PODCAST · music
Sodajerker On Songwriting
by Sodajerker
Sodajerker On Songwriting is a programme devoted to the art and craft of songwriting. The show, created and hosted by the UK songwriting team Sodajerker, features interviews with some of the most successful songwriters and musicians in the world.
Episodes
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Bonus: Sacha Skarbek and Ben Parker at the Sodajerker Songwriting Lab (Live)
This bonus episode of the podcast was recorded live on 4 September 2026 as part of the Sodajerker Songwriting Lab at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. Our special guests were two-time Ivor Novello winner Sacha Skarbek (Adele, James Blunt, Miley Cyrus) and songwriter, producer and session…
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Episode 323 - Chaka Khan
Chaka Khan joins Simon and Brian to discuss her new album Chakzilla, a dance-pop record co-written with Sia and Greg Kurstin, and named after the Godzilla films she grew up loving. Chaka also looks back on classic hits like 'I'm Every Woman' and 'Through the Fire', writing poetry for Rufus and...
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Episode 322 - Brandon Flowers
Brandon Flowers of The Killers joins Sodajerker to discuss his new solo album Thrasher, a country record cut live at Nashville's RCA Studio A. Brandon explains how the album returns him to the music his father raised him on, and the lessons that still underpin his fighting spirit today. He also...
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Sodajerker Songwriting Lab - Birmingham, 4 September 2026
On Friday 4 September 2026 we're running the first Sodajerker Songwriting Lab at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, with acclaimed songwriters Sacha Skarbek and Ben Parker of the Skarbek Songwriting Academy. The workshop will feature a live Sodajerker interview with our guests, then a day of...
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Episode 321 - Phil Collins
On this very special episode, the legendary Phil Collins joins Sodajerker to mark the 45th anniversary of his solo debut Face Value, which arrives as a deluxe reissue in September. Phil explains how songs like 'In the Air Tonight' grew out of "mucking about" in his home studio, and why intuition...
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Episode 320 - Beth Orton
Singer-songwriter and producer Beth Orton joins Simon and Brian for a conversation about the writing of her latest record The Ground Above. Beth shares how she turns instinctive first ideas into finished songs, the independence that came with producing her own records, and the influence of two...
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Episode 319 - Linda Perry
Songwriter and producer Linda Perry discusses Let It Die Here, her first solo album in over 25 years, and its accompanying documentary, which offers a candid look at her life and creative process. Linda explains the ways that grief and the loss of her mother are bound up in the work, the role of...
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Episode 318 - Sean Ono Lennon
Sean Ono Lennon joins Sodajerker to discuss The Great Parrot Ox and the Golden Egg of Empathy, the new sci-fi concept album from the Claypool Lennon Delirium. Sean talks about collaborating with Les Claypool, creating characters and mythology for the record, and exploring the dangers of…
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Episode 317 - Matt Johnson
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...
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Episode 316 - Glen Hansard
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...
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Episode 315 - Mumford & Sons
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...
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Episode 314 - Squeeze
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...
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Episode 313 - Cory Wong
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…
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Episode 312 - Jill Scott
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…
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Episode 311 - Ryan Tedder
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,...
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Episode 310 - Sleaford Mods
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…
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Bonus: Jamie Cullum and Billy Bragg (Live)
At Anti Social Camp in November 2025, we recorded two special live conversations with music greats Jamie Cullum and Billy Bragg. It's a rare chance to hear a pair of brilliant and very different songwriters reflect on their craft in front of an audience of songwriters and musicians. Jamie talks...
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Episode 309 - Glass Animals (Live)
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,...
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Episode 308 - Adam Buxton
Multifaceted British writer, actor, podcaster and musician Adam Buxton ushers in the 2025 holiday season with Sodajerker by chatting about his delightful record, Buckle Up, produced by Joe Mount of Metronomy. From the challenges of writing jingles to the heartfelt themes in songs like 'Pizza…
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Episode 307 - Michael League
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…
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Episode 306 - Suggs
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...
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Episode 305 - The Last Dinner Party
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.
