Featured image: A black microphone stand with a microphone is centered in a large, empty room. AI-generated image; not a photograph of the reported event.
Music has always been shaped by songwriting. Today, though, digital streaming and thin royalties make it harder for creators to earn a living. Yet, the passion endures—shown by the rise of songwriting podcasts.
Sodajerker on Songwriting
Simon Barber and Brian O’Connor, known as Sodajerker, have hosted this podcast for 15 years. Based in Liverpool, they interview classic and current songwriters. Guests include Paul McCartney, Paul Simon, Jimmy Webb, Todd Rundgren, Chaka Khan, and Phil Collins.
Each episode focuses on landmark songs and current releases. It often offers deep insights. The podcast inspired the BBC World Service documentary The Secrets of Songwriting. As of 2020, its archive is held at the British Library.
Song Exploder
Launched in 2014, Song Exploder began as a personal project by Hrishikesh Hirway. He faced writer’s block and sought to learn how others write songs. Each episode breaks down one song in under half an hour.
It covers lyrics, chords, and production choices. The format is clear and thorough. The show grew into a cultural phenomenon.
It inspired a Netflix series. Listeners gain insight into how ideas form and how emotions shape music. The process is both technical and personal.
Switched on Pop
Nate Sloan and Charlie Harding have studied Top 40 hits since 2014. They explore what makes songs resonate with listeners. Sloan, a musicologist, brings academic depth. Harding, a songwriter and educator, offers practical knowledge.
The pair analyze songs with precision. They study structure, rhythm, and emotional arcs. Episodes feature artists like Carly Rae Jepsen and Tove Lo. Most focus on detailed musical breakdowns.
The podcast led to a 2019 book, Switched On Pop: How Popular Music Works and Why It Matters. It’s available on Netflix. It serves both casual fans and music students.
And the Writer Is…
Hosted by Ross Golan, this weekly podcast shows behind-the-scenes songwriting. Golan has written hits for Selena Gomez, Jason Derulo, and Celine Dion. Guests include Finneas, Bebe Rexha, Ryan Tedder, and Ziggy Marley.
Episodes run over an hour. They balance success with struggle. Topics include creative blocks and emotional setbacks.
The podcast highlights the human side of songwriting. It doesn’t just cover final products. It explores the messy, iterative process. As one guest says, ‘It’s not about perfection. It’s about writing something true to who you are.’
Songwriters on Process
Ben Opipari, a PhD in English language and literature, launched this project in 2010. It began as written interviews and evolved into a podcast about writing—applicable to songs or books.
Guests include Julia Jacklin, Rostam, Jason Newsted, Lucius, and Ben Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie. Opipari is not a songwriter. Yet, his interview style reflects deep respect for the writing process.
Why These Podcasts Matter
These shows show songwriting is not glamorous. It requires persistence and emotional effort. They cover both technical skills and personal challenges.
They reveal how ideas form, how collaboration works, and how failure shapes growth. Listeners gain insight into music creation. Aspiring writers find real-world examples and lessons.
Limitations and Considerations
Most podcasts target professionals or music fans. Beginners may find them hard without musical training. Some focus on commercial hits. They rarely discuss songwriting’s social, political, or cultural ties.
These podcasts show growing interest in music creation. They reflect a cultural desire to understand how art is made—and why it matters. For anyone curious about songwriting, they offer a clear, accessible view of the process.
Original source: Rolling Stone
