Ep. 210: Jon Bellion | Choosing Art Over Algorithm

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 Intro

2:05 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 NMPA

27:09 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 Self

1:18:06 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

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