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Episode 304 - Paul Kelly
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.
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Episode 303 - Baxter Dury
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.
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Episode 302 - Sigrid
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....
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Episode 301 - Say She She
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…
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Episode 300 - Self Esteem
To celebrate our 300th episode, Rebecca Lucy Taylor, aka Self Esteem, joins us for a candid conversation about her multifaceted career as a singer, songwriter, and actor. With her trademark honesty, the acclaimed artist reflects on the creative process behind her latest album, A Complicated…
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Episode 299 - Labi Siffre
Labi Siffre talks with Sodajerker about his career in music and his songwriting process. The celebrated singer-songwriter reflects on his love of blues, jazz, and the Great American Songbook, shares the stories behind beloved hits like '(Something Inside) So Strong' and 'It Must Be Love', and...
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Episode 298 - Mike Viola
In a landmark third appearance, the incomparable Mike Viola joins Simon and Brian in Liverpool for an in-depth conversation and live performance showcasing his distinctive guitar style and melodic craft. The episode explores Mike's songwriting process, the emotional weight of his lyrics, and the...
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Episode 297 - Graham Nash
As he embarks on his 'More Evenings of Songs and Stories' tour, Graham Nash joins Simon and Brian for a fascinating discussion about his illustrious career. The legendary British musician reflects on his journey from The Hollies to forming the iconic Crosby, Stills & Nash, sharing insights into…
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Episode 296 - Mac DeMarco
Mac DeMarco talks with Sodajerker about his songwriting process and his latest record, Guitar. The Canadian singer-songwriter reflects on his lo-fi, DIY approach to music-making, how personal themes of identity and home permeate his work, and why he definitely doesn't want to guest on your track.
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Episode 295 - John Fogerty
John Fogerty sits down in London with Simon and Brian for a captivating conversation about his songwriting process and his new release Legacy: The Creedence Clearwater Revival Years. The legendary singer-songwriter reflects on regaining control of his publishing rights, the writing of classics…
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Episode 294 - Finn Wolfhard
Finn Wolfhard joins Simon and Brian for a discussion about his debut solo album, Happy Birthday, recorded in Chicago and co-produced by Kai Slater. The versatile actor and musician reflects on the lo-fi production techniques employed on the album, how themes of youthful identity and anxiety...
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Episode 293 - Sharon Van Etten
Sharon Van Etten chats with Simon and Brian about the collaborative spirit behind her latest album, Sharon Van Etten & the Attachment Theory, recorded with producer Marta Salogni at The Church Studios in London. The singer-songwriter and actress delves into themes of mortality and ageing, as well...
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Episode 292 - Black Country, New Road
Black Country, New Road's Tyler Hyde and Lewis Evans join Sodajerker for a conversation about the writing of their latest record Forever Howlong. The pair discuss the band's captivating lyrics, sophisticated arrangements, and how, with producer James Ford, they navigated the process of making...
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Episode 291 - Jim James
My Morning Jacket's Jim James chats with Simon and Brian about the creation of their latest record, is. The celebrated vocalist and guitarist discusses the band's collaboration with producer Brendan O'Brien, letting go of ego, and the role of dreams in songwriting.
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Episode 290 - Pete Doherty
Peter Doherty sits down with Simon and Brian to talk about his latest solo record, Felt Better Alive. From tales of rural French life to reflections on identity and memory, the ex-Libertines and Babyshambles figurehead discusses the balance of humour and melancholy in his work and the playful...
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Episode 289 - Scissor Sisters
Scissor Sisters' own Jake Shears and Scott Hoffman (aka Babydaddy) join Simon and Brian to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their self-titled debut album. In this vibrant conversation, the pair reveal the surprisingly homespun creative process behind the hits, the magic that comes from embracing...
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Episode 288 - Bonnie "Prince" Billy
Will Oldham, aka Bonnie "Prince" Billy, joins Sodajerker for an enlightening discussion about his latest album, The Purple Bird. With a career that spans over three decades, the beloved singer-songwriter and actor reflects on working with Nashville veteran David 'Ferg' Ferguson, rediscovering...
