 15:41 - Jillian vs. BANKS 18:10 - Stage Fright to Frontwoman 21:13 - Regrets & Album Titles That Got Away 22:28 - Streaming Era Beginnings 27:02 - Indie Artist Real Talk 31:12 - Viral Hits vs. Tour Culture 34:09 - “Don’t Try To Write a Hit” 36:04 - Underrated BANKS Songs 38:05 - Why This Album, Why Now 39:28 - How “I Hate Your Ex” Happened 41:24 - Voice as a Shape-Shifter 42:02 - Collaboration Energy Shift 43:03 - Studio Magic Stories 44:14 - Writing for Other Artists? 46:18 - Why Artists Look to BANKS 48:06 - 3 Life-Changing Decisions 49:40 - Five-for-Five Lightning Round 53:08 - Music + Visuals Are One 54:16 - Ross on BANKS’ Legacy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is one of the most original minds in modern music—a genre-defying powerhouse who returns to this podcast six years after his first unforgettable visit. Hailing from Long Island, this producer, performer, and lyrical architect has built a sonic universe entirely his own. He’s the mastermind behind cinematic pop records that blur the line between the underground and the mainstream, with a resume that spans from crafting platinum hits for chart-toppers to delivering soul-baring solo projects that redefine authenticity. Now a father of three, his creativity has only deepened, as he balances vulnerability and virtuosity with relentless hustle. He’s not just a hitmaker—he’s a visionary, a builder, and a storyteller for a generation that craves depth. And the writer is… Jon Bellion!Episode Timestamps:0:00 Bellion’s Return & Industry Fire 0:36 Ross ATWI Intro2:05 Supporting Songwriters’ Rights 2:41 Jon Bellion Returns After 6 Years 3:56 Jon vs. the Algorithm 6:56 AI, Effort & Meaning 9:22 Craft Over Convenience 11:57 Identity, Process & Philosophy 18:21 Credit, Ego & Industry Power 25:32 Sponsor Message from NMPA27:09 Staying Dangerous with Purpose 32:06 Becoming the Label 45:07 Removing Ego from the Process 50:41 Returning to Joy in Creation 54:58 Art vs. Math in Production 57:23 Hits Beyond the U.S. 1:05:16 On Raising Creative Kids 1:07:52 Jon's Words of Advice to His Younger Self1:18:06 Grief, Healing & Writing Through Loss 1:22:32 What Success Really Means in 2025 1:25:00 Writing vs. Recognition 1:47:58 ATWI Credits & Closing Reflections Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is a genre-shifting phenomenon who’s redefining what it means to break through in music today. With a sound that fuses indie, alt-pop, R&B, and emo influences, he’s crafted a raw, emotionally charged catalog that’s connected with a generation—and he did it all from his sister’s closet on a phone. In just a few years, his music has racked up billions of streams, topping global charts and earning him a fiercely loyal fanbase. But beyond the numbers, he’s an artist who leads with vulnerability, reshaping how young creators think about art, success, and authenticity. He’s not just making songs—he’s shifting culture, and sharing how at the same time.And the writer is… D4vd!0:00 Trailer Hook — Billion Streams Surprise 1:32 Intro — From Phone to Playlist 3:15 Growing Up — Early Life and Music Influences 8:45 First Uploads — BandLab, YouTube, and Finding His Sound 13:20 Going Viral — The Moment Everything Changed 17:50 Pressure and Expectations — How He Handled the Blow-Up 20:42 My Process — How I Make Music on a Phone 23:10 Behind the Hits — How ‘Here With Me’ + ‘Romantic Homicide’ Happened 26:17 What SZA Told Me That Changed Everything 34:08 Advice for Young Artists — Make Music Nobody Wants 36:09 Beyond Music — Directing, Acting, Manga Dreams 43:35 Disrupting the Industry — Freaking Out the Business 44:40 Validation Moment — Sitting Where Legends Sit Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.