Sodajerker On Songwriting

The The's Matt Johnson joins Simon and Brian to discuss his new book Cognitive Dissident, the idea of "method songwriting", and the way grief and personal loss have shaped his music. Along the way, this candid conversation touches on topics like memory, identity, authenticity and new frontiers of technology.

Acclaimed Irish singer-songwriter Glen Hansard joins Simon and Brian to discuss his new live retrospective Don't Settle (Vol. 1 - Transmissions East) and his creative life. The Oscar-winning artist talks about writing songs that have a beating heart, why music should be both messy and true, but never clever, and the liberating experience of burning his notebooks.

Mumford & Sons' Marcus Mumford and Ben Lovett talk about the writing of the band's latest record, Prizefighter. The pair reflect on working with producer Aaron Dessner, the trust required to take creative risks as a band, and how collaborations with the likes of Hozier, Gracie Abrams, Chris Stapleton and Justin Vernon shaped the final record.

Glenn Tilbrook and Chris Difford of Squeeze join us for a special episode to discuss Trixies, a remarkable concept album centred on a fictional London nightclub and built from songs the pair first wrote as teenagers. During the conversation, Chris and Glenn reflect on the experience of revisiting the work of their younger selves, and how their celebrated songwriting partnership has continued to evolve.

Guitar maestro and Vulfpeck collaborator Cory Wong chats about his new solo album Lost In The Wonder. The virtuoso musician, songwriter, and producer explains his approach to collaboration, how voice memos help him capture fleeting musical ideas, and why he believes in sharing more of the creative process with fans.

The fabulous Jill Scott sits down with Sodajerker to discuss her expansive new album To Whom This May Concern. The singer, songwriter and poet talks about the creative discipline behind the record, how her relationship with poetry continues to anchor her writing, and why the songs evolve every time she performs them live.

Ryan Tedder, songwriter to artists including Taylor Swift, Adele, and Beyoncé, and frontman of OneRepublic, talks to Sodajerker about tracking cultural shifts, writing at scale, and staying competitive in a saturated market. Drawing on his Nashville training and his apprenticeship with Timbaland, he breaks down his belief in craft, persistence, and instinct, and explains why writer's block only has power if you let it.

Jason Williamson and Andrew Fearn of Sleaford Mods talk to Sodajerker about their new album The Demise of Planet X. They discuss creating interplay between their words and music, making pop culture references work in songs, and integrating guest contributions from artists such as Aldous Harding and Gwendoline Christie.

Dave Bayley of Glass Animals joins Sodajerker in London for a live episode recorded in November 2025 at the UK debut of Anti Social Camp, the world's largest songwriting camp. The singer-songwriter and producer reflects on the highs and lows of music-making, the strange magic of late-night ideas, and why vulnerability still matters in pop music.

Snarky Puppy mastermind Michael League talks to Sodajerker about the band's new record, Somni, an exploration of the dream state through music. The decorated bassist, composer and producer discusses writing for a large ensemble, the balance between complexity and accessibility in his compositions, and his collaborations with legendary artists like David Crosby.

Madness frontman Suggs sits down with Simon and Brian to talk about the band's new Hit Parade compilation and the writing of their classic hits. From the whimsical charm of 'Baggy Trousers', to the poignant storytelling of 'Embarrassment', Suggs reflects on the balance of joy and pathos in songwriting, the influence of London's rich cultures, and the serendipitous moments that have shaped his artistic expression.

The Last Dinner Party's Abigail Morris chats with Sodajerker about the band's new record, From The Pyre, and their songwriting process. The dynamic frontwoman explores the challenges of songwriting on the road, the evolution of their sound, and the collaborative spirit that drives their creativity.

Australian music legend Paul Kelly talks to Simon and Brian about his latest record, Seventy, and his creative process. The decorated singer-songwriter discusses the role of boredom in songwriting, the interplay of joy and sorrow in his lyrics, and how he sets poetry to music.

Baxter Dury chats with Sodajerker about the writing of his latest record, Allbarone, produced by Paul Epworth. This in-depth conversation delves into the duality of Baxter's artistic persona, the spontaneity of his lyric writing, and the playful approach to language that defines his work.

The enchanting Sigrid sits down in London with Simon and Brian to talk about the writing of her latest album There's Always More That I Could Say. The Norwegian powerhouse shares insights on crafting memorable hooks, overcoming writer's block, and her collaboration with creative partner Askjell. This episode is also available in video form on Sigrid's YouTube channel.

The fabulous Say She She (Piya Malik, Sabrina Cunningham, and Nya Gazelle Brown) join Sodajerker to talk about their new album Cut & Rewind. In this lively conversation about creativity, connection, and the power of making music together, the trio describe how they've built a supportive space where ideas can thrive, enabling them to explore everything from personal experiences to pressing social themes.