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Episode 287 - Gary Barlow
Take That's Gary Barlow welcomes Simon and Brian to his London studio for a fun conversation about songwriting, performance, and the creative process. The celebrated artist discusses the authentic sound of his Songbook tour, how he cultivates studio collaboration, and the amazing songwriting…
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Episode 286 - Brandi Carlile
The remarkable Brandi Carlile joins Simon and Brian for an in-depth conversation about writing with Elton John on their new album, Who Believes In Angels? The Grammy and Emmy-winning singer-songwriter discusses the profound connection she feels with both Elton and Bernie Taupin, and the…
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Episode 285 - Djo
The excellent Djo, aka musician and actor Joe Keery, sits down in London with Simon and Brian to discuss his terrific new record The Crux. During the conversation, the Stranger Things star explains his songwriting process, how he enriches his songs with personal stories and references to the…
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Episode 284 - Perfume Genius
Mike Hadreas, aka Perfume Genius, takes us inside the creative process behind his new record, Glory, produced by Blake Mills. During the conversation, Mike describes how he balances spontaneity with structure, the art of becoming a song detective, and why he writes his best work in 'goblin mode'.
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Episode 283 - Tom Walker
Tom Walker shares his songwriting story so far and the challenges of making his recent second album I AM. The popular singer-songwriter also reflects on the importance of striving to realise a creative vision, his time spent studying songwriting at university, and the influence of his…
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Episode 282 - Inhaler
Inhaler's Elijah Hewson and Josh Jenkinson discuss the writing of their new record Open Wide and how the band collaborates creatively. Among other insights into their process, the Dublin-born musicians share their thoughts on the importance of finishing songs, working with producer Kid Harpoon…
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Episode 281 - Franz Ferdinand
Franz Ferdinand's Alex Kapranos and Julian Corrie talk about the writing of the band's sixth studio album The Human Fear and their creative process. During the conversation, the pair explore themes of fear and spontaneity in their work, not being too precious about ideas, and why songs are like...
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Episode 280 - Dan Smith
Bastille's Dan Smith talks with Sodajerker about his new concept album, Ampersand. The conversation delves into the fascinating stories of historical figures and fictional characters that influenced his writing, as well as the personal connections that shape his music.
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Episode 279 - The Edge
U2's The Edge joins Simon and Brian to discuss the 20th anniversary reissue of the band's acclaimed record How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb, and its new 'shadow album' How to Re-Assemble an Atomic Bomb. The celebrated guitarist and sonic architect offers deep insights into the band's dynamic and...
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Episode 278 - The WAEVE
Graham Coxon and Rose Elinor Dougall of The WAEVE delve into the creation of their sophomore album City Lights, a listening experience filled with sharp musical edges and a deep sense of urgency. The conversation explores their collaboration with producer James Ford, and the thematic…
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Episode 277 - Boy George
Boy George, the charismatic frontman of Culture Club, meets Simon and Brian in London to discuss his prolific songwriting and creative life. In this vibrant conversation, George talks about his recent collaborations with Peter Murphy and Dark Globe, his diverse influences, and the creative…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Sodajerker On Songwriting is a programme devoted to the art and craft of songwriting. The show, created and hosted by the UK songwriting team Sodajerker, features interviews with some of the most successful songwriters and musicians in the world.
HOSTED BY
Sodajerker
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Sodajerker On Songwriting have?
Sodajerker On Songwriting currently has 334 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Sodajerker On Songwriting about?
Sodajerker On Songwriting is a programme devoted to the art and craft of songwriting. The show, created and hosted by the UK songwriting team Sodajerker, features interviews with some of the most successful songwriters and musicians in the world.
How often does Sodajerker On Songwriting release new episodes?
Sodajerker On Songwriting publishes regularly with 334 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Sodajerker On Songwriting?
You can listen to Sodajerker On Songwriting on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Sodajerker On Songwriting?
Sodajerker On Songwriting is created and hosted by Sodajerker.
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